Stay There Dear

By Drew Lindsay

Ben Hood didn’t want to go on a holiday with Rodney and Rose, but they talked him into it. It started out nice...but then he got arrested, charged with murder, put in prison and shot. Not the best holiday he has ever had but Karma often favours Ben. Eventually. Perhaps not exactly the Karma he expected, but under the circumstances, he wasn’t about to complain.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Drew Lindsay
• Release date: Apr 5, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224563111

Drew Lindsay

Drew Lindsay is a dynamic Australian Novelist and Writer. He has travelled extensively throughout Australia and the world. His background includes working as a Policeman and detective, then managing his own private investigation business as well as working in Fraud Investigation Management positions within the insurance industry.Drew is a PADI Divemaster and holds a private pilot's license. He has a great love of entertaining others with his vivid imagination. His novels allow the reader to escape into worlds of romance, excitement, humour and fast paced adventure. Drew lives in northern New South Wales with his wife.

Book preview

Ben Hood settled into a comfortable sunroom chair.  The fact that it had frangipani print fabric and cushions covered in similar material didn’t bother him in the slightest.  He loved this room and the people who inhabited this house.  Rose and Rodney Reid.  An Australian baked dinner was underway in the kitchen.  A leg of lamb, onions and carrots in dripping along with well blanched potatoes, sizzled slowly in the oven, the smell invading the entire house. Broccoli soaking in hot water with a dash of chicken salt.  Lamb gravy ready to thicken with corn flour.

Ben sipped his Scotch over ice. He looked at Rodney, stretched out on his favourite chair, opposite him. ‘I’m not going,’ said Ben. ‘You and Rose can attempt to bribe me with an amazing baked dinner, which you know is my weakness, but I’m not going.’

‘Bribe?’ Rodney leaned forward slightly. ‘Rose didn’t cook a baked lamb dinner to bribe you. We’re just a little concerned that you need some time out.  A little holiday, and we’re taking you with us.’

‘I don’t need a holiday, Rod. It’s very kind of you but I’m not going anywhere just now.’

‘Port Douglas. Far North Queensland. Not so far north that you’d get stuck in the mud or eaten by a croc, but the lap of luxury in fact. Paradise. The resort of your dreams.’

‘I don’t want to go.’

‘Rose and I are going. We’ll take good care of you. Rose insists you take her SCUBA diving. I, myself, won’t go SCUBA diving. I’ve got dementia, as you well know.’

Ben put his Scotch glass down on the small table beside the lounge. He looked at Rodney. ‘Does having dementia prevent you from remembering how to breathe?’

‘It may. I might just forget to breathe, and underwater, that can be rather nasty.’

‘That’s rubbish,’ said Ben. ‘I’ve never heard of anyone with dementia forgetting to breathe, until it’s time for them to die. Then, I would suggest, they don’t forget to breathe, they just stop breathing,’ like we’ll all do one day.’

‘And what, may I ask, would you know about dementia?’

‘You’re just scared of sharks,’ said Ben.

‘No I’m not.’

‘You’re frightened a shark might bite your other foot off, then you would have to sit in a wheelchair for the rest of your life and have Rose push you around.’

‘The loss of my right foot has been a constant source of amusement to you Ben Hood. Admit it.’

‘The loss of your right foot has never amused me, Rod. You’ve managed exceptionally well with just one foot and a crutch. You also hop along extremely well with that plastic foot you occasionally wear.’

‘I do not, hop along, as you refer to so callously. I tend to walk quite naturally with my prostheses.’ He sipped his beer. ‘I’m fully aware that the loss of my foot was completely my responsibility. A silly boyhood prank with a bunch of similarly minded car hoons.’

‘Dinner is almost ready,’ Rose announced from the kitchen. ‘I hope you boys are being kind to each other.’

‘He’s picking on my prostheses again Rose.’

‘Surely not?’

‘And he won’t go.’

Rose approached them, pushing back greying hair from her face. ‘Ben, darling. We’ve booked it and everything. You must go.’

‘Why do I have to go on a holiday Rose? I don’t really need this.’

‘I need you there to keep Rodney in line. He’s not well.’

‘He looks okay to me.’

