Red Hot (11 page)

‘Righto then, it’s settled. Tomorrow I’ll go in and get some decent locks for the machinery shed. We can’t risk anythin’ now,’ Digger told them.

‘Des can go with ya, mate. I’ll get him to pick some up for me as well,’ Sam said.

Up until now, the locals felt uneasy about the fires the Masons had suffered and were worried whether they would be next. As the news spread about the fire at Rex’s place, the locals realised without a doubt they were all at risk. The uneasiness they felt grew into major concern and they all began to take precautions to try and keep their properties safe from the arsonist.

‘Revenge proves its own executioner’.

John Ford

The next day, Des and Digger returned from Albury by lunchtime. Digger had picked up the new locks for the machinery shed and he and Karl were fitting them.

‘If the bastard wants to burn this down, he’ll have to do it from outside!’ Karl declared. ‘There’s no way he’ll get in here now!’ he added, tugging on the padlock securing the shed door tightly.

‘Yeah, and with us hidin’ nearby we just might spring the bastard!’ Digger bent to pat Towser on his head.

‘If only that dog could talk!’ Dave said as he came across to them. ‘He’d tell us what we wanna know. Anyway, Hazel’s made some corn beef sandwiches. She sent me down to get you two.’

‘Don’t worry, Dad. The bastard’ll slip up,’ Karl said.

‘No one can keep doin’ somethin’ like this and get away with it, Dave. He’ll slip up somewhere and we’ll get im’. C’mon Karl let’s go, those sangers sound bloody good!’ Digger put his screwdriver down and looked over at the rubble where the packing shed once stood.
‘By hell,’
he thought. ‘
One way or
another we’ll get ya, ya friggin crazy bastard!’

***

Dinner that night was a quiet affair. Dig and Karl were worn out after their long day’s work and they still had to face another seven hours hiding out, keeping watch down at the machinery shed.

‘This isn’t good for either of you, this lack of sleep.’ Win was worried about them; they worked hard enough without this.

‘Well, it’s all we can do for the time being. It won’t be for long. The mongrel will make a move for sure, and we’ll have him!’ Digger replied, tiredness lining his face.

‘Well I can’t help but worry. What if he’s armed?’

Karl couldn’t help grinning. ‘I fought in the war remember, Win? I reckon I can handle a gutless bloody idiot running around settin’ fires!’

Digger also had a bit of a chuckle. ‘Don’t worry, love, we can handle ourselves. It’s the firebug who should be worried! You get yourself to bed nice and early. You’ve got a big day Christmas shopping tomorrow and I want you to enjoy it.’

Emmie, Win and Ellie were going into town the next day. They were leaving early and making a day of it. It was only a couple of days until Christmas and they still had a few gifts to pick up. Emmie wanted material from Pearl’s Fabric and Haberdashery. Win and Ellie were heading for the makeup counter at Mates to stock up on Mary Quant makeup, then on to Canns Boutique to look at the latest in fashion and purchase a couple of outfits for summer.
Next would be Hunters shoe store for shoes to go with them. Daniel Hunter knew the Mason ladies and always gave them special attention; he knew there would be a sale in it for him, maybe several! Emmie would probably splurge on a new outfit or two and delighted in watching her daughters do the same. All three women loved to shop and were good at it. Then it would be off to enjoy lunch at The Albion Hotel. Once done there, they would get a taxi home. They usually had days out like this every year close to Christmas and looked forward to it. Going for a day out was the break they needed from the tense atmosphere the valley now harboured.

‘I’m goin’ to spray the grapevines tomorrow,’ Dave announced.

‘Dad, I don’t think …’

‘No, Karl,’ Dave interrupted him. ‘Stop worryin’ so much. I’ll wear a mask and I’ll be fine. A man has to make himself useful somehow!’

