Red Hot (38 page)

‘Yes, don’t worry Win, they know how to handle the likes of her. Francis is with them too. I saw him walk off the floor with Linda Newman. Come on, let’s go to the bar.’

They made their way through the crowd to the bar, ignoring the man, leaving him standing alone.

‘I didn’t like that bloke one bit, Ellie. He gave me the creeps!’

Ellie laughed. ‘You’re just not used to being out without Dig.’

‘No, I’m serious Ellie, I really didn’t like him!’ Win insisted.

‘Oh well, I think he might have liked you. He’s following us.’

Sure enough, the bearded man was making his way over to them. He had a look of amusement on his face mixed with a hint of determination in his eyes.

‘Oh no Ellie, get rid of him, will you?’ Win hissed. He was standing beside them now.

‘Gotta say this place has come up a treat, eh? I hear it used to be a seminary.’

‘Yes it was,’ Ellie replied. ‘Father Damien was the priest here then; apparently he’s gone overseas to Africa.’

‘It’ll make a change in the valley havin’ a club here,’ he said, keeping his eyes on Win.

‘Yes it will. We liked our peace and quiet here in the valley. That all changed though when the firebug decided to go on a rampage. That stole our peace, that’s for sure. I suppose having a sports club won’t be so bad. It’s not far to go for a night out; the men like that idea.’ Ellie was babbling on and Win wanted her to shut up.

‘Firebug?’ He raised his eyebrows in curiosity. ‘Tell me about that.’ He settled on a stool next to them. Ellie glanced at Win, who gave her a steely stare.

‘Heavens, it’s a very long story. Some crazy bloke with a grudge on the valley people decided to burn whatever he could get his hands on. A lot of property was lost and everyone around here was afraid to go anywhere at night in case he struck while they were out. Every time sheds were rebuilt, they’d be burned down again.’ Ellie stopped to sip her drink.

‘When did all this start?’

‘Back in ‘64 and was still going right up until just before the seminary closed at the end of ‘65. There hasn’t been a fire since but the firebug is still out there somewhere.’

‘You don’t say? So no one got done for it? That’s quite unbelievable.’

Win was trying to give Ellie the look to stop encouraging him but she had become carried away telling the firebug story.

‘Well that’s true, we all think someone has to know who the lunatic is and is protecting them. It was a terrible time, put a strain on the whole valley, everyone was suspicious of each other and many friendships have been ruined because of it.’

‘Well if the fires stopped when the seminary closed, doesn’t that tell ya somethin?’ he said.

‘There was no proof.’ Win shrugged.

She gave Ellie a nudge and a look that
finally
got through to her.

‘Anyway, hopefully that’s all over with now. We better go see our friends.’ Ellie excused them and took Win by her arm and they moved away.

‘I’m glad to get away from him,’ Win whispered.

‘Yes, he is a bit weird. Certainly asked a lot of questions,’ Ellie replied vaguely. She wasn’t at all interested in talking about the strange man. She was far more interested in the club. ‘Hey, how about we have a go at the pokies? You feeling lucky?’

‘Yeah, good idea. I’ll give them a burl. I’ve never played them before, might be lucky.’ Win smiled brightly.

They ended up having several gins and a few good laughs as they played the one-armed bandits.

The club had a welcoming atmosphere and it was something new for Hamilton Valley people to enjoy after the past troubles in the valley with the crazed firebug. It had come as a complete surprise when the news leaked out that the seminary had closed and Father Damien had gone to Africa. Many were pointing the finger at him, especially since the fires ceased around the same time.

***

‘About time you two put in an appearance. How was the club?’ Emmie greeted Win and Ellie next morning. She was sitting outside on the veranda soaking up the morning sun.

‘Lovely morning, isn’t it?’ Ellie dropped a kiss on top of Emmie’s head. ‘Mum, you must let us take you up to the club. You’d really enjoy it. The interior decorating is beautiful and the place has a lovely atmosphere.’ Ellie sat down in the chair opposite her.

Win sat down beside Ellie and chuckled.

‘She had me gambling on the poker machines too. We did alright though, won a few bob.’

‘Yes, that was fun,’ Ellie added.

‘I don’t suppose you’ve spoken to Dig this morning?’ Win asked.

‘No, love. He and Karl were gone when I came down. They’d headed off even before Hazel came in. She said that, according to Ted, they were going down to the orchard about six thirty. They want to get stuck into it before the sun heats up.’

‘I was just wondering if he mentioned me going to the club without him.’

