CHAPTER 30
Saturday July 13th
The auction was underway when Tess’s car throbbed past the assembled crowd and screeched to a halt just past the beautiful home where she had grown up. About fifty people had gathered, mostly curious onlookers, Tess guessed. The Mayor was there rubbing his hands in eager anticipation of the final sale price. At the very least the councillors would get a pay rise, not as much as his own, of course, but enough to keep them off his back for a year or two. He was also looking forward to silencing those who constantly criticized him for wasting rate payers’ money on unnecessary refurbishment to council offices and space-age public toilets in parks that nobody goes to. Yes, the sale of this property would go a long way to getting the budget into the black and people off his case. He had his suspicions about the manner in which this beautiful building had come to be taken off the Heritage List but he was not a man to stir the waters. The past was the past. As the current Mayor he was paid to deal the present and to plan for the future. Or so he told himself.
A photographer from the Chronicle was ready to snap the Mayor shaking hands with the winning bidder. And two serious contenders had very quickly identified themselves.
Tess had with her the document that Dep Chandra had faxed through to the hotel barely ten minutes earlier. He had only just received it from the solicitor who had been on the phone most of the night and early that morning putting the facts to a Supreme Court judge.
“One million six,” shouted the auctioneer. “I have one million six. Thank you, Mr Abrahams.”
Jed Abrahams was almost salivating at the prospect of building his three-level, six-bedroom, four-bathroom mansion on this very spot.
“Do I hear one million eight. One million eight for the last absolute beachfront property along the coast for a hundred kilometres at least. The site already has development approval from the council. The machinery is ready to go. Do I have one million eight?”
Doris Lowman raised her finger. The crowd gasped.
“Thank you, Mrs Lowman.”
Doris Lowman was determined that her ten-storey luxury apartment block, complete with swimming pool, roof top sauna, spa, gymnasium and restaurant would attract buyers from around the country. Her financial return would be ten, maybe fifteen times what she had to outlay. And she would, of course, be keeping the penthouse for herself.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the auctioneer called excitedly, “there are three things that matter when looking for a property. Position, position and …” He raised his hands in feigned exasperation. “I can never think of the third one!”
“Position!” shouted a few in the crowd responding to his display of showmanship.
“Yes, that’s right and the old post office has them all. Do I have two million? Two million for this unique property?”
Jed Abrahams looked at his wife who gave a resigned sigh and shook her head.
“It’s a beautiful day and it looks like we all just want to go and lie on the beach. I have a bid of one million eight hundred thousand dollars from Mrs Doris Lowman. Going once… going twice …”
“Nothing!” Tess shouted as she panted her way through the crowd.
Every eye turned to the intruder.
“I’m sorry, madam, you can’t bid nothing.”
“Ignore the crazy lady,” called Doris Lowman. “Get on with it!”
“Not crazy, Mrs Lowman, but I do get a little cranky with obnoxious people like you at times. And,” Tess continued, “I most certainly can bid nothing, especially on a building that I already own.”
The pressman’s camera flashed as a confused muttering rippled through the assembly. Tess stepped forward and handed the auctioneer her document. He perused it carefully.
The auctioneer’s disappointment was palpable. In his mind he had already spent what would have been the biggest commission of his life. The Bahamas would have to wait. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he announced after a minute, “it seems that the Supreme Court has granted an injunction preventing the sale of this property pending an investigation into the circumstances by which it has come on to the market. With our apologies, this auction is suspended indefinitely.”
Doris Lowman turned angrily to Tess. “I don’t know what trick you’re trying to pull, lady, but this building will be mine,” she snarled, “and I’ll be looking down on you from up there…” She pointed to the sky.
“Gracious me, you’re not dying are you?”
“From the penthouse, you idiot! And it’s not a matter of if, it’s just a matter of when.”
“Well, dear, the higher you are, the further you fall. And that’s not a matter of if, either.”
Doris Lowman hissed something else unpleasant, and, Tess assumed, unflattering before turning on her stilettos and storming off.
The photographer had enough material to fill the first three pages of the next day’s paper.
Monday July 15th
Mia returned from the shop with milk and a paper under one arm and a kitten under the other.