‘Dad, you’ve done
more
than your fair share over the years. We wouldn’t have a bloody orchard if it wasn’t for you.’ Karl wished he could make his father realise it was time he took it easy, but Dave was a stubborn and intensely proud man. Once he’d made up his mind, it was almost impossible to change it.

***

Eileen picked up the basket of food she’d prepared for Harry. She was going to check on him, then head off to meet Kathy and Tammi. They were spending the day at the Lavington swimming pool. Passing the refrigerator on the back veranda where Jeff stored his beer, she opened it and grabbed a few cans for Harry.

Grinning, she set off.
‘Harry will enjoy a nice cold beer on Jeff,’
she thought, feeling rather sneaky and finding it amusing.

‘Come in, lovey. You’re a good girl to old Harry, aren’t ya?’ Harry liked Eileen and looked forward to her visits.

‘Ah… cold beer… Looks mighty good. ‘Ere, let me ‘ave one’a those.’

‘I can’t stay long today, Harry. I’m going swimming,’ Eileen said. ‘How’ve you been anyway?’

‘Ah, I’m okay, girlie. Din sleep good last night. Somethin’ woke me a few times. Can’t put me finger on what though!’

‘You’ve got your shotgun, haven’t you?’ asked Eileen. ‘Might be animals you’re hearing.’

‘Nah, love, I know what a bloomin’ animal sounds like. Ain’t no animal! Can’t say what it was, I just knows somethin’ woke me an’ I’m a bit darn weary t’day.’

‘Well, don’t go taking any risks, stay inside with the door locked. Maybe you should think about staying with us over at the house until they catch the firebug.’

Eileen was concerned about him. Harry was as old, if not older, than her grandfather Dave, and she didn’t like the fact he was all alone up here with some nutter on the loose.

Harry shook his head. ‘Nah, no need for that, girlie; me dog’s here with me an’ I got me rifle. I’ll be right as rain! Now, how you bin?’

They chatted about anything and everything. She listened to things she had heard many times but remained patient with the old man. Who else was he going to share his stories with? She often thought his dog would have a wealth of knowledge about the valley if only he could talk. Finally, Eileen said she better get going and gave his shoulder a friendly squeeze. Harry thanked her for the beer and food. He watched her leave and the fondness for the lanky young woman was evident in his eyes. ‘She’s a good’n that one, mate… A real good’n,’ he remarked softly to his sleeping dog.

On the way to the pool, she thought about Harry and what he’d told her. It looked very much like someone was wandering around in the hills.
‘Hell, it’s rotten being suspicious of everyone and every sound you hear,’
she thought sadly.

The valley had been so happy and peaceful. People always waved and called g’day when they saw you. These days the locals wore a look of worry and suspicion etched on their faces. Everyone had taken to locking doors. Never would they have bothered with that before. The Valley of Fear was fast becoming a more apt name for the once tranquil place.

‘Thinking will not overcome fear but action will.’

W.Clement Stone.

Christmas Eve had arrived!

‘Isn’t the tree beautiful?’ Ellie exclaimed.

Karl and Digger had gone to Jindera and chopped down the biggest pine they could find. It reached right to the high ceiling of the lounge room.

Everyone had helped decorate it and it looked magnificent. Tomorrow was Christmas Day and the whole family was looking forward to it.

‘I know I say it every year, but that’s the most beautiful Christmas tree I’ve ever seen,’ said Emmie.

Francis sat on the floor, wrapping Christmas paper around the drum the tree stood in. ‘When I’ve done this, how about a few carols?’

They all agreed and Ellie went to sit at her piano. Francis finished wrapping around the drum and joined the rest of the family around the piano.

They all joined in singing
O Come All Ye Faithful,
oblivious to the fact that outside someone else was listening.

Silent Night
followed. Win’s voice rose above the others. This was her favourite carol.

The family stopped to listen to her as she sang all three verses for them.

At that moment, Hazel popped her head around the door.

‘Pardon me, everyone, but we have visitors coming up the drive. Shall I hold supper?’

