Hunter
I’m on my way to meet Pete at the shed when my phone rings. I think it’s going to be Annie, phoning to apologise for drunk-dialling me last night, but instead Sammy’s name flashes on the screen.
‘Hey,’ I say into the phone. ‘This is early for you.’
‘Hunter…’
When he says my name, my feet stop. My first thought is Dad’s dead. It’s finally happened. I knew it might happen one day. But it still hits me like a fucking tractor. ‘What happened?’
Pete hears me and wanders out of the shed. He leans against the sliding door, watching me.
‘There’s been an accident,’ Sammy says. ‘Your dad was driving back from town…’
And he’s dead.
‘He hit a car head-on.’
And he’s dead.
‘Ambos took him to hospital with head injuries and a suspected broken arm and collarbone.’
He’s not dead.
The relief has me doubling over, holding on to my knee for balance.
‘The driver of the other car didn’t make it.’
I close my eyes, hand tightening around the phone.
He’s killed someone. My dad has killed someone.
‘Was he drunk?’ It’s such a stupid question.
There’s a long pause. ‘I don’t have all the details.’
‘Who was the other driver?’
‘Don’t know yet.’
I straighten, eyes meeting Pete’s. ‘I’ll be there as soon as I can.’
Sammy exhales. ‘I’m sorry, mate.’
‘Appreciate the call.’ I hang up and shove the phone into my pocket.
Pete wanders closer. ‘News of your dad?’
I nod. ‘Car accident. He’s in hospital.’ I bring a hand to my pounding head. ‘The other driver didn’t make it.’
Pete closes the distance between us and takes hold of my shoulders. ‘Go pack a bag, and I’ll drive you to the airport.’
‘I’ll be leaving you in the lurch.’
He pats my arm and lets go of me. ‘My kids can make themselves useful for a while.’
My mind is pure sludge. ‘I can’t fly. I have to drive. I’ll need transport while I’m down there.’
‘You’re in no state to drive eighteen hundred kilometres.’