by Ron Thomas
‘What did you do?’ Meggsie asked.
‘Guido is family. What else could I do? I moved little Federico’s bed back in with us and Guido took over his bedroom. I know Benito hated it, but he didn’t say anything. He knew I had to look after my family. Of course, we didn’t own the fruit shop then. It was owned by old Sam Agnelli, and it was quite rundown. Benito worked for Lou Ricci’s father. You know Lou; he works at the market. His father was called Lou too, and he helped Benito get started with Sam, and finally, with some help from Yosef Abrahams, Benito bought Sam out. That’s another story. Anyway, Guido worked at the markets for a week and already caused fights. That put an end to that. After that, we didn’t see so much of Guido. He didn’t pay any rent, but he expected a bed when he needed it. Then I found I was pregnant again, with Alessia. It was a perfect excuse to tell him that it was time to go find somewhere else to live, and next thing he was gone, thanks to God. We found he’d gone to Melbourne. I was so relieved.’
‘Then he must have come back,’ Meggsie prompted.
‘Yes. By then, my dear mama and papa had both died and Claudia was on the way. I suppose I didn’t feel as much obligation to Guido as I did to my children. We’d moved to this house by then, and we were doing well in the fruit shop, praise God. I told Guido I was pregnant again, and that we didn’t have room for him. I know Benito felt quite badly about that. He’s such a softy, my Benito. I was the hard one. I knew Guido was involved with the Camorra.’
Meggsie had never heard of the Camorra. Before he could make up his mind whether to ask or not, Therese saw the look on his face and went on.
‘The Camorra is organised crime. That’s not what they call it here, but names don’t matter much. I didn’t think Guido would be a suitable influence on my children.’ She sat for a moment, and Meggsie could see that, probably because she knew that he admired Guido, she was deciding whether to say more. Then she turned and looked him in the eye.
‘Gilberto, I think that you know already that my Uncle Guido has dark angels hovering over him. They sit on his shoulder and speak dark things to him. I know you look up to him, but I must tell you straight. I know him better than he knows himself, and one day his angels will lead him into their dark places, and it won’t turn out well for my uncle. I can’t change that, Gilberto, and neither can anyone else, least of all you. I’ve tried to keep my family out of Guido’s affairs, and as you can see, Benito’s been caught up in it. Guido does bad things and Benito ends up all burned!’ Suddenly, tears were flowing freely down Therese Battaglia’s cheeks, and she began groping for a handkerchief.
‘Excuse me,’ she blurted and hurried off in the direction of the bathroom.
Therese was gone for some time and it gave Meggsie ample opportunity to mull over all the things she’d said. It was already apparent to him that Guido Caletti’s ambitions focused on no one’s benefit but his own. Therese had called it dark angels, and it was a description that resonated with him. Meggsie mulled over Guido’s toughness and contempt for those he could bully. Four months in Guido’s house had taught him that it hadn’t bought Caletti many of the things that Meggsie was fast beginning to value.
His thoughts inevitably lead him to Nellie Cameron, so bright, so gay, so intent on living life to the full. But in the weeks when Guido was in gaol and he shared her black hours, he’d learnt that Nellie had her dark angels too.
It occurred to Meggsie now, that Benito, on the other hand, had been the one who had established many deep and lasting friendships, and most of all the love of his family. These were things that neither Guido nor Nellie would ever have. Guido and Nellie, both bold as brass on the outside, were both sad and uncertain on the inside.
Meggsie had never been one to look too far ahead, but by the time Therese returned, Meggsie had thought deeply about the future, and he knew he was at a crossroads.
‘Sorry, Gilberto. I worry so much. Without Benito here with me, I’m afraid for the children, and I’m even more afraid for myself,’ she explained. When Meggsie was sitting in the hospital beside his friend’s bed, he’d often thought about the possible outcomes of Benito’s coma, but now Therese’s fears became his fears. Wanting desperately to comfort her, he had to say something.
