Harvey nearly choked. ‘What the devil is she up to? I’m gonna have to keep my eye on her!’
‘That’s right, Harv.’ She smiled sweetly. ‘You can have your fling with Ellie, or whoever takes your fancy. I really don’t care, but…’
‘Here it comes, the ultimatum!’ he thought and watched her closely.
‘I don’t care who you screw anymore, but I will never agree to divorce!’ She smiled brightly and picked up her handbag.
‘Now I’m going shopping. I want to get those plants Emmie showed me the other day, and I’m going to call on the Masons as well. I could be a while so don’t worry if I am a little longer than expected.’
Harvey’s mouth hung slightly open as he watched her leave. ‘Bloody hell, that’s a sudden about face, too damn sudden!’ he said aloud.
As Mary drove towards town, she thought to herself, ‘Karl, I want to see you again.’ She knew she would have to be careful. Karl had been drinking last night but she hadn’t mistaken his passion. He was a healthy and virile man. He would want her again, she would see to that!
‘Happiness is a choice.’
The Authors
***
In Hamilton Valley, the Mason household had risen later than usual.
Kathy was fretting about the way she and Eddie had parted. He had been quiet when they said goodnight. She was torn between her morals and her strong desire to let him make love to her. She also knew she had aroused him far too much and then backed away. She had to learn from that it was unfair to Eddie.
She was putting the finishing touch to her make-up when she heard the phone ring. Within seconds, Win was calling her downstairs to take the call. As she bolted downstairs, she was praying the caller was Eddie.
She picked up the receiver and heard his voice. ‘Let’s go for a picnic. It’s turned into a nice day, baby.’
Kathy was relieved to hear he sounded fine. She was expecting him to be moody. Last night had been awkward and she knew she couldn’t do that to him again unless she was serious.
She happily agreed to the picnic and they chatted for a bit longer and arranged a time for him to pick her up.
‘Okay, I’ll see you in about an hour.’ She hung up and went off to the kitchen to ask Hazel if she would help her with a special picnic basket.
Karl was sitting under the walnut tree thinking about Mary. He was still finding the whole thing hard to believe. When he awoke this morning, completely sober, his emotions were confused. He had enjoyed every minute of his lovemaking with Mary, but what he couldn’t comprehend was his impulsiveness. He hadn’t been able to control his desire. Would he do it again, given half the chance?
He couldn’t answer the question. ‘Mary’s beautiful, desirable… Bloody hell, she’s just plain damn sexy!’ he thought as he pictured her body in his mind. ‘Nah, pull ya head in ya fool,’ he said aloud and walked off towards the orchard.
Ellie stepped from the shower and checked her face in the mirror. The welt from Mary’s punch was still obvious. She applied some make-up and dressed. As she went downstairs, the phone rang and she answered it in the hallway.
‘Ellie….’ Harvey’s voice came through the line.
‘Yes, Harv. What’s wrong? Is Mary alright?’
‘Yes, darling, she’s fine. Listen, I’ve had the strangest conversation with her just now.’
Harvey related everything Mary had said. He also mentioned that Mary would be paying the Masons a visit sometime during the day.
‘She’s got something planned in that head of hers, Ellie. I can’t put my finger on it but for her to have a complete change of heart like this, it’s like she’s had a huge epiphany! I’m a bit sceptical but we’ll take it for what it is, eh, and see what happens.’
‘Well, I’ll pay careful attention to her while she’s here today. Mind you, I don’t really want to see her after what she did last night,’ Ellie told him.
‘I don’t blame you, sweetheart. But at least we can be open about things now.’
‘As long as she means what she said to you, Harv.’
They chatted on for a bit longer then Harvey had to go. Before he went, he said, ‘Looking forward to more red hot raunchy sex!’ He hung up, grinning and remembering how she had used those same words to him a while ago.
Ellie looked at the receiver buzzing in her hand, her heart racing. She laughed aloud, placing the phone gently in its cradle.
***
Ian and Richard had asked Tammi and Laura out again that night, just as they had hoped. They were going to the movies.
