Prologue

The rules and regulations kept encroaching on my freedoms ... do this ... that ... the other. DON’T do that ... or that ... nope ... never ... and for sure not that. Australia ... the civilized parts ... was looking like NEW YORK CITY ... and cameras, cameras cameras ... every corner, every store, crosswalk and intersection. Not only did you DO that ... we have photographic proof.

Then they ... and we all know who ‘they’ are ... wanted to wire up MY mine.

“Not that we’ve had complaints ... your employees love you.”

‘And you want to know why,’ I thought.

“Gentlemen ... please. I have no idea,” Abby insisted.

“Surely...”

“No!” she said, yet again. “The smell of brewing coffee woke me up ... I took my morning shower ... dressed and came into the kitchen. The pot was on ... and one cup. A single egg cheese sausage bun in its wrapper ... still hot. No Myndee, no Daddy, no Jannali. I hollered at Alice ... she’s year 13 this year ... never eats in the morning ... skinny is in. The shower ran ... she’s out the door before I could ask. And you guys show up.” She sighed, “If you don’t mind ... I have to go to work.”