Red Hot (17 page)

‘Yeah, I know how to do it,’ Arthur grumbled.

Robert stayed with his father and turned the soil for him while Arthur spread the fertilizer.

He had
stopped on the way for a sly smoke but he wouldn’t be admitting that.

***

It was about five o’clock and Eric had just finished hosing the dairy out. He rolled the hose up and took it outside to hang on the wall of the dairy. From this side of the place, you could see across to Ivy Gelding’s property. Eric had a clear view of her place and, as he glanced across the paddock, he noticed smoke billowing in the air. He dropped the hose and started to run across the paddock. It was an instant reaction after all the fires they’d had. As he got closer, he realised it was her huge haystack, and it was well alight.

‘Shit, that’ll catch onto the bloody grass and we’ll have a helluva fire!’ he said aloud.

He yelled out, trying to attract attention, but no one appeared.

‘Mustn’t be anyone home…’ he panted, running as fast as he could. When he got close to the burning haystack, he frantically looked around for a hose, anything at all he could use to douse the flames that were becoming fiercer by the minute.

Running quickly around from behind the burning haystack, he saw Ivy standing at the gate doing absolutely nothing about the fire! He got quite a shock; he had thought no one was home when there hadn’t been a response to his shouts. He couldn’t believe his eyes – she was just standing and watching the haystack burn!
‘Why hasn’t she at least grabbed the bloody garden hose and tried to put the damn thing out?’
he thought desperately.

Spotting the hose, he grabbed it and aimed it at the fire, yelling for her to call the fire brigade.

Replying that she had called the brigade already, she
still
didn’t offer to help him. She just stood there looking vague!

His attempt to control the fire was in vain. Eric knew he needed help
and fast!
It was far too big and growing bigger. He took off, running down the driveway, across to George Hartog, a nearby neighbour who, as soon as Eric breathlessly told him what was happening, raced back with him. Using his knapsack and with Eric on the hose, they kept it contained until the brigade roared up and quickly put it out with their equipment.

However, the haystack burnt to the ground.

Eric returned to his mother’s house, confused at what had just taken place.

He told his mother about Ivy not even attempting to put out the fire
, and
how strangely she’d acted when she saw him.

Ivy, meanwhile, was telling her neighbour about Eric being on the scene so quickly.

‘You know, George,’ she confided. ‘I got the shock of my life. He just appeared from behind the haystack. It was very strange… very strange indeed. He looked
very
surprised to see
me
there!’

‘Well, Ivy, he sure worked damn hard to put it out. He said he’d run from his mother’s dairy as soon as he saw the smoke. Really, you should be thanking him. Things could have been a lot worse if he hadn’t seen it when he did!’ George was looking at Ivy thoughtfully. ‘Anyway, it’s out now so I’ll be getting back home. These fires are getting everyone down. You’d better go over and talk to the police; they’re coming in your gate now.’

***

Emmie and Karl were standing on their back veranda. They could see the fire at Ivy’s. Karl knew there would be plenty of blokes there, so this time he left it to them to deal with. Inwardly, he felt utterly fed up. How long before they got hold of this bastard who was sneaking around causing so much destruction? He was at his wits end like everyone else.

‘I’m starting to doubt we will ever catch this scoundrel! I’m petrified what he’ll burn next!’ Emmie’s voice broke with emotion as she spoke.

‘I agree with you, Mum. I’m just as worried, everyone is. Trouble is we haven’t got any bloody clues whatsoever. Someone ‘round here’s gotta know who he is, and they’re protectin’ him!’

‘Surely it’s not one of our neighbours, Karl?’

‘Well, Mum, until we finally get him, we just can’t trust anyone anymore! I think I’ll wander up and see Sam. This fire was earlier than usual, not even bloody dark. The mongrel’s gettin’ gamer by tha looks of things!’

