Authors note: I commenced writing this story in 2002, so any time line reference or dates in the story are based on 2002. Karen.

 

Educating Danielle

by Karen E. Lea

Part Fourteen

 

Chapter Fifty Nine

We arrived at Kim's place at two. The butler took our bags from the car and showed us to our room. We freshened up and went downstairs to the party. We scanned the guests for Danielle.

Laura had a death grip on my arm, "Don't you dare leave me by myself." She declared, eyeing some prominent people.

"Relax."

"Relax. How?"

"They're just people."

"Important people."

"So."

"Just don't leave me." She said through clenched teeth.

"There she is," I said nodding towards the sea wall.

"Where? Oh I see… my god, look who she's talking to."

She was in deep conversation with a former American president. I had heard he was in Sydney on a lecture tour. Danielle spied us, excused herself and beckoned us over. We walked towards her; Laura dug her nails in to my arm. It was hard not to grimace.

"Mum, Dad, this is Bill. Bill, this is my father Jeff Williams and my mother Laura Williams." She said winking.

We shook hands and Bill waxed lyrical about our daughter. Laura was now shaking. A photographer took a snap of us; meanwhile Laura hadn't said a word. Bill spoke easily about his visit; the weather and we were content to let him speak.

Kim approached, "Darlings, you're here." She kissed us both, "I'm sorry, I have to borrow Bill here, I have someone for him to meet."

"Remember what I said little lady, there's a job for you if you wish."

"Thanks Bill, too committed in Sydney." Danielle answered.

Kim led Bill away and Laura sagged against me.

"What's the matter mum?"

"Do you know who you were talking to then?"

"Yes mum. Bill."

"I hope we don't meet anymore important people, you will not survive the afternoon."

"What was the job?" Laura asked.

"Intern."

"We won't go there." I answered.

"Mum. I have another person for you to meet." Danielle led Laura and I over to another group of people, "Abe, I would like you to meet my mother, Laura Williams, mum, this is Abe Spencer."

Abe shook Laura's hand, "Most charmed. I can see whom Danielle takes after. You are a very attractive woman"

"Thank… you." Laura stammered.

We were introduced to Abe's wife, Rose. Laura started to chat with Rose and she finally started to relax. Abe and I discussed Danielle's workload for the next couple of weeks.

"If it gets too much, let me know, I don't want her burnt out in the first couple of months." He stated.

"I'll keep my eye on it, I don't want that either."

The afternoon literally flew, meeting a lot of people who knew Danielle and they all told us what a beautiful young woman she was. I noticed a lot of the staff came to Danielle for instructions, which she issued. I quizzed her about it.

"Kim made me organise today, from organising food and drink, to where everything had to go and delegate the staff."

"So you're the gaffer."

"Gaffer?"

"Slang for the boss. So you did this by yourself?"

"Kim gave me hints, Toby the butler took me under his wing and pointed me in the right direction."

The afternoon became evening and the guests drifted off home. Kim and Danielle bade the last guest goodbye just after eight. Danielle chatted to Kim in French; they seemed very pleased with themselves. Kim sat us in a small sitting room and told us about a very successful two weeks. Danielle had charmed her way into every body's heart.

Kim rose, "Come with me Laura, we'll have a heart to heart."

They left the room, Danielle snuggled up to me, "I've missed you and mum."

"We've missed you too."

"The first night, I was just so homesick… but I got over it."

"Had fun?"

"Can't begin to tell you how much fun and my boobs are awesome now. I have to be a B cup."

"We'll try to get to a doctor this week, trouble is the catalogue starts Monday."

"I feel great and boobs to boot. No doctor No way."

"I think we need to know what's causing this, you sure you're not taking anything?"

"Nothing. Can't wait to show you though, I'll even let you touch them

"Thanks, but that's not necessary."

"Oh Jeff, I want you to touch them. It's so cool; I've been showering some times three times a day just to soap them up, it's awesome."

"I don't think I really need to know this… so you've had a good time?"

"Oh yeah. You would not believe some of the people I've met."

"I've got a fair idea from the gathering today. Anyway. What did you think of the group last week?"

"Eww, gross. And that Ali…Super gross." She shuddered.

"I'm sorry I gave in to Sam and his bull."

"No need to be, what's the plan for this week."

"Well. There is no way I'm stuffing up Spencers' work for Sam. So I thought I would tell Sam Friday afternoon at the earliest and he can work around us. We just might have to work on it next weekend though. Looking forward to it?"

"Yeah. This past fortnight has given me so much confidence. I'm ready. Sooner it's done, the sooner we can get on with other things. Like get my learner's permit, I found out I could have got it when I was sixteen."

"Sounds like a plan to me. You drove pretty well the other day." I answered.

"Yeah. Thomas and I had so much fun. He is so way cool. I think I surprised everybody though?"

"Sure did. Sam was shitty."

"Why?"

"I think because it cost him and Sal money."

Kim and Laura came back in to the room. "Kim and I have come to a arrangement about the wedding." Laura said sitting beside me.

"And?"

"I'll tell you later."

"It's getting late. Breakfast at nine, seeing as Danielle gave everybody the day off tomorrow, we'll have to look after ourselves." Kim announced.

"Well they worked hard for me today." Danielle pouted.

"You did the right thing darling. They love you for it." She said rising from her seat Good night all."

"Good night Kim." We chorused.

Next morning we entered the kitchen at five to nine. Danielle was busy making breakfast. She looked up and smiled, "Hi Mum, dad."

"Hi honey. Busy?" I asked.

"Yeah. This is the first time in two weeks I've actually done something for myself in the kitchen."

Kim entered with the Sunday papers. We sat at the table after wishing each other good morning. We sipped juice and flicked through the papers.

"That will interest you Laura." Kim said passing over the social pages.

Laura took the paper, "Oh my…"

I looked over her shoulder; it was the picture with Bill. "I don't believe it, of all the photos' taken yesterday, that one gets printed." Laura gasped.

"Got our names right again." I observed. I could not but feel Kim had influenced the photo being printed. Not only that, the picture would have had to left the party nearly straight away to make it in to this mornings paper.

Two hours later we were on the way home with a very confident Danielle. Once home Laura had a constant stream of phone calls because of the morning's paper.

Once home, Danielle stated "It was nice for the fortnight, but I rather do things for myself."

Laura left the house at six to go and get some groceries; the car had barely left the garage when Danielle sashayed in to the lounge room where I was sitting, reading. I looked up and near had a heart attack. She was naked, except for heels and makeup.

