Scorpion's Bite Book 1

By B C Austen

While on their Australia camping holiday London couple, Ben and Ingrid, encounter a hiccup when Ben suffers a nasty reaction to a scorpion bite. At the hospital he is diagnosed with a debilitating underlying illness and they’re forced to modify their itinerary, no longer able to pick up casual work. They drive from Canberra towards the West until they encounter car trouble and are forced to camp in an isolated outback region. Ingrid is shocked to discover that Ben has disappeared overnight and she calls the police. Because of the remoteness they’re unable to help and she is forced to locate a distant uncle who lives hundreds of miles away on a run-down farm. This lonely old man welcomes her and they form a bond. Living in hope that Ben will surface she stays and becomes a carer for her uncle. Weeks later he dies and had made her his beneficiary. She loves her new life and this opportunity that has been given to her. A neighbour takes a special interest in her, but this brings unsettling influences when she finds she’d made a jealous enemy who is prepared to drive her away. With no money to make the farm work she is forced to re-think her ambitions - go back home to the harsh British winter or find a way to make her new farm workable? And what of Ben? Will she ever see him again?

• Language: English
• Publisher: B C Austen
• Release date: May 23, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463779927

B C Austen

Barbara is a retired medical receptionist and a learner blogger. She is a native of Western Australian country towns, but has now joined the city rat race. Among her hobbies she has a small but fascinating collection of weird and wonderful teapots.She has been learning creative writing for a few years now and her first novel has just hit the ebook market.Her family is her life, but movies and coffee with friends are all important.

Book preview

Chapter One

THURSDAY 28th SEPTEMBER 2017

‘You lucky sods,’ said Jane, reaching for her glass of red. ‘I wish Martin and I were going with you.’

‘Well, I gave you the option,’ said Ben, edging closer to Ingrid.

‘Yeah, I know. If you’d paid for our airline tickets we would have, but we’re broke. It took us months to save enough money just to scrape the bond together for this new flat. And the rent will suck up the rest of our spare money.’

Martin cut in. ‘You insisted on moving to that expensive area, so….’

‘Ok, you don’t have to rub it in. Anyway, I’d have preferred holidaying in Spain rather than Australia.’

Ingrid and Ben had organised a gathering of their friends and work colleagues at their favourite pub haunt, the Hare and Owl, prior to catching their flight to Australia, and most of them had turned up. The group had split up into smaller clumps as different ones came and went. Ingrid was glad that Kelvin had come as she needed to double check with him that he remembered that he was going to keep an eye on her flat.

Ingrid noticed that Ben wasn’t taking much interest in their conversation with Martin and Jane. His gaze went to the door whenever he heard someone entering the pub. All their friends were there celebrating with them, so there was no reason for him to be so distracted.

‘Ben? When are you coming back to work?’ asked Finchy, leaning across from the group beside them. Ben appeared not to have heard him.

‘Ben?’ he repeated.

At that moment Ben walked off after setting his glass down, muttering something vague as he excused himself. Ingrid grabbed his arm as he passed her.

‘Where are you going? Finchy asked you a question.’

‘I know. Give me a couple of seconds,’ he said.

Ingrid gave Finchy an apologetic look and grimaced as she watched Ben raise his arm to attract someone’s attention. Her eyes darted ahead of Ben to see where he was going. A man wearing a baseball cap had entered and was looking around nervously, fidgeting with his cap as he scanned the drinkers. His face lit up when he saw Ben.

Ingrid turned back to Finchy. ‘We’re going for six months, Finchy, but it could be less if he doesn’t stop behaving like an arsehole.’

Finchy laughed. Like Ben he was also a lecturer at the university and they were drinking mates. Ingrid was intrigued that he asked, seeing as Ben had to get the ok from him for the time off. Don’t these men pay attention?

Jane had been watching Ben too, then she addressed Finchy and put Ingrid’s thoughts into words.

‘You work with him. Don’t you discuss things like that?’

