by Patrick Ford
He turned back to the two men on the ground. Hassan’s legs were bleeding profusely. One of them was broken. Jack quickly searched him for arms. He was clean. He moved to Abdul. The left leg almost severed, blood pulsed from his femoral artery. Jack knew he would be dead in a few minutes. Already the colour had drained from his face and his lips were blue. I should let the bastard die, he thought, I’ve killed better snakes than him, but he could not. He had had enough of killing. Reluctantly, he took off Abdul’s belt and used it as a tourniquet.
* * * *
Later, after the ambulances and the police cars were gone, they sat on the veranda and talked it through. Mick was distressed. “I hope that bloke don’t die,” he said. “I never killed a bloke before. I don’t want to start now.”
“We all owe you our lives, Mick,” said Susan. “God knows what they would have done to us if you hadn’t intervened.”
“Well,” said Helen, “I know I want a good stiff Scotch. How about you, Mick?” Mick took the bottle from her and poured himself a generous measure.
“Mum always said Scotch was a life giver,” said Helen, “but only for medicinal purposes, mind.”
“I think I need medical attention,” said Mick and reached for the bottle again.
Helen said, “Thank God the children were not here to see that.” They had come home from school after the mess had been cleared away.
Jack and Susan sat together, arms around each other and Michael. They said nothing, just clung to each other as the sun dropped and dusk moved in, covering the dark bloodstains on the forecourt and bringing peace to Ballinrobe once more.
Chapter 25
Picnics
Sarah had been with Duncan and Denni for several months now. The house was more than big enough for all and had a large garden and grounds complete with a swimming pool. The boys loved it here. They got on well with the three girls, their cousin Jacqui, and her cousins, Grace and Roseanne. They did not know it then, but they were making friends that would last their entire lives. Sarah did not want to impose on the McGregors. She knew that to offer money for her accommodation would be insulting to her hosts, so she threw herself into helping as much as she could. She cooked, cleaned, and washed clothes, in the process becoming Denni’s very close friend. The boys helped in the garden and, after suitable training and supervision, took over the mowing of the lawns.
Still, the empty feeling of loneliness remained. She pined for a man. She needed one physically, but more than that, she needed the close affection and the sense of belonging a loving relationship provided. Duncan and Denni introduced her to plenty of eligible bachelors, but none proved suitable. Some were interested in her at first, but when they found she had two children, were quick to back off.
One day, she went to the city to do some shopping. Denni told her she needed a day out, to do feminine things, like shopping for nice clothes, enjoying the bookstores, and getting her hair done. She was pleased to do this. She caught a bus back to the McGregors. On the way, she saw a small park. How lovely, she thought, so quiet and peaceful.
On impulse, she got off the bus at the next stop, bought a cup of coffee to take with her, and set off for the park. She sat there, drinking in the quiet, listening to the birds. Suddenly, the arrival of a van shattered the peace. It had Pete’s Electrical Services in colourful print on the side. As she looked, a young man jumped from the driver’s seat. He was tall and red haired, fit looking and full of energy. He looked at her. “Sorry, miss,” he said but I’ve got to fix a light in the dunny over there. I’ll have my lunch first. I’ve been flat out all day. This is the first chance I’ve had. Do you mind if I share your table?”
Before she could reply, he sat down and began to open his lunch box. He grinned at her. “I could eat a bloody horse,” he said. He thrust out his hand. “I’m Peter, pleased to meet you. What’s your name?” Sarah was taken aback by his brash introduction of himself, but she admired his boyish grin and his obvious love of life. He looked as if even breathing was an exciting adventure for him.
Sarah should have been cautious, but her natural friendliness expressed itself. She found herself talking frankly with this young man, telling him her life story. He was terribly interested.
“You’ve got twins? That’s great. Were they a handful when they were young?” They talked and talked. She felt so happy and relaxed in his company. She told him of her marriage and divorce, of her sad times. She told him of her sister’s sad time, of how Jack had come for her, and how strong their love was. Soon it was late afternoon. “You better fix that light,” she said, “Your boss won’t be happy.”
