Red Hot (21 page)

‘That’s right, Mason, ya can dish out the accusations, but when it comes to one’a yours ya don’t like it do ya, ya fuckin’ sheila?!’ Bill O’Toole snarled again.

Jeff and Eric had been standing at the other side of the hall when Eileen lost her temper. Now they pushed their way through the jostling crowd to where Sam, Karl and Digger had her safely between them.

‘Ya don’t know what ya talkin’ about, O’Toole,’ Karl ground out angrily. ‘Those friggin’ brats of yours’ve been in so much strife that it’s no wonder they were the first ones to cop the flak for the fires!’

‘But they didn’t bloody do it, did they, ya bastard?!’ O’Toole fired back. ‘They wasn’t even around when ya shed got burnt, was they?’

Karl had to concede that he was right about this. ‘Lucky for them, wasn’t it?’

Digger butted in. ‘Still leaves everyone else in the valley though. Someone livin’ here is doin’ it and we have’ta catch him before we all lose everythin’ we’ve spent a lifetime buildin’!’

The crowd erupted. Unfounded accusations were hurled at anyone and everyone. Pushing and shoving turned into punches. Split lips and bloodied noses ordained several of the local’s angry faces. The police had to become forceful to bring them back under control.

Keith Brewster got up on the stage. ‘Listen you lot, behavin’ like that won’t do any good. The detectives have had nothing to go on til now. So shut up, settle down and let them get on with it.’

‘Sergeant Brewster is right.’ Bennett had to shout above the hubbub of angry voices and general racket. ‘This kind of behaviour won’t get you anywhere. We have to all pull together if we’re to catch this person. Now, from what we know, the culprit may get a lot of pleasure and satisfaction from setting the fires. Or it could be he has a more severe mental disorder.’

The crowd jeered at this and angry shouts erupted from the back of the hall.

‘Course the prick’s mental! Who else but a crazy bastard would bash old Harry and leave him for dead!’ Eileen screamed out.

‘Yeah, and try and burn the fuckin’ whole valley and everyone in it, ya fuckin’ fools… They gotta be insane!’ bellowed another local. Detective Simpson called for them to quieten down again.

Bennett continued. ‘I mean by this, that he can’t resist the impulsive desire to set the fires. He could be antisocial, have a mood disorder, substance abuse problem, or simply be doing it as a hate crime. Any of these could describe the perpetrator. So if any of you know of any person in the valley that fits any of these things I have just listed, we want you to come forward with the information. Believe me, the arsonist will be caught and dealt with accordingly.’

‘Well, if we get him first there’ll be nothin’ left of him for you’se blokes to worry about!’ another angry local shouted.

‘Yeah, shoot first, ask questions later!’ bellowed another.

‘Shut up, all of you!’ Keith shouted angrily. ‘If you don’t settle, I’ll arrest the lot of ya!’

Bennett allowed them a moment, then continued.

‘We have asked for help in this matter. We just do not have the resources here in Albury to enable us to handle this case as it should be. So we have called our colleagues in Sydney and discussed the case with them. They have a unit that specializes in arson cases and they have offered to assist us. Two of their senior detectives will be arriving within the week and will be joining us. Rest assured, the perpetrator
will be
caught and dealt with.’

‘So from now on, leave the shotguns in the cupboard and let the police do their work,’ Keith added. He knew the locals would not adhere to his warning. He was worried and had a feeling of dread. If they didn’t apprehend the firebug soon, he knew something terrible would happen.

‘Like hell we will! You honestly believe we’ll go unarmed after what happened to poor old Harry?’ an angry woman screamed. ‘I’m not going to bed at night without a loaded gun beside
my
bed.’

Eileen bristled again. ‘Yeah, poor old Harry’s lying in hospital unconscious while you fools are all here acting like wild idiots. We should all be out there looking for the real freak.’ She rounded on Joyce O’Toole again. ‘And you… You stupid bitch, do you really think
my
brother would attack poor Harry?’ Her voice rose to a screech. ‘
Do you
? You bloody know he wouldn’t. You’re the fuckin
mental one
here tonight.’ Her face was scarlet. She shook her head in disgust and would have vented her anger more but Eric, who was feeling his own fury, grabbed her by her shoulders and maneuvered her away before anymore could be said.