With hands on hips, "Well, what do you think?"

My eyes travelled up from the heels, to the penis and then to the boobs. "What are you doing?"

"Showing you my boobs." She announced, jumping in to my lap.

"For god's sake, get dressed, or at least put a house coat on or something."

"Don't they look great? The nipples are puffy, but I think that's normal. You can touch them." She said grabbing my hand and laying it on her chest.

"Daniel, please go and get dressed. Now."

"Oooh. Did I cause that?" she said shifting her weight in my lap. "That's better. What do you think? They are totally awesome don't you think. You should do this too."

"Depends on what secret is causing this to you."

"Wish I knew. I'd put it in a bottle. A big bottle. Hope I don't get as big as mom though. D, maybe E, no D would be good."

"Enough of this; go and get dressed."

"Spoilsport."

"Tease." I replied, shifting uncomfortably under her weight.

"I am not, I wanted to show you my boobs."

"They're very nice, now go and get dressed."

"Well thanks for nothing." She said pushing down hard in to my crotch to push herself upright.

"Ow… Daniel." I struggled to stand. That hurt. "Daniel, what's the matter?"

"Now I'm Daniel?"

Okay. Danielle. I'm sorry."

"You are not. I was trying to have a bit of fun."

"I'm really sorry." I held my arms out for a hug. She walked towards me and we hugged.

"Jeff, I really love you and it was a bit of fun."

"I worry about it getting out of hand. Do you understand that?"

"Yes, I do." She sighed.

"Anyway do you need bras?" I said changing the subject.

"No I'm right at the moment."

I escorted her to the bedroom and she quickly dressed, wonderbra, panties, scoop neck top showing off her cleavage and a pair of shorts.

"Happy now?" she asked.

"Yes. I do love you. Lots." I answered.

Laura arrived home with shopping and we gave her a hand to bring it in and put it away in the cupboards. While we had a simple dinner of eggs and toast, we gave Danielle a rundown on all the things that happened while she was away including Becky.

Laura then told us about what transpired the night before with Kim. She told Kim that she would never be comfortable with the offer, and Kim, while disappointed, understood Laura wanted a wedding where she felt comfortable.

Chapter Sixty

Next morning we arrived at the studio early, in fact everybody was early. Danielle was greeted like a long lost friend, she told them about her holiday. We had coffee together and discussed the plan for the week. We decided to split into two teams; Cindy and John, Charlene and Cathy, Danielle and I would take any extra work. Laura would assist Kelly upstairs. At least we started with a plan.

Moira swept in with entourage just after seven thirty. She welcomed Danielle and Laura. "Jeff, you haven't RSVP'd Thursday night, every thing is okay, isn't it?" she said turning to me.

"RSVP? What RSVP."

"Danielle's media soiree, introduce her to the world, you know the drill…didn't you get the invitation?"

"No."

"You're having me on?"

"No."

"I don't have anything to wear." Laura lamented.

"We wanted to surprise you all with the invitation, they went out three weeks ago."

"Well we didn't get it."

"We invited everybody here. Nobody got them?"

I turned, "Kelly?"

"Haven't seen anything." She answered.

"What the hell has gone wrong? Can I use your phone?"

"Sure."

She dialled quickly and waited. "Jennifer……Moira….. The invitations for Thursday……. for the Starburst people, where did you send them?…..Could you check? They didn't get them." She hung on and waited for the answer. "I'm here… Arthurton? Where in the hells that? No, it's Artarmon, here in Sydney." Moira took a deep breath. "Jennifer, listen carefully, have all the Starburst invitations reprinted and couriered to me at Artarmon, here in Sydney, by twelve."

She slammed the phone down. "Can I interest you in a office junior?"

"No thanks. So what's this all about?"

"Danielle's official launch, I know it's your busiest week, but we needed to slot it in. Next week was too late."

"Surprise. Surprise. Surprise." I said in a Gomer Pyle voice.

"Don't be like that. If you got the invitations when you where meant to, this wouldn't be a surprise. Well not this close to the event anyway."

"We'll be there, don't worry."

"None of the girls will have had time to organise clothes or anything. What a mess… We'll foot the clothing and shoe bill, we'll just have to organise them to a store… Chatswood is the closest… I'll kill Jennifer for this…you know what she does?" I shrugged. "She doesn't ask questions if she's not sure, she guesses what I've said… Grr…Anyway…"

We talked through a plan. Laura and Danielle would go to head office tomorrow as planned, to meet Danielle's assistants, pick up her mobile phone and store card. When they got back, Kelly and Charlene can go to the Chatswood store to pick out an outfit, when they got back, Cindy and Cathy would take their place, then John and me. I was a little bit jealous of the girls; frankly I didn't want a new outfit, not for Jeff anyway, but Karen would love a new outfit. This explained why Danielle had been slated in for Monday, by seven that night her part of the catalogue and publicity shots had been completed. Moira was ecstatic with the outcome. Before everybody left, Moira distributed the invitations.

Tuesday morning, Moira arrived with a hire car and whisked Laura and Danielle off to head office. Three hours later they were back. Danielle had a new mobile phone; a store card and both of them had new outfits and shoes for Wednesday night. The car then took Kelly and Charlene to the Chatswood store, two hours later they returned and Cindy and Cathy took their place at Chatswood. An extra two hours that night had us caught up.

Next morning, after an early start to get in front, John and I went up to Chatswood for our clothes and returned with some smart casual gear. We managed to finish the day more or less on time.

Thursday morning, Laura, Kelly and Danielle went to have their hair and nails done at Pierre's. Unfortunately we couldn't afford any more time off for the other girls to do the same, they understood the reasons and went with the flow.

I had agonised over how to give everybody a bonus and how much since the sale of the images to Rhonda's client. Kelly and Danielle were entitled to more than the others, seeing as they had to endure themselves on billboards. After much deliberation, twenty thousand each to Danielle and Kelly, and ten thousand each to the others.

Once we were all dressed, I handed the envelopes out to them while we waited for the limousines. There were gasps of surprise, then thanks. Every body was on a high now. Once in the limos we all had a glass of champagne to relax as we were whisked off to the Fox Studios.

Danielle had a limo to herself, except for Moira and Jennifer. Moira had a big entrance planned and had been giving last minute directions with her mobile phone before we left. God help anybody who mucked this show up.