“I’m the boss,” he said, “and how can I not be happy with a girl like you? Still, if you like to wait a while, I’ll soon have it fixed, and then I’ll drive you home.” She watched him repair the light. He impressed her by the obvious competence he displayed and the satisfaction he found in a job well done. Then he drove her back to Denni’s.
The two boys were outside, servicing the mower. They looked surprised as she drove up in an electrician’s van. “Where have you been, Mom?” Anthony asked.
Sarah felt a bit embarrassed, but she introduced Peter to the boys and to Denni, who had come out to meet her. “This is Peter…I can’t remember your last name, I’m sorry. These are my boys James and Anthony. They are almost thirteen years old. And Denni, Jack’s sister.”
He said, “Edwards. I didn’t tell you. You have a lovely place here, Denni, as well as some very nice friends. Sarah, if you like, we can have another day in the park. Bring the boys. It should be fun.”
She didn’t know what to say.
“She’ll be right,” he said, “How about I pick you up Saturday at eleven? We could have a picnic?” Without waiting for a reply, he swung up into his van and drove away.
* * * *
“Gosh,” said Denni, “He’s a human whirlwind. Where did you find him?”
Sarah told her of the episode in the park. She did not tell her about the flood of emotions it had caused. Could it have happened, love at first sight? She knew it had happened to Susan and her love had lasted through thick and thin. “Do you think I should go out with him, Denni? It is so sudden, so unexpected. Maybe he won’t return, maybe the boys have scared him off.”
“I think you should go. He seemed genuinely interested in the twins, and it’s only a picnic in the park. The boys will keep him in check if he has dishonourable intentions.” Sarah rather hoped that he might have such intentions. She tried to put the matter from her mind, but on Saturday morning the boys were up and running at daylight.
“Come on, Mom,” they urged, “we’re off on a picnic today, we can’t wait!” She sent them off to have an early swim. Denni, like her mother, was given to rising early and working at her garden before breakfast. She walked the grounds until she found her in the potting shed.
“Do you really think we should go with Peter?” She said. “I really don’t know what to do.”
Denni had seen how Sarah had dismissed all the men she had introduced her to. She had had no hesitation with any of them. She knew about Sarah’s loneliness and need for love. Her uncertainty now was a sure sign that she had serious feelings for this one. “Sarah,” she said, “I think you should. I think Peter is a nice young man, and the twins deserve a day out. It will give him the opportunity to decide if he wants them as well as you.”
At precisely eleven, Peter arrived, not in his van, but in a family sedan. They all piled in. Sarah had taken the time to prepare a nice picnic, with sandwiches, soft drinks, and fruit. “Gee,” he said, “I’m glad you did that. I was going to get something from the café down the road. Okay, let’s go!”
At the park, he unloaded the car. He took a picnic blanket, fold-up chairs, their Esky, and a long duffel bag from the boot of the car. “I’ve got a cricket set here. I’m going to teach you Yanks to play the best game in the world. He took a felt pen from his pocket. “Which of you is James?” James stepped forward. Peter took th
e pen and carefully inscribed a ‘J’ in the centre of his forehead. Then he did an ‘A’ for Anthony. “Right, let’s go!” he led them at a run to the level playing field.
Sarah, when looking back on this day, would always cherish it for it marked the beginning of her return to the happiness of her childhood. Peter spent hours with the twins, patiently teaching them about cricket. He was just as enthusiastic about the picnic. As they packed up to return home, he turned to her. “Sarah, you have two great kids there. How about you and I have dinner sometime? I’d really like to talk about them some more. Let’s say Friday? I’ll pick you up at seven.” He held out his hand. “Is it a deal?”
“Yes,” she said, rather breathlessly. He took her hand. She felt little bursts of energy and a tingle in the pit of her stomach. Oh my, she thought, what is happening to me?
