“Come on boys, pile out, head over to main building, put your bags against the wall then make your way to the cinema room.”  Another small bus load of teenage boys all aged around seventeen, all thinking they are the next James Johnston, racing car legend, have arrived.  “We have a private boys school here today Luke so these boys should all be well educated, have manners and maybe just a little respect.”  “We’ll see, but I’m not holding my breathe” I say.

Most of the boys slouch down, stretch their long legs out, some use the chair in front of them for a foot rest.  They think they know it all, they wonder why they even have to be here.  Jeez they can drive already, what else is there to know?  This is time out of the school grounds for them, so they will just tolerate us.

My dad walks in ready for me to introduce him.  “Boys this is James Johnston, you can call him Jim if you want.  We will watch this five minute documentary then if you have any questions we can talk after.”  Before we even get to turn around we are yelled at by one of the boys “Do we have to watch this? Why can’t we just go out and start driving?”  “Because this is the way we do things around here, if you don’t want to follow the rules then go sit on the bus and wait there, get it?” I said rather impatiently.

Dad could see the anger rising in me.  These boys just frustrate the crap out of me.  They will be the next statistic.  They really have no idea.  “Luke start the film please” Dad says guiding me over to the laptop.  I sit and watch with the others.  I’ve seen this footage a thousand times but I still love watching my Dad racing way back in the 70’s.  Good old cars.  Always kept my Dad safe.

 He retired early then opened this precision driving track.  He mainly teaches young drivers how to get out of awkward situations, he gives driving lessons and on the week-end the track is open for anyone wanting to use the grounds.  We have car clubs, motorbike clubs, and all the surrounding private school use the facilities.  But not the public schools because they can’t afford the fee.  And Dad knows this upsets me.  So what, he can put up with my attitude.

After we finish the film session and had some time on the track with the boys, I clean up the area.  I drive the car we used around the track a few times, fast.  It helps my frustration.  I pull in to the shed, pull the bonnet, checking the oil, making sure it will be running smoothly for the next lot of teenagers tomorrow.  Another day, another dollar I suppose.  Dad comes over to try soothe me. “I still don’t get why we can’t have the public school kids” ducking my head under the bonnet. “Luke we can’t afford the insurance to cover the kids” dad argues back at me.  “They are still going to be on the roads, driving amongst us, why can’t the government supplement them?” I say bitterly again.  “I don’t know, go ask one of the snooty politicians, you’ll never get an answer or an answer you want to hear, don’t you think I’ve tried all these years.”  “Yeah I know you have Dad, it just isn’t fair” letting the bonnet slam shut.

I finish up for the day, still early in the afternoon.  I have two driving lessons after school hours this afternoon, so I head into town to grab some lunch, a coffee and read a little.  Maybe this will calm me down.  I didn’t get much reading done.  I actually just sat watching people walk pass.  Couples holding hands.  Mums pushing prams.  Old ladies dawdling.  Groups of unemployed teenagers looking for trouble.  I didn’t feel normal.  I’m not part of a couple, a parent, old or even that young.  I’m just here existing, day in day out.  I think I need a challenge, something to focus on.

 Before I know it I’m parked outside the private school grounds waiting for the first of the boys I am teaching today.  It is his first lessons so I really have to be patient.  I hear the bell go, then watch the boys all parade out.  Their like ants.  All heading in different directions.  Some climbing into cars, some cuing for the buses, some sauntering off down the streets.  “Hey, are you Luke, I’m Sam pleased to meet you” a quite young man says to me thru the window, reaching his hand out to shake.  “Wow, manners I like that, please to meet you too.”  He climbs in the drivers side, grabs hold of the steering wheel “wow, so excited, lets go.”  “First of all Sam I want you to adjust the seat, fix the mirrors so you can see out back, adjust the side mirrors so you can see down the side of the car and beyond.” “Ok, I’m so excited, are we going to just go really slow today hey?” “Yes we will go slow Sam, lets go.”

I loved these kids when they first get behind the wheel of a car.  They’re this much closer to gaining there freedom.  Freedom to go wherever they want.  To just drive away.  Something I felt so long ago.  Whether I got my freedom I’m not sure, maybe I did and I just didn’t know it.  Dad never made me feel trapped.  He was letting me drive around the track when I was about twelve.  Mum didn’t know.  He would let me dirt track drive out in the bush behind the track even younger than that.  Mum didn’t know that either.

