The last act

When family patriarch Tom Edwards passes away, his children must come together to build his coffin in four days, otherwise they will lose their inheritance. Can they put their sibling rivalry aside?

- SUSANNAH BEGBIE

The will reading wasn’t what Jenny expected. It wasn’t what any of them expected, except maybe Sophie, but that was only because she had no expectations at all. She was barely listening as far as Jenny could tell. Chris was furious and Dave was ashenfaced and Dr Briggs stood against the wall, looking at the carpet. As though he didn’t want to be there at all.

Jenny started the interview counting. Pressing her fingers down, one after the other, keeping it slow and blocking out the rushing in her ears. But when Vince got to the part about the “Disposition of the Estate” everyone became still. Even Sophie stopped fidgeting.

It made Jenny look up, and she heard the words clear as a bell. “ … on condition that they construct my coffin according to the following specifications ... ”

This was the point at which the others seemed to check out, but Jenny listened carefully. The specifications were clear. Sensible. It was a tight timeframe, but it was achievable. She would start work as soon as they got home.

A s the Volvo rolled down the track and the house came into view, sensation returned to Dave’s body. He suddenly felt suffocated, trapped.

He tried to open the window, but it was driver operated. He jabbed the button without success, then released his seatbelt and leaned forward, loosening his tie, trying to get some air.

The car approached the front yard and slowed down, and Dave swung the passenger door open. He watched the gravel change from a grey blur to sharp, distinct granules and stepped out while the car was still rolling. He slammed the door behind him, checked his mobile and set off up Radio Hill, long legs striding out, moving fast enough to make sure his sisters couldn’t follow.