Red Hot (46 page)

‘To be honest, Simmo, I don’t know where to go from here.’ Detective Bennett’s brow creased.

‘I know, I know. There’s nothin’ to go on. This bastard’s bloody clever. You’d think he’d slip up somewhere. What the hell are we’re missin’ here? Everyone’s sayin we’re hopeless.’

‘Look, Simmo, burnin’ Arthur Mason’s house just proves he’s not adverse to burning homes. His clever way of settin’ the fires are one of the main stumbling blocks. How the fuck do we know when he’s gonna set one? We don’t have a fuckin’ crystal ball.’ Bennett pounded his fist on his desk in frustration.

‘I’ve never been so stumped on a case like this before. Hell, if he’s gonna start burnin’ houses, they could be occupied. Think about it, the old people who can’t get out because they’re disabled, kids… pets… Shit, I hate to think!’ Simmo frowned and shook his head, adding, ‘We could have one disaster after another on our hands!’ He ran his fingers through his hair, looking desperate.

‘Nothin’ apart from mosquito coils were found at Arthur Mason’s place. By the way, what did you think of him? Bit off hand about it all, don’t you think?’ Simmo continued.

Bennett looked up sharply. ‘Arthur Mason?’

‘Yeah, he wasn’t all that perturbed at what was left of his house. Hell, if that’d been me I’d have been beside myself. He just shrugged and said,
‘Oh well, what’s done is done
.’

‘I dunno mate, maybe he’s gone a bit queer with all that religious jargon he’s into. I wouldn’t think he’d have anythin’ to do with the fires. Anyway, he doesn’t look fit and athletic enough. The bloke we’re after can jump six foot fences. I can’t see Arthur Mason doing that!’ Bennett answered, then added, ‘Maybe his son. But why would he burn the house down? Anyway, he’s in the army and he’d have an alibi. No, I think we can rule Robert Mason out!’

‘You’re right, mate. I’m graspin’ at straws!’ Simpson grimaced as he stood up, frustration plain on his face.

‘Our break’ll come, Simmo. He’s
got
to slip up somewhere.’

***

‘How’s it going, Tam?’ Kathy flopped down on her sister’s bed.

Tammi looked up from her school books.

‘I’ll be glad when it’s all over, Kath. Only two more exams to go and it’ll be all over, then I can throw the damn books away.’

‘You applied to the television station for that receptionist job, didn’t you?’

‘Yep. I hope to hear from them any day now.’

‘Well, I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you. That’d be a great job. Never know where it will lead once you’re in the door!’

Kathy got up and went to Tammi’s dressing table. She began fiddling with her hair. Tammi watched her for a few seconds. ‘What’s up? You seem a bit edgy lately.’

‘Oh, nothing really. I’m just a bit confused. Anyway, what would you think about me buying a little car?’

Tammi was instantly excited. ‘Oh yes Kath, what a great idea! What sort? Have you picked it out yet?’

Kathy laughed. ‘Not yet. Although there are a couple of little minis I have my eye on at that car yard in North Albury.’

‘Well, what are you waiting for? Get Dad to go with you tomorrow on your lunch break.’

‘I’ve mentioned it to him and he’s already agreed to come and have a look with me.’

‘Oh Kath, won’t it be fun with transport of our own? Well,
your
own.’ She laughed, then added, ‘Have you told Eddie?’

‘No, I’ll show him once I’ve got it. Do you want to come to the sporties club tomorrow night?’

‘Yeah, for sure. Johnny’s band’s great, isn’t it? He’s got a terrific voice.’

‘Good looking too. Well, I’d better let you get back to those books. Night, Tam.’ Kathy planted a kiss on her sister’s blonde head.

‘Kath, before you go… Don’t forget to ask Francis and Beth.’

‘It’s a bit strange having her live here. What do you think, Tam?’

‘She seems very nice. I s’pose if we were in her shoes, we’d like someone like Gran to come to our rescue, wouldn’t we? I don’t find her a bother at all really.’

Kathy smiled and nodded, closing the door behind her. ‘
Beth…
’ Kathy thought.
‘Need to find out more about you,
Beth. You’re a bit of a mystery.’

***

Emmie made good progress growing stronger each day. The doctors were pleased and she was told she would be able to go home the following Tuesday if she kept improving.

During dinner Friday night, the family was discussing Emmie’s improvement.

‘Well, isn’t that the best news ever,’ Francis said.

‘I think we should celebrate with some bubbly tonight at the club. They repaired the fire damage there already.’

