Old Sayings Hold True

Allan then stepped over to me and wrapped me in a big brother hug. The three of us slowly made our way inside and Allan greeted Mum with a hug and a kiss. Mum had made some sandwiches, so we sat around the kitchen table, where so many important family decisions had been made, like where to go on holiday etc. Not much was said. I think we were all lost in our own memories of Dad.

Uncle Paul seemed to be constantly on his phone. I know at one point he got very frustrated with the media because I overheard him say to someone, "Tell that scumbag reporter, that if I see him or anyone else anywhere near here, I will personally put a bullet between their eyes." The phone calls seemed to drop off after that.

Mum had called Marcia to let them know that Dad had died. They all wanted to come to the house, but Mum told them that we needed time to process everything and she would call them later. Of course Marcia wanted details to pass on to the guys, but Mum couldn't give her any yet.

I decided to lay down for a while and was startled when Belinda woke me 4 hours later. I hadn't even heard the helicopter she arrived on. We walked into the kitchen where Uncle Paul was setting out the food he had delivered. Allan was busy setting the plates. I noticed Mum and Jill sitting on the lounge talking quietly. When they saw me, they both came into the kitchen and Jill gave me a hug and told me how sorry she was about Dad. I thanked her, then we all sat and ate.

After the kitchen was cleaned, we adjourned to the lounge room. I had Allan collect a couple of tissue boxes, knowing they would be needed. Before I could start talking, Jill asked why she was here. I simply explained that what I had to share, involved her as well. I could see everyone was a little confused about that, so I told them what I had witnessed and how Dad had defended me with the sword.

When I told of the body count, Uncle Paul butted in and said they had found 2 more bikers outside with missing body parts, so the count was 17. It was when I got to Dads messages to everyone that they lost whatever composure they had left. It seemed that Jill was affected the most, as she was inconsolable for the next couple of hours. When I tried to apologize to Uncle Paul about Dads unfinished message to him, he told me not to worry, it was he who should have said something to Dad first a long time ago.

The next day, Aunty Flo showed up with a few other women. They made sure we ate properly and looked after our general well being. Most of that next week passed in a blur. I know Grandma and Grandpa Jones were there. Uncle Paul had organized legal representation for me when I finally gave my statement to the Federal Police. I had flatly refused to speak with the local cowards. (Oops, I mean cops).

Uncle Paul had convinced me to say I had seen Dad with a machete instead of the sword. He said with a wink it would be better this way. I had to agree. Two weeks after Dads passing was the funeral. I don't know if it was because of the media coverage, which had been consistent, or just how well Dad was known, but it seems the whole city had turned up. The ceremony had to be held at the local football stadium, and even then there wasn't enough room.

Marcia was sitting next to me when she drew in a sharp breath and grasped my arm. I asked her what was wrong, she pointed out two men who were talking with Uncle Paul. She explained who they were. Carlos Blanco and Yuri Huyong, the two biggest kingpins in the criminal world. It looked to me like Uncle Paul was laying down the law to both of them. The three of them eventually shook hands and Uncle Paul took his seat on my other side. Before Marcia could say anything, he said, "I will tell all of you later."

The ceremony was wonderful. It was Aunty Flo who delivered the eulogy, Uncle Trev having passed 2 years ago at the age of 77. The haunting sound of a didgeridoo in the background just added to the emotion. By the time she had finished, there wasn't a dry eye in the place. The funeral procession route to the airport was lined on both sides with people.

Dad was going to be buried next to great-granddad and Uncle Trev near their mine. We had chartered 3 helicopters for the trip, even though Uncle Paul had offered to take care of that for us. While we flew, Uncle Paul told us of his conversation with Carlos and Yuri.

When he saw both of them enter the grounds together, he was immediately concerned, knowing their mutual distrust of each other. When he went to confront them, they assured him they would cause no trouble. They were only here to show their support for the family of a man they both respected. They even pointed out they had no bodyguards with them. As they parted, Yuri assured Uncle Paul that retribution for Dad would be swift and very thorough.

It turns out Yuri was serious. The Bastard Bikers had over 400 chapters all around the world. Within 5 months, every one of them had been destroyed and most, if not all of the club members had been killed. I wasn't exactly sure how I felt about that. Uncle Paul rationalized it by saying each of them had chosen that lifestyle and knew there could be consequences. I had to somewhat agree with that.

All but 4 of us finished our nursing school, albeit 2 months behind schedule. The 4 girls who didn't finish were too traumatized by their experience to return to the school. Extensive counseling helped the rest of through everything. The school re-named that dormitory the 'Jack Jones Building' in his honor.

All but 3 of the local cops were 'let go' after the investigation. I think Uncle Paul might have put some pressure on certain people. It was revealed that the 3 police who stayed had actually tried to enter the building, but were restrained in handcuffs and placed in the paddy wagon on the orders of the local sergeant. I made a point of apologizing to them personally for calling them cowards. They graciously accepted it.

Mum made a point of denying permission for the council to erect a statue of Dad in the city square. We all agreed that Dad would never had wanted something like that. They did name a new children's park after him though. He would have loved that!

Uncle Mick and Marcia unsurprisingly ended up married with twins on the way. Rick and Uncle Mick run the workshop these days. They keep up Dads legacy of hiring those recently released from prison. Even the new office girl had served 2 years for assault on the scum who sold her daughter drugs. He won't sell anything to anyone ever again.

So i guess here is where I say, so long; adios; farewell; catch you on the other side; or even just an old fashioned goodbye.

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Just to lighten the mood, a little humor:

What's the difference between a mistress and a wife??

When you're making love, your mistress says, "HARDER, FASTER, HARDER, FASTER!"

And your wife says, "BLUE! I think we'll paint the ceiling blue."