by Fiona Palmer
Randall gave Ryan the nod as he held the case closer to his body. Yep, the payment had been made, the girl was now Cigar Man’s. Ryan reached for the girl and, instead of letting her make the trek alone, he guided her to the man’s side. Each step was like walking over shards of glass. His body wanted to resist it completely, his heart was aching in pain for this innocent girl, yet he had to continue. He was still a long way off being able to bring down Jamison’s empire and reach. Saving one girl would sacrifice hundreds more. He had to keep thinking of the bigger picture.
He let the girl go and tried to avoid her eyes as she latched onto him for help.
‘Nice doing business with you,’ said Randall. He gestured for the door with a nod of his head and Ryan quickly led the way.
He couldn’t look back. But his heart broke for what the girl was about to endure and he hoped she was strong enough to survive until they could make all these sick, twisted, money-hungry bastards pay.
In the car, Randall turned to him as Wilkins drove out of the Cigar Man’s estate. ‘Well done, Reece.’
‘No worries. That seemed easy enough. No complications.’ He tried to keep his voice even and hoped the injustice he felt wasn’t noticeable.
‘Can we call on you again?’
This was a test. It was more than just a simple question. Randall was asking if he was up to this kind of business. This was his chance to run if he hadn’t liked what he saw, it was his out.
‘Yes. I’m your man for the job.’ Reliable, trustworthy and confidential was the man he tried to portray.
Randall’s lips twitched and he nodded. ‘Good.’
Ryan glanced out the back window, looking for tails, but he really needed a moment. The only thing that kept him going was Jaz and the fact that the agency would take every little detail he could gather to sink these bastards. He just hoped he was there when they took them down.
Chapter 22
‘Jeni, you’re going to wear away the wood if you keep that up,’ said Ted.
Jaz looked down at the bar top, her hand had been rubbing circles with the cloth while she’d been staring towards the front door in a daze. It had been over a month since she’d kissed Ryan in the change room, and he’d only come to the pub twice since then.
It had been a long two months.
Jaz was feeling worn out. Mainly because she was training hard to let out her frustrations. She would have taken on that fight that Cody suggested, but the problem being if she won it could mean some attention and right now she couldn’t have that. What if Bud saw it, or Ted? She had to stay low-key. Besides, the way she was feeling she’d win that fight hands down. She was itching for a fight. A pub brawl, anything! But the facial bruises might not bode well for work.
Anna had suggested she go and do a meditation class by the ocean. That might give her an hour of reprieve. But the comment had given her an idea and making the most of the summer weather, Jaz had asked Cody to teach her to surf.
‘Sure thing, shark bait,’ had been his reply.
That was three weeks ago and even now Jaz couldn’t wait for tomorrow morning. Cody was right, there was something amazing about the power of a wave, the salty water and fresh air.
‘Can I get a beer, love?’ said Bert. ‘You okay, Jeni?’
Jaz threw the cloth over her shoulder and moved to get a glass. ‘Yeah, I’m good thanks, Bert. Just a bit preoccupied today.’
She gave him his beer and then got his change.
It was at the end of the night, hopefully that would be Bert’s last beer before he left and she could close up. Bud was still over by the pool table, waiting for her return.
Jaz headed there now, she’d been spending a lot of time with Bud when he was at the pub. He hadn’t asked her out yet, she wasn’t sure why. She was hoping tonight she could drive him home for a chat. Just thinking that made her check the door again, waiting for Ryan to come striding in to save her from doing something reckless and dangerous. But he didn’t. It worried her that he hadn’t been in much, but on his last visit two weeks ago he’d managed to say a few words.
‘It’s harder to get to the pub now I’ve got some extra work finally happening,’ he’d said quietly but with emphasis.
It had just made Jaz more scared for him. It drove her nuts not being able to ask him what was happening. And if he couldn’t get to the pub then there were no more chances for them to meet up. It seemed as if their declaration of love was so long ago.
‘Hey, here’s my favourite girl,’ said Bud as she picked up the pool cue.
‘I thought you’d be home by now,’ she said with a coy smile.