‘C’mon Eileen, you’ve said enough. It’s not worth gettin’ so upset. Leave it go now,’ he said.

‘That’s right, Mason, get her outta here before I flatten the loud mouthed bitch,’ Joyce snarled at them.

Eileen glared at Joyce and would have retaliated again but Eric shoved her in front of him and pushed her through the crowd towards the side door. Jeff, Sam and Des followed.

Detective Simpson stepped forwards and addressed the woman who had spoken about her gun.

‘Look madam, you have every right to want to feel safe, but shooting someone will only bring you more trouble. Do as Sergeant Brewster says and put the guns away. Just keep your doors and windows locked and you will be safe. Shooting’s not the answer. We can’t say with certainty that the firebug attacked old Harry. That may have been a separate incident entirely. But believe me, we are investigating it thoroughly. Just keep your eyes and ears open and report anything you see or hear
to us
.’

‘But this method of usin’ mosquito coils means the bloke is sneakin’ ‘round our places in broad bloody daylight. Ya don’t expect us ta go up an’ tap him on the shoulder an’ ask him nicely ta wait while we ring you’se blokes, do ya?’ another angry resident asked.

‘Now come on fellas, be sensible about this,’ Simpson replied. ‘If you see anyone acting suspiciously, ring us immediately. We have surveillance teams in the area and they can respond instantly.’

‘No friggin’ way!’ another local shouted. ‘If anyone comes on me property that I don’t know, then I’m shootin’ first. Might just wing ‘em but I’ll be puttin ‘em down first and askin’ questions later! I can’t afford ta lose all me sheds an’ equipment!’

‘Listen here!’ Keith Brewster stood angrily facing them, hands on his hips. ‘If ya don’t all stop with the shootin’ threats then the detectives
and
myself will have no alternative than to confiscate your guns until the firebug has been caught!’

‘Listen to Sergeant Brewster,’ Bennett said sternly. ‘We understand how frustrating and upsetting this is; we have told you
we will
catch this person…
but in the right way.
So put your guns away and leave this to us and the city detectives.’

The meeting broke up shortly after that. Amidst a few angry jeers and malicious threats, the detectives left shaking their heads in bewilderment. They had never had to deal with the likes of this before and could only hope the Sydney detectives could shed some light on the ordeal they were facing.

Keith and the constables waited for the crowd to disperse before they left.

***

‘Well, Simmo, do you think they will take any notice of our warnings?’ Detective Bennett asked as they drove back to the Albury police station.

Simpson shook his head. ‘Not at all. I think we’re going to have our hands full with that lot!’

‘And so do I. The city blokes are in for a time of it. Just wait til they meet this lot.’ Bennett grinned at the thought.

‘Well, there’s quite a few who fit the bill, but which one of them is the perp?’ Simpson mused.

‘Hard to say. The checks we did on everyone didn’t come up with much, just a few misdemeanours here and there. Karl Mason got locked up overnight a few years back, got drunk and caused a bit of a blue at the pub. But that doesn’t mean he’s gone bonkers and gets off on burning people’s property.’

‘I don’t think he’s our bloke, mate. He’d hardly burn down his own sheds or bash Harry. I reckon that attack
and
the fires
are
connected, don’t you, mate?’ Simpson replied.

‘Well, it looks that way. I’m convinced our perp’s someone local. Someone who is in on all the plans the blokes have come up with to nab the bugger,’ Bennett said thoughtfully.

‘I agree with you there, mate. Let’s hope the city blokes can get this solved before things get worse. I can see after tonight one way or another it’s headin’ that way fast.’

Kathy was both excited and nervous! Eddie would be here any minute now to take her to the Boomerang Hotel, and he would be meeting her father.

‘Katherine, I’m not at all pleased about this!’ Digger told her. ‘You know he’s not the type of young bloke you should be mixing with. I’m not happy about this at all.’

‘Oh, Dad, please,’ she begged. ‘Mum’s okay with it, she understands. I’m not silly and Eddie’s been so kind to me. Even Francis likes him. You should know I wouldn’t go out with him if I thought he could hurt me.’

