Bill Rules by Elizabeth Fensham Page B

Troy’s method of passing the blame, of making others feel guilty, made Bill recover the intensity of his anger.
    â€˜It’s you who has cooked up something,’ said Bill. ‘And it’s poisonous. If it arrives tomorrow, you will be back in jail for a long, long time and you’ll never see me and Mum again. That’s a promise I will keep.’
    Troy looked astonished. Still, he pressed to check Bill’s information. ‘And how have you come up with this information, Sherlock?’
    â€˜I overheard you talking to Maggot,’ said Bill. ‘It didn’t take much more investigating. Crime is a stupid business. And so are lies.’
    The mention of Maggot’s name made Troy go pale. ‘So you heard me talking to a friend and you have jumped to conclusions. What are you going to do now?’
    â€˜First off, I’m telling Mat to go home. Go Mat,’ said Bill. ‘Now.’
    â€˜But...’ said Mat, looking defiant.
    â€˜Go on,’ said Bill. ‘Dad and I are going to have a talk. If anything happens, you know what to tell people.’
    â€˜Alright,’ said Mat. She realised Bill was protecting both her and himself. She ran out of the garage and headed for home.
    Bill was on his own. His father had never hit Bill in his life, but maybe Troy might hurt him now that he felt threatened and cornered. Bill had to risk it. He had to finish this sad business. His father was silent, waiting to hear what Bill had to say next.
    â€˜Your only hope is to leave for interstate now. If you do that, then you can’t be linked with the robbery, even if Maggot tries to dob you in. I’ll speak up for you.’
    â€˜And your mum? I have a right to be with my wife, you know,’ said Troy.
    â€˜You will tell Mum you have to sort yourself out. That’s the truth. You will go and get yourself some sort of training so you can find a real job. And youwill promise not to return ’til you’ve done that,’ said Bill. ‘And you will keep that promise.’
    â€˜How are you going to make me?’ asked Troy like a spiteful kid in a playground fight.
    â€˜Because,’ said Bill slowly and clearly, ‘I will tell Mum and the police all about you and Maggot if you come back without keeping your promise.’
    â€˜You wouldn’t do that to your old dad!’ said Troy trying to get round Bill.
    â€˜I love you, Dad,’ said Bill, his voice quavering just a little. ‘But so far nothing has stopped you hurting yourself and us. And do you know, I think I love Mum that little bit more – enough not to want her ever, ever to be hurt again. And I love you enough to really, really mean what I say.’
    Troy looked down at the ground. ‘So what do you want me to do? Go now?’
    â€˜You’re not going to hurt Mum any more than you need to. You’re going to say a proper goodbye. Say sorry and then tell her she won’t see you ’til you’ve got yourself together.’
    â€˜Well you’d better go and get her.’
    â€˜No, Dad,’ said Bill. ‘You are going to do it yourself.Everything. Like a grown-up.’
    Troy stood up and moved stiffly and wearily – as an old man might – out of the garage and into the night. Great sobs lurched up from Bill’s chest. He stayed where he was until he heard his mum calling for him. ‘Bill! Where are you?’ She sounded anxious and confused.
    In the house, the little family of three sat in the lounge room, all in a row on the sofa. Troy put himself in the middle, his arms round the shoulders of his wife and son. Bill looked down at the ground. He knew most of what was going to be said. Pam was anxiously looking at Troy. What Bill dreaded was hearing Troy giving his half lies again, but he didn’t. Being within minutes of losing his family all over again gave Troy a seriousness that he usually didn’t have.
    â€˜Listen, love,’