Flight of the Jabiru (8 page)

“Is it always this warm going into winter?” Lara asked, afraid to think about the summer months. It was still terribly warm by English standards, even with a slight sea breeze.

“The temperature doesn't change much during the year.”

“Oh,” she said, thinking perhaps that wouldn't be too bad once she'd acclimatized.

“Only the humidity levels. They go from about thirty percent at this time of year, to one hundred percent in the summer months. October is sometimes referred to as suicide month. It can be very oppressive just before the rains come. That's why the pubs are so popular.”

Lara was disheartened, but after spending a few weeks in Hollesley Bay Prison, she doubted anything could be so bad. “I suppose the beaches are crowded with swimmers during summer, then?” She was thinking she might be spending a lot of time frolicking in the surf and that the first thing she'd shop for was a bathing suit.

“Quite the opposite.”

“I'm confused.”

“It's only safe to swim in the sea between May and September. Don't forget that,” he warned gravely. “Your life might depend on it.”

“My life! Why is that?”

“Box jellyfish have poisonous tentacles. If you happen to brush against them, or the tentacles wrap around you, the pain is excruciating. Young children can die from the stings and people with heart problems are vulnerable, too. You can't see them in the water because they are virtually clear.”

“So it's definitely safe between May and September?” Lara wanted to make sure as she was longing for a cooling dip in the ocean.

“Yes, if there aren't any crocodiles about.”

“Crocodiles! In the sea?” Lara assumed he was joking but she could never tell with Sid. “Crocodiles live in and around rivers, don't they?” she said.

“Saltwater crocodiles are sometimes seen in the ocean and on the beaches up here. They can grow to be monsters.”

Lara paled.

“Don't worry. As long as you look out for signs warning of them, you'll be right.”

Lara was still standing at the railing a while later when Sid returned to her side. By now they were close to shore. Lara could see many ships in the harbor. There were cargo vessels like the
Neptuna
but also Australian and American naval ships, which was reassuring.

“Do you know where you'll be teaching?” Sid asked her.

“A place called Shady Camp billabong.”

“I've been there,” Sid said. “It's a great fishing spot.”

Lara was delighted. “Did you see the school?” She was anxious to know what it was like.

“No. I didn't.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I've been there several times and I definitely didn't see a school. There's not much there at all, really, if I remember correctly. I caught a huge barra in the billabong, though.”

“A barra?”

“A barramundi. It's a wonderful fish to eat. Make sure you try it.”

Sid was called by the captain to help with tying the ship to the wharf, so Lara went to fetch her suitcase, which she'd packed earlier. She was quite concerned that Sid hadn't seen a school in Shady Camp billabong. She wondered if there'd been a mix-up about where she was to teach.

By now it was practically dark, but there were dim lights along the wharf and she could see the lights of the city on the bluff.

“Where are you staying?” Sid asked Lara as she was about to disembark.

“I was told to head for a hotel called The Victoria. The address is 27 Smith Street. Someone will be meeting me there in the next day or so. Do you know the hotel? Can I walk there, or do I need to catch a taxi cab?”

“The Victoria Hotel just happens to be one of my favorite drinking holes,” Sid claimed. “You won't need a taxi cab to get there, but it's a bit of walk if you gonna wear those high-heeled shoes.”

“I don't have a choice. I can't walk in nylon stockings and no shoes all the way to my accommodation.”

“Then I'll give you a hand with your suitcase, if you like. I can start my pub crawl at The Victoria.”

“Thank you,” Lara said, pleased to have the company as it was growing darker and she could see the outlines of fishermen on the wharf.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Darwin, Australia

On the walk to The Victoria Hotel, which took nearly half an hour because of Lara's high heels, the hill they had to climb, and the crowds of people who were out enjoying the cool of evening, Sid told her that the first licensee of the hotel was a woman called Ellen Ryan.

“She was also the first woman to hold a publican's license in the Territory and apparently one of the wealthiest landowners, with several mining leases,” Sid said.

“She sounds like an amazing woman.” Lara loved history, especially anything to do with strong women who were achievers.

“I wish she was around now and unattached. I'd marry her in a heartbeat if she'd have an old sea dog like me,” Sid chuckled. “It's every man's dream to marry a woman who owns a pub. If she's also wealthy, it would be like finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.”

Lara shook her head. Sid was fifty two. He'd been at sea since he was fifteen, but had never been shackled by a ball a chain, the unflattering term he used for a wife. “I'm really going to miss your wicked sense of humor,” she said.

“I'm serious,” Sid replied with his familiar chuckle.

“I don't believe any woman could tie you down, not even the wealthy owner of a pub. You're too set in your ways and married to the life at sea.”

“You're probably right, and it would be my luck she'd have a face like a camel's rear end.” Sid realized what he'd said and had the graciousness to look embarrassed. “Sorry, sometimes I forget I'm in the presence of a lady, but you get the idea.”

“Unfortunately,” Lara said trying not to laugh but he could see she was amused. She'd never taken offense at the things he said and that was one of the things he liked about her.