‘I wonder who it is. We’re not expecting anyone. Yes, hold supper, Hazel. And we may need extra for our visitors,’ Emmie said as she pulled herself out of the armchair. ‘Stay there, Dave. I’ll see who it is.’

The car came to a stop outside and a smartly dressed couple alighted. The man was tall, his dark hair sprinkled with a light spattering of grey at the temples. A pale blue short-sleeved shirt accentuated his broad shoulders. Immaculately pressed dark blue sports trousers hugged his hips.

The woman was tall and slender. Her blond hair styled in a French roll and was as neat as a pin, her makeup applied to perfection. She had a striking face, beautiful in an exotic way. Her pale pink knitted cotton suit clung in exactly the right places. Together, they made a very glamorous couple.

‘Well I’ll be! Harv and Mary Winters!’ Emmie exclaimed from the front door. ‘You haven’t been to these parts for years. How wonderful to see you! Come here and let me have a good look at you both.’

‘Em, you never change!’ Harvey complimented her as he bent and hugged the older woman. ‘You’re still as lovely as ever.’

Mary came up and embraced her as well and the three went inside to greet the rest of the family.

Harvey and Mary Winters were old friends of the family.

Many years before, Harvey and Ellie were involved in an intimate relationship and everyone thought they would marry. Harvey had joined the army with Karl. Although he came back to see Ellie as often as he could, army life had come between them.

Ellie had eventually called things off. Not long after, she married Francis’ father, Denby, who had since died after a long illness.

Breaking up with Ellie had hurt Harvey deeply. He married Mary soon after he met her. He cared for Mary but he had never recovered from losing Ellie. This he kept to himself. Mary had never suspected him, or so he thought. This was their first visit to the Masons’ household in many years.

‘The rest of the family will be thrilled to see you! Come in, come in!’ Emmie was fussing as she showed them to the lounge room. ‘Everyone… everyone… You’ll never guess who’s here!’

They all looked up as the three entered the room. For a split second, the room was quiet and then excitement broke loose. Dave, Digger and Karl shook Harvey’s hand. Win kissed and hugged them both. They were all pleased to see them.
All except Ellie.
She remained seated on the piano stool. Her face had gone pale and her eyes stared directly at Harvey.

Harvey was laughing and talking animatedly with the men, while the women were speaking with Mary. Then Harvey looked up and his eyes met Ellie’s. He excused himself and walked over to her.

‘Hello Ellie,’ he said softly, his gaze intent on her eyes.

‘Harvey,’ she replied, equally as soft.

He took both her hands in his and she stood up in front of him. She was almost the same height. Her eyes looked into his.

‘It’s wonderful to see you after all these years.’ It was an effort to make her voice sound normal. She could feel her hands tremble in his.

Harvey was steadily watching her, drinking in her every feature.
‘She’s still a very beautiful
woman,’
he thought.

‘Hey you two, come over here. Hazel’s brought drinks and supper will be ready shortly,’ Win called. Ellie had never spoken of Harvey after they had broken up. Win knew her sister had buried her feelings for him, and now here he was after all these years. Judging by the look on her sister’s face, those feelings may have resurfaced!

‘What a glorious Christmas this will be. You must stay with us, of course,’ Emmie told them, mentally allocating a room to the visitors.

‘Oh no, we don’t want to inconvenience you in any way,’ Mary protested. ‘We thought we would find a motel.’

‘Nonsense, we won’t hear of it. We have plenty of space. It won’t take Hazel long to prepare a room for you,’ Dave insisted. ‘I won’t hear of you goin’ anywhere.’

Harvey smiled at his wife. ‘See dear, I told you how determined Dave could be.’

They decided that they would spend Christmas together with the Masons. Karl and Digger made the decision to make half hour checks on the property in preference to sitting down by the shed. This way they too would be able to enjoy most of Christmas Eve with the family. After the meal, they had a few drinks while catching up on what Harvey and Mary had been doing with their lives. After filling them in about the firebug along with more carol singing, Christmas Eve came to an end.

