The Mission

by Fiona Palmer

  Jaz covered her face with her hand. ‘My God, you’re as loony as I am. You’ll fit right in with my friends,’ she said. Jaz got out of the car and leaned in the open window. ‘I’ll see you Sat. Thanks for this afternoon. I had a good time.’

  ‘Me too, Jaz.’

  As he drove away, Jaz couldn’t help hoping Saturday came quickly. Talking with someone new was refreshing and exciting. It helped fill the void of missing Anna. For the first time in weeks, Jaz could overcome her desire to go to The Ring to check for a message from Ryan. Instead, she went to get the skateboard for some practise. And it was kind of fun.

  Chapter 8

  Jaz spotted Taylor out the front of the school. His shoulders were slightly hunched, not his normal square strong stance. Minka was beside him talking, maybe she was causing the deflated posture? She always made Jaz feel like ripping her own ears off so she didn’t have to listen to her fake nasally voice.

  But as she arrived at his side she realised, from Taylor’s glassy-eyed expression, that he wasn’t hearing a word Minka was saying. Personally, Jaz thought Minka brought that on with everyone.

  ‘Hey Tay,’ she said touching his arm. ‘Minka.’ That was as close to a ‘hello’ that Jaz could muster.

  Minka was the Barbie doll image but with an evil Morticia inside. Her nails resembled talons and her perfect blonde hair would turn into slithering snakes, given half a chance.

  ‘Hi Jaz,’ said Taylor softly. Minka turned her head away from them as if someone had called her. Jaz was past taking offence to Minka’s bitchy ways.

  ‘You wanna do something this arvo? Anna’s with Ricky.’ Taylor flinched and Jaz wished she’d kept that last bit of info to herself.

  ‘We can go out on our boat, or the jetskis, Tay,’ said Minka, who apparently was now involved in their conversation. Minka gave his arm a squeeze. ‘Come on. It will cheer you up. Some of the crew are coming too.’

  By crew, Jaz knew she meant her loyal minions and the guys who they thought deserved their attention. But she didn’t know Taylor very well, because when he wasn’t happy the last thing he wanted was a crowd.

  ‘Na, I’ll think I’ll pass, Minks. I said I’d drive Jaz home anyway,’ said Taylor as he glanced at Jaz.

  ‘Oh, okay. Well, you just text me if you change your mind.’

  Minka would ooze into a pool of maple syrup if she was any sweeter. Maple syrup laced with an acid-eating component, more like it.

  Taylor nodded and looped his hand in Jaz’s as they walked to his car, through the crowd of leaving students.

  Jaz nudged his shoulder. ‘You okay, Tay? You’ve been a bit quiet lately. Even Anna was worried.’ That got his attention.

  ‘Really? I didn’t think she knew what happened outside the Ricky atmosphere.’ Taylor saw her expression and lowered his eyes. ‘Sorry, it’s been a weird few days, that’s all.’ Taylor unlocked his car and they threw their bags in the back before getting into the front. ‘You wanna come back to my place for a bit? I don’t feel like doing much but I don’t want to do it alone.’

  ‘Sure, why not. I have no plans. So tell me, what’s been going on with you?’ Jaz wondered if it was just Anna that was getting to him. Did she dare ask?

  Taylor started the car and let out a sigh that would fill a hot air balloon. ‘It’s Dad. He’s been a bit stressed lately and I’m worried.’

  ‘Oh, in what way?’

  ‘His fuse is short, he seems scatty and preoccupied.’ He shrugged, pulling onto the main road. ‘I’ve never seen him like this, but he assures me it’s just work getting a bit thick at the moment. I guess its hard work when you’re the Deputy Commissioner of Operations. I guess I forget to stop and think about just what he deals with every day, you know. We go to school and he’s doing all the hard cop stuff.’

  ‘Yeah, and your dad being at the top would make him accountable for so much. Maybe he just needs a bit of space and time?’

  ‘That’s what I’m hoping. Anyway, enough about me and my woes. What about you? Who have you been flat out texting in class, and don’t try to deny it. It wasn’t me and wasn’t Anna cos we were all in that class.’

  Her heart lurched and her palms felt clammy. Jaz glanced out the window as she decided what to say. Keep it normal. That’s what James had said. Okay then. Turning back to Taylor she smiled. ‘Well, aren’t you just Mr Clever Pants. Anyone tell you you’d make a good cop?’ she said with a laugh.

