Sam and Des could smell Connie’s cooking all the way down the back and soon joined Eric at the breakfast table.
‘Breakfast smells great,’ Sam said as he sat opposite Eric.
Des glanced at Eric. ‘You must be feeling a heck of a lot better, mate.’
‘Yeah, I am. I owe you a huge thanks, mate, but a lot of people suffered yesterday. I know what went on yesterday helped me, but we still have the problem of that mad bastard runnin’ ‘round out there!’
‘You’re right. The mongrel has outsmarted us again and yet he did us a bloody favour. I wonder who the hell he is,’ Sam said, just as puzzled as ever.
‘You know, he really did a number on everyone yesterday and it’s got me thinkin’ that in a way, he was tryin’ to help Eric,’ Des added.
‘Maybe he likes the publicity!’ Eric said.
‘The cops were full of questions yesterday and none of us were even home,’ Des added. ‘This’ll make those city blokes look real bloody stupid! It’ll give ‘em somethin’ to think about. They jumped the gun, arrestin’ you, mate!’
‘That bastard Riley even had the hide to
suggest,
as he put it, that one of us put someone up to the whole thing just to get Eric off the hook!’ Sam retorted.
‘He knows they had the wrong man, and I reckon he’s known all along. They just had to come up with someone. He’s tryin’ to save face,’ Des added.
‘Well, the cops’ll have to get their act together properly and catch this bastard before he starts on houses, ‘cause there ain’t much left to burn!’ Eric added. In Eric’s opinion, that was the firebug’s next step.
‘Eric, you’re right. The locals’ve had enough. I reckon we should get a meetin’ together in the hall. I’m goin’ to suggest we double up on our patrols around the properties. Get more blokes involved. So far it’s just been Nat ‘an Rex helpin’ us; the rest of ‘em have relied on outside floodlights an’ sleepin’ with loaded shotguns at the ready. We need more action.’ Sam looked at them seriously.
‘Good idea, Sam!’ Connie agreed, adding, ‘I’ve been doing some thinking of my own. Why don’t we have a celebration for Eric as well? After his hearing tomorrow, I’m sure we’ll have something to celebrate.’
‘Great idea, Mum. I reckon everyone’d like that.’
Des offered to get the meeting going early so they could hold the celebration afterwards. ‘You organize the women, Mum, and we’ll do the rest.’
Connie was pleased he was showing so much enthusiasm. He’d become a different person overnight. Connie knew Des would be feeling relieved that he was able to help save Eric from the injustice that had been looming over him.
Party plans went into action. Eric would be free of this terrible worry in one more day and the party would be on.
***
Detective Bennett was sitting on the corner of his desk at the police station, pondering the Hamilton Valley fire cases. He stubbed out his cigarette. ‘What do you make of it, Simmo?’ he asked his partner who was lounging back in a swivel chair behind his desk.
‘Frankly, it looks like a setup to get Mason off the hook. It certainly helped prove his innocence. They were all fuel fires, each fire had fuel drums left at the scene. On the other hand, the court was packed with family and all the locals from the valley, so it couldn’t have been a setup. The real perp’ had a bloody field day,’ Simpson answered.
Bennett stared out the window for a few minutes.
‘The evidence against Mason was weak to begin with. We’ve got a bloody pyromaniac and potential killer on our hands. He’s bloody deadly, whoever he is. After yesterday’s events, the people of the valley’ll be out for blood. We’ll have them on our backs worse than ever. Fuckin’ Moore and Riley have pissed off back to Sydney. They set this thing up and left us to wear it!’
He sighed, stood up and walked over to the window, shoving his hands in his trouser pockets. He had been up most of the night going over the whole case. Simpson watched him with open interest.
Staring thoughtfully out the window to the street below, he said, ‘One thing’s for sure: whoever it is knows the Masons’ well. Someone in that community
knows
this fella and
has
to be aware what he’s up to. I’m going to bloody well find out who!’
‘Well, now that Moore and Riley are out of the way, we can do things our way,’ Simpson said.
‘Yeah, those blokes wouldn’t take notice of anything Brewster told them. They wanted this done and dusted, and look where it got us. I’ll bring Brewster back on board and we’ll start this investigation from the beginning. We’ve got to get the bastard before one of the locals does.’ Bennett drummed his fingers on his desk then reached for the telephone.
