Duke's Development

LUNCH with FBI Most Wanted.

OUTLAWS Motor Cycle Gang. (1%’er) OMG.

I recently watched a show on Cable TV, “OUTLAW Bikers”, it was about a number of the well known biker wars currently going on, around America and around the world. Gangs such as the 'Warlocks', the 'Hells Angels', the 'Outlaws' and the 'Breed' are infamous for Criminal activity.

It told some of the stories and a number of Ex-Outlaws Bikers (Outlaws Motorcycle Gang Members) were interviewed after they had defected and entered the 'Witness Protection Programme". Repercussions of abandoning the Outlaws Patch can be very serious. 1%’er Rule: *Once you are a member, you stay a member*. GFOD (God forgives, Outlaws don't).

Background.

I have always been a social person, and will talk to, and get on with “anybody”. You never know who you might meet, and you are often pleasantly surprised as a result. I recommend it - looks often deceive. A part of my social network were 'fringe dwellers' and were involved in all sorts of things, including some areas that are “Jaw Dropping”.

Fond Memories

I have several examples where I have met people that are not what I expected. I remember each of them fondly and can only recommend you take the same approach - "Stop your day and say G'Day".

the hobo and the new car.

Way back in circa 1979, I was working at Bob Binks Ford in Suburban Footscray. I was a car detailer and enjoying the change from the Retail Shoe Industry. I had recently accepted the challenge of a part time role as a Weekend Car Salesman. The challenge was, if I could sell cars, I could retire the gum boots and hose and become a full time new car salesman.

One weekend, I was sitting at one of the showroom desks sorting through some prospect cards. An elderly, portly, somewhat deshevelled gent walked into the showroom. All of the other sales people looked in his direction, ignored him and went about their current activity.

I greeted him and approached with an offer to answer any questions, he asked about a car on the showroom floor, a Ford F100. We started talking and I discovered that he ran his own business; a Shell Distributor. Joe 'Bromage' looked just like a homeless gent. He was actually extraordinarily successful and had two cars of his own. As it turned out, the F100 was to be for his soon-to-be Son-In-Law, as a gift. His two cars were both the same, the same model and the same colour. Each,a Navy Blue with Tan Leather, current model top of the range Mercedes sedan (1979). One in Melbourne for Joes' sometime use the other in Queensland, garaged at their 'Summer House' for his wife.

He liked the car (truck), and it took only a few minutes until he asked the price then withdrew a wad of cash from his pocket and said "I'll take it". A little confused and not exactly used to this process, he clarified, "one of these. just like this one". So there it was, inside ten minutes, car sold, cash paid. Joe had just bought a car that cost 12 months of my salary and paid cash.

This is a true story! Moral: Never judge a book by it's cover!

There's a Murderer at the bar!

Y&J's. Robin?? Adam Young - Hotel Manager

Background.

I was working part time as a 'bouncer'. I was regularly asked to work shifts at Young & Jacksons' Hotel in the city. As a regular, during Mid Week shifts I sometimes jumped behind the bar to serve drinks ( I am not without experience.... (... more)) and to better get to know the regular patrons, many of which had their own 'story'.

When young I worked at the Geelong Football Club Social Club as a barman and restaurant drink waiter. My older brother was the Social Club Bar Manager so I got the job as a part time glass collector and ash-tray cleaner, and all round 'gofer' immediately and easily. It was not until some time later my actual age was required (no need - not relevant).

I worked regularly on Football Match Days and thoroughly enjoyed it. Each day I worked I learned something new. Eventually I was asked to help by being a barman one busy evening, I did and survived. I was a regular shift barman every week from that point on. I worked in a number of the bars (main bar - football crowd, Long Bar - Football 'Match Day' - Disco Crowd) and in the Silver Service Restaurant (frequent V.I.P. Guests) with a Drink Tray; serving Cocktails and fine wines..

I was trained in the art of 'old school/black tie' restaurant drink waiter by 'Silver Dowling' who came to us from the Melbourne Cross Hotel.

The in-vogue wines of the day included: Ben Ean Moselle, Rhine Reisling(s), Mateus Rose, Various Ports .. This was a long time ago, a 7oz Glass of Beer served to the table on a tray in the Restaurant was 25 cents - how times have changed!

I befriended several of the regulars, some of which had their regular drinks, served a particular way. Even though I was actually there for 'security' and not to serve drinks, I found it easy to learn about the regulars and help out behind the bar when needed. One particular fellow, who I would describe as a charming old chap, always had the same drink, and often started an interesting conversation, had his own story that was not known to me.

It wasn't until the end of shift, during staff drinks that Adam the hotel manager told me that the charming old chap was actually on parole, or controlled release and was awaiting trial, for a murder charge.

Evidently he went to a Melbourne television station after hearing about a scheduled guest, walked up to the guest when lucky enough to find him, asked his name, and when hearing it as confirmation, shot and killed him, then walked out and made his way back to Young & Jacksons'. He ordered a drink then handed himself in to two police officers on the nearby street corner.

The guest was to be on a Current Affairs show hosted by Derryn Hinch, a well known Melbourne Television host.

This is a true story! Moral: Never get too close to strangers it could be dangerous!

Close

Over the years, I have met, worked with, be-friended and got to know people who were:

• the FBI Most wanted.
• Underworld Criminals
• Large scale drug dealers
• World Famous musicians
• Information Technology “I.T.” Legends
• Business, Defense & Government Leaders
• Hookers and strippers.
• Those that are incarcerated.
• Those that were murder victims.
• Those that are charged with murder.

For some reason, I am able to communicate with all types of people, from all backgrounds. I am as comfortable in an Outlaw Bikers clubhouse as I am in a Boardroom with the heads of government.

I already had a relationship with the Melbourne Chapter of the 'Outlaws'. I was friends with, and was accepted by the Club President, was on good terms and was a sometimes supplier of bar staff in the form of (topless female!) for club house shifts and I was close to a number of members, often as a result.

It was time for the annual “Eastern Suburbs Bike Show.”.. The Outlaws were to be the host club and were very active on the day. It was a 'patch club only' event which meant only certain clubs were welcome. (e.g. Bandidos welcome, Hells Angels - NOT Welcome.) There were Outlaw members posted at the gate ensuring any visitors were welcome or not affiliated.