Red Hot (49 page)

The upheaval in the valley settled for the moment. Again, the firebug had gone underground… for now. Emmie was home and progressing well. She had insisted on making regular visits to a very depressed Karl, and now the latest visit was the one she had been waiting for. It held the news that Karl was able to come home in a few days. He would be scarred badly, but in time he could have more skin grafts and he should be almost as good as new.

He still refused to see Mary. There were rumours going around the valley about her drinking but he wouldn’t budge.

Beth was enjoying living at Kia-Ora. She had a lovely room. Emmie insisted she make her own with whatever she wanted to put in it. She also loved doing a few gigs with Johnny Hansen’s band. Her relationship with Francis was comfortable but she made sure she didn’t let it get out of hand. Living under the same roof would become complicated if they became lovers. Though Francis very much wanted to take the friendship to the next level.

Emmie had grown closer to Beth. She had further confided in Emmie about her search for her biological parents. The more Emmie thought about it, the more she realised that she had to confront her daughters with her suspicions.

Tammi got the job she wanted at the TV station and was ecstatic. The family welcomed some good news after all the turmoil.

The Christmas dance was a couple of weeks away and the whole valley was looking forward to it, though the men would be still patrolling regardless.

***

He woke from a deep sleep with a start.

‘Shit… me bloody head! Hell, I haven’t tied one on like that for a while.’ His voice sounded course and he tried to swallow but his throat was parched and his lips dry. He sat up and something fluttered to the floor. He glanced and there beside the bed, blue eyes stared up at him.

‘God… look what you do ta me,’ he whispered, feeling for the hardness in his groin.

Unzipping his trousers, he released his erect penis. He hated it; to any other man this was sexual pleasure, to this man it was torture.

‘You bitch!’ he gasped as he satisfied his tortuous tension.

***

The sun shone brilliantly, catching the silver in Emmie’s hair as she sat on the back veranda of Kia-Ora. Ellie and Win were with her; they knew she had something important to discuss. She had that look in her eye.

‘Okay, Mum, what is it? Is it Karl?’ Ellie asked curiously.

‘No love… Not poor Karl. Win, move closer dear.’ She beckoned Win to her.

‘Now, as you know, Beth and I have grown very close. She’s confided in me about something. Now I feel it’s time I confided in you and asked your opinion on a matter which I firmly feel needs our attention.’ She paused, looking seriously at her two daughters.

‘Go on… You’ve aroused our curiosity,’ Ellie urged.

Emmie continued, repeating the story Beth had told her. How her mother had told her on her death bed that she was adopted and her natural mother came from a respectable Albury family. Beth was now in search of her parents… especially her mother!

‘Now do you see why I’m concerned?’ Emmie said.

No one heard the footsteps beside the house. When the new arrival heard the women’s voices, he stopped and listened intently, interest in this particular conversation evident on his rugged face. He had come to see Digger about some fruit boxes but
this
was a complete surprise and the information he needed.

Win had been listening carefully to her mother when a thought hit her and she paled, looking her mother in the face, completely shocked.

‘Mum! You don’t think… oh no! My God, it can’t possibly be… Everyone’s been saying she resembles someone.’

Ellie had instantly caught on to what they were thinking.

‘Yes, but… It can’t be, surely not! Mum?’ Ellie stammered.

‘Could one of you go and get the photo? You know where I keep it, Ellie,’ Emmie asked softly.

Ellie did as her mother asked.

‘Mum, if Beth is who you think she is… Oh my God, what a mess. What about Francis?’ Win had tears in her eyes.

‘That’s why I had to get you and Ellie on your own. I could see the relationship growing and I have to be certain.’

Ellie returned to the veranda with the photo.

The figure at the side of the house was deathly still, riveted to the spot. He wiped his brow with a dirty handkerchief. This was the information he had searched for at Kia-Ora when everyone was out. Now it had fallen in his lap and he couldn’t believe his ears!

‘Here, Mum, but how will this help? It’s only a baby photo.’ Ellie passed the photo to Emmie.

‘I know, love.’ She reached into her apron pocket. ‘Here is the one Beth gave me of her own. Her mother had it tucked away since she was born as well; the hospital gave her the same photo.’

