‘I don’t blame Hazel either. Ted’s lucky he wasn’t hurt worse than he was, like poor old Harry. He was defenceless as well. This bloke’s a bloody coward to do these cruel things to old people and a poor animal,’ Tammi replied, tears welling in her eyes.
Kathy put her chin in her hands and stared thoughtfully out the window. ‘Every night now I go to bed wondering what will happen next. I really hate living this way!’
‘Me too Kath, it’s horrible,’ Tammi whispered.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Ellie organized a cabin at the Weir and had taken a month-to-month lease.
She sat on the bed, looking around the spotless little cabin.
‘I’ll put flowers on that small table in the kitchen,’ she mused aloud. ‘This little place will do nicely.’
She had one more look around before closing and locking the door behind her.
Ellie slipped the keys into her bag and drove back to town. She knew Harvey was taking a job as an overseer for the Council, so if she timed it right, she might catch him for lunch. First, she wanted to shop for new bed linen for the cabin and some nice crockery and glasses.
‘We might as well be comfortable if this is the way it’s going to be,’ she murmured.
She had her arms full as she walked back to the car.
A voice from behind her asked, ‘Need a hand, lady?’
Startled, she froze on the spot. Two hands reached out and took the parcels from her arms and she turned and looked into Harvey’s smiling face with relief.
‘You bugger, Harvey! That voice didn’t sound like yours at all. You gave me such a fright!’
‘I’m sorry, sweetheart. I wouldn’t frighten you for the world.’ He kissed her lightly on the cheek. He acted in a brotherly fashion in case there were any onlookers.
‘I know you wouldn’t, it’s just with everything that’s happening it makes me so jumpy.’
‘You’ve been doing a fair bit of shopping by the looks of all that.’ He smiled and pointed at the parcels.
Ellie told Harvey about the cabin. He was delighted and his mind immediately whirled with erotic plans for nights alone with her. She ripped open the parcels and showed him the new linen. He was pleased to see her so excited. It was a change. ‘A very refreshing change,’ he thought.
They were eager to be together but they couldn’t even steal a kiss. There were too many watchful eyes in a small town and it was bound to get back to someone. Gossip in this town would rage like one of the firebug’s fires. They simply couldn’t take the risk but they made a date for the next evening after Harvey finished work.
Ellie gave Harvey a key which he put in the back of his wallet. With a wink and a promise to see her the next evening, he went back to work. He was already planning an excuse for Mary as to why he would be late the next evening.
***
‘Mum, we’ve been stuck at home all day. It’s not fair!’ Tammi wailed.
‘I know, love. You have to understand though, it’s for your own protection!’
‘Do you think Dad would let us out with Francis for a while tonight?’ Kathy asked.
‘Well, I think Dig would agree to that, just don’t do anything to upset your father. He’s had enough.’ Win gave Kathy a look of warning.
They promised her they would be careful. Neither of them wanted to upset their father any further. He was devastated about Towser and furious about what happened to Ted. Digger was reaching the end of his tether fast.
He agreed that they could go out as long as Francis was with them the whole time. He just wanted to protect them, not to make their lives miserable. He knew he came across as harsh, he couldn’t help it: it was sheer concern for everyone’s safety.
They decided to pick up Eileen as well and all go to visit old Harry at the hospital before going on to the pub.
Digger warned the girls and Francis, once again, that they were not to go anywhere alone. He explained that he was just extremely worried, not trying to be a dictator.
‘I know how you feel, Dig,’ Win said. ‘But we can’t make them feel like prisoners in their own homes. It’s just not fair to them.’
‘I know… I know… but if anything happened to either of them… Win…’
‘Don’t think like that. Come on, Ellie’s in the lounge room, let’s join her and have a drink.’
While she was pouring the drinks, Karl came in.
‘Arthur’s out on patrol for a few hours tonight. I told him we’d check on Daisy so they can concentrate on what their doin’. She’s bound to be jittery down there on her own.’
He sat down and took the whiskey Win handed him. ‘I nearly went to sleep readin’ me western. All these patrols and work are really makin’me bloody exhausted. Can hardly keep me eyes open if I even relax for a minute!’