***

The next day was clear and the sun was pleasantly warm, just the sort of day old Harry liked. He was fossicking around the hills. After he’d had such pretty visitors the other day, he’d decided to tidy up his hut. He thought he’d gather some dry wood and stack it beside his old stove, ready for the winter months.

He thought he might even pick some wild flowers.

‘Nevva know when a bloke’s gonna get a visitor,’ he said to himself as he hunted for wood.

‘Well, I’ll be darned… If it ain’t old Harry!’ The man sitting under a makeshift shanty muttered. He was about to hide when old Harry spotted him. Harry squinted and moved closer. ‘
Who’s that up ‘ere in this neck a tha woods?’
he thought
.

The man stood and took a couple of steps closer to Harry.

‘G’day, mate.’ He spoke in a deep gravelly voice.

‘G’day, ah din spect ta see any blokes up ‘ere, not this far up,’ Harry muttered, peering hard at the scruffy looking bloke.

‘Nice spot up ‘ere, eh? I’m just proppin’ ere for a coupla days before movin’ on.’

Old Harry took hold of Tom by the collar, keeping him at his side. He felt uneasy: something about this man didn’t feel right to him.

‘Would you like a nip of rum, old man? Here, sit down outta the sun.’

Old Harry sat down with Tom beside him. He wouldn’t refuse a nip or two.

‘So, what brings ya up here? Ya lookin’ pretty settled,’ Harry asked, gazing around the campsite.

‘Oh, I’m just passin’ through and stopped for a while, like I said,’ he mumbled, pouring a generous drop of rum into an old enamel mug. He hoped Harry didn’t recognize him. It had been a long time, surely he wouldn’t.

He could see Harry scrutinizing him. They talked about the hills and the great view from where they sat. All the time Harry watched him with an eagle eye. Suddenly, Harry blurted out, his voice high pitched… ‘By hell… I do know’s ya!’ Harry looked at him in utter surprise as it dawned on him who the man was. Putting his cup down hard, he added, ‘By jove… I ‘member now! What tha hell are ya doin’ up ‘ere?’ he asked, still watching him curiously.

Bending to pick up his cup, he noticed a box lying open nearby and eyed its contents. He made a mental note to get in touch with the Masons… and fast.

‘Yeah… ya got a good memory there, Harry. It’s been a long time. Relax old man, ‘ere, have another drink.’

Old Harry couldn’t believe his eyes. He refused the drink, rising shakily to his feet.

He knew he’d better get back down to his hut. He was shocked to realise who he’d stumbled across and wanted to get away from him without making it too obvious. He wished he hadn’t let on he knew who he was.
That was a big mistake.

Making the excuse he was expecting Eileen to visit that afternoon, he made his way down the hill with his dog, leaving the man stewing on the fact he
had
been recognized.

He didn’t want anyone to know he was back in town. Not yet anyway.

‘
You’re the reason I’m back, sweetheart,’ he said in a crazy sing song as he gazed at the tattered photo he kept in his breast pocket. For years he had kept telling himself the same thing…
how much he loved the young woman in the photo,
more than he had loved any one, he
still
loved her after all these years! Not a day had gone by that he hadn’t thought of her. All the years he was away, he pictured her eyes as blue as the summer skies, her hair shining in the sun.

‘She’d love to see me, ‘course she would. She’ll be waitin for me. We’ll be togetha for evva, course we will, me and her together forevva. I gotta see ya me darlin’, just gotta.’
He lay back, closing his eyes against the sunshine.

The sing song voice croaked again.
‘Gonna see me baby, yeah I am. Gonna see ya soon, oh yeah I will…’

He must… and he would!

Late Saturday afternoon Win and Dig had decided to go into town to the pictures. Dig had made the suggestion to get Win out for a while. He extended the invitation to Harvey and Mary. They also asked Karl, who declined, begging tiredness. He was going to watch a western on television. Harvey and Mary accepted the invitation. Mary was eager but Harvey showed little enthusiasm.

He would have preferred to stay at home and snatch some time with Ellie. He felt his body stir at the thought of her.

