Monkey Business Read Free Page A

wrong.’
    But I really wanted to ask about the mission. It was hard to talk though, with all the noise, and it didn’t seem appropriate to shout out, ‘So, did you kill anyone?’ Instead I asked if he wanted to eat straightaway or have a walk around when we got there.
    â€˜Walk,’ he said.
    As we headed for the zoo entrance, I said, ‘Will you have to go away again?’ He didn’t respond and he was carrying all the picnic things so I said, ‘Why don’t you let me take some of that?’
    â€˜I’m fine.’
    â€˜Here.’ I took the picnic rug from under his arm so now he just had a basket and small esky to carry. I thought if I took one of those things it would free up his hand so he could hold mine.
    â€˜Thanks,’ he said.
    â€˜Give me the basket.’ I tried to take it.
    â€˜No, I’m fine.’
    â€˜Really, I want to help.’ I pulled at the basket and it fell on the ground. A packet of biscuits rolled out. ‘Sorry.’ Without looking at him, bent over the basket, I said, ‘You didn’t answer my question.’
    â€˜Yes, I will.’
    â€˜Oh.’
    We stood in a short queue behind some mums and their kids. The mums were trying to discreetly check out Jack. I’ve noticed that when women perv at him, they also look me up and down and I know what they’re thinking.
She’s not good enough
.
    â€˜I’ll pay,’ I said, reaching for my purse.
    â€˜No, I’ve got it.’ He took his wallet from his back pocket.
    â€˜But you always pay.’
    â€˜And I always will.’

    I
love
monkeys. They’re so funny, and the spider ones remind me of Axle. We watched them for ages and I chortled at the constant parade of mischief. When I glanced at Jack he was watching me, not the monkeys, with a smile. He held out his hand, I took it and we walked, and stood in front of the baboons with their pink bums. One picked a flea from another and ate it. I can understand why Darwin’s theory holds water.
    Jack turned his back on the baboons and leaned against the glass wall, arms folded across his chest. ‘I’ve got a favour to ask.’
    â€˜Name it,’ I said. Although I should probably try to play hard to get, I thought, even just a little.
    â€˜I can’t tell you about this mission, but I need your help with it.’
    I didn’t think he was happy about asking me whatever he was about to ask, and that made me nervous because Jack and I work secretly for an organisation of vigilantes called ‘the Team’. Jack’s job is to quietly, illegally go about eradicating nasty types from Melbourne’s streets. And my job is to take Jack’s orders if and when he has any. But I didn’t think this current mission was based in Melbourne, and I also hadn’t realised it was a Team assignment. Jack is a consultant for the federal police and armed forces too.
    â€˜What’s wrong?’ I said.
    â€˜Nothing,’ he said, too quickly, and adjusted his sunglasses. He looked at his feet. ‘There’s a guy I need you to watch.’
    He glanced at me and I nodded for him to continue.
    â€˜My team for this job isn’t ideal.’ He paused. ‘The reason I’m asking you is because I trust you.’
    â€˜
What
are you asking me?’ This was serious shit. Jack didn’t need anyone for anything. Except Joe to cook his dinner and organise the cleaning lady.
    â€˜Joe’s on my team – obviously I trust him – and one of the others I selected because of his experience, but the fourth guy I don’t know well enough. I think he uses drugs, and I can’t have that.’
    â€˜Right.’
    â€˜There’s a club he likes in Richmond, near your house. Would you go there? Watch him and report back?’
    â€˜Sure.’
    â€˜Thanks.’
    â€˜Can I take Lucy?’
    He looked away, considering it. ‘Yes. Take Lucy.