‘I wouldn’t worry about that, love. He came in late and it wasn’t long before he was in bed. I heard him talking to Karl down here before he went up.’

‘He was fast asleep and snoring when I went to bed. I didn’t hear him get up either,’ Win said.

‘I told her not to worry, Mum. She left him a note to tell him where she’d gone. It did her good to get out for a couple of hours,’ Ellie said.

‘That’s right, love. Digger wouldn’t mind you having a night out with your sister. By the way, Mary rang a little while ago. You know, the change in her is remarkable!’ Emmie told them.

‘Well as long as she stays happy.’ Ellie looked across at Win. They smiled knowingly at each other.

‘Maybe she’s found something to interest her,’ Win said. She knew what Ellie was thinking. Karl and Mary were unaware that Ellie and Win knew about their affair.

‘Yes, let us hope the peace and quiet lasts. I don’t think my old heart could take anymore upsets,’ Emmie stated.

***

Francis ran briskly up the stairs of the Mates store. It was his morning tea break and he was heading for the coffee lounge. Pausing at the top of the stairs, he gazed around for an empty table. The place was full with shoppers.

Mates coffee lounge was a popular meeting place in Albury and overlooked the ground floor where the menswear, shoe department and cosmetic counters were, among many others. The three level department store fulfilled most shopping needs for the town folk.

Francis’ gaze fell on a brunette with her head bent over a newspaper. The girl was deep in concentration. He stood still on the top step looking at her.

As though aware of Francis looking at her, she raised her head and startling blue eyes met his. She had a sweet face, very pretty.

He caught his breath. She was lovely. Slowly, he made his way to her table. Her eyes never wavered from his. When he reached her, his voice came out almost gruff and he cleared his throat.

‘I’m sorry to intrude, but there aren’t any vacant seats. Would you mind if I sat here to have a coffee?’

She smiled up at him and indicated for him to sit down.

The waitress came across to take his order. She knew to serve the staff of the store quickly when they were on their breaks, as they had to be back at work on time.

Francis offered the young woman coffee. She hesitated for a fleeting moment then accepted politely.

He glanced at her newspaper spread open on the table.

‘I see you’re reading the jobs vacant section.’

‘Yes.’ She sighed. ‘I’m new in town and I need a job as soon as possible.’

‘Ah… Well, I just may be able to help. I’m Francis, by the way.’ He extended his hand across the table.

‘Beth, Beth Lowe,’ she, replied shaking his hand.

‘How can you help?’

‘There’s a couple of jobs going here at Mates. I’m manager of the menswear just across from the shoe department and I know they need a sales assistant and so does the baby wear department. You should go up to personnel and see about them.’

‘That sounds terrific. I’ve had some retail experience. I’ll go up as soon as I finish my coffee. Thanks heaps, Francis.’ Beth smiled, delighted.

Francis liked the way his name sounded coming from her. Her voice sounded soft and silky.

‘Where are you from?’

‘Sydney. I grew up there. My mother died recently. Um… my father… is away.’ She paused and a pained expression crossed her pretty face.

‘What brings you to Albury?’ Francis filled the uncomfortable pause with his question.

‘Oh my mother… stepmother told me about Albury. She mentioned it quite a lot, said it was a really pretty place on the Murray River and the people are friendly so I decided to come and see for myself.’

‘Well, she was right there. I could show you around if you like,’ Francis offered, draining the last of his coffee.

‘You don’t have a car?’ he asked as he stood to leave.

‘No, I came by train and I’m staying at a place called Hilary’s in Thurgootha Street.’ She twisted her mouth to the side with a thoughtful look on her face.

Francis chuckled.

‘What are you laughing at?’

‘It’s Thurgoona Street, not Thurgootha Street. Anyway, I must get back to work. Personnel is up on the next floor. What say I call by Hilary’s this evening and we go to dinner? You can tell me how you get on with the jobs.’

She looked up at him standing beside the table, thinking that he seemed very nice. ‘Okay, I’d like that.’

‘Right, I’ll see you at seven. Good luck!’ Francis called as he walked away.

She watched him leave, a smile on her lips, then folded the
Border Mail
and headed upstairs to personnel.

***

The Albury township, being situated on the Murray River, has some of the prettiest streets. Even in the town centre, the streets have leafy trees lining them and the homes are built well, with several rather elegant buildings. It has two hospitals, several banks to choose from as well as doctors, dentists, many hairdressers and an abundance of shops and cafés. The surrounding smaller
town residents make their weekly or fortnightly trips
‘
into town
’
, as they describe it, to do their food shopping and for other supplies.

