* * *
Mandy was delighted to see Dale at first, but when she saw the grim looks on his friend’s faces, she started to become concerned. There were seven of them all together, mainly athletic types. Two of them she knew from school, Maurice Havers and another year thirteen. The other four were older, around 18 or 19 years. She recognised a couple of them from the woolshed party, but the other two were only vaguely familiar. She’d probably seen them around town or knew them from school two or three years back.
‘Well, well, well.’ Maurice stepped up ahead of the rest. ‘We seem to have a little beach party going on here, I see.’
Only a few of Mandy’s friend showed anxiety on their faces, but the others didn’t seem to see Dale or his pals as a threat. Mandy wasn’t immediately concerned.
‘You know, I don’t think it’s on that we weren’t invited to this party, don’t you guys?’ Maurice turned back at his pals.
They all shook their heads and didn’t look happy. For the first time, a slight chill ran down Mandy’s spine. Were they here to cause trouble? She hoped not. She turned her eyes to Dale who fidgeted with his hands and didn’t seem to want to look her in the eyes. She couldn’t believe that Dale would be there to cause trouble. At least she hoped not. ‘What do you guys want?’ She peered at Dale when she asked the question.
Maurice spoke before Dale could. ‘Well, well, if it isn’t Randy Mandy…’
‘Don’t call me that! You know I don’t like it!’
‘Yeah Havers.’ Wal stepped forward and delivered him an icy glare. ‘Don’t come waltzing in here and calling our friends names.’
Maurice burst out laughing. ‘Well looky what we have here. A real hero, huh?’ He laughed some more. ‘That’s rich coming from you Ullman. I always hear you referring to her by that name.’
Wal turned red, but stood his ground. ‘What do you want?’
‘We want to join in on your little party, don’t we guys?’
Several of his pals voiced their agreement.
‘Well this is a private party.’ Ginge stepped in beside Wal. ‘It would be better if you guys just left.’
‘Oh, so we’re not allowed on this beach, is that it?’
‘Of course, you are. You’re welcome to use the beach, just leave us in peace, that’s all we’re asking.’
‘And what if we want this particular area, you lot are on?’
‘You can’t have it!’ Wal glared. ‘We got here first.’
Maurice burst out laughing again. ‘Is that so? We got here first. What are you, Ullman, a primary school kid?’
‘Yeah,’ sniggered one of his pals. ‘I’ve heard he can’t read. That’s where he should be.’
Wal made a lunge for Maurice’s smart mouthed pal, but suddenly three of the big teens swooped in on him and grabbed him from behind. Maurice sent several stiff blows to Wal’s body and then a solid smash to the jaw. His pals, let go of Wal and he landed in the sand with a grunt.
Ginge tried to grab Maurice, but the big year-thirteen swung around and sent him flying with a blow to the head. Both boys lay in the sand, groaning in pain. Wal tried to climb to his feet, but Maurice kicked him square in the ribs, sending him back into the sand. ‘Stay put Ullman, if you don’t want another trouncing!’
‘You son of a bitch!’
Wal received another savage kick, this time from one of the other boys.
‘Give it a rest, Ullman!’ Maurice sneered. ‘You can’t win.’ He turned back to Mandy. ‘You know girl, I see you have some music playing there. I think I might like to have a dance with you. How about it Randy Mandy?’
‘Go to hell!’
Maurice sent a hand to her face, striking it with an open palm. Mandy went staggering back. Immediately Mav and Sheep moved in to defend her, but a bunch of Maurice’s mates send them back with brutal body blows. They were just too big and strong.
Dale stepped up to Mandy, a look of concern on his face. He turned and faced Maurice. ‘This has gone too far, Maurice! I didn’t want anyone getting hurt. Especially not Mandy. You had no call to do that.’
‘Oh, and what are you going to do about it, Casterton? Punch me one?’
‘If I have to! I’m not gonna have anyone laying a finger on her. No one, not even you!’
Maurice burst out laughing again. ‘Who the hell do you think you are? Hell, wasn’t it you that wanted me to get a bunch of guys together and come and gatecrash this party? This was your idea, pal!’
‘I just wanted you to piss Cassidy off!’
‘Oh, and where is Cassidy? He’s not even here. He must have seen us coming and scarpered.’
‘He’s not afraid of a lowlife like you!’ Mandy snarled.
Maurice stepped towards her, his face darkening, but Dale blocked his path. ‘No more, Maurice. No more!’
Maurice studied him for a few seconds then let out a haughty laugh. ‘Casterton, you really have become a right Nancy-boy, haven’t you? I mean, God knows how you managed to score yourself the position of head boy at school. You’re no great role-model for all these little creeps. You must have really done some brown-nosing with the teachers, pal.’
‘Give it a rest, Maurice.’
Maurice planted his hand on Dale’s chest and shoved him viciously, sending him sprawling onto the sand. ‘Shut your mouth. I’ve heard enough from you.’ He peered around at those who who still stood. ‘You know, this is a great party. Lots of cute girls. Just enough for one girl each I think boys. Come on, turn the music up and let’s do some dancing. You’re with me Randy Mandy…’
CHAPTER 23:
No Backing Down