  ‘My dad. Constantly,’ he said with a smile. ‘So fess up. Who was he and don’t try and tell me it wasn’t a he. You were smiling and no one smiles in English. Was it Ryan?’

  Well, Jaz had been smiling. Now she felt awful. Taylor knew she liked Ryan. What would he think about her and Marcus? ‘No, it wasn’t Ryan. We, well, let’s just say that “we” will never be a “we”.’ Taylor’s concern splashed across his face as he glanced at her. ‘But don’t worry, I’m okay. I’ve actually met this guy, Marcus. He goes to Scotch and he seems nice.’

  ‘Oh, I see. How did you meet him?’

  ‘Let’s just say I bumped into him, spilt my coffee, I had to borrow his shirt and we’ve been talking ever since. But it’s just new. It isn’t anything worth mentioning yet. I’m not sure if we’ve even defined it yet, you know what I mean?’

  ‘So no hanky-panky then?’

  Jaz flung her arm across the car and slapped his shoulder. ‘Taylor Stewart, is that all you think about?’ she teased.

  He laughed. Jaz was glad to see him relaxed and happy. It was like that for the rest of the drive to Taylor’s house. He parked the Mustang in the double garage, his dad’s car absent and would be until late. Taylor practically raised himself. Some days she envied him, not having a parent around to boss you, but then she realised how lonely he must feel. No wonder he went to the range.

  ‘Come on, I’ll put the cappuccino maker on. I’m sure we have choc biscuits somewhere too.’

  Jaz got out of the car and followed Taylor to the back door. He unlocked it and held the door for her. She stepped inside the familiar house, which felt a little cold and empty. Just as she was about to turn back to Taylor, she saw something dark move and then everything went black.

  First thing she noticed was the thumping in her head, second was the angry voice. Slowly Jaz realised she was sprawled out on the floor. Her hair was draped across her face as she lay stomach down, the hard tiles cold and uncomfortable. She kept her body still except for her eyes. Through her hair, she could see Taylor held at gunpoint. Her heart skipped a beat. What the hell was going on! Literally, the nozzle of the gun was at his temple. It was held by someone in black clothing and a balaclava. His voice was deep and intimidating.

  ‘Want to die, boy?’

  She was swamped with fear. What did this guy want? Would this man kill them? Was she about to watch Taylor be executed? Her fear began to twist into anger. How dare someone threaten her best friend’s life? What would Ryan do in this situation, she wondered? It took everything Jaz had not to jump up to try and save him, but she didn’t know if she could stand yet without dizziness and she didn’t want to startle the guy into shooting Taylor. What the hell could she do? Think! Whatever she did, she had to do it slowly so not to cause any kneejerk reactions.

  ‘Do you value your life, boy?’ The gunman kept asking Taylor, who was held in a headlock against the larger man.

  Taylor was petrified, his face pale. Stark opposite to the man wearing the black balaclava. What the hell did he want? Was this a home invasion? Was he after Taylor’s dad’s gun collection? Could she reach her phone?

  The balaclava man twisted the gun against Taylor’s head, sure to leave a bruise. As he did, Jaz noticed a tattoo on his wrist. It looked familiar; she’d seen one like it before. She did what Ryan would expect her to do and that was take notes. The guy’s size, his voice, any other distinguishing features she could find, and even what type of shoes he wore.

  ‘This is a warning. You got that, kid? This is your first and final warning.’ Th
e weapon-wielding maniac’s voice was harsh and deep.

  Jaz felt her chest twist at the fear in Taylor’s eyes. She wanted to save him, but how? She wasn’t sure if the pounding in her head was from the whack or the adrenaline in her blood. But just as she was trying to come up with some scrap of a plan, the bad guy lifted his arm and brought the gun down hard on Taylor. He fell towards her like a bag of sand.

  She rolled over just in time to try to catch him, not thinking about faking anymore. But it didn’t matter. The guy with the balaclava and gun was gone. She hadn’t even seen him leave.

  ‘Tay, are you okay?’ she whispered to him. Fearful that the guy might come back and change his mind.

  Jaz brushed at his hair, her hand coming away with blood. ‘Oh no.’ It wasn’t much but the gun had split his head. Jaz felt her own head. She had a massive lump but no blood. Jaz pulled off her school tie and used it to stop the bleeding. ‘It’s okay, Taylor. I’ll call the ambulance and then your dad. You’ll be okay.’

