DUCK WAS SO SUBMERGED in his memories that he didn’t notice where they were. Ryan hadn’t driven him to the Royal Australian Navy’s Pittwater Annexe.
‘We’re here.’
He glanced out and recognised where they were. He sighed deeply.
‘Thanks, mate.’
Ryan had driven him straight to a secret sanctuary few people know about, a haven for the walking wounded.
‘You’re going to be right?’ he asked.
He nodded gratefully.
‘Don’t make me regret this. Call me if you need anything.’ Once again, he nodded before getting off.
He watched Ryan make a sharp U-turn, and then stopped, hesitating.
‘Go, you arse. I’m fine.’
It took Ryan a few moments to decide, not until they looked at each other in the eyes. The eyes had it. Ryan saw defiance in Duck’s and decided it was okay.
Alone, Bernard Mabo Cameron
