Left Hook: Head On

By SL Hughes

Left Hook - Head On.
Book three in the Left Hook saga.

Mick’s alive! Evie knows the truth but not how to protect everyone she loves from the one man she hates. Determined to protect her children she stops at nothing to create a world where they’ll be safe... even if that world is built on a foundation of lies.
Michael shuns the life he knew, the man he was no longer fits into the world of his nightmares. He refuses to love... to live... existing becomes the only answer.
Left Hook – Head On continues the emotional rollercoaster ride where On the Run finished. The lines of hate and love become blurred into a question that will have only one answer... sacrifice.

• Language: English
• Publisher: SL Hughes
• Release date: Jan 15, 2015
• ISBN: 9780992342982

SL Hughes

Hi everyone, I have recently rewritten my trilogy of books and would hate for you to buy the same book twice. Left Hook and Stolen Hearts are the same stories but written slightly differently. The differences are subtle but enough depending on how you like a story revealed. Thanks... and I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Houston Texas, October 1977

Scorching heat baked the Texas freeway as a black crow danced on the bitumen edge and picked at the carcass of a rabbit. The crow squawked towards the cloudless sky, a distant cry came back. In a flutter its mate joined the macabre feast by the side of the road.

The two birds argued, oblivious to the chaos of a machine hurtling towards them. The sound of a roaring engine echoed from miles away. One bird looked up, its mate stopped pecking and did the same. In a flutter of feathers they were both gone.

A white Cadillac rocketed past. The bull’s horns attached to the bonnet whistled in the140mph wind.

‘C’mon you piece of shit!’ Evie yelled. I’ve gotta get there. I’ve gotta know what the hell’s goin’ on. Her eyes were drained from crying. No more tears. I want answers.

Her thoughts of the trial from an hour ago played with her thinking. Her broken arm throbbed in its cast.

How could this be true? She blinked away a tear. Pieces of blonde hair lapped against her face and neck. How can any of this be true? Mick’s alive... She shook her head and began to replay the last three hours of her life.

‘Order! Order!’ Judge Nelson smacked his gavel. ‘Order I said!’

‘God damn it!’ Red struggled forward and pushed the bailiff out of the way. ‘She’s my kin god damn it.’ He grabbed Evie under the arms just as she slumped forward. ‘Evie darlin’... don’t give the bastards the satisfaction. Stand tall... stand tall my girl.’

Is that Red? Her mind wandered. I can see... I can see a shadow. What’s happening? Her eyes rolled backwards then forwards. Adam? Mick? I’m so confused what...

‘Come on sweetheart...’ Red smiled. ‘That’s it... that’s it... come back.’

‘Red?’ Her eyes cleared. Her thoughts came back into shattering focus.

‘Your honour!’ Jack Clark, Evie’s lawyer called above the chaos. ‘Under the circumstances I would like to delay —’

‘I object!’ blasted state attorney Winston Astor.

‘You would you son of a bitch!’ Jack glared at Astor. I wanna punch the smug smile straight off that peckerhead’s face.

Astor glared back as if he could read Jack’s thoughts.

‘Order! Order!’ The judge smacked his gavel like a sledgehammer.

The full gallery of people struggled to hear Judge Nelson over arguments breaking out everywhere.

‘No,’ came a whisper. ‘No,’ Evie said louder. ‘NO!’ She yelled and gripped the railing of the witness box. ‘Fuck... you!’ Her eyes were laced with hate towards the public prosecutor.

The bailiff moved closer towards Evie’s trembling body.

The gallery’s conversations trickled to a stop.

‘Mrs O’Connor,’ asked the judge, ‘are you able to continue —’

‘Yes!’ Evie fired.

Judge Nelson stared at a woman transformed, then back at Astor. ‘Get on with it prosecutor.’

‘Mrs O’Connor,’ Astor smiled and glanced at the jurors, ‘as I was saying, pregnant teenager, a liar to everyone that loved you —’

‘Objection!’ called Jack.

‘Over ruled.’

‘You’ve lied about your past,’ Astor smiled again, ‘so why would we believe you now?’

A hush washed over the room.

‘I said, why would we believe —’

‘I heard ya...’ Evie looked up. Vengeance boiled just beneath her tears. ‘The only thing I’m guilty of... of, is falling in love more than once.’ Two tears cascaded down over her heart-broken cheeks. ‘Yes I loved Mick. I loved him more than anything.’ She glanced at all the faces judging her life. ‘When I heard — thought he died I was... was...’ She sobbed then stopped and shook her head. ‘I was crushed... I was hurt more than anything I’ve ever felt. The only thing, thing...’ She shook her head. ‘Meg was what kept me going... and... then I met Adam.’ Two fresh tears trickled free and outlined her smile. ‘He was beautiful in every way, more than I knew a man could be.’

