Then the police arrive. I recognise Santangelos dad, who saves police brutality for when he gets to his son. Then I see Ben disappear under a heap of bodies and I go in to assist because the Mullet Brothers have fallen into the body jam with their guitars still attached to them, causing more pain than is necessary. Except just as Im about to pull Bens head out of the scrum, a whistle shrills in my ear and this cop is grabbing me by the arm. And then its over.
They separate us into groups. The Ringleaders and the Others. I belong to the Ringleaders because my weak, pathetic, traitorous, fundamentally base peers point to me when someone asks them who is in charge. The only positive thing in this whole situation is that because this stupid town is so small, you dont have to actually get into the paddy wagon to be taken to gaol. They march you there. The worst thing is Im placed in the same cell as Jonah Griggs and Chaz Santangelo and they are still so filthy with each other that I know its not over and somehow Im going to be caught up in it. In the cell next to ours there are about thirty other kids, combinations of all three factions. I look for Ben but can see only some of the other House leaders, who are proudly comparing scars.
In my cell I dont even seem to exist. The dust and grime begin to get to me and I feel a shortness of breath that I know spells trouble. On the other side of the cell Jonah Griggs and Santangelo are too busy sizing each other up like two demented pit bulls who have to prove whos got the biggestattitude.
I lean against the bars that separate us from the others. So let me get this right, I say to one of the Townie girls. All it
takes is to insult someones mother?
No, she explains. Thats the beauty of it. They dont actually have to insult. The words Your mother are enough.
So if I said to you, Your mother is a? I shrug.
Just Your mother. But it doesnt work if girls say it to each other, she continues. You have to have a penis for it to affect you in such a way.
Oh funny, funny, Santangelo says.
The bonding with the Townie girls is a highlight. I spend my first hour of incarceration in conversation with one of themwho happens to be the girlfriend of one of the Mullet Brothersabout the myths around eyebrow piercing. When I have the courage, I ask her the burning question about why the Mullets but Im short of breath and I can recognise the tell-tale signs of an asthma attack coming on, so I have to go and sit down and dont get to hear the answer.
The first lot of parents come in at around five P.M., including the House master of Murray House, so within half an hour the cell next door is empty and its just Griggs, Santangelo, and me. They put me in the cell next door on my own and we get to order takeaway for dinner.
You promised us a negotiation about the Club House, Santangelo says, still eyeing Jonah Griggs, but speaking to me.
Negotiations are over, I say flatly.
You cant do that.
Any which way, weve got the Club House and you cant stop us from getting there, Jonah Griggs says arrogantly.
Watch me.
If we make a deal over the Club House, it will be profitable for all of us, Santangelo says.
Come within an inch of our property
And what? Jonah Griggs calls over to me.
Unfortunately the state persists in using our school as a juvie centre when it suits them. We have arsonists.
So youll burn us down? he says, feigning fear.
No, but we will burn down every single building you own on our property. Beginning with the Club House.
Now I have their attention.
Raffaela is allowed to see me based on the fact that she knows how to sweet-talk Santangelos father, who I find out is her godfather.
Weve called Mr. Palmer but hes at some Rotary Club do and Mr. Grace from Murray House says hes not authorised to bail you out so we have to wait until Salsorry, Constable Santangelo, she says, looking up at him and smiling, speaks to Mr. Palmerwhich could be after midnight.
Wheres Ben? I ask.
I think I saw him go after the Mullet Brothers.
As if he can take on the Mullet Brothers. Is he insane? Find him, Raffaela. He could be hurt.
Im staying with my parents tonight so he can bunk at my place.
I hear the sound of heavy boots enter the station and the next minute Jonah Griggs jumps to his feet saluting, a shocked look on his face. Santangelo mocks the salute behind his back.
Hey! his father bellows, and Santangelo sits back down, sulking.
I strain my neck to see what has surprised Jonah Griggs so much and my heart begins racing wildly.
Its the first time Ive seen the Brigadier this close since he delivered me back to Hannahs place three years ago. In my memory he has always been a giant but today I notice that Griggs towers over him. I slouch against the gates, watching the interaction between him and Griggs.
I dont think it will kill you if you stay the night, he says to Griggs in a tone that isnt open for negotiation.
I dont know how it is that a voice Ive only heard once can stay in my mind, but its as recognisable to me as Hannahs.