Drew for the Bags!
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The Winner Takes It All
“Pssst.”
“Hmm?”
“Pssst!”
“What? Who’s that?”
Willie stepped out of the shadows and sat down at the park bench, his trench coat not quite long enough to cover his knees and the fedora hat pulled down over his eyes. The single street lamp was the only light in all the street.
Brett, poorly concealed in the bushes, jumped out with great effect into the light and sat down next to Willie. He too was dressed in a black trench coat but wore a skull cap with a little helicopter blade on the top, normally worn by kids
“Stop hissing, you moron.” Willie said with an air of contempt. “By the way, you look like an idiot.”
“Did you bring money, Uncy Willie?”
“O’course I did.” Willie pulled a thick wad of cash out of his coats inside pocket.
“Now, you remember what the bet is, right?” Willie asked with a stern face.
“Cowboys, first points, penalty goal.” Brett replied, a look of strong concentration passing over his face.
“Good. Did you talk to your dad?”
“Daddy? Where?” Brett’s eyes lit up and he looked around like a child in trouble.
Willie rolled his eyes and groaned.
“This was so much easier when Joey was around,” He mumbled.
“Brett, I meant did you tell your dad about the game?” Willie pressed.
“What game?” Brett replied, a blank look crossing his face.
“The Cowboys and Bulldogs game this round.” Willie patiently exhorted. “You know, the one we have fixed?”
“Oh, right.” Brett giggled awkwardly then hiccupped. “Daddy knows. Daddy told the referee man. He said ‘It’s all set!’”
“Good boy. Now, give your daddy this money.” Willie handed Brett the wad of cash.
“What bout me?” Brett cried out, a little too loudly and a look of disappointment washing across him.
“Shh shh shh…” Willie calmed. “I didn’t forget, here you go.” Willie pulled out of his jacket pocket a chuppa chup and handed it across to him.
“Aww, you remembered. Thanks Uncy Willy!” Brett leaned across and embraced Willy in an awkward hug.
Suddenly, a sound outside the light was heard and Brett, unsure of what it was, ran off in the opposite direction yelling ‘Monster!’ Willie looked on with a look of distaste before standing up.
The sound, which was actually only the engine of a car, grew louder before stopping. A door opening and closing was heard, before another person stepped into the light.
“Ryan, good to see you,” Willie greeted, extending his hand in welcome.
“Good to see you too Willie,” Ryan responded, returning the handshake.
“So, are you ready to do this?” Willie asked.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.” Although his voice was level, his body language betrayed a certain nervousness.
“Look, I know you’re anxious about all this. The first one is never easy. Are you sure you want to go through with it? I’ve got a couple of other boys who will happily do it.”
“I know, I know, but I need the money,” Ryan said in a resigned voice. “I’m down a fair bit mate.”
“Just remember, the ref will get you in the position, all you have to do is keep your head.” Willie felt inside his jacket and pulled out another wad of cash. “This will pay off your debt, and the rest will come when you do it. Don’t forget – He’s watching. It won’t matter how far down you are now, if you don’t go through with it he’ll do ten times worse.”
Ryan nodded, visibly scared by the whole matter. “Thanks mate, I won’t let you down.”
Ryan shook Willie’s hand again and then left the light. The car door was heard to open and close before the engine started and the vehicle left earshot.
Willie looked left, then right. Finally, he pulled a mobile out from his jacket. Dialling a number, he waited a few seconds before speaking.
“It’s done. Ref’s know, Ryan knows, we’re all clear. Make the bet.”
Willie paused for a few seconds before continuing.
“Don’t worry, this will all go according to plan. When you leak this to the press, and the police get hold of it, the NRL’s TV rights will no doubt plummet and we’ll have the game where we want it once more. It’s a brilliant plan, Mr Murdoch, and a pleasure doing business with you.”
Willie hangs up the phone before walking out of the light and into the dark.
-v-
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