Cody shouldn't have mentioned the monsoons because the sky clouded over. It rained hard for about thirty minutes and then disappeared. The sun came out. By evening the clouds had returned.

He studied the sky the next morning and took an inventory of his supplies. He'd make another trip into town, just in case.

There wasn't much that he needed. A few extra toiletries, some tin vegetables and maybe he'd top up the jerry can on the truck with diesel since he'd transferred most of it into the generator drum.

A light shower of rain came down as he drove into town. The misty scattering stopped but dark clouds remained. Rays of bright sunlight streamed through openings in the haze.

Cody filled the Jerry Can at the service station and then called in at the supermarket. He grabbed a basket and made his way along the aisles.

Words drifted through the shelves. "So, where's your old man? He let you off the chain, did he?" A man's throaty laughter ran off the end of the last word.

Cody heard a whimper.

"Ah, come on baby. That's no way to treat your old pal Rees. We got history. Remember."

"Leave me alone." The sentence, audible, as Cody stepped into the aisle.

Fin was jammed against the shelves. Her head turned to one side as she squeezed her body tight with her arms. A shopping trolley with some groceries stood nearby. One of the Gallo brothers had hold of her upper arm. His hand was on her face trying to make her look at him. Cody strode towards them. Anger welled in his chest.

"Me and Jonno got plans to have a replay with you," Rees hissed. "Maybe tonight when your old man's too drunk to know any different."

She whimpered again as she struggled to free her face from Rees Gallo's hold.

Cody manoeuvred his body between them and said, "Excuse me."

Fin stared at him, her eyes, beautiful azure blue surrounded by long dark lashes, large and frightened. Cody sucked in a steady breath at the sight of her then grabbed an item from the shelf above her head, forcing Rees Gallo to release her. Relief flashed across her face as Rees was compelled to let her go. A furrow formed on her brow. She focused on Cody once more before she hurried away.

"What the fuck?" Rees said.

"I said excuse me," Cody repeated as he turned and stared at Rees Gallo. "I need to get to the beans and you're in my way."

Rees stepped back. "Right. Sorry." He jerked a nod and headed towards the door.

Cody watched him go. The rumble of anger in his chest settled into deep thought. What to do?

Fin's trolley of groceries stood in front of him. Cody put his basket on top of it and headed to the checkout with the lot.

He put the bags in his truck and drove to Snakes. Findlay's old station wagon was in the car park. Cody pulled in beside it. He loaded Fin's few groceries onto the front seat and headed inside.

She stood beside her father, tugging on his arm. "We've got to go, Dad. Please... it's time." Findlay pushed her backwards. She fell, regained her balance, and glanced at Cody as he entered. "Please, Dad," she whispered.

"I'm not going anywhere!" Findlay raised his hand to strike her. Cody grabbed his forearm. Findlay scowled and turned towards him. "Who the hell are you?"

Cody didn't answer but fixed on Fin. "Sit down and wait for him." She looked like she was going to refuse so he added, "Now."

When she was far enough away Cody let go of Findlay's arm and sat in his usual seat. She stared and frowned at him from across the room. Cody didn't care. It was time this was sorted. He faced Snake. "Give us a beer."

"I'll pay," Findlay said. "You got an attitude I like." He grinned and yelled over his shoulder, "See. Not everyone sees it the way you do!"

Cody took a mouthful of his beer and glanced at Fin. She was curled in the booth peering at him over the top of her knees. His brown eyes darkened as he focused on Findlay and said, "I see it the way she sees it. If you ever hit her again, I'm gonna lay you out."

"You arsehole." Findlay surged and lunged at Cody. "I'll do what I like!" He knocked over the stool that was between them.

Cody stood, grabbed him by the throat and held him at arm's length.

"Dad!" Fin ran towards them. Findlay floundered and clawed Cody's hand. She joined her father and yanked on Cody's arm. "Let him go!"

The old man slumped when Cody sat him on his stool with force. He held Findlay in place with one hand, took hold of Fin's wrist with the other and said, "I told you to take a seat."

Her breath caught; she clawed his fingers.

He squeezed harder, tilted his head in question as he said, "Are you gonna do like I've told you?"

"Don't hurt him. Please." She gasped, swallowed and stared at him like a cat caught in headlights.

Cody swore to himself. Those fucking eyes. He let her go. "Sit down," he said. "I'm not gonna hurt him if he behaves himself but, I'd prefer it if you were out of the way."

Uncertainty crossed her face. She stared at him then scurried back to the booth.

Cody took his seat and lifted his beer.

Findlay had his head hung holding his throat. He glared at Cody from under his brows and muttered, "I've got a gun."

Cody smirked. "And I've got a big fucking dick." He took a mouthful of his beer and grinned when he heard the old man snigger.

"Snake!" Findlay called. "Give me another beer."

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Snake scowled at Cody. "I told you to stay out of it."

A loud clap of thunder shook the building. Cody chuckled. "Don't worry, Snake. I'll stay out of it. The wets coming so I won't have a choice."

"What you did isn't staying out of it. The man ain't been right in the head since his wife died and he's gotten worse since she got..." His eyes flashed towards Fin. "Hurt. I told you that weren't finished. You're gonna get yourself into a situation you'll regret."

"Maybe."

The sky lit up. Thunder rang out again. The TV's picture flickered and then stilled. Cody took another mouthful and settled into the dark corner.

By the time the Gallo brothers arrived, Findlay was worse for wear, slumped over the counter. Fin lay on the seat of the booth. Cody wasn't sure if she was asleep. He sat in the shadows and watched.

"What the fuck are you running here, Snake? A bloody hotel." They laughed and sat on either side of Findlay. "Hey! Wake up, you old bastard."

Findlay mumbled. The Gallos laughed some more. They looked around the room. One whispered, "Where's the girl?"

Cody watched them grin at each other.

"How about some beer, Snake?" Rees elbowed Findlay. "I think it's time you kicked this prick out."

Snake put two beers down. He moved out from behind the counter and made his way towards Fin. She stirred when he shook her. "You gotta take your old man home."

She yawned and nodded. Once she'd wiped her eyes, she stood, took a step, but stopped when she saw the Gallos. She searched the shadows to where Cody sat. "Snake," she called.

The barman turned to face her.

Cody couldn't hear what she said but figured it had something to do with the Gallos.

Snake nodded. He went to Findlay and gave him a shake. "Hey, come on. Time to go!"

Findlay lifted his head and mumbled some more. Jonno Gallo chuckled and knocked him off his seat. Fin rushed forward. Jonno laughed. "That's right sweetheart. Come to Daddy."

Cody fought to stay on his stool. He had to let this play out.

"Shut up!" Snake turned on them. "Keep that up and you can fuck off. I'm sick of this shit." He helped Fin get her father on his feet.

She struggled with him to the door. Once they were out of sight Snake went back behind the bar. The Gallos moved closer to each other in whispered conversation.

Snake poured himself a drink and leaned on the bar near Cody. "I wish that pair had never come back into town."

"How often do they come here?"

"Couple of times a week." Snake took a swig of his drink. "Couple of times too many."

The Gallos downed their drinks and stood. "Well, we can see we're not welcome here, Snake. This place is dead anyway, you old bastard. How the fuck do you keep it running?"

Please don't just sit there, Cody.  Do something!!

Copyright © 2025 Donna Fieldhouse. All rights reserved.