The original name proposed for Albury by an assistant surveyor in 1838 was Bungambrawatha, the Aboriginal name for the area. The name was subsequently rejected and it became Albury. The reason the first name was opposed and why Albury came into it is still a mystery.

Another jewel in central Albury is the botanic gardens, opened in 1877. It was originally laid out in the form of a Union Jack: all straight lines.

The Albury Botanic Gardens covers ten acres and has a beautiful collection of trees, the tallest being the Queensland Kauri which reaches 46 metres, among shrubs and flowers as well as a historic monument to Hamilton Hume and a rotunda commemorating Albury’s first settler, Robert Brown. The huge gates commemorate Robert Wilkinson, a draper who was mayor from 1903-1905.

The town has gone from strength to strength since 1847 when it boasted a handful of huts, two public houses (inns) and a blacksmith shop, police barracks and a post office.

Eileen galloped Lightning across the paddocks of her mother’s property.

She had just had an argument with Jeff.

‘Shithead,’ she cursed aloud. ‘Always trying to tell me what to do.’

She urged the horse faster and jumped him over a high fence. A satisfied smile crept over her face. Eileen knew she rode well. She had a very special bond with Lightning. He was in his glory when she rode him hard and provided him a challenge.

She rode further into the hills and finally came to a stop at old Harry’s hut.

‘
Poor old Harry,
’ she thought.
‘I wish you were here. My old mate, you understood me. You listened to me.’

She tethered Lightning to a fencepost and went inside the hut. It smelled musty.

‘Oh Harry, if only I knew who killed you.’ She looked around the dismal room and tears stung her eyes. ‘One thing I know for sure, Harry,’ she whispered. ‘He was a rotten coward.’

Nothing had changed in the old hut. It was as it had been when Harry had lived there. The only difference was the thick layer of dust which now covered his meagre belongings.

‘I must come and clean this place up again. I wouldn’t mind living here myself. At least I’d be able to do what I want.’ She spoke to herself as she wandered back to Lightning.

She rode away slowly, her thoughts on the old man who had once occupied the hut. He had been her best friend, someone she could confide in. He had listened to her troubles. He was a wise old owl. Eileen missed Harry terribly.

She rode on, coming to the creek that wound through the properties. Her thoughts switched to the night the men had chased the firebug along the dry creek bed.

‘
Wish they’d caught the mongrel
,’ she thought.

‘Eric wouldn’t have had to go through that rotten court case. I can’t believe the firebug’s got away with all that.
He has to be from around here, he knew the place too well… That gives me the creeps.
’ She was deep in thought as she slowly walked Lightning toward the creek.

There was a small amount of water in the creek. With a gentle nudge of her knees, Eileen urged Lightning forward and paddled him across the creek to the other side. This brought her into the bottom paddock of her mother’s property. She had a good view of Centaur Road from here.

The deep meaty rumble of an engine gradually grew louder. She craned her neck to get a better view and spotted a pink Chevrolet slowly making its way along the road.

‘
Never seen that car before. Wonder whose it is?
’ she thought. Nudging Lightning with her heels, she cantered towards the road, breaking into a gallop as she saw the car do a U-turn at the corner near her house and slowly head back down the road.

Eileen brought Lightning to a halt at the fence by the roadside and watched as it drew closer. It came to a stop, its engine idling loudly under the bonnet.

The rugged face of the passenger smiled up at her. ‘How ya doin’?’ he asked, resting his arm on the car door.

The driver leant across and peered at her. ‘G’day.’

‘Darcy… Daryl! Wow, love the pink machine!’

Eileen felt her face flush. She had noticed how handsome Darcy was at the club a few nights ago and was envious of Dot being with him and his brothers.

‘Yeah, cool isn’t she? I haven’t seen you since the club the other night. We didn’t get to talk much. What’re ya doin’ today?’

‘Um. Not much, just been for a ride up the hill.’ She pointed behind her.

‘Well, it’s still early, wanna come for a drive? I can show ya how this baby moves.’

‘I’d like to, but I have to take Lightning back and unsaddle him and rub him down, and that’ll take me a little while.’

‘No worries. I’ll wait out front for ya.’

‘Oh… ok.’ Eileen couldn’t believe it. She smiled brightly and said she would be as quick as she could. She turned Lightning around, her mind in a whirl as she galloped back to the stable.

‘
I better put some lippy and perfume on,
’ she thought, smiling to herself.

