The Crush
by Scott Monk
Fifteen-year-old Matthew Cassidy is an up-and-coming rugby league star. The talent scouts are circling him, his school team has reached the finals for the first time ever and he's determined to one day play professional. It's not bad for a down-to-earth guy from the poor side of town who lives with his mum above a fish 'n' chip shop. But despite being the team captain, his prowess and the embarrassing popularity among his mates, Matt really only wants one thing in life - a Dad. All his mates have one, so why can't he? His Mum had fallen pregnant at 14 at a drunken party and never heard from his Dad again. However, the old adage 'Be careful of what you wish for' comes true. Matt receives an anonymous card on his 15th birthday. It's not from his Mum, his grandmother or one of his mates. The only clue is handwriting that matches a dozen letters he accidentally finds in his mother's bedroom - threatening letters about him. Matt tracks down the mysterious writer and discovers he had...