John sat up.

‘He said, What sorta kid is he? I had to be honest, and I told him you’d been in a bita trouble, but I said, That’s only because of some issues at home.’

‘And?’

‘Which seem to be sortin’ themselves out.’

John admired his work, like he was wondering if he’d be up to it—six am starts and long days, weekends. ‘So?’

‘He didn’t seem against it. I been doin’ work for him for thirty years, so I guess he trusts me. Said this fella he’s got now’s leavin’ in a few weeks, then I could bring you in for a chat.’

John smiled. ‘That sounds good, Doug. You reckon—’

‘I tell you one thing, John. I’d only take you if you stayed clean and helped around the house and didn’t give yer mother grief every five minutes.’

‘I don’t—’

‘I talk to her, she tells me.’

‘Well, they tell you bullshit.’

‘No.’ He turned to his apprentice. ‘That’s just the thing. If you’re told something.’

‘I’ve always done what I’m told.’

‘Breakin’ inta delis? Johnson won’t put up with any of that. First time you answer him back …’

John glared at me, like he wanted me gone. I took the hint, stood, left the shed, but lingered outside, listening.

‘You say I stole, but what about Dad?’

Pop took a moment. ‘I’m just sayin’, takes a bita work to hold down a job. I gotta be sure.’

‘And I’m tellin’ you, there’s nothin’ wrong with me.’

I didn’t think Pop really believed there was any excuse. I’d heard his speech about the sins of the father, and how you weren’t them, and you had to answer for your own deeds, and other bits of Bible he’d trot out when it suited him.

I noticed the shadow, turned, and saw the broad shoulders, the white shirt, the tie. ‘How are yer, Clem?’

‘Hi, Mr Harper.’

‘Your pop around?’

‘I reckon, somewhere. Said he was gonna call you when it was ready.’

‘I hadn’t heard, thought I’d look see.’ He just stood, waiting.

‘You wanna come in?’

‘Is he in there?’ He indicated the shed door.

‘Well …’

But there was no point: Pop’s voice, John’s, venting from the shed. Mr Harper went in anyway, and I followed.

‘Doug? How are you?’

‘Glen … this is John, he’s been helping me with yer car.’

Hands shook, smiles exchanged. Then Harper noticed his car. ‘You got it back in okay?’

I couldn’t watch. I stepped back and leaned against the outside of the shed.

‘We were putting it back in and we had an accident … me and Clem.’

‘Jesus.’

‘You can see, it damaged this panel.’

‘Why didn’t you call me?’