Red Hot

by Cheryl Alldis

  Eileen and Darcy got up as well, leaving Tammi sitting alone. She looked around the crowded room and spotted Dot McClaron weaving her way between tables in her direction. ‘Oh shit,’ she thought. ‘I’m going to be stuck with her.’

  ‘Hello Tammi, love. All on your own?’ she smirked.

  Tammi ignored her dig, replying, ‘Hi Dot. You’re alone too I see?’

  ‘Not for long, lovey. Hey, heard about old Emmie, glad to hear she’s on the mend. I don’t mind that old girl, she’s the only decent one among ya’s!’ She laughed at her catty comment.

  ‘Gee, thanks Dot. Nice to know you like us.’

  ‘Anyway, how’s Kathy and Eddie goin’ these days?’

  ‘Great, they’re on the dance floor at the moment.’

  Dot scanned the crowded dance floor and managed to spot Eddie and Kathy. Her eyes narrowed as she watched them together.

  ‘Keep your slutty thoughts to yourself,’ Tammi warned.

  Dot smirked and didn’t comment. The dance finished and the band went to a break.

  Kathy was annoyed to see Dot at their table. Eddie greeted her pleasantly enough, much to Dot’s delight. She struck up a conversation with him, deliberately ignoring Kathy.

  ‘Bitch,’ Tammi whispered to her sister. ‘Don’t let her get to you.’

  Kathy shrugged and forced a smile, whispering back, ‘I’m not bothered by her, Tam. She’s just a fool.’ Eddie turned to them and asked who would like a drink. He took the orders and went to the bar.

  Dot didn’t hesitate to add her drink to the list. It was obvious she wasn’t planning on leaving, pulling her usual swifty to score a free drink. What annoyed the other girls was that the blokes fell for it.

  ‘Great bod, hasn’t he?’ Dot admired, jutting her breasts forward, resembling an overstuffed pigeon.

  Kathy knew Dot was baiting her. She ignored the comment. Turning to Beth, she struck up a conversation. ‘I heard you singing on the dance floor, Beth. You’ve got a nice voice.’

  ‘Yes she has, hasn’t she?’ replied Francis.

  ‘Mum sings sometimes when we have our family get togethers. You’ll have to give us a tune too.’ Tammi joined in.

  ‘We’ll have to have one of those evenings soon. We haven’t had one for ages,’ Kathy added. ‘Once Gran’s home next week we’ll have to celebrate. She’d like that.’

  ‘Yeah, we will. That’s a great idea,’ agreed Francis.

  Eddie came back with a tray full of drinks and passed them around. Dot’s hand closed over his as he handed her drink to her. This didn’t go unnoticed by Kathy; she was amazed she didn’t feel the usual jealousy.

  The band struck up a rock and roll number and a handsome young bloke asked Tammi to dance. Dot leant across and asked Eddie to dance with her. Before he could reply, Kathy told him to go ahead. He looked surprised and started to refuse but Kathy got up and walked towards the ladies’.

  Dot grabbed Eddie’s arm and he reluctantly followed her onto the dance floor, watching Kathy disappear.

  Dot moved seductively to the beat of the music, tossing her head back and looking into Eddie’s eyes. She moved in closely and rubbed her body against him several times, then moved back and eyed his groin. Eddie had felt himself harden and for once wished that didn’t happen.

  Kathy’s attitude had him wondering where their relationship was heading. He was pissed off by her frostiness lately. Now, here she was encouraging him to dance with Dot! He convinced himself that Kathy was preparing to dump him.

  Despite the heavy make-up, Dot did have sex appeal and a great body. She knew the affect she was having on Eddie and she moved closer again, letting her body brush against his as she kept up a steady rhythm. Eddie put his hands on her hips and matched her moves. The dance was becoming very sexual. Eddie’s breathing became heavier and he couldn’t drag his eyes away from hers.

  ‘Meet me outside in a few minutes,’ she whispered, disappearing from the dance floor.

  Eddie pushed his hair back from his sweaty forehead. He could feel the throbbing of his arousal and, after looking around for Kathy and not seeing her, he followed the direction Dot had taken.

  The next number was a slower one. Beth was dancing in Francis’ arms and singing along with the song. He swung her around and she threw her head back laughing.