Kathy laughed at Francis. He loved an excuse to open the bubbly. ‘I’m just in the mood for a bottle of bubbly, Cuz.’ She grinned across the table at him, then added, ‘I’m so glad Gran’s alright and finally coming home.’

‘Me too. It’s not the same here without her around,’ Tammi agreed.

‘She’s such a kind lady. I’m so glad she’s going to be ok,’ Beth added softly.

‘She has a soft spot for you, Beth. It helped a lot when you told her you would move in,’ Win said seriously.

Francis reached across and squeezed Beth’s hand. ‘Good judge of character, our Gran.’ He winked at her.

‘Well, eat your dinner
children
; you can’t go out drinking bubbly on empty stomachs,’ Ellie joked.

The news about Emmie had lifted everyone’s spirits. After they had satisfied their appetites, the girls excused themselves and went upstairs to change for the evening at the club. Francis lingered over his coffee.

‘What do you think of her, Mum?’

‘I gather you’re referring to Beth?’ Ellie smiled. ‘I think she’s a very lovely girl.’

‘She is, Mum. She’s the nicest girl I’ve ever met. She’s pretty and sweet.’

Ellie was taking particular notice of her son as he spoke about Beth. It was obvious that Francis had very strong feelings about the girl. She just didn’t want to see him get hurt again. He’d had strong feelings for a young woman a few years ago and she had let him down badly.

‘Just take things easy, love.’ She put her arm around his broad shoulders and squeezed him.

He looked up into her face and smiled. ‘I’d better get upstairs and shower and change. See ya, old girl.’ He planted a kiss on Ellie’s cheek as he stood up.

She flicked him with the tea towel as he walked away, grinning.

‘What’s this ‘old girl’?’ she laughed

***

‘Will you look at this place!’ remarked Kathy in awe. ‘You’d never believe it had ever been damaged!’

The auditorium had completely been redone. There was absolutely no reminder of the recent fire.

‘They must have worked day and night to restore all this,’ Tammi said, looking around.

Eddie eyed the place as well. ‘Fantastic job! It looks better than ever.’

Eddie was also thinking how he was going to entice Darcy out to the Weir for a drag after the club. He’d worked on his engine through the week and was bound to leave Darcy for dead.

‘Well, if I hadn’t heard about it, I’d never believe there’d been a fire,’ Beth said, coming up behind them.

‘Come on kids, let’s get to our table,’ Francis urged. They found a table up the front where they had a good view of Johnny and his band. The auditorium began filling with people.

‘I wonder if Dot’ll strut in tonight?’ Tammi grimaced.

‘She will, Tam. She wouldn’t be able to stay away,’ Kathy commented.

Eileen and Darcy joined them a while later. The buzz of conversation and the clinking of glasses were the early sounds of a fun-filled night ahead.

The band began playing the first bracket of songs. The lively music soon had everyone toe-tapping.

‘C’mon, Beth, we’ll show ‘em how it’s done.’ Francis pulled Beth to her feet and led her to the dance floor.

Johnny knew how to captivate his audience and draw them into the mood for the evening. He would croon love songs into the microphone and set the mood for romance then belt out a rock and roll number to get them twisting and jiving.

Beth followed Francis’ lead as they moved in perfect time to the music.

‘Look at them go! Francis is such a bloody good dancer.’ Kathy was watching Francis and Beth entertain the crowd with their dance moves. ‘I love dancing with him; he makes it so easy to follow.’

‘Well Kath, you’ll have to make do with me.’ Eddie took her hand and she followed him onto the floor. Things had cooled considerably between them. Kathy seemed quite distant and he had a feeling things were
not
good. He was feeling rather despondent as well. He couldn’t understand why, after being together for so long, and considering how far they
had
gone,
why
Kathy didn’t want to make love with him. He was as horny as hell and he felt it was time they had a full on sexual relationship.

Eileen and Darcy got up as well, leaving Tammi sitting alone. She looked around the crowded room and spotted Dot McClaron weaving her way between tables in her direction. ‘
Oh shit,’
she thought. ‘
I’m going to be stuck with her.’

‘Hello Tammi, love. All on your own?’ she smirked.

Tammi ignored her dig, replying, ‘Hi Dot. You’re alone too I see?’

‘Not for long, lovey. Hey, heard about old Emmie, glad to hear she’s on the mend. I don’t mind that old girl, she’s the only decent one among ya’s!’ She laughed at her catty comment.

‘Gee, thanks Dot. Nice to know you like us.’