Evie wiped her eyes and looked at Red. ‘Ya gotta believe me Red. I loved him more than anything.’ She swallowed, waiting for any sign she still had the big man’s support.

Red nodded back. She breathed out her fear and smiled through her tears.

‘All this shit from the past has nothing to do with Adam.’

‘Doesn’t it?’ Astor held out his hands. ‘By your own admission you’re a liar on multiple levels.’

Evie struggled to listen to Astor’s words as her own thoughts wreaked havoc. How am I gunna handle all this? I could go to jail and Meg won’t have anyone but Aunty... and Mick? What the hell am —

‘Mrs O’Connor, are you even listening to me?’

‘I heard everything you said... and you’re wrong. I’d... I’d do anything for the people I love.’

‘Anything?’

Oh shit! Jack thought and gripped the edge of his desk.

‘Anything, and that includes...’ She stared at the jury. ‘And that includes handing Adam the gun that killed him.’

Jack smiled. A shiver ran over his skin. She’s like nothing I’ve ever seen.

Damn this woman. Astor fought not to frown. I’ll do my damage in my closing.

‘Councillor Astor?’ said Judge Nelson.

‘No further questions.’ Astor took one more glimpse at Evie then the jury before sitting at his desk.

‘Defence?’ called the judge.

‘No, your honour.’

‘Very good. We will have a short recess then I’ll hear your final arguments.’ He smacked his gavel. ‘Court is adjourned.’

‘Red,’ Evie rushed back. ‘I’m... I’m sorry —’

He gripped her by the arms. ‘Look me in the eye and tell me you loved my boy. Tell me you didn’t chase after Adam for his money?’

‘I didn’t. I loved him with everything I had. Mick was a guy I fell in love with. I thought he was dead. Adam was...’ She squeezed her eyes closed, ‘Adam was forever.’

Red sighed. ‘Girl... I... I believe you. We’re gonna get through today.’ He turned to Jack. ‘Can you get her off this buddy? Or do I give her my Cadillac and send her to Mexico?’

Jack smiled then realised Red was serious.

‘I think Astor’s reaching, I think —’

‘Think?’

Evie watched the two men stare at each other. Shit.

*

‘Your Honour,’ Jack began his closing statement, ‘Members of the jury. Today and every day since this trial began you have heard witness after witness speak positively for the accused.’ His voice slowly increased in volume. ‘You have heard how she risked her own life and that of her unborn child to rescue her husband, not once, but twice.’ Jack held up two fingers to press his point. ‘This woman, this mother and much loved wife acted in a way that I have personally witnessed before... and that is like a hero.’ The jurors watched and listened as the defence lawyer appeared to get taller and prouder. ‘Is this the actions of a murderer? No! An opportunist? No!’

This guy’s good. Evie watched as Jack Clark edged his way in to the jurors’ minds

‘Is she intelligent? Yes! Did she love her husband more than life itself? Undoubtedly YES!’ Jack took a deep breath and stared up at the ornate stained glass window of the biblical scene, the jury followed his stare. ‘God is the ultimate judge of this young woman, and she and her husband’s love will be judged by him alone. You are not here to judge Adam O’Connor’s actions but those of his loving wife... Mrs O’Connor, and those actions are those of an innocent woman on all counts.’ Jack concluded with a nod, a nod to himself of a case he had to win.

‘Mr Astor.’ Judge Nelson curled his thin finger for Astor to come forward. ‘It’s your turn.’

‘Thank you your Honour, members of the jury.’ Astor scanned the courtroom ending his stare at a nervous looking Evie. ‘Ladies and gentlemen,’ Astor walked to the middle of the room, ‘the American legal system is in my opinion the pinnacle of justice. You as Americans are the caretakers of our moral fabric, the compass that leads us through the daily rights and wrongs.’ Astor nodded aware of his silky words weaving their way into the jurors’ egos. ‘It is your responsibility as God’s creatures to do your duty. I shall not lie! is the fifth commandment. Lie! Evelyn O’Connor has done nothing but lie to you since this trial began. Proven lies by her own confession.’