Before they entered the hotel, Sid pointed out that it was built in 1890 from multi-colored porcelainite stone and it had survived two cyclones. “To be honest, I'd never heard of porcelainite stone before,” he said admiring it. The facade was dominated by a parapeted gable and verandas. It was quite an imposing structure, which made its history all the more impressive.

As they stepped into the hotel foyer they were confronted by a grand mahogany hall stand with brass hat pegs along the front, on which stood a very old vase containing a slightly wilted floral arrangement. Lara wondered if the hallstand and vase belonged to the original owner, Ellen Ryan. Either side of the hallstand were parlor palms in large brass pots and on another wall, a large gilt-edged mirror. Although clean, the carpet was a little threadbare down the center, but it wasn't hard to imagine what it had looked like new, although she doubted it was original.

Lara could hear the noisy patrons in the front bar and smell beer and cigarette smoke. They approached the reception desk. While Sid put down her case and rang the bell for service, Lara sighed.

“Are you all right?” Sid asked in concern, observing the light film of perspiration on her brow. “The heat takes a bit of getting used to.”

“I'm fine. It's just wonderful to be on dry land again,” Lara claimed. “But I still feel like I'm aboard ship.” Everything seemed to be moving.

“It takes a few days to get your land legs after a voyage,” Sid said as a woman appeared from the kitchen looking frazzled.

“Honestly, why is it whenever you want a job done properly, you have to do it yerself?” she mumbled crossly to no one in particular. “Apparently they don't make gravy in the Philippines. Can you believe that?”

Obviously she wasn't expecting an answer to the question; she was just venting, but Lara and Sid had no idea what she was talking about. They watched in silence as she wiped her hands on a floral apron that looked so old it wasn't hard to imagine it had been in her glory box. She then removed it and tossed it under the desk, inhaled deeply, exhaled slowly, and transformed into the role of calm ‘receptionist'.

“Can I help you?” With eyes as sharp as an eagle's, she took appraisal of the two people before her, starting with Lara. She noted her pretty face, platinum blond hair, and lovely dress, deciding she could easily be a movie star. When she turned her full attention to Sid, her expression became that of someone who'd just sucked a lemon. Her gaze slid over his stubbled chin, faded floral shirt that was unfortunately open, and baggy shorts that hung precariously under his bulging belly. She concluded that surely they weren't together because if ever there was a pair of lovers who were mismatched, it was the two people standing before her.

“We'd like a room, please,” Sid said politely.

They were together!
The woman scowled in disapproval, thinking that not only was this man old enough to be his companion's father, but what on earth was she thinking? He didn't look like he had two pennies to rub together, he wasn't handsome, and he had no sense of dress. It was obvious why he was attracted to such a beautiful woman, but what on earth did she see in him? “Just the one?” she asked pointedly, determined to make Sid feel uncomfortable and clarify the situation.

“Yes, just the one,” Sid replied, bewildered by the question.

Lara read the woman's mind and her eyes widened. “Sid,” she hissed, nudging him. “It's me who wants a room.”

“What?” Sid mumbled, and gasped. “Isn't that what I said?”

“No, it's not.”

Sid looked at the woman. “I meant... this young lady would like a room,” he amended in a fluster. “She's... we're not... I'm just carrying her suitcase for her.”

“Right,” the woman said skeptically, as she opened the registration book.

“I'll leave you in this lady's capable hands, Lara,” Sid said, more desperate than ever for his first cold beer. “I've got to get back to the ship but first I'll pop in the bar for a quick beer ... or two.”

“Thanks for everything, Sid,” Lara said, impulsively giving him an awkward hug. “Don't get lost on your pub crawl. If I don't see you around town, good luck on your next voyage.”

“Take care of yourself,” Sid mumbled with his head bent. He then shuffled towards the bar.

“Wait just a minute, sir,” the woman said sternly as she glared at his back.

Sid stopped in his tracks and reluctantly turned to face her. Lara thought he looked like a naughty schoolboy summoned to the headmistress and she could barely keep from laughing.

“We're a bit casual in the Top End, so you'll get away with thongs and shorts in the bar, even those shorts, but I'm sure the other patrons won't want to be subjected to your hairy chest and belly, so do that shirt up if it has any buttons.”

Sid glanced down at his open shirt and then awkwardly fumbled with the only two buttons. The result was the shirt pulled together at the top and the bottom, which meant his belly pushed the middle open. Embarrassed and with a face as red as a sun ripened tomato, he disappeared into the bar.

Lara struggled to hide a smirk.

“Most of them in the bar will be well on their way to being drunk as they were here for Happy Hour, between four and five o'clock, when the drinks were half price. Even so, that naked belly would still be too much for my patrons.” She shuddered in revulsion.

Lara felt sorry for Sid. He was certainly a rough diamond, but in the past month she'd learned he had a good heart.

“Is he a merchant seaman? I'm sure I've seen him in the bar before but it was some time ago.”

“Yes, he works on a cargo ship, the
MV Neptuna
. I think this hotel is one of his favorites in Darwin. He speaks very highly of it,” Lara said.

The woman pursed her lips. “Merchant seamen are big drinkers, but at least he knows a good pub. How about you? Is this your first time in Darwin?”

