Page 96 of Straight to Me

It’s okay. I’ll just sit here shall I, boys.

Eventually, VP leads the new officer to the patrol car I’m in. Taking a quick step towards it, the officer opens the door, extending a hand for me to take. I accept it and the officer helps guide me to my feet.

VP steps forwards, wrapping his arm around me and kissing my head. “Mads, this is Jack. Jack, this is Mads.”

Stood side by side, I can see the resemblance now.

Still holding hands, Jack shakes mine with excitement spread across his face. “Nice to meet ya’, Mads.” Jack’s voice is manly and deep, yet it comes with a sprinkle of happiness. The Australian accent is so welcoming and friendly, I can’t help but smile back at him.

“Hi Jack, nice to meet you.” He turns and looks at VP, his tone shifting as he starts to speak.

“Sorry mate, dad called. I’m under strict orders to drop you at the clubhouse. No stopping. He thought it would be safer.”

Safer.There’s that word again.

“Right.” VP takes my hand in his, following Jack as he turns.

“Sorry, Mads,” Jack apologises, opening the back door of his patrol car for me to get in. “Probably not what you were expecting as soon as you got here.”

“It’s fine, Jack.”Not my first time. I smile before getting in and shimmy my way over to the other side. VP climbs in behind me as I put on my seatbelt.

“You okay?” he asks.Why wouldn’t I be? I’m in a police vehicle for technically the third time in my life.

“I’m fine. Just tired.” He nods before leaning forwards to the front of the car.

“So, how’ve things been Jacko?” VP asks, as Jack starts the car and pulls away.

“Usual, mate. Saviours keep pushing south. We’ve pushed 'em back but they’ll keep coming. They’re getting bold. Word is they’re expanding and have eyes everywhere.”

“And Ronnie?”

Jack doesn’t respond right away. “He’s as good as he can be. Think the life isn’t for him anymore, although, he won’t listen to me. He’s old school. But things don’t work like they used to, you know that.”

VP sighs, understanding what Jack means. I go to ask, but decide not to interfere.

“Uncle Ronnie knows he’s old. Will go down fighting to the end. No way he’ll walk away.”

“Sure won’t. Dad will listen to you, mind. Give it a go whilst you’re here?”

VP nods. “I’ll do my best.”

I welcome the air conditioning spilling from the car vents. But I still feel like I’m overheating. “Mads, what’s wrong?” VP asks.

“I’m too hot. How you can wear that leather is beyond me.” He smiles, holding down my t-shirt for me as I remove my jumper.

“Remember what happened last time you took your cut off, Deano?” Jack chuckles, a bold smile spread across his face.

“Dickhead,” VP replies, shaking his head with a laugh.

“What happened?” I want to know what’s so funny. VP doesn’t volunteer the story, but Jack is more than happy to tell.

“We took a few ladies out to Rottnest Island for a day trip back when Deano here was on his probationary year with the club. My old man came with us, few other Rippers too, made a day of it. Anyways, Deano takes a pretty little lady out to sea, but went and left his clothes unattended.”

“Could hardly swim with a leather cut on, could I?” VP says defensively. Jack shakes his head, smiling. I can picture VP in his younger days living the life over here.

“What are cousins for if they can’t look out for each other? I hid that cut for the whole day… along with some, other items.”

“Allof my other items!”

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