The Perfect Gift

by Mark Stewart

  EXACTLY THIRTY minutes flying time from the Oasis the helicopter hovered above the treetops that surrounded the rodeo. Still sitting snug in her seat, Naomi watched the many families bustling through the main gate. Each person wore an excited look.

  Groups of people were walking about the dust-covered ground totally oblivious to the new arrivals. They were too busy unloading horses, cows, sheep and music equipment from the many trucks.

  Naomi looked towards the boulevard of amusement rides. They were placed parallel to each other in a long line not far from the main oval. Men started to gather in front of the shooting gallery while the young ladies watched on. Each wore the same expectant look of receiving a prize from their husbands or boyfriends.

  Naomi still wore a smile when the helicopter slowly descended. At the same time, the wheels touched terra firma the reverberating throb of the rotors slowed then fell silent. Trent, Naomi, Mitch, and Kaite squeezed out of the helicopter, marching towards the main arena.

  The smell of sawdust and horse sweat hung heavy over the entire grounds.

  The rodeo crowd appeared to be swelling by the minute. The sandy oval three hundred kilometers from Brisbane resembled a hive of activity.

  “Brother, we’ll catch you up later,” hinted Mitch. “Kaite and I are off to the lover’s ride.”

  Trent nodded before escorting Naomi arm in arm towards a white marquee. He signed his name on a white sheet of paper clipped to a board sitting on a large tree stump. He then quickly checked the time he was expected to win the rodeo.

  “Half an hour to kick off,” Trent advised looking sideways at Naomi. “Can I take you down side-show alley?”

  Naomi gave a brief nod. She grinned and squeezed his arm. To get to side show alley, they walked past the novelty rides.

  “The start of the boulevard is for the kids,” Trent teased. “I’ll take you to where the cowboys show what they’re made of.”

  They turned the corner at the end of the alley and walked towards the adult games.

  “Hey Trent,” yelled a man. He lifted a fat cigar and shoved it back into his mouth.

  Naomi looked for the voice. She found a man with a big stomach leaning over a table.

  “Give a bloke a break, keep on walkin’. Every time you stop to play me dart game you almost send me broke.”

  Grinning, Trent helped Naomi over a puddle of water by lifting her gently into the air.

  “Show off,” moaned the man.

  “Andy, it’s good to see you. How goes?” asked Trent.

  Both men grabbed each other’s hand. In a show of strength, they shook hands in the air. The stranger’s arm started to tremble, trying to win the air hand wrestle. Eventually, he conceded defeat.

  “You win,” puffed Andy. Pulling his hand free, he started to massage his shoulder. “I swear one of these days you’ll push me arm right off.”

  “Naomi this is Andrew. We call him Andy. Don’t be shocked at how he talks or his appearance. Under his external frame, he’s a good bloke. If you want something, this is the man to see.”

  “Nice to meet you,” said Naomi, displaying a doubtful expression.

  “Hey, Trent, where did ya dig this doll up from? If I were to guess, this one’s a city chick?”

  “She sure is.”

  “Are you gonna marry this one?”

  Trent stared at the man through narrow slits, whispering. “I have to discover her idea of the perfect gift.”

  Andy raised his hands attempting to change the subject.

  “It sure is good to see you again old boy. Going for another win? This year will make it five in a row. It’ll be an outback rodeo record if you win.”

  “I’ll win.”

  “You’re a bit cocky,” said Naomi.

  “Little lady, he’ll win for sure,” hinted Andy.

  “I’ll warm up by trying the hammer game,” blurted Trent.

  “I don’t think so,” snorted Andy. “The last time ya swung the hammer ya broke the bell at the top. You cost me a small fortune in lost revenue. If ya want to stay, friends move your arse away from me darts and hammer game.” Noticing Naomi pouting, he lowered his gaze so he could kick at a clump of dirt. “Okay, Trent you have one shot, for the little lady. Do me a favour; hit the rubber stop using half strength.”

  Trent picked up the long-handled hammer. Placing it on his shoulder, he walked over to the game. By the time, he started to focus on what he expected to happen a crowd of people at least ten deep were standing a short distance away. All wore the same excited expression.

  “Don’t you be bothered by the number of people watching Naomi from the city; the big gorilla always attracts a crowd.”

  Gripping the handle at the very end, Trent arched his back. The head of the long-handled hammer touched the ground.