The girls were glad their mother had spoken to Digger about keeping them on such a short leash. He was still inclined to be very over-protective, with good reason. However, life had to go on and the girls couldn’t be kept prisoners in their own homes. Chances of catching the firebug were looking more remote as time went on and they couldn’t stay locked inside forever. As long as they were with someone and not wandering around the property in the dark or alone, they were able to try and retain some normality.
Tammi was at the front gate on her way to Laura’s when Mary arrived.
‘Hi Mary…’
‘Hello, Tammi. Lovely day!’ Mary replied brightly.
Tammi noted how different Mary was when sober, compared to the drunken woman she had witnessed last night. ‘What a shame for such an attractive lady to disgrace herself in that way,’ she thought.
Hazel answered the door to Mary showing her through to the lounge room.
Win was the first to speak. ‘Well… Mary, what brings you here this morning?’ she asked coolly.
‘I don’t blame you for being angry, Win. You’re probably wondering how I could have the audacity to even come here.’
‘You could say that,’ Win replied testily.
‘I want to apologize for my dreadful behaviour last night. I won’t be drinking like that anymore. Please, forgive me,’ she said, looking ashamed.
Emmie looked at Win and then at Mary. She was amazed at the sudden change in the woman standing before her, and a little apprehensive. Was she up to something? Still, maybe she should be given the benefit of the doubt.
‘Well, Mary, your behaviour lately has been questionable. Last night took the cake, but I must say it, for you to come here this morning and face us shows me you are a very sorry woman. So I am willing to accept your apology.’ Emmie gestured for her to take a seat.
Ellie came in then, and Mary had the grace to look very embarrassed.
‘Ellie, could I speak with you please?’ Mary asked softly.
‘If that’s what you want, Mary,’ Ellie said carefully.
‘I want to apologize for my appalling behaviour last night. I hope I didn’t hurt you. I will understand if you won’t forgive me. I really don’t deserve you to do so, but Ellie, I mean what I say. I am truly sorry.’
‘Even though I can’t accept your violent assault last night, I think I can understand your outburst,’ Ellie said. ‘Things haven’t been easy for you. I can’t condone what you did to me, but I will accept your apology and I think it would be best for everyone if we could agree to be civil to each other.’
‘Yes, I think that would be better all ‘round. As I told Harvey this morning, life is too short to be miserable. I think things will work themselves out. Anyway, I must be going.’ Mary turned to Emmie.
‘Emmie, I bought those plants this morning and I want to plant them today. They will be the beginning of a new start for us all.’
Emmie stood up and put her arms around Mary’s slender figure. ‘Mary, I think you may just be right!’
Mary turned to Ellie again. ‘You know Ellie, I do believe fate plays a big part in our destiny.’ She smiled ruefully.
The three women watched as she turned and left. ‘She sounded genuinely sorry,’ Ellie said, hopeful. Mary’s last statement stayed in her mind.
‘I think Mary’s facing reality,’ Emmie said softly. ‘Although I can’t be sure about this sudden change of heart…�
�
‘Me either,’ Win murmured.
As Mary walked around the side of the house, Karl had just come back from the orchard. He was surprised to see her and wasn’t sure how to approach her.
‘Morning, Mary. What’s brought you here so early?’ he managed.
‘It’s not that early, Karl.’ She told him the reason for her visit.
He was pleased to hear she had apologized to Ellie. He also knew they had to talk. What had taken place last night could not be swept under the rug.
‘Karl, why don’t we go and sit in the garden for a minute?’
He agreed and led the way.
They talked for a long time, and Mary confided in Karl about Harvey and Ellie.
She told him everything about her life with Harvey and, when she finished, Karl had a much clearer picture of the whole situation. He also was relieved. He’d been feeling guilty and didn’t want any trouble with Harvey. They had been friends for a very long time. Ellie’s part in it hadn’t really surprised him. He remembered the romance they had years ago and the breakup that had surprised everyone.
