THE ADVOCATE 345
VOL. 78 PART 3 MAY 2020
A couple of weeks later I come across Bob Johnson and Ravi Hira after
playing tennis. With a grin on his face Bob asks whether they’ve revoked my
licence to practise. Ravi adds that he’s cleared conflicts in the event I
require representation. I thank them for their concern.
Later that weekend my dad calls. “I saw the Chief Justice, um … Hinkson
last night.” “Oh, how was that?” “I walked right up to him and said, ‘I hear
you scratched my son’s car!’” Fantastic. I thank him for his help.
A few months later I’m gardening near the road. Through the slats of my
fence I think I see the Chief Justice walking his dog. I stop and look hard.
Does he have a limp? I strain to see, hoping to avoid eye contact in case he
is still hobbling. He sees me. And he does have a limp. I’ve got to suck it up.
I walk out and ask how he’s recovering. “It’s been a slow process.” I resist
the urge to ask whether he now uses the crosswalk. I wish him well and
slink into my house and shut the door. It’s 2:30 p.m. and I’m thinking about
having that Scotch.