Free Black Angels???Red Blood by Steven McCarthy Page A

money and pot stashed away and I don’t want anybody coming in. Sam’s alright, but nobody else.” Charlie’s sharp instructions to Tim.
    â€œI’ll do that for you, Charlie.”
    â€œIf anybody comes looking for yarndi, tell them I’ll be back after one.”
    â€œOkay.”
    Charlie left and Tim put on shorts and a T-shirt and went downstairs. He turned the TV on and the volume down and put a cassette on. After the first three visitors, Tim opened the door but left the security grille shut and answered from the couch as people came. He recognised some of the regulars, who thought that Tim was lying to them. He was glad when Charlie finally got back and opened up the house. Tim decided not to go anywhere until he had fully recovered from the roasting from the old man the night before.
    It was around four o’clock when Tim got spruced up, ready to go. He had a quick cup of tea with Charlie and headed off to walk to Surry Hills.
    The patrons had already begun leaving the theatre. Tim was not unduly concerned as performers take a while after the show to change out of their stage gear. There were a dozen or so people at the bar and a few others milling around waiting to talk to the cast. Tim had an orange juice and watched the cast come out in dribs and drabs. Sylvia was one of the last. She came over to Tim and they greeted each other warmly.
    â€œWhat would you like to do?” he asked.
    â€œLet’s get out of here. To my place.”
    â€œOkay. Do you want to catch a taxi or take the bus?”
    â€œLet’s take a bus. Taxis become too expensive after a while,” Sylvia said, grabbing Tim’s hand.
    Tim was starting to fall for Sylvia. This path he was heading down with Sylvia was totally opposite to what his real job was. He reminded himself a couple of times just to enjoy her company and leave it at that.
    Sylvia knew that she liked Tim, but she’d only met him a week ago and reminded herself to take things slowly. Likethe consummate professional she was, she didn’t want to rush things.
    â€œIf I get any more relaxed than this, they’ll put me in a coffin,” Tim smiled at Sylvia.
    â€œMaybe it’ll rub off on me,” she replied.
    â€œI’ll do better, I’ll make sure it rubs off on you,” Tim said.
    Sylvia and Tim got back to Bondi just before sunset.
    â€œI’m hungry. Want to eat out?” Sylvia asked.
    â€œSure. What food do you like?”
    â€œThai seafood. There’s a restaurant up around the corner.”
    â€œI have to go to a bank. I should’ve done it in the city. Are there any automatic teller machines around?” Tim checked his wallet in case there was any spare cash hidden away.
    â€œI’ll shout,” Sylvia said. “The Land Council pays me well.”
    â€œI’ll still have to get some money,” Tim said.
    â€œWhich bank?”
    â€œThe National Bank.”
    â€œYep, there’s one not far from the restaurant.” And Sylvia added, “I hope you’re not one of those blokes that resent women picking up the tab.”
    â€œNo, but I do like to pay my way when I can. A bit of independence, if you know what I mean.” Tim joked.
    After the restaurant, they walked down by the beach for a while before heading home. Tim broke the silence of the walk by facing the ocean and saying, “It looks alright out this way. But when you turn around...” And he pretended to cower at the sight of the city.
    Later, Tim turned the conversation to the Land Council. “I hear you’re having a bit of trouble with the Land Council.”
    Sylvia shrugged and gave a look that said “don’t say another word, boy.”
    â€œI guess we’re not that close,” he thought to himself.
    At her apartment block Sylvia turned and said to Tim, “I don’t wanta distract you from any business that you have to do. You have a one-track mind. I’ve