Read Online Billy Mack's War by James Roy - Free Book Online Page A

ask it. ‘What’s up?’ was what Granddad always said to visitors, and it just slipped out without me even thinking about it.
    â€˜What’s up is that I’ve come over to see how you’re going with them jobs and that,’ he said, once he’d recovered.
    â€˜Oh, that’s kind. That’s kind, isn’t it, Billy?’ Nan said.
    â€˜Yeah, it is,’ I agreed.
    â€˜Tea, Stan?’ Nan asked, and I knew what was coming.
    â€˜Look, I won’t, Melva, but ta anyway.’
    Nan slid the kettle onto the hob (she knew what was coming as well) and Stan said, ‘Right o then, if it’s no bother.’
    â€˜No bother at all, love. How’s your mum?’
    â€˜Yeah, good thanks, Melva.’ Stan placed his hat gently on the sideboard and sat down. His hands were folded in front of him on the table, and I still remember those hands, with their knuckles and nails and cracked fingertips all outlined hard with dirt. ‘So, Billy-o, coping all right with the farm and that? The boss, eh? All on your own, eh?’
    I shook my head. ‘Not all on my own. I’ve got Nan. And anyway, it’s only till this arvo, when Granddad gets back after dropping Ma at the boat.’
    He smiled quickly. A couple of his front teeth were missing. ‘Yeah, I know your Nan’s here, but I mean being the only fella. How’s that going?’
    â€˜It’s fine,’ I said.
    â€˜Yeah, big job, being the only bloke.’
    â€˜I suppose.’
    â€˜So your mum’s gone away, eh?’
    â€˜Yeah, she’s gone to Sydney. She’s gone to get my dad,’ I said.
    â€˜Oh yeah? That right? Jeez, that’s got to be exciting, eh? Been away a while, hasn’t he, eh?’
    â€˜Yes,’ I said.
    â€˜Crook, is he?’
    â€˜We don’t know yet,’ Nan interrupted. ‘A bit shell-shocked, I’d say.’
    â€˜Yeah, I reckon so,’ Stan said with a sincere nod.
    â€˜Here’s your tea, love,’ Nan said, and Stan flashed her a toothless grin and a wink. I didn’t like that smile, or that wink.

Chapter 6 Danny

    â€˜Why was that?’ Danny asked. ‘Why didn’t you like his smile or his wink?’
    â€˜It’s just that he was rather … rather creepy, that’s all,’ Mr McAuliffe said. He glanced at his watch. ‘You’re not bored with the story, are you?’
    â€˜No!’ Danny replied. ‘No, it’s really interesting. Keep going. If you want to, that is.’
    â€˜All right. But do you need another milkshake to go on with? Because I plan to have some more tea.’
    â€˜Okay, sure,’ Danny replied. ‘Thanks.’
    Mr McAuliffe gestured to the waitress, and she picked up a slip of paper from the counter and came over. ‘You can pay at the register,’ she said, holding out the bill.
    â€˜Oh, we’re not done just yet. No, I’d like another pot of Darjeeling and another chocolate milkshake, please. And two more of those excellent Anzacs, thanks.’
    The waitress took the pencil from behind her ear and added to the bill. ‘No worries,’ she said. ‘Coming right up.’
    â€˜Thank you. Now, where was I?’
    â€˜In the kitchen with Stan,’ Danny said.
    â€˜Oh yes, in the kitchen with Stan Whittaker and my grandmother.’

Chapter 7 Billy

    Granddad arrived home late that evening. I wasn’t in bed yet, but I wasn’t far off when I heard the truck drive up. Going to the bedroom window, I looked out between the curtains. I heard the front door of the house open as Nan went to meet Granddad. He parked the truck and crossed the yard to hug Nan, and after they’d said something I couldn’t hear, they came inside.
    I went to the door and opened it, just a crack. My room was quite close to the kitchen, so I could hear their conversation as Nan rustled together some dinner for Granddad. ‘The road wasn’t