Darcy spun the Chev around and drove slowly back up the steep rise to the front of the house. A smile hovered on his lips as he watched the way Eileen handled Lightning, his smile widening at the rise and fall of her neat little backside in the saddle.

***

Mary was excited at the thought of her plans for the evening. She carefully applied her make-up and sprayed herself with her favourite fragrance. She studied her appearance in the mirror.

‘Mmm, you’ll do nicely, Mary ole’ girl,’ she told her reflection.

She was slender and graceful in navy blue and white. She looked beautiful.

Mary had arranged to meet with Karl in the adjoining town of Wodonga, across the NSW/Victorian border. They were going to an out-of-town restaurant. It gave her a thrill just thinking of their secret affair. She looked good and felt good. Feeling confident, she grabbed her purse and keys, and walked briskly to her car.

***

In 1851, separation was achieved between northern and southern New South Wales. The border was proposed as the Murrumbidgee River, well north of Albury. Due to a clerical error, the boundary was fixed at the Murray River, the new state was named Victoria and Albury became a frontier border town. The settlement on the Victorian side of the river was originally named Wodonga. It was changed to Belvoir, although both names were used for 20 years. With time the original name stuck and Belvoir was dropped in 1874.

The arrival of the first railroad from Melbourne in 1873 largely spelt the end of the paddle steamer era. The rail line from Sydney reached Albury in 1881. The first railway bridge over the Murray was opened in 1883. Due to differences in the gauge of railway lines between the two states, Albury and Wodonga became changing stations for passengers and freight. The standard gauge on the Sydney–Melbourne line was not available until 1962.

***

Harvey closed the folder on his desk and pushed it to one side. He was meeting Ellie at their cabin out at the Weir tonight. He felt himself harden at the thought of the lovely Ellie. Everything about her was beautiful. He could see her naked in his mind. His lips formed a smile at the thought of what the night would bring.

‘
Ah, Harvey my boy, comin’ to Albury sure was the best move you could make
,’ he thought, feeling very sure of himself.

‘No one’ll suspect the truth, least of all my sexy Ellie. Everythin’s goin’ fine and
dandy now,’
he smirked.

Standing up, he pushed his chair back, grabbed his sports jacket from the back of it and, humming a tune, he sauntered to the door.

***

‘Aah! Shit!’ Karl swore, tucking his hand under his armpit and screwing up his face.

‘What’d ya do, mate?’ Digger called across to him.

‘Cut me bloody hand.’

‘Bad?’

‘Nah, but it friggin’ hurt!’

They were in the orchard tending the trees.

They had been hard at work since daylight and were feeling very tired. Eric, Des and Sam were also there giving them a hand.

The rich fruit growing area was gradually getting back to normal after the turmoil the firebug had created.

There were still people in the valley who were convinced Eric had been the firebug regardless of the fact that he
was
acquitted of all charges against him.

Usually at pruning time and then again in the picking season, the people would rally together to lend a hand. Now, because of the rift in the community, the number of helpers had dwindled dramatically.

‘Hey Karl, how about we take that ferret of yours up the hill next Sat’dy and do some rabbitin?’ Des called out.

Karl had sat down under a tree to wrap his cut hand in his handkerchief. ‘That’s a good idea. I could do with a nice rabbit stew.’

‘I’ll come too. I like nothin’ better than a day out rabbitin,’ Eric called.

Rabbit hunting in the hills surrounding the valley was a favourite pastime with the locals. Before the firebug began his rampage, the men would pack up their rucksacks and take their spotlights and head up into the hills for the weekend. They would leave Friday evening, returning Sunday afternoon grubby and happy to hand over their catch for Hazel to create one of her many delicious meals.

Rabbit recipes were a common thing: baked rabbit, stewed rabbit, all were delicious and cooked mostly on wood fired stoves.

***

‘Ah beautiful blue eyes, every day brings us one step closer.’

He was sitting on a log, basking in the sun, deep in the hills looking at the photo he had pulled from his breast pocket. Saliva dribbled from the corner of his mouth. He wiped it away with the back of his hand.

‘All these years, you bitch. All these years you made me suffer… Soon it’ll be your turn. I’ll make you pay for what you did,’ he snarled.

Tucking the photo away, he sat gazing into the open space in front of him.

‘It’s time ta get on with tha job.’ Muttering to himself, he leaned across to a box nearby and began fossicking though its contents.

***

Darcy dropped Daryl off in Dean Street and he and Eileen were alone in his car.

‘Like a drive out to the Weir?’

Eileen nodded and settled comfortably into the seat. ‘Gee, this is some car.’

