Red Hot

by Cheryl Alldis

  ‘Fuck! …Dig, look here!’

  He took a couple of steps closer to Karl who was standing with his hands on his hips, staring into the ferret’s cage.

  ‘What’s wrong?’

  ‘The friggin ferret’s dead!’ Karl swore.

  Digger unlatched the door, reached in and carefully lifted the furry yellow body from the hay-lined cage and gently raised its head.

  Karl frowned. ‘The neck’s broken, Dig. Look at the blood in the corner of its mouth.’

  He let the little animal’s head loll backwards. It was a pitiful sight.

  ‘You’re right, mate. Someone’s broken the poor little bugger’s neck. This’s a bit too familiar… too fuckin’ familiar, Karl. I’ll never forget what that bastard did to Towser!’ Digger reached for the shovel leaning against the shed.

  ‘No mate, don’t bury him, not yet. I reckon we should give Bennett and Simpson a ring. There’s no doubt in my mind who did this; the fuckin’ mongrel is at it again. C’mon, put that back in the cage for now!’

  ‘There goes the ferritin’ day out,’ Karl said, looking at Digger thoughtfully.

  ***

  As Detectives Simpson and Bennett left Kia-Ora, they passed Eddie Chancellor driving in the opposite direction.

  ‘There goes that Chancellor bloke,’ Simpson commented.

  ‘Yeah, I still don’t trust him. He looks like he’s finally gettin’ himself together, goin’ out with a decent girl. Even dresses sharper, but that doesn’t mean a thing. He’s trouble through an’ through, an’ mark my words, this little act won’t last,’ Bennett said, lighting a cigarette.

  ‘Yeah, I agree, mate,’ Simpson said shortly. ‘We’ll be seein’ him in court again before long.’ The detective looked thoughtfully out the car window. ‘Leopard never changes its spots mate.’

  ‘What do you think about this ferret business?’ Bennett drew deeply on his cigarette.

  ‘Well the fire last night, this today, it’s too similar to twelve months ago. I think we can expect a lot more and soon! One thing’s for sure, we can’t let it go on like it did last time. We have to catch the bastard.’ Simpson maneuvered the police car into a parking spot outside the Boomerang Café on Wagga road.

  ‘Let’s eat!’ he grunted as he pulled on the handbrake.

  ‘Good idea, this place has the best coffee in town, too.’

  The Boomerang Café was well known for its food. Being right beside the Boomerang Pub, it had a healthy clientele, especially after the pub closed and the hungry drinkers flocked in. It stayed open quite late, with tunes being played on the jukebox and the occasional brawl breaking out.

  ***

  Hazel had set the dining table beautifully. She went to the trouble of picking fresh flowers and they complimented the tablecloth and serviettes perfectly.

  Everyone had gathered in the lounge room for pre-dinner drinks. It was no use trying to hide the ferret incident, especially from Emmie. She knew when something was wrong. They discussed it openly but not for long, as Francis and Beth arrived and the conversation took on a lighter note.

  Francis introduced Beth to everyone just before Hazel announced dinner. Beth felt comfortable with the large family and she chatted easily throughout the delicious dinner. After dinner, they sipped on coffee as they sat around in the lounge room.

  ‘Do you plan on staying in Albury, dear?’ Emmie asked.

  ‘Well, yes, now I have a job. I like it here; it’s so much better than the rat race in Sydney.’

  Win and Ellie joined in, both asking about Beth’s home life. She told them her adoptive mother had recently passed away so she had packed up and headed for Albury. She explained how she had learned it was a nice place from her mother, who always praised the town. No mention was made of any father and no one asked. She did add that she was adopted as a baby and an only child.

  Francis looked at his watch, indicating that it was getting late. Beth thanked them for the lovely evening. She asked Emmie if she could thank Hazel personally for the delicious meal. Emmie linked arms with her and together they went to the kitchen.

  ‘Well, mate, she sure is a beauty!’ Karl remarked.

  Francis took a swipe at his uncle and laughed.

  ‘She is lovely, Francis. She has the most gorgeous blue eyes,’ Ellie said, putting her arm around her son.

  Emmie and Beth came back in, chatting happily. Everyone said goodnight and Francis and Beth left.

  Kathy and Eddie had just pulled up in the driveway.