‘Shit he’s good,’ Evie whispered to Jack. She waited for an answer but his silence confirmed her thoughts.

‘Lie after lie after lie.’ Astor smacked his fist into his open hand. ‘Unmarried teenage mother, a runaway... members of the jury it is as clear as the outside day. She disarmed a state trooper. She pushed the gun into her husband’s head. She alone pulled the trigger that ended the life of Adam O’Connor.’

Crap. Jack swallowed realising Astor wasn’t to be taken lightly. He squeezed Evie’s hand and forced a smile.

Evie smiled back. Shit... I know fear when I see it.

‘You the jury must do your duty and find the defendant...’ Astor pointed at Evie. ‘Guilty as charged.’

Evie’s heart pounded inside her chest. I know I did it. Maybe I should be found —’

‘All rise.’

Evie snapped from her day dream. She stood with everyone else as the judge and jury left the courtroom.

‘Now we wait,’ Jack said, allowing Evie to walk ahead of him towards the waiting room. ‘Whatever happens stay strong. If it goes bad I’ll lodge an appeal on at least ten reasons.’

‘Goes bad?’

Well wishes came from everywhere. Frank and Grace hugged her, Frank telling her, ‘I had a dream you were on a beach, smiling, and everyone was cheering.’

‘She doesn’t want to hear your crazy dreams,’ Grace snapped. ‘Everything’ll be fine.’

Bobby and the whole race team descended and declared their support.

‘It’s time.’ Jack motioned for Evie to re-enter the courtroom.

‘It’s only been ten minutes. Is that good?’ Evie asked.

‘It can be —’

‘Shit.’

‘Shh,’ Jack said and held her by the elbow.

Evie walked back to her seat. The three days of court appearances had taken its toll.

‘Has the jury reached a verdict?’

‘Yes we have your Honour,’ answered a mature man in a tweed suit.

The bailiff took the verdict from the elected foreperson and handed it to the judge. The man glanced sideways at Evie. She couldn’t read his tired expression.

This is it. Evie swallowed nervously as a bead of sweat trickled down the back of her neck. I feel like I’m gunna spew. I knew my life would go to shit like this. Poor Meg, poor Aunty... I’ve let them all down. And now Mick?... Will I ever see —

‘How does the jury find the defendant on the grounds of second degree murder?’

The man glanced sideways at Evie then at Astor. ‘Not guilty your honour.’

The silent courtroom sat motionless. Evie glanced around the room, every set of eyes were on her.

‘How does the jury find the defendant on the grounds of manslaughter?’

Jack gripped Evie’s hand. This is the charge I fear the most.

The foreperson wet his lips ready to deliver the jury’s verdict.

Evie stared, trying to read the man’s mind. It can’t be anything but innocent. Please Adam give me the —

‘Not guilty your Honour.’

Evie blinked. What did he say?

‘Case dismissed.’ Judge Nelson hit his gavel as the courtroom erupted in a cheer.

Evie sat stunned. ‘What?’

‘You’re free!’ Red said and kissed her on the forehead.

‘Red,’ Evie’s eyes changed to all business, ‘can I have ya keys?’

‘Keys?’

‘I’ve got questions, and there’s only one person that knows the answers.’

‘I’ll drive.’

‘No... I’m doin’ this one alone.’

Chapter 2

The white Cadillac screeched to a stop outside Houston’s General Hospital. Steam billowed from under the bonnet.

‘Y’all can’t park there Ma’am,’ said the security guard.

‘Tow it!’ Evie barked.

The guard watched a four month pregnant Evie dressed in black rush past, clutching at her small matching handbag.

‘Miss,’ Evie tapped on the front desk, ‘Nurse, please.’

‘Emergency is just down the —’

‘No. I have to see a patient. He came in last night with a gunshot wound. His name is Harris —’ Shit, what was the fake name in his wallet — ‘Clancy! His name is Mr Clancy from Australia.’

The nurse turned to her paperwork and flipped a page back and forth. ‘Are you family? We only allow family —’

‘Course I am. I’m his niece — listen to my accent.’

The nurse pulled a face and ran her fingers down the page. ‘Mr Clancy is in level one, west wing, room eight.’ She looked up. ‘He has...’ Where did she go?

Evie half walked half ran. Thirteen, fourteen, fifteen. She looked around the deserted corridor then ran towards room eight. She sneaked one final glance up and down the hallway and pushed inside the room.

‘You prick!’ Evie reached into her handbag and marched towards Angel.

