Free Hit for Six by David Warner Page A

explained his scheme. ‘A man has to earn a living. It’s called supply and demand. Benny won’t have more stock for weeks, so in the meantime I’m the only supplier in the market.’
    Davey rolled his eyes.
    George checked his pockets for loose change. ‘How much have you got, Davey? I’ve got $2.00.’
    Davey grimaced. ‘I’m broke. What about mate’s rates?’ he asked Mo.
    Mo zipped up his case with a flourish. ‘Last time I checked, we weren’t mates.’
    The bully had a point.
    â€˜There’s a group of kids playing down by the swings. They could be real customers. Time is money . . .’
    Mo turned to go.
    â€˜Hang on a minute,’ said Davey. ‘You can’t get away with this!’
    â€˜I think he just did,’ muttered George. His stomach let out a loud growl.
    â€˜It’s nothing personal, Shorty. No, hang on, it is personal.’ Mo cracked up laughing before heading off towards the playground, dragging his case behind him. He turned back and grinned. ‘These are all mine . . . unless you’re interested in having a bet.’
    â€˜I’m all ears,’ said Davey.
    â€˜You’ve got the game against Shimmer Bay coming up in two weeks . . .’
    â€˜Yeah? So what?’
    â€˜If you hit six sixes, then I’ll give you all my Whopper Chomps.’
    â€˜Six sixes?’ George exclaimed. ‘That’s . . . like . . . impossible!’
    â€˜And if I don’t hit six sixes?’ Davey asked.
    â€˜You have to call me “My Lord and Master” for the rest for the season. You have to carry my footy kit, do my chores. Basically, you’ll be my slave.’
    â€˜Don’t do it, Davey,’ Sunil warned.
    Davey ignored Sunil. His eyes were fixed on Mo. He’d had enough of the big chump.
    â€˜It’s a deal.’ The words were out of Davey’s mouth before he realised he’d said them.
    â€˜We each have witnesses, right?’
    The others nodded.
    Mo held out one of his enormous paws to shake Davey’s hand.
    â€˜It’s a bet!’ said Davey as he firmly gripped Mo’s hand.
    â€˜See you, suckers!’ Mo laughed slightly hysterically before taking off with his suitcase.
    â€˜You must really like Whopper Chomps!’ George shook his head at Davey in disbelief.
    Davey was up for the challenge. He was looking forward to spending every waking minute of the next two weeks practising his batting so he could bring Mo Clouter down a peg or two. It was way overdue.

CHAPTER 2
MASCOT MADNESS
    Monday mornings at Sandhill Primary began with school assembly out in the quadrangle. Davey was usually late and this morning was no exception.
    â€˜Ssh!’ Davey held a finger to his lips and slunk in to a place next to his friendKevin McNab. He was hoping his teacher Mr Mudge wouldn’t notice. Mudge hated students being late. He hated it almost as much as he hated cricket.
    â€˜What’s this I hear about a bet?’ Kevin asked.
    Mudge’s radar was in fine form. His head spun around at lightning speed at the sound of Kevin’s voice. His ears glowed menacingly like hot coals on an open fire.
    â€˜No talking!’ Mudge hissed at Kevin. He shot Davey a frown for good measure, before turning back to gaze with a look of reverence at their principal, Mrs Trundle.
    Trundle had a lot to say, as always. She rattled on about cake stalls, fundraisers, and the upcoming art show and then – just when it seemed she was wrapping things up – she announced a list of merit award winners.
    Davey switched off. His name wouldn’t be called out. It would be the same students who always won merit awards. Sunil and Bella Ferosi would be among them.
    â€˜Sunil Deep,’ Mrs Trundle said brightly as she scanned the crowd for Sunil. He stood up and gave her one of his most winning dimpled smiles.
    â€˜If I hit six