Don't Tell My Secret

by Mark Stewart

  PREOCCUPIED IN thinking about Suzie’s plan, Lilly still managed to march outside, measure her bicycle chain, discovered it was the exact same length as the chain used in the ‘Old Clunker,’ and in fifteen minutes had replaced the chain and closed the back cover of the machine. She wore a proud look sitting next to Suzie eating her lunch knowing she might have permanently fixed the machine of the chain rattle and ultimately stopped the chain from falling off the sprocket.

  Lilly and Suzie sat in silence in the shade of the factory wall a good distance from the other women. Both were contemplating the murder they were going to commit in twenty-four hours. Lilly couldn’t get the idea out of her mind. She went over the plan at least a dozen times looking for any problem which might see them in jail for decades or hanging at the end of a rope. To her horror, she easily discovered several possibilities where their plan could fail. Lilly didn’t want to worry Suzie so she started thinking of a backup plan. Smiling inwardly, she patted herself on the shoulder at her new idea beginning to unravel.

  Walking her bicycle home, deep in thought, Lilly stopped outside the general store. Stepping inside the shop she walked up to the young man serving a customer. When he’d finished, he greeted her using a jovial tone of voice.

  “Can I help you?”

  “Where’s Mr. Finch?” asked Lilly, noting the possible seventeen-year-old lad’s dark short back and side’s haircut and long face helped him to look slightly older.

  “He’s gone to make his usual home deliveries. I’m his Grandson, Jason. I’ve been given the responsibility of running the store until he gets back.”

  “I had hoped to see Mr. Finch to discuss opening an account. I’d like to buy a short thin cigar for my boss. It’s his birthday tomorrow. I thought seeing how he loves smoking a cigar he’d accept my small gift.”

  “Didn’t you get paid today?” questioned the lad.

  “Yes, I did. I have a couple of bills which must be paid this week. Opening the account until I get paid next Wednesday will be perfect.” Lilly flashed a grin.

  “I can see you have a trustworthy face. If you buy two cigars, I’ll open the account. When you get paid next week finalize the account then.”

  “Jason, you drive a hard bargain. However, I agree. My name’s Lilly Barrett.”

  “Nice name,” commented Jason. “There’s a good movie showing next week. If you’re available, I’d love for you to accompany me?”

  Lilly threw him a genuine smile. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, Jason. I’m married.”

  “Just my luck, the first pretty woman who walked into this shop since I began work an hour ago, said no.”

  “If I was single I’d say yes.”

  “At least I got a sale.”

  “You did well to convince me to buy two cigars. Please don’t feel intimidated over me saying no to your date proposal. Keep asking the question. I’m sure in time you’ll hear a yes.”

  Jason handed over the cigars when he finished recording the sale. “I’ll remember what you taught me.” He grinned at the young dark-haired girl entering the shop. “Here’s hoping,” he whispered under his breath.

  Lilly shook her head, walking out of the store. She swiped her bicycle from off the ground. Before starting to walk home she glanced back inside the store.

  “By the look on your, face the young lady must have said yes to your question,” Lilly mumbled.

  Next morning Lilly dressed as the sky started to lighten. She squeezed into her white dress Jack gave her for a present. The same one she cut in half the night before. Checking her appearance in the mirror she felt a little self-conscious at showing so much skin, especially to another man. By cutting the high neckline into a long V shape at the front and the back of the dress, she didn’t leave much to the imagination. Lilly needed to be careful or her breasts might fall out when she moved. The narrow black belt clipped around her waist helped to make her look even more alluring.

  Leaving her bra on the bed, she slipped into her bib and brace overalls, stuffed three long narrow strips of white dress material into her overall pockets; two in the left and one in the right. She placed the two cigars and several matches inside the top pocket. To help hide what she wore underneath Lilly put on a thick dark jumper. Her black two-inch heels were already in a medium sized paper bag. Lilly squeezed her feet into solid boots, swiped her lunch from off the bed, the second jumper from the chair in the corner of the bedroom and closed the front door of her home a little earlier than usual hoping to arrive at the factory before anyone else.

  Lilly hadn’t slept much, going over the finer details of her backup plan. She suspected her body might be running on pure adrenaline.

  A truck rumbled to a stop at the top of her drive. At least two hundred large hessian bags full of briquettes were stacked on the truck’s long tray. A rough unshaven man, dark tattoos inked on his arms walked towards her.

  “Morning,” called the man. “Where do you want the five bags of briquettes you ordered?”

  On a sigh, Lilly replied confidently, thankful he didn’t ask the reason why she was up and about so early.

  “Can you carry them to the chook pen at the rear of the house?”

  “Yep, no probs.”

  “Be careful not to damage the side of the outhouse. The wall closest to the chook pen is just hanging on. I don’t want to be sitting on the toilet seat in full view of the neighbour’s kitchen window. If the wall collapses, I don’t have the money to replace the wall.”

  In the cooling temperature, Lilly opened the small rusty gate and followed the man carrying the bags of briquettes down the narrow path. In a few minutes, he’d completed the delivery.

  “Nice chooks,” blurted the man in a gruff voice, dropping the last bag next to the others. “You get many eggs?”

