The job took them longer than two weeks. The time waster was loading and carting the timber, iron, and pipes away. Cody threw the last of the plumbing into the back of the truck.

"Let's call it a day," Shane said. "Come over tomorrow and we'll unload this shit."

"You sure?"

"Yeah... I'm fucked. Just want to go home and sleep," Shane said as he climbed into the tip truck. He hung out of the window. "Don't come early. I want to stay in bed for a while."

Cody waved. He'd driven his LandCruiser because he wanted to go into Snakes. He followed Shane into Cooktown and turned onto the main drag. His stomach clenched with excitement. Ever since Grace had done the business on him and Fin's face, along with a flash of guilt, had flared in his head he'd wanted to see Fin again.

He should go home for a shower or at least have brought a change of clothes but, that shit wasn't as important to him as much as seeing her.

The old station wagon was in the car park. Cody breathed a sigh of relief. He headed inside. When he lifted his hand to push open the door, he realised he was covered in dirt.

Snake nodded at him as he entered. Findlay, as usual, was sat at the bar, his head lolled from side to side. Cody looked towards the booths. Fin wasn't there. He scanned the room. Nowhere.

He made his way to the door that said toilets so he could at least wash his arms. As he moved down the hall towards the men's the female door opened. Fin stepped out in front of him. She bumped into his chest, stepped back and stared at him.

The scent of shampoo hit him. Lavender. He sucked in a breath of air, focused on her hair and let his gaze trail over her face to stall at her eyes. Cody's gut muscles clenched. She dropped her head and ducked around him.

Fuck. He stank of dirt and sweat. Cody watched her disappear into the bar. He made his way into the men's and stripped off his shirt.

Water went everywhere as he splashed and rubbed his underarms, chest, head, and face. When he was finished, he leaned on the sink and stared into the mirror. She smelt good. Her face was stunning. Even in the two glimpses he'd had of her, he was taken aback at how beautiful she was. Cody put his shirt on and then headed out to the bar.

Now he knew what she looked like he wanted to keep looking at her, to study her eyes and see if they were as blue as he'd thought them to be. He wondered what she would do if he went and talked to her.

"Hey, Snake," he said as he sat at the bar.

"Cody." Snake stepped closer. "You after a Hahn?"

"That'd be good."

Snake put a beer in front of him. "You and Shane finished that Hope Vale job yet?"

"Today. We've just got to unload the last of it tomorrow." Cody held the stubby to his lips and downed half of it.

"You got a thirst alright and you look like shit."

"Thanks, Snake." Cody grinned. "Didn't know you cared."

Snake laughed and tapped the bar. "Hope I don't lose any customers because of the stench you're putting out."

Cody chuckled and took another mouthful of his beer. He twisted in his seat and focused on Fin. He wondered again what she'd do if he went and sat opposite her.

As if she could read his mind, she looked at him then hid her face in her knees.

Cody finished the stubby and put the empty on the counter. He continued to stare at Fin. She didn't lift her head again.

"You want another beer?"

"No... not yet." Cody looked sideways at Snake. "Does she just sit there all night until he's ready to leave?"

"Yep."

"What about eating? Does she drink anything?"

"Sometimes she'll ask for a glass of water."

"You're kidding me," Cody said in disbelief. "The bastard doesn't even buy her a drink or a packet of chips."

"Nope." Snake shook his head and screwed up his nose. "I told you to leave it. What's going on in that thick head of yours?"

"I'm not sure to be honest." Cody shrugged. "Does she have any other family or friends? Maybe school friends, cousins or anyone?"

"No. I don't even think she can read or write though I know she can add numbers." Snake glanced in Fin's direction. "Between you and me I've always wondered if she might not be the full quid. Shame, because she's a good-looking girl." He tapped the counter and shook his head at Cody. "I'd leave it be if I were you. Ten, eleven years I've known her to sit in that seat, and not one word of complaint. So let it go. Okay."

Cody looked across at Fin again, and then back at Snake. "That's a lot of years. Maybe it's time for a change." He stood. "I'll be back soon."

