Frank instantly took a shine to Russel, giving him the nickname ‘Nails’ because of his unusually long finger nails on one hand. They looked disgustingly long, with black crud underneath each of them. While most new Crud recruits took several weeks to get the nod for initiation, Nails received Frank’s welcome speech just 2 days after arriving. It was also one of the rare recruits he chose himself, asking no-one’s opinion beforehand.
The first I knew of the upcoming initiation ceremony was when Jack and Hal came to tell me the night before. While Jack couldn’t have cared less, Hal took it personal.
“He didn’t even ask us,” he sneered, pacing back and forth in my cell. It looked comical considering it took just 3 steps in either direction to hit a wall.
“Think he needs to ask your permission?” I asked and he stopped, looking down at me with a look of betrayal on his face.
“No, but it would have been nice to be involved. What, this fucker shows up and all of a sudden we’re all unworthy?” I could see he took it personal; Hal having been with Frank the longest. He’d gotten used to being the number one guy for so long.
“Give the man a chance. I’m sure he had his reasons,” I said, Jack watching us from the corner where he sat. He had a book in his hand, one I hadn’t seen before. “A new one?” I asked, hopeful.
“Nah, something San handed to me just before. I think he might be starting to write as well.” We’d made an agreement not to refer to San as my father. It didn’t sound right to me, plus not being on most people’s Christmas list myself, I didn’t want to highlight the fact willi-nilly.
“This new cunt had better know his place,” Hal continued, resuming his pacing.
“Give him a break,” I said, unsure why I would stick up for a bloke I hardly knew. I wasn’t sure why Hal was getting his pants in a twist, figuring he was suffering a mild case of jealousy. I was about to say so when a I heard a tap on my cell door.
“Yah?” I said and was surprised when Frank stuck his face in. Hal suddenly froze, his cheeks flushing.
“Not interrupting, am I?” he asked, stepping in.
5.
A silence descended over us as Frank sat on the edge of the bed. Hal kind of leaned on the desk and Jack slid across to the toilet seat, all of us aware of the previous few minutes of conversation.
“I’m guessing you boys might be wondering why I was so quick to pull the switch on Nails.” Hal went to speak something, but Frank held a hand up, silencing him. “I understand Hal, I do. I’m not always the most forthcoming guy out there and maybe on this one you deserve to hear my reasons.”
His words actually surprised me, Frank not one to explain his actions. It was his family after all and we were but mere minions, signed up to fulfill his orders.
“Nails isn’t new to me as such. He went to school with Danny, the pair good mates as they grew up. Danny moved to Melbourne when he was around 15 and Nails remained in Horsham. He’s practically family, guys. So tomorrow, I want you to treat him as such. Well, once his proven himself, that is. I’ve given Razzie the list of those going in each round. Hal, you’re second.”
He didn’t turn to me and I wondered whether he’d heard something before coming into the cell. I was sure I didn’t say anything incriminating but still felt nervous about it. Frank paused a second, then looked at Hal and jack in turn.
“Boys, do you mind if I have a quick word with Dylan?” His politeness surprised me further and I began to panic a little. It wasn’t like Frank to ask for anything. Hal and Jack exchanged a look with me then excused themselves. When the door was closed again, Frank stood and was about to start talking when the speaker next to my bunk fired up.
“Yellow Block, 10 minutes until lockdown. You got 10, Gents,” an unfamiliar voice boomed. There were a couple of blow-ins in the station that day, neither one of interest to us. When the speaker clicked back into silence, Frank resumed.
“I’ve managed to get you a job, kiddo.”
“I already have a job,” I said. Ever since Tommy and I had made regular rounds around the unit, I had been the collector of donations in Yellow Block. Although it took a bit of tough love at times, I managed to build some positive relationships with those I regularly visited for their donations, reducing the need for violence and intimidation considerably.
“Yes, and now you have another one. This one is much more important. Listen, Dylan, you’ve done a great job up until now. I need someone I can trust to do this new thing. Are you up for it?”
“Of course, whatever you need, Frank.” I knew there was no point in arguing with him. Once he’d made up his mind, there was very little chance of changing Frank’s mind.
“Officer Friendly has been transferred to a new unit and I want you to follow her. She put your name in the hat for a new billet’s role and what do you know? You got the job, congratulations,” he said, holding his hands out as if in surprise.
“What unit?” I asked.
“The medical wing,” he said, the grin murderous with conviction. “Think of the possibilities.” And just like that I’d been reduced to a pack mule, shipping drugs from one unit to another.
Part of me was angry, feeling like I’d been demoted for dedicated service. But before I voiced my objections, I suddenly realized that