‘Benito will be well again. I know it. He’s getting better! He will fight for all he’s worth to come back to you. That’s what I’d do. I know he’ll be alright.’ Therese came to him and they hugged. The sound of footsteps from the hallway interrupted them.
‘I couldn’t get to sleep. I need a glass of water, Mum.’ Claudia said. It was the first time Meggsie had seen her in her night attire, and he had trouble not staring at her.
‘Come here, child,’ Therese said quietly. ‘Join in our hug.’ Meggsie could see that her eyes were brimming with tears again.
Chapter 37
The Road Back
They arrived to find that although Benito’s bed was tilted up so that he was almost in a sitting position, he was sound asleep and snoring gently. Federico and Meggsie each pulled up chairs on opposite sides of the bed as they had done so many times before. Today, they had plenty to talk about, but with Benito asleep, they waited for some time, hesitant to wake him. With time passing, they began to realise they risked being late for their meeting with Yosef.
‘Perhaps we should wake him up,’ Federico suggested, looking at his watch.
Or maybe just start talking to him,’ Meggsie replied. Federico nodded and turned to his father.
‘Benny’s is back in business, Papa,’ Federico began. ‘The grand opening was a roaring success. All your mates were there. Fred Loughlin, Lou Ricci, Charlie West, Dick, lots of them. We sold out three times and your mates went back and brought extra stock.’
‘All your customers came in. Mrs Riley came in about half way through the morning, then she came back in the afternoon. Mrs Worthington sends her best regards, and says to tell you we’re looking after her, but it’s time you got back on the job. She’s bringing you a fruitcake. Moe came in and helped for an hour or so. Darby Maddocks says there’s going to be an article in The Truth about it all.’ Benito seemed to stir, and Meggsie and Federico glanced at each other.
‘Your friend Mr Abrahams send his regards,’ Meggsie said.
With stunning abruptness, Benito Battaglia’s eyes opened, and time stood still.
‘Did you go and see Yosef about the money, like I told you?’ Benito asked, his voice clear and strong.
‘Yes, yes we did. He’s helping us.’ Suddenly Federico and Meggsie were shaking Benito’s hands, and tears were flowing freely.
‘You remember telling us to go and see Yosef?’ Federico asked, doubting what he was hearing.
‘Yes of course. I remember everything.’
‘Do you remember telling us to use the Thornycroft?’
Benito seemed to be searching his brain for an answer. ‘I don’t remember anything about that,’ he said, shaking his head. ‘Now, I just want to see Therese and my girls.’
‘I’ll go and get them, Papa. Gilbert will stay with you,’ Federico said, getting to his feet. He almost collided with the nurse as he left the room. She noticed that Benito was awake.
‘Mister Battaglia!’ she exclaimed, approaching the bed. ‘You’re back with us! How marvellous!’
‘And I’m very pleased to meet you, Nurse Iris,’ Benito replied. Meggsie was amazed that in just that second, Benito had read her nametag.
‘I must get the doctor. He’ll be very pleased to see you awake.’ With that, she hurried out the door, and Meggsie could hear her running feet down the corridor.
‘I’ll go and get Mum,’ Federico said apologetically, and followed her.
As Meggsie and Benito chatted, it became clear that Benito had been aware of many of the things Federico and he had discussed, while he had no memory at all of others.
‘Mr Battaglia,’ the doctor said, smiling widely when he saw Benito sitting up. ‘I’m Paul Jarvis. I’ve been looking after you. You look remarka
bly well. How do you feel?’
‘A bit sore. Itchy here and there, and thirsty. My throat’s as dry as an old boot.’
‘We can fix that soon enough. We’ll have to check you over, but by the look of you, you’re on the mend.’
‘That’s good. I remember you saying to my wife that I mightn’t make it.’
The doctor was taken by surprise. ‘Did I really say that?’ he asked, flustered.
‘My word you did. It seems a long time ago, though. My son has gone to give her the news, and I’m-a hoping she’ll be here soon.’