Win took both photos from Emmie. Ellie leaned in closer.

Win held the baby photos side by side. Blue eyes met blue eyes. They looked at their mother. She nodded and covered her mouth with her wrinkled old hand. A tear escaped from behind her glasses.

‘She’s my granddaughter… and your daughter!’ she whispered, looking directly into shocked blue eyes.

He slipped away as silently as he had arrived…

The dinner table was exceptionally quiet, the only sound being the clatter of knives and forks against dinner plates. Kia-Ora was normally alive with chatter at evening mealtime.

The atmosphere was strained and only three people at the table knew why. Everyone else at the table assumed it was due to Karl. The three women had made a pact to be as normal as possible until they decided what to do next.

‘I’m so glad Uncle Karl is coming home tomorrow. When I went to see him last night, he seemed a little bit brighter. At least he let me visit to give him my good news. He’s really pleased about my new job. He reckons I’ll be on the telly next!’ Tammi chattered gaily.

‘I’m glad he’ll be back home with us. I’m sure it will help his recovery,’ Emmie added.

‘The dance is Saturday night. Hasn’t it come up quickly?’ Francis looked at Kathy and then at Tammi. ‘It’s great. Johnny’s playing this year,’ he added. ‘Anyway, Kath, what’s happened to Eddie? You’re not usually home on a Wednesday night!’

‘I thought you’d soon be asking about that, sticky beak!’ Kathy grinned and continued. ‘I s’pose I’d better let you know that Eddie and I are remaining friends but… I’ve decided I want to go out and mix a lot more with my friends. It’s my decision, okay!’

Everyone at the table had paused to listen. Francis took Beth’s hand and this did not go unnoticed by Emmie.

Win was secretly relieved by Kathy’s decision. When she looked at Dig, she knew he was as well.

***

Mary was wiping the sink after washing their dinner things. She knew Harvey had been with Ellie that day; he was often late and that told her the lovers had been together again.

‘He can go to hell,’ she slurred. ‘The only person that matters to me is Karl.’ She didn’t hear Harvey walk in behind her.

‘What did you say, Mary?’

She swung around to look at him, stumbling a little. ‘I said you can go to hell, Harv darling. Hell… got it? H… E… L… L!’ she spelt the word out slowly.

‘I know why you kept topping up my glass over dinner while you talked money… My money!’

Harvey looked furious.

She kept on, deliberately provoking him. ‘You don’t fool me, you idiot. You can get me as drunk as you want and I still won’t give you a cracker, so what’re you gonna do now, loser?’

In a flash, his hand slapped her hard across the face, sending her reeling backwards. He caught her before she fell and her head jerked to one side. Taking a few seconds to grasp what had happened, she turned to meet Harvey eye to eye.

‘
That
, you bastard, is the last time you will ever do that…
the very last time
! As for any money… I wouldn’t give you a shortcut to the shit house. Now let me go!’ Mary ground the words out between her clenched teeth.

Harvey was shocked at what he had done and dropped her arm, releasing her. As he turned to walk away, Mary added, ‘I’m sure Ellie would like to know about the real Harvey… You’re not the Harvey the Masons think you are.’

He glared at her and continued out the back door.

***

‘Well I’ll be buggered! That wasn’t so hard after all. I’ve found ya right here under me nose… Those eyes. My mother was right, bless her heart, when she told me she thought ya existed. I found it hard to believe, but now I know and I have to see ya again!’ He drifted off to sleep rambling about making plans for his
two
blue eyed beauties!

***

As she pulled to a stop outside Kia-Ora, Mary touched her bruised cheek. Harvey hitting her last night had left an obvious welt on her face.

‘I’ll show Ellie just what a mongrel you are, Harvey. It’s about time.’

Hazel answered the front door, surprise showing on her face as she greeted Mary.

‘Hello, Hazel. I’d like to see Ellie, if I may,’ Mary asked politely.

Hazel showed her in and Emmie met them in the hallway.

‘Why Mary dear, it’s lovely to see you.’ Emmie touched Mary’s arm in a kindly gesture.

