by Patrick Ford
“She loves him very much. I know they’re already lovers; a mother can always tell. I can see it in their eyes.”
“Bloody hell!” said Paddy. “Maybe you should have put them in the same room after all.”
Helen looked askance. This visit had put some life into Paddy. He looked at her with a twinkle in his eye. “Come on, love,” he said, “We can do it too.”
Paddy lay in the afterglow, nuzzling his wonderful woman. By God, he mused, he’s a bloody chip off the old block all right!
Armidale, New South Wales, Australia—1964
Marci had accepted the inevitability of the situation. She could not control her daughter, but she was determined she would not allow a marriage. Her daughter would be returning to the United States. She remembered now that she’d had the sense to retain her house in Worcester and was thankful for her foresight. She knew Jimmy would not be coming with her. She had always known that. Now that the situation was clear, she began making plans. The lease on the house would run out at the end of the year and she did not intend to renew it. She had discussed this with Jimmy. He asked her to stay until the children could finish the school year before leaving.
Jimmy asked his legal advisor to visit the hospital, and he made a new will. He was satisfied. He still had substantial savings as well as his stock. The sale of the house in Albuquerque had financed their travels and their living expenses, with a lot to spare. Marci had her house; there would be no money problems for his family.
Susan visited him daily. Sometimes Jack went with her. Jimmy was pleased to see them together. Anything that pleased his little Princess was ok by him, and she was obviously very much in love with Jack. One day, as they were leaving, he smiled a painful smile and said, “Mr. Riordan, could you give me a few minutes of your valuable time? Alone please.” Jack went back to his bedside. “Son,” he said, “I will be going to a better place soon.” Jack tried to protest the statement. Jimmy held up his hand. “The time for bullshit is long gone. I know the facts. I want to know what you intend for my daughter.”
Jack looked at him. “I love Susan more than anything in the world. I want to love her and protect her for the rest of my life. I can offer her a good life at Ballinrobe, and we’ll be able to visit your family in America eventually.”
“My lawyers tell me that, because of my terminal state, you would require Marci’s permission to marry, and she is adamant she will not give it. However, you should know you have my blessing. Be good to her; she loves you very much.”
James Armstrong Baker took leave of this life a few days later, with his family close around him. His life had been tragically cut short, but he died in the knowledge that his family would be cared for, and his Princess would be happy. Before, during, and after the funeral, Jack spent many hours with Marci and her children. Susan and Sarah were devastated, but they had known the time would come and were for the most part prepared. James Junior could not be consoled. Jack spent many hours with him, sensing he needed male support. He was only fifteen years old, too young to lose a father; It would be a long time before he came to terms with it.
Susan and Jack were inseparable. They both missed lectures to spend time with each other and with her family. Their love continued to console Susan. She was even more loving and wanting to loved, and her passion when they made love seemed to compensate her for her loss. Jack and Susan had made sure they had a good picnic blanket to keep in the Ute and they often found isolated spots in the beautiful New England countryside to enjoy each other. Now, however it was getting too cold for outdoor passion. April came and went, and the Uni closed for a four-week break. Jack headed home to help with planting the wheat crop. Susan remained with her family. The prospect of at least three weeks apart was horrible; it would seem like three years. On their last night, Jack brought her to his College room.
They kissed for a long, long time, then they undressed each other very slowly, kissing profusely each newly bared spot. They lay on his bed, and he stroked and kissed her with a new gentleness. He kissed her lips, drinking in the scent and taste of her.
Susan looked down on her little bush boy, taking in those green eyes and hard, lean body. She began to kiss his eyes, his mouth, his chest. They kissed again, drinking in each other. Jack rolled over and entered her gently. They moved slowly, then faster and faster. She cried out “Oh, God, Oh, Jack, how I love you, love me forever!”
They climaxed together, relaxing slowly, holding each other until they drifted away to sleep.