  A hand touched her shoulder and a voice said, ‘Well, we have a very lovely young lady here who has been enjoying herself this evening. She’s sung along with every song – let’s hear her sing some more!’

  Johnny had stepped from the stage and was mingling with the crowd on the dance floor. He stopped beside Beth, who he had been watching all evening.

  ‘Come on now.’ He started to sing Cryin’ in the Rain. Beth felt the colour creep into her face. ‘Don’t you know this one?’ Beth nodded that she did know the song.

  ‘Well, don’t be shy. Come on!’ Johnny took her hand and guided her onto the stage.

  Still feeling embarrassed, Beth began to sing, softly at first. Then the mood took her and she forgot the crowd staring at her.

  Her voice rose and she sang along in perfect harmony to Johnny. He realised that once she gained confidence, her singing ability would emerge. He urged her on into a medley of Everley Brothers hits.

  She followed his lead. When the song finished, the applause that erupted from the audience was dynamic. They called for more, clapping and whistling. Johnny told them they would have to make do with that for now and maybe Beth would be kind enough to sing again for them later.

  Turning to Beth as the crowd returned to their tables and the boys in the band went to get a drink, he told her she had a remarkable talent and could go places. He asked her to sing with him at the club Friday and Saturday nights, explaining he had been looking for a female singer for his band. He added that he was so pleased he had found her.

  Beth was thrilled. She told him she would have to think it over before committing herself to every weekend. He walked her back to the table, saying that whenever she could would suit him to start with.

  ‘You were fantastic, Beth. Absolutely fantastic!’ enthused Francis.

  Everyone at the table was commenting on how good she was and what a fantastic voice she had. Beth laughed and thanked them. She told them about Johnny’s offer and they urged her to accept it.

  ‘Where’s Eddie?’ Francis asked, looking around the table.

  Kathy was wondering that herself. She had also noticed Dot’s absence.

  ‘He might be in the men’s,’ Tammi replied.

  ‘Either that or he’s met up with some of his mates at the bar. It’s so crowded up there we wouldn’t be able to see him from here,’ Kathy added quickly. She didn’t say anything about Dot’s absence and neither did anyone else.

  Francis was chatting with Beth. Eileen and Darcy were practically eating each other. Tammi was chatting to the young man she had been dancing with.

  Kathy was sipping her drink and becoming increasingly angrier.

  ***

  Dot’s fingers were busy with the buckle on Eddie’s belt. He was kissing her passionately, his tongue probing her open mouth. She groaned and pressed closer to him. His hands slid under her short skirt and his fingers found her wetness. She had his belt undone and quickly slid his zip down, releasing his huge erection. She was gasping now as Eddie’s fingers increased their exploration.

  Together they staggered backward to lean against the brick wall. They were outside the club in a secluded corner of the car park.

  Dot’s skirt was up around her waist and her top was completely undone. Her bare breasts were caressing Eddie’s chest with erect nipples, adding to both their excitement.

  Eddie sucked one nipple then the other as he lifted her up and thrust into her moistness.

  She wound her long legs around his waist and he thrust deeper. Both oblivious to the fact someone could walk by. Their movements were frantic now and in moments they both reached an explosive climax. Dot tried to control her loud moan and
Eddie leaned against the wall to get his breath back, eventually doing up his zip. Dot yanked her skirt down. No need to put her undies back on… she hadn’t worn any!

  ‘Well, Eddie darling, you’ve certainly still got what it takes!’ she breathed.

  He looked at her for a moment before replying, ‘You too, Dot. Wanna cigarette?’ He held out a packet of Marlborough red. Dot accepted and they stood in the shadows smoking. ‘How’re things with Kathy?’ she asked.

  Eddie flicked ash onto the ground.

  ‘Good, Dot! But let’s not talk about me and Kath after we’ve just been screwin’.’

  Dot didn’t push it, but she did say, ‘Will you see me again? I can keep a secret. I mean, we are great together.’ She ran her fingers down his chest, stopping where his shirt tucked into his jeans.

  ‘Maybe.’ He leant forward and flicked his tongue over her pouty mouth, adding, ‘Do you want to go in first? We can’t go in together.’

  ***

  ‘Where’ve you been?’ Kathy asked as Eddie pulled out a chair to sit down.