‘Nice to see you too, Emmie. I hope you’re feeling better. I need to have a word with Ellie though, it’s important.’

‘Mary dear, you know that you are welcome here anytime. I know that you haven’t seen Karl since before the accident; that must be very hard on you. I think he should see you now, when you’ve seen Ellie. He’s up in his room. I don’t think he would mind if you went to him, love.’

‘Emmie, I didn’t know he was home from hospital. I don’t want to upset him!’

‘My dear, sometimes people just don’t realise what’s good for them until it’s put in front of them, believe me!’ Emmie winked.

‘Okay Emmie, I’ll trust you.’ Mary gave a weak smile. Emmie had noticed her face and decided against commenting; she had a fairly good idea how the mark got there.

Mary walked out to the kitchen where Ellie was sitting alone. ‘Mary… What can I do for you?’ Ellie was surprised to see Mary in the doorway.

‘Ellie, please understand; I haven’t come here to argue. I’ve come to warn you.’

‘Warn me! Don’t start, Mary!’ Ellie stood up.

‘Ellie, sit down, hear me out. It’s not what you think.’

Ellie sat down again, sighing loudly. She decided to hear Mary out. She didn’t want any upsets in the house for both Emmie and Karl’s sake.

‘I suppose you’ve noticed the mark on my cheek. Well, Harvey did it. Yes, I have been drinking lately… I’m sure the whole valley knows I’ve been drinking again. Ellie, you have to believe me, Harvey is no good! He’s been trying to bleed me dry for years. I’ve handed over money several times throughout our marriage, Ellie. He always blows it.’

She drew a deep breath. ‘Every business he’s started, he’s ruined. There was always another woman lurking in the background somewhere. All I want to do is warn you. If he starts asking you for money… Well, just be aware of what I’ve told you, that’s all. Ellie, you deserve better.’ Mary turned to walk away and Ellie stopped her.

‘Why are you telling me this now, Mary? We’ve
never
seen eye to eye. It wasn’t long ago that you wanted Harvey back!’ Ellie stated.

Mary smiled at her and slowly shook her head, blonde tendrils of hair moving around her face.

‘I know… I know, Ellie. He has a way about him. He’s very convincing when he wants to be. I made a huge mistake marrying him; I think it was just dependency. Now I’ve had enough. I can assure you, I don’t want the bastard. That’s not the reason I’m here; he’s made me deeply unhappy for years now.’

Mary looked at Ellie with sincerity. Ellie just sat staring at her. Mary sighed and continued.

‘I want a genuine man, a man who’s sincere, a man who will love me for me and
not
my bank account. A man who wants to make me happy and I make him happy. I found all this when I started to see your brother. Ellie, you put Karl up against Harvey. It’s not hard to pick the
real
man. Just be careful, I mean it,
for your own sake
. He’s good at
hurting
and
using
women.’

Mary got up walked through the kitchen, leaving a stunned Ellie. She slumped back in her chair, not knowing what to make of Mary’s statement.

***

Karl gazed in the mirror, his fingers running over the bandage on his face.

‘If only I could rip this bloody thing off. It’s so annoying and itchy!’ he grumbled.

‘That means it’s healing,’ the voice from the doorway answered him.

Karl swung around, coming face-to-face with Mary.

‘Mary! …What’re you doin’ here?’

‘Visiting you, Karl… I had to see you,’ she said softly.

‘Yeah, well, you shouldn’t have. I thought I said…’

Mary interrupted him. ‘I know what you said, and Karl… I don’t care. We have something far too special and I won’t see that ruined because of your damn vanity, or stupidity, call it what you like!’

Karl stared at her, shocked.

‘What stupidity?’ he asked gruffly.

‘Yours, Karl. I’d love you if you had your ears burned off, you fool! It makes no difference to me,’ she pleaded.

Karl sat on his bed and looked at her. He noticed her bruised face.

‘Come here, my lovely… Come here. I’ve missed you so much,’ he said huskily.

Mary went into his arms and they remained holding each other for a long time.

‘Mary, what happened to your cheek? It’s bruised.’