We alighted at the venue and greeted inside by Abe. It was absolutely packed with people and media. A MC started to speak and introduced Abe to the gathering. Abe gave a speech about the future of Spencers and the reason for the night, "Ladies and gentleman, I would like to introduce Miss Danielle Williams…."

Danielle entered the little stage from behind, glamorous in her new dress, aqua blue with spaghetti straps and plunging neckline, the asymmetrical hem showing off plenty of leg and her matching aqua four inch heeled sandals. She waved to the audience who applauded and she kissed Abe on the cheek. Photos were taken with Abe. Moira, Abe and Danielle then settled down for a press conference with the assembled media. The questioning took the line of unknown thrust into the limelight and nobody seemed to be too interested in where she came from.

We were being fed with finger food and drinks, whilst we watched the press conference. Once it was established her parents were here in the room, we were invited up on the stage and had our photos taken with her. Once the fashion reporters recognised me, some more questions started, mainly about me having a daughter, the confirmed bachelor. I spun a tale about Danielle coming to live with me from interstate, without trying to give too many details.

Finally we were released from our interrogation and the media moved on to take photos of the guests. A DJ started to play dance music, the champagne flowed and everybody had a good time. By midnight our group were very tired and looking for bed. It had been a big week, for everybody. There was still a few hours work tomorrow to finish for Spencers. Two o clock we dragged ourselves in to bed, and at six we were up again.

Everybody at the studio was still on a high, talking about the party. Once we had everybody sorted, Laura took me to pick up the Winnebago I had booked. With paperwork signed I headed back to Artarmon via home.

Once everything was sorted with Spencer's work, we headed off with Laura following in the Golf.

Chapter Sixty One

I turned the Winnebago into the old goods yard. Although the place looked derelict, it was used by the film industry to build and assemble sets; a lot of the props for the Olympic opening and closing ceremonies were built here. And in Sam's case a cheap music video set.

Thursday I had had a phone conference with Jeremy and his assistant Jenny. They told us what was expected of Danielle, which didn't sound too technical.

The rented Winnebago impressed Laura and Danielle. It was a twenty-eight foot C class motor home built on an Isuzu chassis. Officially I had signed out a Winnebago Alpine 2855. It was bigger than we really needed, but there was room to move around and relax. If we had a long day, we could stay the night. I had put some basic foodstuffs and appliances in the cupboards, because the way Jeremy spoke Wednesday, this was going to be a long couple of days.

We idled down the internal road looking for a sign of Sam's circus. I noticed a caravan with Jeremy's name on the door and found a parking spot nearby. Laura, who had been following me, parked the Golf.

There didn't seem to be much going on. Slipping from the driver's seat to the ground, Danielle joined me from the passenger side, she had on hipster jeans, a white halter neck mid riff top and four inch white sandals, she slipped her hand in to mine.

"Nervous?"

"Yeah. A little." She answered.

"No need." We entered a big shed, after our eyes adjusted to the gloom; we could make out some activity.

Suddenly there was an outburst, "Cut, cut, fucking cut. For gods sake." I heard Jeremy yell.

Two hundred yards later we were standing at the outer circle of people watching the shoot. An older man, turned to our approach, he smiled a smile of perfect teeth and spoke, "G'day. You folks lost." His accent was English but I couldn't place exactly where in England.

"No unfortunately this is where we're meant to be I think. Jeff." I answered holding out my hand. "This is Laura and Danielle."

"Derek. Pleased to meet you. Chief electrician. Well on this job, the only electrician. Grunt here gives me a hand when I'm stuck. He's lighting."

I shook hands with Grunt, he had a long beard and tattoos, I think the Harley jacket gave him away as to his passion. "A bit of trouble by the sound of it?" I enquired.

"Been like this for two days, better than watching the television bloopers at home, these silly sods couldn't organise themselves a piss up in a brewery." Derek volunteered.

"That bad."

"Grunt's got three left feet and could do better. Dinesy's having a fit. They're talking about working all weekend on it now, 'cause they're so far behind."

Jeremy and Jenny came through the circle of workers, he looked up, "Thank god, Jeff, Danielle, Laura, you're here. Great. Come to my van and we'll talk."

We followed him outside, he saw the Winnebago, "Hey, nice wheels, took my advice eh?"

"Yep. I can take a hint."

"That'll make them jealous. Everything else does."

He led us into his caravan and it wasn't flash. "Sorry about this, but it's the best Sam could do, or so he reckons. What the hell, at least it's got air."

"He steal it from some poor road repair gang?" I said looking at the dismal wood panelling and the wheezing air conditioner.

Jeremy laughed. Jenny found us all seats. Jeremy went serious. "Okay guys, here's where it's at. These idiots can't dance. The choreographer has been lowering the bar, trying find something these idiots can do together all at the same time. Sam will be in here soon, trying to get me to hurry things along. The only thing I have left up my sleeve is to reinvent the plot of the video."

"Like what?" I asked.

"Well the original plan as I told you the other night was for these blokes to dance some tight little number while singing, flashbacks to them playing instruments, Danielle dashing here and there, disappearing in the Benz in the middle of the city."

"Your new idea?"

"Basing it all around Danielle. She's the only thing going for these blokes."

We all glanced at each other. "Basing it around Danielle how?" Laura asked.

"Make her the focus of the video." Jeremy answered. "We'll just have the bozos lounging around singing here and there. They do lounging well. They also do bozo well too."

Laura and Danielle giggled.

"Maybe they need more practise." I asked.

"Don't start me. More practise, they've been practising all week and last week. This morning was the first day for the actual film crew, so we decided to start taping it, how many takes Jenny?"

"Um…forty seven." Jenny answered consulting her pad.

"I lost count after fifteen." Jeremy replied.

"Derek in the shed said it was like a blooper show." I offered.

"Derek?… The electrician, you were talking to him when I saw you, sorry, two Derek's on the job. That's an idea sell the outtakes… Yeah… Anyway what do you think about the other."

"Don't think it's up to me. What about the two suits." I asked.

"Don't start me on those two as well." Jeremy grimaced at the ceiling. "All Sam talks about is how much money they're going to rake in, and I think Sal has stopped believing there's going to be any money."

"Someone say money," Sam said as he entered the van. "Someone must have some, who owns the Winnie outside?"

"I'll give you the phone number, they might have another." I answered.

"Hey, not before time, you get lost or summink."

"Yeah, summink." I mimicked.

