13

EAT YOUR MACARONI

AT JUSTICE’S HOUSE

It’s dinner time, and Justice’s parents have a rule that no one answers the phone during dinner. But when Justice reads ‘CHLOE BRISBANE BRONCOS’ on his mobile, he breaks the rule.

‘Hi, Chloe,’ he says, trying to sound all smooth.

‘Justice Jones! Stop talking to girls and eat your macaroni,’ growls Mr Jones.

Justice looks embarrassed and covers the mouthpiece. ‘It’s the Broncos, Dad! It could be an emergency!’

Mr Jones puts down his knife and fork and gets up from the table. He walks around the table in his high-vis shirt with the sleeves ripped off. His muscly arms are covered in tattoos. He stops next to Justice’s chair. ‘Give me the phone,’ he says, sticking out his hand.

Justice knows he won’t win this battle, so he does as he’s told.

‘This is Heke Jones. Who am I speaking to?’ asks Mr Jones. The family goes quiet. ‘You want my boy to come in for a meeting? … What’s he done this time … Nothing? … So he’s not in trouble? … Good. Who needs his help? … Wayne who? Wayne Bennett! The real Wayne Bennett? … Okay. Nice to speak to you, Chloe. See you tomorrow.’ Mr Jones puts the phone down and walks back to his chair.

‘Who was that?’ asks Mrs Jones.

‘That was a lady from the Broncos,’ says Mr Jones.

‘They want to meet with Justice. She said Coach Bennett needs his help.’

Justice sticks some macaroni into his mouth and tries to avoid the look of curiosity on his Dad’s face. Sometimes it’s best to stay quiet.