Crossfire by James Moloney Read Free Book Online Page B

the home team’s victory. And victory it was.
    As the players disappeared into the bowels of the grandstand, the men and women around Luke rose, stretched languidly and began to gather their possessions: the cushions, blankets and umbrellas which made them look like a tribe of nomads breaking camp. ‘Where do you reckon we should go for the taxi?’ asked a voice from amongst the melee.
    â€˜Oh God, yes! The taxi. With a mob like this about, we’ll be all night getting a ride,’ worried another.
    â€˜Why don’t we wander up and wait for a cab in the pub on the corner,’ suggested a third. This seemed to meet approval amongst many in the group.
    â€˜Who’s going with Joanne and me?’ called Dave above the noise. ‘Have to warn you, though. Joanne’s driving.’
    â€˜Doesn’t the wife let you drive, Dave?’ teased a tired companion.
    â€˜Not after a few beers she doesn’t,’ answered Joanne on her own behalf. A few of the others decided to take their chances and strolled over to fall in behind Dave and Joanne.
    The streams of people converged on the crowded exits then spilled out onto the street. Wayne grabbed Danielle by the hand and ushered her and the boys across the road between the stationary traffic, shouting a brief farewell to his mates. They waved back weakly and disappeared in the crush of bodies.
    As Wayne unlocked the doors at the rear of the panel van, Danielle suggested: ‘Wayne, why don’t I drive?’
    â€˜Why?’ said Wayne, surprised.
    â€˜Well, you’ve had as many beers as Dave. Joanne’s driving him home,’ Danielle pointed out.
    â€˜Don’t worry about it, Dan. Dave’s a maniac behind the wheel at the best of times, and the beer makes him ten times worse. Even he admits it. But not me. I’m not like that, am I?’
    Danielle looked doubtful. ‘Look, I’m not really worried about your driving, Wayne. It’s your licence that concerns me. If the cops are out this arvo and pull you over — ’ She didn’t get the chance to finish.
    â€˜Oh shut up, Danielle. You worry too much. Come on.’ Wayne climbed into the back of the panel van, leaving his girlfriend with her arms crossed on the footpath. She frowned at Luke, then relented, shrugging her shoulders. ‘He’s an idiot sometimes, your father,’ she muttered as she heaved herself through the narrow doors with as much dignity as she could muster.
    Luke didn’t know who to support in this argument. He trusted his father, but he suspected that Danielle had a point. And the police did buzz around like flies after major football matches. He’d seen them many times before. But Luke did know one thing to do at times such as this. That was to keep his mouth shut.
    Climbing through the back section of the van to reach the front seat, Luke again detected the hard shape of the rifle hidden beneath the blankets. When he poked his head through into the driving compartment, he found Danielle had retreated up against the passenger door and folded her arms in disgust. The atmosphere was frosty. Luke decided to stay in the back of the van with CT, where it was decidedly warmer.
    The going was slow through the crush of traffic close to the stadium. It was some time before they could pick up speed heading for home. But after only a few blocks on the main road away from the city centre, Wayne muttered, ‘I have a funny feeling the cops are about tonight.’ He manoeuvred his way into the left-hand lane and turned off the highway again.
    â€˜What are you doing Wayne?’ Danielle protested.
    Luke had no idea what his father was about either. ‘Yeh, Dad, this road’s the quickest way home, even in heavy traffic.’
    â€˜I know, I know,’ countered Wayne, far from annoyed. There was a cheeky smile on his face. ‘But up ahead a mile or so is a favourite spot for a random breath-testing trap.