Red Hot

by Cheryl Alldis

  Harry had been hit over the head with a heavy object and, according to the Doctor, his clothes had been doused in alcohol to give the impression he had been very drunk and fallen. The police were informed and an investigation was under way!

  This attack had been particularly vicious. The question was… why?

  The news about poor old Harry had the locals utterly shocked. The women now locked themselves inside when they were home alone, even in the day. Before the firebug ordeal, their doors stayed unlocked even when they went out. It was very different these days. Men were keeping a close vigil on their properties and some had even gone to the extent of setting up outside lighting.

  No one could believe what had happened to Harry. Karl, Digger and the rest of the blokes figured Harry had discovered something that had got him bashed. Ellie and Win were deeply shocked and saddened; they both had a soft spot in their hearts for Harry. Eileen was distraught. Emmie offered to cover any costs at the hospital – someone had to step in and take care of this poor old bloke. Dave would have been the first to do so.

  The locals were in a panic; they all slept with their loaded shotguns close and handy beside their beds!

  Now the locals were sticking to the old adage: ‘shoot first, ask questions later.’

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  On Friday night, a dance was to be held at the Boomerang Hotel. Kathy and Francis hadn’t been out for ages and she felt even less inclined to go now after this latest act of violence. She decided to make the effort. Walking into Tam’s room, she asked her if she wanted to go.

  ‘I think we should go, Tam. Mum and Dad were even thinking of going down for a while. Dad reckons it’ll do Mum good to have a bit of a dance. Going to the flicks the other night did her good, got her mind off things for a while.’

  Tammi brightened at the suggestion and started looking through her wardrobe. ‘Yeah, I reckon that sounds like fun. Okay let’s do it!’

  ‘Kath, Tam, you in there?’ Francis had just arrived home from work.

  ‘Are you two going to the Boomer tonight?’ he called from the other side of the door.

  ‘Yeah, we’ve just decided to… You coming, Cuz?’ Kathy replied.

  ‘Sure am,’ he answered, poking his head around the door. ‘I’ve asked a few people from work to come as well.’

  He looked thoughtful as he added, ‘Crossed my mind though, that it might be a bit soon after Granddad’s death to go out dancing. Then there’s poor old Harry lying in hospital…’

  ‘I thought that too, but Mum and Dad said it was time we started to go out again. They might come down for a while too. Granddad would tell us to get out and kick up our heels, don’t you think?’ Kathy told him.

  ‘Oh yeah, he would for sure, but what about Grandma though?’ he asked.

  ‘Uncle Karl will be here, and Hazel and Ted. Mum said they wouldn’t go out if she would be alone.’

  ‘No, I mean what will Gran think about us going out?’ Francis questioned again.

  ‘Same as Granddad,’ Tammi smiled. ‘Go out and have fun!’

  ‘Okay, well then get ready and we’ll leave at seven.’

  ‘I’ll ring Laura see if she’d like to come too,’ Tammi said excitedly.

  ***

  ‘Looks like it’s the night for the army boys…’ Tammi whispered to Kathy as they entered the lounge at the Boomerang.

  Laura nudged Tammi at the same time. ‘Look at those good sorts over there near the bar.’

  Deciding to sit at a table not far from the bar, but far enough from the band so they could at least hold a decent conversation without having to shout, they ordered drinks. Francis’s friends arrived. He introduced them all and it was obvious he had his eye on one girl in particular. He and the girl whose name was Sheryl danced the first two dances together then, after a cold beer, he grabbed Kathy’s hand and pulled her out onto the dance floor for a rock ‘n’ roll number.

  Kathy was walking back to her seat after the lively number had finished when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

  ‘Hi, Kath, can I buy you a drink?’ Eddie asked.

  She was startled to see him and murmured a shy ‘Hi.’

  ‘Well? Can I buy you a drink?’ Eddie asked again, eyeing her up and down.

  ‘Oh, ok… Sure, Eddie. I didn’t know you came here.’ She noticed his clothes, knowing that it would be one of the outfits Francis had sold him. He looked even more handsome. Kathy smiled, knowing it was a big effort on his part to impress her. They mingled with the crowd at the bar.

  ‘Haven’t seen you ‘round for a while.’ Eddie sipped his beer.