“Yes,” Lara replied. “It's my first time out of England.”

“I thought so,” she said, taking note of Lara's accent and figure-hugging dress. “You're not wearing nylon stockings, are you?” She peered over the reception desk to see that Lara was indeed wearing nylon stockings.

“Yes,” Lara said, baffled why this was relevant. “Why do you ask?”

The woman laughed and shook her head. “You'll find out soon enough.” She knew it was probably the last time she'd see Lara dressed quite so smartly. It just wasn't practical in the heat. “I'm Peggy Parker. I'm the publican's wife. What's your full name, love?” She picked up a pen. “For the register.”

“Miss Lara Penrose,” Lara said, watching Peggy write it down.

“Will you be staying long?”

“I'm not sure. Someone is supposed to meet me here in the next day or so.”

“Right. I'll put you down for two nights. We can always change it later.” Peggy grabbed a key and came from behind the reception desk. “I'll show you to your room, Miss Penrose.” She consulted her watch. “If you haven't already eaten, dinner should be served in the dining room in half an hour; that is if my cook and her assistants suddenly become organized.” She proceeded towards some carpeted stairs and then turned to Lara. “We don't have a bell boy like those fancy hotels in England, so you'll have to carry your own case.” Without waiting to see if Lara could manage, she began to climb the stairs.

Lara picked up her case, which felt heavy because she was weary, and followed.

“Something smells wonderful and I'm starving,” she said enthusiastically. “Is it possible to dine in my room, though? After a month on a cargo vessel I don't feel up to eating in the dining room amongst strangers. I'd really like to have a bath and straighten myself up.”

“If this is you looking disheveled, then you must think I look like a dog's breakfast.”

“Certainly not,” Lara said aghast.

Peggy laughed at Lara's protest. “Suit yourself about dinner,” she added, climbing the stairs slowly as her arthritic hip hurt. “It looks like you might be the only hotel guest tonight.”

“Are you saying I'd have the dining room to myself if I came down?” Lara considered changing her mind about eating in her room, if only so she wouldn't inconvenience Mrs. Parker who appeared to be in pain.

“No, the dining room will be full of Aussie and American air force personnel in the next hour. An airfield and base were built in Darwin in 1938. The men with passes from the base like to eat here. They're a bit rowdy sometimes, but they're good for business. They're keeping an eye on the Japs in the Pacific. Did you see any of their planes while you were on the ship?”

“Yes, quite a few. It was unnerving. But we had an Australian Navy frigate escorting us across the Indian Ocean until we got to Fremantle. Is that why you have no guests? Are people worried about a Japanese invasion so they're staying out of Darwin?” They'd reached the top of the stairs and were proceeding down a hall.

“No, no one's worried here. Australia is a long way from Europe and the war and we don't believe there's any danger in the Pacific region. Guests are seasonal in the Top End. When it's winter down south, they come up here, so I'll soon have a houseful. They'll be mostly fishermen and hunters. I just hope I've got my new staff well-trained by the time all the guests arrive.” She rolled her eyes.

Lara's room was at the front of the hotel and opened onto the full-length balcony, overlooking the Smith Street shopping precinct. It was large, with a very high ceiling, so she certainly wasn't going to suffer claustrophobia. The double bed with a wrought-iron frame looked enormous after sleeping on a cramped bunk for a month.

“I hope you are comfortable here,” Peggy said.

“I've been sharing a small cabin for a month, so this room is palatial in comparison.” It was also palatial compared to her cell in the Hollesley Bay Prison.

“The hotel has hosted some illustrious guests over the years,” Peggy said proudly.

“Really, who?”

“In 1908 there was Henry Dutton and Murray Aunger. They were the first motorists to ever cross the continent from north to south. Then in 1919, aviators Ross and Keith Smith stayed here after the great race from England to Australia.”

“How fascinating,” Lara said enthusiastically. “I'm a great admirer of another aviator, Amelia Earhart. I'm also a school teacher, so I'll be able to tell my future students about the hotel and its history.”

Peggy looked impressed. “A school teacher, you say! You tell your pupils that the hotel lost its roof twice during cyclones, one in 1897 and one in 1937, but the structure is strong and survived virtually unscathed while the rest of the city was not nearly as lucky.”

“That's good to know if there's a cyclone tonight,” Lara joked.

“Cyclones are no joking matter,” Peggy said seriously and left the room. Lara wished she hadn't made such a comment and the fact that Peggy didn't reassure her was fuel for further concern.

Mrs. Parker sent a young Philippine girl up with her dinner a short while later. Her English was limited, but she smiled graciously and seemed eager to please. The succulent roast chicken was cooked with just a hint of unusual spices and served with baked vegetables and thick gravy. Lara ate on a table on the balcony because it was cooler. She couldn't remember ever enjoying a meal so much. She was happy to observe that there wasn't a cloud in the night sky, or a hint of wind, so she stopped worrying about cyclones and basked under a full moon and myriad of stars, the likes of which she'd never seen before. Again, looking at nature's wondrous display made her homesick and lonely for her father. It was going to be a long two years.