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looking for an inconspicuous
seat. There was a black fellow sitting at the far end. Other than that the
carriage wasempty. Skarzy sat down, the gun and pamphlet tucked to his
right side. He stared at the black man.
    The nigger was
in his early thirties, wore a beanie and sported dreadlocks, and had a guitar
case resting on his lap. He was also wearing sunglasses. Skarzy couldn’t tell
if he was asleep or not.
    On any other
day, this prick was quite a welcome guest.
    Frankston, the
town where Skarzy lived, was scarce of most foreigners, particularly black
fellows. He and Vostle and others had traveled out this way on many occasion,
just to pick a fight. Skarzy wasn’t much for punching on, but he’d help – he
hated blacks almost as much as he hated the Terrorists.
    Come on, Skarzy
thought. Come on and take me!
    He was fresh
out of nigger jokes. And it wasn’t exactly the most appropriate time to be
getting into a fight. Or was it?
    Skarzy was
looking at his clothes now. The faded black jeans. The metallic belt. Black
sweatshirt. He could roll this fucker. Just give him a reason.
    The fellow
stirred. Perhaps he had been sleeping.
    “The next
station is Glen Huntley.”
    The computer
voice almost startled him. He could hear the train rustling now. It was going
really fast. And this was all so vivid. This night as clear as day.
    This nigger
leering at him through his sunglasses.
    Skarzy
waiting. Waiting for the fuck to cast the first stone.
    Can you see my
pecker from there?
    Can you see
I’ve got it going on?
    You just
fucking try me.
    The man
remained motionless.
    Skarzy thought
of something else.
    What if the
fucker has a gun also?
    What if that’s
not a guitar in there, but a shotgun?
    Don’t you
think you should shoot first?
    The train
rolled on. Skarzy’s eyes were full of hatred. Tearing up. Cheeks puffed red.
Teeth grinding.
    The nigger
moved his head slightly. Skarzy flinched.
    His hand was
so tight on the gun now. Any second he could just raise it.
    Fire.
    Except you’ve
got to get it right. You’ve got to shoot with dead accuracy.
    You’ve only
got one bullet.
    The nigger
moved his head again. Looked towards the window.
    “Now
approaching Glen Huntley Station.”
    The nigger
stood. Skarzy flared.
    What’s he
doing…?
    Was he using
this stop as a distraction?
    Or was he
really getting off?
    The man walked
down the aisle. He was coming right for Skarzy.
    The pamphlet
was barely covering the gun. Skarzy’s hand was shaking.
    He was on the
verge of raising the gun.
    Just you –
just you – just you –
    The man tipped
his sunglasses.
    Skarzy lifted
the gun.
    …
    The man walked
past him. Got off the train.
    Never broke
his stride.
    Skarzy lowered
the gun. He felt relieved.
    The doors
slammed shut. He was alone in the carriage.
    It soldiered
on. Skarzy picked up the pamphlet.
    Had a look
inside the cover.
     
    Juicy Dogs
Presents
    FR FM RADIO
    Rodney, Gira,
Mackulay, and Becky
    TUNE IN 24
HOURS A DAY FOR ALL THE HOTTEST ROCK
    And Your
Dollars For Life
     
    He turned the
page. But then stopped.
    Was that…?
    Footsteps.
Several of them. Coming from the carriage behind him.
    “The next
station is Caulfield.”
    The door
opened. Skarzy didn’t dare turn.
    He knew who it
was. The conductors.
    He looked down
at the gun. Should he conceal it?
    Wave it at
them?
    Shoot them?
    He was playing
it by ear. You couldn’t plan for that shit.
    They were
getting closer. Almost upon him now.
    Skarzy closed
his eyes.
    “He-he-herrrr
– What the fucking fuck…? ”
    A male’s
voice. Continued laughing.
    Skarzy turned.
There were two teenage girls standing in the middle of the isle.
    Behind them
was Curly Serious.

 
    20
     
    Serious took the seat opposite Skarzy,
while the girls sat to the right. Skarzy didn’t get much of a look at them, but
he smelt their perfume a mile high. For a moment he thought of Lucy – and then
blocked it. She was the last girl he’d fucked.
    Serious leaned
forward, and Skarzy made no