He was about to say something to Laura, but the look on her face said it all and he changed his mind. He turned to Jeremy, "All right why are we gasbagging and not making the video? Everyone's here now."

"Make it with what?" Jeremy inquired. "You were out there this morning, you saw."

"They're just a bit raw."

"Raw…, a bit raw, they don't have a clue Sam. Where in the hell did get them from?"

"Auditions and stuff."

"The stuff bit I believe. Look… Sam. We are in crisis here. Months of meetings up in smoke, because these guys can't do a simple dance routine. If they look like three bit losers on the video, you'll be a laughing stock."

"You'll have your name on it."

"Yeah bullshit. No credits at the end of these babies, and I'll just deny it."

"Deny what?" Sal said entering.

"Just explaining the facts of life here to Sam." Jeremy said rehashing the conversation to Sal.

"Okay mister hotshot director, what's your angle, get us out of this mess. Do you know what those people are costing per hour out there?" Sal said.

"A fair idea. My plan is we ditch the original script. We spend rest of the afternoon filming them playing their instruments from different angles, different lighting and Danielle wandering through from different stage points. They can play can't they?"

"Yeah. Yeah. Sure can." Sam piped up. Sal raised his eyes to the ceiling.

"Alright, out with it. What should I know?" Jeremy asked.

"Nothing. They're fine." Sam said.

"That's not what Sal's body language just said. Sal?"

"Let's put it this way. As musicians alone they're fine, as a group we spent two extra days in the studio. The cheque book is still hurting."

"Well we know they're not team players. Okay, this is not getting it done. What's the time?……two thirty. All right, let's work till seven ... seven thirty. Seven tomorrow we'll start again and have a big day…Come Danielle, lets meet the crew." Jeremy swept out of the van, with us in pursuit.

He led us over to the big shed and down to the set where everybody was milling around. He introduced us to the film crew, Derek and Grunt we had met, but we were reintroduced. As there were two Derek's on the job, the Derek we had met said he would answer to Del, to save confusion. Jeremy gave everybody the basic rundown on what was going to happen for the next day or so. Anybody with a script was told to throw it away; every thing was going to be done on the fly.

There was a flurry of activity, everybody glad for something to do. Jeremy went in search of the group. They had wandered off and nobody had seen them.

 

§§§

 

Matthew, James, Ali and Justin wandered back to their caravan. The new Winnebago took their eye.

"Hope that's for us. We deserve something better than that van of ours." Justin thought aloud.

"I doubt it. Sam and Sal wouldn't splash out like that." Matthew surmised.

"Do you think the girl will share with us?" James asked.

"Yeah right, that stuck up bitch, Sam's probably hired that for her." Ali replied.

"It's locked." Justin observed trying the door.

They climbed in to their van; it was worse than Jeremy's.

"Can't wait till we get paid properly for this." Matthew said as he plopped in to a chair.

"Not wrong, I can't live on the token payment we get here." Justin said.

"At least you have a job." James lamented.

"Yeah big deal, part time supermarket shelf stacker. Barely puts petrol in the car." Justin answered.

"Just hope Sam comes good with our wages once the single's released." Matthew said.

"Wonder if we get a early mark today?" James asked. "Anna has the shits with me, I'm never around."

"That would be good, get down the pub for a beer and a game of pool." Matthew mused.

"I doubt it, now the girl's turned up." Ali said.

"How do you know she's turned up?" Matthew asked.

"Heard some old dudes talking about her as we walked out." Ali answered.

"I wouldn't mind a piece of that action. How old do you reckon she is? Nineteen, twenty." Justin mused.

"In your dreams, you wouldn't have enough money to make her interested." Matthew said.

"Neither would you." Justin shot back.

"Yeah you're right. Bet she sucks great cock though." Matthew said closing his eyes.

"You blokes are fucking dreaming." James said wading in to the conversation.

"You're just jealous because you're under the thumb." Ali retorted.

"You're still dreaming. She thinks we're all beneath her. You saw her the other day; look who she was with for god's sake." James rationalised.

"I'd even go the one with the big tits." Matthew replied.

"I think it's her mum." James said.

"A threesome is fine with me." Matthew said smugly.

"You lot don't stand a chance, now a real man like me, has a chance." Ali stated.

This statement bought laughter and derision from the others.

"Hey, I'm the man." Ali spat, mad at the response he was getting.

"Yeah right." Matthew said collapsing in to laughter again.

"I'm the man." Justin mimicked.

"She's mine." Ali said raising his voice.

"Ooooh." The other three said in unison.

"Earth to Ali. Get a grip man." James said.

Jeremy burst through the door, "Here you are. Would you mind telling people where you are please?" Jeremy looked at the boys, he was sick of this bunch. No respect for anyone, if they manage to get up on top, the media were going to have a field day with this lot, they were guaranteed to do the wrong thing at the wrong time. Three days and the video hopefully will be in post-production and Jeremy just couldn't wait to be free of Sam and these boys.

"Where's the key to our Winnebago man?" Justin asked.

"Not yours. Now listen up and listen fucking good." Jeremy told them the plan. They groaned and grizzled.

"We want a life outside of this dump." Matthew pouted.

"We all do. If you blokes pulled your finger out, we'd be nearly finished. Looks like we're going to be here all weekend as it is."

The grizzling started again, "Not our fault, the girl only just showed up." Justin complained.

"Danielle has nothing to do with why we are behind, it's you lot. Seven days you've had practising those dance moves and we have nothing to show for it. That's why I have decided to shelve that part of it. We're starting from scratch. Get in the shed, get ready for some bloody work." Jeremy wheeled out the door amongst jeering and Matthew threw a cushion at the slamming door.

"Who died and made him boss." Ali spat.

"Well he is the director." James replied.

"Whose side you on?" Justin asked.

"The side that gets me out of here the quickest."

"Come on, lets get in to it, I can hear a schooner* calling me." Matthew mused.

 

§§§

 

The pace in the shed picked up as people rushed around. The first argument started with Sam when the outfit that they wanted Danielle to wear was given to her. Laura was with her and nixed it on the spot.

"What's wrong with it?" Sam snarled.

"She's not wearing it. If you want a prostitute, you've come to the wrong people. I wouldn't wear that to bed."

"Hey you're under contract here."

"So sue. We are quite happy to go if you don't like it."

"What do you suggest?" Sam mocked.

"What's wrong with what's she is wearing? She looks chic and smart."

"Not enough leg and tit."

"This is a music video, not porno."