‘That’s my whole point, Kath. What will you do if he does try something?’

‘Dad, please give me a break… Actually, how about giving him a break! He drove me all the way home from the Weir yesterday. He was polite and well-mannered and… and nice! Dad, I like him. I thought you were okay with it now?’

‘Only because your mother thinks it’ll be alright. Just know, young lady, I am against this whole thing.’

When Eddie arrived, he came to the front door to collect Kathy. He looked very smart in pale grey trousers and a pale blue and white striped shirt. Kathy took him inside to meet her father.

He shook hands with Digger who was obviously trying to be calm and polite for Kathy’s sake. Eddie promised to have her home by twelve thirty.

She kissed her father and murmured, ‘Thanks Dad, love you.’ as they left.

Digger watched them leave. With a slight shake of his head and a disapproving grunt, he went back inside.

***

There was a hype of activity in the pub lounge. The music was loud and the crowd boisterous. Francis had met Sheryl there again, and the boys Tammi and Laura had met out at the Weir had showed up. Kathy and Eddie were inseparable. Win had asked Francis to keep an eye on Eddie but as far as Francis was concerned, he didn’t think it necessary. Kathy was happy. In fact, she was glowing. He had someone else who was attracting his attention. Sheryl looked stunning and Francis couldn’t keep his eyes off her.

They danced up a storm and again Eddie and Francis got along well. Everyone enjoyed the night without any drama. For once things went smoothly.

At the end of the night, Tammi and Laura told Francis they were getting a lift home with Ian and Phil, the two soldiers. Kathy of course went home with Eddie. Francis was free to drive Sheryl home, which put a smile on his face.

Eddie put his arm around Kathy and pulled her close as they walked slowly back to his old Zephyr. He opened the door for her and she slid in. Then he walked around to the driver’s side and climbed in beside her. ‘Come over here next to me, sweetheart,’ Eddie said softly.

Kathy didn’t need asking twice. She slid across the seat into his arms.

He kissed her long and sensuously. She responded instantly, which made Eddie’s advances more daring.

His passion unnerved her a little and she pulled away. She had her hand on his leg and she could see his handsome face in the moonlight.

‘What’s wrong, sweetheart?’ he whispered, leaning forward and brushing his lips against hers.

‘Nothing, I’m being silly,’ she whispered back. She instigated another kiss and he pulled her close.

The kind of fumbled petting she had done with boys from her school days had been nothing compared to the feelings she was now experiencing. With a will of its own, her body arched against him and she felt her nipples harden as he slid his gently hand underneath her top.

She gasped in pleasure when he rubbed his thumb across her nipple.

She had never gone quite this far before. She slid down underneath him.

He ran his hands along her body and up the length of her thigh. His kisses deepened and Kathy felt his tongue in her mouth.

She tugged his shirt free from his trousers and slid her hands up along his back. It felt so good to caress his bare skin.

‘Mmm, baby, do you know what you’re doin’ to me?’ he whispered.

The sound of his voice brought her back to earth. She twisted beneath him and with an effort managed to wriggle to a half sitting position.

Eddie groaned. He realised he had to regain some composure and pulled away.

‘Eddie, we have to stop. It’s not right, not here, not like this. You’d better take me home.’

‘What is it? Have I done somethin’ wrong?’

‘Oh, no, it’s nothing you’ve done wrong. You were doing everything right. I just don’t want my first time to be here in the car park of the Boomerang pub.’

Eddie cupped her face in his hands and whispered, ‘I understand, sweetheart. You’re special, Kathy Miles.’ He ran his thumb across her cheek and gently brushed a kiss on her lips.

‘I don’t want that for you either, we just got a bit carried away. C’mon, I don’t want to get you home late; I promised your old man I’d have you home by twelve thirty.’

Neither of them took any notice of a car parked nearby nor did they take any notice when it followed them as they left the car park.

It wasn’t until they were driving along Urana Road towards Centaur Road that Eddie said, ‘We’ve got company. We’ve been followed for a while now. I think I’ll slow down and let them overtake. Try to get a look at who’s in the car, will you?’