‘He’ll be fine if you are there to keep an eye on him,’ said Rose. ‘We’ll take him on the beginner’s dive. They have a special flipper for his missing foot. It’s all arranged.’

‘He’s frightened that a shark might bite his other foot off,’ said Ben.

Rose sat next to Ben. She put her head on his shoulder. ‘I’m so glad you are coming with us.’

Rodney laughed. ‘See. It’s all arranged.’

Ben looked at him. ‘Down there on the reef. I’m taking care of you. A big shark comes in, slowly at first and then with increasing speed. At the last minute he opens his mouth. Huge teeth. I push you towards the shark and swim away to safety.’

‘You’re not a nice person Ben Hood,’ said Rodney.

‘I have my dog to take care of,’ said Ben.

‘I’m sure your young veterinary nurse will take care of your German Shepherd,’ said Rose. ‘She’s done so in the past.’

‘She has a boyfriend,’ said Ben. ‘She’s very busy.’

‘She would never say no to you Ben,’ said Rose.

‘Thank God at least she had the sense to go after someone her own age,’ said Rodney. ‘Your relationship with that girl was of concern.’

‘Wasn’t of any great concern to me,’ said Ben. ‘She was wild.’

‘Be that as it may,’ said Rodney. ‘You should be on the lookout for a woman closer to your age. Someone who can take care of you and not be going off to the gym all the time.’

‘I went to the gym with her,’ said Ben. That’s where she met her new boyfriend. I introduced them.’

‘It’s just one week,’ said Rose. ‘One week in paradise where you can relax and be waited on hand and foot. They have a wonderful gymnasium at the Blue Lagoon in Port Douglas, as you know.’

‘They have a great gymnasium at the place where we are staying,’ said Rodney, sipping his beer. ‘I, myself, am allergic to gymnasiums.’

Ben glanced at Rose. She smiled. ‘You’ll get used to him doing that sort of thing.’

‘What sort of thing Rose?’ asked Rodney.

‘Repeating what other people have already said.’

‘I don’t do that.’

‘Of course you don’t darling,’ said Rose, getting to her feet. ‘Dinner in ten minutes.’ She left the room.

‘It’s not easy,’ said Rodney.

‘It’s okay mate,’ said Ben.

‘It’s not okay either.’

‘One day at a time Rod.’

‘The day will come when I won’t recognize you. I won’t even know Rose or the girls.’

‘We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it,’ said Ben.

‘In the meantime,’ said Rodney, ‘we’ll have a nice holiday in Port Douglas. The resort has a wonderful gym by the way. I’m not interested, but I know you will be.’

‘I’m not all that keen to go,’ said Ben.

‘I’m covering all expenses,’ said Rodney. ‘Rose said I had to.’

‘In that case I’m in,’ said Ben. ‘I want the penthouse.’

‘I don’t think they have a penthouse,’ said Rodney. ‘You’re in a Junior Suite. Rose and I are in a Senior Suite. It’s much bigger than yours.’

‘I suppose it has to cater for cripples and people in wheelchairs,’ said Ben.

Rodney stood up. ‘Rose! He’s having a go at my disability again.’ He glared at Ben. ‘I’m having the Pope’s Nose.’

‘It’s a leg of lamb Rod. Chickens have a Pope’s Nose.’

****

Chapter Two

‘Your flight to Cairns has been delayed.’ The girl making the announcement over the airport public address system didn’t seem all that concerned. She sounded quite cheerful actually. After all, she wasn’t flying to Cairns, or anywhere else for that matter. ‘I will update you on the new departure time soon. Please be patient.’

‘I could happily kill some airport staff,’ said Rodney.

Rose put her hand over Rodney’s mouth. ‘Never say that sort of thing in an airport. It can get you arrested.’

‘I’ll get you another hamburger,’ said Ben.

Rodney pushed Rose’s hand away from his mouth. ‘I don’t want another bloody hamburger. They don’t give you what they advertise anyway. Big fat hamburger on the billboard and TV and this scrawny thing scrunched up in a bit of paper. It's outrageous. Someone should sue their arses off.’

‘I think a group has already considered a class action,’ said Ben.

‘So they should. It’s straight-out false advertising. The people responsible should spend a few days in prison with some big, hairy sex offender.’

‘It’s only a hamburger darling,’ said Rose.