She put her hand to her cheek and thought quickly. She didn’t want Karl to know the truth, not yet.

‘Oh, that. I bumped it yesterday. I’m a clumsy duffer when I get working around the place.’

Karl kissed her face and drew her to him again, thinking how good she felt and how foolish he had been for refusing to see her. Mary raised her hand to his bandaged face.

‘I love you. Remember that always, Karl.
I love you
!’

They kissed tenderly. ‘I love you too, Mary,
remember that
!’ Karl whispered.

‘You all look beautiful.’ Digger smiled as Kathy, Tammi, Beth, Ellie and Win all filed down the stairs. A few minutes later, Emmie appeared.

They all watched her as she slowly made her way down the stairs, elegant as ever. Digger smiled up at her. ‘Well, don’t you look gorgeous, my lady,’ he declared with a sweeping bow.

Emmie had made a remarkable recovery from her heart attack and the family encouraged her not to miss the annual Christmas dance. She was reluctant to leave Karl, but he had told her he wasn’t having her molly coddle him when she could be out enjoying the Christmas festivities.

He also had another reason for wanting the house to himself. Mary was calling by later in the evening. He had tried to persuade her to go to the dance with everyone else, but she insisted on being with him. He had to admit he
was
looking very forward to holding her in his arms again.

‘Will Eddie be there, Kath?’ Tammi asked.

‘Don’t know, Tam. If he is, it’s alright, we’re still friends.’

‘Mmm, can’t really believe he’s taken this all so well. Now! Are we taking the mini?’ Tammi smiled and raised one eyebrow.

‘Ha… You’re so funny, Tam. You love getting out in my little mini, don’t you?’

‘Sure do, it’s great to have wheels,’ Tammi said, giving Kathy a sidelong glance.

‘Whose wheels,’ Kathy joked, grinning at her sister.

‘Come on you two gas bags,’ Dig called.

Ellie tapped Win on her shoulder and whispered, ‘Look at Beth – she looks absolutely stunning. Francis can’t take his eyes off her.’

‘I know, I noticed Ellie. As Mum said, we’ll have to get Christmas over and then deal with this. You know, I still can’t get over it. I’m finding it hard to keep my eyes off her myself. I’m trying so hard to be normal, it’s almost unbearable.’

‘Win, we have to tread carefully. Too much has happened lately. To say anything now would ruin Christmas. It’s hard, I know, and imagine how Francis is going to feel.’

‘Hey… You two wind bags, come on!’ Kathy laughed. Her mother and Aunt’s strange demeanour didn’t go unnoticed by her though.

‘Tam, have you noticed Mum and aunt Ellie acting strangely? I’ve noticed that Mum has been really quiet the last few days. I caught her daydreaming the other day and when I walked up closer to her, she quickly brushed tears from her cheeks,’ Kathy confided.

‘Might just be the time of year. It is getting close to Granddad’s anniversary as well, and we’ve certainly had a lot to be upset about lately!’ Tammi whispered.

‘Yeah, you could be right,’ Kathy answered.

***

Johnny Hansen was singing a slow number when they arrived. Ellie and Francis were pleased he had agreed to sing at this year’s dance. Francis had discussed earlier in the year with Ellie the possibility of being guests instead of the entertainment for the dance this Christmas. Ellie had agreed willingly. This year they could dance and enjoy themselves.

People were admiring the lovely decorations. The hall really had the Christmas atmosphere thanks to Win and Dawn.

The night launched into full swing as Johnny sang and played songs from the thirties to the sixties. Everyone was enjoying the wide range of music. The rock and roll numbers had them twisting and jiving to the beat, and they swayed and waltzed to the love songs he crooned into the microphone.

But although they were all out to have fun, at the forefront of their minds was the fear of the firebug. The detectives did suggest they try and enjoy themselves for this one night. They had put extra police on patrol in the valley so the men could all go to the dance. Although this
was
appreciated by the locals, they couldn’t help but keep an ear cocked for the sound of sirens.

Kathy had just come from dancing when she spotted Dot across the hall leaning provocatively toward Eric, her breasts almost popping out of her low-cut top. Eric was beetroot red.

