Red Hot (50 page)

Beth’s singing was appreciated by the only other person who knew the secret, apart from the three women.

He watched and listened intently, the memories flooded back. His heart swelled with love, a tortured love. His mind became confused, anger built up inside him. He knew he had to get away. He left, vowing to get back what was his.

Inside the hall, Johnny and his band were in full swing. The dance floor was crowded.

‘The night’s nearly over and not a hitch!’ Sam commented to Nat.

‘Yeah, most of the blokes look like they’ve had a good time. Lucky there hasn’t been a fire – most of them are too pissed to fight it!’ Both men laughed but deep down they knew they would be ready for the worst should it occur.

Sam went to refill their glasses, leaving Nat grinning. Tonight the strain had almost disappeared from the faces of the local men, even if it was only for a few hours. The night out had done them all a world of good.

Johnny announced the last dance and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.

***

Ellie and Harvey sat outside as the last of the party dwellers walked to their cars. The night had certainly been a success. The valley people had once again been able to find the Christmas spirit regardless of their worries. They were a determined bunch and it was a display of how the community stuck together and rallied in times of trouble and despair.

‘Ellie, you haven’t been yourself at all. Come on now… what is it?’ Harvey whispered huskily.

Ellie looked into Harvey’s ruggedly handsome face. She searched his eyes… for what, she didn’t really know. ‘Harvey, I had a visit from Mary. Harvey .. Her face… You did that to her?’

Harvey’s face reddened with embarrassment or anger, it was hard to tell. He turned away from her before answering. ‘She was drunk, damn it! You know what she’s like drunk! She goaded me. I didn’t mean to hit her so hard!’ Harvey turned back to Ellie. He was looking into her eyes, pleading.

‘Harv, you have to make a decision about all this, otherwise I really don’t think I can go through with it anymore,’ Ellie whispered.

Harvey was taken aback. He had never heard Ellie doubt the relationship they shared. He silently cursed Mary.

‘Harv, speak to me. What on earth happened the night you hit her?’

Harvey explained that he had asked for money. He implied he wanted some extra from
their account
, and how she had been drinking and taunted him. He conveniently left out that he had plied her with wine over dinner.

Ellie remembered that Mary had given Harvey money in the past and all his ventures had failed. ‘
No wonder Mary was reluctant
,’ Ellie thought.

‘Well Harvey, I suppose she simply looks at your history in business and thinks it’s too much of a gamble again!’ she said matter-of-factly.

Harvey felt his anger rising.

‘Oh! …So the bitch has told you all our personal business, has she?’ He was furious.

‘Harvey, I didn’t mean to make you angry! I just feel that we’re going around in circles,’ Ellie said with a tired tone.

‘Ellie… Why don’t we do it together? Forget Mary!’ Harvey suddenly sounded excited.

‘Do what, Harv?’

‘Go into business together!’

‘What did you say?’ Ellie was flabbergasted.

‘Hell, it’s no secret that we’re seeing each other. You and I in business. What a great idea!’ Harvey was sounding elated.

Ellie sat and stared at him. ‘You and me… in business. Are you serious?’ she almost whispered.

Harvey pulled her close to him, kissing her hair.

‘Ellie, it’s the perfect idea… You do have a little tucked away, don’t you?’ Harvey questioned.

Ellie stiffened. She had never thought Harvey would ask her that question. Even after Mary had warned her, she never thought he would ask
her
for money.

‘Little tucked away? You mean the little I have left from what Denby left me?’ Ellie directed the question at Harvey in a cool voice.

‘Why yes, you told me about it ages ago. It never occurred to me until now.’

Ellie watched him as he rambled on, her heart almost in tatters.

Harvey continued. ‘Darling, we could do this together. Once the business is up and going, you would get your money back!’

Ellie sat back, looking him in the eyes in shock. ‘How dare you… How dare you, Harvey! How could you ask me for the little money I have left? God! Mary warned me, she warned me… I’m going home now, Harvey!’

Ellie hurried off to her car, tears threatening. Harvey called after her as she sped out of the parking area.

‘You bitch, Mary… You bloody big-mouthed bitch!’ Harvey swore into the night.

Tammi burst into Kathy’s room and plonked down on the bed. Kathy groaned and pulled the pillow over her head. ‘C’mon, Kath, it’s a
gorgeous
day. Let’s go for a drive.’ Tammi emphasized gorgeous as she spoke excitedly to her sister. Kathy groaned again and squinted from under her pillow at the bedside clock.