‘You lot ready?’ Dig called to the Winters.

‘Just a minute, Dig,’ Mary answered. ‘You don’t want to go, do you Harv?’

‘Course I do. Why?’

‘You don’t, I can tell! I thought this would be lovely going out with Win and Dig. It reminds me of the good old days. Just what we need, don’t you think?’

‘Don’t carry on, Mary. I want to go. Okay? Come on, they’re waiting.’

Win and Dig knew things were strained between Mary and Harvey and they thought a night out might do them good.

‘If only she’d get off his back. She niggles him too much!’ Dig whispered.

‘She does, but I think there’s an underlying problem, Dig, a lot more than meets the eye.’

Dig touched her face and dropped a kiss on her forehead. ‘I love you so much. I just want to see you smile again. I know you’re sad about Dave. Reckon you could you give me one little smile?’

Her beautiful blue eyes looked up at him and she smiled for him. He kissed her again as Harvey and Mary came down the stairs.

***

Jeff and Dawn were about to sit down for dinner as Eileen walked in the door.

‘Would you mind if I don’t eat just yet, Mum? I know I’m late but I might go for a ride on Lightning. I haven’t ridden him for ages because of the heat and I want to get out there before dark.’

‘Well, it’s just cold meat and salad anyway, so I’ll pop it in the fridge for you. Just be back before dark, promise me? It’s not safe out there, remember, especially around dusk!’

‘Promise. Thanks! Back soon.’

She saddled her horse and rode off into the paddock that footed the hills. It was a perfect evening. As it was still reasonably light, she decided to ride a bit further and visit Harry. He loved Lightning and he hadn’t seen the beautiful horse for a while.

Eileen jumped Lightning over the fences with ease. She was a good rider and loved the freedom of being out in the open. She urged Lightning into a full gallop. Reaching, the hut she reined Lightning in, feeling exhilarated.

‘Harry, it’s me, Eileen. Come on out, I’m on Lightning.’ She normally wouldn’t even have to call the old man; he would always hear her approaching and come outside to greet her.

‘Harry… Harry?
I wonder where he is?’
she muttered. ‘Strange!’ Jumping down, she tethered Lightning to a post and went to the door. It was slightly ajar.

‘Harry? It’s Eileen… can I come in?’

There was still no answer, so she carefully pushed the door and entered. The hut had only two rooms and the old man wasn’t in the kitchen. A chill passed over her. She instantly felt frightened. ‘Harry…?’

She hesitantly walked into the bedroom… her eyes went to the still figure on the floor.

‘Oh… Harry! My God… what’s happened?’

She knelt down and, with an effort, gently rolled the old man over. His face was covered in blood from a gash to his head. He reeked of alcohol.

‘Oh my God, what have you done?’ Realizing he was still alive, she grabbed the grubby pillow from his bed and gently put it under his head. Running to the kitchen, she grabbed a cloth and wet it.

Rushing back, she knelt and carefully sponged his bloodied face. He didn’t stir.

‘I’ve got to get help. Hang in there, Harry!’ she cried desperately.

Throwing a blanket over him, she ran out and leapt on her horse.

Harry’s life depended on her. He must have fallen in a drunken stupor…

These thoughts raced through her mind as she urged her panting horse faster. They galloped through paddocks where groups of cows looked at them from doleful eyes. They leapt one fence after another.

‘C’mon, Lightning … You can do it boy… You can do it!’ She coaxed her beautiful horse over another fence.

The frantic ride home seemed to take forever. Finally, they galloped up to the back fence of Dawn’s. She jumped down, slinging the reins over a post and ran inside.

‘Mum… Mum… it’s Harry! He’s hurt really bad!’ she yelled as she ran up the hallway to ring an ambulance.

After giving the ambulance directions and details about Harry, she ran through the house again, quickly explaining to Dawn and Jeff, who were both shocked. Jeff offered to follow her back in the ute.