‘We do, but I’d forgotten the actual date when he’s back at work. Too many things going on. A student had a seizure in the middle of a lecture this morning and getting him treated messed me up. I don’t keep tabs on everyone’s holidays.’

‘Thanks for coming anyway, Finchy,’ said Ingrid. ‘Looks like he’s coming back now.’

Ben slapped Finchy’s back on his return. ‘Sorry about taking off like that, but I had to grab that bloke. What was it you asked me?’

‘It’s sorted. Listen, Ben. I can’t stay long tonight. Did you get the report done?’

‘Yes, I emailed it to you.’

‘Thanks,’ said Finchy, patting Ben’s shoulder. He moved on to the other group of Ben’s workmates, and Jane went off to the toilet. Martin ordered more drinks.

‘Who was that fellow?’ asked Ingrid, glad that they had a few moments alone.

‘Who was what?’

‘That guy you were just talking to. I don’t think I’ve met him before.’

‘One of the work blokes. He’s new and is taking over from me. He was just asking me about some last minute stuff.’

Ingrid looked down at her drink. She didn’t believe him. This guy could have emailed Ben instead of hunting him down in a pub. He’d lied to her before, but this time she didn’t want to pursue the conversation. It wouldn’t serve any purpose except to put her more on edge about their vacation. If it wasn’t for the holiday she’d come close to breaking it off with him, but he’d paid for their trip. She’d spent some considerable time weighing up the pros and cons of it, but in the end, she decided to go with him and make the most of it. After all, they were going to civilised countries - Australia, then maybe South Africa, or NZ if they wanted. She was glad it was not one of those jungle places in South America where tourists got preyed upon. Holidaying in the warmer climes of the southern hemisphere was more to her liking, rather than being holed up in London for the coming winter.

Ben took her hand. ‘You’ve still got that worried look on your face about this. It’ll be fine. I’ll look after you, if that’s what you’re worried about.’

Ingrid sighed and took in a long breath. ‘I know you will. I’m just out of my comfort zone at the moment. It’s so far from home.’

‘That’s the whole point of it, and we’ll get to know each other better.’

Or maybe not.

Ingrid looked up at the clock over the bar. Its face was yellowed with the accumulation of cigarette smoke, and the hideous stuffed head of a boar perched above the twelve o’clock point should have found its way into a dumpster a long time ago. Despite their flight still hours away she was getting antsy about waiting.

She took hold of Ben’s hand and whispered,‘how about we say goodbye to everyone and hail a taxi.’

Ben nodded and tapped a spoon against his glass. Their small gathering stopped their chatter and turned round to hear what he wanted to say.

‘Guys, thanks for coming along to send us on our way. Ingrid is getting restless and wants to leave now, so we might head off.’

‘Oh, already?’ came the chorus of replies. ‘It’s still early. Your flights don’t go for hours yet.’

‘Yes, I know,’ said Ingrid. ‘I’m getting headachy and grumpy, and I don’t want to spoil everything. So thanks for coming along to wish us well.’

No-one minded and they all exchanged hugs and followed them out to the footpath. Ben hailed a taxi and loaded their luggage into the boot, while Ingrid climbed into the back seat. Once Ben joined her the taxi drove away.

❊ ❊ ❊

Along the way Ingrid’s thoughts went back to six months earlier when she and Ben had sat on the floor in his apartment, wine glasses in hand as he got ready to roll the dice. In front of them, scattered on the floor were pictures of countries where they wanted to go for an extended backpacking holiday. Ingrid’s long service was due from her nursing job, but Ben was fed up with his university job as a chemistry lecturer and wanted to take a long break. Ingrid had her fingers crossed that it didn’t land on Russia or China, or anywhere else where she couldn’t speak the language, but Ben had no fears about those places and had still put those countries in the mix. After several arguments from the disgruntled Ingrid she got her way. The dice landed on Australia on the fourth throw.

Ben laughed afterwards and confessed that he was toying with her and that Australia was always the intended destination.

‘I wouldn’t have objected if it had landed in South Africa,’ she said. ‘Maybe we could do a safari.’

‘If we don’t like Australia then we’ll go there.’