Meanwhile, in a small office in a five-sided building in Washington DC, orders go out to the fleet off the coast of a small country in Indochina instructing ships to assist that country’s forces with transportation, fire support, and radio countermeasures.
Goondiwindi, Queensland, Australia—1964
Jack looked out across the last paddock at the green tractor drawing a planter almost obscured by a cloud of dust. He had come out to the field to help the ever-reliable Ollie move the tractor and seed truck back to the homestead. The planting was almost over. The sweet smell of the newly disturbed soil drifted into his nostrils. It’s kind of elemental, he thought, planting the soil with wheat. It was the oldest cultivated crop. More than two thousand years ago, other men using oxen and a sharp stick had done this very thing.
Ollie had worked for Paddy for many years. As a young man, he had come from Brisbane to seek employment in the field of agriculture. He had met Paddy on occasions because working for another nearby station. They worked together a few times, because neighbours all helped each other out when needed. They had fought bushfires together, ferried mail and supplies across flooded creeks and had dug out each other’s bogged down vehicles. They had often shared a beer at such times and Paddy found Ollie to be a likeable and clever man. The man he worked for had become a hopeless alcoholic. Ollie was a loyal employee and liked his boss when he had been sober, but there was a limit to any man’s patience.
One day Ollie turned up at Ballinrobe, complete with his swag, his horses and dogs. Paddy found him there when he returned to the homestead. “Had enough?” Paddy asked. ”I’m surprised you lasted this long.” Ollie had worked at Ballinrobe ever since. He was a loyal employee, and competent, but he was a ‘good mate’ to everyone on the station. For a few years before his marriage, he lived with them as one of the family. He was fond of the children and they reciprocated.
Jack could not wait to get back to Susan. She had become an integral part of his world. He couldn’t imagine life without her. They had spoken several times since he’d left for Ballinrobe. However, that was hardly satisfactory, with other people on the party line and at the telephone exchange ready to listen in. He knew old Mrs. Owens always picked up the hand piece. She could never remember her own ring code, so she answered them all and was very slow to hang up again, especially if there was some juicy gossip around.
He worked three daily shifts with Ollie and Mick. Eight hours on the tractor, eight hours work around the station and eight hours to eat and sleep. Paddy was unable to help much. He was feeling weaker and often had chest pains. When that happened, he had to rest for a while to recover. Jack, concerned by his father’s condition, noticed his weight loss, the grey, almost translucent skin, and the lack of the old Paddy Riordan sparkle. Jack confided his concern to Helen.
She was worried too; the medical profession could not help Paddy any more. She tried to keep him rested, but he was a difficult man to control. Despite medical advice, he would not relinquish his afternoon beer. It doesn’t matter, thought Jack; it won’t make him any worse. He might as well enjoy his last years.
Paddy knew he was coming to the end. “Can’t do a bloody thing anymore,” he said to Jack. “You had better put a leg rope on that little Yankee shelia of yours soon. Ballinrobe will need you both before too long.”
Denni had taken to coming home regularly to be with her father. They shared many long conversations on the veranda together, some about Jack and his little Yankee shelia. Den
ni was anxious to meet Susan; maybe she would finally have that sister she’d always wanted.
Jack and Ollie finished their work by nightfall. He would have liked to go to Armidale straight away, but common sense told him it would only worry his parents. In the morning, he bade them farewell. Paddy took his hand, holding it between his for a long time. “Goodbye, mate. You might not see me again. You have been the best mate a father could have asked for. Marry your little Yankee and bring her home. That’s the best thing you could do for me and your mother.”
Armidale, New South Wales, Australia—1964
It was early afternoon when Jack reached Armidale, too early to see Susan, so he continued to Robb College. He had some housekeeping to do and an assignment already overdue. He showered and shaved, did some washing and began his assignment. His interest in his studies was waning. Sooner rather than later, he knew he would be needed at home, and he had doubts about the value of his education when all he wanted to do was marry Susan and settle into life at Ballinrobe. He worked for a couple of hours, and was about to pack up to drive to Susan’s house, when there was a knock on his door. “Come in,” he called. He turned in his chair to see Bob O’Connor and Mike Barratt standing there.