* * * *
Jack took the opportunity to take a break before the heavy work of planting began. He thought it would be a good thing to get his family away from the scene of Abdul’s attack and get their minds focused on something else. Susan thought a week out of school would do Patrick and Genevieve no harm; they were near the top of their respective classes.
Susan phoned Denni and made the usual booking at what they now jokingly referred to as The McGregor Hilton. “I was hoping you might be down soon,” Denni said. “I have someone I would like you to meet.”
* * * *
After selling half the steers last year, Jack had purchased some more breeding cows. Now he had more than two hundred of these, all on ‘Emu Ridge’. He and Susan decided to inspect the property before they left for Brisbane. It was a beautiful morning when they left Ballinrobe. April in Goondiwindi was a lovely time of year. The temperature is mild, mornings crisp enough for a sweater, and nights cool enough for easy sleeping. April was one of the driest months, so rain did not often interrupt the nice weather. To add a nostalgic twist, they decided to take the old Land Rover for a spin. It hummed along at a steady fifty MPH, canvas hood removed to enjoy the weather. Jack called it his poor man’s convertible.
Emu Ridge had flourished under the careful hands of Ken and Robyn. The house was always immaculate, and the garden compared favourably with Helen’s own. They were warmly welcomed and sat down for coffee and a review of the plans Jack had for the property. Jack had decided to clear and cultivate as much of Emu Ridge as was possible. He had set a five-year plan. The red loam soils were easily worked, and the only thing holding back large scale grain cropping was the low rainfall. Jack and Susan had seen how the prairie farmers could produce good crops on little rainfall with conservation farming techniques, and they were determined to do the same. Once, cleared and cultivated by conventional means, they were sure they could introduce chisel plows, retain the crop residues and be successful.
Jack was sure there would come a time when chemical control of weeds in the fallows would be a cheap and effective way to retain soil moisture. His contacts in America had reported that the new chemical Glyphosate would become cheaper soon when its patents expired and opened the growing market to competitors. He felt sure this day was not far off.
The next day they set off for Brisbane. Patrick and Genevieve were excited to see their cousins, and more importantly, to make use of Aunt Denni’s pool.
* * * *
On Friday evening, Peter arrived right on time. Denni complimented him on his punctuality. He gave a cheeky grin. “It is the only virtue I have left,” he said
Sarah had taken a long time to prepare herself for this night. She felt like a seventeen-year-old girl again. Does he really like me? Does he want me, despite the twins? Why did she feel like a schoolgirl on her first date? She had decided to dress conservatively tonight. She didn’t want to appear too eager. However, she did put on her best underwear and wore a dress of shimmering pale pink. She felt like she had on her wedding night.
As she appeared, Peter gave a quick intake of breath. She looked stunning. I hope I don’t make a mess of this, he thought. I hope I do the right thing. He was a sensitive man and could see the yearning in Sarah. He did not want to overwhelm her and have her regret it later.
He opened the car door for her and ushered her in. As he climbed into the driver’s seat, he could smell her perfume, a light spicy scent with a hint of vanilla. He thought it suited her. He took her to one of the best restaurants in Brisbane, one that served the finest seafood available in that part of the world. He hoped she liked seafood. She did. As they enjoyed the prawns, crab, oysters, and baked coral trout, he told her of his life, abandoned as a child, and brought up by a succession of foster parents. Despite this, his natural cheerfulness shone through. He did not like school much, but his break came when his last foster father arranged an apprenticeship for him with an electrical firm. Now he had his own business. He had a workshop and a flat above it, quite small, but enough for his purposes. His quality workmanship and obvious enthusiasm for his work had soon won him a good clientele. He was doing well.
He had liked Sarah from the moment he had seen her in the park, her long brown hair and cute figure struck his eye immediately. He had not had any kind of permanent relationship in his life. He had been too busy building up his business for that. When he met the boys, something inside him stirred. Here were two little tykes just as he had been, no father to love. He felt enormous empathy with them. Tonight he looked into Sarah’s sparkling blue eyes across the dinner table. She needs me, he thought, and I need her. Please let this happen.