He stumbled as he walked towards her. ‘Hmm, I’m not sure I want to leave just yet.’ He held out his hand and Jaz slipped hers into it.
‘Would you like me to drive you home? Or call you a taxi?’
Bud’s eyes shone with drunken happiness. ‘You’d do that for me?’ He put the pool cue down on the table and reached up to touch her hair. ‘It’s like silk. Black as a pearl and silky.’
Jaz couldn’t help but step away as she covered the move by hanging up the pool cue. She couldn’t bear Bud to touch her hair like that. That was reserved for Ryan. From now on she was going to plait it or keep it in a topknot.
‘Come on, let me drive you home. I make a mean coffee,’ she said with a smile.
Bud threw his arm over her shoulder and she was doused with his strong deodorant, something like Brut, as if he was compensating for something.
‘You’re too good to me, Jeni. I do like you lots,’ he said, blinking slowly.
‘Just wait outside for a bit while I see if I can leave early.’ Plus it would sober him up a fraction so hopefully they could have a bit of a conversation.
‘Ted, is it okay if I knock off early please? I’ve emptied the bin and cleaned up out back already.’
‘Sure, I can handle Bert.’
‘Thanks.’ She kissed his cheek before grabbing her backpack and heading outside to Bud. ‘Right, where’s your car, Bud?’
‘This way.’
It was a warm night, Jaz enjoyed the fresh air and didn’t feel cold at all in her shorts and black singlet. The streetlights led them to a car parked on the side of the road. It was a black Pontiac Trans AM. ‘This is yours?’ It was beautiful.
‘Yep. Always wanted one.’
‘Oh my God, Bud. It’s gorgeous.’
Bud had a grin from ear to ear.
‘You sure you want me to drive it?’
He fished out his keys and handed them to her. ‘I trust you, Jeni.’
A little voice in her head said maybe he shouldn’t.
They got in and Jaz started the car. Its rumble was loud so late at night, but it did sound pretty cool. ‘Where to?’
Bud gave her directions and soon she was pulling up at a house not far from Jamison’s house. She’d hoped he lived on the main estate, giving her access to see more. But this brick and tile home would have to be it.
‘This your place or do you rent?’ she asked Bud as she parked out the front. The lawn off to the side looked neat and tidy.
‘Na, work provides it. I stay here with two other workmates. Stevo is here too.’
‘Is he the gardener or you?’ she asked.
Bud laughed and laughed. Eventually he stopped to reply. ‘Na, that’s all Stevo. He is the grounds keeper and that includes this place. The boss is all for appearances so the place has to stay neat.’ Bud opened his door. ‘So you gonna make me that great coffee?’
There was her invite inside.
‘Sure. Let’s go.’
Bud ended up giving her the keys to open up his front door after a few tries. ‘Quit while I’m ahead, hey,’ he said with a chuckle.
His hand rested on her back as she opened the door, and then he led her to the kitchen, still holding her. Together they got their coffees sorted while whispering so as not to wake up Stevo and the other housemate.
‘Let’s take this into the lounge. We can shut the
door.’
Careful, her head screamed in warning, but she was sure he just meant for the noise.
Jaz didn’t want Bud to think he had a chance tonight. She didn’t want to have to knock him back, or even knock him flat on his arse if he wouldn’t take no for an answer. She’d set back whatever progress she’d made with him.
‘How long you lived here?’ Jaz asked, sitting beside him on the blue sofa so they could talk quietly.
‘Three years. I got a good job, it pays well, I’m happy,’ he said. His eyes were still glazed, and shining from the lamp by the sofa that threw soft light across the room.
It was a plain room, no personal photos. Just the main items, TV, wall art, magazines on the table and someone’s clothes draped over the nearby chair.
‘So you have a good boss then. Ted’s a good boss. I’m quite fond of him,’ said Jaz before sipping her coffee. She’d watched carefully to make sure Bud didn’t slip something into it. Can never be too careful.
‘Yeah, Jamison’s okay. Don’t get to deal too much with him. He has a guy who looks after all of us. Randy, we call him,’ said Bud with a smirk, as if he’d just defied someone.