“G’day, men. I just got back. The crop is planted so I will be here for a while now. How was the rugby on the weekend?”
“Not too good,” said Bob, “We got a hammering from Page College, but that’s not why we’re here.” He stood aside. Susan walked between them into the room. “We’ve been looking out for your girl,” said Mike, “she’s been pining away. We tried to console her, but all she wants is you. See you for breakfast.”
Jack stood. He looked at her as if he had not seen her before. She wore a bright red roll neck sweater and black ski pants. They showed her lovely figure off to perfection. She had her shy smile switched on, and it was only for him. “Oh, God,” he said, “I’ve died and gone to Heaven.”
He crossed the room in a bound and swept her up in a bear hug, swinging her around in delight. She clung to him like a limpet, tears of joy in her eyes. He put her down gently and kissed her as if it was the first time all over again. “God, how have I survived three weeks without you?” Susan looked at him, brown eyes shining, lips slightly parted. “Don’t ever leave me again,” she said. “Now, make love with me. We have three weeks to make up for.”
Afterwards, as they lay spent and entwined together from head to foot, she said, “I love you, little bush kid, with all my heart.” He could not reply, for emotion had choked him up. He placed his head on her breast while tears trickled from his eyes down her side. He was so happy. They lay in silence for a long time. “The boys picked me up in the Student Union and pretended they needed a lift down to college,” she said. “I have Mom’s car today. They smuggled me in with an old army greatcoat. Aren’t you glad?”
“My prayers have been answered,” he said, “How are your mother and the kids?”
“Mom is coping; she has begun to clear out Daddy’s things and attend to all the paperwork. Sarah has taken solace from John. I think they have become lovers. They seem so happy in each other’s company. I think Mom knows and it is burning her up. She worries so that we will stay here and she will never see us again. However, Jimbo is the worst. He is inconsolable, and he’s missed you too.”
“Perhaps we can spend a little time with him,” suggested Jack. “Take him to the movies or something—things his Dad might have done for him. I will be playing rugby this term. You could bring him with you.”
“Oh, Jack you are so kind. I will see what I can arrange. Mom wants you to come to supper tonight. I think she might be warming to you at last. She’s very grateful for all your help.”
That night Jack and Jimbo had a father/son type conversation over barbecued spare ribs. Jack always delighted in the wonderful food Marci produced, so different to the monotonous diet of mutton at home. He vowed he would make some changes to the menu once he was home for good.
They agreed to meet with Bernadette for coffee in the Union the next day. Jack kissed Susan in the presence of the family, earning a round of applause from Jimbo and a knowing smile from Sarah before taking his leave. Marci followed him to the car. “Jack, Jimmy told me about your conversation. I know you love Susan, but I cannot go home without her. Thank you for all you have done, especially with James Junior. Just know I will never agree to you marrying Susan, not here, at least.”
“I know that. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens, won’t we? Thank you for supper and thank you for Susan. I’ll never stop loving her.”
Meanwhile, in a small office in a five-sided building in Washington DC, two four-star Generals and two Colonels were making plans to place four more US Combat Regiments on code yellow and arrange transport to Clarke Field in the Philippines, not far from a small country in Indochina.
Goondiwindi, Queensland, Australia—1964
Paddy Riordan had decided to have a day in town. He felt it was time to catch up with old friends and his two brothers who also had properties nearby. He waved goodbye to Helen and drove off. In town, he met his brothers and several friends around a lunch table in the Club Hotel. Talk soon turned to their properties. Most of them were approaching retirement age and they talked about what they were going to do when the time came to relinquish control. Most had sons, mostly expected to inherit the land and carry on the business. “They’ll need a good wife,” said Reg Stevens, “someone who knows the country and the business.”