As the taxi wove its way towards Heathrow Ben put his arm around her and pulled her close.

‘Are you ok?’ he asked. ‘You seem miles away.’

‘Yeah, I’m ok. Once the plane takes off I can relax and chill out. Then there’s no likelihood that I’ll back out.’

‘Have you been thinking of backing out?’

‘Yes, I have. Don’t ask me why. Nerves I guess. You?’

‘I don’t know. Don’t know what to think after hearing you say that. Why didn’t you say anything sooner?’

Ingrid shrugged. ‘I’ve not flown anywhere before. I’m worried that we’ll find out we hate each other. And I’ll miss home.’

‘Ingrid, you’re twenty-eight. And you live alone. What will you miss?’

She shrugged again and closed her eyes as the taxi slowed down for traffic. ‘My job, my workmates. The things I do when I’m by myself. Reading, music, running.’

‘You can still read and listen to music and run. You’ll just be doing it in a different place.’

Ingrid took hold of Ben’s arm and leaned on his shoulder. ‘Don’t you know this about me? That I struggle with a major change and that’s what a holiday is.’

He nodded. ‘I do know that about you but I’m so excited about the trip that I forgot. As I said before, I’ll look after you and….’

‘Don’t worry about me, Ben. Like I said, once we’re up and flying I can chill and start looking forward to our adventure.’

‘Well, have a last look at gloomy dismal London and think about the warmth and the wide open spaces.’

They checked themselves in at the departures desk. The clerk studied their features against the passport photo.

‘Ben Carter. Are your visas arranged?’

‘Yes,’

Several more questions were asked and he was given his boarding pass. He put his backpack on the conveyor belt and then stepped aside while Ingrid went through the same motions.

‘Ingrid Zaba. Just some security checks. Your date of birth?’

‘February 18, 1989,’ she said.

When he was done with her and had passed her documents back Ben stepped forward and lifted her backpack onto the belt. Seconds later both items rolled behind the wall, then they got into the queue waiting to pass through the x-ray machines. Afterwards they headed off looking for a cafe, one that had booths so Ingrid could stretch herself out. Ben ordered each a coffee and a sandwich to share.

She closed her eyes and tried to focus her thoughts on the trip, but the noises and smells and the clattering of dishes nearby kept disturbing her. She must have dozed off but woke ten minutes later to find herself alone. She wiped her eyes with the heels of her hands and sat up to see if she could see where Ben was. Their food was on the small table in front of her, but there was no sign of him. She leaned onto the table with her elbows and pulled her coffee closer. Taking a mouthful she found it wasn’t as hot as she liked it, but it satisfied her needs. She reached into her bag to check that everything was still there, fearing that someone might have taken something while she had nodded off. Her phone had a couple of texts from friends wishing her well. A minute later Ben loomed in front of her and was putting his phone away in his pocket. He sat down and yawned.

‘Don’t leave me alone, please Ben. You know I’m all uptight.’

‘I had to make a call. You were snoozing and I could see you from where I was.’

‘I wish we didn’t have to do all this waiting around.’

Ben sat next to her and made her lean against him. ‘Drink your coffee and relax. Being uptight isn’t going to make things happen any quicker.’

Ingrid knew he was right, and it was nice to feel his strong arms around her, to feel his body move about as he tried to get comfortable while bearing her weight against his chest.

‘Ben, remind me what happens once we land in Sydney. And are we still going on to South Africa after that?’

‘It’s not set in concrete about Africa. Why?’

‘I dunno, just asking.’

‘Shall we see how we feel after we finish the Australian leg? Didn’t you want to do a safari and see some animals in the wild?’

‘Yes, I remember now, but I’m not that keen on it anymore.’

‘Are you having second thoughts about our travels?’

‘Maybe. It was all concocted after a drinking session and all my bravado has evaporated, and I’m sorry. I might not stay after we’ve done Australia. Do you mind?’

Ben didn’t answer, but she sensed his muscles tighten and his nose kind of twitched. ‘I do mind, as a matter of fact. I was looking forward to the African section.’