  “Some,” replied Lilly.

  “I don’t suppose you could spare a few?”

  Lilly stepped into the pen. Using her left foot, she pushed a nosy chook away, checked the laying box, swiping out three. She handed over the warm eggs.

  “Can you put the amount I owe for the briquettes on my account?”

  “Seeing how you gave some eggs, I’ll tell the boss you’ll pay next week.”

  “Thank you so much,” said Lilly.

  “Righto,” the man mumbled. “The dunny man will be here soon. I better move the truck. I don’t want dunny slops spilt over the briquettes.”

  Lilly chuckled at imagining the scene.

  “Don’t laugh. He’s a grumpy old man’s son. He’s the one wearing the little black beanie, dark blue shorts, and white singlet. He tossed a toilet can at me last week for getting in his way.”

  Lilly cringed at the thought of sewerage being thrown through the air. She followed the short balding man with coal dust covered hands to the truck, closing the gate behind her.

  “Have a good day Mrs. Barrett.”

  “You too, and thanks again.”

  Lilly waited for the truck to turn left at the end of the street before starting to walk towards the factory. Glancing over her shoulder, she wondered if she’d ever see the house again. Trying to push the impending murder out of her mind for at least ten minutes, Lilly prayed for a warm winter and the five large bags of briquettes would see her through to spring. For nearly twelve months she scrimped and saved to be able to buy them. Lilly shook her head at knowing she didn’t have near enough briquettes.

  Lilly walked past the lad selling his morning newspapers. She so wanted to buy the paper from him every day, however, she needed to cut her spending to the bone. Though he never mentioned anything, the lad seemed to know of her plight about having no money. Even if she didn’t buy the paper he always gave her a good morning greeting by raising his cap then look for another customer.

  Lilly did manage to stretch her money so she could buy the morning paper every Saturday. Once read, the newspaper could be reused for heating. Her mother taught her from a young age how to rip the pages into strips, soak the newspaper in water
for a few hours then they could be molded into paper bricks. Briquettes and paper bricks were a great combination. Both could burn for ages. The only problem she faced, Lilly didn’t have the money to buy the paper more often.

  Suzie arrived at the factory the same time Lilly did. They found Mr. Smith hard at work fixing a leaking tap near the side door. Already the bucket of water used for the stray dog had overflowed onto the dry dusty ground.

  “Good morning Mr. Smith,” chirped Lilly. “I knew you’d be early. I baked a small muffin last night for you on your birthday.” Taking the muffin out of the paper bag she swiped from off the bed, Lilly handed it over.

  “Happy birthday,” chimed Suzie.

  The old man blushed when the two ladies sang the traditional birthday song. His face went redder when they kissed him on the cheeks.

  “Thanks, ladies. I’ll have this beaut looking muffin at smoko,” announced Mr. Smith.

  Lilly and Suzie walked off leaving Mr. Smith humming to himself. The moment they stepped inside the factory Suzie’s friendly expression instantly vanished. She took hold of Lilly’s shoulders, glaring at her.

  “What’s the idea behind the joyous mood?”

  “More people witnessing us having a happy start to the day the better,” whispered Lilly. “Mr. Smith just happened to be born on the perfect date.”

  Suzie’s smirk quickly returned. “What an excellent idea.”

  “It’s part of my backup plan.”

  “What plan?”

  “I thought up another plan in case the first one goes pear shaped.”

  “I didn’t think we’d needed one.”

  “I don’t want to be jailed,” hissed Lilly angrily.

  “Nothing will go wrong.”

  “In case it does, do you want to hear my idea?”

  Suzie nodded as she brushed her long brown fringe from her eyes.

  Lilly explained the idea of why she cut her dress short then told her the details of the backup plan.

  “By mixing both our ideas this act we’re attempting seems flawless,” confessed Suzie.

  “Let’s hope so. What about your brother. Will he be here on time?”

  “I talked to him last night and again this morning. He’ll be here,” advised Suzie, confidently. “He told me nothing is going to stop him from getting here by 11:55am.”

  “Five minutes until the lunch whistle sounds. It’s going to be close. We can’t have any witnesses.”

  “Nobody in the factory is going to know,” insisted Suzie.

  “Are you sure your brother won’t change his mind and DOB us into the cops?”

  “Positive. Don’t worry. There’s no way I’m having my baby in jail.” She gave Lilly a paper-bag the size of her hand. “The only thing you have to do is make sure the bag is full of gunpowder and it’s in Carlisle’s coat pocket.”

  Lilly took the bag, hiding it under her jumper. Focusing on the side door, she looked for Carlisle.

  “He’s not due to arrive for another twenty minutes,” whispered Suzie. “You should be able to fill the bag and stash it before anyone else arrives. I’ll go to make sure Mr. Smith doesn’t enter the factory. If he tries, I’ll stall him.”

  “Thanks,” said Lilly.