Dot spied Kathy watching and whispered something to Eric. Touching his bottom, she left him and sauntered towards Kathy.

‘Hi there, Kath. Eric’s one sexy bloke. Pity he’s so shy. I’ll have to make it my mission to bring him out of himself.’

‘Do you honestly think Eric would be bothered with the likes of you?’ Kathy still bristled in Dot’s company, mainly because of the incident at the club when she disappeared with Eddie.

‘Kathy, love, you really do amuse me. Your cousin Eric most certainly would be, he had a nice sized bulge in his pants just now. I’m sure he’d love me to show him where he could put it. No trouble at all!’ Dot crowed.

Kathy felt the anger seeping through her. She would like nothing better than to slap this tramp’s smirking face.

‘By the way, Kath, did you say your goodbyes to Eddie when he left for Wagga?
I did
… Enjoy your night!’

Dot sauntered off towards another conquest standing at the bar eyeing her.

Kathy was surprised to hear Eddie had gone to Wagga again so soon. It went through her mind that maybe there was more than his mates there attracting him.

It was after his last trip up there that he had come back and started to slip into his old ways.

The change in him confused and upset her. He had been so nice and decent at first, but everyone said it was too good to be true. She could not figure him out and doubted she ever would.

Johnny was singing the popular Rolling Stones song
Under the Boardwalk
. Francis and Beth were strutting their stuff on the dance floor. Kathy had a great time mingling and so did Tammi. Many female eyes were wandering to the stage to admire the handsome Johnny Hansen as he gyrated with the microphone while belting out the song.

Win had just sat down after dancing with Dig when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked up into the eyes of Mick.

‘You sure present a pretty sight, Mrs Miles,’ he grated.

‘Thank you, Mick… It is Mick, isn’t it?’ she stammered.

‘That’s right… Would you care to dance? I haven’t had the pleasure all evening. You dance so well, I was watching you with your husband just now.’

‘She would love to,’ Digger boomed, sitting down beside Win, obviously a little worse for wear.

Win tried to give him the
will you shut up
look,
but he started rambling on to Mick.

‘She sure is a good little dancer, Mick. I’ll let you borrow her just this once. I need a rest. I think I might have had a few too many.’

Win didn’t suggest to him to watch his drinking; she thought he deserved a good night out after all the upsets lately. Now she was having second thoughts. She wished he
was
sober because he wouldn’t have encouraged her to dance with Mick.

‘Come on, Win. Your husband has given you the ok,’ Mick urged, using her Christian name.

‘Go on, love. Poor bloke hasn’t danced all night!’ Dig piped up again and burped loudly.

Win shot him a furious look. Hesitantly, she stood up and Mick lead her to the dance floor.

Taking her in his arms, he said softly, ‘You don’t have to be so shy, Win. I won’t bite!’

She shivered as he looked into her eyes. She could make out a slight smile forming under his beard. ‘
Get this over with fast…
’ she thought. ‘I
don’t like you and I don’t like you saying my name’.

Mick pulled her closer. She had to endure this one dance, and one dance it would be. The music seemed to go on forever. She could feel his hot breath in her hair. Every now and then, he would move away from her just enough to look into her eyes.

‘
Those bloody eyes,’
she thought. ‘
Why do they make my blood run cold?
’

‘Aunt Win, may I?’ She turned to see Eric. She smiled and nodded, relief flooding over her.

‘I’m sorry, Mick. I haven’t danced with my nephew all night. Thank you for the dance.’ She quickly went into Eric’s arms, leaving Mick staring after her. His smile quickly faded.

***

Kia-Ora had a lone light burning out the front as Karl and Mary made love in his room. They were in complete darkness. Karl was extremely happy to have her there with him. He had heard that she had been drinking again while he was in hospital. This
had
worried him greatly. She had been good for so long, he hated the thought that she turned to the bottle at the first sign of crisis.

Mary’s body glistened in the darkness as he trailed kisses between her breasts and down past her navel. She groaned with pleasure as he reached her wetness. She let him love her in his special way. She loved him back in her special way.

***

‘Ellie, what is it with you tonight?’ Harvey questioned.