‘Mary, I didn’t know your life was so unhappy. You’re a beautiful woman. Why didn’t you leave Harvey and get on with your life?’
‘I won’t divorce him, Karl. That’s my revenge on him. I will not give him his freedom. I don’t care two hoots about his fling with Ellie now, or any other woman. I should have realised sooner that nothing will change him but I will not make it easy for him by giving him the one thing he so badly wants. But it won’t stop me from getting on with my own life now. Maybe one day I will change my mind, but until that day comes I won’t make it easy for him, financially or any other way. He doesn’t deserve that from me.’
‘Fair enough, if that’s how you feel.’ Karl was watching her closely. He could see by her face that her past had affected her deeply.
‘Karl, you made me feel like a woman last night. I never thought I could experience that again.’
Mary reached up and caressed his cheek, gently pressing her lips against his mouth.
Karl turned the kiss into a deep passionate embrace, tasting her tongue against his own. She felt a tingling through her body and responded instantly.
‘I’d like to see you more. A beautiful woman like you should not be missing out on anything, Mary,’ he whispered.
‘That would make me very happy. I want to start my new life from this moment.’ She smiled.
‘Right, how about we make a start then? I’d like to wine and dine you, my lovely.’ Karl stood and held his hand out to Mary.
‘Thank you. That would be just perfect,’ Mary said happily.
Karl was aware of their surroundings but he didn’t care. He wound his arms around her and kissed her long and hard. He murmured to her that he would be in touch with a time for their dinner date and she reluctantly walked away. ‘Fate certainly is a funny old thing,’ she said to herself. ‘It’s my turn now.’
Karl watched her leave. He was looking forward to seeing her again.
He still couldn’t believe he was entering into an affair with Mary Winters!
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
It had been nearly three months since the court case. There had been no more fires since the day of the hearing. Although the locals remained wary, they began to relax. The men continued their watches, but did decide to scale back on the patrols and late night stakeouts. It was a risk but they were all exhausted from the pressure of the late nights and worry. They would not stop them altogether because the firebug was still at large and no one could positively say he would not strike again.
***
Hazel was shopping at the local supermarket. As she left to take her shopping to the car, she glanced over to the park across the road.
‘There’s Mary,’ she thought. ‘And Father Damien. I wonder what they’re talking about. They look pretty serious, whatever it is.’ On the way home, Hazel told Ted what she had seen. ‘You’re just an old sticky beak, Haze.’ He laughed at her.
***
Karl went around the house whistling. His whole demeanour was that of a very satisfied and happy man.
Emmie could see the signs and sensed there probably was a woman involved.
Ellie and Win had not let on what they had seen that day out in the garden. They’d walked out to the garden after Mary left them, and come across an oblivious Karl and Mary. So the affair was no secret to them. They decided not to tell Emmie; she didn’t have to know, it would only worry her and she certainly didn’t need any more of that.
‘There she was with that sly priest.’ Hazel was relating what she had seen to Win.
‘Did I hear you mention Father Damien?’ Emmie queried as she came in.
Win related the story to her mother.
‘She was probably saying goodbye. I have been meaning to tell you, the seminary is closing down. The priest is apparently going overseas! I found out from Muriel. Father Damien told her when she went to mass. I think she said he is off to Africa to some missionary assignment over there. It hasn’t been made public yet. Apparently some sporting group has bought the seminary and Muriel said they intend on doing major renovations.’
‘Well, that’s very sudden, don’t you think? My goodness, when this gets around the valley tongues will wag for months! A lot of people are saying they reckon Father Damien had something to do with the fires!’ Win said.
‘Now,’ Emmie said quickly. ‘We mustn’t accuse anyone unless we have proof.’ She winked.
‘Well, after the things he said about Eric, I wouldn’t trust him one iota! I wonder what kind of renovations they’ll make? It’s going to be very different without the seminary!’ Win said.
‘I’m glad the vulgar little man is finally leaving the valley.’ Hazel’s mouth curled in distaste.