‘Aren’t we doing fruit picking for extra money? I’ll be stuffed after that.’

‘Ingrid, you’re being negative, and it’s not what I want to hear. We might have been drunk when we agreed to go, but you’ve had time to digest it. It’s a good, sensible tour, so why are you being like this?’

‘I might have to do the tour drunk then. That might help me relax and not be such a misery guts.’

Ben hugged her and kissed her forehead. He smiled. ‘Cheer up. Our departure time is getting closer now.’

‘Is it? Oh, I have an urgent need to duck into the toilets. This waiting around is playing havoc with my innards. What about you? Shall we meet here in ten?’

‘Ok.’

She had to queue behind four people for the toilet but once inside a cubicle Ingrid pulled her jeans down and sat. She hadn’t told Ben she’d been feeling unwell and was having increasing episodes of perspiring. Her insides had been cramping and churning, but once everything was out she felt much better. She felt a wave of relief wash over her and felt glad she wouldn’t have to hog the toilet on the plane. Her nursing experience told her she may have had a mini panic attack. Afterwards she brushed her teeth and freshened her makeup. Her shoulder-length brown hair had just enough natural curl that all she had to do was run her fingers through it, bounce it, and her face would look perfectly framed.

She stretched her muscles with a couple of squats, then arched her back as though she was about to go for a run, which helped to loosen her up and uplift her. On checking her watch and saw she’d used up all the ten minutes, plus one, then went back to the departures seats to look for Ben. She spotted him some distance away side stepping through a crowd that had formed near the news and gift shop. She made her way across to join him, but paused when she saw him talking to someone. This person was leaning in close to Ben and the two seemed to be whispering. Moments later they shook hands and parted ways. Ben waved when he spotted her. Ingrid had a strong feeling this man was the same mystery person she’d seen him talking to at the pub. In fact she was almost certain it was him. She wondered what was going on between them that he needed to follow them to the airport.

‘Are you ok now?’ asked Ben. ‘You looked green around the gills before you went to the toilets.’

‘Yeah, I’m fine now. I just want some water to get rid of this giddiness. Who were you talking to just then?’

‘I don’t know who he was. He came and introduced himself to me thinking I was someone named Michael who he was meeting. It was weird.’

Ingrid studied Ben’s face for a few seconds trying to figure out why he was lying, but if he was, he gave nothing away. What did it matter anyway?

Chapter Two

SATURDAY 30th SEPTEMBER

As their flight was approaching Sydney the view from the window showed nothing but fog. The captain began informing the passengers of the weather and other points of interest half an hour before the plane began its descent. Ingrid sat up straight and looked at Ben. His handsome face had just the hint of a frown, and she wondered what had been on his mind. She was about to ask him, but he began stretching as well as he could in the cramped seat, then yawned, causing her to yawn.

He still had his eyes shut, but she knew he was awake.

‘We’re nearly there, Ben. Did you get some sleep?’

He stretched again, then crossed his arms and massaged his forearms, before sitting more upright. ‘I think so, on and off. You?’

‘I must have managed some in the last three or four hours. I can’t remember what happened at the end of the movie. I’m going to use the toilet. There’s no-one waiting at the moment. Can you stand up so I can get out?’

‘You should have taken the aisle seat when I told you. I’m sure you’ve been there more than anyone else.’

‘I’d rather do my weeing regularly than hold on to it. I’ve had the occasional UTI.’

When she came back Ben was chatting to the couple across the aisle. They’d spoken to them when they first got on and revealed they were also going backpacking around Australia.

‘Do you guys want to team up with us? It’ll be safer that way. I’m Bethany, and he’s Freddie.’

‘We’re Ben and Ingrid.’ He stood up to let Ingrid go to her seat. ‘Shall we have a coffee later and talk about it? Which direction are you going in?’

‘We haven’t worked that out yet. We thought we’d wait till we got to Sydney and look around first. Same for you?’

‘Yes, we just want to do the southern states first. Once we get to Perth we’ll give it some more thought. Depends on how the money works out.’

