Red Dust

by Fleur McDonald

  'We don't really know what happened,' broke in Garry. 'We had a few beers in the shearing shed and then we all stayed and had tea. Gemma went home and a while later she stumbled in through the door cryin' and screamin' and stuff. She had blood all over 'er face and her nightie had been ripped. She was screamin' that Jack had ambushed her in the kitchen. I dunno if he did anythin' . . .' Garry's voice trailed off as he realised what could have happened.

  Bulla took up the commentary. 'We went to 'is room and it looks like 'e's done a runner. Can't find his clothes or anythin' and his ute is gone. Dunno why we didn't hear him leave.' Bulla looked around wildly, as if hoping to see Jack lurking in the darkness nearby.

  'I'll get on the phone to Pirie. We'll get some uniforms out here. You both can come with me while we go and have a drive around. Do you know if Jack carries any weapons – knife, gun?' Dave looked from one to the other.

  Bulla and Garry shook their heads. 'Not ever seen him with anything like that,' Bulla said.

  'Righto, I'll have to come with you guys. Craig will take Gemma to town. Give me a description of the ute and I will pass it on to the blokes in Pirie.'

  'White Ford ute with Victorian number plates. Don't remember the number but ya won't see many Vic plates round here. Oh, he's got a really obvious naked woman sticker on the back and a couple of Bundy Bear stickers on the side windows –'

  Craig emerged from the shearers' quarters just as Dave hung up from the Port Pirie police.

  'What's the go?' Dave asked.

  'She needs to get to a hospital. He's bashed her pretty good. Looks like a bunged-up nose – don't reckon it's broken, though – couple of black eyes and a fat lip. She's holding her arm quite tenderly. She said he tried to drag her back into the bedroom.'

  'Okay, you take her. I'm going to have a quick look

  around here with Garry and Bulla. Seems Jack has taken his ute and some things from his room. Don't reckon we'll find him, but you never know – he may have headed out to get his dogs. Keep an eye out on the road for a white Ford ute with Victorian plates and a sticker of a naked woman on the rear window. I'll ring you with the plate number when the uniforms get back to me.' Dave glanced over at Bulla and saw he was listening. 'Why don't you rustle up a spotlight, mate, and I'll be right with you.' Dave waited until Bulla was out of earshot and then said quietly to Craig: 'Ask the hard questions without causing too much distress. But make sure you ask the hard questions, okay? Let me grab the camera before you leave.'

  'No worries.' Craig hopped into the driver's seat and pulled over as close to the shearers' quarters as he could. Dave and Bulla paused in hooking up the spotty and watched as Helen and Lisa walked Gemma out to the car and gently helped her in.

  'Stop dallying,' Bulla grunted at Dave and got into the ute.

  'Okay, here's the deal,' Dave said to Buster and Kenny. 'You blokes don't need to come with us. Go inside and keep your eyes open. Call us on the two-way if he comes back but pretend you know nothing. Do not – and I mean this – do not try and take him down yourselves. And don't go into his room. I want to look it over and dust it for prints. Just sit tight, okay?'

  'Okay,' Kenny said.

  'We'll be back shortly.' Dave jumped into the passenger side of Bulla's ute, with Garry in the tray operating the spotlight. Bulla let out the clutch, spun the wheels and headed down the driveway.

  'Bulla, I want you to go out to the top part of the place. Jack has some dogs tied up out there, hidden in the bush. He'll probably try to get to them before he leaves the property.'

  'You found dogs? Jack can't stand dogs. Why did he have them tied up in the bush?' Bulla asked.

  'I can't really comment on that now. Can you tell me what happened tonight? Have you got any ideas about why Jack would have attacked Gemma?'

  Bulla told Dave about the rain, the beers, the singing competition and tea. 'Then Gemma said goodnight and took off to her house. I didn't see Jack leave. I can tell ya that he'd mouth off occasionally about Gem to us.'

  'Mouth off? What do you mean?'