  Glancing around the factory she marched over to her machine. Again, Lilly checked for Carlisle in case he came from another direction. Spying Suzie standing at the side door looking out onto the car park, Lilly pulled the wooden cover off the gunpowder box, dipped a wooden scoop into the powder, swiped out the paper bag from under her jumper, half filling the bag. Quickly scrunching the top closed, she placed her spare jumper over the paper bag. Looking around the factory floor again and still seeing no one, Lilly wrapped the small bag in the jumper, slipping the bundle on the shelf under the bench top. By the time, she got back to Suzie the first few ladies were approaching the factory door. They were too busy chatting to notice Suzie or Lilly staring at them.

  At smoko Suzie and Lilly marched towards the toilets. They walked past Mr. Smith’s small maintenance shed. Lilly noted the tools hanging on the walls. Oil stains covered the floor. Two small tins of petrol which were always full were placed in their usual spot on the other side of the chicken wire covered door. Before stooping to pick up a tin, Lilly pushed her hand into her pocket, pulling out two narrow strips of dress material, handing one to Suzie. She watched her snatch up the second tin and followed her.

  Suzie opened the factory door. She placed the tin of petrol she carried onto the ground outside in the fresh air and pushed most of the long narrow piece of material inside the tin to soak up the petrol. Lilly walked up behind Suzie, placed the tin of petrol she held onto the floor inside the factory and stuffed two-thirds of the second strip of material into the tin.

  After closing the door, Suzie led the way to the toilets.

  Inside the ladies, Suzie handed over a small bottle of perfume. Lilly soaked her arms and hands with the sweet, smelling lotion. She even tipped a level capful onto her hair.

  “Do you think I’m wearing enough perfume to disguise the smell of the petrol and the gunpowder?” questioned Lilly.

  “I reckon,” replied Suzie using her hand to swat the air. “You reek of the stuff.”

  “Good.”

  “I’m glad Mr. Smith is a person of habit. His two tins of petrol are always full and ready to be used to clean the grease off the machines,” added Suzie.

  Thirty minutes before the lunch whistle sounded Lilly picked up the small bag of gunpowder, from the bench and stuffed it under her jumper. Holding the small bottle of perfume in her free hand she nodded at Suzie on her way to Carlisle’s office.

  Suzie rushed up behind her.

  “Don’t forget, the paper bag must be in the right-hand side pocket of Carlisle’s coat and not in the left pocket,” she whispered.

  “It’ll be there,” replied Lilly. “Make sure you create a disturbance outside the office a minute after I walk in. If Carlisle isn’t stopped by the noise he’ll be turned on by the skimpy dress and the smell of the perfume. He’ll insist on screwing me before lunch. If he does he’ll discover the contents of the bag.”

  “Don’t worry I’ll produce a mighty ruckus. The noise will stop him before he can even touch you.”

  The two women trudged up the corridor. Six feet from Carlisle’s office door Lilly slipped out of her boots, dropped her bib and brace overalls to her ankles, straightened the mini length dress and pushed her feet into the two-inch shiny black heels.

  “The short dress will certainly distract Carlisle,” whispered Suzie. “It barely covers your arse.”

  “Promise me there’ll be a commotion.”

  “It’ll happen,” replied Suzie, handing Lilly the bag of gunpowder and the small bottle of perfume.

  “I feel embarrassed about having him see so much skin,” whispered Lilly. “One way or the other he has to be stopped. How do I look?”

  “If I were a man I’d want to screw you too.”

  Lilly walked up to Carlisle’s office. She tapped on the door three times, hoping the number might sound enticing. Painting a seductive grin on her face she waited to hear his voice.

  “Enter,” he bellowed.

  Lilly waited for Suzie to slip past before opening the door. The moment Lilly stepped inside the office she closed and locked the door. Battering luring eyelids at Carlisle seated at the desk, Lilly could tell his eyes were already starting to undress her. Lilly let go of the door handle and stood in a provocative pose in front of the man. Smirking, Carlisle floated across the floor. When he reached, her he slipped his arm around her waist.

  Clearing his throat, he said smoothly. “Lilly, you’re early. It’s good to see you’ve changed your mind about the bonus.” Carlisle reached out, flicking hair from her face. “I knew you were a great looking Gal, easy on the eyes the moment I saw you. Wearing an extra short dress has definitely turned me on.” He dropped one of his arms so he could slip his hand onto her thigh.

  Lilly clos
ed her eyes hoping to block out the need to vomit.

  “I can tell you like my hand on the top part of your leg,” whispered Carlisle in Lilly’s ear. He lowered his head slightly to nibble at her earlobe before adding. “You smell delightful. Walk over to the table where the sunlight will help make your hair shine. I want a good look at you.”

  Strolling seductively across the room, Lilly began to over exaggerate the dipping of her hips. She didn’t have to look at Carlisle to know his brain devoured every movement. Her seductive grin reappeared the moment she whirled around on her toes.

  “Do you love my surprise?” whispered Lilly.

  “I sure do. The bright coloured dress helps your skin to glow on those wonderful long legs of yours. Even my wife doesn’t own a dress like the one you’re wearing.”

  Lilly turned in a slow circle so Carlisle could see the low cut back once more. When she faced him, his pupils appeared to be large round marbles.