"You obviously don't watch Video Hits on the weekend do you?" Sam replied.

"Come on Danielle, we're going." Laura stated.

Laura got ten steps, "Stop. Where you going?" Sam called out.

"Home." Laura replied and kept walking.

"But…but…but you can't. We have a contract and stuff to do."

"The contract said nothing about looking like a streetwalker." Laura said still walking.

"Mum, what are you doing?" Danielle whispered.

"Negotiation. Never be afraid to walk away honey. Keep walking." Laura whispered back.

 

§§§

 

Outside, Del had offered to put some power to the Winnebago for me. He talked as he fussed with the cable. He was sixty and when I did the math, he was born during the war. When I mentioned the fact, he stated, "I wasn't born during the war, I was born in it. My mother was a prisoner of war after Singapore fell. Nineteen forty-two."

"You were born in a POW camp." I said incredulously.

"Yep, plus the first three years."

I shook my head in wonderment. We went inside and turned on the air conditioner, "Nice motor." Del observed.

Laura arrived at the door, and she told me what had just transpired. Del and I laughed, and Del then headed off to see Grunt.

We didn't have to wait long for a reaction, five minutes later Sam and Sal were at the door with the dress in his hand, I took it from him and held it up. It was a very short, flimsy white dress. It was apparent that they wanted to be able to see the underwear. "She's not wearing that."

"Let me remind you people about our contract."

"It said nothing about what to wear." I retorted. "And she's not wearing that."

"Yeah, but the contract…"

"Sam. The contract was about us turning up, Danielle appearing in the video and getting paid. Nowhere does it say anything about what she has to wear. She is sixteen and she will dress appropriately. Got it."

Sam pulled the palm of his hand over his face. "Alright, if that's the way you want to do it, I'll get my lawyer down here and explain it to you."

"That contract says nothing about clothing." I replied. This was crazy, why was Sam so tied up with the contract. I reached in to the cab of the Winnebago and grabbed my briefcase, found the contract and started to read. Ten minutes later I was no wiser. "Nothing in here about clothing."

"Gimme that." He said snatching the paperwork and quickly scanned through it.

"Find it?" I enquired.

"This is not the right one."

"That's your signature." I said pointing to the last page. "And all these initials on the other pages."

"You had it taken out."

"It was never there. I never saw it and if it was, I would have queried it because it would have been so unusual."

He threw the contract back to me, "Bastard." He said as he stormed out.

"I love you too." I called after him.

"This is too weird." I commented. "Sal?"

He thought for a moment, stared at the floor, "Hmm… I can't find in anyone in the industry who knows Sam. I admit to being lured in by the fast money angle. Did some checking the other day, no one knows Sam. If I didn't have so much money tied up, I'd walk away. He doesn't to appear to have any business knowledge as you just saw." He shrugged, "Anyway, what are we going to do about this dress problem. I have to admit I wouldn't want my daughter wearing it either." He said holding it up to the light.

"It doesn't have to be see through to be sexy. We'll rustle up something suitable." Laura said.

"Thanks. I'll go find Sam and calm him down."

The rest of the afternoon went quickly. We found Danielle a short skirt in her case and with the top and shoes she came in, looked good. The band played and Danielle just walked amongst them. Jeremy took close-ups of the guys and Danielle.

Danielle was worn out by the time seven o clock rolled around and Jeremy called it a day. There was a mass exodus of people and then it was just, Del, Grunt and us.

Del and Grunt had been sleeping in the back of their respective vehicles as they lived up the coast and didn't feel like commuting. We decided to stay in the Winnebago as well. Del recommended a pub up the road for dinner and we walked there after Danielle changed back in to jeans and put on her joggers

Ten minutes later, we were ensconced in the rear of a hotel near King Street, enjoying a beer and surveying a menu. After an enjoyable meal and much cajoling, we forced Del to tell us about being born in a Japanese POW camp, not that he actually remembered and finally reunited with his father in forty-six.

Chapter Sixty-Two

Next morning we awoke to the sounds of people arriving for work. We quickly showered and dressed. The awning of the Winnebago provided a meeting place for the arriving crew, and Danielle's natural flair for hostess made everybody welcome.

Jeremy and the crew laughed and joked as a tight knit group do before starting work. The actual group hadn't put in an appearance yet, but nobody was surprised. Someone had gone up to the shops and bought back some hot fresh bread rolls and butter and we kept the coffee coming.

Just after eight, we finally had everybody there. Jeremy was muttering dark thoughts about their tardiness. Once back in the shed, Jeremy put some overnight thoughts in to action and at ten thirty stopped for smoko**.

Jeremy gave Danielle a break after smoko and she sat with Laura in the Winnebago. After an half an hour she rose, "I'm going for a walk mum."

"Hang on, I'll come with you."

"I'm fine, I'll just walk down the end of the road and back."

"Wait, I'll come."

"I'll be fine mum. I'm not a child."

Danielle started walking, when she got to the end, decided to do a circuit of the shed. Halfway along the east wall, she was beginning to wish she had stayed on the road, it was littered with rubbish and there was no set path. She decided to persevere and kept walking.

"Hey babe."

Danielle spun to the speaker and clutched her chest in surprise, "Ali… It's Danielle actually."

"Whatever. Want to hang tonight?"

"No thanks."

"I won't bite." He answered as he walked closer.

"Thanks but no thanks." Danielle answered as she backed away.

"Aren't I good enough for your rich arse?"

"That has nothing to do with it and I'm not rich."

"Come on babe, it'll be cool." Ali walked closer.

Danielle stepped backwards and tripped on a brick and fell backwards heavily.

 

§§§

 

"Hey Del, where'd did ya get the power for the bank of lights on the east wall?" Grunt asked.

"Found a switchboard on the outside wall and patched it in there. Saved a heap of work running it over this side. Why?"

"No power."

"Sod it. I'll come with you, the switchboard is off the ark, probably blown the sodding fuse."

"They're hoping to finish up here before lunch, doing the city stuff after lunch with the convertible." Del said as they walked towards the access door.

"Great. Get home and sleep in my own bed." Grunt replied.

"Except the loonies, been a good crew and the Williams are nice people."

"Yea..."

"Through this door and then we enter from the outside… probably have to put my shoulder to it… there we go."

Del and Grunt weren't expecting the sight that greeted them on the other side. Ali was standing over a tearful Danielle.

"Please leave me alone." Danielle sobbed.

