Hanging Limply And Dripping With Blood

From Renmark, it's not far to Adelaide. At 6 o'clock Pastor Moon pulls up outside Katherine's house.

He gets out of the Toyota Ute and knocks on the door.

The door opens.

Ray Moon, says Katherine.

Katherine, says Ray Moon.

Frank, says Olive, who has followed Ray Moon to the door.

Olive! says Katherine. How nice to see you again. Do come in, dear. What's this about Frank?

Nothing, says Ray Moon, just a little joke that the snakes have come up with.

Did you say snakes in the plural? asks Katherine.

I did, says Ray Moon. Aren't you going to ask me in?

No, says Katherine. It would be uncomfortable. You and I are like chalk and cheese.

Not any more Katherine, says Ray Moon. I see myself as a Beaudelarian these days. Evil is natural, and good is the product of art.

For heavens sake Ray, says Katherine. What does that mean? Give me an example.

Where is Charles Red-belly? says Ray Moon, looking behind him. There you are, Charles. Come closer.

No, no, says Katherine. Don't come closer. Stay on the path.

See this snake, Katherine, says Ray Moon. Here is your example.

Just say it, says Katherine. Use words.

Words are deceptive, says Ray Moon.

Idiot, says Katherine. Come in. Have you eaten?

No, says Ray, not since lunch time.

It's tuna and salad, says Katherine. Then I'm going out for the evening, with David and Vello. The Fringe is on this month, did you know?

Ray Moon sits down at the table to face the tuna and salad.

Olive and Charles are sent out the back.

A dog barks, yelps and is silent.

Do you have a dog? asks Ray Moon.

Yes, a dear little white one called Porky, says Katherine.

Perhaps you have him no longer, says Ray.

I am not such a fool, says Katherine. He lives inside, in the laundry.

Knock Knock! Knock Knock knock!

That will be David, says Katherine.

She opens the door.

It is David, but what is he holding, hanging limply and dripping with blood?