Sam did really well and I let him know.  I dropped him back at his house after.  I pulled up to a mansion in the hills.  He seemed a little embarrassed.  He was an unusual boy.  He didn’t want his dad to buy him a fancy new car, he wanted to rebuild one from scratch.  From general chit chat he found out I knew a fair bit about engines.  I told him how I joined the army straight out of school, done my mechanical apprenticeship, and now rebuild engines only as a hobby of course.  “That is so cool.  Will you help me? My dad will pay you for your time” he said before he got out of the car.  “Let me think about it and I’ll let you know next time I see you” I said to him standing behind the car at the boot while he retrieved his school bag.

I could do this, I could use the money to supplement the poorer kids, pay their insurance or fee whatever they needed to pay to have the same opportunity as the private school kids.  I had already got a little savings put aside from the other little hobby that Dad or Mum didn’t know about.  I did this with my big brother Tim.  I raced streetcars.  Not thru the streets, just dragged raced them down one straight piece of tarmac.  Street cars because they were cars that were being driven ordinarily in the day but were driven fast at night.  Tim did the deal, I turned up, got in the car and drove really fast.  Call me lucky, just maybe I had skill, I didn’t know or really care, but I never hung around to bask in the glory, I got out of there quickly.  Tim didn’t like me hanging around, so I just drove and then left.
Tim also sold most of my engines thru his contacts.  Once again I particularly didn’t care, as long as I got the money.   I always put one small pink part on my engines, that was my signature stamp.  Haha most times the car owner never even knew.  This wasn’t Tim’s main job he was actually a bodyguard/driver for a well known millionaire.  He had worked for the same guy about ten years now.  Everyone liked Tim.  He was a real gentleman, like Dad.

We both didn’t live at home anymore.  Tim lived in the city with his girl-friend and I lived in a small cottage the other side of the track, near the pond that supplied our water.  I liked it, it gave me my own privacy, I could come and go, early or late without disturbing Dad and Mum.  I also had a large workshop underneath so I could go and tinker whenever I wanted to.  I wasn’t much of a sleeper, so sometimes I found myself downstairs nearly all night.  Maybe this is why I was a little crabbier during the day, ha I might have to change my routine a little.

My phone vibrates with a message - SPST11 (same place, same time at eleven) was all it read.  Cheeky bugger assuming I was even home.  Ha he knew I’d be home, where else would I be.  So I went.  Two of Tim’s big hairy mates manned the gate to the track.  They knew my car by sound and started sliding the gates across before I got there.  I did my street car race and left, noticing that I needed fuel.  I pulled into my regular petrol station where I had got friendly with the older guy that ran it late at night.  I always got fuel here late at night.  I got to smooch with his dog that sat outside the sliding doors.  It was a rather large German Shepherd and sat at the doors looking like a guard dog but I always got a lick on the face from it.  I would squat down, talking stupidly, rubbing my hands all over it.  He would wag his tail and give me a big kiss.  I would then put my headphones back in my ears and head out.  I had my loving for the night even if it was from a dog.

As I walked to my car I notice a hot looking motor bike over at the air pump and only the darken silhouette of a bike rider all in leathers seeing to the tyre.  When I got in the car I slightly adjusted my revision mirror for another look.  He had stood up by now and was looking over at me.  Oh shit sprung perving.  I started the car and took off.  I had had a good night, some loving from a dog and a little eye candy.

It was Saturday night and I was just finishing up downstairs when Tim rung.  I actually didn’t feel like going out and driving tonight but he was pretty persistent.  I answered the phone and before I spoke he spoke up quickly “It isn’t racing tonight, I need you to be a chauffeur or a what’s a better word, driver yeah driver.”  “A what?  Driver, chauffeur, what’s the difference except one wears a uniform that’s all, I don’t think so Tim” holding the phone to my ear while I wiped my hands.  “Please Luke, besides it’s good money.”  “But I’m all greasy and stinky, when do you need me?”  “Soon, like now, can you do it for me please” he dragged out the please a little.

