Naked Hero - The Journey Away

out basically the same, but not the tone. That was where the new question lay.
    “Why don’t you come back, after Melbourne? The Mardi Gras will be in full swing. Experience the best that Sydney has to offer instead of its low-life worst. I’m sure everyone here would love to welcome you back then.”
    Lewis Macleod looked long and hard at Lee Porter - before, during, and after the question was posed. He was not sure if it was himself that broke the eye contact, with a smile then a look downwards, or whether he was simply released. But he felt the power of that look: a challenging power that dared to be tested, in a startling shade of blue that pierced to the core. Momentarily flummoxed, Lewis needed an answer quickly, so the party line was quoted. “Now there’s a thought… I would love to come back… but somehow… I think there’s going to be some other commitments. The tour is a tough master that doesn’t tolerate shirkers… But there will be a time… I know that. Thank you, again.”
    With the formalities over, Lewis rejoined Chantal and Marie, desperately hoping for a few more minutes of their company. He seriously needed to lighten up, but sadly was to be disappointed.
    “Lewis, we must go now. I have a match tomorrow, and you no doubt have a training session. Perhaps you should come with us,” said Chantal as she leaned forward to accept a kiss goodbye.
    Lewis considered this for a moment, knowing that she was probably right. He had made his point, and would probably end up in a barrel load of trouble - staying longer would only make things worse. It had been his plan right from the start – an hour, no more, and then make an escape. Yet he found himself shaking his head. “No, I’m going to stay a little longer, and meet a few more SLAGSS. I think I need to do some public relations work. Don’t worry, I’ll behave myself.”
    Chantal shook her head as well. “I do worry, Lewis. I’m famous for it. Take care of yourself. Please!”
    “I will, sweetheart. And good luck tomorrow. I’ll see you in Melbourne. Dinner on me, okay?”
    Chantal nodded her agreement, a nd then it was Marie’s turn to say her farewell. She smiled knowingly at Lewis as he leaned forward to kiss her then held him for a moment after he had done so and whispered into his ear. “Take care indeed, Lewis. And remember - Australia is notorious for its sharks - and not all of them are local or live in the sea.”

Chapter 6
    Lewis did his duty on route back to the bar: a few handshakes, a lot of smiling, and the odd quip thrown in for good measure. Another vodka and tonic was waiting for him by the time he got to his corner – the barman clearly good at his job, and perhaps trying to make an impression that might lead to more than the ‘thank you’ he got.
    It was whilst taking his first sip that Lewis noticed Lee Porter gliding effortlessly through the crowd - a predatory beast who had spotted its target and was circling before making its strike. Lewis tried to steady himself. He tried to remember that he was the big star here tonight. He was the one that should be able to intimidate - to take control of the game that was coming, whatever it turned out to be. But this wasn’t a tennis court. This wasn’t part of his world. This was shark infested water and he was already bleeding from an earlier attack. There was potential danger here, magnificently presented as nature tended to do, wrapping its great predators in extraordinary beauty. It was that primal allure which had caused him to stay, but as the beast approached with eyes fixed on its prey, Lewis knew he had to be very careful and remember that behind animalistic splendour was all too often the sharpest of teeth!
    “Hello, Lewis. Do you mind if I join you?” asked Lee with the assurance of a man who was rarely turned down.
    “No. Please do,” Lewis hesitantly replied, too in awe of the man to avoid the risk.
    The y both pulled up a stool and sat facing the bar, away from the eyes that burned their backs and the whispers that failed to reach their ears. Lewis looked at his drink, fiddling with the glass. Lee looked at Lewis weighing up the tennis player at close quarters for a change.
    “You took me by surprise earlier,” said Lee as he rested his elbow a few inches from Lewis’s. “I didn’t think that you would have known me. How come? We haven’t met. I would have definitely remembered.”
    Lewis looked over with a half smile, unable to resist the