Free Underdog by Euan Leckie Page A

bones.
    ‘We can get in and have a go at their kennels, now they’re out. I’ll get the hose and some bags; you get a broom.’
    ‘They won’t mind us in there with them? Whilst they’re eating?’ asked Tom.
    ‘As long as you’re with me you’ll be fine. It’s too hot for them to be getting on bad. They’re well lazy.’
    Tom enjoyed cleaning out the kennels with Stevo; it took his mind off feeling stoned as he worked up a sweat. The dogs were so focused on their bones, they hardly noticed him wandering in and out to sweep up and bag their mess. His confidence grew, being in there with them. Before exiting the last of the kennels, he stopped to pat the largest of the pregnant bitches. The dog seemed to like the attention and rolled over onto her side, offering him her round, taut belly.
    ‘She’s awesome,’ said Tom as he knelt down to scratch her. ‘What’s she called?’
    ‘That’s Holly. She’s getting on a bit now. Might be the last litter we get from her.’
    ‘What will your stepdad do with her after?’
    ‘Make space for another,’ answered Stevo. ‘You can have her if you like.’
    ‘She wouldn’t fit in our house.’ But the idea of it made Tom smile.
    ‘Shame. She likes you.’
    ‘My mum used to have a dog. I’ve got a picture at home somewhere.’
    It took another half hour to finish off. Once the kennels were hosed down, they stopped to watch the puppies playing together, a mass of fur and yelps as they jumped and rolled over one another.
    ‘I’d take that one,’ said Tom, singling out the smallest.
    ‘He’s the runt,’ replied Stevo, bemused at the choice.
    ‘I like him.’
    Stevo put the broom back in the garage and emptied the rubbish into the bins whilst Tom wound up the hose.
    ‘Let’s get some food.’
    The kitchen was empty when they got back inside. On the freshly wiped table was a plate of neatly trimmed ham and cheese sandwiches, next to which stood two large glasses of lemonade. Stevo placed them under the ice maker, the fridge rattling as he topped up each glass.
    They sat in silence as they tucked into the sandwiches, Tom still feeling a little out of it. His nose was starting to ache with the chewing. There was a large clock on the wall and he was amazed to see it was nearly three.
    ‘I better be getting back,’ he said, wiping a sleeve across his mouth. ‘Get washed up a bit before I see my dad.’
    ‘Fair enough,’ said Stevo. ‘Fancy meeting up sometime? Hanging out?’
    ‘Yeah, I’d like that. The dogs, too. Maybe I could help out again.’ Tom got up from his chair. ‘Thanks for earlier. I’d have been a goner if you hadn’t shown up.’
    ‘No worries. I love fighting.’
    It felt good to finally have a friend. Compared to all the other kids Tom had met since coming to the town, Stevo seemed alright.
    Stevo walked him to front door, leaning nonchalantly against the doorway as Tom slipped on his trainers and stepped outside onto the path. Then a thought occurred to him.
    ‘Wait there a sec,’ he said, dashing back inside and running up the stairs. Returning in a flash, he held out his hand. ‘Here, take this.’
    In his palm sat a small lump of shiny black cannabis and a couple of Rizla papers.
    ‘Are you sure?’ Tom didn’t really want to take them.
    ‘Yeah. There’s loads more where that came from. Go on.’
    Tom grabbed the hash and skins, stuffing them into his trouser pocket more out of fear of being caught by Stevo’s mum. As he turned towards the road, he was stopped by Stevo’s hand grabbing his shoulder.
    ‘What you doing tomorrow?’
    ‘Not much. Just working in the morning. Why?’
    ‘Well, if you’re up for it, I’ve got something else to show you.’
    ‘What?’
    ‘You’ll have to wait and see, but if you liked this lot, you’re going to love it. It’s the proper stuff. I’ll come into the shop at lunchtime. Pick you up.’
    ‘Okay,’ said Tom, ‘I’ll see you then.’
    Stevo stepped back into the house.