‘It’s only half past eight!’ she exclaimed. ‘Are you sick or something? You’re never up this early on a Sunday!’

Tammi laughed and pulled the covers off her. ‘C’mon, get up, get dressed and let’s go and have fun.’

Kathy sat up and pushed the tangle of long dark hair from her face. ‘Okay, okay. Where do you want to go?’

‘Oh anywhere, I’m not fussy. Hey, wasn’t last night great? I had a ball. What about you?’

‘Mmm, I did have a good time. These dances really help to put everyone in the Christmas spirit. You know, we’re really lucky. Not everyone gets involved in things like we do at Christmas. I’d hate to live in the city where everything’s so impersonal.’ Kathy stretched and yawned widely.

‘Yeah, from some of the stories Beth told me, there isn’t that
togetherness,
I suppose you’d say. Not like we share in the country,’ Tammi added.

‘What say we ask Beth if she’d like to come out with us today then? We should also go up and get Eileen.’

‘Well, it wouldn’t hurt to ask. She might be going somewhere with Francis. And Eileen, I’d bet my bottom dollar she’s going out with sexy Darcy.’ Tammi rolled her eyes as she mentioned Darcy.

‘You’re probably right. Beth and Francis are getting closer. They make a nice couple, don’t they? Eileen seems keen on Darcy. He is a good sort. I hope Darcy likes her as much as she likes him. Hey, did you see that wallop she gave Dot? I missed it but from what she said it was a beauty!’ Kathy stretched as she got out of bed. Reaching for her hair brush, she began detangling her hair.

‘I know, what an idiot, tangling with Eileen. She sure won’t do it again. Dot’s been asking for that for bloody ages. She’s such a slut. Anyway, you get ready and I’ll phone Eileen
and
ask Beth.’ Tammi hurried towards the door.

Kathy smiled at her sister’s eagerness. ‘Getting my mini was the best thing I ever did!’

Tammi grinned over her shoulder at Kathy and pulled the door shut behind her.

Downstairs, the rest of the family were having breakfast.

‘How’s your head, Dig?’ Karl grinned knowingly.

‘Feels like I’ve got a sack of fruit in it and I’ve got a mouth like sandpaper!’

‘Serves him right!’ scolded Win. ‘I’ve got no sympathy for him, he really tied one on!’

The rest of the family laughed at their banter. Everyone knew Dig had been ‘pissed as a parrot’ as Sam had said the previous night.

‘I take it you won’t be wanting this, Digger?’ Hazel said, holding out a steaming plate of sausages and eggs. The smell wafted under his nose.

‘Oh …No, sorry Hazel, I just can’t. I’m sorry.’ He almost gagged.

Everyone laughed at him. He was really quite green.

‘Disgusting behaviour,’ Win chided. ‘Take a couple of bex powders and go have a sleep.’

He went back up the stairs, holding his head and groaning. Win watched him, a smile lurking on her face as she heard him vowing never to drink that much again.

‘Poor Dig, he hasn’t been that drunk for a very long time.’ She turned back to Karl, telling him about the goings on of the previous night.

Emmie had been watching Ellie. She had not joined in on the good-natured teasing and now she pushed her untouched breakfast to one side.

‘What is it, dear? You’re not hungover… are you?’ Emmie touched her hand.

‘Oh no …No way, I only had a couple of Pimms, Mum. I’m not very hungry, that’s all.’ Ellie tried to smile but it didn’t reach her eyes, they were clouded with unspoken doubt.

Emmie didn’t believe her and probed further.

‘Ellen, you can’t fool me. There’s something troubling you, I can see it in your eyes… Is it who I think it is?’

Ellie sighed heavily. ‘No, Mum, it isn’t that… Damn!’ she swore. ‘I had a few words with Harvey last night and I’m a bit mixed up over it. I need time to sort myself out. It seems there’s just one thing after another lately!’

Emmie looked thoughtfully at her daughter. ‘Be careful, Ellie. You don’t need any extra complications. You were going along so well. Remember, dear, I’m here for you. If you need to talk, please come to me.’

Ellie smiled lovingly at her elderly mother. She knew her mother meant well; she had seen her through some tough times in the past.

‘You’re the most wonderful person, Mum.’ She took hold of Emmie’s hand and squeezed it as she looked into the faded blue of her old eyes.

Kathy and the girls came in to join them for breakfast.

‘Hello, we didn’t expect you girls up so early!’ a surprised Win said.

They sat down at the table and Win passed the teapot to them.

‘I would’ve still been asleep but Tam wants to go for a drive. She woke me and insisted I get up!’ Kathy said with mock seriousness.