‘Yeah, she sure is a beauty.’ He patted the dashboard with one hand. ‘She’s gotta lotta guts too.’

‘Well, show me how fast she goes when we get out onto the Weir road,’ Eileen suggested. She loved nothing better than the thrill of speed.

They drove across the border and through Wodonga, heading onto the road that led out to the Hume Weir. Darcy put his foot down and the speedo quickly crept up to one hundred miles per hour. The car hugged the road as they shot along flat out.

Eileen felt the adrenalin race through her veins. Darcy concentrated on his driving and kept the speed up along the straight stretch of road until a bend came into view. He eased his foot slowly off the accelerator, bringing the speed gradually back down.

‘How was that, eh?’ he asked, exhilaration in his voice. He too loved the thrill of a fast car.

‘That was absolutely fantastic!’ Eileen enthused, flushed with excitement.

‘Well, we can do it again sometime if you want. I like a girl who likes a thrill.’

Eileen quickly accepted. She was smiling and blushing as she stared out the window.

He glanced at her, thinking how pretty she looked even with her flushed face.

‘Why don’t we go to the drive-in tonight?’

‘Yeah, I’d like that.’ Eileen couldn’t keep the smile from spreading across her face.

‘I’ll shout tea as well,’ Darcy offered.

‘Oh, ok, but I’ll have to find a phone box and give Mum a call or she’ll worry if I don’t show up for tea.’ They arrived at the Hume Weir and Darcy pulled to a stop outside the milk bar. Eileen got out and went to use the phone outside the shop. Darcy watched her and admired the swing of her hips as she crossed the short distance from the car to the phone box. For a fleeting moment, he could imagine those long tanned legs wrapped around him.

‘C’mon, Darc, behave,’
he thought.

***

Darkness had closed over the valley and the men had finished for the day and gone home. A figure emerged from the shelter of the gum trees surrounding the dam on the Kia-Ora property. He stood with hands on his hips, legs slightly apart.

‘Bloody Mason bastards, up ya selves the lotta ya! Always thought you’se were too good for the likes’a me. Well arseholes, I’ll show ya who’s
too
fuckin’ good.’

His harsh words carried off into the darkness with the breeze. The figure slunk back among the trees, swallowed up by the darkness of night.

On the other side of the orchard, the lights from Kia-Ora twinkled.

Karl called goodnight as he left by the front door. He was in a hurry to meet Mary and was already running late. He whistled as he hurried out to the car. As he reached it, he stopped and looked behind him. Something unnerved him.

‘
Ah, shit, can’t let every bloody noise spook me,
’ he thought as he slid in behind the wheel and drove off.

The figure crept out from behind a tall pine tree. A quick search and he found what he was looking for. A flick of his wrist and the job was done!

***

Harvey waited impatiently for Ellie. She was late and he was anxious to be with her. He hadn’t made love to her for a week now. His thoughts drifted to Mary. He didn’t want her to know that he had discovered her affair with Karl. He laughed loudly
. ‘Think you’re clever, don’t ya? Well, we’ll soon see who’s clever!’
He had known now for almost a year. He had been leaving a café in Wodonga when he spotted Karl and Mary across the other side of the street. Harvey had ducked quickly out of sight and watched as they got into Karl’s car. The intimate way Karl had his arm around Mary told Harvey all he needed to know. This information would come in handy when the time came to put his plans into action.

‘Not
much longer and I’ll have enough money and I’ll be free. Thank fuck!’
he thought.

The sound of a car pulling up interrupted his thoughts. ‘Ellie… At last.’ He smiled.

He quickly poured two glasses of wine and placed them on the bedside table. He heard the cabin door open and then Ellie was there, framed in the doorway.

In two strides, he was across the room, wrapping her in his arms.

Ellie’s arms went around his neck, her hands travelled through his hair. She felt his hands on her buttocks, pulling her closer. She could feel his arousal. A moan escaped her lips as Harvey kissed her neck.

He guided her towards the bed, undressing her as they went. The last of her clothes fell to the floor. She lay back on the bed naked, watching as Harvey stripped his clothes off, dropping them beside hers. The bed creaked as he lowered his weight onto it.

He began kissing her feet. Slowly, he trailed the kisses up her legs, across her stomach, pausing to flick his tongue into her navel. Ellie gasped with pleasure. She reached for his shoulders, digging her nails into his flesh. As his expedition went up… kissing, licking, sucking, she felt his warm wet tongue on her breasts. Arching her body, she asked for more.