“Who am I driving?” I said.  “My boss’s son.  He has just moved back from being away.  He lives in the opposite direction to his Dad, so they need another driver.  He will be paying you not his Dad, they wanted me to find someone trustworthy who needed the money.”  “So it’s only a one off isn’t it, I’m not going to be like employed on a regular basis?” sounding a bit narky.  “No, I’m just stuck tonight.  He can employ someone full time when he gets settled.”  “Fine, I’ll need an hour, where will I meet you?” I said trying to sound annoyed.

I met Tim at his place.  He had a uniform and the car waiting.  The car was a sleek black M3 BMW, tinted windows, sparkling gold rims, it was sweet.  It had a tinted partition inside for privacy, and a load of modern equipment. It had a dashboard like a bloody airplane.  The uniform was not too bad either.  It consisted of black pants, black leather gloves, a drivers hat and a really soft black leather jackets.  It was not awfully lady like which was good.  Besides I won’t even have to speak to this guy, so this would be fine.  “There is only one more thing” Tim said handing over the chauffeur hat.  “What now?” I said snatching it off him.  “Can you tuck your hair up, it’s too long also can you sort of not talk to him?” smiling.  “What is going on Tim?  I have no intention of chatting to the man, but what’s this about my hair?” making a stupid face.

“The thing is, my boss asked me to arrange the other driver.  I knew you needed the money.  I sort of told him my mate Luke could do it.”  “Yeah so, I still don’t get it Tim” gathering all my hair up into a loose bun.  “The problem is your not my mate, your not a ‘mate’ your my little sister, who happens to be called Luke.  Your a girl” looking a little stupid.  “Um, der Tim, so what, boy, girl it’s only driving a bloody car for Christ sake.  I won’t be talking to the guy, so he will never know ok” I stared at him.  “Besides my name is Luka, it’s not my fault no-one calls me this, jeez not even our own parents...anyway it’s your head if he works it out I’m just doing what I’m told.”  That shut him up.  I got in the car, knowing I was going to enjoy driving this beast.  I was following Tim to the function so we headed off.

It was only a pick up.  Apparently Tim had driven the whole family to the function.  This is when Tim had met the boss’s son.  I would only be driving him to his home.   My phone rung while I sat and waited.  “Also Luke use discretion, he may have a woman with him, sometimes a little hanky panky happens in the back seat of these cars.”  “Yuk, really.  I’m going to be so embarrassed if it does” I told him laughing a little.  “You know this guy is probably richer than his father, so if anything looks suspicious I permit you to drive a little faster, the boys safety is foremost.”  “What in the hell Tim, this is getting a little more involved than what you first told me!” I hung up.  What had I got myself into.

 Tim sent me a photo of him so I knew who I was suppose to be picking up.  Good thinking, even though surely the man recognizes his own car.  I looked at the photo again.  He was a rather nice looking man.  Nice hair, good body, I was looking forward to seeing a bit of eye candy tonight I thought.   ‘Just keep your head low, and try not to speak, like at all, to anyone, you can do this can’t you’ Tim had stressed before I left.  This was going to be easy.  Just a job, quick fast good money, no worries.  I just need to drive this gorgeous car and man from A to B.  Basically ignore the passenger.  Easy.  

I pulled up, and spotted him farewelling some people.  He spotted me, well he spotted the car and headed my way.  Everything was running smoothly.  So far so good.  I got out and turned to open the door for him, only one body got in, thank god.  Nice backside I thought as he hopped in.  No eye contact, good so far.  I had the address for home.  No discussion necessary.  The sound proof glass was up and tinted.  Good.  I put my earphones in, switched on my music, I was happy, now just drive.

 With in fifteen minutes my phone rung again interrupting my music.  I pressed the talk button near my neck.  It was Tim.  “Luka, listen... I think your being followed.  Don’t panic.  It may be just the press.  But you need to lose them.  I don’t want them knowing where Josh lives.   So drive, a little faster than usual, I permit you.  Just go for it.”  Sweet Jesus, what?  Was this a sick joke, a test?  I automatically looked in my side mirror spotting a car about twenty meters away.  So I floored it.  Looking back in the side mirror again all I could see was one set of headlights falling behind.  I was going about thirty over the speed limit.  Who cares, I don’t need the crap.