‘You’re gunna kill me here?’ Angel smirked and shook his head. ‘I thought you were smart? You’ve got no idea who you’re up against!’

‘Don’t I?’ Evie pushed her .22 pistol under Angel’s jaw. ‘I want answers.’

‘I don’t answer to you.’ Angel winced and tried to move his shoulder. ‘And I don’t think you’re gunna put another bullet in my head in the hospital either... are ya?’

Evie’s lips snarled up at the edges. He could’ve let that prick kill me last night but he didn’t... maybe —

‘Are ya!’ Angel moved his chin away from Evie’s gun. ‘I thought you were smart. I must’ve got it wrong.’

‘Why’d you save me and my kid last night?’ Evie studied Angel’s face.

‘I...’ Angel shook his head. ‘I don’t know. I should’ve shot ya. But I — fuck it.’ He started to scratch the side of his chin, then the side of his head and then his forehead.

‘What’s wrong with ya? You’re all jumpy.’

‘So would you if you’d just been shot!’

‘It’s more than that.’ Evie studied Angel’s eyes. I don’t believe it. Why didn’t I see it before — ‘You’re a junkie. That’s how Ratcaj has got ya by the balls.’

‘Fuck you! What would you know? I’m a detective. I’m ten times whatever you are.’

‘You’re filth. You’re dirtier than shit... that’s what you are.’

‘Get out!’ Angel reached for the help buzzer.

‘No you don’t.’ Evie moved it away.

‘Let me go. Get out!’

‘Like I said... I want answers.’

‘I’m tellin’ you nothing — shit!’

Evie pushed her fist into Angel’s bandages. ‘Tell me what you were gunna say before you passed out last night?’

‘What are you — arghh!’

‘Tell me about Mick. How can he be alive?’

‘I’ll tell ya then leave me alone.’

‘Tell me and I’ll decide if you make it to the airport alive.’

Angel stared into Evie’s intense eyes. She’s bluffin’... she can’t control stuff here... that Red guy’s all she’s got... isn’t it? Angel swallowed. Fuck... I haven’t got a handle on things here —

‘Tell me or you’ll end up like ya mate in the desert... I guarantee it.’

‘Alright!’ Angel held up his one good hand. ‘Michael Halias is a drifter. He got himself shot to pieces in Vietnam.’

Evie’s bottom lip trembled but she fought the tears.

‘He’s a real mess.’ Angel swallowed. ‘Your grandfather knew he was alive.’

‘What?’ Evie blinked and shook her head.

‘So that’s it... ya happy now?’

‘ Happy? ‘ Evie studied Angel’s face as the truth took hold. ‘So you’re just gunna go back and pretend you didn’t kill...’ Evie went wide-eyed. ‘He said his name was Ratcaj. You shot one of the boss’ family... his son —’

‘He doesn’t have kids. Tino was his nephew.’

‘You’re fucked.’ Evie smiled when Angel started to sweat. ‘You think I’m stuffed. Wait til he finds out you killed one of his own.’

‘He won’t, will he?’

‘Won’t he?’ Evie’s smile became more sinister. ‘It’s just a phone call. We’ll even tell him where to dig for answers. If Ratcaj even suspects something’s wrong with ya story you’ll end up as shark food — ‘

‘Enough! I get it.’ Angel winced and tried to move his injured arm.

Evie studied his tired eyes. He thought his number was up last night. I know what to do. ‘I saw ya eyes last night.’

‘What?’

‘You thought ya number was up. You’re done with this life... aren’t ya?’

‘What would you know?’

‘I know people... especially people like you. You think wearing a badge makes you better than everyone else... well it doesn’t.’

Evie waited on Angel’s silence. He’ll break... I can sense it.

Angel closed his eyes. ‘What... what do you want?’ He didn’t look up.

‘What we both want. What you’ve just figured out.’ She pushed her pistol back into her handbag. ‘A life.’

‘The only way we can have that,’ Angel looked Evie in the eyes, ‘is to kill him.’

Evie didn’t budge. Her stare held her answer.

‘Shit.’ Angel closed his eyes and shook his head. What do I do?

Chapter 3

North Coast township of Taree, New South Wales

Dark thunder-filled clouds grumbled in the ominous afternoon light. The NSW township of Taree bore the brunt of the crashing rain that turned unsealed roads into creeks. A lone station wagon splashed a path through the deserted town, its wheels filled the potholes with grinding clunks.