‘Has this Randy been to The Duke?’ she asked.
‘Na, he’s hardcore, hey. Takes his job too bloody seriously.’
‘I haven’t seen much of Reece and Wilkins at the pub. Those guys still working with you?’ Jaz looked into her cup, less to give away if he couldn’t see her expression.
‘Yeah, they’re still around. Randy has them doing extra stuff so they are busy when we go to the pub. Kinda sucks that Reece is new and gets jumped up the food chain and he doesn’t even have one of these,’ he said, holding out his wrist.
‘What’s that? It is cool,’ said Jaz, putting down her cup on the coffee table so she could hold his hand and take a better look at the tattoo. ‘I’ve noticed it a few times. I like the circular snake design. Which tattooist did it?’
Bud shook his head. ‘It’s a special guy they get in to do it so it can’t be replicated. Boss don’t want this to get out in the public,’ said Bud slowly.
His eyes were closed as Jaz was gently massaging the skin near the tattoo.
‘Hmm, you have magic hands, Jeni,’ he mumbled.
He was falling asleep. Jaz took the cup from his hand and put it on the table.
His eyes sprang open as her hands left his. ‘Hey, where are you going?’
‘Home, it’s been a big night. Thanks for the coffee.’ She didn’t want to pump him for too much info, just in case the others in the house could hear them.
‘But I have so many questions for you?’
‘Ha, you’ve asked me just about everything at the pub while we play pool. It’s you who I know nothing about,’ she said.
‘You wanna know more about me?’ He smiled. He wasn’t bad looking when he wasn’t trying so hard.
‘Yes. That would be nice. All I know is you have a job and you drive a Trans AM.’
‘I have a brother who is in prison, the family don’t talk about him much. My parents live up north in Geraldton. I had a pet dog call Chester but he died two years ago and I miss him. Not much else to know.’ He smiled sheepishly.
Jaz grinned back at him. Then rested her hand on his leg as she leant over and kissed him on the cheek.
‘What was that for?’ His eyes were fully awake now.
‘I like you, Bud. You’re a nice guy. But I need to get home before my flatmate worries.’
‘Here, take my car home,’ he said, trying to stand up to see her out.
‘It’s okay, I’ll get a taxi.’ She called one and gave the address before Bud could fight her on it. No point taking his car unless she could bug it and she didn’t have any gear for that. But she did have access to his house now, so it was a possibility for later.
Bud was sweet and waited with her outside until the taxi turned up. Gave him a bit of time to sober up too.
He held the taxi door open for her. ‘Hey, Jeni. Would you think about going out with me sometime?’ he asked as he pressed a fifty-dollar note into her hand. ‘For the taxi,’ he added.
Jaz gave him a hug as she said, ‘Thank you. And Bud, I don’t need to think about it. I’d like to go out with you sometime.’ She got into the taxi and he closed the door.
He watched her depart, not moving from the spot by the kerb and wearing the goofiest grin. Jaz wondered what would happen from here. And, as usual, she felt that stab of unease at leading Bud on and using him like she did Marcus. Sometimes her job was hard.
***
The next morning Jaz was up early as per Cody’s instructions. He’d picked her up in his beat-up Jeep, her new surfboard strapped to the top next to his, and they headed north up the coast to Trigg Beach.
Cody parked and then they got their boards down. Cody’s board was a nice fibreglass board with sharp fins and a sharp nose, while Jaz was still using an eight-foot softboard. He’d said the thicker board provided more floatation so paddling and catching a wave was easier. So in theory she could catch more waves and become a better surfer. ‘You can get a fibreglass one like mine when you are past the stage of hitting yourself in the head with it while you’re learning,’ he’d said.
Jaz tucked her blue board under her arm and looked out to the ocean, a slight breeze flicking her hair about her naked shoulders. She wore a black triangle bikini and her wetsuit was bunched at her waist, ready to pull up.
‘Isn’t it the most perfect thing you’ll ever see this time of the morning,’ said Cody, coming to stand beside her in the same pose. His body was bronzed from the sun, his abs conditioned from the surfing and fighting.
