'I see... Well, we better make it special then, shouldn't we?' Ellie grinned. The three women laughed. They were used to Francis and his requests for special dinners for special guests. Although there hadn't been a special guest for ages since his last friend had moved to Queensland.

'I must say, it'll bring a brighter note to the house this evening. The men are very disturbed about that fire last night.' Hazel slung the tea towel over her shoulder and dropped onto a kitchen chair.

'I can hardly believe there's been another fire. It's been so long and for it to be old Harry's hut! Dawn phoned earlier; she said Eileen's terribly upset. She had such a strong affection for old Harry. His death really hurt her and now this,' Win added.

Ellie was staring out the kitchen window.

'I don't know how we'll get through it if this is the start of more fires. My G.o.d... Things were just returning to normal! If that was the work of the firebug last night, we can't let it go on and on like it did last time.'

Win placed a comforting arm around her sister's shoulders. 'Don't get too concerned yet, Ellie. It may just be a one-off thing.'

The concern in Win eyes betrayed the confidence in her voice. All three women felt the same. Only one person could be responsible for last night's fire and that was the firebug.

CHAPTER SIX.

With heavy boots kicking up the dirt up around their ankles, Karl and Digger headed up the track from the orchard to Kia-Ora, their stomachs rumbling. They had been hard at it since daybreak.

'Hope Hazel's made us some of her big meat and relish sandwiches. I could eat a b.l.o.o.d.y horse!' Digger rubbed his stomach.

Karl grinned at him, agreeing. Hazel usually knew just what to have ready for them. Karl stopped at the tap beside the machinery shed to wash his hands and splash his face. Digger did the same and was drying his face on his handkerchief when he heard Karl's raised voice.

'f.u.c.k! ...Dig, look here!'

He took a couple of steps closer to Karl who was standing with his hands on his hips, staring into the ferret's cage.

'What's wrong?'

'The friggin ferret's dead!' Karl swore.

Digger unlatched the door, reached in and carefully lifted the furry yellow body from the hay-lined cage and gently raised its head.

Karl frowned. 'The neck's broken, Dig. Look at the blood in the corner of its mouth.'

He let the little animal's head loll backwards. It was a pitiful sight.

'You're right, mate. Someone's broken the poor little b.u.g.g.e.r's neck. This's a bit too familiar... too f.u.c.kin' familiar, Karl. I'll never forget what that b.a.s.t.a.r.d did to Towser!' Digger reached for the shovel leaning against the shed.

'No mate, don't bury him, not yet. I reckon we should give Bennett and Simpson a ring. There's no doubt in my mind who did this; the f.u.c.kin' mongrel is at it again. C'mon, put that back in the cage for now!'

'There goes the ferritin' day out,' Karl said, looking at Digger thoughtfully.

As Detectives Simpson and Bennett left Kia-Ora, they pa.s.sed Eddie Chancellor driving in the opposite direction.

'There goes that Chancellor bloke,' Simpson commented.

'Yeah, I still don't trust him. He looks like he's finally gettin' himself together, goin' out with a decent girl. Even dresses sharper, but that doesn't mean a thing. He's trouble through an' through, an' mark my words, this little act won't last,' Bennett said, lighting a cigarette.

'Yeah, I agree, mate,' Simpson said shortly. 'We'll be seein' him in court again before long.' The detective looked thoughtfully out the car window. 'Leopard never changes its spots mate.'

'What do you think about this ferret business?' Bennett drew deeply on his cigarette.

'Well the fire last night, this today, it's too similar to twelve months ago. I think we can expect a lot more and soon! One thing's for sure, we can't let it go on like it did last time. We have to catch the b.a.s.t.a.r.d.' Simpson maneuvered the police car into a parking spot outside the Boomerang Cafe on Wagga road.

'Let's eat!' he grunted as he pulled on the handbrake.

'Good idea, this place has the best coffee in town, too.'

The Boomerang Cafe was well known for its food. Being right beside the Boomerang Pub, it had a healthy clientele, especially after the pub closed and the hungry drinkers flocked in. It stayed open quite late, with tunes being played on the jukebox and the occasional brawl breaking out.

Hazel had set the dining table beautifully. She went to the trouble of picking fresh flowers and they complimented the tablecloth and serviettes perfectly.

Everyone had gathered in the lounge room for pre-dinner drinks. It was no use trying to hide the ferret incident, especially from Emmie. She knew when something was wrong. They discussed it openly but not for long, as Francis and Beth arrived and the conversation took on a lighter note.

Francis introduced Beth to everyone just before Hazel announced dinner. Beth felt comfortable with the large family and she chatted easily throughout the delicious dinner. After dinner, they sipped on coffee as they sat around in the lounge room.

'Do you plan on staying in Albury, dear?' Emmie asked.

'Well, yes, now I have a job. I like it here; it's so much better than the rat race in Sydney.'

Win and Ellie joined in, both asking about Beth's home life. She told them her adoptive mother had recently pa.s.sed away so she had packed up and headed for Albury. She explained how she had learned it was a nice place from her mother, who always praised the town. No mention was made of any father and no one asked. She did add that she was adopted as a baby and an only child.

Francis looked at his watch, indicating that it was getting late. Beth thanked them for the lovely evening. She asked Emmie if she could thank Hazel personally for the delicious meal. Emmie linked arms with her and together they went to the kitchen.

'Well, mate, she sure is a beauty!' Karl remarked.

Francis took a swipe at his uncle and laughed.

'She is lovely, Francis. She has the most gorgeous blue eyes,' Ellie said, putting her arm around her son.

Emmie and Beth came back in, chatting happily. Everyone said goodnight and Francis and Beth left.