"Hear, hear, hear. What's going on here?" Del asked as he moved around behind Danielle.

"None of your business old dude. Fuck off."

"If you're trying to impress me son, you'll have to do better than that. What do you reckon Grunt?"

"I reckon he better move away."

"No one asked you beard dude." Ali said pushing a finger in to Grunt's chest.

Grunt looked at the finger touching his chest. "Del asked me."

"Uh oh. You silly stupid sod." Del said.

Grunt's eyes followed from the tip of the finger touching his chest all the way up to Ali's face. "Shouldna done that."

"Done what?" Ali asked arrogantly.

"Touched me." Grunt said as he buried his fist in Ali's face.

"Ouch. That had to hurt." Del said grimacing.

Ali jigged and danced clutching his face; after a minute he screamed, "You fucking bastard, I'll get you for this, you're going down man." He yelled

"Yeah, yeah." Grunt answered waving dismissively, "Heard it before."

"Come on young lady, we'll get you back to your folks. Grunt, that door there is where the switchboard is; you'll see my wiring, just check the fuse."

"Righto mate."

Del escorted Danielle back to the Winnebago, following in Ali's wake. Del knocked at the door, after a brief moment, Laura opened the door. Laura took in Danielle and realised there had been a problem, "What's happened?"

Del gave her a Readers Digest version of what he knew, Danielle filled in the rest. Laura grabbed her phone and called Jeff.

 

§§§

 

My first instinct after the call from Laura was to go and challenge Sam, on reflection, I decided to go and get all the facts first, and make sure Danielle was okay.

I had been watching Jeremy at work, without a word I wheeled around and jogged back to the Winnebago. Laura and Del were comforting Danielle, Grunt arrived at the same time. They related the story to me; it wasn't as bad I thought it was going to be, though it was stalking on the part of Ali.

"Mum, I'm so sorry, I should have let you come with me." Danielle moaned.

"Lucky Grunt and Del were there." Laura observed.

"Yeah, thanks guys." She said hugging them.

"Well what do we do now?" I asked.

"The only one hurt is Ali and you young lady go nowhere without someone at your side." Del answered.

"The one I'm worried about is Grunt." Laura said. "Sam is going to go ballistic when he finds out. We need to protect him."

"Don't worry about me folks, I can handle anything those dills dish out."

"I was worried about them sacking you."

"You're a good woman Laura, but I'll be right."

"No. We make a pact here, they try to vilify Grunt, we all go." Laura said.

"That sounds fair." I answered.

We didn't have to wait long for a reaction. It came in the guise of Sam ten minutes later. "Alright, who punched Ali in the face." He thundered.

"Self defence." Grunt answered.

"Fucking bullshit."

"That's my excuse."

"Yeah. Well you've put the video back days now, you seen his face."

"Pretty ugly looking git at the best of times."

"Listen here mister smartypants, you just got fired."

"You listen to me Sam." Laura said stepping in. "Ali stalked Danielle and luckily these guys were nearby. You sack Grunt; we get in our motor home and go for a long drive, contract or no contract."

Sam mulled this information over, "You wouldn't dare gorgeous?"

"Try me. I'm sick of your attitude, you treat people like shit and wonder why you're not getting the best out of people." Laura seethed. "Come on Jeff, Danielle, let's go." Laura went to get her handbag from the Winnebago.

"Wait, you're not serious. We haven't finished. I'll be ruined."

"Should have thought of that when you hired the thugs you call a band." She said returning with her handbag and keys. "Come on honey, you come with me, see you at home Jeff."

"Right behind you." I answered walking around to disconnect the power.

Sam stood there stunned. "Come on Jeff, be reasonable."

"She's the boss." I shrugged.

Jeremy and Sal turned up at this point to see Laura and Danielle getting into the Golf. "What's going on, have you seen Ali's face Sam?" Sal asked.

"We are ruined." Sam lamented.

"What are you talking about, where they going?"

Sam gave Sal a quick rundown. "Shit. Jeremy reckons he has enough tape inside now, do the convertible after lunch, we could be finished tonight." Sal said.

"Well stop her, for fucks sake." Sam answered.

Sal rushed over to the Golf banging on the window. "Laura be reasonable….please."

Jeremy sidled over to me, "A bloke should be filming this, it's brill."

"Tell me, how did you get caught up in this madness anyway?" I asked.

He sighed. "Seem like a good idea at the time. Something I hadn't been involved in before, you know, quick little project, bit of drinking money. Little did I fucking know…"

"Learnt your lesson?" I asked.

"And some."

Sal was now pleading with Laura to stay. He apologised profusely for Ali's conduct and Grunt wasn't sacked. Sam was now with Sal pleading with Laura. She turned off the car and got out. They both stood there waiting for her answer. She gave them instructions on how things were going to be from now on. They nodded their heads as she touched a finger to emphasise each point.

They assured her they understood. "And one last thing Sam." She said.

"What?"

"My name is Laura, call me gorgeous once more and I'll personally tear you limb from limb."

"Of course... Laura." He answered meekly.

We broke for lunch. Ali glowered at Grunt; I couldn't but help feel we hadn't seen the end of this drama.

An hour later, Jeremy started giving directions. He had told me he was worried about this bit, Sam had shortcut the permit process and if they were challenged, didn't have the right paperwork.

My answer was "Great."

"But don't worry, got a plan. We go for a drive with the camera platform truck in front, Danielle in the Benz following and you in your Golf behind her. We just drive through the City and we keep filming all the way. I only need snatches, it doesn't have to link in any particular way, then I'll take her getting in and out of the car and then go back with the dills."

Thirty minutes later, we were ready to roll. The camera truck was a Ford F350 with a flat tray and camera mount. Two seats for the cameraman and director were the only other fittings. Jeremy gave a royal wave as the truck burbled up to the main road.

Danielle was so excited about driving; I had to calm her down. I told her we would be right behind her, any problems just stop and we would be there. Jeremy had her wired so he could give instructions as needed.

Two hours later we were back at Newtown. We had followed the truck down King Street, left on to Broadway and down George Street in to the middle of the CBD. In the wider section of George Street, the truck moved over and Jeremy had Danielle come up beside the truck, then the truck accelerated away and resumed its normal position. After a circuit of the city streets, Jeremy had Danielle pull up and get in to and out of the car, from different angles.

Jeremy called Jenny to bring down the band and they did their bit, Jeremy trying not to dally in one particular spot and invite attention from a council Ranger.