***
‘I must get goin’. I need to get an early start in the mornin’. Karl was lying in Mary’s arms by the glow of the fire in her lounge room. Harvey was out of town for two days with work. Mary had cooked Karl a lovely dinner and afterwards they had made love on the rug in front of the fire.
As they kissed, the patter of rain broke the silence.
‘What a beautiful sound, Karl.’
‘Yeah, I’d love to stay here all night holdin’ you and listenin’ to that.’ Karl was quiet for a minute. ‘Mary, what say we go away for a weekend? Get a break before we have ta start on tha fruit pickin’ ready for summer. It’s always busy comin’ into summer and Christmas. Do you think we could manage it?’
‘That sounds perfect. You’re more romantic than you let on, Karl Mason. Why some woman hasn’t snapped you up, I’ll never know! I’m glad they’ve left you all for me though. I am enjoying every minute of it.’ She kissed him and tickled his chest.
‘That’s enough, you sexy blonde. I have to go!’ Karl stood up and dressed. He laughed with sheer happiness and pulled Mary’s naked body to him. She was beautiful and he was glad the first night had happened. He was happier than he had been in a long, long time. They both were.
***
Karl pulled into Centaur Road. He was humming a tune to himself. As he approached Kia-Ora, he noticed a glow coming from near the large gates used for trucks and machinery. Speeding up, he could see the glow swinging slowly. As he drew closer, he could see it was definitely a fire!
‘Shit! Here we go again!’ But he couldn’t fathom what was burning. Whatever it was, it was very close to the old Kurrajong trees that grew either side of the gates. ‘What the hell is it?’
He skidded the car to a halt in front of the gates, the headlights lit up the area around the tree and Karl drew in a sharp breath. ‘Bloody hell… It’s something up in the flamin’ tree! The object was well alight and the smell coming from it made Karl cover his nose.
He needed to put the fire out though, and quickly before the whole tree caught on.
‘Shit! I need a bloody knapsack.’ He blasted the car horn, keeping his hand pressed down on it, knowing someone f
rom the house would hear and come out.
It wasn’t long before Digger, closely followed by Ted, came pelting across the yard, his torch light bobbing up and down as he ran.
‘What on earth’s goin’ on? What’s burnin’, mate? Get a friggin’ knapsack, Ted. Fast, mate!’ The words tumbled quickly from Digger’s mouth.
Walter Hansen was woken from his sleep by the blasting of the car horn and, realizing there was another fire at the Masons’, grabbed his knapsack and raced across the road to help.
‘I’ve got mine, Dig!’ he shouted. He sprayed water on the object hanging from the tree until the flames fizzled out.
‘What the hell is it?’ Digger asked. ‘Doesn’t smell too good, whatever it is!’
‘Get closer and shine your torch on it,’ Karl said.
Digger shone his torch directly on the object swinging backwards and forwards from the branches.
‘Shit! Dig! It’s a body! Fuck!’ Karl took several steps backwards.
They all stood, motionless, staring at the grotesque shape of the body hanging from the branch of the tree as it swung slowly to and fro.
Well hidden from view by the nearby bushes, the deviant responsible for this latest sick act grinned triumphantly.
‘Bet that scared the shit outta ya’s. Ya keep sayin’ ya gonna hang me… Dickheads… As if!’ he quietly gloated.
Smirking with the satisfaction that watching the fire gave him, he slunk away, swallowed up by the dark of night.
‘Hey! Hang on a minute, Dig!’ Walter moved closer to get a better look. ‘Shine that torch again.’
Digger did as asked and Walter prodded it with a stick. The body fell to the ground, its disfigured face staring blankly up at them.
‘That’s not a body… It’s a bloody dummy… A friggin’ store dummy…’ Walter looked down at the disfigured form in utter amazement.
‘You’re right, the bloody things melted. That’s what the smell is: burnin’ plastic!’ Digger said in a stunned voice.
‘That stinkin’ mongrel… I don’t like this… What’s he mean by it? Ted, go up to the house and call the cops please, mate. Ask them to get out here now!’ Karl was upset and terribly angry.
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