  'Well . . .' Bulla looked uncomfortable. 'He thought she might be good in the ah, ya know . . .'

  'Bedroom?'

  'Ah, yeah. Suggested once or twice that Gaz 'n' me were on with her.'

  'And are you?'

  'No! She was our boss's wife and now she's our boss. We love Gem, but not like that.'

  'So any ideas why Jack would have attacked Gemma, or do you think it was purely sexually motivated?'

  'Well, I guess it looks like that. I know he thought she was a bit of all right, but I never thought he'd go as far as that. I did tell Gemma to lock her doors, but she never worried about it. Too trusting and naive is our Gemma. 'Bout lots of stuff, not just lockin' doors and that.'

  Slipping and sliding through creeks and washedout tracks they arrived at the bush near the clearing. Garry flashed the spotlight around and picked up some impressions that looked like they'd been made by a vehicle, but they had been smudged with the rain. Dave searched the edge of the bush with his torch and found some fresh footprints.

  He took photos while Bulla held the torch and then they moved into the bush, looking for the dogs. When they got to the clearing the dogs had gone. The chains lay in the dirt, glistening in the torchlight.

  'We've missed him,' Dave said.

  Jack pushed his old ute as fast as it would go. He knew he'd have to take the back roads to Pirie so he didn't run into any cops. They'd be out at Billbinya quick smart with the two stock squad guys already out there and all the other people around. Someone would have called them as soon as Gemma was game enough to come out of her room.

  'Bloody bitch,' he thought. 'I really thought she'd like it a bit rough.' Jack grinned as he thought of the way she'd moved under him while he was trying to push her nightie up. Bloody shame he'd taken his mind off the job of controlling her for a couple of seconds. He looked at his wrist and grimaced. She packed a fair bite. Hurt the crap out of him and made him lose his grip on her hair. He still couldn't work out how the hell she'd got hold of the gun and where it had come from.

  Sighing with frustration, Jack knew he'd really stuffed things. He couldn't go back to Billbinya now. He lit a cigarette and toyed with his mobile phone. This was one call he didn't want to make. Reaching into the duffle bag beside him, he came up with a full bottle of rum and unscrewed its top. Feeling the liquid burn his throat he thought about how he was going to break the news to the boss. His brother was not going to be happy. Dialling the number, he took another swig.

  'How goes it?' asked a very drunk voice at the other end.

  'Had a few, bro?'

  'Yeah, partying with a very nice little lady I met in a bar. Bit busy. I'll call ya back.'

  'Reckon ya might wanna hear this.'

  'Shit,' his brother muttered. 'Hey babe, hang off on that, I want to watch. Gotta talk here for a sec.'

  'I've had to shoot through.'

  'What? What the hell happened?'

  'Ya know me weakness. She got under me skin. Had to try and get it on with 'er. Sorry 'bout that but . . .'

  'What did you do?' The other man's voice was steely and it sounded like he'd sobered up extremely fast.

  'Got a bit frisky with her. She didn't like it much. The cops'll be out pretty soon, so I'm taking the back roads to Pirie. I'll camp the night with you and see if we've got a plan from there. Whaddaya reckon?'

  'Is she badly hurt?'

  'Nah, just a bit bloodied I think. Bloody bitch pulled a gun on me.'

  'You're a bloody idiot. Just typical of you to stuff up at a critical time. Unbelievable. Don't come to my house. I'll meet you at the normal place, give you some money and you get to Adelaide. Lay low there for a while. We're going to need you soon – I've got plans to make a big hit on the bitch soon so we'll need you in the truck. How far away are you?'

  Jack looked around. 'About fifty minutes away.'

  'Okay, I'll see you there.' Jack's brother hit the button to end the call. />
  Chapter 26

  Craig watched the road carefully. Gemma sat beside him, trembling. Occasionally he could hear a stifled sob but when he glanced over Gemma shied into the corner of the vehicle.