  “My husband gave me the long dress for a present. I stored it in the cupboard and forgot all about it when the war began. I thought by cutting the dress in half the new style might heighten the ecstasy of the act. What do you think of my creation?”

  “I absolutely adore it. Make another twirl. I love the way your body moves.”

  Lilly began another slow turn. When her back was to Carlisle, she studied his coat draped over the back of the chair. Spying what appeared to be the correct pocket an evil sneer creased the ends of her lips.

  Carlisle bounded across the floor. He stood pushing his body against Lilly’s. Again, he slipped his hand under her dress. Lilly hid her cringe well.

  “I see you brought me a small present?” whispered Carlisle.

  He went to grab the bag out of Lilly’s hand. In a desperate move, she whipped it around behind her back.

  “Do you want me to guess what’s in the bag before I get it?”

  “You’ll get it soon,” suggested Lilly. She pursed her lips teasing Carlisle into forgetting about the paper bag. “I thought about what you told me all last night. I can’t see the harm. I’ll certainly keep the secret.”

  “I’m glad you decided to see things my way.”

  “Several romps together should be easy to live with.”

  “It’s better than drowning,” mentioned Carlisle winding Lilly in even closer.

  His chilling words made her feel more nauseous. For a second time, she needed to fight the urge to vomit on the floor. The moment she saw Carlisle step behind her Lilly could feel his hand move from off her shoulder down to her left breast. She quickly swallowed the vomit in her throat. The time had come for her to be the perfect actress. Suzie and the other women in the factory were counting on her. At least she knew beyond any doubt of Carlisle’s intentions.

  Carlisle applied more pressure to Lilly’s breast forcing her to twirl around. He leaned forward so he could kiss her. His lips didn’t feel nice or tender like Jack’s. In fact, his rough treatment began to hurt. Lilly stood her ground acting out the scene. Eventually, she managed to push him to arm’s length. To appear more alluring, she slowly ran her fingers through her hair.

  “Do you like the perfume I’m wearing?” whispered Lilly. “If it doesn’t excite your manhood I have a different one stashed near my machine. There’s nothing wrong with a backup plan.”

  “I’ve already confessed I love the smell. Where did you buy the bottle of perfume?”

  “I made a batch from a family recipe,” replied Lilly, trying to make the lie sound realistic. She prayed Carlisle’s advances might slow long enough for the ruckus to start.

  “Remarkable,” he commented. “Maybe you could splash the contents of the other bottle on your neck tomorrow. You do remember we have a second date after lunch?”

  “Twice in two days. I’m impressed. A deal is a deal.” Lilly pouted at Carlisle. “I’m not one to go back on my word. Am I right in saying you will have me seven times?”

  “Yes. It’ll be my pleasure.”

  Carlisle placed his arms on Lilly’s hips. She wanted to run. She wanted to poke his perving eyes out. She wanted to vomit on his beloved coat.

  “Now I’ve excited you, I’ll come back after lunch.”

  “I insist you stay.”

  “Isn’t what you desire more of a thrill the first time if you have to wait? Forty minutes isn’t long.”

  Carlisle reeled Lilly in again, pushing his body hard against hers. “I can’t wait. I’m an impatient man.”

  “Suspense helps to build the act,” taunted Lilly, trying to avoid sounding nervous. To her Carlisle appeared to be growing edgy. If Suzie didn’t start the ruckus soon she wouldn’t be able to stop the man from raping her.

  Carlisle wasn’t going to wait any longer. Using his left hand, he reached behind Lilly’s head, pulling her in close. She loathed the idea. However, she needed to take what he dished out. Lilly’s chest heaved faster. Her cheeks were reddening from nerves. Again, she fought the need to vomit. Carlisle pushed his lips against Lilly’s. He slipped his right-hand higher under her dress. His fingernails scratched the surface of her leg. She felt he was ready. Then Lilly heard the unmistakable sound of his zip opening. She cringed when Carlisle started to get between her legs.

  Just when Lilly’s plans were about to fall apart, a mighty ruckus outside the door forced Carlisle to swear under his breath. He zipped his fly closed, marching to the door. Stepping outside he pulled the door shut.

  Lilly leaped into action by quickly slipping the paper bag she held in her hand into the coat pocket and unfolded the top. Next, she twisted the cap off the small bottle of perfume she clutched in her other hand. Sprinkling the coat, she drained the remainder of the bottle then waited for Carlisle to step back into the room.

  “What’s all the noise about?” Carlisle yelled, directing his question at his receptionist.

  “Suzie thinks her pay was short a full pound.”

  “Impossible,” bellowed Carlisle.

  “I said the same thing.”

  “Suzie, why didn’t you talk to me yesterday when you were paid?”

  “After counting the money four times I couldn’t find you!” she shouted.

  “Next time, try harder.”

  “I hope there isn’t a next time.”

  “I’m positive the bank didn’t make a mistake; they’re the ones who make up the pay.”

  “I told her she has to talk to the bank,” explained Stella Johnston.

  Suzie glared at Carlisle, sidestepping towards the office door.

  “Stella and Suzie get back to work,” ordered Carlisle. “I’ll discuss the problem tomorrow morning.”

