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‘Amazing, isn’t it?’ said the girl.
‘I suppose deserts are alike everywhere. Those horses will be well-suited.’
‘No. I mean the wireless. You can speak words that are heard all over the world. Imagine speaking a single word, heard right across the world. It’s a shame they can’t do it with bullets, so our boys didn’t have to go. Shoot a single shot where all the bad men fall dead.’ She smiled. ‘Why do you ask for me every night? Do I remind you of someone? Of her?’
He had thought so a week ago. He looked up at her. He sighed and looked down at his glass.
She was looking again at the table of soldiers.
‘You can go now if you want.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Yes.’ He went to his wallet. Unfolded a note. ‘Here.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Yes. Take it.’
Thanks to Barry, Penelope, Peter and Tess at Transit Lounge.
Thanks to my family and Amy …
Reading group notes for this title are available at www.transitlounge.com.au
Patrick Holland is the award-winning author of Navigatio, The Source of the Sound, The Mary Smokes Boys, Riding the Trains in Japan and The Darkest Little Room. He lives in Brisbane, Australia.