The Australian Sandstone Series Boxset: Books 1-3 by Michael Beashel

Author:Michael Beashel [Beashel, Michael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-09-17T22:00:00+00:00

John looked at his wife over their breakfast table, wanting to keep this conversation friendly. Clarissa was now working three afternoons and one full day each week at McGuire Wire.

‘I’m concerned about your working hours,’ he said. ‘You’re looking tired. David has told me that his companies are all in sound shape. You can cut down your time there now.’

‘I can manage the family and my father’s business, John.’

Poised with his knife and fork over his plate, John was not to be put off. ‘That’s the last I’ll say of it. I’ll give it another two months, say at the end of March, and if I find it isn’t working you may have to leave.’

‘Don’t put limits on my work, John. I’m coping quite well, so let’s have no more talk of it.’ Pushing her chair back, Clarissa stood up from the table and left the room.

Well, that solved nothing and he chastised himself for his abruptness. Where were his manners, let alone gentleness? Clarissa deserved better. From now on, he’d try to be more conciliatory. He continued with his breakfast and concentrated on the newspaper.

An hour and a half later, he was in his George Street office and a clerk knocked on the door. ‘Excuse me, sir. Mr Gleeson’s here to see you. He said it wouldn’t take long, and I don’t know if you have time—’

‘I’ve got time. I’ll meet with him.’ John left his office, curious as to why his uncle had come to visit. It had been a while since they’d been together.

He went into the adjoining room where the big mason stood with his hands together. ‘Uncle, how are you?’

Gerry smiled. ‘I’m well, as far as my limbs will let me.’ He eyeballed John. ‘Have you a moment to spare?’

‘Absolutely, come to my office.’

Gerry settled in a chair opposite John and said, ‘This place is busy. I wanted to see for myself how busy. How are you faring?’

John was a little puzzled at the question. ‘Good, Uncle, good.’

Gerry nodded. ‘You know, John, I’ve been around men under stress, in the gangs.’ He shook his head. ‘God almighty, I’ve had enough worry of my own, but I saw what it did to them.’ He paused, ‘I see you going the same way.’

John smiled. ‘It’s all part of the deal, Uncle. That’s all.’

‘Maureen has talked to me about you, Clarissa as well. They’re worried about you.’

This was surprising. ‘There’s nothing wrong with me, Uncle. Business is tough and hard. Maureen doesn’t understand that, Clarissa perhaps, but not—’

‘It’s more than that. I’ve only known you for a short time so I’ll wait and see, but your sister and wife have seen a change in you. Not one for the good.’

John felt he had to defend himself. ‘Building up Leary’s comes with costs, Uncle, personal and financial. It’ll settle down, believe me.’

Gerry seemed not to believe him. ‘Is that all it is? The company’s growth?’

John couldn’t see any other reason but there might be one that he couldn’t quite name.

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