They all laughed when Emmie told them Santa wouldn’t come until they were all in bed.

Christmas Day would be hectic. The whole family would be spending it together. That meant an early rise to open gifts and a few refreshments with whoever dropped in. Win and Ellie always helped Hazel prepare Christmas lunch. They said their goodnights and Hazel showed Harvey and Mary to their bedroom. Kia-Ora was finally silent.

Outside in the orchard, a figure lurked among the fruit trees. He had been listening to the carols sung by the family. He savagely ground out a cigarette.

‘Bloody bastards. Hate ‘em all,’ he muttered, angrily flicking his zippo lighter. He strode off towards the creek.

***

Gradually, the lights of each house around the valley went out.

Christmas in Hamilton Valley meant visiting each other for drinks on Christmas morning. Neighbours would pop in to wish each other a Merry Christmas and drinks would start rather early in the morning. This meant everyone would be up with the birds, especially those with younger kids. The new pushbikes ‘Santa delivered’ would be unwrapped to squeals of delight and then peddled along Centaur Road to show everyone.

Ellie was too uptight to sleep. She had gone to bed but tossed and turned so much she decided to get up again. Slipping on her lace brunch coat and slippers, she padded silently downstairs to the secluded side veranda.

She quietly opened the French doors onto the veranda. She went out to sit in her favourite cane chair. Here she would be able to think in peace and privacy. Covered in creeping ivy, anyone sitting there was not easily visible. Thoughts of the firebug didn’t enter her head.

Harvey was foremost in her mind. After all these years, he still had the same effect on her emotions. There was no use denying it, she still had very strong feelings for him, she always would. She had loved Denby, but the deep passionate love she had for Harvey had not been there for Denby. It had hurt terribly when he died but Harvey had always been number one in her heart
,
and he was here now in the flesh and just as handsome and sexy as ever. What was she going
to do? Mary was a lovely person and, from what Ellie could see, they were a happy couple. Ellie felt emotions stir in her that had been kept in check for many years. She had to try to turn them off somehow.

‘Penny for them?’ a voice spoke softly behind her. Ellie jumped and almost cried out. She spun around and looked into Harvey’s face.

‘Harvey! Heavens, you startled me!’ she gasped.

‘Can I sit down?’ he asked.

‘You seemed to be in deep thought just now,’ he murmured as he pulled a chair up near hers.

‘Oh, I just needed some fresh air. It’s quite warm tonight and sometimes I come out here to catch a quiet moment alone.’

‘You’re lookin’ good Ellie,’ he murmured. ‘Ellie… I had to come when I heard you were back in the valley… I’ve thought about it for months!’

Harvey reached out and took her hand.

‘Harvey, don’t say anymore.’ Ellie paused and then added,
‘Please.’
She removed her hand from his.

‘Ellie, I have to. I’ve stayed away all these years but I’ve never forgotten you.’

‘Harvey, please. Mary’s your life now, she’s your wife, and I have my own life too.’

Harvey was persistent though. He had never forgotten his lovely Ellie. He had waited out here in the shadows tonight, knowing she wouldn’t be able to sleep.

‘Ellie, just seeing you again has brought it all back. It’s been such a long time. I’ve thought of you all these years – I never stopped!’

‘Harvey, stop it. You mustn’t talk like this. What good will it do, dragging up our past? It’s over! Has been for years and years.’ She sighed. ‘Mary’s just upstairs. Our voices could carry. It would be dreadful if she heard you talking this way.’

‘Mary won’t hear a thing. This veranda is secluded and the room we’re in isn’t directly above. How can you say our past is over, Ellie? I know it’s a shock to you, my comin’ back unannounced, but if I had let you know, would you have been here tonight?’