‘Don’t worry, love. I’ll come up with the ambulance. ‘You get back to Harry,’ Dawn assured her.

***

Ellie was adding the final touches to her jumper. Francis was keeping her company on the veranda.

‘Mum, are you alright? We haven’t talked much since the funeral.’

‘You’ve been a bit distant yourself. What’s on your mind?’ Ellie asked in reply.

‘I asked first.’

As she opened her mouth to reply, they heard the wailing of a siren gradually coming closer.

They both jumped up, craning their necks to see where it was going.

‘Oh God… Not another fire!’ Ellie clutched at Francis’ arm.

‘No, it’s not a fire siren, Mum. It’s an ambulance!’

The ambulance flew past with its lights flashing.

‘What on earth’s happened? Some one’s hurt, or sick! You watch where it goes; I’ll get the car out in case we’re needed,’ Francis called as he went to get the car.

Emmie came hurrying out to the veranda. ‘What’s happening Ellie…? Not another fire?’ she asked, voice shaking.

‘Mum, calm down. It’s not a fire. It’s the ambulance. Here, let me help you into the chair. I’ll watch where it goes.’ Ellie put an arm around her and helped her sit down. She could feel the old lady trembling.

Watching as the ambulance sped past Sam’s and on up to Dawn’s, Ellie’s heart skipped a beat.

Francis pulled the Volkswagen up alongside the veranda. ‘Jump in, Mum, we’ll go see what’s happened up there,’ he called.

Ted and Hazel came up to the veranda as Francis spoke.

‘Mum, we’ll phone from Dawn’s and let you know what’s happened, okay? Hazel, will you please stay with Mum?’ Ellie jumped into the car and they sped off.

***

By the next morning, word had spread like wildfire through the valley. Of course, the locals were shocked to hear about Harry, although it looked as though he’d gotten himself very drunk, fallen and hit his head.

‘He’s got to be alright, he’s such a nice old man. Please, God, let him be alright?’ Tammi whispered.

‘They said he was pretty bad last night, Tam. Eileen’s been there all night with Aunty Dawn. Hope she rings soon. She promised she would!’

Kathy had spoken with Eileen the night before. She was distraught and reported that Harry was unconscious and that his condition was serious.

Karl was going to the hospital after lunch and said they could go with him.

‘They say it helps if people who care are around to talk to them when they’re unconscious,’ Tammi said quietly. ‘I feel so sorry for him. He was up there, all alone… and hurt.’

‘Come on, Tam,’ Kathy comforted her. ‘We’re all praying for him.’ The phone rang as she was speaking and Ellie hurried to answer it.

It was Dawn ringing from the hospital. She told her that Harry hadn’t come around yet and the doctors were very concerned for him. She told Ellie that Harry’s blood test showed he had the smallest trace of alcohol in his system. Harry was not in any way intoxicated enough to make him so unsteady on his feet that he would do such damage to himself. Someone wielding a weapon had inflicted the injuries to his head.

Harry had been hit over the head with a heavy object and, according to the Doctor, his clothes had been doused in alcohol to give the impression he had been very drunk and fallen. The police were informed and an investigation was under way!

This attack had been particularly vicious. The question was… why?

The news about poor old Harry had the locals utterly shocked. The women now locked themselves inside when they were home alone, even in the day. Before the firebug ordeal, their doors stayed unlocked even when they went out. It was very different these days. Men were keeping a close vigil on their properties and some had even gone to the extent of setting up outside lighting.

No one could believe what had happened to Harry. Karl, Digger and the rest of the blokes figured Harry had discovered something that had got him bashed. Ellie and Win were deeply shocked and saddened; they both had a soft spot in their hearts for Harry. Eileen was distraught. Emmie offered to cover any costs at the hospital – someone had to step in and take care of this poor old bloke. Dave would have been the first to do so.

The locals were in a panic; they all slept with their loaded shotguns close and handy beside their beds!

Now the locals were sticking to the old adage: ‘shoot first, ask questions later.’