Tammi and Laura were nearly home. They had sung along to tunes on the car radio with Ian and Phil, and had arranged to go to the Weir with them again the next day. They had two weeks of summer holidays left and they were making the most of it. As they came up over the hill before Kia-Ora, Ian, who was driving, said, ‘Hey, that’s a fire up there!’ he pointed to Dawn’s place. ‘Looks like it’s got a good go on too!’

Tammi leant forward, craning her neck to look where Ian had pointed. ‘That looks like it’s at Aunty Dawn’s, in her top paddock. Keep going, Ian, they’re probably asleep. It doesn’t look as though anyone’s noticed it. We might have to wake them… Hurry!’

Tammi and Laura ran up to the front door, making as much noise as they could, thumping their fists against it and yelling at the top of their voices.

A few seconds later, a bleary-eyed Jeff peered out at them. ‘What’s goin’ on? What’ a’ya doin’ up here at this time’a night, girl?’

‘Fire, Jeff… There’s a fire over in the top paddock!’

Dawn had padded out sleepily behind him, tying the cord on her chenille dressing gown. When she heard what Tammi said, she was instantly awake.

‘Top paddock, you said? No! No… It can’t be… My new hay shed… There’s a thousand bales of hay in there as well!’

Jeff and the two young soldiers were already racing through the backyard.

‘Call the bloody fire brigade, Dawn. It’s your shed alright. C’mon you two, jump in the ute!’

Dawn’s hayshed was well and truly alight. Jeff and the two boys tried valiantly to save it but their efforts were proving to be in vain.

The familiar sound of sirens had alerted everyone else and Karl, Digger and Sam, along with a host of other locals, arrived a couple of minutes later.

Win had come up as well. She knew Dawn would be broken-hearted over this and she was right. Dawn was in tears. Eileen had made them a cuppa then jumped on her horse and headed off across to the fire.

‘There’s nothin’ we can do to stop this. It’s got a good go on it’ll burn that hay in no time! All we can do is hose it down and stop it spreadin’.’ Frank Smith cursed.

‘Poor bloody Dawn,’ Arthur growled as he watched the flames devouring the hayshed. ‘She worked damn hard gettin’ this together.’

‘Yep… A bloody fortune’s gone up tonight!’ Jeff swore.

They all watched helplessly as the fire burnt the hayshed to the ground.

Digger nudged Karl and pointed to a figure hurrying across the paddock from the direction of the dam. ‘Friggin hell, isn’t that Father Damien crossing the paddock over there?’

‘It’s him all right… Bloody idiot. How many times do we have’ta warn him? Everyone’s on tenterhooks, he’s gonna end up gettin’ himself shot by someone!’ Karl growled.

Father Damien came puffing up to them. ‘What a dreadful, dreadful shame! No hope of saving it?’ He was holding his slouch hat between his hands as he looked at the fire burning in front of them.

‘Not a hope in hell, Father!’ Karl retorted.

‘Father, your sneakers are soakin’ wet. Where’ve you been?’ Digger questioned.

‘Oh, yes they are very wet, Digger. I came up through the paddocks and just down there near the dam there’s a very wet patch. I ran right through it. It’s so dark down there you can’t see a thing. I saw the fire and I came straight across from the seminary.’

‘Never miss a trick, eh, Father?’ Karl commented sarcastically.

Father Damien looked at him and he smiled thinly, not bothering to answer.

Karl muttered a swear word and walked away. Digger looked at Father Damien but didn’t offer an apology for Karl’s language. Shrugging, he turned and followed Karl.

‘I think that priest needs watchin’ a bit more closely!’
he thought.

***

Connie was home alone. She sat at her kitchen table feeling extremely nervous. She had switched on every light in the house. These fires were so upsetting it made her stomach churn. Why was it happening? She could hear odd noises but told herself it was only the house creaking.

Suddenly, a drum toppled over outside and Blacky the cat let out a yowl, leaping down from his comfy chair to hide underneath the table.

Connie jumped up in fright and spilled her mug of Milo. This was too much! She was frightened out of her wits and listening to every noise. She could hear the men’s voices drifting down from Dawn’s and the now familiar sound of the water pumps from the fire engines.

If she concentrated on them, maybe she wouldn’t worry about the noises the house made. She crossed to the sink to get a cloth to mop up the spilled Milo and what she saw drained the blood from her face.