"Where are you going? Cody," Snake called after him. "Leave it be I tell you."

Cody stepped back to the bar and leaned his head toward Snake. "I'm going to buy her some dinner because this is fucked." He tapped his fist on the counter. "Where's the nearest fish and chip shop."

Snake chuckled. "Down on Walker Street. You know there's a chance she'll throw it back at you."

Cody shrugged. "At least I'll feel better for trying."

He came back with a hamburger and a can of orange soft drink. Snake shook his head and watched as Cody headed towards Fin.

She had her head on her knees. Her back was pushed against the wall. Cody didn't know what to say to her or if he should say anything. He tapped on the table. Her head jerked up and her eyes widened. She glanced towards the bar before looking back at him. He noticed her try to move further into the corner so he put the burger and drink on the table. "Eat this."

She looked at the food, swallowed, and then stared at him. Cody's breath caught in his throat. She was pretty. Her eyes were the deepest blue he'd ever seen. Shit. This was a bad idea. He should have let it go like Snake said. Cody couldn't speak so went back to his stool in the corner. He hung his head and drew in a breath.

"You want that beer now?" When Cody looked up, Snake grinned at him. "So... you feel any better?"

"Fuck you."

Snake burst into laughter and placed a stubby of Hahn Light on the counter. "Told you to leave it alone, didn't I? You fucking idiot." He laughed some more. "I suppose you won't be able to leave it alone now that you've had a good look at her. That was the Gallo's problem. They couldn't leave it alone but, please use your hand and do it in the privacy of your own home."

"Fuck you, Snake, you dirty bastard."

"Well. You got that look on your face. Same look they get." Snake tilted his head towards Findlay. "Just remember he's got the ability to cripple a man."

"Christ. I wasn't even thinking anything like that. You've got a filthy mind. I'm not like the Gallos."

"Yeah... I believe you. Still, she's got at you. It's on your face and you know it." Snake chuckled again and then went to serve another customer.

Cody peered over at the booths. He caught Fin staring at him. She turned away. The burger and drink were where he'd left them. He sighed in resignation. At least he'd tried.

Maybe he could win her trust if he showed her kindness. Cody wondered if Snake was right and if she had something wrong with her. It'd be expected after her ordeal. He turned his body away from her so he wouldn't be tempted to look again. Cody struggled to concentrate on the TV. The newsreader's words went in one ear and out the other. He finished his drink and went to the toilet.

When he came out, he looked at where Fin sat. The hamburger was gone. She had sunk into the booth. The top of her head was visible. Cody grinned. He hadn't wasted his time after all.

As he drove home Cody couldn't stop thinking about Fin. He lay in bed and stared at the ceiling. Something he did often. Her face flashed through his mind. He tossed and turned then sat up. Snake was right. He wasn't going to be able to leave it alone.

Even though his body surged when he thought about her, he was sure it was more about taking care of her, protecting her, than a sexual thing. He couldn't understand it. Cody got out of bed, lit the lamp and put the kettle on.

The thought of the Gallos, or anyone hurting her, ate at his guts. If her father ever hit her again while he was there, he was going to knock him out. He made tea and sat on the bed with the vampire book. By the time he'd finished drinking his tea thoughts of Fin had settled in the back of his mind. The main character Sookie had just been beaten by the Rattray's and bled everywhere. Cody put the book down and blew out the lamp.

He woke in a lather of sweat to the sound of his scream. It had been five weeks since his last nightmare. Cody had hoped they were well and truly gone. He lay on his back and steadied his breathing.

The dream had been different. This time he was the victim, the person covered in blood staring into the barrel of a gun, eyes wide, on his knees with his hands tied behind his back. Findlay had his finger on the trigger laughing like a madman while the Gallos were behind him raping a girl whose face Cody couldn't see.

She screamed and fought. They slapped her to shut her up. Findlay didn't seem to be able to hear what was going on. Cody urged him to turn around but Findlay smashed the gun barrel into Cody's face.

Anxiety built in Cody's chest and as he attempted to speak, Findlay yelled, "I told you to leave it alone you motherfucker!" Then he squeezed the trigger.  

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