‘Well, Mister Battaglia. If I had any doubts, they are gone now. We’d better get you ready for visitors, hadn’t we? I expect we’ll have you walking around the ward within the week.’ He turned to Meggsie.
‘If you give us twenty minutes or so, I’ll give him a check over. By the way, I have put another half dozen car magazines out in the waiting room. Nurse Parry tells me you’ve almost read the print off the other ones. There’s an article about the Mille Miglia.’
Meggsie grinned. ‘Thanks so much,’ he said gratefully.
‘Us car nuts have to stick together,’ the doctor replied enthusiastically. ‘I’ve just acquired a Standard Avon, myself. I’m going to race it in the time trials.’
Meggsie’s eyes widened. He’d never actually seen an Avon except in magazines, but he’d read enough about it.
‘I saw you in the green MG outside the other day. Pretty car!’ The chatty doctor continued.’
‘Yes,’ Meggsie said, beaming. ‘It’s not mine,’ he added, somewhat superfluously.
‘Anyway, I’d better get on with it, before his wife comes,’ the doctor said. ‘No doubt she’ll want to see him the moment she gets here.’
***
Meggsie heard the burbling tone of the mufflers of the MG and the crunch of tyres on the gravel outside, then Therese came running through the waiting room and disappeared up the corridor before Meggsie could stop her. A few seconds later, Federico came, saw Meggsie, and threw his arms up in mock despair.
‘She jumped out before the car had stopped,’ he complained. ‘Come on!’
They found Therese lying across Benito, sobbing in her relief. His arms were around her, and he was patting the back of her head, as the bemused doctor could only look on. He turned to Federico and Meggsie, who had stopped in the doorway.
‘His vital signs are remarkably strong,’ the doctor said. ‘If he keeps improving, he should be able to go home sometime late next week.’
***
Excitement had been building for a week in the Battaglia household, and Therese had been fussing and cleaning and preparing, even though everything had been in readiness for days. Alessia and Claudia had hand-painted a huge ‘Welcome Home’ sign that was stretched across the front of the house.
The ambulance had barely come to a stop when the back of it was surrounded by excited family members, with neighbours adding to the melee. Surprisingly, it was Doctor Jarvis who leapt from the passenger’s seat and opened the back doors. Benito was seated in a wheelchair, held in place by heavy straps. It was all Jarvis and the driver could do to stop the family invading the ambulance. Once released, they took over and wheeled him triumphantly into the house. Meggsie stood with Paul Jarvis and watched.
‘I came to explain how to look after him,’ Jarvis explained, looking somewhat dismayed. ‘They need to know how to apply the salve to his burns and how to exercise him. He needs to walk short distances three time a day, and gradually extend that until he doesn’t need the chair at all. That could take a week or two. I need to explain all that.’
‘Good luck with that, amongst this excitement,’ Meggsie said, smiling. ‘Why don’t you come in and have a drink until things settle down, and then you can try to explain it all to Therese?’
‘The ambulance has to go back,’ the ambulance driver objected.
‘We can bring Dr Jarvis back in the MG once he’s explained things.’
Paul Jarvis gave a resigned shrug towards the driver and followed Meggsie into the house.
Chapter 38
A Fruit and Veg Executive
From its humble beginning, Benny’s Fruit-Market-on-a-truck prospered. Every trader at the Haymarket wanted to see that they had the best deals. Benito’s customers responded and business grew. For Meggsie and Federico, the work was tiring and unrelenting, but it was rewarding work.
Twice a week, Tuesdays and Fridays, Meggsie and Federico went down to Abrahams Affordable Apparel Emporium, ate bagels, and discussed developments. Always, Yosef’s advice was sound, and he convinced them that Benny’s could be bigger and better than ever. Importantly, he knew and understood every clause of the insurance policy and pursued the claim relentlessly on their behalf.
Two weeks after opening day, the charred remains of the fire were cleared away and replaced by brightly-painted display stands, purchased second-hand for cheap prices at the Haymarket. Another week later, they erected a large tarpaulin over part of the site, in an only partially successful attempt to keep out the weather.