Eric’s tractor was on fire!

For a moment, Connie was rooted to the spot. Eric had parked his tractor in close proximity to the house, thinking it would be safe.

Connie blinked rapidly and shook her head. Talking to herself she raced outside to grab the garden hose. ‘Those noises… that must have been the firebug. He was here doing this while I was right there inside!’ Trembling from head to foot, she sprayed water onto the tractor as best she could. It was the only thing she could think of to do. She had enough sense to attempt to douse the flames immediately as the house was so close it too could go up. She prayed someone would see her dilemma and help her.

Eddie pulled over to the far left side of the road and the car behind overtook them. Kathy craned her neck but couldn’t make out who was driving.

‘Well, let the dickhead go. I promised your old man you’d be home by twelve thirty, sweetheart, and I’ve got five minutes to get you there.’ Eddie pulled back on to the road and headed for Kia-Ora.

Neither could have been prepared for the scene that awaited them.

All the lights were on at home and the fire was still lighting the sky up at Dawn’s.

‘Holy shit!’ Eddie swore as they came over the crest of the hill.

‘Oh God… Another fire…’ Kathy groaned.

‘Look, baby. Is that a fire at Sam’s too? We’d better take a look before I drop you off.’

‘Thank the Lord you’re here!’ Connie yelled to them as they ran up the short drive to her. ‘Eric’s tractor’s on fire. I just noticed it a minute ago and I’m worried the house will catch on as well.’

Kathy recognized the fear in her Aunt’s voice and put her arm around her. Eddie grabbed the hose from her and quickly ran around the tractor, spraying it with water.

He managed to extinguish the flames, but not fast enough. The damage was done. The tyres were ruined and, among other things, the fuel line was destroyed.

‘This is just awful Kathy. I was inside drinking Milo and this was happening right outside the window.’ Connie shuddered. ‘I heard noises, but put them down to the house settling.’ She gave another shudder. ‘Just think: the firebug was right up here, right up next to my kitchen window!’ She was beginning to sound hysterical.

‘Come on, Aunty, we’ll take you inside,’ Kathy consoled her.

‘You go in, Kath. I’ll go on up there and tell them what’s happened here,’ Eddie said. ‘Make sure you lock the door after you and don’t open up unless you know it’s us. Stay inside. I’ll be back with Eric shortly.’

Eddie drove off quickly and Kathy took Connie inside, making sure she’d locked the door as Eddie suggested.

‘Goodness me, love, these fires are so bad for my nerves! Eric will be so upset. He not long bought the new tractor. It took most of his savings to get it. What’s going to happen next?’ Connie’s voice wavered as shock began to set in.

‘Sshh, Aunt Con, it’s a good thing you saw it when you did.’

Eric had parked his tractor close to the house so it would be safe. After the grass fire behind the shed some months ago, he thought it safer to park it near the house. This just showed that nothing would hinder the firebug. He was really determined to destroy whatever he could.
Would houses be next?

‘Hey! That looks like bloody Chancellor’s heap. What the hell does he thinks he’s doin’?’ Eric said, puzzled.

Eddie had driven his car straight onto the track that led from Dawn’s house across to the top paddock where her hayshed had once stood. He knew he wouldn’t get good reception but he also knew he had to hurry. The track was rough and meant for tractors and farm utes, not ordinary cars, so his car bumped and bounced its way across the paddock. He was blasting his horn as he negotiated the track and when he was close enough, he jumped out.

‘What the fuckin’ hell to you think you’re doin’, mate?’ Karl snapped at him.

Eddie put up a hand to hold an angry Karl back. ‘Hang on a minute, Eric, it’s your tractor, mate – the firebug’s had a go at it too!’ He had no choice but to be blunt. Karl was in his face and he had to talk over the top of Karl’s head to Eric.

‘Don’t talk shit, Chancellor. It’s not friggin funny to joke about things like that.’

‘It’s no joke, mate. I’ve just put it out for you. Connie was trying to put it out when Kath and I arrived. We were just about to pull into Kia-Ora when we saw it. Kath’s with Connie, they’re alone. I said I’d take you back straight away. I don’t think they should be left alone, do you!’