‘Yes and then they decided to drag me out,’ Beth added. ‘Is Francis up?’

‘He’s still asleep. I’d say he’ll be in bed until lunchtime. It was about three thirty when you all came in, wasn’t it?’ Ellie answered.

‘About that, Aunty, we all went down to the Boomerang Café for a while. Wasn’t it a great night?’ Tammi said enthusiastically.

‘It sure was. Johnny can sure belt out those songs. And you, Beth…’ Ellie turned to look at Beth. ‘You have a beautiful voice!’

Beth blushed at Ellie’s compliment and thanked her.

‘Do you think I should trust myself with these two?’ Beth gestured to Kathy and Tammi. ‘They want me to go for a drive with them.’

Emmie leant forward. ‘What a lovely idea. By all means go with them, Beth. It will do you good to get out with the girls.’

Emmie’s mind was racing. If they could interest Beth in activities that didn’t involve Francis, maybe the relationship would cool and, when it came time to tell them the truth, the blow may not be so painful.

‘That’s right, Gran, we’ve asked Eileen as well,’ Kathy said, grinning across at Emmie.

‘I think it sounds like a lot of fun. Go along with them, Beth. You’ll have a lovely day out.’ Win had caught on to Emmie’s thoughts and encouraged Beth to go.

‘Yes, Beth.’ Ellie backed them up. ‘Don’t hang around waiting for Francis to get out of bed; it’s going to be a beautiful day, don’t waste it!’

Karl laughed and patted Beth’s shoulder as he stood up. ‘Give in and go, girlie.’ He nodded towards the three women. ‘With them on your back, you won’t get any peace until you do.’ He gave her shoulder a squeeze. ‘Go and have some fun!’ He gave Emmie a quick kiss. ‘See you later. I’m going for a wander down the back paddock.’

‘Okay,’ Beth said. ‘Looks like I’m going with you. What time are we leaving?’

‘As soon as we’re all ready,’ Kathy said, tucking into the delicious breakfast Hazel had prepared.

***

‘You couldn’t keep your bloody mouth shut, could you?’ Harvey stood in the kitchen doorway, blocking it with his sizeable frame. Mary was sitting at the table sipping her coffee. She could see he was livid.

His fists were clenching and unclenching. She felt a prickle of fear run down her spine.

‘Well, what have you got to say, Mary? You had no fuckin’ business saying anythin’ to Ellie!’ Within two strides, Harvey was beside her. He slammed his fist on the table as hard as he could. Mary sprang up, knocking her chair over and spilling her coffee.

‘It’s about time I did say something! You’ve walked all over me for years. Times have changed, Harvey. I’ve changed! I won’t put up with you hurting me and trying to manipulate me anymore. I told Ellie because, in my opinion, she’s too good for the likes of you. You’ve conned her like you conned me! You’re no good and I wish I’d realised it sooner. At least Ellie has someone to
warn
her!’

‘Huh! Great speech. You’re so drunk most of the time you wouldn’t know what’s goin’ on around you. S’pose Karl Mason likes pokin’ a drunken’ lush.’ Harvey’s voice was a low spiteful sneer, his lips drawn back tightly across his teeth, the top of his lip white with anger.

Mary’s face paled. ‘What do you mean?’

Harvey laughed nastily. ‘All these months, my sweet little wife… All these months.’ His voice rose. ‘You’ve been having it off with Karl and you didn’t think I knew? Ha! Well I’ve known for a long while, you drunken fool, so don’t try playing the hurt little wife with me!’

Mary thought before speaking then looked him straight in the eyes. ‘You know, Harvey, I feel sorry for you in an odd way. Don’t try and turn the tables on me, that won’t wash. I’m not ashamed of my love for Karl.
You
, now that’s a different story. You should hang your head in shame. You’ve had so many women over the years you wouldn’t even remember their faces let alone their names! Apart from you, Karl is the only other man I’ve ever had…
Oh dear
, I should correct myself… The
only man
… You could
never
match him!’

‘Why you rotten…’ Harvey lunged across the table. Mary ducked and ran from the kitchen. She went straight to her bedroom and locked the door. The sound of Harvey slamming the back door as he left echoed through the house.

Her whole body shook as she sat on the bed. She stared at her reflection in the dressing table mirror; her face was deathly white except for the slight shadow of the fading bruise on her cheek.

‘This can’t go on’
, she thought.
‘The bastard isn’t going to hurt me again.’
She touched the bruise on her cheek. ‘He won’t be hitting me again… ever,’ she said to her refection in the mirror.