Benito’s health was improving day-by day, under Therese’s constant supervision. He was putting on weight and walking further each day. Cheekily, he began to suggest that, while he was still effectively wheelchair-bound, he was ready to return to work.
***
‘I think I’ll have to take a year off university,’ Federico said, with a mouthful of Limoncello tart. ‘Term starts the week after next. We’re flat out at the shop. I can’t do both.’
Meggsie glanced from Benito to Therese and their dismayed looks told him that their dreams for their son were very dear to them.
‘I don’t think you should, Fed. It’s important,’ Meggsie found himself saying. ‘I’ll find a way to handle the shop.’
‘You haven’t got your driver’s licence and can’t get it for another five months at best. How would you get the stock from the market?’
‘I’ll find a way,’ Meggsie replied, trying to sound confident, though he had no idea how he would solve the myriad problems of the shop by himself.
‘I’m about ready to come back to work,’ Benito replied. ‘All I’m doing is sitting around here being fussed over.’
‘Over my dead body,’ Therese interjected. ‘You aren’t going anywhere until the doctors give you a clearance.’
‘They don’t know how I feel,’ Benito grumbled, but Meggsie could tell that he accepted that his argument was lost. Alessia chimed in.
‘We could help out,’ she said hopefully.
‘You’ve both got important years at school,’ Therese said. The tone of her voice told them that school wasn’t negotiable.
‘Perhaps you could come in Saturday mornings. It’s always busy then,’ Meggsie suggested. ‘That would be an enormous help.’
‘But you can’t do everything yourself, Gilbert, that’s clear. It’s impossible,’ Federico declared. ‘I’d better take a gap year. Lots of students do, you know.’ Meggsie looked at Benito’s face and knew immediately how deeply he felt about having a son who would one day be a smart lawyer. Suddenly, the thought struck him that Benito feared that if Federico skipped a year of study, he may never go back and finish his degree.
‘No!’ he said, raising his voice. ‘You have to go back to uni, Fed. I’ll find a way. Fruit shopping isn’t complicated. I’ll find someone to help me, I’ll find a way.’
‘Well, we can’t decide now. It’s-a my bedtime,’ Benito declared, and rolled his wheelchair towards the door. As the chair disappeared into the darkness of the hall, he shouted over his shoulder.
‘We’ve got another week. Plenty of time! By then I’ll be out of this wheelchair and ready to get on the job!’ Therese could only shake her head.
***
Meggsie lay awake for some hours, mulling over the problems. The thought of running the shop was both exciting and challenging. Of course, he had Benito for advice, but he knew Therese wouldn’t allow him to do more than that until he was well.
He needed daily help in the shop, too, and help with the money, and a driver. Finally, he drifted off to sleep, dreamt fitfully and woke early. As Federico drove towards the market, Meggsie wondering what he planned, decided to take the initiative.
‘I reckon that the blokes at the market would deliver our stuff if we asked,’ he suggested, as the Thornycroft rumbled down George Street behind a tram. ‘They said that they’d be happy to help get Benny’s back in business. That’s how they can help.’ Federico glanced sharply at Meggsie, then crunched the gears as he downshifted.
‘We won’t need to do that,’ Federico said tersely.
‘Is that the only reason you are staying here? So you can drive a bunch of smelly vegetables around? Your degree is more important than that. Your father worked hard to get you this far. You can’t let him down now. Any dummy can drive a truck.’
‘Except you, because you’re too young. I’ll still get my degree,’ Federico replied grumpily. ‘I don’t need advice, so you can just get off my back.’ They subsided into an tense, uneasy silence.
To save time, Federico and Meggsie had an agreed division of labour. Federico took the truck and bought vegetables while Meggsie concentrated on fruit. As they often did, they went their own way, each with a shopping list of items. Meggsie headed for where Fred Loughlin and Lou Ricci had adjacent, competing stands. He always made a point of sharing his business between them.
‘How goes it, son,’
Fred Loughlin greeted him as he did most mornings. ‘How’s Benny coming along?’