‘If they get him before we do, we’ll have more than a friggin’ arson case to deal with,’ Simpson replied, standing up. ‘I’ll get us some tucker. Want a burger?’
‘Thanks, we’re gonna be here til late,’ Bennett replied, dialling a number.
***
Win was examining Tammi’s burnt arms. Big blisters had appeared on her reddened skin. ‘Tammi, this could have been so much worse. If you’d been near that heat much longer, I hate to think what state your arms would be in. You should have let the washing burn!’
Tammi smiled at her. ‘I’ll survive, Mum. They’ll heal in a day or two.’ Her arms
were
sore; they looked worse than they were though. Tammi was more interested in the fact that Eric would be okay.
‘She was there pulling that washing off with the flames leaping really high right beside her!’ Kathy said.
‘So were you, Kath. We both saved the washing… Hey, we didn’t tell them about the priest!’ Tammi reminded her.
‘What about the bloody priest?’ Win asked, annoyed.
The girls told her about their encounter with Father Damien.
Win was thoughtful for a while. ‘It seems to me Father Damien has been behaving very strange. Just because he’s a priest doesn’t exclude him from being a suspect.’
Ellie walked in as Win was speaking. ‘What’s this about Father Damien?’
They told her what happened at Dawn’s.
‘Really? What a bloody cheek…’
‘Yes, and the way he pops up at the fires as well,’ Win reminded them. ‘In my opinion, he’s got a lot to answer for!’
‘Are you suggesting he may have something to do with the fires? Seriously?’ Ellie asked her.
‘Well, don’t you think it’s a possibility? He’s been at every fire. He lied under oath at the court – that was obvious – and, from what the girls said, he’s still saying Eric’s the firebug. And what about the way he dresses? He’s just not like a normal priest.’
Ellie was silent for a minute, then she said, ‘You’re right, Win. He’s always struck me as queer and he isn’t an old man by any means. He seems fit enough. He could get around fast if he wanted to. He definitely seems to know the layout of the valley.’
‘Well, instead of being up on the stand giving evidence against Eric, I think he should be the one to be interrogated!’ Kathy declared angrily.
The ringing of the phone made them all jump.
They all looked at each other, hesitating to answer.
‘I’ll answer it.’ Ellie went to the phone, watched anxiously by Win and the girls.
‘Oh… Con… Why yes! What a marvellous idea! Of course… Yes, I’ll pass on the message. Karl and Dig will be back about twelve and I’ll tell them to contact Sam. You’ll still be up at Dawn’s? Right. Bye, love.’ Ellie hung up and turned to Win and the girls.
‘That was Connie, as you would have already heard. She wants to organise a party for Eric, Saturday night. The men are using the hall first for a meeting to organize some extra patrols. Seeing everyone is confident that Eric will be acquitted, Connie thought it would be nice to have a celebration afterwards.’
‘Great idea!’ exclaimed Kathy.
‘What can we do to help?’ Tammi asked.
‘Well, how about rounding up some of the young people?’ Win suggested.
‘We can ask Hazel to organize some finger food and Win, you and I could go to the hall and put up some decorations.’
‘Sounds terrific. We’ll make sure we have some lively music, Ellie, get everyone dancing. Let’s go and tell Mum. It’ll give her something pleasant to think about for a change.’
The next morning, a fine drizzle fell. As quickly as it hit the ground, the dry earth soaked it up.
Jeff Hickson stood out in the yard, his face held heavenward, drizzle wetting his craggy features.
‘Well, maybe this is the start of a few good wet days, Dawn. God knows we need it.’
Dawn was at the sink cleaning up after breakfast.
‘Let’s hope so, Jeff. You’d better come in and get ready for court. It’s quarter past eight and by the time we get ready and drive in, it will be ten o’clock.’
‘Ok. What’s Eileen doing? Is she comin’ with us?’
‘She’s getting dressed; she wouldn’t miss this for anything.’
Dawn finished the dishes and hung up the tea towel to dry. She was eager for today to be over. She said many prayers throughout the night and had faith that justice would prevail.
***
Eric had only managed vegemite on toast and coffee this morning. Nerves prevented him from eating a heartier breakfast. Des was also noticeably on edge.
Sam was sitting on the veranda waiting for Connie to finish dressing. They would need to hurry as they had to be at the courthouse by nine o’clock. Eric needed to he briefed by Mr Kurl before the hearing.
***
Karl and Digger sat talking together while they waited for the women.