Mary stood up and walked to the wardrobe. Opening the door, she reached up to the top shelf and pulled down a suitcase.

***

Eileen climbed into the back seat of the mini. ‘Hi all.’ They responded happily, eager to get going.

‘Okay! Let’s go,’ Tammi called out.

Kathy revved the tiny engine and with a spin of the wheels they were off!

Tammi laughed and wagged her finger at her sister. ‘Dad would kick your bum for that, Kath!’

‘He won’t know, will he, Tam?’

‘Hey Kath, call into the Boomerang Pub, will you?’ Eileen called from the back seat.

Kathy glanced at her in the rear vision mirror. ‘I didn’t know they opened on Sundays and I can’t drink and drive anyway.’

‘Yeah, they do. Darc told me they open till midday. I want to get some U.D.L. cans. Gin and bitter lemon, and Vodka and orange, they’re really nice. C’mon, don’t be a stick in the mud. You ever tried them, Beth?’

‘No, I haven’t had the cans, but I’ve tried Vodka and orange though.’

‘Yeah, they haven’t been out all that long. Go on, Kath, just stop there. We can just have one. We won’t get tiddly and if we hurry we’ll get there just before it closes,’ Tammi urged.

A day out with the girls was looking like a heap of fun. ‘
This’ll do Kathy good too,’
she thought. Eddie was obviously still on her mind. Even if Kathy was putting on the
‘I don’t care’
act, it didn’t fool Tammi.

Eileen’s suggestion seemed like a good idea.

‘I suppose we could get a few. We could have a picnic lunch somewhere too.’ Kathy gave in to Eileen and Tammi. ‘What do you think, Beth?’ she asked.

‘It can’t hurt, I s’pose,’ Beth answered

‘Come on then, let’s get them and get going! Eileen enthused. ‘What about going up to Beechworth? It’s a lovely drive and there’s a lot to see up there.

‘Okay, that’s a good idea,’ agreed Kathy.

She pulled into the pub and the three passengers put in for the cans. Eileen passed a can each to Tam and Beth then peeled back the flip top of hers and drank deep.

Kathy was happy to chauffeur them. She loved driving her little car and the day was perfect; clear blue skies and sunny, just right for a day out.

They drove across the NSW/ Vic border into the town of Wodonga, their journey taking them in the direction of the historical town of Beechworth.

Beth started singing and they all joined in. The road to Beechworth was scenic and there were quite a few other tourists out and about.

Beechworth attracted tourists all year ‘round. It was a beautiful old town.

The area had a strong link to Ned Kelly, the notorious bush ranger who was remembered for making his own iron armour and iron mask to protect himself from the police shooting at him when he was on the run. He spent time in HM Prison there, as did many of the Kelly gang. He was also known for a boxing match he fought with Isaiah ‘Wild’ Wright at the back of a local pub.

Kelly’s committal hearing was held in the historical Beechworth Courthouse in August 1880.

The town was also well known for its major growth during the gold rush days in the 1880s.

‘I s’pose I really shouldn’t be doing this. Mum’d kill me if she saw me drinking,’ giggled Tammi.

‘She sure would. Take it easy, Tam. Only a couple, okay?’ Kathy warned.

By the time they reached Beechworth, they were on their third cans. Eileen was a little more vocal by now.

‘Hey, drive up to Mayday Hills and show Beth,’ she suggested.

‘What’s Mayday Hills?’ Beth asked and hiccupped.

‘It’s the nut house!’ Eileen replied.

‘No Eileen, you mustn’t call it that!’ Tammi said calmly. ‘Mayday Hills is a home for the mentally ill, Beth.’ She burped loudly and giggled.

‘Look, there it is up on the hill.’ Kathy pointed in front of them. ‘We’ll drive up and have a closer look. The building is very old and beautiful.’

‘Beechworth actually was called Mayday Hills before it was named Beechworth,’ Kathy explained.

‘Someone listened in history class.’ Eileen laughed.

Kathy winked at her in the rear vision mirror.

‘That’d be nice, Kathy.’ Beth hiccupped again and giggled. ‘I love looking at old places and the old towns. Beats the city any day.’

Kathy drove up the gravel driveway. The beautiful old building was surrounded by magnificent gardens and a tall iron fence. She stopped near the two huge wrought iron gates which were secured and guarded. In the gardens were several patients who all stopped to observe the newcomers. After several minutes of observation, a couple of the men waved and the rest followed suit. Kathy tooted the horn and waved. The men smiled and waved more enthusiastically.