The muddy tyres sloshed to a stop outside a large timber shed. Michael looked through the struggling wiper blades. I hope he’s here. I don’t wanna spend another night in the car.

‘Bloody fucken shit metal.’ Old Jim rubbed his forehead. I’m busier than a fucken dog on wet lino. He strained and lifted a car door up onto a timber trestle. Bloody idiot drivers going too quick in this bloody rain.

Two door knocks punctured Old Jim’s thoughts.

‘Can’t ya read?’ He listened for an answer. ‘I... said... can’t... you...READ?’ Jim’s lips curled up at the sides when no one answered. For fuck sake. I put a sign up saying to leave me alone... so it means I wanna be left the fuck alone! ‘I said —’ Bloody hell ‘— Mick?’

‘G’day.’

‘Come in outta the rain ya goose. You’re the last person I expected to see. What brings you out in a storm like this?’

Michael looked around the workshop. Five cars with dented panels lay spread out throughout the workshop.

‘You look busy.’

‘Busy? That’s an understatement. Everyman and his dog are havin’ accidents — wanna a cuppa?’ Jim dragged a chair towards the kitchen table. ‘What have ya been up to? Did ya dad like the car? And how’s young Scottie going? I bet the scallywag’s still up to his old tricks.’ Jim placed two cups on the table. ‘I said how’s —’

‘Jim,’ Michael grabbed him by the sleeve. ‘Scottie’s... Scottie’s dead.’

‘... What?’ Jim watched Michael sink his head into his hands. ‘What are ya talkin’ about?’

‘He was having troubles. Monique filed for divorce and then the boss caught him changing invoices.’ Michael looked back up. ‘Scottie he... you see he let it get to him. He couldn’t see a way —’

‘Shit!’ Jim shook his head. ‘The stupid bugger did himself in, didn’t he?’

Michael managed a nod. ‘He just —’

‘Fuck it!’ Jim picked up one of the tea cups and hurled it at the wall. ‘Fucken life! I thought he was over that thinkin’. Blokes like us think about it but...’ He shook his head, ‘Fuck it!’

‘All Scottie wanted was to be with his... with his wife and kids...’ Michael’s eyes welled with tears as his bottom lip trembled. ‘I found him hanging there, just hanging there.’ Michael shook his head. ‘His eyes were just lookin’ at me.’ Michael wiped his hand over his eyes and sniffed. ‘I ... I loved the silly bastard.’ More tears washed downwards over Michel’s cheeks.

‘Son I’m sorry.’ Jim rubbed Michael on the back. ‘Ya can’t blame ya self.’

‘I should have seen it coming. I could’ve... if I had just —’

‘If should’ve could’ve it was him Mick. Some blokes just can’t handle it. Life beats’em down until they feel they can’t get any lower.’ Jim went to the sink and took another cup from the shelf. He turned his head to the side. ‘Are you... feeling the same way?’

Michael swallowed. ‘Sometimes.’

‘Is that why ya here?’ Jim turned around.

‘No.’ Michael looked Jim in the eye.

Jim’s stare narrowed.

‘I’, Michael shook his head, ‘I can’t handle being around people anymore. And I did something.’

‘Something?’ Jim put his cup down. ‘That doesn’t sound too promising.’

‘A couple of weeks after Scottie’s funeral the boss, Johnson, starts giving me trouble. Starts saying stuff about Scottie and me in Vietnam.’

‘What’d ya do?’

Michael shook his head. ‘I handed his arse to him. Gave him a real hiding, teeth, jaw, ribs... I fucked him up.’

‘So the cops are after ya?’

‘... Yeah.’ Michael watched Old Jim soak up the news. ‘Do you reckon... maybe I could stay here for a while? Just until I sort stuff out. I’ll work for food.’

‘Shh,’ Jim smiled, ‘it’d be an honour to have ya working by my side.’

‘Seriously?’ Michael smiled for the first time in a fortnight.

‘So is it a deal, son?’

‘Too right it’s a deal.’ Michael held out his arm and shook Jim’s weathered hand.

‘Good shit. We’ve gotta make toast.’ Jim walked back to the shelves in his kitchen. ‘My mate Johnny Walker here is just what the doctor ordered.’

Chapter 4

‘Red!’ Evie marched into Red’s office. She glanced at the two men sitting opposite their boss. ‘We need to talk.’

‘Boys.’ Red motioned with his head towards the door.

‘Mrs O’Connor,’ said one of the men. ‘We’re all happy you were acquitted.’