  ‘I’ve been staying home a lot since Granddad died. Now, poor Harry’s in hospital.’

  ‘It does get easier, takes time. Yeah, I heard about Harry, bloody awful.’ He looked at her and a smile crept over his face.

  ‘Wanna dance and cheer ya up a bit?’

  She wanted more than anything to dance with him! Did she dare? She looked across at the table where her mum and dad were sitting with Ellie, Harvey and Mary. They had all decided to come out for the night once Digger suggested it.

  ‘Kathy?’

  She looked up into his handsome face and nodded. She let him take her hand and lead her out to the dance floor.

  Tammi saw Kathy with Eddie. She saw their father watching as well; angry disapproval masked his face.

  ‘Look who Kath’s dancin’ with, love,’ Digger nudged Win.

  ‘Yes, I have my eye on her too. I must say, I’m a bit shocked. She knows how we feel about that chap.’ Win put her hand on Digger’s arm. She knew he would be furious with Kathy for even breathing the same air as the likes of Eddie Chancellor. She had to defuse the situation before Digger went and dragged Kathy off the floor in front of everyone.

  ‘This isn’t the place to discuss it, Dig. It’s only a dance.’ Win assessed his face closely, hoping she had reasoned with him.

  ‘Yeah, well she’s bloody lucky,’ Digger replied, his voice grating with fury. He narrowed his eyes watching them and swigged on his beer.

  ‘Just wait till that young minx gets home. I’ll ground her for life!’ he thought angrily.

  Harvey and Mary came back to their table from a very short dance. Mary looked frazzled and excused herself to go to the ladies’ room.

  ‘Ellie… Dig’s had the pleasure… now why don’t I give you a whirl around the dance floor?’ Harvey said quietly, his breath warm on her ear.

  He wanted so badly to hold Ellie. He knew she had been deliberately avoiding him.

  ‘Do you good, Ellie,’ Digger said before she could make an excuse. ‘Go on, show us how it’s done, old girl.’ Digger obviously didn’t realise the position he was creating for Ellie.

  Reluctantly, she accepted and Harvey escorted her to the dance floor.

  It was a slower number and Harvey held her close against him. ‘You feel so perfect in my arms,’ he whispered in her ear as he guided her into the middle of the crowded dance floor.

  Ellie wanted so badly to relax and enjoy his arms around her but her conscience told her to keep a level head.

  ‘Cut it out, Harv,’ she said quietly. ‘It’s wrong, you know it is!’

  Mary, on her return from the ladies’ room, caught a glimpse of them holding each other close. From where she stood, it looked as though their cheeks were together.

  She felt anger boil inside her so intense that she could easily have walked out there in front of everyone and dragged Ellie away from Harvey. She knew better than to make such a display. She had to keep calm. It was only a dance… wasn’t it?

  She went back to the table, anger obvious on her beautifully made-up face.

  ‘Would you be a dear, Dig, and get me a Scotch and dry? Make it a double, thanks!’

  ***

  ‘Havin’ fun?’ Eddie asked Kathy, smiling his slow sexy smile.

  ‘Yep… You?’ she answered, happily looking into his face.

  ‘Of course.’ He smiled.

  They bo
th laughed. Eddie pulled her closer and they danced until the band stopped for their break.

  Kathy invited him to join her at her table. She knew Tammi wouldn’t like it, but she didn’t care.

  ‘Kath, I don’t think your parents would like the idea of me being at your table.’

  ‘Eddie, I can sit with whoever I like and I’m asking you to join us. Come on, that is, if you want to?’ She looked at him with determination on her face.

  ‘Oh, I want to, but I don’t want to cause any trouble for you!’

  Kathy took his hand and, tugging it, led him over to her table.

  ‘Everyone, this is a good friend of mine, Eddie Chancellor.’ She didn’t look at Tammi, who nearly upended her drink.

  Francis gave Kathy a look of surprise, then looked around for a spare chair.

  ‘Over there, mate,’ he said, indicating a chair at one of the other tables. ‘No one’s using that one. Grab it and join us,’ Francis added quickly in a bit of a fluster himself, knowing Digger would be seething.

  Eddie was a surprised at how quickly Francis had made him feel at ease. He soon relaxed and began to enjoy their company.

