Black Angels???Red Blood Read Free Page B

it’s got no brakes. Doesn’t pull up for anyone.” It was usual for the old man to talk like that and it was purely for Tim’s benefit. He chose to do it that way and as always what he said was the tip of the iceberg. When people questioned him at length on anything, he would start using his own language ferociously. Then he would stop abruptly and tell them to listen to what he said. He would tell the story and the only thing the listener really heard was the last lines and the summing up. The rest was buried deep inside for future reference at the beck and call of the old man.
    The old man looked up and asked Tim if he knew any place where it would be comfortable to talk. Tim suggested that Charlie’s would be a good place to go. “I might get a few beers,” Tim said as they were walking past the pub nearest to the block. “Feel like a drink?”
    â€œNaaaah, none for me,” the old man said.
    They arrived at Charlie’s and Tim introduced the two men to each other. “Is that all you brung, a six-pack?” Charlie jokingly said.
    â€œThe pub’s just up the corner,” said Tim hinting at Charlie for a drinking session.
    They sat down and pulled out their pot for a session, making small talk while doing so. Tim and Charlie had a beer while the old man made a cup of tea. The old manbegan to talk again, virtually ignoring Charlie and talking directly to Tim. After an hour or so, Tim began to understand and nodded to the old man. The old man was relieved that Tim understood and that they could now proceed without delay.
    â€œNot frightened of doing what you gotta?” the old man asked.
    â€œNaaahh, I’ve done it before,” Tim said, then added, “I don’t know why I’m doing it.”
    The old man looked Tim in the eye. “Let’s say you’re doing my job for me.” A thousand questions ran through Tim’s mind and the old man saw this and held his hand up: “Keep your questions for tomorrow. I’ll tell you more after it’s done.”
    He told Tim to meet him in the morning for a cup of tea. Charlie suggested they meet at his place, knowing that Tim was going to camp there for the night. The old man agreed and left.
    â€œThat was heavy stuff,” Charlie remarked.
    â€œDid you understand what he was saying?” Tim asked.
    â€œA little bit, from what I could see.”
    â€œHe’s a powerful man.”
    â€œAre you his understudy?” Charlie asked.
    â€œHe’s got several of them,” replied Tim. “Now, I wouldn’t mind going to a pub for a while.”
    â€œOkay, let’s go to the Royal. You never know, you might get lucky.”
    When they arrived at the Royal Hotel, they ordered beers and went to the pool room. There were several people there, including some Koori women who Charlie knew. Tim set the pool table and Charlie talked to the women. Charlie introduced Tim to two of the women, Sylvia and Jeannie, and they decided to play doubles. After the pool game theysat and talked, getting the background on each other, who their people are and what tribe they come from. They relaxed in each other’s company and were soon talking openly to each other.
    â€œDo you know Regina?” Sylvia asked Charlie.
    â€œYea, so does Tim,” Charlie answered.
    â€œShe got belted by the publican last night,” Sylvia said, knowing that the reaction would be a hostile one.
    â€œWhat! She’s seven months pregnant,” remarked Charlie in disgust.
    â€œShe had a good go at him too. I don’t know what it was over though,” Sylvia remarked.
    Tim had known Regina for years and had to contain the anger that rose up within him.
    â€œSomeone ought to smash him,” suggested Charlie.
    Tim calmed himself and asked if anyone wanted another beer. They all answered “yes” and he went to get another round.
    â€œNot a bad sort, hey Sylvia.” Jeannie dug