Just as Karl spoke, there was a loud knocking at the front door. Ellie hurried to answer it.
‘Is Karl Mason here?’ the burly detective’s gruff voice boomed.
‘Yeah, what’s up?’ Karl asked, walking up behind her.
Standing at the front door were three men: detectives Simpson, Bennet and a newcomer.
Bennett greeted them and formally introduced Senior Detective Riley from Sydney. He was a tall man dressed in an immaculate dark suit. He exuded confidence and power. He was a man at ease with his position in life.
‘Have you been home all evening?’ Senior Detective Riley asked, brushing non-existent fluff from his jacket. Karl told the detective he had certainly been at home. Digger backed him up. While they were answering the detective’s questions, they heard heavy footsteps on the back veranda. Win started towards the door when it opened and another detective barged straight in. He was short and balding with a couple of chins that made Win instantly think of a fat little bull dog.
Before she could say a thing, he introduced himself. ‘I hope I didn’t startle you. I’m Senior Detective Moore from Sydney. I’m here with Senior Detective Riley.’ He strode past Win to where Karl and Digger stood with surprised looks on their faces.
‘What the hell do you think you’re doin’, bargin’ in like this! Don’t you city blokes have any manners?’ Karl demanded. ‘What the flamin’ hell were ya doin’ out the back anyway?’
The detectives explained a local had spotted someone lurking in the top paddock at Dawn’s where her hayshed had been. Then he was seen to be heading down in the direction of Kia-Ora.
‘So, with Senior Detective Riley here, Simmo and I came in to talk to you blokes. Senior Detective Moore took a look out back,’ Bennett explained.
‘Who saw this bloke? Why didn’t they get hold of us?’ Karl asked. ‘We’d be a lot faster than you blokes. We know the area like the back of our hands – all the short cuts. We would ‘ave been there in a flash.’
‘Yeah, everyone ‘round here knows we’re all lookin’ out for each other. Why didn’t anyone ring here and let us know some bastard was headin’ down here? That’s what would usually happen. I find that bloody odd really.’ Digger eyed their faces.
‘Yeah, and why didn’t they ring Dawn and warn her and Jeff?’ Karl added. ‘Seems strange to me as well, mate!’
The detectives wouldn’t elaborate on who had made the call. They refused to disclose any names.
They said they were checking the whereabouts of everyone.
After asking several more questions, they turned to leave, adding, ‘We’re sorry for any inconvenience but we have to do our job. Goodnight to you all.’
After the detectives left, Karl and Digger discussed their visit at length.
‘Somethin’ doesn’t sit right about this!’ Karl said
‘Yeah, the cops were pretty cagey about it, weren’t they,’ Digger agreed.
‘If you saw someone hangin’ ‘round where they shouldn’t be, wouldn’t you let one of us know…? Hell, the whole valley knows we’re all doin’ stakeouts!’
Karl looked at Digger thoughtfully.
‘Well, it’d be the sensible thing
to do,’ Win said.
‘You don’t think the police made it up, do you?’ Ellie asked.
They all thought about this for a minute, then Karl stood up, shoving his hands in his pockets. ‘Those cops are completely baffled by what’s happenin’ ‘round the valley. You might just be right, Ellie! They’ve come up with nothin’ time and time again. They’d be desperate for someone to blame!’
‘And you think they might be tryin’ to lay the blame at our doorstep, Karl?’ Digger voiced what they had all been thinking.
‘I do! I reckon they’d try an’ pin it on any one of us. They probably actually believe in their over-active brains that one of us would be capable of doing this to our own families! The ‘bug’ has ‘em dancin’ to his tune and they’re also feelin’ pretty foolish!’
‘Well,’ Win said angrily. ‘They can try all they like but they’re wasting valuable time when they should be out there looking for the real culprit. Surely to goodness they can’t seriously think one of us would do such vile things to our own family!’
‘Well, I say it’s a damn cheek just walking in like that detective Moore did,’ Ellie said angrily. ‘I reckon he sneaked around the back to listen to what was being said in here.’
‘And goodness knows how long he’d been out there,’ Win added. ‘Maybe they’re listening in on our conversations right now!’ She raised her voice for the last two words.