  “How do I pay for dinner tonight?” moaned Suzie.

  “I’ll go see the bank later to make sure they were correct. Now get back to work. I’m busy.”

  “What guarantee do I have in getting my money?” questioned Suzie.

  “I’m not going to warn you again,” spat Carlisle.

  “Okay, I’m going,” huffed Suzie. “There’s no need to growl at me. The only thing I want is my money.”

  Carlisle stepped back into his office, closing the door on Suzie’s face. His emotions had cooled. He so wanted them to be hot again. Soaking up Lilly’s inviting posture, Carlisle studied her entire body from her ankles to her head. He watched her going through the motion of dabbing more perfume on her neck. The act excited him until he saw his wet coat.

  Marching across the room he glared at Lilly through cold heartless eyes. Taking hold of Lilly’s arm Carlisle escorted her to the door.

  “The moment lunch is over I want you back in this office. I certainly don’t appreciate perfume spilled over my coat. I’m married. I don’t want my wife to find out about me screwing you. Understand?”

  “Yes of course. I look forward to satisfying your urges.”

  Lilly nervously watched Carlisle check his watch before slipping his arms into his coat sleeves.

  He looked up, glaring at Lilly. “The lunch siren is about to soun
d. You’re free to go. Shut the door on the way out.”

  Lilly backed out of the office, gently shutting the door.

  Stepping far enough away so Carlisle couldn’t hear what was happening, Lilly stooped, placed the bottle of perfume on the floor, slipped her feet out of the high heels, pulled up the bid and brace overalls and pushed her feet into the boots; the jumper she slid over her head, yanking it down to her waist while she followed Suzie along the corridor to the exit.

  “Are things set?” whispered Suzie, hiding the high heel shoes under her jumper.

  “The gunpowder is in the coat pocket,” replied Lilly. “Let’s hope your brother gets here in time. If he doesn’t and Carlisle finds the bag of gunpowder he’ll work out what’s going on really quick. The way I’m dressed, I’ll be up for attempted murder and for encouraging him to screw me.”

  “Don’t worry, my brother will be here.”

  Lilly and Suzie stood at the side door leading to the car park. Suzie opened it slightly. Sunlight streamed in through the gap. Lilly focused on Carlisle’s large black car. It looked to be a solid vehicle, not more than a few years old.

  ‘More solid than a cliff face,’ Lilly thought.

  She saw a side door swing open. Carlisle stepped into the sunshine. He stretched before walking towards the car.

  “Five minutes before the lunch whistle sounds. Carlisle’s on time,” jeered Suzie. She darted a nervous glance up and back down the factory fence, looking for her brother. “Robert assured me he’d be here by now. This isn’t good. The plan is starting to go wrong. I think we should call the whole thing off.” She turned her head to look directly at Lilly. “I’m sorry for dragging you into this murder idea. I’ll tell the police I planned the whole thing and you were trying to persuade me not to kill Carlisle. I’ll even tell them I told you to dress seductively to arouse him.”

  In her panic, Suzie missed Lilly’s sly sneer. “It’s okay. We’ll switch to the remainder of the backup plan. There’s no way Carlisle is going to rape me. He’s not leaving his car alive. I’m also determined not to spend years in jail over an attempted murder charge or any other charge.”

  Suzie again glanced along the fence line. “I can’t understand why Robert isn’t here. Either way, it’s too late, don’t do it. The lunch siren is only two minutes away. Once the whistle sounds there’ll be too many witnesses.”

  “If what I’m about to do goes wrong I’ll say it was my idea. You’re innocent of any wrong doing. Besides, you’re pregnant. Your baby needs you to be out of prison.” Lilly took hold of Suzie’s shoulders. “When the car catches fire I want you inside the factory. Promise me you’ll stay here to watch my back?”

  Reluctantly Suzie nodded.

  Lilly again focused on Carlisle. She watched him sitting behind the steering wheel blowing cigar smoke out of the window. Staring directly at Suzie, she spoke quietly. “Wish me luck.”

  “Luck,” she whispered back.

  Lilly took out the long narrow piece of dress material from her overall’s pocket, snatched the tin of petrol from inside the doorway and the one on the outside. She scanned the area hoping to see a young man loitering about. Disappointed, Lilly knew she couldn’t wait any longer, the lunch whistle had to be imminent. The stunt needed to be done by then. If she was late getting back inside the factory everyone would know she did it.

  As the last of the seconds ticked off Lilly sprinted towards the car.

  She knew if Carlisle discovered the gunpowder in his coat pocket he’d figure out the entire plan in seconds and call the police.

  Lilly stopped running when she reached the rear of the car. Hoping Carlisle didn’t see her in the side mirror, she walked casually towards the driver’s door. She saw smoke from his cigar billowing out of the open window. The closer she got the louder the music came from the speaker. The noise painted a smirk on her face. If she made any noise, there was a good chance Carlisle mightn’t hear her.