  ‘Met a few fellas from work and they insisted I had a drink and a flutter on the pokies. Sorry babe, I should’a let you know where I was. I didn’t think I’d be long.’ He apologized.

  ‘Beth sang. She was fantastic. Thought you would have heard her out in the lounge.’ Kathy watched Eddie’s face closely; he had coloured slightly.

  ‘Uh, yeah, I did hear somethin’ but I was so busy talkin’ with the blokes I didn’t pay much attention. She’s that good, eh?’

  ‘Yes, she’s very good.’ Kathy sipped her drink.

  ‘I don’t believe you,’ she thought angrily.

  ‘Dot left?’ Eddie asked.

  ‘I don’t know… and don’t bloody care! She’s probably off screwing somewhere. Blokes go through her like trains through a tunnel!’ Kathy snapped.

  She had a sinking feeling in her stomach that she had just been lied to.

  ***

  The girls all went to the ladies’ room, leaving Eddie and Darcy at the table. Francis was taking his turn at the bar.

  ‘Draggin’ tonight?’ Eddie asked Darcy, challenge thick in his voice.

  ‘You wanna waste your time, Chancellor? I’m in. You know I’ll shit all over ya!’ Darcy laughed.

  Eddie fumed. ‘Pretty fuckin’ sure of ya’self, aren’t ya? Why don’t ya just piss off back to Newcastle.’

  ‘Don’t shit me, Chancellor. Worry ya, do I?’

  Eddie glared across at Darcy. ‘You’re lucky we’re not outside, fuck face, or I’d drop ya fair on ya arse!’

  ‘Is that right? Why wait till we’re outside, shithead?’ Darcy leapt from his seat and grabbed Eddie by his shirt collar. Eddie’s chair went flying backwards.

  The girls had just arrived back and Eileen pulled at Darcy’s arm.

  ‘Stop it, you bloody fool! You’ll get us all thrown out!’

  Kathy tugged at Eddie’s arm. ‘She’s right, we won’t be allowed in here again if you do this,’ she said angrily.

  Eddie and Darcy jerked apart but both were still bristling with anger.

  ‘You’ll keep prick!’ Darcy spat out.

  ‘Ha, do I look worried? We’ll meet on the Weir Road, usual place later, unless you’re too gutless!’

  Kathy sighed in despair. ‘Oh Eddie, don’t drag him again. You’ll both end up getting killed!’

  Eileen agreed, but no matter what they said, the rivals were determined to go ahead with the race.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Beth and Francis walked up the steps to the veranda at the back of Kia-Ora. The night had ended after the altercation with Darcy and Eddie.

  ‘You were great tonight, Beth,’ he said softly.

  He pulled her to a stop, turned her to face him, and, lowering his head, he gently kissed her.

  She responded, winding her arms around his neck, returning his kiss, which became more passionate.

  ‘Beth, I’m so glad we met!’

  ‘I am too, Francis. I feel the same way.’ Kissing again, they moved to the cane lounge.

  Their kissing grew more passionate and Francis felt a familiar stirring in his body.

  He found Beth’s breasts. Her nipples were aroused. Gently, he caressed her. She snuggled close to him.

  Suddenly, they heard voices approaching, Francis looked up. ‘Damn!’ He swore. ‘That’s Kathy and Tammi.’

  Beth sat up and tidied herself.

  Kathy and Tammi ran up the steps.

  ‘Oh… Hi, sorry… Have we interrupted something?’ Tammi giggled.

  ‘No, Tam,’ Francis mumbled. ‘Why’re you home so early anyway?’

  ‘You know who went dragging and I couldn’t be bothered with it,’ Kathy replied for them both and they went inside.

  ‘I think we should go in too, Francis.’ Beth said softly, giving him a knowing look.

  ‘I suppose so.’ He sighed, disappointed and frustrated.

  ***

  He parked his car and got out to lean against the bonnet.

  He tossed his burning cigarette into the bushes and climbed back into his car, a sinister smirk on his face.

  ‘It won’t take long for the wind to get that goin’.’

  ‘Better piss off from here, I think,’ he said aloud. He reversed his car and drove back over the bumpy track that led out onto the gap road.

  ***

  Harvey stayed at the Weir cabin long after Ellie had left to go back to the valley. He couldn’t face Mary after having just made love with Ellie.

