Page 41 - EAMMV3

NICHOLAS BOOTHMAN
from one hip to the other. “Hoodlums and hijackers.”
“Look out for bricks on the road,” the old man said.
“Go around them and don’t stop for any reason.”
Tilly picked up on the fear in Miriam’s eyes and
winked at her. Miriam caught it and sucked in her
breath.
“Cheechy.” Tilly called over to the truck. “Come
here now, my big boy.” Cheech waited as the last barrel
was secured on the truck, then went over to her.
Tilly wrapped her arm around his waist. “You take
them past those Skolly Boys; do you hear me?”
“Ya boss,” he said saluting her with his free hand.
“Make sure they’re safe.” Tilly slapped his backside.
As she watched them, something enormously
spiritual broke inside Miriam: a sudden moment of
revelation, like they were all actors in a play. Like it
was all planned. Like they were never in danger. She
slumped down sideways onto the driver’s seat, feet on
the forecourt and felt a peace that seemed too good to
be true. And she wept tears of pure love.
The men were all back in the truck and the Avgas
was safely secured. Tilly came over and stood in front
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