Lunch On The Road

It's the next morning.

Sweezus, Arthur, Belle and Marie are cycling back to Adelaide.

Arthur is in front.

Arthur, says Marie. Either get to the back or ditch that dead crab, please.

Arthur drops to the back.

Sweezus drops back too.

Thought you were gonna ditch it, says Sweezus.

I am, says Arthur. But not yet. We're being followed.

Sweezus looks behind.

It's Victor, in an unmarked vehicle.

What does HE want? says Sweezus.

Checking that we don't ditch the crabs, says Arthur.

Like we'd do that, says Sweezus.

They stop.

Victor catches up.

Just letting you boys know about the new regulations, says Victor. You're allowed to visit the regions. And it's still groups of ten. You can visit a café or restaurant, if you sit outside. But you can't order alcohol.

Yeah, says Sweezus. That's not why you're here.

You're checking up that we haven't ditched the crabs, says Arthur.

All right, says Victor. Where are they?

Dead one's here, says Arthur, waving the biobag which is made of cornstarch, and is already tearing.

Alexander-Curly (may he rest in peace) drops out onto the road.

Where did you get the biobag? asks Victor.

Lauren, says Arthur.

I'll let that go, says Victor. If you pick up the crab and  ......

But it's too late for that now.

An open-beaked bird is approaching. Swooping down. Picking up Alexander-Curly and lifting him bodily.

Flying away with his prize.

Jeez! I hate birds, says Sweezus.

What happened? cries Belle, who has turned back, with Marie.

A natural disappearance, says Victor. With witnesses. I'll write a report, and that will be that.

He takes out his notebook.

No pen.

I'll write it up later, says Victor. Now before I go, I need to sight the other crab.

He means Alexander-Groovy.

Here, says Belle. He's not quite as you remember.

Victor looks into the plastic container she offers him.

Shredded crab, with egg mayonnaise.