‘No it’s not. It’s the public being ripped off, and those responsible should be punished.’

‘Flight 301 to Cairns is now ready for boarding at gate number 33. All passengers please make your way immediately to gate number 33.’

‘I’m already at gate number 33,’ said Rodney. ‘Just you wait. I’ll bet you a hundred bucks a few lame brains will wander up to the gate just before the flight is about to close. They will have been calling their names for half an hour. Foreigners chewing on undersized hamburgers. So sorry. So sorry. That’s what they will be saying. A decent smack in the head with a fence post might sort them out.’

‘Calm down darling,’ said Rose. ‘We’re on holidays.’

‘Can I get a beer on the plane?’

‘Just one Rodney.’

‘How long does it take to get from Sydney to Cairns Rose?’

‘About 3 hours.’

‘I’ll need more than one beer Rose. Where’s Ben?’

‘He’s already boarded while you were ranting and raving.’

‘Is he in Business class?’

‘Yes,’ said Rose.

‘What about us?’

‘We’re down the back of the plane in cattle class.’

‘Rose. You know I’m not a well man.’

‘I know that darling.’

‘I’ll be in a middle seat next to a fat woman with body odour. The person in the seat in front of me will lay it back until it rests in my lap. You know what they do. Why are they allowed to do that Rose?’

‘I don’t know darling. Anyway, I’m joking. We’re in business class.’

‘Where is Ben?’

‘He’s already on board. He’s also in business class, like I told you. You’re paying for it.’

‘He’ll order the most expensive Scotch. You should keep an eye on him Rose.’

‘I will Rod.’

****

Chapter Three

The jet had been in the air for almost 20 minutes. Ben snoozed. The flight attendant didn’t disturb him, as he had requested.

‘I’m Mia.’

Ben opened his eyes and looked at his companion in the window seat. ‘Hello Mia,’ he said.

‘I have disturbed you?’

‘Just having a nap,’ said Ben. He now noted her voluptuous figure. She had long black hair and a beautiful face. She was probably in her mid-50’s, although it was hard to tell. ‘You were curled up next to the window when I sat down.’

‘I don’t like flying,’ she said. ‘I’m frightened of flying.’

‘It’s very safe,’ said Ben.

‘We are a long way from the ground. If the jet has an engine problem, or the pilot’s passed out, we would crash and die.’

‘No we won’t’ said Ben, sitting up straighter. ‘This jet can fly on just one engine as well as two.’

‘How do you know?’

‘I have a pilot’s license.’

‘So, if the pilot’s passed out, could you fly this plane and land it?’

‘I’d give it my best shot,’ said Ben.

‘Would it be a nasty landing?’

‘There’s an old saying amongst those who fly,’ said Ben.

‘Can you tell me?’

‘A good landing is one you can walk away from.’

‘I’ll remember that,’ said Mia. ‘You are Ben Hood?’

‘Do you know me?’

‘Your name is on your boarding pass, tucked into the pocket on the seat in front of you.’

‘I never take the time to look at other people’s boarding passes,’ said Ben. ‘It could be considered an invasion of privacy, unless you work for the airline.’

‘I’m a born sticky beak,’ said Mia. ‘Have I offended you?’

‘No,’ said Ben. ‘Now let me look at your boarding pass.’

‘What for?’

‘I’d like to know your surname.’

‘It’s Dixon. I’m Mia Dixon.’ She didn’t show him her boarding pass. She held out her right hand towards him. Ben accepted her hand. It was a soft, rather interesting touch.

‘Ben Hood,’ said Ben. ‘You already know that.’ He let go of her hand.

‘Having a holiday in Cairns?’ she asked.

‘Port Douglas actually. I’m travelling with friends.’

‘Wife? Girlfriend?’

‘If I was flying with my wife or girlfriend, I wouldn’t be sitting next to you in business class, would I?’

‘Perhaps you and your wife or girlfriend are having a dispute and don’t want to sit together.’

‘I don’t have a wife or a girlfriend,’ said Ben. ‘I’m travelling with good friends. You are a sticky beak, aren’t you?’

‘I’ve offended you.’

‘I don’t get offended easily,’ said Ben.

‘Am I getting close to offending you Ben?’

‘I think three more questions and I may have to slap you.’

She stared at him. ‘Would you actually slap me?’