‘I’m confident he’ll be acquitted, aren’t you?’ Digger asked.
‘Sure. I mean, even though some people say it was a setup to get him off, no magistrate is going to find a man guilty on hearsay. Anyway, that evidence they had didn’t hold up either.’
‘There’s some rotten mongrels around. Bloody hell, Eric’s had a bad enough time without people spreadin’ bullshit. I tell ya, that priest better keep a wide berth!’
‘I’d give me eye teeth to find the real culprit and then the bastard’s would choke on their accusations!’ Karl muttered.
‘That bitch Gelding and the priest were the troublemakers to begin with. What they said started all this!’ Digger stood as the women came out ready to face
another
day in court.
***
A crowd had gathered outside the courthouse as usual. Word had spread about the turn of events and people had even come in from the surrounding towns.
Karl swore when he saw the crowd gathered on the steps and in the small yard at the front of the courthouse.
‘Bloody hell, do they think this is a friggin’ circus?’ he scowled.
‘That’s small country town life: anything to break the boredom,’ Emmie said softly.
‘We can hold our heads high. Come on.’ She linked her arm through Karl’s. Digger escorted Win and Ellie, and together they pushed their way through the crowd.
Arthur and Daisy were already inside with Dawn and Jeff. They had kept the bench seat beside them vacant for the rest of the family.
Robert had decided to stay at home today. He found the court stuff very boring and preferred to tinker with his bomb and smoke sly ciggies.
The court was in session. Mr Walsh looked down seriously from his position behind the bench.
Several other people gave character references for Eric, all confirming what others had said in previous hearings. After Mr Kurl and the prosecutor gave a brief summary, Mr Walsh retired for an hour to make his decision.
He returned to the courtroom, clearing his throat and beginning to speak.
In his opinion, there was insufficient evidence to commit Eric for trial.
Sighs of relief were heard throughout the courtroom. Eric visibly relaxed.
Mr Walsh also said that no fair and impartial jury would convict Eric of the charges, even if he were committed for trial.
He spoke for a few minutes longer and then told Eric all charges against him were dismissed and that he was free to go. He then dismissed the court.
Dawn was first to reach Eric, hugging him tightly against her. She had tears of happiness and relief streaming down her face.
There were tears, hugs, handshakes and pats on the back.
Mr Kurl was thanked profusely for a job well done.
Ivy Gelding quietly slipped out.
Father Damien left as silently as he had arrived.
One other person sat, unnoticed in a beat-up old car parked underneath one of the elm trees that lined Dean Street.
‘Free, eh? Young Eric’s free!
’
He watched the rest of the family walk out with Eric.
‘Ah! There she is!’
He watched the woman, who always sent his mind reeling with chaotic thoughts, give Eric an affectionate hug.
Reporters gathered around Eric, full of questions about his acquittal, hiding the woman from view.
The crowd eventually thinned and people started to leave.
‘C’mon Eric, there’s a celebration dinner tonight and a party tomorrow night. We’ll have to get goin.’ Saying their goodbyes to the rest of the family, Sam placed his arm around Eric’s shoulders and they walked toward the car park.
Karl took Emmie’s arm and led her to the car. Ellie walked over to Mates to give Francis the happy news.
He watched for a few minutes longer, smiling and drumming his fingers on the steering wheel before slowly pulling away from the kerb.
Tammi and Laura spent the day making plans for the evening’s celebration. Several phone calls had ensured a number of the younger locals would be at the party.
Of course, they invited the two young soldiers who had taken their fancy.
‘Tonight’s going to be great. This was a really good idea, Tam.’
‘Everyone’s so happy for Eric. They’ll all be in good spirits.’
‘I’m pleased Richard and Ian can come. They’re both such hunks.’ Laura drooled dramatically. ‘Imagine dancing slowly to some romantic love song!’ Laura was hugging herself and spinning around as Kathy came in.
‘What are you all ga-ga about, Laura?’ she asked.
Laura blushed as Tammi explained.
‘She’s just letting her imagination take over and its run away with her!’ She laughed.
‘Is Eddie coming tonight?’ Laura asked Kathy.
‘Yes, he’ll be there. He’ll be a bit late though. He has to work back for a stocktake so I’m going to meet him there.’
‘He’s certainly smartened up since he met you, sister dear,’ Tammi said, smiling at her.
‘Yeah, he’s looking good, that’s for sure,’ Kathy said coyly.