  ‘Hey cousin, you just missed a great dinner.’ Francis stuck his head in the car window, saying hello to Eddie as well.

  Kathy glanced at Beth and Francis introduced them as he hurried to the volksie, holding the door for Beth to climb in.

  ‘You have a lovely family, Francis. You’re very lucky,’ Beth commented

  ‘Yeah, they’re not a bad bunch.’ He chuckled.

  ***

  ‘So, this Mick starts tomorrow, does he?’ Harvey asked between sips of coffee.

  Mary replied yes, telling Harvey the bungalow would also be Mick’s new residence. Harvey was pleased that Mary had finally employed some help around the place. He was far too busy with his work at the council to be able to keep on top of all the chores that a property like theirs required, and then of course there was Ellie. He had no intentions of relinquishing his time with her.

  ***

  The following morning was as sunny as the previous day. The men worked hard in the orchards; the fruit this season was exceptionally good. They were proud of their efforts and wanted to see the orchards thrive for years to come.

  Hamilton Valley was one of the most beautiful valleys in NSW. It was hard to believe it had been targeted by someone with one thing in mind… to destroy it.

  Eileen headed down Centaur Road to the bus stop, her step brisk. She was enjoying her new job, three days a week, at the Vet’s in North Albury. It helped ease her mind about Harry’s place as well. Anything to do with animals and Eileen was in her element.

  Her mind was not only on her job though. She couldn’t help thinking about Darcy. She was very keen on him and she couldn’t wait for her next date with him on Friday night. He had phoned her at home last night and they had decided to go to the club this coming Friday. The sports club was the place to go now. Everyone was talking about Johnny Hansen and his band. The club looked like it was going to be a great success.

  As Eileen approached the bus stop, she saw Kathy was sitting there.

  ‘Hi, Kath.’

  ‘Hi Cuz, what’s new?’

  Eileen told her about Darcy and their date Friday night.

  Kathy told her that Eddie was back a week early and that they would probably be at the club themselves this Friday. The maroon and white Martins bus came to a stop in front of them and they climbed aboard, sitting together, talking until Eileen got off at her stop. Kathy thought about Eileen as the bus pulled away. She could tell how much her cousin enjoyed her new job and she also noticed the pain in Eileen’s eyes when she had mentioned old Harry’s hut burning down. Everyone knew how much the old man had meant to her. Now someone had burned down another memory Eileen had of her dear old friend. She had Tom the dog. She would cherish him for Harry. At least she could do that for him.

  ***

  Mary knocked on the door of the bungalow. She knew Mick had arrived and she had decided to bring him a couple of jars of her homemade jam and relish.

  ‘Hello there, Mrs Winters.’

  ‘Hello Mick. I thought you might enjoy some of my homemade goodies.’

  ‘I sure will. I haven’t had any of that stuff for years.’

  Mary smiled and handed over the small box she had packed for him, telling him she would see him the next morning. Mick went inside, holding a jar and smiling.

  ‘Sure will enjoy this. It’s been a helluva long time since I had stuff like this.’

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  ‘Tammi…’

  ‘I’m coming, hang on a minute,�
�� Tammi called down the stairs to Kathy.

  As the girls met at the bottom of the stairs, Francis came into the hallway.

  ‘Hey you two, I’ve been meaning to ask you about Friday night. How about we all hit the club?’

  ‘You took the words right out of my mouth, Cuz. I was just about to suggest the same thing to Tammi!’ Kathy answered gaily.

  ‘I’m all for it! I love the band up there,’ Tammi said enthusiastically.

  ‘Great, I’m taking Beth. I’ll reserve a table. See ya!’ Francis went out the door, a wide smile on his face.

  ‘Wait up, Cuz. Can I grab a lift to work?’ Kathy called after him.

  ‘Can you drop me off on the way?’ Tammi added, grabbing her books and bag.

  ‘Yeah come on, I’m running late.’

  ***

  Beth was humming to herself as she sat on her bed.

  ‘Well duckie, you sound happy.’ The round face of her landlady beamed at her through the open door.

  ‘I am happy. I can’t believe my luck. I’ve met such lovely people and also got a job so soon. It’s great.’