 Buzz, Buzz again.  “Luke, you know Joe’s place?  He has his doors up waiting for you, head there and don’t leave until I get there ok.”   “I think I lost them anyway” I said to him while glancing at my mirrors again.  “No they just backed off, they won’t give up, just head to Joe’s.”  “Ok Tim, I’ll get him there safe, then you have some explaining to do.” I knew Joe’s.  I also knew a short cut, with a lot of one way streets.  I couldn’t go as fast but would be hidden by buildings so I went for it.  Funny but I didn’t have any clue what the man in back was thinking.  My heart was beating a little fast.  I took a deep breathe, then went in to my driving zone, we would be there soon.  I looked back every few seconds making sure there was no-one behind.  I thought I had lost them but I could see lights a little back.  Lucky this time.  I was furious.  I seriously need some answers.  I was going to kill Tim.

Joe’s roller door was up but all the lights were off.  I pulled in and instantly the roller door slammed down.  Stay put is what Tim had said.  So I just sat there.  I heard the back door open and shut, but I just sat there.  It must of been about ten, fifteen minutes from when I first got there that Joe tapped on the window.  “You did good girl.  Tim has your precious passenger.  Quite frankly I reckon he was safer with you but who am I to say” he said opening my door for a hug.  “Long time no see Joe, how ya been?  What in the hell just happened, do you know?” I said hugging him back.  “I’m going to kill that brother of mine.”

Joe had served in the Army with Tim.  He was bigger than Tim.  He owned the gym all the boys work out at.  He did bodyguard work also but was freelance.  “I’m glad you helped us out tonight, but I’m pissed at Tim.  I think he forgets I’m not a bodyguard, just a good driver sometimes.”  “Don’t be mad at him, it all worked out” he said to me rubbing my shoulders.  “What was that all about Joe, where’s Tim, he didn’t tell me I would be in danger, arse-hole.”  “Luka enough of that language, your a lady remember.  He didn’t know there would be a car chase tonight, lucky you were driving or we would of been in a heap more shit I reckon.  Come and have a drink with me.  Tim will be back soon.”

 He drags me upstairs to his small kitchen I plonk down at the table.  “What you been up to then?  Haha other than driving rich strangers around fast” he said looking at me curiously.  “Nothing new Joe, like usual.  Just finishing off an engine that is getting dropped into a ’75 Corvette Stingray at the moment.  It’s going to be a great car when it’s done.  She is a real beauty.  They better insure it well is all I can say.”  Joe smiled and shook his head “you and your engines.”

Joe was Tim’s best friend.  He had a big brother protection for me.  Sometimes he was worst than Tim.  He was always at the late night racing, but because I didn’t, well wasn’t allowed to socialise I didn’t get to see him that often, so it was nice to catch up.  About an hour later Tim appeared.  He spoke up before even saying hi to Joe.  “So sorry about that Luke, I honestly didn’t know you’d be followed.  I watched you leave then saw a car instantly pull out after you, it hadn’t picked anyone up from the function so I knew it was suspicious.  I let Josh know, and told him to buckle up and don’t leave the car.  He is a pretty nice guy, he listened to me which I appreciate, made my job a little easier.   You did too Luke which I appreciate also, sometimes these thing happen, you know it just comes with the territory” as he poured himself a drink.

“So you risk my arse saving some pritzy stuck up guys life and it’s ok is it?” I  opened my eyes at him threatening.  “No it wasn’t like that, maybe it was the press, they didn’t seem that intent on following did they.  Anyway Josh was totally impressed with your calm and skillful driving and wants to hire you.”  “He what...your joking right.  Oh that’s rich, so every time I drive this guy around I’m going to have disguise myself as a boy,  drive him out of danger, and your ok about this?”  “Haha no it won’t be that often.  He works from home, he lives above his office, so it is only functions he needs a driver.  You should think about it Luke, think of the money, you could be helping public school kids way earlier than what you think.” “Not fair Tim bringing that touchy subject in to it.  I’ll think about it. Hit me again please Joe I need this after tonight” pushing my glass towards him and the bottle of vodka he was supposedly sharing.  