  'I'm not going to hurt you,' Craig said quietly. 'I'm the good guy, remember?' There was no answer so Craig didn't push it.

  A little while later Gemma spoke. 'Why did he do it? I didn't do anything . . . I had no idea he thought . . .' She broke off, sobbing. It was obvious she was in shock. Craig brought the car gently to a standstill.

  'What are you doing?' Gemma asked fearfully.

  'I'm getting you a blanket from the back of the car. You're in shock and you need to be kept warm, okay? I'm not going to hurt you.' He handed her the blanket through the window of the car, careful to keep his hands away from hers.

  'Is there someone I can call to meet us at the hospital?' Craig asked, getting back in the car.

  Gemma nodded. 'Jess Rawlings.' She recited the number in a monotone.

  Gemma looked out the window, grateful for the blanket but still shivering. She turned her head when she heard Jess screech through the phone and listened to Craig's reassuring words. She leaned her head up against the glass and thought about all that had happened.

  'I'm going to be sick,' she said suddenly, and bolted from the car. Craig stood back until she was finished and then made sure she got back into the car safely.

  'I can still feel him,' muttered Gemma.

  'That will happen for a little while,' Craig said softly. 'Victims often feel their attackers for some time afterwards. But that will pass. It just takes time. Who attacked you, Gemma?'

  'Jack. Jack Marshall. He's been working on Billbinya for the last few months.'

  'When did he attack you?'

  'What do you mean? It was tonight but I don't know the time.'

  'Can you tell me what happened?' Craig asked gently.

  'I don't really know. I went to the kitchen to get a drink and he was just there. He said, "Hello, Gemma" and he was . . . he was touching himself. I just knew I was in trouble. I tried to run but he chased me. He dragged me back to the . . .' Gemma took a shaky breath, 'to the bedroom. I tried to get away. I tried. Couldn't, couldn't get him off . . .' She began sobbing uncontrollably. Craig was silent. No matter how much training you were given, it didn't prepare you to get through an assault victim's first interview. Every interview Craig had done was difficult. The devastation etched in each victim's face broke his heart every time.

  'Gemma, did he manage to penetrate you? I'm sorry, but I have to ask.'

  Gemma shook her head violently. 'I pulled a gun on him,' she said.

  Craig looked at her incredulously. 'You what?'

  'I pulled a gun on him. He'd thrown me onto the bed and was trying to get my nightie up . . . I bit him on the wrist and then – ever since . . .' She took a halting breath. 'Ever since Adam died I've always kept a gun under my pillow or near my bed. I'm scared most nights. I've never told anyone, but I hate being in that big house by myself. I hear every groan and creak. And sometimes I think I hear his footsteps. The gun, it helps. When I pulled it out, Jack backed off and ran to the door. Then he looked back and said, "Ever get the feelin' you're being set up, Gemma Sinclair?" And then he left.' Gemma was shaking so violently now that Craig was beginning to get worried, but he had to follow up on Jack's remark.

  'What do you think he meant by "set up"?' Craig asked.

  'How the hell should I know?' Gemma cried. 'My life has turned to shit over the last year. I don't know anything anymore.'

  'Gemma, have you double-crossed Jack somehow? Is that why he attacked you?'

  Gemma looked at him, fury eclipsing the pain and desolation. 'No, I haven't. I suppose you're talking about the stock stealing? How dare you! I have nothing to do with this stock stealing. I've told Dave and now I'm telling you. I am not involved. Don't try and get me to say something just because I'm in a vulnerable state. I'm not involved.'

  As they walked into the emergency department Jess darted over to them.

  'Oh, my sweet. What has happened to you? Poor baby.'

  'Jessie, I'm so scared.' Gemma fell towards Jess and hug ged her.

  Craig stood back watching, taken by Jess's warmth and compassion. She really was something else. The friendship between these two was amazing. They were both so loyal, so supportive of each other.