  Putting the tins quietly on the ground, Lilly easily pushed the long strip of dress material she held in her hand through the front door handle. By holding the material, she hoped Carlisle won’t be able to get out. Next, she pulled the long thin strips of petrol soaked material from both tins. Lilly didn’t glance back at the factory to see if anyone might be watching. She didn’t bother to check the time. She needed to stay totally focused on the next sixty seconds and pray the lunch whistle doesn’t sound.

  Straddling the petrol tins, she hovered over Carlisle.

  “You scared the crap out of me Lilly,” he croaked, dropping his cigar on the floor. He reached out to turn off the music.

  “I didn’t mean to startle you. I’m wondering if you’d like another cigar.”

  Carlisle remained silent for a moment. Lilly could feel her body starting to grow nervous. She felt a headache coming on from the stress. The throbbing of her temples made her vision blurry. If the murder didn’t happen soon Carlisle might smell the petrol fumes wafting in through the window. She pulled out the cigar from her overalls top pocket, shoving it in his face.

  Carlisle immediately placed his sandwich on his lap and grabbed the cigar.

  “I’ll forget about the one on the floor. It’s almost finished anyway. How can I resist a new cigar from a babe? I have to admit you look a whole lot different in overalls. Seeing you in the white dress cut high up the legs certainly aroused me.”

  Lilly watched him light the end of the cigar. Closing his eyes, he looked to be enjoying the taste.

  “About the babe thing,” she snarled. “I’ve decided I’m not going to be your whore. I’ve also discovered something important about the dead girl who used to work here.”

  Carlisle opened his eyes, staring at Lilly. “What did you uncover?”

  “She was pregnant. You killed her.”

  “You have no proof. Even if you did nobody believes what a woman says.” Pointing the cigar at Lilly’s nose he taunted confidently. “It’s going to be a real pleasure in screwing you. Knowing there’s no one to stop me; I’ve decided I’m going to screw you a lot longer. I’m looking forward to your services every day for the next three months, possibly even longer.”

  “You disgust me. What will your wife say if I told her?”

  “I’ve been down accusation road many times. You’ll never talk to her. I have another heavy chain ready to go. It’s in the boot of the car. Want to take a look?” He lifted his hand, pulling on the handle to open the door.

  Using her hips, Lilly slammed it closed. “So, you did kill the last woman?”

  “Last three actually. Don’t look so surprised. There’s a war on. It’s called getting away with blue murder.”

  Lilly reached into her pocket, pulling out a match. She scraped it along the side of the car.

  Carlisle heard the match head ignite.

  “What are you up to?”

  “The last thing you’ll ever hear is; Suzie’s pregnant. She’s having your baby.”

  Lilly lifted both narrow petrol soaked strips of material at the same time, dropping one over Carlisle’s eyes, the other she stuffed into his coat pocket full of gunpowder. In one swift move, she pushed the lit match through the open window, dropping it on the material poking out of his pocket. Carlisle instinctively removed the petrol soaked material from off his eyes just in time to see the bright flash near his hip. He went to pull the material out of his pocket and throw both rags out of the window when he saw a second flash.

  The gunpowder ignited.

  Lilly squatted out of sight. Gripping onto the material she pushed through the door handle Lilly could feel Carlisle starting to shove on the door to get out. He screamed as his hands and face caught fire.

  Trembling from nerves, Lilly needed to use all her strength to keep the door closed. Using her one free hand she threw both cans of petrol, one after the other through the open window. The moment the petrol cans ignited in a bright flash she started running back to Suzie, gathering the short piece of material in her hands. Hearin
g the lunch whistle over the sound of the car fire’s roar, Lilly swallowed the bile in her mouth. She must get back inside the factory before anyone saw her. Only then could she run towards the car carrying a bucket of water.

  Suzie opened the door just wide enough for Lilly to squeeze through the gap. The moment she stepped inside the factory Lilly whirled around and started to run back outside. Instead of sprinting in the direction of the car she darted off to her right, towards the bucket of water Mr. Smith filled each morning for the stray dog in the area. Ten feet from the bucket she saw Mr. Smith bursting out of the factory doorway and reaching for the wooden handled bucket. He shuffled towards the car. For an old man, he still moved quite quickly.

  Lilly focused on the burning car. The driver’s door opened. Carlisle looked to be half out, completely engulfed in flames. The longer she watched the larger the flames grew. Carlisle screamed over the sound of the fire. The inside of the car erupted. Flames shot out through the windows blowing glass fragments twenty feet in every direction. The windscreen blew out, smashing into pieces as it tore through the chicken wire fence. The fire must have found a way into the fuel line. In seconds, the fuel tank exploded.

  Lilly saw Mr. Smith stumble over his own feet, dropping the bucket. Water sprayed across the dusty ground.

  Carlisle gave one last cry for help before completely falling onto the ground. His figure coiled slightly then fell silent. His clothes, his face and hands were gone. His burnt flesh smelled horrific.

  Lilly held her nose to block out the stench, running over to help Mr. Smith to his feet.

  “I’ll help to refill the bucket of water,” blurted Lilly, picking it up off the ground.

  “It’s too late. Even if Carlisle is alive he’s better off dead. Besides, water will only help to spread the fire.”

  Suzie sprinted over, herding Lilly away from Mr. Smith. “Perfectly executed,” she whispered.