  ‘Well, if you want the kind of information you were askin’ me about the other day, the Mason family would be the ones to ask. They’ve been ‘round for longer than I can remember.’

  ‘Yes, I will ask them, but not yet.’ Beth smiled a little wistfully as she watched the kind woman waddle down the hall.

  Beth yearned for a happy family life. The Masons were the epitome of the happy family in her eyes. Not that she had a bad life with her step mother, it was just certain incidents that she tried to push to the back of her mind she wished she could change. Sadly, that was too late.

  ***

  Johnny Hansen and his band were already playing as Eddie and Kathy entered the club. Francis was sitting with Beth, Tammi and Laura. Laura was back for a weekend visit from Cooma. Tammi was excited to show her the new club, especially as it was Laura’s uncle who was playing.

  Eddie took a drink order and went to the bar. Arriving next were Darcy and Eileen. The young men shook hands and Eileen eyed Beth carefully. Beth looked stunning in a deep blue dress. It enhanced her eyes. Darcy also noticed the beautiful young woman.

  Eileen noticed his admiring glance and felt a twinge of jealousy.

  Kathy looked across to the bar in time to see Dot talking to Eddie. She had an arm draped around his shoulders. Kathy bristled and excused herself from the table. She walked up to Eddie and smiled into his face, then turned to Dot.

  ‘Hi Dot, are you here alone?’

  ‘As a matter of fact, no, I’m with someone.’ Dot replied, leaning in close to Kathy’s face.

  ‘Well maybe you should get along back to him.’ Kathy’s smile wasn’t friendly.

  Dot started to speak but Eddie stepped between them and handed Kathy her drink. ‘C’mon, Kath, help me get these drinks to the table.’

  Dot felt anger rush through her and stood scowling at Kathy’s back. ‘Bloody bitch,’ she fumed.

  The evening progressed well as usual. The band was great and hardly anyone sat out a dance. Johnny was a good performer; he knew how to keep the audience happy playing for all age groups so the dance floor was never bare.

  Eileen was obviously smitten with Darcy. He was very attentive to her and she was looking happier than she had for a long time.

  Tammi and Laura danced every dance, and Francis and Beth were hardly ever apart. Beth kept in time with Francis well; he loved rocking and rolling. Several people were happy to just sit and watch them dance.

  In the slower dances, he held her close, his body reacting to the feel of her close against him. He hadn’t felt like this in ages.

  Kathy and Eddie danced several slow dances and Eddie wanted nothing more than to take Kathy outside and shag her, but he was well aware of how far he would get.

  So far, Eddie had respected her and not forced the issue. He sighed and decided a bit of heavy petting was better than nothing.

  ‘Let’s go outside for a while,’ he whispered huskily against her ear.

  She nodded and, arm in arm, they headed outside. They strolled through the car park to where Eddie had parked his car.

  Leaning against the side of it, he pulled her close. ‘I missed ya babe,’ he said softly.

  ‘I’ve missed you too, Eddie,’ she replied, looking up into his face.

  He lowered his head and their lips met in a long kiss that quickly became deep and passionate.

  Eddie felt himself harden. ‘C’mon, we’ll sit in the car for a while. I wanna be alone with ya, babe.’ He wanted more. He wondered how he kept in control when he was alone with her. They had gotten into heavy situations many times and every time, Kathy halted it.

  As soon as they were inside the car, he pulled her close and kissed her hungrily.

  Eddie let his hands roam underneath her blouse until they reached her bra. Deftly, he unhooked it, freeing her breasts.

  She gasped as he lowered his mouth to her nipple. ‘Eddie …’

  ‘Sssh,’ he whispered and kissed her again, taking her hand and placing it on his hardness. Kathy was shocked at first but also amazed at what she was feeling.

  Eddie murmured words of love in her ear. Her blouse was unbuttoned and Eddie could see her erect nipples in the moonlight. Slowly, he kissed her and his hand caressed her breast, playing with her nipple. She moaned in ecstasy.

  Eddie lowered her back onto the seat, kissing her neck, trailing kisses up to her ear. Gently, he nibbled the lobe. Kathy moaned with pleasure.

  ‘Kath… Kath, babe, ya know I love ya,’ he said softly then kissed her mouth again. His hand stroked her thigh and moved up higher. Gently, he started rubbing her through the material of her clothing. He found the elastic of her underwear and slipped his fingers inside.