  Jaz sat up, resting Taylor’s head in her lap. Her own head protested at the move, but she ignored it as she pulled out her mobile. Damn, she didn’t know his dad’s number.

  She reached down into Taylor’s pocket and got his phone. In seconds, she had called for an ambulance and then rung Mr Stewart.

  ‘Taylor, what’s up?’

  ‘Mr Stewart, It’s Jaz here. Taylor’s been knocked out in a home invasion. The ambulance is on its way.’

  ‘Oh my God. I’m on my way now. Is he okay?’

  Jaz could hear the worry in his voice. He was telling people in his office he had to go and the ding of the elevator showed he was on his way to his car.

  ‘He will be fine. He got hit on the head with a gun and it’s split his head open. I’ve stopped the bleeding. He might need stitches and he could be concussed.’

  ‘Oh, thank God you were with him, Jaz. I’m so sorry. I’ll be there soon.’

  Jaz quickly called Anna and moments later Taylor stirred in her arms, letting out a croaky groan.

  ‘It’s okay, Tay. Just lay there. You have a bump on your head.’ She watched as Taylor tried to focus on her.

  ‘Jaz. What the hell just happened?’

  ‘Wish I knew Tay. I’m just so glad he left and didn’t hurt us worse. The ambulance is on its way,’ she said as she heard the sirens.

  ‘What, no,’ he said, trying to sit up.

  ‘Tay. You’re head’s bleeding. Just sit still, will ya.’ Jaz was brushing his fringe back off his face and trying to ignore her blood-stained fingers.

  Mr Stewart arrived five minutes after the ambulance and rushed straight in to Taylor. Jaz watched his face drain of colour when he saw the blood marks down Taylor’s white school shirt.

  ‘He’s fine, Mr Stewart. Just a little split,’ said Jaz.

  The ambulance people stepped back to let Taylor’s dad give him a hug.

  ‘Dad.’

  ‘Son. God, I was so worried.’ Mr Stewart moved to the side to let the ambulance guy finish checking him over. ‘Does he need to go to the hospital? Is he alright?’

  ‘The split has stopped bleeding and will be fine, but he may have a slight concussion. He can stay home but make sure someone is with him the whole time, just in case. But I think he’ll be okay,’ said the male ambulance officer. He began to pack up his things. ‘I suggested to the kids that they call the police, but I can see that they already did,’ he said, nodding to Mr Stewart’s uniform.

  ‘Thank you so much,’ Mr Stewart said as they left. Then he turned to Taylor who was still sitting on the dining chair. ‘Can I get you some water? How are you Jaz? Were you hurt?’ When they shook their heads, Mr Stewart took a seat beside Taylor. ‘Tell me everything, from the start. I want both your versions.’

  ‘I don’t remember much, it all seems a little hazy now. But I remember seeing Jaz go down and this black blur grabbed me. I was held so tight and I remember the cold steel of the gun.’ Taylor shivered and looked a little clammy.

  ‘Jaz? What about you?’ Mr Stewart asked.

  ‘I walked in and it went black. Then I came to on the floor and I could see the guy holding Taylor with his gun to his head. I wanted to do something to save him but I wasn’t sure.’ Jaz had decided to keep the tattoo a secret for now. At least until she could figure out where she’d seen it.

  Mr Stewart held up his hand. ‘Oh Jaz, you did the right thing. Trying to take on an armed man is a no-no, and we don’t know how stable he was either. Please, go on.’

  ‘He was saying something to Taylor. Something about this being a warning.’

  Taylor sat up straighter. ‘That’s right, I remember. He said it was my first and final warning. But what have I done?’ he said, turning to his dad.

  Mr Stewart tensed up and swallowed hard. Maybe it wasn’t Taylor, but Mr Stewart who’d done something?

  ‘Taylor! Oh my God, Tay.’ The words were screamed from outside and continued inside as Anna came running through the door. Her soft red hair was fanned out behind her, the worry etched in her face was bordering on panic. She flew straight into Taylor’s arms, muttering, ‘are you okay?’ over and over.

  Jaz could see the warmth spread through Taylor.

  ‘Oh, you’re covered in blood, oh my God.’ Anna had only pulled back a fraction.

  ‘It’s just from a small cut on my head. I’m fine.’