Win poked her head around the door. ‘You girls better start to get ready. The men have just left for the meeting and we have to be there by seven thirty to welcome everyone.’
***
The men had gathered in Hamilton Hall and were gravely discussing the last four fires. They were unanimous that patrols had to be increased and it was obvious that no one should rebuild anything until they captured the firebug, no matter how long it took. They had all lost far too much already to rebuild just so the maniac could burn their properties down again.
It was decided that spotlights would be carried as well as powerful torches and, seeing that the firebug had shown his violent side, the men would be carrying their shotguns no matter what the cops had to say. No one could predict what this lunatic would do next. They
had
to protect themselves and their families!
The women arrived at seven thirty. The girls had taken great care in dressing and Emmie looked at them with pride. She knew Dave would have approved.
Kathy had chosen white culottes and a black top. The night was chilly, so she added a thigh-length white woollen jacket.
Tammi wore black pants with a black and red top. She had on a calf-length black jacket.
Laura wore a red off the-shoulder woollen jumper that complimented her porcelain complexion and her dark blue bell bottom jeans emphasized her figure.
Much to their delight, the girls all looked older than they were.
The older women were not to be outdone that night.
‘I’m wearing the pearl brooch you gave me, Dave darling,’ Emmie murmured. ‘I know you’re here in spirit with us to celebrate.’
The guests began arriving and Win and Ellie welcomed them at the door of the lovely old hall. Most of the valley, except Ivy Gelding and Father Damien, showed up.
Francis asked his girlfriend to invite some of her friends. He was thinking the local single blokes would appreciate a few new female faces. Tammi and Laura were delighted to see Ian and Richard arrive. They were all in for a great night!
Eddie strode through the entrance looking extremely handsome in black pants and a cream shirt, a contrast to his shining dark hair. He was feeling confident and immediately sought Kathy out, taking her hand in his.
Sam got up on the stage to make an announcement.
‘A bit of shush, please, everyone! As you all know, we’re here tonight to honour Eric. He’s been through a very upsettin’, humiliatin’ ordeal, and I feel it only fittin’ that we show him how pleased we all are that the truth has been realised and what a good young fella we think he is – better still, that
we know
he is!’ Sam indicated to where Eric was sitting with Des, Eileen, Robert and a group of other young locals.
Everyone cheered and showed their support by thunderous clapping of hands and loud cheers and whistles.
Ellie and Francis joined Sam on stage and struck up
For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow
.
From then on, food was plentiful, drink flowed freely and laughter reverberated in the hall.
It was while Francis was belting out a rock number for the younger ones that a late arrival entered the hall.
Ellie was enjoying a drink with Emmie, when suddenly she touched Ellie’s hand and nodded to indicate behind her.
She had no time to enlighten her further. A voice spoke from behind Ellie.
‘Emmie, you look lovely! And Ellie, what an absolutely perfect choice of frock. Black… it really suits you, but I find it makes one look a tad hard.’
Ellie froze.
‘Mary! Damn, I was hoping she wouldn’t come.’
Emmie covered for Ellie. ‘Mary, Harvey, how lovely of you to come! You look absolutely lovely, Mary.’
Ellie took a deep breath and offered them a seat. Harvey was obviously uncomfortable. Clearing his throat, he said, ‘We made a last minute decision to come in. Mary was insistent upon joinin’ the celebration. I’m sorry we’re so late, we… um… got a bit held up.’
He was fumbling his words and Ellie felt very sorry for him. Mary was practically preening, clearly obvious that she’d had a few.
‘Well, do enjoy yourselves. Everyone is having a wonderful time.’ Emmie smiled at them both graciously, hoping to defuse the situation.
Mary did indeed look lovely. She had spent the afternoon on her appearance, beginning with a luxurious bubble bath and several glasses of her favourite wine.
When Harvey had been disinclined to come in tonight, she became infuriated. She had to practice self-control to stop herself lashing out at him. She knew she looked stunning in a clingy, vivid red dress. She wore her hair in the usual upswept style kept in place by a pearl clip. Her earlobes were tweaked by red earrings encrusted with diamonds. Mary
was
a vision. ‘Well, Francis deserves a break after that number. I think a slow dance is called for. Excuse me.’ Ellie left to relieve Francis. As Harvey watched her walk to the stage, Mary inwardly seethed.