I really could do a lot with that sort of money I thought.  I would have to seriously think about this opportunity, after all it isn’t hard work.  I actually enjoyed the thrill of getting away and actually being told to drive fast.  I just liked to have a go at Tim occasionally.

Later that week Tim came around for a family dinner.  He brought his girl-friend Alicia with him.  I liked her, she was a girly girl.  Unlike me.  She would tell me how pretty my hair was, or how I have great eyes.  She wasn’t fishing for comments back, she just like talking girl stuff.  I would tut at her comments, like who wants to be told this by a girl, I need a man to appreciate my nice hair and eyes.  I  just didn’t get out enough to meet real men, just school kids and Dad.

“I spoke to Josh about the job Luke” Tim spoke up but not in front of Dad.  “Yeah, I’ve been thinking about it too.  I need the money, so I want to do it.  But I don’t want my wage to go to me directly.  I want it to be deposited into a bank account, you know to accumulate.  Also, how am I going to stay a boy?  Have you worked that one out yet, and don’t you dare ask me to cut my hair!”  “It was fine the other night, he doesn’t want to get to know you, he just wants you to be at his beckon call, probably about once or twice a week, evenings only just to drive him back and forth.”  “Sounds good to me, set it up, get back to me about all the details, this will work I reckon” I said as we headed back inside for dinner.  Alicia wasn’t happy about the arrangement.  It was not a girl thing to do she told us both.

The next week went slowly.  Last weeks lot of boys from the private school visited again.  This time they got to have a go at driving in the wet.  All of them laughed and jeered at each other as all of them skidding out of control every turn they made.  “It isn’t as easy as it looks hey miss” the rude one in the beginning spoke to me.  “No, it takes practice, but only here in controlled conditions.  We are open all week-end, so if you want a little more practice, make sure you organise it.”  “Right-o” he said walking over to his mates to discuss it.  
Later that day I picked up Sam from school again.  “Hey Luka, nice to see you again.  Guess what?  I bought an old car last week-end.  It doesn’t even go so I’m going to start with the engine first, when can we start?”  “Really, your that serious Sam?” “Yeah I told you I was, have you got somewhere we can build it?  My dad is happy to pay for all of it, your time, use of your place, traveling expenses etc. etc.  He wants to know if you want to invoice him, or just pay you in one lump sum at the end.”  Wow money was getting thrown at me left, right and centre lately.  First of all I would have to see this bomb of a car he had purchased.  He organised to get is towed to mine, then we managed to push it in to the workshop.

Sam was so excited about getting started.  I gave him an area to start storing the parts as he dismantled the car.  He was a really nice kid.  I knew he came from a really rich family, but he never treated me any different, always very polite.  He had become a friend.  He was small for seventeen, he was conscious about this.  I would tell him he would grow.  I was always small then I had a growth spurt.  “How old are you then?” he asked.  “I’m twenty two, twenty three this year.”  “Thought so, your nearly my brothers age, he’s twenty five soon.”  “Hey I’m twenty two Sam, I’m not like nearly his age” looking at him seriously then snickering.

 We pulled his car apart right down to a shell.  He was always limited for time, he always had heaps of homework.  Poor kid.  He would huff and puff about having to go.  “The car isn’t going anywhere Sam, you got plenty of time, just come back tomorrow, after school and we will get a little more done.  You still have to concentrate on getting your license also so don’t forget about your lesson on Saturday either.”  “No I won’t thanks Luka, I’ll see you tomoz” he yelled as he climb into his mums shiny red Range Rover.  Whoa another nice car I thought as I watched it drive away.

 Buzz Buzz a sms’s from Tim.   It was an address for pick-up in the city, address of function, and the time I had to waste before a pick up. Full pay for waiting.  Three hours full pay waiting - cool.  What do the other drivers do while they wait.  They probably talk shit about their boss’s for a couple of hours.  I wasn’t interested in that, after all I wasn’t suppose to be a girl doing this job anyway.  So I looked up the nearest movie theatre crossing my fingers there would be a coinciding movie I could catch.  But what about this out-fit of mine.  I grabbed something that fitted in to my bag, plus my thongs.  I tied my hair up, and put my uniform on. I really hated this heavy outfit, but it was a job.  Right ready, set, go.