‘Thanks.’ She forced a smile and turned back to Red. Com’on, com’on hurry up and piss off — ‘Red, I’ve gotta problem.’

Red sat back in his high-backed leather chair. ‘Go on.’

‘That cop that spilled his guts.’

‘Isn’t he on a plane back to that hole he came from?’

‘He is but... but I’ve been doing some figuring.’ Evie moved forward and sat in the large armchair. ‘When he spilled his guts. He...’ She shook her head, ‘Well this whole thing is bigger than I thought.’ She looked at Red sitting quietly in his chair. ‘You gunna say something or what?’

‘This Mick,’ Red swallowed, ‘are y’all going back home now. Take my Peaches and Adam’s baby?’

‘Red...’ She shook her head. ‘I’m not goin’ anywhere —’ But maybe if I could see Mick — stop it! ‘— you’re like my dad,’ Evie said convincingly. ‘I’d never leave you and Chels.’

‘Good.’ Red cleared his throat and stood up. ‘Judging by the look on your face you’ve already got a plan.’

‘I don’t know. There’s so much stuff that can go wrong.’

‘Tell me what you know.’ He walked towards the coffee pot and scratched his chin.

‘It’s gunna take a while.’

‘I aint going anywhere.’ Red smiled and poured two cups of coffee.

‘My upbringing was pretty rough, there was none of this debutant stuff you’ve got here.’

‘You don’t say.’

‘I’m being serious. I got mixed up with a bad bunch of kids. One thing led to another and all of a sudden I’m stealing more cars than I can remember.’

‘I knew it! I always suspected you were involved in something like that.’

‘That shit doesn’t matter anymore. What matters is the bloke... fella that was the boss of us car thieves, a real bad bastard... but it turns out he’s a lot more crooked than I thought. That’s what the cop said. This Ratcaj owns the cops, politicians, lawyers and even some judges.’

‘What did ya do to piss him off so much, to kidnap Peaches? To try and kill you?’

Evie made a face and moved her mouth from side to side. ‘I set him up for a reward. He’s doin’ twelve years because of me.’

‘That’s a good thing, isn’t it?’

‘Not for what I’ve got planned.’ Evie’s eyes narrowed. I’ve let evil into my home...and I won’t be makin’ the same mistake twice.

‘What are you thinking?’

‘This prick’s like cancer. It’s no good treating the symptoms... ya gotta cut it out at the source.’

Red watched Evie’s mind at work. ‘Shit girl... you want to kill him... don’t you?’

Evie nodded. ‘I don’t have a choice. This bastard ‘ll come after me and Meg.’

‘Are you going to contact this, Mick?’

Evie swallowed. ‘He won’t want a bar of me... maybe he’ll — shit! I don’t know any longer but he’s got a daughter. Meg has to know she’s gotta a dad.’ Evie stood up. Her hand clenched into a fist then relaxed. ‘But I gotta protect us first, that’s number one. They’ll send more of these arseholes.’ Her hand twitched into a fist. ‘I need body guards, tough bastards that follow orders.’

‘Bodyguards? That sort of protection doesn’t come cheap.’

‘Yeah I know. But I reckon I’ve got something figured out.’

‘Like what?’

‘Don’t laugh... but I’m thinking about college.’

‘College? How’s that going to protect you?’

‘Adam kept pushing me. He said I was smarter than all this.’ She held out her arms. ‘Red, I could always do everything at school without trying, but I didn’t wanna stand out. Adam said that if you’ve got a degree people take notice. Businesses will invest.’

‘Invest in what?’

‘Adam said I should do engineering, you know how I designed stuff for his car. He also said some shit called avionics, said there’s big money in it.’

Red listened and remembered Adam’s premonition. She’s too smart for all this, she should be designing rockets or something.

‘Are ya listening Red? I’ve got ideas for stuff.’

‘Stuff?’

‘I look at things and know how to make them better. Like that fuel pump I built for Adam’s car that everyone’s now using. I figure that if I get a degree people’ll have to take me seriously.’

‘To do what?’

‘To design stuff for money. Build things... I dunno but I reckon I could make a shit load of cash!’

‘This’ll all take time.’

‘This cop I just visited, the one ya put a hole in, he’s workin’ for me now.’

‘Jesus Evie! That son of a bitch should be buried alongside his dirty partner.’

‘I’ve got him by the balls, I’m inside his head.’ Evie stood up and paced around the room. ‘I’m not gunna let anything happen to my family. I’ve got this cop delivering a whole lot of bullshit that’ll make this clown Ratcaj think twice before coming back here anytime soon.’