The plane’s descent started. To Ingrid it seemed to be dropping too quick. She looked at the hostesses to see if there were any problems, but they just continued with their routines, reminding passengers to do their belts up and bring the seat out of the reclining position.

Ingrid cleared her things out of the pocket under the table. She didn’t want to be without her lipstick and book, or what was left in the water bottle.

‘Do we really want to go with them?’ She leaned into Ben so she could whisper and slipped her hand over his arm. He turned towards her and gave a half hearted nod. ‘They have American accents,’ she added, ‘and he looks drunk to me.’

‘Maybe just as far as Melbourne for starters. If we don’t feel comfortable with them we can make some excuse to part ways.’

‘Sounds good. We should say that when we talk to them later.’

They lost sight of Bethany and Freddie while they waited at the luggage carousel, but as they walked past a cafe the Americans got their attention by waving and calling their names. Ben diverted into the cafe and Ingrid followed. She was feeling more energetic after getting off the plane and stretching her legs.

‘Grab a chair and I’ll order something,’ said Ben, helping Ingrid with her backpack. ‘Do you want cake or something on toast?’

‘Get both, please. I’m going to fill up while we’re here so I don’t have to think about food for ages.’

Ben laughed. ‘I’m not that hungry. I’ve been queazy since we landed and my head’s all stuffy.’

Freddie smiled at Ingrid. ‘You look stunning after being cooped up for so long. How do you do it?’ His eyes flashed over her, lingering on her breasts, and she felt a shiver go down her spine. Bethany kicked him under the table.

‘Don’t be such a dork, Freddie.’ She rolled her eyes and turned to Ingrid. ‘He’s my half-brother. Just letting you know in case you have any thoughts that we’re a couple. I don’t want you feeling awkward about us. His social graces leave a lot to be desired, especially after he’s had a few drinks. He means no harm.’

Ingrid had tensed up, wondering now how wise it was to be linking up with these two. Belinda seemed nice, but Freddie had better keep his distance.

‘I’m fine,’ said Ingrid, with a smile that she hoped didn’t betray her squeamishness. ‘Where are you two from?’

‘Canada,’ they both replied, then gave a laugh.

‘Canada,’ said Freddie. ‘We’re both students.’

‘Taking a year off to travel,’ said Bethany. ‘What about you guys?’

Before Ingrid could answer Ben returned, pulling his chair out with a noisy dragging sound. He sighed, shaking his head as he slid into it. ‘I need this coffee to perk me up.’

‘Ben and I are from Wanstead, just outside London. Ben’s a lecturer and I’m a nurse.’

‘Oh, you mean I have to put up with a bloody lecturer. We thought we could forget about studies.’ He grimaced at getting another kick from Bethany. ‘Sorry, that was uncalled for. So how did you two meet?’ asked Freddie.

‘Good question. We’ve been together for quite a while,’ said Ingrid.

‘It was when I put my shoulder out playing rugby, wasn’t it? Two years ago.’

‘No, that was before we began dating.’ Ingrid started to laugh. ‘It was a month later when he had to come back for a follow-up and he hung around outside the hospital waiting for me to come off my shift.’

Ben gave a wide grin. ‘It was worth it.’

They chatted more, learning stuff about each other until the waiter brought their food. Ingrid wasted no time chowing into it, especially as the smell of the bacon had her salivating, and the eggs on the toast were cooked how she liked them. The clatter of cutlery on the china plates put an end to the conversation. Ben only had a coffee in front of him. His eyes were glazed over as he sat mulling over his own thoughts. Ingrid tapped his hand.

‘Have some of my food, Ben. There’s too much here for me,’ she said, pushing her plate towards him.

‘No thanks. This coffee will do for now. Might settle my stomach. Have any of you discussed where you’re headed?’

‘Not yet,’ said Bethany. ‘Should probably get a place to stay the night first and then buy an old bomb to drive around in.’

‘An old bomb? Where did I get the idea you were thinking of thumbing your way around?’ asked Ben.

