Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
“Make sure you bring these back guys; John is a stickler for leaving tools around. Things
grow legs and walk around here; just be careful of leaving your own stuff lying about. I
personally don't trust too many people around these parts.”
“I think I know what you mean; there are some pretty unsavory characters about we've no-
ticed,” added Gavin.
“Well, they're not all bad, but you just gotta watch your stuff is all.”
We picked out the “tools of destruction” and headed off to the work dock to wait for John
Anderton. While we were waiting, a short, dark-skinned man limped up to us and asked if
we were the new guys.
“Yes, just started today,” we introduced ourselves again.
He scowled at us and, ignoring our gesture, said curtly, “Mr. John Anderton said I was to
tell yous guys to clock in at the store.” He sneered at us and limped away.
“Nyaars, I got a slight chip on my shoulder and a limp on foot, dup on da boots,” I said
facetiously.
“Looks like we've made our first enemy, for whatever reason,” said Gavin. “I guess he
means the shop where we bought these clothes.” He added, flipping open his pack of cigar-
ettes, and putting one in his mouth.
“I'll have one of those too.”
I lit both, and we went off to the store to clock in.
We were given time cards by the store manager, a rather effeminate young man called
Steve, who appraised us with a simpering look.
“The time clock is in the lunch room through the door there guys,” he said. We found the
clock and clocked in; this was the first time either of us had ever had to clock into work
before. It was quite novel.
When we returned to the work dock, John Anderton was just giving orders to a couple of
crew on a rickety old wooden sampan coming alongside the pier. “Jesus, look at that old
whore,” I said under my breath.
“Tie up alongside here at the end guys, and the “Africans” will take it from there.” He
grinned at our new name.
“This pile of junk belongs to Hank, the yard owner. He wants to remove the entire super-
structure, the deck, all furniture below. Just leave the bare hull floating. You got that?”
