A New Start

Jason Masters, five years in the Army and three years in prison, for bashing his wife’s lover, putting him in hospital for six months. At twenty-six years old, I need to start life with no violence and a calmer more relaxed outlook.

He left the prison in a taxi and went to a transition unit owned by the prison. He ignored the people standing around, waiting for husbands and sons. There were six units in a block with a garden. Sally Goodman introduced herself, I’m your guidance officer. She took him to a local supermarket to buy food, cooking gear, sheets and blankets. After the Army and prison, this was confusing and slightly terrifying. He sat at his table trying to get his head around what was happening. The next day he went to see his legal team. This was a bus and train trip to the army base. His guidance officer went with him and sat in on the meeting. They informed him that compensation had been paid out of his superannuation fund. At this point, what he believed was his ex-wife barged in, “This is how it will work, you go to your training then join us here. We will be in separate rooms, you only get seen with me when it is in public. I control all your movements and all the money.” Jason got up and left the office; he didn’t even acknowledge her. The guidance officer and the head lawyer chased after him. His lawyer explained that she was never meant to be there.

Jason, “I’d rather go back to goal than live like that, especially after what she did. Besides I was told she divorced me three years ago.”

Angela heard all this and was shocked that he wasn’t told they were divorced. Sally had a thick file from the prison. The lawyers looked at it. A copy was made and a new meeting was booked at a later date. Jason and Sally went back to the transition units. The next day was an interview with an employment company. Jason went through the whole sorry story. He was told nobody was going to employ you because of your goal time.

At home, he looked at Sally, “I’ve fucked up my life haven’t I?”

Sally, “This is not right, it’s not normally this hard. You are a qualified diesel fitter, they are in short supply.”

Jason spent the next day cleaning and learning how a washing machine works. It was one of these new models that also dried the clothes. That afternoon Sally came around, she was visibly upset. they went inside and had a cup of coffee. Sally explained that another client had committed suicide last night.

Jason, “You were a good, tough sergeant, in the workshop. I know you wouldn’t let things get that out of control.”

Sally, “He was an abuser, someone gave him a load of pure heroin,” she was crying, “he was ex-army too, like you. Let’s go for a walk.” They left the compound and walked down the street to a small shopping strip. As they weren’t in a large city, most of the people they came across knew about the overdose. All of them expressed some support for Sally. The local police sergeant stopped near them got out of his car and joined them. They talked for a while and stopped at a coffee shop for a drink and biscuit. As the sergeant was leaving Jason said they had better get those brakes looked at there’s at least one pad going metal to metal. A couple of days later; he was at a job interview at the local garage. That afternoon a Ute pulled up with his toolbox on board. Jason didn’t mention that it was his old Ute. Paul talked to Andrew, owner of Ensine Mechanical Repairs, then handed Jason the keys to his old Ute. Paul said, “A lot of people think you got a roar deal. She’s turned into a real bitch, she’s got two kids and still living with that Terry fuckwit.”

Sally walked up, “I got some news, there is going to be an inquiry into your case. Your legal team have found anomalies in the records. You won’t have to be at any hearings, at this stage..”

Jason, “I just want to forget it all happened, I’ve got a new job and I need to try and build a new life.”

Jason unloaded the Ute and went through all the tool boxes, he was planning to resign from the Army anyway. The police car was delivered to be repaired, which Andrew gave to Jason. The inner pad on the left front wheel was partially worn out and gouging a groove in the disk rotor. He ordered the police/ racing standard parts, which took a few days to arrive. It was hard to start working at a different pace than the Army, but Jason got through the initial shock and settled in.

After six months Jason had found three possible places to live. Sally said the transition period had shifted to a different phase. He was expected to move into privet accommodation. Sally helped him work out what the best deal was. Sally was becoming an important influence on Jason’s life, and this was noticed by other people too.

After Jason moved into a house on Hammer Street, Sally came to see him, they talked for hours and ate a meal they had both prepared. When Sally got up to leave, they looked at each other, Jason leaned forward and kissed her on the lips. Sally said, “It’s about time trooper.” Then moved towards him and they kissed again.

Sally soon moved in with Jason. His life was turning around, he had a good well-paid job and a supportive woman. He was proud to be seen with her and even helped some of her clients clean up their act, and achieve their goals.

Three years after his release, Angela wanted to see him. This was a shock, his legal team said there was no choice in the matter…they also said that Sally should be there, for his protection. This was arranged for the following week, at the local pub.

Jason and Sally walked to the pub with their new son, to be greeted by uniforms everywhere. They were taken to a room and told to get changed. Neither of them had a dress uniform that fitted. They were then led into the lounge. they were met by Colonel Smith. He greeted them with a formal apology, then Angela moved forward and returned his medals and a certificate from the USA. Jason looked at Sally. Who said, “Mine is in a draw under my undies.”

Jason accepted the box from Angela saying thank you. Angela then apologized for not telling him about the divorce and causing so much trouble. Jason was unprepared for this. He replied by saying his short fuse didn’t help the situation and being distracted by planning for retirement. Sally smiled at him. Jason looked around and realised the whole town was there, with him. The commander in chief of the armed forces then came forward to present medals to Sally, Paul, Andrew and Jason for the safe recovery of the Beast during an attack in Iraque. Now the whole town had new details of his past he never talked about. As far as the town was concerned they had some real heroes living among them again. This is the best ANZAC day they’ve had for years.

Jason and Sally became a permanent fixture at a few town events. Andrew and Paul were pushing them to the forefront, but Jason made sure that everyone knew who was in the team that saved a president. The best part was they all could walk down the street and be left alone. Jason had learned that he can’t forget the past, but he doesn’t need to relive it. Fighting everyone in sight is a loser game. Now he’s winning.