Jeremy arrived back and announced, "It's a wrap." The crew applauded and cheered. The band grabbed their gear from the caravan and drove off, Ali giving Grunt the finger.

Grunt and Del had packed up while the other filming had been going on and were about to go, when a couple of eskies of beer and ice were bought out. As people finished their own tasks, they sat down to have a beer and soon we had a party of sorts. Jeremy was happy, he only had to put the video together against the soundtrack and he was free.

"Three days tops. Hey, what did you think of the band?" he asked.

"Compared to the Monkee's version, shit. But for a retro, it may just scrape in. You ever hear Neil Diamonds version?"

"No, any good?"

"Probably the best version. Better than what I've heard the last two days anyway." I replied.

Jeremy laughed. A small coupe had driven down the road towards us, my eyes widened as I realised whose it was. Cindy? The car stopped and the girls alighted, Cindy, Charlene and Kelly waved, I waved back.

"You know them? Bewdy. What's the leggy blondes name?" He asked.

"Hope so, they work for me. Cindy… Cindy Winters. Why?"

"I'll think I'll go and have a chat to the future missus Dines."

"Good luck. She'll chew you up and spit you out."

"No chance." He replied walking over, one thing Jeremy wasn't short of was confidence.

Meanwhile Kelly and Charlene greeted Laura and Danielle, they were trying to find their way from Surry Hills to Newtown, had got lost and Kelly recognised the address on the front gate and they decided to investigate. Kelly squeezed in between Danielle and Laura resting her hand over Danielle's thigh. A couple of the younger members of the crew made Charlene welcome in to the middle of their group.

Sam had rushed off soon as Jeremy announced it was a wrap, but Sal stayed and had a beer. After his third, he was quite talkative about his plans for Sam, or No money Sam as he called him and if he had his way, he won't have any after this. Two hours later as it got dark, we still had quite a crowd and Sal shouted everybody pizza.

Nine o'clock, people were starting to drift off. We called a cab for Sal, who was a bit worse for wear, we poured him in and gave the driver the destination.

Just as the cab left, two cars drove in and pulled up, Ali and four guys got out, "That's him." Ali said pointing at Grunt.

Grunt rose and walked over towards them, "What's your problem?"

"You're going down man."

"Hmmph. Yeah right. Couldn't do it on your own, had to bring your boyfriends?"

"My brothers man. We're going to kick your fucking arse."

"My woman is the only one that kicks my arse." Grunt answered picking his teeth.

Ali was expecting Grunt to cower because of the odds, but Grunt stood his ground waiting. "Come on, my beer is getting fucking warm."

Everybody was holding their breath waiting. Del stood and sidled over to stand behind Grunt.

"Come on Ali, they're two old men man." One of the brothers chided.

"Come on Del, let's finish our beers." Grunt said turning. He took a step and Ali launched himself at his back, Grunt sensed him coming, sidestepped him and using his own momentum speared him in to the ground. There was a collective 'ooh' from the spectators. Ali picked himself up and swung an angry punch, Grunt grabbed the arm, twisting it behind Ali's back and thrust him back to his brothers.

A knife blade flashed in Ali's hand and he rushed back to Grunt. Grunt lashed out with his boot sending the knife flying, on the second spin, his boot caught Ali in the solar plexus and Ali collapsed to the ground. The other boys were trying to decide if rush in or not. By the looks of it, they weren't too keen. Grunt bent down and picked up Ali by his jacket, dragged him to one of the cars and thrust him through an open window; he turned to the others, "Fuck off, the lot of yaas, and don't come back."

The tallest of the boys, approached Grunt and tried a head butt, Grunt saw it coming, reared back avoiding it, and bought his fist up and buried it in his face. His nose dissolved in to a mass of blood. The other two boys made a rush for Grunt and Del, unfortunately for them; Grunt and Del were ready for them. They sidestepped both of them, each grabbing a boy and thrusting their heads together. There was another collective 'ooh' from us as the heads made a resounding crack. Groggily they grabbed the injured youth and with lots of cursing put him and Ali into the cars and with clouds of dust from spinning wheels roared out the access road. Thunderous applause from us heralded Grunt and Del back to the party.

Cindy and Jeremy had vanished although her car was still parked next to the Golf. People slowly drifted off, Charlene left with some of the guys to go to a party. Kelly was invited too, but wanted to stay with Laura and Danielle. We had drunk too much to drive and decided we would have to stay the night. Kelly wanted to stay with us. Cindy's whereabouts were a mystery. Her car was still here; Jeremy's car was sparked behind his caravan. They had obviously had hit it off.

Eleven o clock came and Del and Grunt headed for their beds, they had a two and an half drive a head of themselves in the morning and wanted to make an early start. We made up the divan bed for Kelly and called it a night ourselves.

Chapter Sixty-Three

Sunday morning saw us saying goodbye to Del and Grunt, thanking them for their help. They wanted to beat the Sunday traffic heading up the coast and were gone before seven thirty. Cindy and Jeremy's cars were missing and I hoped Cindy was okay. With awning retracted and electrical lead rolled up, we headed off to find a McDonalds breakfast.

During breakfast I had a thought, we had the Winnebago till next Friday, why didn't we head off for a couple of days, Dubbo Zoo sprang to mind. I asked Kelly if she minded being boss for a couple of days. She was pretty sure she could handle it. Laura said she could have the Golf while we were away, so she didn't have to bus it.

After breakfast, we said goodbye to Kelly who then drove off in the Golf. We headed home to get more clothes, then headed west to the mountains and beyond.

 

§§§

 

Curtis watched his parents drive off, three hours to himself and he couldn't wait as he rushed to his parent's room. He laid his own clothes on the bed ready to put back on. The underwear draw beckoned; black panties, pantyhose and black bra. He took the items to the bed and quickly put them on, he wished that he could do something with the hair on his legs, but he dare not shave them, mum would understand, but not dad.

He went back to the drawer and balled up some pantyhose to stuff the bra cups, once he was satisfied with the shape, next stop was the wardrobe for shoes, a pair of four-inch court shoe with spiked heels. He slipped his feet in to the shoes, they were getting tight, twelve months ago they were a loose fit, he was afraid they would be too small very soon.

He admired himself in the full-length mirror, this was so cool. He rushed to the bathroom and his mother's cosmetics. He had been watching the sequence of everything off his mum when he could and had become quite proficient he thought. He loved the sound of the heels as they scraped on the tile floor as he moved in front of the mirror. Carefully he applied the foundation, powder, eyeliner and shadow, and then mascara. The blush and lipstick next, he was now shaking, how could he feel so good but so guilty.