  Tammi glared daggers at her sister and Kathy knew from that look that she was in for a grilling when they got home.

  Kathy finally got up the nerve to look across at her parents’ table. Digger beckoned her over. Kathy could see from the look on his face that he was furious.

  Reluctantly, she got up to go over. ‘Back in a sec everyone.’

  Tammi grabbed her hand as she squeezed behind her chair. ‘You’re in for it, big time!’

  ‘Katherine, what the bloody hell are you thinking? Whatever possessed you to flaunt yourself out there dancing with that… that… no good thug! And! Why is he sitting at your table?’ he thundered, causing the people at the next table to look over at them.

  ‘I asked him to, Dad!’

  ‘Well you can march right back over there and ask him to leave!’

  Kathy flinched. Digger was even angrier than she expected. His anger only inflamed hers. ‘This is utter bullshit!’ she thought.

  ‘Dad, I’ll do no such thing! He’s actually a very nice person. If only everyone would stop believing every rumour and give him a fair go, they might see what I see!’ She looked defiantly at Digger.

  ‘You need to stop being a sheep, Dad. Be fair and reasonable because I’m going to dance with him some more. Don’t tell me I can’t. I can do what I please, so no use getting yourself in a lather about it and upsetting everyone’s night!’

  Digger was shocked at her blatant defiance and, for a minute, words eluded him.

  ‘Sorry, Dad, but that’s how I feel about this rot.’ Kathy spun around and walked away. Tears stung her eyes. She’d never spoken to her father like that before, but enough was enough. She was eighteen, not eight.

  Digger had risen from his seat to follow but Win took his arm. He sat down again. His words came out from between clenched teeth. ‘I will not allow her to speak to me like that. I’m goin’ over there and I’ll make her come home with us!’

  ‘Dig, no!’ Although Win agreed with everything Digger said, she didn’t want him to create a scene here in front of everyone. She also had an awful feeling Kathy would defy him anyway. So instead, she tried to smooth things over.

  ‘Dig, Kath’s eighteen. She’s a young adult and she’s sensible. Eddie isn’t doing any harm. Francis is there. He’ll look after things.’

  ‘Well right now she’s not bein’ very bloody sensible! Damn it, Win, it’s the reputation of the bloke. You’ve heard about him.’ Digger rubbed his forehead.

  ‘Well I’m not stayin’ here watchin’ this. I think I’ll call it a night. Come on, Mary’s had too much to drink anyway. Let’s get home and well discuss this tomorrow.’

  Win signalled to Ellie and they all prepared to leave. Harv steadied Mary, taking her arm as her eyes speared daggers at him.

  Win and Ellie stopped by the girls’ table to say goodnight.

  Win gave Kathy a reproachful look. Francis promised to drive them home safely.

  ‘I’m sure they’ll be fine, Dig. Francis is there and he won’t let either of the girls out of his sight,’ Win reassured Digger as they got in the car.

  Harv sat in the back between Ellie and Mary. The atmosphere was thick with tension. With Digger’s anger and Mary being pissed and sarcastic, they were all eager to get home.

  As they turned into Centaur Road, Mary called out from the back seat.

  ‘Stop the bloody car!’ She opened the door and Harvey grabbed her just in time to stop her falling.

  Digger carefully pulled the car to the side of the road.

  ‘I’m walking the rest of the way,’ Mary slurred.

  Ellie grabbed her arm and went to speak, but Mary glared at her, snarling.

  ‘Get your bloody hand off me!’ She stumbled from the car into the roadside bush. Harvey called after her as she swiftly disappeared for someone so drunk.

  ‘Go after her, Harv. Quickly, she’ll hurt herself,’ Win urged him.

  Harvey didn’t have to go far. Mary had fallen into the grass at the side of the road and was being sick. He helped her up and gave her his handkerchief as she started to cry.

  Digger slowly moved the car up closer to them.

  ‘You’d better go on, Dig. Mary needs fresh air,’ Harvey suggested. ‘We’ll walk home from here. It’s not far.’

  As they drove the rest of the short distance home, they discussed Mary’s behaviour. It was not in her character at all. They couldn’t believe the change in her.

