Cody sat with his beer wondering how to apologise to Snake when Fin came into the bar. She glanced at him as she moved towards the booths.

Findlay yelled, "Fin!"

"Yes, Dad." She side-eyed Cody again.

"You got money?"

"No," she said in hushed tones. "You've got it all."

"You lying to me, girl? You better not be lying to me," Findlay said.

"It's in your wallet, Dad. In your back pocket," she said then glanced at Cody again.

Cody watched the scene and waited to see if Findlay hit her. He was ready for it, and looking forward to laying the bastard out and he was in the right mood to break the prick's neck.

Snake must have sensed it because he stood before him, nudged his head and said, "You want another beer?"

Cody swept his eyes over Snake and then looked back at Findlay. "No. Not yet."

"You stay out of it, Cody. You don't want to do something you might regret."

Fin walked away untouched. Cody focused his attention on Snake. He tipped his head and said, "I'm staying out of it. Just like you said."

Snake sneered and moved away. Cody called him back. "Hey. I'm sorry. I had no right to say that shit." He ran his hand through his hair. "It's just that I saw her at the petrol station. They refused to give her any more credit. I thought she was going to cry." He looked over at Findlay and then back at Snake. "It makes me angry to see him lording it around here while she has to grovel for everything else."

"I know." Snake nodded and glanced at Findlay. "It sickens me too, but that's how it is for some people. Don't get me wrong, Cody. When it all started back after Sarah first died, I refused him for a while. Not long after I saw Fin sitting in the gutter outside, The Eastern, just like I said, so I haven't denied him since." Snake dragged in a breath and sighed. "Maybe I coulda done better. I thought about ringing the welfare. I thought he'd grieve and get back on track. Time moved on and here we are." He took another breath and shrugged.

Cody thought he looked tired. Maybe it was sorrow. He held his hand out. "Forgive me?"

"Yeah. I understand where you're coming from. I've lost a lot of sleep over it through the years." He gripped Cody's hand and shook.

The Gallos came in. Cody watched them watch her. He noticed her slide down in the seat until she couldn't be seen. They whispered to each other, laughed, and then focused on the TV. Cody hung around longer than he'd intended to see how they behaved. Nothing went on. He was relieved when Findlay called Fin and indicated they were going.

The Gallos watched her walk towards her father. She kept her face lowered. The older Gallo spat into the tin gutter. "Hey! Findlay! Your little girl has got pretty hair. Maybe you should send her over here to say hello to her old friend Jonno."

Findlay staggered. "You want me to shoot your other fucking leg, you cunt!"

"Ha! I'd like to see you try that again. I know who'll come out better off next time, you old bastard," Jonno sneered.

Findlay attempted to head towards him. Fin held onto his arm and yanked him towards the door.

"Jonno! Shut the hell up!" Snake yelled. "I don't want this shit in my bar."

"I just said she's got pretty hair. Nothing wrong with that," Jonno said.

"Mister innocent, aren't you?" Snake spat.

Fin struggled to hold onto her father. Jonno laughed and turned towards the TV.

Cody clenched his fists and stood. Snake held up his hand and shook his head. Cody took no notice.

Snake stepped in front of him and put his hand in the middle of Cody's chest. "He ain't done anything to warrant a fight. Yet. Help her get Findlay to the car. Please."

Cody wished the Gallo had said and done more because he wanted to hit someone.

Findlay struggled when Cody grabbed his other arm. The force made Fin stumble. This angered Cody. He dragged Findlay through the door. "You're a fucking dickhead. I should lay you out just to teach you a lesson."

"I'll kill you, you bastard," Findlay slurred.

"You can't even stand up, how are you gonna kill someone?" Cody shoved him against the side of the car and opened the door. He pushed Findlay onto the back seat, slammed the door shut and turned to see Fin had moved around the car parked in front of hers.

Cody wondered if he should say something. She looked so scared and had taken the long way around to get to her car so she didn't have to come anywhere near him. He went back inside without saying anything and slumped on the stool. Snake put another beer in front of him. "Thanks," Cody said. "The prick did that on purpose."

"He's been doing it for a while," Snake agreed. "Just forget it."

"I'd like to, Snake but, I don't take to shit like that very well."

Snake grinned and patted his shoulder. "No one does. The beer is on the house."

Cody finished the Hahn and waited half an hour before saying goodbye to Snake.

"You take care, Cody. They're predicting heavy rain soon. It's coming down in the gulf. I hope you're all set up."

"Everyone keeps talking about the monsoons. I'm starting to wonder if you're all living in a bit of a fantasy." Cody laughed and nudged his head. "I'm yet to see one light shower."

"It'll come." Snake chuckled as he gave a salute. "It's just a bit late this year. You better be ready for it."

Cody grinned and lifted his hand in farewell.

Thank you so much for continuing to read Bell Ringer. I can't tell you how grateful I am. ♥♥