He pulled something on the policeman’s gun with his thumb, something that went click. It’s called the hammer. I know that now. That seemed to rattle Daddy Tam, for the rifle quivered in his hands.

You haven’t the balls, says Daddy Tam.

Says Daddy George, Is that what you think?

That’s what I know, says Daddy Tam. You were always a weakling. Da should’ve done you like he done the others, done you like a runt.

There was a crack, then, and the pistol jumped in Daddy George’s hand. Daddy Tam ducked and said a bad word as the bullet cut the water.

Daddy George aimed again. Says he, That was a warning. I won’t give you another.

Daddy Tam said more bad words, then he lowered the rifle. Says he to me, Get up to that road before I split your head open.

I got to my feet and I near fell back down for my legs was quivering. I got myself steady, and I looked down at Esther, and she looked up at the sky, darker now, still seeing nothing. Except heaven, maybe. I hoped so.

Go on, says Daddy Tam.

I climbed up the bank and Daddy George took my hand, pulled me up the last of the way. Straight back to the house, says he, heading down the bank to Daddy Tam. Don’t make us come after you.

I walked past the car, me dripping water and shivering and my teeth chattering, and back along the lane. I heard them both behind me huffing and puffing, and I knew what they were doing. They were carrying Esther, what was left of her, up the bank. I heard Daddy Tam cursing and Daddy George telling him to settle himself. I looked back once and I saw them put her in the boot of the car like she was nothing but a sack of auld rags. I didn’t look again, even when the car’s engine started up and it turned and came along the lane. Daddy Tam didn’t look at me as he drove past and through the gateway. I heard Daddy George’s footsteps behind me and I kept walking till I reached the house.

Daddy George came through the door after me, his big hand on my shoulder, guiding me inside. In the kitchen, Daddy Tam stood at one side and Daddy Ivan at the other. The bathtub full of water still stood there between the sink and the stove as if someone had a use for it. Daddy Ivan had a face on him, and I knew Daddy Tam had telt him what happened. The policeman lay in the corner, his uniform half pulled off him, blood on his face. His hands tied together with twine. He looked at me, and I could tell by his eyes, he knew what was coming.