  ‘She hit it hard, all of a sudden… Made me get her a double at one stage!’ Digger recalled.

  Ellie had a nagging feeling that she knew what brought on Mary’s antagonistic behaviour.

  Harv was doing his best to get Mary home as quickly as he could. It was a slow journey though as he had to walk at her drunken pace.

  ‘I suppose you think I’m disgusting now?’ she blubbered, hiccupping at the same time.

  ‘Just keep walkin’. You need to get to bed,’ he said angrily. He was holding her arm tightly and gave her a rough shake.

  ‘You do! …You do! I can tell by your voice. Go on, say it.’ Mary was working herself into hysterics.

  ‘Lovely Ellie wouldn’t behave like this, would she?’ she spat.

  ‘For God’s sake Mary, what’s Ellie got to do with you getting yourself pissed?’ Harvey couldn’t wait to get her home. He was embarrassed and angry.

  She went on and on, rambling incoherently. Twice they stopped for her to be sick again. She’d wet her pants by now, causing her to cry harder. Mary had really made a mess of herself.

  When Harvey finally got her home, he muttered a silent prayer of thanks that the others hadn’t waited up. He stripped her out of her dress and shoved her on the bed, throwing a light blanket over her.

  He stood for a moment, staring down at her, then wearily crept downstairs and slept on the lounge.

  ***

  The dance had finished at the Boomerang. Everyone was laughing and chatting about the terrific night they had enjoyed.

  Eddie said goodnight to them all and Kathy walked out with him.

  ‘I really had a good time tonight, Kath.’

  ‘Me too, Eddie. It’s been a great night.’ Kathy looked up at him.

  He stood looking into her face, then bent his head and whispered against her lips.

  ‘I have to say thanks to you; you really stuck up for me tonight. You can’t know what that meant to me.’

  He gave her a soft kiss that sent shivers down her spine. Moving away, he said, ‘See you soon, sweetheart.’ Brushing his fingers against her cheek, he smiled, then turned and walked to his car.

  Kathy’s hand went to the spot on her cheek where Eddie had touched her and knew instantly that she wanted to see him again, no matter what anyone had to say.

  ***

  Francis and the girls made their way into the house, all talking at once. �
��It’s been a great night all ‘round,’ Francis said.

  ‘Sheryl seems keen on you, Francis,’ Tammi teased.

  ‘Yeah, well don’t go getting any ideas, Tam.’ He laughed then glanced at Kathy. ‘I didn’t know you knew Eddie so well, Kath.’

  ‘I’ve talked to him a few times. I didn’t know he went to the Boomer though,’ she answered, picking up her purse, ready to go to her room.

  ‘He seems okay to me, although I haven’t really had anything to do with him. Just heard the gossip,’ Francis said.

  ‘Yeah, well you can’t believe everything you hear. Bloody gossip can do so much damage. I think he’s nice,’ Kathy said, glancing across at Tammi.

  Tammi didn’t comment. She was waiting to get Kathy alone. She had every intention of finding out exactly where her crazy sister’s head was at!

  ‘Well, goodnight kids. Let’s go again next week, eh? I’m buggered. See you in the morning.’ Francis headed to his room. Glancing in the lounge room, he raised an eyebrow at Harvey sleeping on the lounge.

  ‘Wonder what happened with him? Didn’t think he was that pissed,’ he thought as went up to bed.

  ‘Kath, we need to talk.’ Tammi looked inquisitively at her as Kathy flopped down on her bed.

  ‘Don’t start, Tam. Let me explain. I know you must be busting to know what the hell I’m doing with Eddie Chancellor.’

  Kathy told the story from the beginning. Eddie taking her on a drive to the Weir and how that came about, adding he was a thorough gentleman. Then she told Tammi how kind Eddie was to her at the funeral.

  She explained how Eddie had lost his father and the effect that had on him. By the time she was finished, Tammi seemed to have a better understanding of bad boy Eddie.

  ‘Tam, he’s just a normal nice guy that’s made some mistakes. Does he have to pay for them for the rest of his life? Anyway, people can say what they like. I like him a lot.’

  ‘What are you gonna do about Dad, though? He’s gonna have more to say to you about tonight. And I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes when he finds out you went all the way out to the Weir with him!’