Ellie sighed deeply. ‘How can I answer that…? Oh Harv, we
must
leave the past where it belongs. We both have different lives now.’

Harvey moved closer to her. ‘Ellen, you can’t deny what you felt when you looked across the room at me earlier. I know what you felt. I felt it too.’

Tears sprung to Ellie’s eyes. Harvey always called her Ellen when they were a couple all those years ago.

‘Why did he have to come back?’
she thought. Ellie had her life in control until tonight!

She stood up and walked to the edge of the veranda. Harvey followed and placed a hand on her shoulder.

‘Ellie, Mary and I live together. We share the Winters name, but that’s all. We don’t even share the same bed anymore. We haven’t for years! Our marriage is in name only. I care for her as I would a sister. She depends on me but that’s all.’

Ellie turned as he spoke and looked into his face.

‘Harv, Mary’s your wife. She wears your ring and has your name. She has all claim to you. I lost that years ago.’

‘You never lost me. I’ve always loved you,
only you!
I’m not askin’ you to be the
other woman
. You are the
only
woman!’ Harvey searched her face for a sign he was getting through to her.

‘My God, Ellen, you chose for us to go our separate ways, not me! I’ll never love another woman the way I love you!’

He purposely neglected to mention all the affairs he had indulged in over the years.

Ellie didn’t answer. She couldn’t.
She knew she still loved him.

‘I came here to buy a property. We’ll be livin’ here in the valley permanently and we
will
be seein’ a lot of each other. Can you deal with that, Ellie? I can’t divorce Mary, her religion doesn’t condone divorce. She’s adamant about that, so I’m tied to a woman I don’t love!’ he ran his fingers through his thick hair.

‘Ellie, I
had
to come back. I’ve stayed away long enough. This valley is home and this is where my heart is!’

They stood, silently looking into each other’s eyes. Against better judgment, Ellie swayed towards him. Harvey wrapped his arms around her and, reluctantly, she melted against him.

She knew she should walk away from him right now but she couldn’t. Her whole being wanted this man. She wound her arms around his neck and his lips met hers. His tongue explored her mouth, caressing and probing. Ellie clung to him as wave after wave of desire shot through her. Harvey slid the shoulders of her brunch coat down. His hand deftly untied the ribbon at the front. His hands at each side of her waist slowly slid up, caressing her breasts. In one swift movement, he flicked down the straps of her nightgown and it slid from her shoulders. When he cupped her breast in his hand, a tiny gasp escaped her parted lips. He drew back to stare at her, his eyes flashing as he took in the sight of her naked breasts with their rigid pink peaks
.

‘Ellen, I love you so much,’ he whispered. ‘I want you. I need you. Let me love you!’ His whisper was almost a plea.

A burst of longing went through her, the temptation to abandon all sense of morale, but she knew it would be so very wrong.

‘Harv, Harvey… I can’t… We can’t.’

‘Ssh…’ he whispered, kissing her again more deeply.

‘No, Harv!’ Ellie pulled away, grabbing the straps of her nightgown and pulling them into place. ‘Stop, now! This is insane! You can’t waltz back into my life like this and expect to pick up where we left off so many years ago!’

Ellie spun around and walked to the edge of the veranda. ‘You can’t expect to show up out of the blue and think I’ll fall into your arms. Damn it Harv! What sort of woman do you think I am? You know me better than that!’ Ellie’s words had a sting to them.

Harvey moved to stand beside her. She wiped tears from her eyes, sniffing.

‘Ellie, I’m sorry,’ he said softly.

‘Harv, this must never happen again. You have to go up to Mary
now!
It would be just terrible if she found out you were out here with me, especially with me dressed like this!’ She stared hard at him. ‘And you are
never
to bring our past up again. We are over, understand? …
Over!’

‘Harvey, are you listening to me?’ She moved back in front of him, but he didn’t seem to be paying attention to what she was saying.