  Lilly pushed her hands into her overall pockets. She looked sideways at Suzie through bulging eyes. “It’s not perfect. Damn it, we have a loose thread.”

  “We left nothing to chance,” snorted Suzie.

  Glancing at the group of onlookers to make sure they weren’t looking at her, Lilly frantically searched her pockets. Panic swept her face deepening the lines on her forehead.

  “Calm down, you will draw attention to us,” mumbled Suzie. “What’s wrong?”

  “The small bottle of perfume; I don’t have it. I put it on the floor near Carlisle’s office while I changed back into my overalls. Please tell me you picked it up?”

  Suzie hesitantly shook her head. When she spied old Mr. Smith marching towards them she whispered under her breath.

  “Stay calm we have company.”

  Mr. Smith took hold of Lilly’s arm, dragging her away.

  The car’s engine exploded. The heat was intense. A plume of black smoke billowed into the air. Fifty women workers filing outside to start their lunch stood, pushing their backs against the factory wall, viewing the gruesome scene. Lilly realized not one female worker expressed any sorrow or appeared ready to scream at seeing Carlisle being cremated next to his car.

  Squaring himself to Lilly, Mr. Smith pushed her against the fence.

  She eyeballed him.

  “I saw what you did.”

  “I have no idea what you mean,” replied Lilly, trying to sound innocent.

  “I might be old, but I still have good eyesight and great hearing. A young woman wearing a short white outfit and black shiny two-inch heels on her feet captures my attention. Seeing how the material is a bit unusual for this time, I decided to get a closer look, wondering what you might be up to. I knew you’d never throw yourself at Carlisle, so I hid in the shadows, watching.”

  “You saw me entering Carlisle’s office. It doesn’t mean anything.”

  “Doesn’t it?”

  “No. I went into his office to ask him if I could buy the bullet making machine.”

  “Wearing a short white dress; I’d say highly unlikely. I must add did you lose a small bottle near Carlisle’s office? What meager amount of liquid is still trapped in the bottle smells exactly how you do.”

  “What do you want me to say?”

  “I reckon you’d have a lot of explaining to do if I make you take off the jumper and the overalls in front of every worker in the factory.”

  Lilly gulped down the knot in her throat. If Mr. Smith hadn’t see her nobody would know. “What are you going to do?”

  “Let me explain it this way. I saw the whole petrol thing. If the lunch whistle sounded a few seconds earlier it could have easily backfired. I’m glad it didn’t. Lilly, hide your surprised expression. I warned you about losing pretty fingers. Petrol soaked fingers could have been burnt off if things went bad.”

  “Everything went off fine. Is that what you want to hear?”

  Mr. Smith glanced at the crowd watching the burning car. No one, not even Suzie was looking at him. “I’m going to say this only once. When I’m finished I never said a word. If you tell anyone I’ll deny everything. I’m old, they’ll believe me.”

  Lilly frowned, wondering what he might say.

  “Carlisle deserved it. I know he killed at least two lovely young ladies. I know Suzie’s pregnant with his baby. Don’t ask me how I know. I’ve already told you I have great hearing.”

  “I’m going to have a wild guess,” whispered Lilly. “I believe you intentionally tripped over your own feet.”

  Mr. Smith’s shrewd grin revealed she hit the nail on the head.

  “I’m old. Things happen when you least expect it.” He leaned forward, whispering in Lilly’s ear. “I’ll never tell a soul.”

  “Me too,” mumbled Lilly. “I guess someone should call the police.”

  “I’ll do it. You go talk to Suzie. Before I go, here, take this.” Mr. Smith placed the small empty perfume bottle in Lilly’s hand. He patted her clenched fist. “You don’t need me to tell you how to get rid of it.”

  A wave of relief rushed through Lilly’s veins. Her shoulders slumped. She felt weak at the knees. At the unrehearsed part of the plan, she said. “Here, I want you to have a cigar.”

  “I hope this isn’t a bribe?”

  “No. In fact, it’s far from it. I was forced into buying two cigars yesterday. I didn’t have to use the spare one.”

  “I’m not sure I understand?” Mr. Smith questioned, dropping the cigar into his pocket.

  “I decided I could use the spare cigar for backup in case one didn’t entice Carlisle enough. The cost of a second cigar is a small price to pay for freedom. I can’t return it and I don’t smoke. You might as well have it. For what it’s worth, happy birthday.”

  Mr. Smith flung Lilly a smile. He winked before walking off.

  Lilly was about to step back inside the factory when she saw Suzie marching towards her. She grabbed Lilly by the arm, escorting her towards the six-foot tall rubbish bin on the other side of the main gate. A lone figure stood at the fence watching the fire.

  “Robert, where were you?” questioned Suzie.

  “Sorry Sis, the cops stopped me. They were wondering why I was loitering around the area. They quizzed me for at least ten minutes before I convinced them I got lost on the way to joining the army. They watched me walk off in the opposite direction. The moment they were out of sight I jumped a few fences to make it back here. I see I’m a little late.”

  “It’s okay. Everything worked out, in the end, thanks to Lilly.”

