The White of a Cow's Eye

"In here! Come!" Stavano ushered Ray into a black vinyl chair in the main office. "Today I am promoting you to foreman."

Ray blushed with excitement, but his stomach churned like a cement mixer. "But what about Paris?"

Stavano waved a pencil in the air. "He steps on our toes once to often, eh? He's gone, mate. He's rat shit. The minute he steps in here he is fired, unless, of course, you want to keep him, now you are foreman. I leave to you to employ who you like, long as they work hard as you. You want him out, you out him. If he don't want to get out, you send him to me. Who else down there you want to out?"

Ray nearly mentioned Mick and Renee, but that would have caused a bloodbath. Better that he kick them out before Stavano sees them. "A couple of others" Ray said, growing in confidence. He could almost see himself sacking Paris, Mick and Renee. But he knew they would not go without a fight.

"I leave in your hands."

And with that, Stavano turned away to welcome his secretaries who were mingling at the door with fake excited tones, pleased that he was well again. Maybe they would all get a raise today, Ray thought.

So where did he go from here? He had to face them in the yards, and that was not a pleasant thing. But he ventured forth with confidence. It was not until he entered the room that his confidence left him.

It left the instant Paris barked out a disgusted laugh.

"Well fuck me! If it isn't Ray fucking Bender! The famous arsehole writer! What are you doing here, dick features?"

"Hi Ray," Tangles said in his usual monotone. "Ease up, Paris."

"Good to see you again, Ray." Bluey said, slapping him on the back good naturedly.

Ray was speechless. What was he thinking about? How dare he show his face here again? He was a murderer, visiting the scene of a horrific crime. The wave of confident euphoria had gone straight out the door. But it wasn't because of Paris' expected outbursts of insults, it was Tangles. In Tangles' eyes, Ray could see the spectre of his dead brother, Wood Duck, the man that he had killed by accident. The brother of the murdered man was staring at him through Tangles' eyes. Fear gripped him like it had never done before. Guilt and fear rolled into one. It was as if Wood Duck was still there, somewhere, probably lying dead in the same position, still waiting to be discovered. Or was Wood Duck dead at all? Ray had never realised the extent of the two brothers' resemblances. But now, somehow, it was incredibly striking. It slapped him in the face like a cold rush of frosty air, in a place where fresh air died amid the stagnant smell of blood.

"I have just been to see Mr. Stavano." Ray said softly. Paris laughed.

"Oh, so?"

"And he does not look very dead to me."

Paris laughed. "You're an expert on the subject are you, Bender?"

What little amount of blood he had in his head just fell to his feet. Paris was enjoying this. He was relishing Ray's turmoil. Tangles shot Ray a look that created even more fear and him. It caused an instant sweat to form across his brow.

"It wasn't my fault," Ray mumbled. "I told you that."

"What?" Paris blurted. "What wasn't your fault?"

Tangles came slowly forward and positioned himself between Ray and Paris. He had just finished taking the liver from a cow. His arms were covered in rich brown blood and a small, curved knife shook in the grip of a trembling hand. Ray backed away. "It's all right, Ray." Tangles said.

"Wood Duck." Ray said. "It wasn't..."

"It's all right." Tangles repeated, louder.

"What the fuck are you both talking about?" Paris shouted. "Bender, get the hell out of my shed. You're trespassing, you bastard. Piss off!"

Ray's eyes were transfixed on Tangles, who nodded an assurance that all was taken care of. "Wood Duck." Ray said again.

"So what did happen to your brother, Tangles?" Paris asked.

Tangles sighed and said in a tone that sounded very final. "He killed himself. Ray thinks he's responsible, but Wood Duck had been going on about topping himself for weeks."

Tangles ignored Paris' question and returned to the carcass. Paris sighed and focused on Ray. "You still here, arsewipe?"

Some colour and some strength came back to Ray. Tangles had covered the accident up, and for some reason did not seek vengeance on his brother's death. It was something Ray did not question at the moment, but he knew it was something he had to address at another time. His duty now was to remove Paris.