‘Are you sure this is the way you want to handle it?’ He reached over and held her hand. She tore it free.

‘If this prick wants a war...’ Evie stared Red in the eyes, ‘I’ll give him a fucken hand grenade... straight down his slimy throat.’

Chapter 5

Goulburn Jail, NSW

‘Boss,’ said Smith from across the visiting area.

Ratcaj looked up from his small table, he watched the thin Mr Smith move nervously between the tables.

‘You have good news? Ratcaj hissed. ‘Tell me the bitch is dead.’

‘Umm... well you see —’

‘Tell me!’ Ratcaj slammed his fist down on the table.

‘Angel... you see Angel just got back yesterday. There was some problems.’

‘Problems?’ Ratcaj looked past Smith. ‘Where is Tino?’

‘That’s the problem.’ He looked around the room full of prisoners and visitors. He leant closer. ‘Boss... she killed him in cold blood. She shot Angel as well.’

‘What?’ Ratcaj heard but the news hadn’t sunk in.

‘It gets worse. Angel said Tino spilled his guts like a baby. He told her everything. He explained your whole operation then her boys executed him.’

‘Boys?’

‘She’s got an army of body guards. Machine guns and shit.’

‘Amer-icans.’ Ratcaj snarled ‘Why isn’t Angel here?’

‘He’s fucked up Boss. They beat him up bad and they shot him before sending him back with a message.’ Smith swallowed nervously while Ratcaj sat like a volcano ready to explode. ‘They said... they said,’ Smith swallowed, ‘They said... that your next —’

‘Arrghh!’ Ratcaj gripped the small table and flipped it into the air. A prison guard rushed forward.

‘Settle down —’

The guard felt two meaty hands grip him by the shirt and send him skimming across a table. Another guard stepped forward and felt a savage blow across his nose. ‘Arrghh!’ Ratcaj yelled as guards and prisoners started pushing and shoving each other.

‘Get him!’ yelled a guard. Three men rushed forward with their batons drawn.

Ratcaj took the first blow to the back.

‘Shit!’ The guard watched terrified as the mountain of muscle spun around. A boulder-sized fist sent him to the concrete.

Two more guards swung their batons. They aimed for the head. Small hollow-whacking sounds bounced off the giant Croatian’s head.

Ratcaj used his club-sized forearms like a shield. He struck another guard. The man fell backwards like a statue pushed over.

Four more guards joined the frenzied attack. Ratcaj felt a boot to the groin. He went down on one knee. The attack increased.

‘You don’t touch us ya big cunt!’ The guard swung his baton like a cricket bat, making every shot count. More strikes hit everywhere.

Ratcaj crumbled to the ground. Another boot to the head sent him unconscious.

Smith stood with the crowd of bystanders. He watched as three men struggled to drag Ratcaj by the feet back to the cells. What’s the boss gunna do now?

Chapter 6

‘Nic!’ Dimitra called from the counter. ‘Nic! The phone.’

Blooming woman. Nic struggled with a heavy bag of potatoes. Since I get that second shop I’m busy, busy —

‘Nic —’

‘Yes I get it!’ Nic yelled then whispered, ‘Blooming woman thinks she is the boss.’

‘What did you say?’

‘I said without my wife I would be lost.’ He raised an eyebrow and picked up the phone. ‘Hello, Bankstown Takeaway.’

‘Dad, it’s —’

‘No,’ Nic spoke in Greek. ‘Don’t call, visit.’ He hung up the phone and looked at Dimitra.

‘Who was that?’

He looked around the shop and whispered, ‘It was Michael.’

Dimitra’s eyes went wide. She grabbed Nic under the arm and took him into the kitchen. ‘Tell me everything.’

‘He said Dad and I say in Greek Don’t call, visit.’

‘And?’

‘And I hung up.’ Dimitra punched him on the arm. ‘I had to. You remember what Brett from the police says.’

‘Yes. Good.’ She looked him in the eyes. ‘It has been a week. What has he been doing? How does he live?’ She pulled a face and rubbed Nic’s arm. ‘I worry Nic.’

‘I worry too. But we will be there for him. I will be there for you.’

‘Don’t.’ Dimitra wiped her eyes. ‘Look what you do. I can’t serve like this.’ She wiped her other eye.

Nic kissed her on each cheek.

‘Enough.’ She pushed him to the side and walked back to the counter. ‘No time for crying.’