  “I better go. If the cops see me here they might think I did it,” whispered Robert.

  “Yes, go now,” suggested Lilly. “Mr. Smith is about to ring them.”

  Robert sprinted off. In seconds, he’d turned the corner and disappeared.

  Suzie looked sideways at Lilly. “What did Smith talk to you about?”

  “He asked if I’d been hurt in the fire.”

  “So, he saw nothing?” questioned Suzie.

  “He saw me running towards the
bucket of water, nothing more.”

  Sighing heavily Suzie began to smile. “Lilly, we actually pulled off the perfect murder.”

  “Yes, it does look like it. When I get a chance, I’ll find and get rid of the empty perfume bottle. The only other thing we have to do is convince the cops Carlisle’s death happened to be an accident.”

  In less than two minutes every woman in the factory stood outside the factory watching the car fire. At 12:17 Lilly dropped the small empty bottle of perfume into the industrial rubbish bin as a police car rolled through the open gate, stopping near the office door. Mr. Smith limped over to greet the officer.

  “The deceased is Mr. Carlisle.”

  “Who might you be?” asked the Constable.

  “My name is Dirk Smith. I’ve been working at this factory for the past sixty years. The dead man’s full name is Mr. Joe Carlisle. He’s been my boss for the past ten years.”

  “Who witnessed the car fire first?”

  “Me. I ran to get the bucket of water. I fell over my left foot sprinting towards the car. My legs aren’t what they used to be. By the time, I picked myself up off the ground I knew I didn’t have any hope of saving big Joe. As you can see where the bucket finished up I nearly made it to the car.”

  The Constable exhaled noisily. He walked over to the car to take a closer look. Pushing his head through the broken front passenger side window to scrutinize the interior he held his nose to block out the smell.

  “Have you any idea how the fire might have started?”

  “No,” replied Mr. Smith. “By the time, I got my lunch and made it to the outside factory door the car was already engulfed in flames.”

  “Can you explain why there are two tins on the front seat?”

  “I have no idea,” said Mr. Smith. “All I can tell you is Joe Carlisle sometimes sneaks out a few minutes early to have a cigar before lunch. I guess there must have been a petrol leak.”

  “It could explain the fire. Any idea on who talked to Carlisle last?”

  Lilly stood at the side waiting for the question to be asked. She bravely stepped forward.

  “I guess I might have been the last to talk to Mr. Carlisle.”

  The Constable looked directly at Lilly. “Who are you?”

  “I’m Mrs. Lilly Barrett. I’ve been working here for a few months.”

  “Can you shed any more-light on this accident?”

  “I don’t think so. About 11:30 this morning I knocked on Mr. Carlisle’s office door. I did hope to see him walking around the factory.”

  “You stopped work to see him?”

  “Yes.”

  “It’s a bit odd. Didn’t he get upset over losing productivity?”

  “Not really. He was a good boss; friendly and always easy to talk to. He mentioned quite amenable when he gave me the job his office door will be always open. Anytime I wanted to talk, the only thing I needed to do was knock on his office door.”

  “How thoughtful,” the Constable snorted. “What did you want to see him for?”

  “I wanted to ask Mr. Carlisle if I could buy the bullet making machine after the war.”

  “Why? This factory must be full of extremely old equipment. In my opinion, this whole area needs to be placed on the condemned list.”

  “There’s a war on. We all have to do our part,” blurted Lilly. “To answer your question, I believe the machine will make great lollies.”

  “What did he say to your request?”

  “He actually loved the idea. We were going to discuss a payment plan after lunch. If I may add something which might explain the fire; Mr. Carlisle had a daily habit of running his fingers through the gunpowder. He’d do it every morning before the whistle sounded to start the day. For a month, I watched him scoop handfuls of the gunpowder from the box at the bullet making machine. He’d allow the powder to run through his fingers several times before wiping his hands of the dust while they were inside the pockets of his coat. He confided in me he loved to feel the gunpowder. I guess after years of wiping the dust from his hands his pockets might have been filling. It’s possible when he lit his cigar he might have forgotten to blow the match out, which in turn ignited the gunpowder in his pocket.”

  “It does sound plausible,” said the Constable. “The only thing that doesn’t add up is the two empty tins on the front seat.”

  “It’s easy to explain. Mr. Carlisle told me he loved soup. Last night I made a batch of homegrown tomato soup. I didn’t have a large enough container to put it in. I did find two small tins. He gratefully accepted the soup and told me he’d have it for lunch.”

  “Trying to stay in the boss’ good books?” grilled the Constable.

  Lilly painted a grin on her face. Ignoring his comment, she continued. “I told Mr. Carlisle I made the best soup. He mentioned he’d let me know what he thought. I guess I’ll never know now.”

  When the Constable finished writing his notes, he looked up, snapping the book shut.

  “I’ll organize someone to tow the car away and have the body removed. I’m sure by the day’s end this mess will be cleaned up. I’ll go inform his wife.”

  The Constable shook Mr. Smith’s hand before walking back to the police car. Lilly heard the car’s engine rev. She stood watching the Constable reverse the car out onto the street and drive away.

  CHAPTER SEVEN