  “Here we go again,” mumbled Andy. “This is how he’s broken me game three years runnin.’ To relax before his bull ride, he throws a perfect game of darts. Every year it’s the same thing.” He closed his eyes. “I can’t watch. This is too painful.”

  Trent’s stare zeroed in on the rubber stop at the base of the machine. His face looked serious. In one massive show of strength, he brought the hammer over his head, striking the rubber hard. The weight at the base of the game flew upwards like a rocket towards the bell at the top. Everyone around heard a mighty bang. When the weight fell back to the rubber stopper at ground level, the machine lights came crashing down after the bell.

  “Thanks, Trent,” hissed Andy. “You’ve busted me machine yet again. Next year I’m gonna fix the weight to the ground. I’ll have fun seeing you try and fail.”

  Trent grinned, picking out a large stuffed dog.

  Naomi proudly placed it under her arm. She reached out to squeeze his bicep.

  “Keep walking along this lane, and I’ll pay Andy for the machine,” whispered Trent in Naomi’s ear. The moment she strolled off Trent slipped the man a pile of rolled up fifty-dollar notes. “This should cover the costs of a few years-worth of damage.”

  “Thanks, mate. If there’s anythin’ ya need let me know.” Andy gave Trent a friendly slap on the cheek. “If you want my advice, hog tie the little lady to make sure she won’t get away.” He raised his bushy eyebrows to cement his comments.

  “As a matter of interest maybe you can help me. You’re an all-knowing bloke. You’ve been around Australia.”

  “Many times over the years,” interrupted Andy. He looked over Trent’s shoulder and spied Naomi looking at the ‘throw the ring at the bottles game.’ “You want a second opinion of the city chick?”

  “I don’t need anyone to tell me she’s the most gorgeous woman who has ever walked this earth,” advised Trent.

  “You haven’t seen a picture of me wife.”

  “You don’t have a wife.”

  “I dream about the perfect woman every night. What’s your question?”

  “Naomi talks about this so called, ‘perfect gift.’ Have you any idea what it could be?”

  “Buddy, you need to get out more often. Go to the city, the big smoke. Go and mingle. Smell the nightlife.”

  “It’s not the answer I hoped to hear.”

  “Let me give you some advice from a bloke who knows.”

  Trent turned his head and saw Naomi walking their way. “Get to the point; she’s almost here.”

  Andy lowered his voice to a decibel above a whisper. Trent nodded as Naomi interrupted.

  “What are you two conversing?”

  “Andy was giving me some advice.”

  “I hope I’ve put your mind at ease?”

  “Yes, and thanks, mate. I owe you one.”

  “One what?” asked Naomi.

  “I’ll tell you later,” whispered Trent, giving Naomi a wink.

  ‘Another secret,’ thought Naomi. The word doubt flashed into her mind. No matter how hard she tried to sweep the letters away, they stayed. Her mind needed to convince her heart there couldn’t be a future with Trent if he kept up the
secrets. Even though the Oasis looked magnificent, her thoughts started to drift back to the city, beckoning her to return. She needed to find Kaite to let her know she made a bad call in tricking her into coming. They needed to quickly leave.

  Trent led the way to the main arena where a large bull had been prepared. Several men gave Trent a friendly slap on the shoulder when he walked by.

  “I have to get ready,” advised Trent, looking Naomi in the eyes. He leaned forward, kissing her on the lips. “I won’t be long.”

  “I’ll be here when you return holding the trophy. There’s only one thing I want to say. Be careful.”

  Naomi climbed the rugged wooden fence framing the small sand covered arena. Even though she felt convinced this will be her last day, she certainly didn’t want to see Trent hurt. She nodded at the cowboy, determining in her mind he’d always be a good friend. Maybe they could stay in touch via the Internet. They could even make the occasional phone call. She smiled awkwardly, cherishing the thought.

  Trent nodded before trotting over to the bull cage and disappearing among the sea of faces.

  Naomi watched the proceedings. The air felt electric. She could hardly control the excitement welling up inside her. Slowly her thoughts drifted back to Kaite. Did she make the right decision in forcing her to come? Naomi felt more confused than ever. The mixed signals Trent sent added to her confusion, tearing her between the city and out here yet again. In her heart she knew staying was the best thing. The secrets Trent kept locked inside his head happened to be the reason for her doubts.