*

‘Michael,’ Nic called in his dream. The memory in the family courtyard seemed real. ‘Look at your face.’ He held the eleven-year-old’s chin. ‘Who does this?’

‘They called me names, Dad. They said things about you too.’

‘Who?’

‘Three boys from school.’ Michael looked down. ‘I couldn’t fight them all.’

Nic lifted up Michael’s chin. ‘Using your fists isn’t the only way to solve your problems.’

‘They called me a wog. They said I’m a dago and other things about you... things that made me want to hurt them, real bad.’

Nic wiped a fresh tear from Michael’s cheek. My son’s pain breaks my heart.

‘I know son. It is hard for us in this country —’

‘No Dad, you don’t.’ Michael wiped his own tears away. ‘It’s different for me.’

Nic looked at Michael’s bloodied nose, his bruised cheek. ‘How many were there again.’

‘Three. I boxed them but they... but they ganged up on me.’

Nic pulled a face. ‘I will show you things. How to protect yourself.’ He looked around the courtyard. ‘But you do not tell your mother what I show you... okay son?’

Michael nodded.

‘Good boy. Now show me your elbow. There is more than one way how to hit.’

Nic’s eyes opened from his dream. He looked around his predawn bedroom, he looked at Dimitra sleeping soundly, he stared back at the ceiling. ‘Michael,’ he whispered, ‘It is my fault you fight... I tell you to fight to fix the problems in your life, it is my fault... all my fault.’ A single tear slipped from the loving father’s eyes. It caught the night-time light. My son, my son.

*

‘I go to the bank,’ Nic called behind him. ‘Do you need some things?’

Dimitra shook her head and busied herself at the counter. She glanced up and watched him leave the shop. I hear you crying last night Nicholas. I know you worry like me.

Nic walked along the quiet concrete footpath. His day’s takings hidden in a small red and white airline travel bag, the same bag he always used for his special visits to the bank.

‘Good morning, Nic,’ called the local newsagent.’

‘Good morning.’ Nic nodded and continued down the footpath.

A stranger in jeans and red flannelette shirt followed from a distance. His black beanie pulled down just above his eyes.

Nic thought about his week, oblivious to the athletically built man getting closer. It will be good to have the family over tonight. I will be able to help Beth and Russell with their problems. It will be good for me to —

A strong hand gripped him under the arm. He tried to spin around but another got him by the shoulder and pushed him around the corner.

‘What are... Michael?’

‘Dad.’

‘What are you wearing? I would not know who you are.’

‘That’s the idea.’ He took off his beanie. ‘Come around the corner.’

Nic glanced at his son and followed him down a narrow lane.

‘Michael, you understand what I said on the phone?’

‘Yeah, but what’s going on. Have the cops been hanging around?’

‘A policeman visited us.’

‘Shit, what did they want?’

‘No, he is a good one. Brett, Rachael’s father.’

‘You’re kidding, Kelsie? What did that prick want?’

‘No... he is good. But he tells us something that worries us.’ Nic glanced up and down the laneway. ‘He tells us other police, bad police look for you.’

‘Because I punched Johnson?’

Nic shrugged his shoulders. ‘You do more than that, son. He is still in the hospital. His face is broken.’

Michael stared blankly at his father.

‘You must stop all this fighting. And you can’t ring us on the phone... they listen somehow.’

‘How can I...’ Michael’s eyes widened. ‘You and Mum ring me from a public phone. Speak in Greek.’

‘Yes. This is a good idea.’

‘And when you call, call me Tim.’

‘Who is Tim?’

‘That’s what everybody’s calling me up there.’

‘Where? Where are you living, how are you living?’

‘I’m working with a friend — for cash. I sleep out back.’

‘Good, good.’ Nic nodded thinking of something else. ‘Wait here. I go to the bank then get your mother. She will kill me if she finds out you are here and I did not get her.’ Nic smiled. ‘You look good, healthy. What is the work you are doing?’

‘Panel beating and spray painting, but more spray painting than anything, I love it. You should see how good I’m getting.’

‘Maybe when all these problems are fixed you come home and do it here.’

Michael nodded. ‘Maybe... you better get Mum.’

Nic moved closer and hugged him tight. ‘I love you son.’

Michael fought his tears. ‘I... I love you Dad.’

‘Good boy.’ Nic wiped away his own tears. ‘Stay, I get your mother.’

Michael watched Nic disappear around the corner. I love you Dad, but I can’t come back to this life, being