‘Anyway, how’s Kathy and Eddie goin’ these days?’

‘Great, they’re on the dance floor at the moment.’

Dot scanned the crowded dance floor and managed to spot Eddie and Kathy. Her eyes narrowed as she watched them together.

‘Keep your slutty thoughts to yourself,’ Tammi warned.

Dot smirked and didn’t comment. The dance finished and the band went to a break.

Kathy was annoyed to see Dot at their table. Eddie greeted her pleasantly enough, much to Dot’s delight. She struck up a conversation with him, deliberately ignoring Kathy.

‘Bitch,’ Tammi whispered to her sister. ‘Don’t let her get to you.’

Kathy shrugged and forced a smile, whispering back, ‘I’m not bothered by her, Tam. She’s just a fool.’ Eddie turned to them and asked who would like a drink. He took the orders and went to the bar.

Dot didn’t hesitate to add her drink to the list. It was obvious she wasn’t planning on leaving, pulling her usual swifty to score a free drink. What annoyed the other girls was that the blokes fell for it.

‘Great bod, hasn’t he?’ Dot admired, jutting her breasts forward, resembling an overstuffed pigeon.

Kathy knew Dot was baiting her. She ignored the comment. Turning to Beth, she struck up a conversation. ‘I heard you singing on the dance floor, Beth. You’ve got a nice voice.’

‘Yes she has, hasn’t she?’ replied Francis.

‘Mum sings sometimes when we have our family get togethers. You’ll have to give us a tune too.’ Tammi joined in.

‘We’ll have to have one of those evenings soon. We haven’t had one for ages,’ Kathy added. ‘Once Gran’s home next week we’ll have to celebrate. She’d like that.’

‘Yeah, we will. That’s a great idea,’ agreed Francis.

Eddie came back with a tray full of drinks and passed them around. Dot’s hand closed over his as he handed her drink to her. This didn’t go unnoticed by Kathy; she was amazed she didn’t feel the usual jealousy.

The band struck up a rock and roll number and a handsome young bloke asked Tammi to dance. Dot leant across and asked Eddie to dance with her. Before he could reply, Kathy told him to go ahead. He looked surprised and started to refuse but Kathy got up and walked towards the ladies’.

Dot grabbed Eddie’s arm and he reluctantly followed her onto the dance floor, watching Kathy disappear.

Dot moved seductively to the beat of the music, tossing her head back and looking into Eddie’s eyes. She moved in closely and rubbed her body against him several times, then moved back and eyed his groin. Eddie had felt himself harden and for once wished that didn’t happen.

Kathy’s attitude had him wondering where their relationship
was
heading. He was pissed off by her frostiness lately. Now, here she was encouraging him to dance with Dot! He convinced himself that Kathy was preparing to dump him.

Despite the heavy make-up, Dot did have sex appeal and a great body. She knew the affect she was having on Eddie and she moved closer again, letting her body brush against his as she kept up a steady rhythm. Eddie put his hands on her hips and matched her moves. The dance was becoming very sexual. Eddie’s breathing became heavier and he couldn’t drag his eyes away from hers.

‘Meet me outside in a few minutes,’ she whispered, disappearing from the dance floor.

Eddie pushed his hair back from his sweaty forehead. He could feel the throbbing of his arousal and, after looking around for Kathy and not seeing her, he followed the direction Dot had taken.

The next number was a slower one. Beth was dancing in Francis’ arms and singing along with the song. He swung her around and she threw her head back laughing.

A hand touched her shoulder and a voice said, ‘Well, we have a very lovely young lady here who has been enjoying herself this evening. She’s sung along with every song – let’s hear her sing some more!’

Johnny had stepped from the stage and was mingling with the crowd on the dance floor. He stopped beside Beth, who he had been watching all evening.

‘Come on now.’ He started to sing
Cryin’ in the Rain.
Beth felt the colour creep into her face. ‘Don’t you know this one?’ Beth nodded that she did know the song.

‘Well, don’t be shy. Come on!’ Johnny took her hand and guided her onto the stage.

Still feeling embarrassed, Beth began to sing, softly at first. Then the mood took her and she forgot the crowd staring at her.

Her voice rose and she sang along in perfect harmony to Johnny. He realised that once she gained confidence, her singing ability would emerge. He urged her on into a medley of Everley Brothers hits.

She followed his lead. When the song finished, the applause that erupted from the audience was dynamic. They called for more, clapping and whistling. Johnny told them they would have to make do with that for now and maybe Beth would be kind enough to sing again for them later.