  On the other side of the arena, a few helicopters landed. Naomi focused on the first craft which touched down. Its rotor blades seemed to whirl for a lot longer than the others. Two men and a woman stepped down onto the ground. They stood staring at the country folk. One man from the group signaled the others to stay. Naomi saw him march towards the games. She struggled to swallow her anxiety and jumped from the fence. She watched the man switch directions before making a beeline for the patch of dirt she stood on. Naomi moved away, mingling amongst the crowd.

  “Look what the storm blew in,” growled a voice on her left.

  Naomi whirled around to face the man.

  “Whatever you do don’t turn to jelly.”

  “Brandt, what are you doing here?”

  “I tracked you down by keeping an eye on Kaite. I knew she’d eventually lead me to you. Enough chit chat, let’s go for a walk.”

  “No. I’m staying right here,” blurted Naomi, defying his order.

  Brandt pulled a snub nose handgun from his pocket, thrusting the end into Naomi’s ribs.

  “You won’t shoot me here. There are too many witnesses.”

  “I’m not stupid, Naomi darling. Kaite is here somewhere. We’ll find her together. Be warned I’ll shoot her if you don’t do exactly what I tell you. In fact, look who is coming. What a coincidence. Now I know where Kaite is, tell me, where’s the boyfriend.” Pushing his gun harder against Naomi’s ribs, he snarled. “Don’t tell me, let me guess. He’s not any run of the mill cowboy. He has to be a hero for you to take any interest. Let me see if I can spot him. I spy a man sitting on the back of a rather large bull. He has to be the hero. If you don’t want to see a bullet in his head or Kaite’s, I suggest you come quietly.”

  Naomi’s shoulders sagged in agreement.

  “Good girl. You were always an easy puppet. Now start walking.”

  Naomi’s mind churned over dozens of ideas, trying to derive at a suitable solution to stop Brandt’s obsession over her. If she couldn’t find a way, she knew he’d never stop.

  “I’ll come peacefully if you’ll allow me to watch Trent?”

  “So I’m right. The cowboy sitting on the large bull’s back is the one. I guess I can wait a few more minutes. Besides, it might be fun seeing a man getting trampled by a raging bull.”

  Trent signaled the Judge to start. His faced changed to stone. A buzzer sounded. The gate opened. The bull tore out of the starting stall. No matter how hard the bull bucked, twisted and turned, Trent stayed seated on his back. When a buzzer sounded, Trent’s grin couldn’t have been any wider. Not only did he win the trophy, he had beaten the record he set the previous year. He jumped from the tiring bull, waving to the cheering crowd. He didn’t even look to have broken out in a sweat.

  While Trent made his way to the winner’s circle, Brandt pulled Naomi off the side railing, forcing her to walk towards the helicopter.

  Trent spotted them walking away from the fence and quickly started to shadow them.

  “Whatever you do, don’t take me down sideshow alley,” ordered Naomi.

  Brandt snickered. “You’ve been watching too many movies girl. You want us to skirt around the trouble spot. I’m not stupid. The boulevard of games is the way you want us to go. Sideshow alley is the safe way. Now turn down here. No one puts one over on me.” Brandt leaned close to Naomi’s ear. “Not even you, my little puppet.”

  “What do you want?”

  “I thought you were a smart girl. All those wins in the courtroom and you never figured me out. What a loser.”

  “You didn’t answer my question.”

  “Keep moving. Don’t try anything stupid. The next bullet in my gun has your name on it.”

  Naomi bravely stopped. For her hesitation, she received a shove in the shoulder blade.

  “My little puppet, I’ll let you in on a little secret. In my pocket I have a tax form you will fill out. Once you’ve filled it out the curtain will come down on your life.”

  “I won’t do it.”

  “If you resist the boyfriend cops it. I’ll slightly modify what I’ve said. The bullet before yours has his name on it. There’s one for Kaite, the cowboy and you.”

  “What do you hope to achieve by using a single tax form?”

  “It will do plenty. Over the course of the coming years, bogus names will have been written on the top of each form, signed by you. Inside six years I’ll have about ten million dollars in the bank so I can live the high life somewhere in the Bahamas.”

  “Greed, it’s the only thing you wanted me for?”

  “I’m impressed; you are a smart girl. Our conversation is terminated. Keep moving.”

  Walking close to Andy and his broken machine, Naomi looked the big man in the eyes. While he stared back, she threw Andy a short, sharp nod, hoping he’d understand her plight.