“Sorry, everyone, the shop was out of ham, but they were doing a good deal on cat. I’ll make some sandwiches.”
“I think I’ll stick with Vegemite,” came Alison’s voice from the balcony.
“Same for me,” called Tess.
Mia put the kitten down on the balcony. “He was just sitting on the footpath outside the door downstairs. Look at his tag, Nan.”
Tess read the tag around the kitten’s neck. “Goodness me. Number 711.” Tess stroked the kitten who responded by purring and rubbing itself against. “I thought I recognised you.”
“Can I keep it, Mum?”
Alison looked dubious. “I don’t know. I’ve never really liked cats.”
“You did say I could have anything,” Mia reminded her mother. “Besides, this cat is special. It …” Mia lifted the kitten and looked underneath, “… he helped solve the mystery of Nan’s promise key.”
“Yes, he did, didn’t he?” Alison reached out and took the kitten from Mia’s arms. “In that case, welcome to the family, 711”
“How about Oscar?” suggested Mia.
“You can’t call him that. If someone’s finds him they take him to the refuge.”
“Good thinking, Nan. In that case, welcome to the family… Ha’penny.”
Alison and Mia laughed at the page two photos. The first showed Tess pushing her way through the crowd holding the court document in her hand and heading straight towards a surprised looking auctioneer. The second showed an angry Mrs Doris Lowman pointing to the sky with the Mayor in the background scratching his head. The headline read: Clowder Bay old girl saves a piece of our history. Previous council faces inquiry.
“You’re quite the local hero, Nan.”
“Yes but I’m not sure about the old girl bit. Although, looking at that photo …” Tess spread her hands on her cheeks and pulled them back towards her ears.”
“Mum, do you know what day it is?” asked Mia with sudden alarm.
“Yes, it’s Monday.”
“Not only that, but it’s the first day of school. So, are we just extending our holiday, or does this mean we might be staying?”
“Would you like to stay?”
Mia took a bite of her toast and looked out over the beach and ocean. She asked herself the question. Do I really want to change schools? I haven’t had the best start with the kids I’ve met so far, except Jimmy. And he might be moving to Melbourne.
“You never know,” Tess reassured her, “Jimmy’s parents might find a way to stay. Besides, I actually think you and Mitch could end up good friends.”
“And I believe the school library is very large and well-stocked,” Alison added.
Mia raised an eyebrow and looked at her mother and grandmother.
What about my athletics, she thought. I really like my coach. He’s actually one of the few teachers at her school I do like. He’s interested in what he does and knows what he’s talking about.
“I hear
d that their Director of Sports is an ex-Olympian. A runner,” said Alison.
Mia leaned her head backwards and looked up. “What, do I have a thought bubble floating over my head?”
Alison and Tess laughed. “No, darling, but we have known you all your life. What do you think?”
Mia looked at her mother. “Would Peter live here?”
“Peter has a lot of healing time ahead. He says his counsellor is really helping a lot.”
“The one we always see in the background when they try to interview him? She’s so beautiful.”
“Maybe just a little bit too beautiful,” Tess added with a touch of disapproval.
Alison gave Tess a dismissive wave. “Mum, don’t be silly. You’re always seeing things that aren’t there.”
“Oh, am I indeed? Like axe-murderers.”
“Anyway,” interrupted Mia, “would he live here?”
“Who, the axe-murderer?” asked Tess.
“Nan, you’re not helping!”
“Of course he would,” Alison smiled. “I wouldn’t even be considering it if he didn’t.”
“But what about your jobs? I know that you’ve just inherited quite a bit of money, Nan, but how long will that last?”
“Well, one thing I’m not going to do is let it all sit in the bank until I die. I’ll have you two sitting by my deathbed counting down the seconds.”
“Nan, we would never want …”
“I’m only joking. Your mother and I have a few things we’d like to do and I’m sure you’ll approve.”
Mia couldn’t think of any more questions.
Jimmy’s father was unloading cartons from his van when Doris Lowman’s BMW skidded to a stop in front of the restaurant and she hurriedly climbed out.
“Excuse me,” she said loudly and angrily, “You were supposed to be out of this building by now. Do you think anyone would buy this place if it smells like an Asian soup kitchen.”
