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M.E. PATTI WALKERThe Hook"Aren't you afraid of being attacked?" says my fare."Only by Base and other drivers," I reply.Later, someone asserts I'm game. Base tells carsLOOK OUT FOR A SHARK, HE'S SKINNED TWOTAXIDRIVERS.Two fishy characters give me the run-aroundfinishing Beside The Sea. *My next encounter, a Mr Groby, shoots back-handedcompliments.I'm running late, take a wrong turn, shortchange my passengerweigh any threat from him with my vulnerability with Base.An electric-eel-like lady in a raincoat, seats herself beside me.There's something sticking out from underneath her armpit."is th ... that ... thing real?" I gasp."Oh, no," she laughs, "It's a toy machine gun,I've been to a fancy-dress party." When I drop herten minutes later, I'm still shaking like a jelly-fish.Tonight, other peoples' insecurities rub off on me* Street in Mona Vale, Sydney.82WESTERLY, No.2, JUNE, 1989