‘They’re desperate, Win!’ Karl said, sighing loudly. ‘They can listen all they like, they won’t hear anythin’ that they can pin on any of us.’
‘Still, it isn’t a nice feeling wondering if the police are hiding outside listening in on what we say. It’s bad enough worrying about the damn firebug being outside,’ Ellie replied.
‘Well they might as well join the bastard. There’s no privacy in this valley anymore. Like I said, Ellie, they’re desperate. I wouldn’t be surprised what they’d do. C’mon Dig, let’s get on down to Daisy’s and check on her.’ Karl moved toward the door and looked back at Win, pointing to the keys on the hallstand.
‘Lock the house, Win. We’ve got our keys, so lock everythin’. We won’t be long. Don’t ignore any noises!’ Digger stressed. He grabbed his torch and followed Karl out the door.
They had only taken a few steps when the sound of gunfire stopped them in their tracks. Loud bangs followed one after the other, rolling off the hills in frightening cracks, echoing eerily in the dark of night.
‘Holy shit…’ Digger swore. ‘Where’d that come from, mate?’
Karl shook his head. ‘It wasn’t from up the road; it sounded more like over Ivy Gelding’s way. Shit, Dig. I’m stuffed if I know.’
Both Win and Ellie were outside now. ‘Was that gunshots?’ they asked in unison.
‘Yeah, but we dunno where it came from,’ Digger told them. ‘Wasn’t up the road; it sounded more like over Ivy’s way. Just can’t be sure. Hope the blokes are all okay out there. What bloody next?’ Digger growled ‘Where’s the fuckin’ D’s now?’
‘We’ll go in and ring around. You two better get down and see Daisy. She’ll be terrified on her own,’ Win said, turning to rush back inside.
‘Yes, get going and stay with her. We’ll ring you there and let you know what we find out,’ Ellie called over her shoulder as she hurried after Win.
Karl and Digger legged it through the orchard, skirted around the dam and tackled the barbed wire fence that tore a nasty scratch on Karl’s arm as he scrambled through it.
‘Friggin’ hell, Dig. A bloke’s gettin’ too old to be doin’ this,’ he panted, running up the gravel drive to Daisy’s.
She opened the door after they called out who it was, ushering them inside and quickly locking the door behind them.
‘I heard the gun shots,’ she said nervously. ‘Do you know where they came from?’
‘Not yet, Daize. We were about to head down here when we heard ‘em too,’ Digger replied.
‘I hope Arthur’s alright; he would be out there somewhere with Nat and Rex.’
‘He’ll be fine, don’t worry. Win was going to ring around and see what she could find out. She’ll ring here when she knows more,’ Karl told her.
‘I’ll put the kettle on and make us a cuppa. It’s good of you to come and check on me. I don’t like being here on my own. I’ll get you a bandaid for that scratch too, Karl’
‘Young Rob should be here with you, Daize. If I was you, I’d make him stay here with you when Arthur’s out on patrol,’ Digger said.
Finally, after half an hour, the phone rang. Daisy told Karl to answer it. She stood beside Digger, nervously clasping and unclasping her hands as they waited for Karl to hang up.
‘It was old Beryl Davis. Apparently Arthur and Jeff paired up and went up to patrol around the perimeter of old Mr Johnson’s. Nat and Rex went to check on the old people down further. Poor old Beryl blasted them with a buckshot. She thought it was the bug trying to set fire to her chook shed.’
‘Was either of them hurt?’ Digger asked.
‘From the bit of information Win got, Nat copped a bit in his leg. Didn’t get him properly, which was lucky. Rex said Beryl really let fly with it. Said she just blasted away at everythin’.’
‘Shit, this is exactly what we thought could happen. People are scared to death. It’s exactly what we’ve been sayin’ all along: they could do worse damage just by tryin’ ta protect ‘emselves,’ Dig stated. ‘Beryl could be in a bit of strife over this.’
Karl continued. ‘Yeah well Nat was the unlucky one this time. They yelled to her but she just kept shootin. The tool shed got peppered with buckshot and it ricocheted off that into Nat. He’ll be a bit sore for a few days, that’s all. Rex finally pacified the old girl but he had to ring Keith Brewster. He’s taken Beryl’s gun from her and contacted her son and daughter-in-law. They’re on their way in from Yackandandah. They’re gonna take her to stay with them till the bug’s caught.’