“Oh, Asian soup!” declared Kevin Trang, “With ginger and chicken. Stop it, Mrs Lowman, you’re making me hungry!” Mr Trang continued unloading the truck.
“I said stop, you fool.”
Kevin Trang placed a large carton at the door and took a set of keys from his pocket.
“What are you doing with those keys? You were told to hand them to the estate agent last week.”
“Yes, and I did just that. And this morning he handed them back to me. He is a very agreeable man. He eats here often.”
“What the devil are you talking about, you imbecile. Give me those keys! This is my building and I’ve ordered you out.”
Kevin Trang opened the restaurant door. He picked up a carton and made to move inside but Doris Lowman blocked his way. He shook his head.
“Mrs Lowman, you don’t seem to understand. You wanted to sell this building and now you have. You left a signed contract with the estate agent with an instruction to accept the first offer that matched the amount you wanted. So, this building is no longer yours.”
“Well, I don’t know what the new owner was thinking, letting you people back in. They must be mad.”
“Actually,” Mr Trang lowered his voice and looked around as though he were about to reveal a secret, “Kim does get a bit crazy at times, but I still love her. Now, unless you want to help carry some of these boxes back in, I’d like you to leave.”
Doris Lowman’s eyes tightened. “I won’t be made a fool of like this. I’ll have my lawyer cancel the contract.”
“You might like to try that, Mrs Lowman, but my wife’s new business partner is Tess Newell and it appears that she has what you would call a very deep purse.”
Kevin Trang noticed the police car pull up. Constable Ben Leeson stepped out along with a serious-faced woman and an equally solemn-looking young man.
“Besides,” he added, “I suspect your lawyer is about to become very busy with other things.”
Doris Lowman swung around to see the police officer and his companions approaching her. Ben Leeson politely tipped his cap. “Mrs Lowman, these people would like to talk with you.”
Before she could object the two strangers had reached into their pockets and were showing their ID cards.
“Mrs Lowman, we’re from the Crime and Corruption Commission and we’re just making some preliminary inquiries in to matters that occurred during your time as Mayor. Would you accompany us to the police station, please?”
Kevin Trang allowed himself a satisfied smile as he lifted the last carton out of the rear of the van. Climbing back into her car, Doris Lowman was on the phone to her solicitor. “Meet me at the police station in ten minutes… Sick! What do I care if you’re sick? Just do what I pay you to do.”
“Excuse me, mate.” Kevin turned to see a tall, good-looking man approaching him. He had a slight limp and lightly supported himself with a walking stick. A very attractive woman in military uniform accompanied him. “We’re a bit lost. Can you tell me where the Seaview Apartments are?”
“Sure.” Kevin pointed south along Beach Road. “Just in the next block. About three doors from the corner.”
“Thanks, mate. You’re a champion.” Kevin’s brain worked hard as he stared after the couple who walked off in the direction he had pointed. Suddenly he called out.
“Hey!”
They looked around. Kevin gave the thumbs up. “You’re the champion, mate. Welcome home.”
The banquet that Kim and Kevin laid out for their guests that night was fit for royalty. Peter and Alison clung to each other as if they were afraid the other would disappear if let go. When he wasn’t telling Alison how much he loved her he was telling people what a brilliant counsellor his twin sister was and how the progress he had made so far was entirely attributable to her.
Tess leaned across to Mia. “You knew, didn’t you? About the sister thing?”
“Of course I did, Nan. But mum and I thought it was fun listening to you go on.”
“Well, like I always say, some things…”
Mia looked at Mitch and Jimmy and rolled her eyes. “Here, Nan, have some more green tea.”
It wasn’t a night for speeches but Shorty Reynolds couldn’t help standing and welcoming Mia and Alison as Clowder Bay’s newest residents. He put his hand on Peter’s shoulder and said what a privilege it was to have a genuine hero in town.
“In conclusion,” he said, “I’d especially like to welcome back a lady who, as a teenager, had a smile that could have powered every street light on Beach Road. She attracted the attention of every young man in town. And now, more than forty years later,” Shorty cleared his throat nervously and patted himself on the chest, “there is a least one man who remains very much under her spell.”