Ellie couldn’t get Mary’s conversation out of her mind. Harvey noticed how preoccupied she had been all evening. ‘Nothing, Harv. I suppose it’s just the aftermath of all that has happened lately.’

She also hated the thought of Harvey hitting Mary. She sat thinking to herself no woman deserved that, even if she had been drunk!

‘Harvey should not have raised a hand to her no matter what. Not ever.’
Ellie couldn’t
prevent the thought from sticking in her mind.

Ellie watched Harvey during the night. He was charming as he mingled and chatted to everyone. Ellie started to wonder about this dark side he might possess and she didn’t feel comfortable with this realization

***

Beth was sipping on a cherry brandy and lemonade. Win, Ellie and Emmie sat nearby, watching her as she smiled and chatted. She fitted in so easily with everyone.

Johnny’s voice came over the microphone calling for some silence. ‘Now ladies and gentlemen, we have a surprise for you. A lovely young lady who hasn’t been in town all that long will sing a favourite tune for someone very special to her. Ladies and gentlemen, Miss Beth Lowe! Put your hands together for this talented and very beautiful young lady!’

Everyone applauded as Beth stood up and joined Johnny on stage. She went to the microphone and introduced her song.

‘I would like to sing this song for someone who has become very special to me. Grandma Emmie… for you.’

Beth began a rendition of
Old Black Joe
. Emmie’s eyes filled with tears… happy tears, and sad. She wanted so much to let the young woman know her secret. Win and Ellie both had tears in their eyes, a mountain of emotions escalating in their minds. Thoughts of Dave also entered their memories. He had loved this song. What would he, their father, Emmie’s husband,
Beth’s grandfather
, have done about this latest revelation?

Beth finished singing and received a thunderous applause.

‘She sings beautifully, but then, that isn’t so surprising is it, coming from a family as talented as ours!’ Emmie stated quietly to her daughters.

Beth, at the request of the audience and Johnny, stayed on stage for several more numbers. The three women watched her intently.

‘She’s great, isn’t she?’ Francis commented as he sat down beside Ellie.

‘Yes, love… She’s great. What a voice!’

‘I know when I first heard her sing at the club I was amazed. Hey Mum, what a team we’d make!’ Francis enthused.

Ellie could only smile at her son, knowing in her heart he was in for an almighty shock very soon and no one could spare him!

***

Eileen bounced out of the ladies’ toilets. She was having a wonderful time showing Darcy off. At last year’s dance, she had sat as she herself described ‘like a stunned mullet’ all night. This year, she had handsome Darcy to dance with. When Beth had sung
Can’t Take My
Eyes Off You,
he had held her so close she had felt him harden against her. She knew Dawn was watching, and rather than upset the ‘old girl’, she had gently moved him away. Now as she approached the table, Darcy was nowhere in sight. Eileen searched the room until her gaze fell on Dot. Darcy was leaning up against the bar, a drink in each hand. Dot had her body pressed up against him.

Eileen could see the look of embarrassment on Darcy’s face. She marched up behind Dot and grabbed her mane of dark hair so hard, it pulled Dot’s head back with a jerk.

‘Ow! You bitch!’ Dot shrieked as she caught a glimpse of Eileen’s furious face.

‘You bloody moll!’ Eileen spat at Dot as she held on to her black trusses.

‘Let go, you prick-teasing cow!’ Dot yelled.

People stopped to stare as they passed by, others on the dance floor couldn’t hear the ruckus, and luckily Dawn was spared the embarrassment as Jeff had her up dancing for the second time this evening, a record for him.

Eileen raised her fist and landed a punch square on Dot’s jaw. No one intervened. Many thought Dot deserved all she got.

‘Be told, Dot! You deserved that. Now piss off!’ Eileen grabbed Darcy’s arm and dragged him away.

He was still holding the two drinks, a smirk on his face as he said, ‘How’s your hand? That was a doozy of a punch. Who taught you that…?’

‘Shut up, it’s killing me!’ Eileen said as she took her drink, gulping it and rubbing her now red hand.

Dot left the hall accompanied by a local young farmer. He held a handkerchief to her face as they walked out.