Kathy and Eddie had just pulled up in the driveway.

'Hey cousin, you just missed a great dinner.' Francis stuck his head in the car window, saying h.e.l.lo to Eddie as well.

Kathy glanced at Beth and Francis introduced them as he hurried to the volksie, holding the door for Beth to climb in.

'You have a lovely family, Francis. You're very lucky,' Beth commented 'Yeah, they're not a bad bunch.' He chuckled.

'So, this Mick starts tomorrow, does he?' Harvey asked between sips of coffee.

Mary replied yes, telling Harvey the bungalow would also be Mick's new residence. Harvey was pleased that Mary had finally employed some help around the place. He was far too busy with his work at the council to be able to keep on top of all the ch.o.r.es that a property like theirs required, and then of course there was Ellie. He had no intentions of relinquishing his time with her.

The following morning was as sunny as the previous day. The men worked hard in the orchards; the fruit this season was exceptionally good. They were proud of their efforts and wanted to see the orchards thrive for years to come.

Hamilton Valley was one of the most beautiful valleys in NSW. It was hard to believe it had been targeted by someone with one thing in mind... to destroy it.

Eileen headed down Centaur Road to the bus stop, her step brisk. She was enjoying her new job, three days a week, at the Vet's in North Albury. It helped ease her mind about Harry's place as well. Anything to do with animals and Eileen was in her element.

Her mind was not only on her job though. She couldn't help thinking about Darcy. She was very keen on him and she couldn't wait for her next date with him on Friday night. He had phoned her at home last night and they had decided to go to the club this coming Friday. The sports club was the place to go now. Everyone was talking about Johnny Hansen and his band. The club looked like it was going to be a great success.

As Eileen approached the bus stop, she saw Kathy was sitting there.

'Hi, Kath.'

'Hi Cuz, what's new?'

Eileen told her about Darcy and their date Friday night.

Kathy told her that Eddie was back a week early and that they would probably be at the club themselves this Friday. The maroon and white Martins bus came to a stop in front of them and they climbed aboard, sitting together, talking until Eileen got off at her stop. Kathy thought about Eileen as the bus pulled away. She could tell how much her cousin enjoyed her new job and she also noticed the pain in Eileen's eyes when she had mentioned old Harry's hut burning down. Everyone knew how much the old man had meant to her. Now someone had burned down another memory Eileen had of her dear old friend. She had Tom the dog. She would cherish him for Harry. At least she could do that for him.

Mary knocked on the door of the bungalow. She knew Mick had arrived and she had decided to bring him a couple of jars of her homemade jam and relish.

'h.e.l.lo there, Mrs Winters.'

'h.e.l.lo Mick. I thought you might enjoy some of my homemade goodies.'

'I sure will. I haven't had any of that stuff for years.'

Mary smiled and handed over the small box she had packed for him, telling him she would see him the next morning. Mick went inside, holding a jar and smiling.

'Sure will enjoy this. It's been a h.e.l.luva long time since I had stuff like this.'

CHAPTER SEVEN.

'Tammi...'

'I'm coming, hang on a minute,' Tammi called down the stairs to Kathy.

As the girls met at the bottom of the stairs, Francis came into the hallway.

'Hey you two, I've been meaning to ask you about Friday night. How about we all hit the club?'

'You took the words right out of my mouth, Cuz. I was just about to suggest the same thing to Tammi!' Kathy answered gaily.

'I'm all for it! I love the band up there,' Tammi said enthusiastically.

'Great, I'm taking Beth. I'll reserve a table. See ya!' Francis went out the door, a wide smile on his face.

'Wait up, Cuz. Can I grab a lift to work?' Kathy called after him.

'Can you drop me off on the way?' Tammi added, grabbing her books and bag.

'Yeah come on, I'm running late.'

Beth was humming to herself as she sat on her bed.

'Well duckie, you sound happy.' The round face of her landlady beamed at her through the open door.

'I am happy. I can't believe my luck. I've met such lovely people and also got a job so soon. It's great.'

'Well, if you want the kind of information you were askin' me about the other day, the Mason family would be the ones to ask. They've been 'round for longer than I can remember.'

'Yes, I will ask them, but not yet.' Beth smiled a little wistfully as she watched the kind woman waddle down the hall.

Beth yearned for a happy family life. The Masons were the epitome of the happy family in her eyes. Not that she had a bad life with her step mother, it was just certain incidents that she tried to push to the back of her mind she wished she could change. Sadly, that was too late.

Johnny Hansen and his band were already playing as Eddie and Kathy entered the club. Francis was sitting with Beth, Tammi and Laura. Laura was back for a weekend visit from Cooma. Tammi was excited to show her the new club, especially as it was Laura's uncle who was playing.

Eddie took a drink order and went to the bar. Arriving next were Darcy and Eileen. The young men shook hands and Eileen eyed Beth carefully. Beth looked stunning in a deep blue dress. It enhanced her eyes. Darcy also noticed the beautiful young woman.

Eileen noticed his admiring glance and felt a twinge of jealousy.

Kathy looked across to the bar in time to see Dot talking to Eddie. She had an arm draped around his shoulders. Kathy bristled and excused herself from the table. She walked up to Eddie and smiled into his face, then turned to Dot.

'Hi Dot, are you here alone?'

'As a matter of fact, no, I'm with someone.' Dot replied, leaning in close to Kathy's face.

'Well maybe you should get along back to him.' Kathy's smile wasn't friendly.

Dot started to speak but Eddie stepped between them and handed Kathy her drink. 'C'mon, Kath, help me get these drinks to the table.'