  Kathy stiffened but Eddie deepened his kiss. Kathy pushed at him and pulled away from his passionate assault of her mouth.

  Raising himself, Eddie looked down at her. ‘Babe, no, ya gonna make me stop again?’ He had hoped that she would give in this time.

  ‘I can’t Eddie, not here, not in the bloody car park of the club.’

  ‘Then where? We can never seem to find the right place, babe. Hell, we’ve been goin’ out long enough now that we shoulda found a place by now.’ He was annoyed and damn frustrated.

  Kathy detected the annoyance in his voice. ‘I know how long we’ve been going out together, sex will happen when it’s meant to. I’m not Dot; I can’t do it in a car in a car park, that’s just not me, Eddie.’ Her reply also held a tone of annoyance and she sat up and started rearranging her clothes. She glanced through the windscreen as she buttoned her blouse.

  ‘Eddie look, people are running from the club!’ She pointed to the entrance of the club.

  He peered through the windscreen. People were rushing out of the club, pushing and shoving each other in their haste.

  Anger forgotten, he quickly tucked his shirt into his jeans. ‘Quick, Kath, get fixed up. Somethin’s wrong! Fuck, listen…’ The wailing of sirens was drawing closer.

  ‘Eddie, hurry. There must be a fire somewhere here. Oh my God! Tam… Eileen! Quick, come on!’ Panic rose in her voice.

  They piled from the car and Eddie grabbed her by the hand as they ran towards the crowd that had gathered in the car park.

  ‘Kathy… Kathy…’

  Kathy could hear Tammi’s voice. She turned to see her running towards her. She flew into Kathy’s arms, sobbing.

  ‘My God… Tam… What’s on fire?’

  ‘Oh Kath… it… it’s awful!’ Tammi sobbed near to hysteria.

  ‘Here, sit on these bricks.’ Kathy wanted to calm her sister down and find out what had happened. She steered her toward a pile of bricks stacked ready for the landscaping of the gardens surrounding the club.

  After a couple of minutes, Tammi gained control.

  ‘Kath, it was terrible. One minute we were having a great time, dancing and laughing, then I went to the toilet. Eileen
was in there, we were just putting lippy on and talking… then it came from nowhere and we couldn’t get out!’ She wiped at her eyes smeared with mascara.

  ‘What, Tam? What came from nowhere?’ Kathy implored.

  ‘Smoke… Thick smoke… We were terrified and we rushed to the door to try and get out. It was so hard to see, the other girls in there were screaming. We were all trying to get out at once, pushing and shoving. Kath, I really thought we would all burn to death or choke!’ Tammi gulped, starting to sob again.

  ‘Tam… Tam you’re out now, it’s alright. Tell me more. Once you got out of the toilets, what happened?’

  ‘Well… we held hands. Eileen and I tried to get to our table, but we couldn’t. People were running everywhere. Then all of a sudden, Darcy appeared with Laura. The barman helped us, he led us to the doorway and then we were outside. Oh God! It was so frightening… so frightening!’ Tammi buried her face in her hands, shuddering.

  Eddie came hurrying back. ‘Eddie, what on earth is on fire in there?’ she asked above the ruckus.

  ‘Not sure! There’s a bloody lotta smoke though!’

  Tammi looked up, her face streaked with tears. She stood up, looking around frantically. ‘Where’s Eileen?’ She scanned the crowd, spotting her standing nearby with Darcy. ‘Eileen… Darcy…’

  Eileen turned to Tammi. Her face showed the same fear and shock.

  ‘Darc… Do you know anythin’?’ Eddie asked as they came across.

  ‘Yeah… well, the barman reckons it all seems to have started in the men’s toilets.’

  As Darcy spoke, Frank Smith appeared, his face blackened. He was gasping and coughing.

  ‘Shit! Look at him!’ Darcy said loudly.

  They hurried over to Frank and Eddie called to a police officer to get help.

  ‘I’m… alright… just need some air,’ Frank wheezed.

  The policeman and an ambulance officer attended to him and, within minutes, they had his breathing under control.

  ‘What started this fire?’ Darcy queried.

  ‘The ceilin’ …It all started in the fuckin’ ceilin’.’