  He sat drinking whiskey and thinking about his good times with the lovely Ellie, then his life at Jindera with Mary.

  ‘Hell, something has to give. Life can’t go on like this. I’ll ask Mary again, get her in a good mood. I have to butter her up somehow,’ he thought as he swirled the whiskey around the glass. Harvey consumed quite an amount of whiskey before he locked the cabin and left to drive to Jindera.

  He drove cautiously along the gap road. He knew he had drunk far too much and that he shouldn’t be driving.

  ‘Shit!’ He cursed. ‘Surely I’m not that pissed. I can’t be seein’ things!’ He pulled to the side of the road and stopped the car.

  ‘It’s a fuckin’ fire!’

  The dry bushland that grew in abundance alongside the gap road was well alight and the flames were growing bigger by the minute.

  ‘Bloody hell… I’ve gotta get help!’ Harvey spun the car around. Sobered somewhat, he drove as fast as he dared to the bottom of the gap road where there were several homes.

  He blasted his car horn as he drove up a driveway. A sleepy-eyed man opened the front door. He was instantly awake when Harvey shouted to him about the fire.

  ***

  Lights snapped on at Kia-Ora. The sirens screamed along Urana Road. The phone shrilled; Sam’s voice on the other end told them the Gap was on fire.

  Karl pulled overalls on and raced outside to get the water tanker Arthur had parked at Kia-Ora when he moved. Driving it up to the house, Digger and Francis climbed in with him and they roared off, leaving Ellie, Win and the girls with Hazel and Ted.

  ‘Please God, keep them safe.’ Win prayed quietly.

  Kathy and Tammi put their arms around her to comfort her. Beth stood with Ellie, her eyes widening with fear.

  The glow of the bushfire could be seen growing bigger and brighter. The sky had come alive with vibrant hues, ribbons of smoke among starbursts and showers of light.

  ‘Houses are all around there. Oh, I hope they get it under control before there’s a tragedy.’ Ellie’s voice was husky with emotion.

  The fire had a strong hold and the bush was burning fiercely. Every truck the bushfire brigade owned sped towards the Jindera Gap.

  Local farmers and residents from Hamilton Valley headed out, armed with knapsacks or drove their own water tankers. Many had purchased water tankers and firefighting equipment since the firebug started his rampage.

  The smell of burning gum trees drifted through the
air. Karl drove the water tanker as fast as it would go. They had to prevent the fire spreading any further – a major disaster would occur if this happened.

  They went up Centaur Road, right into Flinders Lane, down a slight hill across the dry creek bed and out onto the gap road. The tanker rocked slightly as Karl turned left onto the winding road.

  ‘Take it easy, mate,’ Digger shouted as the tanker steadied. ‘Don’t forget we’re full of water!’

  ‘Yeah, I know. We’ve gotta get out there a fast as we can, Dig.’

  ‘Bloody hell, we know, but we won’t be any good to anyone dead!’ Francis said, hanging onto the dashboard, sitting between Dig and Karl.

  ‘Don’t worry, Francis, we’ll get there in one piece,’ Karl yelled above the drone of the engine.

  More fire engines roared up behind them, lights flashing and sirens screaming. The smoke thickened the closer they came to the fire. It had burned up the embankment alongside the gap road. The flames leapt high and grasped onto trees to dance along their branches and jump to the adjoining trees.

  Even with the headlights on, visibility was poor with the smoke so dense.

  ‘Look out…!’ Digger shouted.

  Karl put his foot on the brake. ‘Shit… Hold on!’ He swung the wheel to avoid hitting a cow that had clambered up the embankment and onto the road.

  ‘Hang on!’ Karl yelled. ‘We’re goin’ over’

  The water tanker rocked and skidded sideways. Karl fought to correct it but it was out of control. Nothing could stop it now. The water in the tank had surged forward when Karl tried to avoid the cow. The force from the weight of the water and braking hard had sent the heavy tanker out of control.

  As if in slow motion, the tanker slid sideways, skidding in the gravel on the roadside. Slowly, slowly, it rocked, tipped and finally disappeared over the steep embankment on the side of the gap road.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  ‘My God, it looks just like the whole area is on fire. The sky’s glowing! The fire must be raging out of control… Please don’t let anyone get hurt.’ Win was talking aloud as she watched from the back veranda of Kia-Ora.