I sat outside the building waiting to see Josh appear, got out of the car and opened the door.  He didn’t acknowledge me at all.  This was a good start.  I drove him to his function.  Still no acknowledgement.  I drove about a kilometre away to a paid parking station, parked, let my hair down, got changed and headed off.  I just made the movie, and left just as the end credits started rolling on the screen.  Got back to the car, put my hair up, uniform on, all in the front seat of the car, and headed back to the function.  Perfect timing, I only waited about five minutes before Josh appeared.  Once again no acknowledgment and thank god he was alone again.  I noticed he had left some long legged model looking girl waving good-bye.  I snickered.

 I pulled out very aware of what cars were around me.  I wasn’t going to be happy about another fast speed getaway tonight.  Half way thru our trip home, surprising me out of my ‘are we being followed zone,’ the tinted partition rolled down.  I quickly silenced my music playing a little loud in my ears.  Then I heard Josh speak for the first time.  “Driver can we take a detour, it’s on the way, the turn off is just up here, I won’t be long” in a really lovely deep voice.  “Mmm-mm” is all I said, trying to fake a mans voice.  He made me stop outside a dry-cleaners.

 I looked out the window, thoroughly amused that this rich boy picked up his own dry-cleaning.  I was sitting there waiting for him to head back, ready to jump out to open the door, when he stopped at a man sitting on the ground begging for money.  He put his hand in his pocket pulling out a fifty dollar bill, and enclosed it into the poor man’s hand.  He then leant down and spoke to the man, patting him on the back as he left.  Just as I was exiting to open his door he spoke up a little loudly “Don’t bother driver, I’m quite capable of getting in, thanks anyway.”  He was sort of smiling, a little happy with himself.  I slipped back into my seat, smiling  also. Just as we pulled up at his building, once again he lowered the partition.  “Thanks for the detour driver, saved me a walk tonight, and thanks for getting me home safe.”  “Mmm-mm” I answered again, exiting my door to open his.  He didn’t look at me again, I spoke to myself back in the car ‘thank god.‘   I glanced over to watch him before I left, he swung his dry-cleaning over his shoulder and headed inside.  I let out a breathe, a breathe I didn’t realise I had been holding.  That was close.  I dialed Tim.  “Close call Tim, he actually spoke to me like twice tonight, does this sound like a man - mmm-mm” I said the mmm-mm in my fake man voice for him.   “Haha Luka must of been so hard not speaking all that time.  Probably not the exact right way to answer your boss, mmm-mm, instead of yes sir, but good work keeping the secret.”  He laughed.  “Not funny Timbo you owe me big time” I said cheekily.

Another week went by.  I enjoyed tinkering with Sam’s car.  I would give Sam an invoice and then his dad would deposit the money directly into my account.  Any parts for the car I would just give to Sam for his Dad to pay, so I was never out of pocket.  How lovely to have this sort of money.  The next lot of boys we received for drivers Education included Sam, so he really enjoyed learning all the extra skills Dad taught him.  He wouldn’t go back to school on these days, but head over to mine to continue on his car.  He would sling his bag over his shoulders, and walk with me to my place.  All the boys on the bus would jeer and whistle out the small bus windows at him.  “My mates can be pretty annoying hey?”  “Boys will be boys Sam, I’m sort of use to it, I was in the army remember” smiling at him.

We talked about nearly everything.  He was a really easy kid to talk to.  I had learnt so far he had a big brother who doesn’t live with them, and a little sister who is the little princess of the family.  “She thinks the whole world evolves around her, well at least our house-hold” he said angrily.   I had to laugh at him “she starting early, I never learnt how to get my own way using girlie ways.”  “She gets her own way all the time, I can’t wait to move out!”  “Sam, she is probably really cute.  I bet you got your own way when you was little, you just don’t remember” I said laughing a little bit more.  “Your cute Luka, you probably used your girl cuteness also, you just don’t remember either” he said in reply.  I thought...did I?...No I truly didn’t.  Ha I’ll have to ask Tim.