“How about your boy, Paddy?” said Bob Turner. “I heard he wanted to join the army.”
“He did, but he isn’t going to now. I think he will be home in a year or two. He’s at uni in Armidale.”
Reg said. “He’s got a Yankee shelia, I heard.”
“Yep,” said Paddy, “a real beauty.”
“But will she be any good in the bush? Can she milk a cow or drive a Land Rover, or one of them new Jap ones, what are they?”
“Land Cruisers.”
“Yeah, that’s them, Land Cruisers.”
“I suppose time will tell,” said Paddy, “I’m off. See you, boys.” Paddy went to the stores and picked up some provisions, a drum of oil, and a few bales of hay for the horses. He set off for home. As he rounded a bend, he came face-to-face with a car on the wrong side of the road. Its driver wrenched the steering wheel to the left. The car started to slide in the loose gravel. The driver tried to counter the slide, but over corrected. The steering locked and the car slid into the drainage ditch alongside the road, rolled over a couple of times, and crashed into a towering box tree.
Paddy struggled to bring his Land Rover to an emergency stop. The crashed car was smoking and one wheel was still spinning. He looked at the driver’s seat and saw a young woman, bleeding and apparently unconscious. He ran towards the wreck. The girl, for she could not have been more than sixteen, was out to it. There was a large gash on her right temple and she was bleeding profusely. He bent down and tried to open the door. It was jammed. He tugged at it ineffectually, straining against the lock. He could not budge it. He was beginning to breathe heavily from his exertions, and his chest began to hurt. Then he remembered the tools in the Land Rover.
He ran, stumbling now, back to the vehicle and retrieved a crow bar. He set off again in a shambling run. His chest was on fire, he could hardly breathe. Then he saw a lick of fire run from the engine compartment. He struggled on; the fire was gaining hold. Panting, feeling his legs begin to give out on him, Paddy summoned his dwindling strength and drove the chisel end of the crow bar into the space between frame and door, and levered with all his might.
The door gave, and then opened about half way. Paddy grabbed the girl’s arm and dragged her from the car. He kept dragging until they were well clear. He fell to his knees, clutching his left arm. The pain grew worse. It felt as if there was an enormous weight on his chest, forcing him into the ground. His vision blurred, and then there was nothing but a black silence. Unheard, the petrol
tank of the car erupted with a dull thud. Twenty minutes later, one of their neighbours found them.
Meanwhile, not far to the north, commandos of a small country in Indochina landed on two islands belonging to another small country in Indochina to its north, destroying communication and military equipment. A destroyer of the US Navy provided support. About the same time, six de Havilland Caribou aircraft of the Royal Australian Air Force touched down in a small country in Indochina.
Armidale, New South Wales, Australia—1964
Jack, Bob, and Mike had become firm friends, ‘good mates’. Each Saturday they played rugby with varying levels of success. Jack was definitely not a star. He played in the second or third grade, his friends in the top grade. Nevertheless, he enjoyed it. Each weekend, Susan came along to watch. Mostly, she brought James Junior, now known universally as ‘Jimbo’. The other members of the club treated him with remarkable kindness. Most of them had younger brothers at home who they missed. The girlfriends of the players adopted him and displayed a motherly attitude to him. They outfitted him with a rugby jersey, a knitted scarf, and a beanie, all in the green and white colours of Robb College. On the back of his jersey they had embroidered Mascot.
After the games, there was usually a social held in one of the pubs for the visiting team. Many of their opponents were also friends, mates in the same classes, so there was a friendly rivalry between them. Jack had discovered his father’s love of beer and enjoyed these functions. Always, Susan was at his side. This afternoon, he was surprised to see his Uncle Bill drive up in Lil’s green VW. As he walked over to greet him, he noted a serious look on his face. Bill said to Susan, “Hello, Susan, can you give me a moment with Jack?” He turned to Jack. “I think we’ll sit in the car.”