He took her home and escorted her to the door. He thanked her for the evening and kissed her cheek. Then he was gone. Sarah went inside. Duncan and Denni were still up. “Well,” said Denni, “How was it?”
“The dinner was lovely, and he is such a gentleman.” She told them some of what he had told her about his life. “Well,” said Duncan, “He has made a successful life for himself despite his unfortunate beginnings. That indicates strength of character missing in many people today. Stay close to him. He sounds like just what you need.”
She went to bed. In her room, she relived the evening. He was nice, she thought. And his kiss had awakened feelings she had not experienced for a long time. Next morning, he arrived again. “Should have asked you last night,” he said, “I was a bit distracted. Would you like to continue the cricket lessons?” She would. The twins cheered. They liked this cheerful young man. He treated them like little brothers.
The next Friday, they went to dinner again, with the same result. Sarah began to long for more. She remembered Susan telling her about the first time Jack had brought her home and the kiss she had so boldly given him. “I had to,” she had said, “He was too shy to kiss me!” On Sunday night, she asked if she could borrow a car and leave the twins with them for the evening. Duncan handed her the keys with a gentle smile. “Good luck,” he said.
* * * *
Peter was watching television when he heard the knock on the door. He switched it off and went to see who was calling. When he opened the door, he was surprised to see Sarah standing there, a timid smile on her face. She walked past him into the apartment and as he turned to follow her, she swung around and embraced him, kissing him on his lips, mouth open, and her tongue seeking out his. She stood back and said, “Peter Edwards, I love you and I want you to make love with me. If you won’t ask me, I just have to ask you.” He stared at her for a few seconds, and then gently reached out to stroke her cheek. She felt the energy there. He moved to her and then they were kissing like there was no tomorrow. He took her hand. “Come,” he said.
Gently they undressed each other. He stroked her soft skin, kissed her breasts, and led her to the bed. She clung to his taught body, desire rising through her. She felt weightless, fused to him. She knew her knees would collapse if he released her. He stroked her stomach, her breasts, her sweet secret places, and then he joined with her. She gasped with pleasure and held him tight.
“Oh, Peter,” she breathed, “It has been so long. Love me, love me, I need you so.”
>
They climaxed quickly, both having been without love for so long. The second time was slower and even sweeter.
She could feel the delicious spasms running through her body for a long time after. She knew she had found her soul mate. “Sarah,” he said, “I have been without love for so long. Stay with me forever, marry me; give your boys a father who cares for them.”
“Oh, yes, yes, but I will have to have my children’s approval. I can’t impose something on them they don’t want.”
“Of course,” he said, “I can wait, especially if you break down my door every Sunday night.”
“I will do that as often as I can.”
* * * *
Susan saw it immediately. She rushed to Sarah and hugged her tightly. “You have found someone,” she said, “I can see it in your eyes, in the way you look. How happy I am for you!” James and Anthony vied with each other to spread the good news. “We have a new friend called Peter. He plays cricket with us. He took us to the beach yesterday. We really like him.”
Susan looked to Sarah. She had tears running down her cheeks. “He really wants the boys, Susan. He loves them like little brothers. He never had a family of his own, and now he says he has found one ready-made. He wants to marry me. Oh, Susan, I’m so happy.” Jack said, “And so are we. You deserve a good man. Have you said yes?”
“I wanted to talk to you all before I did that. I must have your approval first. He is coming to dinner tonight, so you will meet him then. I do hope you will like him.”
“I’m sure we will, darling,” said Susan. “We are so happy for you. I hope Mom will like him too. Take him to Worcester on your honeymoon.”
Dinner was a happy and casual affair. Everybody liked Peter. Sometimes it seemed as if he was the host as he kept the whole company amused. Jack asked him what his plans were. “Well, the business is going so well that I am thinking of putting on another man to help me. If Sarah consents to marry me, we will rent a bigger apartment until we can build a house. The old shop and flat will do for the moment. We could turn the flat into a decent office.”