Their slow progress couldn’t be helped. The muscles around June’s neck sent shards of pain down her back and her hands and knees throbbed from the abrasions. The occasional gazes their way were quickly averted and June suspected Inferno’s intense presence the reason for the avoidance over any concerns for her condition.
Around the corner, the shiny deep blue jeep parked on the side of the road looked out of place among the dirty old buildings, faded painted signs, and pothole filled road. Inferno opened the passenger door and assisted June in while placing her handbag and jacket next to her feet.
Alone in the vehicle, the tears began to fall as the shock of her ordeal took over. Legs pulled up against her body, June curled into a ball, her back towards Inferno as she buried her head against her knees. With Inferno in the driver’s seat she said nothing to June as she pulled out into the traffic. June neither had the strength or the will to ask where they were going.
They left The Barrio and June stared out the window as the brief divide between the suburbs replaced the dirty streets. The waste, as it was called, was the land cleared to separate the suburbs. Status dictated the suburbs and where you were born determined the status you claimed and right you held. Those of power and money move freely between the suburbs and those from poor, less fortunate suburbs had fewer opportunities to improve their lifestyle. June grew up in an outer suburb with restrictions to only other suburbs of similar status. In total there were seven suburbs June could visit or live in South Wales; The Barrio being the only one offering her the opportunity to improve her life. Now, if Mick was true to his word and ruin June’s chances of work, then she would need to travel to one of the other states. This option was not favourite.
At the entrance to the next suburb, the facial recognition scanner allowed Inferno to enter with ease. June might have questioned how this were possible given who Inferno was be she was in no possible to ask. With the introduction of facial recognition years before June’s birth, it prove monumental in the concreting of social segregation. A persons face became their means of existing and in the lower levels became the first thing destroyed to isolate people and deter them from ever moving between suburbs. Only the wealthy gain access to all suburbs. The injustices were great.
Tree-lined streets immediately greeted them and June stared in awe at the immediate disparities. The buildings alone highlighted the vast difference in social status. They were in Upper Sydney North and it was not only the pinnacle of wealth and prestige but also a powerful example of environmental and social inequality. The divide between the wealthy and poor often meant the difference between life and death. Unsure of Inferno’s destination, June sat quietly; still dubious whether to trust the super villain.
It took another twenty minutes before Inferno pulled the vehicle to a stop and gently touched June’s shoulder, drawing her attention. June turn to look at Inferno and within the close confines of the vehicle June was able to study Inferno’s features for the first time. Her tanned, drawn skin appeared weathered and June thought Inferno’s age almost double to that of hers. She bore no smile and June saw no visible lines on her face to indicate she ever had. Inferno’s menacing gaze bore down on June, intimidating her and yet the touch of Infernos’ hand on June’s shoulder indicated she meant no harm.
“You’ll find help here,” Inferno said.
June looked out the window and stared at the blue and white painted sign above the shop - Spin Clean Laundromat. Confused, June surveyed her surroundings. The clean street and eco-buildings meant they were still in the more affluent side of the north. Fancy boutiques, cafe and several small business dotted the narrow street.
When the passenger door opened, only then did June realise Inferno had left the vehicle. The abrasions on June’s legs made it difficult for her to move and Inferno took her arm and helped her out the vehicle. Together, they walked towards the Laundromat and June looked up at the sign over the door, then back at Inferno. Doubtful at the type of help June would receive she said nothing as Inferno’s hold on June’s arm remained.
In side, the whirl of washing machines and dryers hummed and the warm interior a welcome from the coolness outside. The odour of fabric softener lingered only a moment before being replaced with the fresh smell of ironed shirts. Behind the counter, a small, middle-aged woman leaned over a garment in hand. Her silver hair, hastily tied in a bun and kept there with a multitude of large coloured pins, looked up as both women entered. June watched as the smile on her face she gave to greet them faded and turned to a frown.
“Oh dear. Oh dear,” she said, “What has happen here?”
“We need to see The Tailor. Is he available?” Inferno asked.
“Oh yes, Oh yes. Please sit and be my guest.”
The elderly woman pointed to several blue plastic chairs against the wall between the dryers and the counter. Inferno assisted June as the elderly woman picked up the handle of the old black dial telephone on the wall. June watched, as with a shaking finger, she dialled a single number.
“Hello, Hello, another to go.”
June sat slouched in the chair, her arms crossed over her chest, as memories began to play over in her mind. The pain she continued to feel became a vivid reminder of what almost became of her and threatened to bring June to tears once more.
A sound opposite June brought her attention to the red door with a green exit light above. From the door a middle-aged gentleman stepped out and his appearance took June by surprise. A tall, large man, dressed in deep blue velvet pants, white frilly shirt and deep purple velvet overcoat. His long grey hair slicked back, the gentle waves falling down around his shoulders.
“You have something you need mending?” he asked.
June turned to look at Inferno but her gaze was distant and June didn’t think she was going to be of any help.
“Oh dear, you need mending. Come with me. Come, I’ll fix you up in no time.”
June once more glanced at Inferno for some kind of acknowledgement as to what she should do, but there was none. The gentleman came forward and placing a hand under June’s elbow helped her to stand. With gentle ease, he guided June to the red door. As she entered, he assisted her upstairs as the door automatically closed behind them. At the sound of the door clicking shut, June wondered if her situation had gone from bad to worse.
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