‘I don’t know, but it’s too risky. I’ve heard stories of backpackers being treated badly in Australia. Are you still interested in travelling with us?’ asked Bethany.

‘We’re not sure yet,’ said Ingrid. ‘How will we work out who buys what?’

Frankie pushed his food aside. ‘Are you up for about seven or eight hundred bucks to put in to buy a combi van,’ he asked, ‘or something that we can camp in?’

‘Which money are you talking about here? Australian money?’ said Ingrid.

‘Yes. We chip in and when we want to part ways, then we’ll buy the other out.’

‘What about repairs etc if it breaks down?’

‘Well, that’ll be a problem, but we should be able to sort it,’ said Bethany. She waited for Ben to answer and read his doubting face accurately. ‘You don’t like this idea?’

‘No, I think we’d rather take our chances with buying our own van. We can still all travel together, but it’ll give us more freedom.’

Bethany and Freddie glanced at each other. Bethany frowned for a few seconds but was unable to come up with an answer.

Ben continued. ’We budgeted to get around in a cheap car and staying in backpackers hostels. We hadn’t planned on sharing with anyone else. No offence of course. You don’t know us from Adam, so we may all hate each other after a day or two and then there’ll be the problem of repaying any monies. We’re still happy to travel together, but we need our space. Sorry.’ Ben put his cup down and looked at Ingrid. He could tell by the slight pursing of her lips and the slow blink she gave that she agreed, then they both looked at their companions.

‘Come on, you two,’ said Freddie. ‘Where’s your sense of fun? Bethy and I have travelled this way for the past eight months. Sharing all over the world. Don’t be party poopers.’ He turned his hands up in mock frustration then took a bite out of his slice of cake.

‘Have another think,’ said Bethany, ‘but I suppose I understand your concerns.’

‘The thing is, we’re new to this travelling by the skin of our britches thing. You two know what to expect, but we’d rather do it our way.’

A few minutes of awkwardness passed. ‘Ok, Freddie,’ said Bethany, sighing. ‘I think they’re being sensible, and so should we.’

Freddie looked at Ingrid again with a strange expression. Again she felt the creepiness.

‘Let’s exchange phone numbers and email addresses and keep in touch,’ he said. ‘If we’re in the same city at the same time, we can meet up. How does that sound?’

Ingrid left it up to Ben to reply, wondering if he’d picked up on how Freddie kept looking at her.

‘Or, let’s set up a Facebook page and follow each other that way,’ added Freddie.

Ben had his hand under the table and Ingrid felt comforted when he squeezed her thigh. She touched his hand and then pinched the skin over his knuckles. She saw a hint of a smile on this face when she did that. It was an old signal they had devised some time ago to let the other know that they had concerns.

‘Yes, the Facebook page would be the best way to do this,’ he said. He opened his phone and together with Freddie they set it up.

Chapter Three

SUNDAY 1st OCTOBER

After a night at a bed-and-breakfast Ingrid woke well rested. Ben was beside her, still sleeping, or rather dozing. She was tracing her finger over the scorpion tattoo near his neck when she saw his eyelids twitch and knew he was likely to be awake soon. As she threw her sheet aside to get up he rolled closer and grabbed her, pulling her over so she was on top of him. She giggled and allowed her body to cover his and she could feel what he was after. He kissed her, despite that his morning breath was unpleasant, and she imagined that hers was too, but it didn’t phase him and he pressed on with his desire for sex. When it was over she rolled off, unsatisfied as usual.

‘You and your morning sex,’ she groaned.

He snuggled into her neck. ‘I love it,’ he said, kissing her, expecting to rouse her again. She pushed him away.

‘Rack off, Ben. You smell all sweaty.’

She hauled her legs out of the bed and stood up, then threw her pyjamas on his face. He laughed and made a deal of sniffing them.

She showered and dressed and with Ben now out of the bed she straightened it up. They were staying here a few nights, and she was never keen on getting into an unmade bed. A freshly showered Ben returned and then was allowed to approach her again for a kiss. When he was in a good mood she enjoyed his company, but his one big fault was