  The man didn’t appear to respond and quickly went about his business fixing his machine.

  Questions tore through Naomi’s mind. Did Andy see her nod? If so, why didn’t he understand her plight? Why didn’t he respond? She lowered her gaze to the ground and kept walking.

  The big man waited for the pair to complete their funeral march past his seat and turn left towards the open paddock before downing his tools and start to follow.

  “Walk to the nearest helicopter. I have a pilot ready to take us up to an altitude of one hundred and fifty metres.”

  “How do you know he’s still waiting?” quizzed Naomi.

  “I pay people to do exactly what I say.”

  “What happens when we arrive at your prescribed height?”

  Brandt’s face changed to concrete. “We’ll both find out how good you can fly?”

  “If the pilot of the helicopter is Earl Stanton he won’t let you commit murder,” spat Naomi.

  “Calling your boss by their first name is beyond you. The middle of nowhere has taken the city air out of your veins. My little puppet, Naomi Fitzgerald, you’re a city girl. You will die a city girl.”

  Naomi stared at the mirror maze. Two dark, distorted shapes were following. She felt positive one must be Andy, the other, Trent’s. She received a second shove in the shoulder blade for slowing.

  “Stop stalling,” snorted Brandt.

  Closing in on the stunt show set, Naomi grinned when she saw a man climbing the ladder to the balcony of a makeshift hotel. Seconds later she spied a big man step from a doorway. Naomi punched Brand
t’s wrist, sending the snub nose handgun into the dusty ground. She back stepped when his hand came up to slap her face. Andy stepped closer. Brandt turned to face Andy.

  “So this is the hero, a three hundred pound blob of lard.”

  “Fella, I’m only two hundred and twenty pounds. I’m no hero. I see myself as Naomi’s big brother.”

  A shadow dashed to Andy’s side. “Thanks, big fella. I can take it from here.”

  “Another hero has arrived. If you want a piece of me, come and get it.”

  “Be careful Mitch, he knows Judo,” screamed Naomi from a doorway on the opposite side of the street.

  “I know a few Japanese too. Nice people the lot.”

  Mitch stepped forward, pulling the first punch. Brandt kicked out, sending his opponent into the mud. Mitch quickly stood and readied himself for the next round.

  A sharp whistle came from Trent. Everyone stopped to watch him complete a dive through the window of the fake saloon, complete a tumble roll in the dirt and stand to full height, facing Brandt.

  “Three heroes onto one,” he spat. “I think it’s fair.”

  Trent unbuckled his rope.

  “You’re going to tie me up so you can pulverize me into the ground?”

  “I can tell you are a man who won’t talk this through. I also know you won’t relent.”

  Trent deliberately gave Mitch his rope before marching over.

  “Have the first punch,” taunted Brandt. “Hero, here’s the only warning I’m going to give. Make it a good one. If I get up, you won’t.”

  Brandt let go of a sharp laugh. He gave a fast kick, followed by a punch. Trent blocked them both. Before Brandt hit the ground, Trent had successfully broken his opponent’s jaw and tied him up, using his belt.

  “You might be great at Judo,” mentioned Trent. “I’m a champion rodeo rider. I’m the fastest hog tier in Australia.”

  Andy moved closer, slapping Trent on the back. “What can I say? I’ve fifty bucks on you today. You better win, or I’ll chase your arse all over Australia for your hide.”

  “Your winnings are already in the bag, big fella.”

  Mitch collected Kaite from Andy’s small office before joining Naomi and Trent.

  “The local sheriff is on his way over,” announced Mitch. “I found him walking around when the city bloke wanted to fight.”

  The friendly cop marched up to the group and handcuffed Brandt, forcing him to his feet.

  “My right-hand man has tracked the other two. One is a hired pilot. He has no idea what transpired here. The female, it turns out, is Brandt’s girlfriend, or should I say, and I quote from her mouth, ‘ex-girlfriend!’” The cop shook Trent’s hand, shoving Brandt in the shoulder to signal he needed to walk towards the police car.

  “Is everyone okay?” yelled Earl Stanton sprinting down the boulevard towards the group. He abruptly stopped when he saw everyone laughing. “You kids are all jokers.” Casually swatting his hand in the air, he walked off to watch the under-fifteen’s bull riding event.

  CHAPTER TWENTY ONE