‘Good grief!’ Daisy exclaimed. ‘Will this madness never end?’
‘Shit, Nat and Rex were bloody lucky. They could’ve been killed if she’d used bullets!’ Digger slowly shook his head. ‘Bloody dangerous… How the hell do we stop this…? It’s beyond me.’
‘Daize, we have ta get goin’. Lock yourself in. Ring the house if you get worried about anythin’ at all. Arthur’ll be on his way back down soon,’ Karl said kindly.
‘I’m okay but from now on I will make Rob stay home while Arthur’s out,’ she told them, thanking them again for popping in to check on her.
‘Fair dinkum, that bloody Robert would be gettin’ his boney arse kicked if he was my kid. Wouldn’t ya think under the friggin circumstances he’d wanna stay home and look after his mother? Arthur should make ‘im,’ Digger said angrily. ‘Can’t Arthur control the little shit? I don’t think he realises half of what his kid gets up to!’
‘Yeah well I’m gonna say something to Arthur about that, Dig. It’s bloody wrong leavin’ Daisy on her own like that.’
***
There was no improvement in Harry. Kathy and Tammi couldn’t believe the frail old man lying in the bed was the same man with whom they’d shared a cuppa a few weeks ago.
‘I wish he’d wake up,’ Eileen whispered, massaging his wrinkled hand.
Harry stirred and mumbled.
‘I wonder what he’s trying to tell us. It must be so frustrating for him. I’m sure he can hear us. I’ve told him that his dog Tom is safe with us. We finally found him hiding up the hill. He crept out looking for food. He must have been scared off by whoever did this at least he’s safe. I’ve cleaned up the hut and locked it, so all the old bugger has to do is get better now.’
‘He’s lucky to have you to care about him, Eileen. You’re so kind to him.’ Kathy put her arm around her cousin and gave her a hug.
‘Well, Kath, I’m the only one who knew the real Harry. No one else would bother with him.’
They sat and chatted to the old man, trying to coax him from his unc
onscious state. When visiting time was finally over, they all kissed him and Francis leaned over before he left and whispered, ‘You can do it, Harry. You pull through for Eileen, and Tom misses you.’ He squeezed the old man’s arm as he turned to go.
Harry mumbled again. Francis leaned forward to listen. Not a sound came from the old man’s lips. Harry had slipped back into his world of oblivion.
***
Ellie rose early the next morning. She was looking forward to the evening ahead.
She couldn’t look her mother in the eye as she told her she would be going into town for the day, then meeting Fay. She didn’t bother to elaborate any further. She told her mother not to expect her home at any particular time.
Emmie was a wise old woman. She knew Ellie was not being truthful, neither did she expect Ellie to tell her the real reason either. ‘I just hope you don’t get hurt, my darling,’ she whispered as she watched Ellie’s car go down the drive.
When the girls came down for breakfast, they seemed rather solemn.
‘Was it a good night, girls?’ Win asked.
‘Yeah, we had a nice evening… quiet though. None of us really felt like doing much after we saw poor Harry,’ Tammi said.
Kathy was thinking of Eddie most of the time and hadn’t really enjoyed her night out at all. It might have been different if he had been able to meet her but he said they couldn’t risk it. Word would get back to Digger for sure if they met at the local pub.
‘Do the doctors have any further hope of him coming good?’
‘No Mum, they just say that they have to wait. It’s all a matter of time. Whoever did that to Harry is very messed up in the head. What a maniac. He deserves to be treated the same when they catch him,’ Tammi declared heatedly.
‘We had a visit from the police last night.’ Win told the girls about the previous evening’s events, including the incident with Beryl.
‘So, girls, whether the sighting was real or whether the police were sussing your dad and uncle out, either way this is really serious. Whoever is out there is getting gamer all the time. If he’d go right up to Connie’s house like he did, bash poor old Harry, then kill poor old Towser and make those horrid phone calls…’ Win shuddered as she spoke. ‘Well, he would be game to do anything! So you must be very very careful. I know I’m repeating what’s already been said but I am frantic about this whole damn thing.’
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