  Knowing she was now safe to hold him again, she flung herself back into his arms. ‘Thank God. When Jaz rang, I just couldn’t believe it. I heard gun and just about passed out. I had to know you were okay.’

  Taylor glanced at Jaz and smiled as if to say thank you. She knew that a dose of Anna would cheer him up, and after the last few months of her being distracted with Ricky, this would feel like Christmas for Taylor. Especially when she knew he cared for her.

  ‘What did he want?’ asked Anna. ‘Was he robbing you?’

  ‘We don’t know. He didn’t take anything with him, unless we got here before he had a chance to take the guns. They’re the only things of real value. Maybe he came to get them, but they are all under lock and key so he missed out. I don’t know, it’s all a bit weird. But Dad will sort it out, won’t you?’

  His dad had been staring off into space but jerked his head back. ‘Sure will, son.’

  Jaz felt a prickle of unease. Something about this whole event didn’t sit right and she feared that Taylor could still be in danger. She was also relieved that the man left without killing either of them. But would he be back?

  Mr Stewart took the rest of the afternoon off work, which Taylor seemed really pleased about. Jaz couldn’t help thinking his dad knew more about this home invasion, robbery or whatever it was. She also couldn’t help thinking that she was holding onto a big chunk of the puzzle too. If only she could remember more about that tattoo.

  Chapter 9

  ‘Hey, it’s my lucky shirt.’

  Jaz walked towards Marcus, who was leaning on his BMW outside her house. She carried his shirt against her chest in one hand and her skateboard in the other. ‘Here, thanks again for the loan.’

  Marcus took the shirt, pulled off the one he was wearing and put on his lucky one. His hair was out today and he was wearing loose fitting jeans and black Converse shoes. Jaz had gone with her cargo pants, to protect her skin from any skateboarding stacks, and a grey singlet. ‘You feeling lucky?’ she teased.

  ‘Sure am. Is that your board? Nice.’ He opened the boot and put it beside his, which was covered in scratches and chips. Hers looked obviously new.

  ‘I got mine for Christmas last year, but I’ve only just started to try and use it.’ She lied; hoping it didn’t look like she’d just ran out and got one to impress him.

  ‘I hope you don’t mind, but a few of my mates will probably be there as well,’ he said, as they got in his car and drove off.

  ‘No worries,’ she replied. This afternoon would be a great diversion from her thoughts. It had been a few days since Taylor was attacked, but
Jaz hadn’t stopped thinking about that man. About why he was there, and his message to Taylor. To tell the truth, she was exhausted from the worry and hadn’t left Taylor’s side. To the point he’d actually told her to go with Marcus. Jaz had rung Anna and asked her to visit him today. She just didn’t want him alone and maybe it was a good excuse for Anna and Taylor to spend some time together. They’d organised to watch movies and hang out at Anna’s place. Taylor hadn’t liked being in his house since the break-in. Jaz didn’t blame him.

  At the park, it turned out that Marcus had three of his mates there hanging out. They were all doing tricks on their skateboards, but came over to fist bump Marcus when they spotted him.

  ‘Guys this is Jaz. Jaz meet Kaino, Ben and Trent.’

  Kaino was the shortest one, Ben had a shaved head and Trent wore a loose singlet that hardly covered his chest, which was probably the whole point.

  Marcus didn’t explain how they met or who she was, which led Jaz to believe that he’d already told his mates about her. She took that as a good sign.

  ‘Come on, Jaz. I’ll show you some stuff.’ Marcus nudged her shoulder before jumping onto his board along the cement. ‘Can you ollie?’ he asked. He jumped on his board as if to show her what he was talking about.

  ‘I’ve been trying.’ Jaz tried to copy him on her board, unsuccessfully. But it didn’t faze Marcus. He was patient and guided her through each trick. He even tried teaching her the backside noseslide along a step, without much luck.

  ‘That’s alright. Practise makes perfect,’ he said.

  ‘Lots of practise,’ said Trent with a chuckle.

  ‘Hey! If you must know, I spend most of my time doing other things,’ said Jaz.

  ‘Like what? Girl stuff,’ said Trent. He flipped his board up and held on to it.

  Marcus laughed at him and shook his head. ‘You shouldn’t be provoking her Trent, you’ll come off second best.’ Jaz shot Marcus a smile.

  ‘You want me to show you the girly stuff that I do?’ Jaz asked Trent. ‘Think you can handle it?’