‘Yeah, it’s not bad. Race you there,’ said Jaz, taking off down to the beach. Cody yelling out behind her, trying to catch up.
There were only a couple of other surfers at the beach this morning. Cody said that wintertime the conditions were the best and this place ‘went off’. Jaz hoped that by wintertime next year she’d be up to riding some of those great waves.
Sinking her feet into the wet sand, she put her board down to do up her wetsuit and strap on the leg rope.
‘You ready?’ said Cody. His blond mop brushed across his face.
She could see the passion in his eyes, just how much joy surfing brought him. Jaz didn’t understand it before, but after all their surfing together she was starting to get it.
They paddled out and sat on the boards floating, waiting for a wave. The strength of the ocean current moved around her, the salty water building into a wave. The briny smell and the squawk of nearby seagulls added to the tranquillity as the sun started to rise from the city side. Jaz realised just how much she needed this moment, this time out to recharge her batteries. She’d been working hard lately, training and getting closer to Bud. And while that was happening she was thinking, more like worrying, about Ryan. If she didn’t have these moments to appreciate life she’d end up run-down mentally.
‘Switch on, Jaz, this ride has your name on it. Paddle hard and pop.’
Jaz did as she was told. Having strong arms made the paddling easy and her balance was already good due to her fighting and core strength. Seawater splashed in her face as she paddled hard, caught the wave and jumped up. It was thrilling, riding a wave, and Jaz tried to move her board about, getting familiar with the movements and trying to stay upright.
She could hear Cody cheering her on. He was getting such a kick out of seeing her surf, and having someone to share it with.
Jaz and Cody caught as many waves as they could until she was feeling exhausted. That desire to wait for the next great wave was a hard thing to give up, but eventually they headed to shore. As usual, because their stomachs were groaning for food.
‘Not a bad morning of surf, hey?’ said Cody as he pulled off his wetsuit. He stood in a pair of black surf shorts that clung to his wet legs.
‘It was awesome. Did you see me on that last wave? Think I’m really getting the hang of it.’ She couldn’t keep the s
mile from her face, or her voice.
‘You are a natural sportswoman, Jaz. I doubt there isn’t anything you couldn’t pick up quickly.’
‘Cooking and computers. I’m shit at both,’ she said with a chuckle.
‘Yep, I’ll think twice if you invite me for dinner then.’ He winked. ‘I’ll get our stuff.’ He jogged back to his ute, returning soon with their towels and an esky.
They sat on their towels as the full sun dried them. The beach was busier now, with beach walkers and sandcastle builders.
Cody opened the esky and pulled out a cold iced coffee drink, which he passed to Jaz. ‘I also packed your favourite.’
Jaz took the long paper-wrapped roll he held out, her mouth instantly drooling. ‘Bacon and egg wrap? Damn, Cody, you are a man of many talents. When do I get to go to your house for dinner?’ she said while undoing the brekkie wrap.
‘I do breakfasts well, the rest, not so much. I kind of stick to the three P’s. Pasta, pies and potatoes.’ He opened his drink and took a big scull.
Jaz laughed at his list of cooking ingredients.
This was becoming a ritual for them, surf then eat together while lying on the beach. She could see the appeal to his lifestyle. ‘Were you on duty last night?’ she asked him.
‘Yeah. Stayed out till midnight then Jack took over.’
‘Jack?’
‘Good bloke, mid-thirties. I’m sure you’ll meet him one day.’
‘Seems like there are so many working for the agency that I don’t know.’
Cody shrugged as he unwrapped his breakfast. ‘It’s the way they like it. But over time, with different ops and missions, you end up meeting the main ones. There are still heaps who just do simple observing jobs. Ears on the ground kind of dudes who bring in information we can run with.’
Jaz nodded as she finished her mouthful. ‘So nothing happened at the warehouse?’ Cody had been sent to watch over a warehouse/shed that Ryan had notified them about. It belonged to Jamison and was something new to keep an eye on. Jaz like the fact they were all working to bring down Jamison.