  Gently Craig said, 'We really need to get Gemma seen to, Jess. You can come with us, but please don't touch her anymore. We need to look her over for evidence.'

  Jess quickly stood back from Gemma but didn't let go of her hand. 'C'mon, lovely, let's get this over and done with. Then I'll take you home. You'll never believe who the casualty nurse is tonight – Paige Nicholls. Amazing how that woman keeps popping up.'

  'I'm going to see you to the doctor, Gemma, and then I need to check in with Dave. I won't be far away if you need me.'

  Gemma nodded and they walked towards the casualty ward.

  'Hi, Gemma,' Paige said when she walked in. It was obvious she'd been briefed on what had happened and was prepared for Gemma's bloodied face. 'Won't be long and we'll have you all fixed up. Just sit on the edge of the bed. I'll call the doctor now that you're here.'

  Craig made his excuses and beckoned to Jess. 'I just need to ask a couple of questions, Jess,' he said, when Jess looked reluctant to leave Gemma's side.

  'Go, I'll be fine, just come back quick,' Gemma said to her.

  Jess followed Craig into the waiting room.

  Craig flicked open his notebook. 'Do you know Jack Marshall?'

  'I've heard Gemma talk about him but I've never met him,' Jess answered.

  'Has Gemma ever indicated that he'd tried to hurt her before?'

  'No. She said he was a bit odd, but that's all. We don't talk much about the guys that work on Billbinya when we catch up.' Jess was tapping her foot, anxious to get back to Gemma.

  'Jess, is it possible that Jack was seeking revenge on Gemma for some reason?'

  Jess stopped tapping, narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms. 'And what does that question mean, Detective?'

  Craig looked at her flashing eyes and was lost. 'Uh,' he stammered, trying to regain his thoughts. 'Is it possible Gemma could have double-crossed him at all?'

  'Detective, have we met before?' Jess asked.

  Thrown by the question, Craig blinked. 'Umm, possibly,' he answered. 'Maybe.'

  'Yeah, I thought so. Last Friday night at the Jewel, wasn't it? Keeping an eye on us, were you?'

  'Nothing like that. Had to go somewhere and have a drink.' Craig was beginning to get cross.

  'Well, you listen to me. No matter how hard you try, you aren't going to be able to pin this on Gem. She didn't know what Adam was up to before he died and the only reason she knows now is because you bastards are hanging around like a bad smell. Now was there anything else? Because if not, I'd like to get back to my friend, who has had more than enough kicks in the gut in the last few months to last her for the rest of her life.' Jess started to walk away. 'Oh, and Craig – it's Craig, isn't it?'

  Craig nodded mutely.

  'When you get this bullshit about Gemma being a thief out of your head, I'd love to have that drink with you.' Jess flashed him a dazzling smile then turned on her heel and walked away, leaving Craig staring at her back, open-mouthed.

  Dave had been through Jack's bedroom and hadn't found anything to indicate where he could have gone to. He'd collected an empty rum bottle from under Jack's bed and samples of hair from his pillow.

  His phone rang, startling him.

  'How are you going there?' Craig asked.

  'No sign of him, and the dogs are gone too. Forensics are out here dusting for fingerprints and I've found an empty rum bottle – same brand that we found in the dogs' yard, and at the ruins – and a few hairs off his pillow. I've instructed the local officers searching for him to use unmarked cars, and to follow him rather than apprehend. I'd rather follow him and see if he lead
s us to anyone else or the stock. What do you reckon?'

  'Sounds like a great idea. I just hope we can find him. He's done a real job on Gemma. She's scared witless. She pulled a gun on him in the end. She keeps one near her bed since Adam died. Her injuries are superficial mainly, but her arm'll be pretty sore for a while – pulled all the muscles in it when he was hauling her back to the bedroom – and she'll have some lovely black eyes from the bang on the nose. I spoke to both her and Jess, who met us at the hospital, and they have categorically denied any involvement or knowledge of stock stealing. And I have to say, I'm inclined to believe them.'