Using some hair mousse and a brush he found he could fashion with some imagination a girl hairstyle. He touched his penis, which was now rock hard through the pantyhose, he wish he knew what to do with it when dressed so as not to create such a bulge. Maybe he would ask Jeff next time he rang.

He sashayed to the wardrobe and took out the cocktail dress his mother had caught him in; he carefully stepped in to it and after some gymnastics managed to get the zip up. He rushed to the mirror and took a deep breath. The dress came to mid thigh, it didn't quite hang right around his hips, but he looked pretty. His mum hadn't worn this for ages; she looked real good in it too. All his parents did is fight lately about dad's drinking and gambling.

He rushed to put some of his mum's perfume on and a gold necklace, a ring and bracelet. He practised his walk around the house, touching himself occasionally and wishing he could do this more often. He gingerly stepped out on to the back patio and walked across the concrete revelling in the noise of the stilettos on the hard surface.

He stepped back in to the house, just in time to hear the front door opening. The front door and back door were in line and Curtis could see his father silhouetted in the doorframe. His heart stood still, the three hours couldn't be up, could they?

George Miller turned after closing the screen door, stood still and stared. He was a big man, six four and overweight from an inactive job and drink. He leered at the young woman; Curtis still hadn't taken a breath.

So Curtis was starting to act like a man and attract girls. He licked his lips, "Curtis," he bellowed.

Curtis whimpered. He had heard his fathers' tirades many times of what he thought of poofs and drag queens.

"What's your name love?" he asked walking towards Curtis. The penny dropped, "What the fucking… that you Curtis?" he yelled. "Why you little poofter arsehole." He yelled again backhanding Curtis across the face, sending him flying in to the dining room.

Curtis tried to stand, but was too groggy. "Get up you fucking poofter." He yelled again trying to pull Curtis up, Curtis wobbled in the heels as he was pulled to his feet. Another backhand sent him flying in to the sideboard.

"Get the fuck up." George yelled over Curtis's inert body. He laid his boot in to the ribs. "Get the fuck up." He roared again.

"George…George, can't you find it?" Emily asked as she stepped in the front door. "On the sideboard."

"I've found something else." He yelled in reply.

Emily stood at the dining room door, "What did you say… Curtis?…What have you done?" she cried rushing to Curtis's side. "What have you done?…Curtis honey….Curtis."

"The little poofter deserved it… making a fool of a man. Did you know he was doing this?"

"Curtis honey…wake up."

George grabbed Emily by her blouse and pulled her up, "You knew about this? You fucking bitch." He said pushing her with force in to the sideboard, one of her ribs cracking, knocking the breath from her.

George grabbed Emily's purse from the table, which they had returned to the house for, emptied the cash in to his pockets, "Going to the rubbity***. Clean up the mess."

Emily groaned as she heard the front screen door slam and the car race off down the street. She desperately wanted to help Curtis, she caught her breath and pushed herself upright. She had to ring for an ambulance, he hadn't moved, but seemed to be breathing. Managing to stand, Emily went to the kitchen; dialled 000 and the operator took the details.

Emily went back to Curtis, she didn't know what to do, how to help, she just hoped the ambulance wasn't too far away.

"Emily…you okay…Emily." Emily's next-door neighbour called from the front door. "I heard the yelling, it didn't sound good."

Emily went to the front door, "Oh Faye…" Emily burst into tears. "Curtis…George…such a mess. The ambulance will be here in the minute."

"Ambulance? What's happened?"

Emily led Faye to the dining room, "Oh my god…Curtis. I saw her ...him out on the patio a bit earlier. Didn't realise. Curtis honey…Curtis." She asked the prone form.

"Do you think he will be okay?"

"I think so, he's still breathing…its regular…Emily, I think it's time you got out of here."

"How."

"Doesn't matter how, but if you stay here, I don't think it's going to help Curtis or yourself."

Emily broke down into tears. "I've got nowhere to go, no car." She sobbed.

"Get your sister over here, we pack up all we can…it's not like there's lots, her husband got a trailer or something?"

"I think so…I'll wait till Curtis is better."

"I was thinking now ….he comes back from wherever …it'll be on again. Emily you know you have too."

"I know, I know."

"Anybody home." A voice called from the front door.

"Thank god." Emily ran to the front door. "I didn't hear a siren?"

"Turned it off at the end of the street, I'm Josie, this is Paul, where's our patient?"

"In here." Paul and Josie followed with their tools of trade.

"What's her name?"

"Curtis, he's my son."

Paul and Josie ignored the gender and went to work, "Curtis… can you hear me ….what happened here?" Josie asked.

"His father …not sure…that's where I found him." Emily answered.

"There was a lot of yelling …I think he took exception to the way he is dressed." Faye added.

"Blood pressure, a bit low…breathing regular…pulse fifty five." Paul intoned.

"Will he be alright?"

"Vital signs are okay. A lot of bruising and maybe a busted rib, plus the unconscious. We'll have to take him to hospital. Do you want to get the gurney Paul?" Josie asked.

"Yep."

"Do you want him to go like this? It'll only take a minute to strip him. Grab some shorts for him please."

While Josie deftly stripped Curtis, while Emily grabbed some shorts from his room. The shorts were quickly put on and Curtis was transferred to the gurney.

"Can I ride with him?" Emily asked.

"Sure."

"Emily, what about the other thing we were talking about. You can't come back here?" Faye questioned.

Emily frowned. So much going on, deep down she knew Faye was right. George would drink and gamble the four hundred dollars from her purse but wouldn't come home till it was gone. His mood would be no better, if not worse. "I know you're right Faye, but how? Curtis needs me."

"We've got boxes in the garage from when Stella moved out, show me what you want packed and see if your sister can come over and help."

"Missus Miller we need to go, I'm sorry." Josie called.

Faye told Josie the problem. "Well he is stable, quick as you can."

Emily rang her sister, once the problem was explained, she quickly packed a small bag for herself and Curtis; and then showed Faye what had to be packed. A little over ten minutes later they were on the way to Westmead Children's Hospital.

 

End of Part 14 (to be continued)

 

Schooner-Fifteen ounce glass of beer.

** Smoko-Slang for a work break. Usually morning tea.

*** Rubbity-Rhyming slang for pub (hotel).

This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  

  

  

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