‘How dare he look at her that way! Especially in my company,’
she thought furiously, spurred on by the wine she had earlier consumed. Noticing the expression on Mary’s face, Emmie felt quite awkward. Luckily, Digger and Win returned to the table at that moment. They were in need of a cold beer after their vigorous dancing.
‘Mary, Harvey, so glad you could make it.’
Ellie began to play a love ballad. Couples headed for the dance floor, slowly swaying in each other’s arms.
Eddie drew Kathy closer to him. The lights slowly dimmed and as their bodies brushed together, Eddie could feel himself becoming aroused. She only had to look at him with her beautiful blue eyes and he could feel himself wanting her.
Mary suggested her and Harv dance.
‘Mary, I’m… ah… I’m really exhausted.
He could think of no other excuse, none that would dissuade her.
‘Come on, Harv. This is only a slow number. I’m sure it wouldn’t exert you too much.’
Mary rose from her seat and Harvey had no choice but to follow. On the dance floor, she pressed herself close to him. He caught a whiff of alcohol on her breath. He wondered just how much she had consumed over the afternoon. For now, she was holding herself together, but for how long?
He wished the music would stop.
Francis joined Ellie on stage and they continued with the slow numbers.
***
Intoxicated by the closeness of Kathy and the soft silky feel of her hair blended with the delicate fragrance she was wearing, Eddie was feeling quite aroused. Kathy herself felt a tingling warmness seep through her body in places she had never felt such sensations before.
Mary wound her arms around Harvey’s neck as they circled the floor. She kept an eye on the stage, confident they would be in view of Ellie. She softly blew in his ear.
Harvey jerked his head away in surprise.
‘Mary! What are you doin’? Come off it.’
She glared at him.
‘Just a little entrée, you know, to whet the appetite.’
‘Cut out the crap, Mary. Come on, we’re sittin’ down… now!’ Harvey took her arm in a vice-like grip and escorted her to their seats.
Mary’s little display
had
gone unnoticed by Ellie. Fortunately, she had been concentrating on her playing.
Eddie danced Kathy towards the side door and, placing his arm around her waist, he guided her outside. The air was cool, but neither noticed. As soon as they were outside, they were in each other’s arms. Eddie kissed her with a fierce passion.
She clung to him tightly.
‘Oh Eddie,’ she whispered.
‘I’ve wanted to kiss you so badly, baby,’ he murmured between kisses.
‘Mmm, I know the feeling. I’ve wanted to kiss you too,’ she answered in a husky voice.
‘Kath… baby, do you realise what you do to me?’ he whispered breathlessly.
‘If it’s the same as you do to me, then yes I do.’
Eddie raised his head to look into her eyes.
‘You’ve changed my whole life, Kath. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.’
Kathy looked into his eyes. With a low groan, he lowered his lips to hers and kissed her deeply.
‘We’d better go back inside,’ he suggested, hating to take his lips from hers.
Reluctantly, she agreed and they went back into the hall.
The lights had been lifted a little and the music had changed tempo.
Tammi and Laura were having a ball, dancing almost every dance with Richard and Ian.
Smiling up at Ian, Tammi moved closer and pressed against him. Ian was a little unsure; he had noticed Win watching, so he took Tammi in a waltz hold and danced her to the other side of the floor.
‘
I’ll have to have a little chat with her.’
Win made a mental note.
Ellie joined the table, leaving Francis to play some of his favourites.
‘You play so beautifully, Ellie. I could have sworn you were playing those romantic numbers just for Harv and me. Harv couldn’t hold me close enough in that last number, could you honey?’ Mary said sweetly.
‘You exaggerate, Mary,’ Harvey said quietly. He knew Mary was deliberately trying to bait Ellie.
Mary looked sharply at him. She hadn’t expected him to contradict her in public. With an effort, she retained the smile on her face.
‘Oh pooh, Harv… Don’t be coy. You enjoyed dancing like that with me. I could feel it!’
Harvey stood up abruptly. ‘I need a fresh drink. Anyone else want one?’
‘I’m fine,’ Ellie said. All she wanted to do was escape, run away from this tense atmosphere. Mary arriving had spoiled the whole evening for her.
‘I’d like one. I’ll help you carry them, mate,’ Digger offered.
Mary held up her empty glass. ‘I’ll have another one, Harv dear!’
He gave her a cold look of fury as he took her glass.
She ignored his warning look, turning away to chat with Win and Emmie.