‘I might,’ said Ben, smiling, but realizing that he was rather quickly getting out of his depth in this conversation.

‘I’d rather enjoy that, Ben.’

‘Are you having a holiday in Cairns?’ asked Ben, quickly changing the subject.

‘I’m also going to Port Douglas,’ said Mia. ‘I’m staying at the Blue Lagoon Resort.’

Ben didn’t reply. He wasn’t sure what he should say.’

‘Where are you and your friends staying Ben?’

‘Um. The same resort as you actually.’

‘What a coincidence! I’ll probably get to meet your friends and see more of you.’

‘Probably,’ said Ben.

‘I usually have company,’ she said. ‘Not this time. Not in a million years with the man I’ve just dumped.’

Ben didn’t really want to continue this conversation. Mia did. ‘Why in God’s name I married him I’ll never know. I found out quite by accident that he was having an affair behind my back. Apart from that, he was taking money from my bank account, saying it was to pay bills. He never paid one damn bill. Can you imagine that?’

‘You can never tell what some people will do,’ said Ben, trying to catch the eye of the flight attendant. He had intended not to drink alcohol on this flight, or perhaps for a day or two at the resort. He had decided that a break from alcohol might be good for him. Now, however, he felt a Scotch might be helpful.

The flight attendant approached him. ‘Yes Mr. Hood?’

‘Could I possibly have a Scotch, straight, over ice?’

‘We usually don’t serve alcohol until after 11am,’ said the very attractive, female flight attendant.

Ben looked at his watch. It was just before 10.30am. He nodded. ‘Okay. Thank you.’

She leaned down close to him. ‘In your case however, Mr. Hood, ‘I’ll make an exception. Don’t tell anyone.’

‘My lips are sealed,’ said Ben.

‘What about your friend?’ the flight attendant whispered.

‘I’ll have the same,’ said Mia, softly, without even glancing at the flight attendant.

Their drinks were discreetly delivered along with a small cheese and biscuit platter for two. Mia nibbled on a biscuit and sipped her drink. ‘They must think we are an item,’ she said.

‘Yes,’ Ben replied, taking a decent gulp of his Scotch.

‘The flight attendant seems to be quite taken with you,’ said Mia.

‘I’ve got lifetime gold membership,’ said Ben. ‘It’s on their computer.’

‘I saw the way she looked at you. Undress me please. I know the look.’

Ben put a large piece of cheese in his mouth.

****

Chapter Four

‘How lovely to meet you,’ said Mia, smiling at Rose and Rodney. ‘Ben and I met on the plane. He is such an interesting man.’

‘He bores me to tears sometimes,’ said Rodney.

Rose slapped him on the arm. ‘Ben is our very special friend. We are so glad he agreed to come on a short holiday with us.’

‘The Blue Lagoon Resort,’ said Mia. ‘That’s where I’m staying as well.’

‘Ben could do with a companion,’ said Rodney. ‘His last one was far too young.’

Rose slapped him again, a little harder this time. Ben pretended he was out of the conversation, focusing intently on the luggage carousel. He had only hand luggage. Rose had two large suitcases.

‘The young ones burn older men out you know,’ said Mia. ‘All boom and crash. Men Ben’s age need a more mature woman to match his more mature needs.’

‘I totally agree,’ said Rodney. ‘Do we have luggage?’

Ben looked at Mia. ‘No more, please.’ he said. ‘You’re getting out of line.’

She smiled at him. ‘I’m always out of line Ben. You may learn that.’

‘No I won’t,’ said Ben.

‘May I ask why?’

‘I prefer younger women than you Mia.’

‘Do we have luggage?’ asked Rodney.

‘It’s coming out now,’ said Rose. ‘Can you get those two large pink suitcases Ben?’

‘How long are you staying Rose?’ Mia asked.

‘Ten days.’

Mia looked at Ben. ‘You’re quite rude.’

‘So are you,’ said Ben as he dragged the two large pink suitcases off the carousel.

‘I thought we had a minibus transfer to Port Douglas,’ said Rodney as he looked out of the window of the stretch limousine. ‘I haven’t been in a minibus for ages.’

‘You’ve never been in a minibus,’ said Rose. ‘Look at the ocean. It’s so close and turquoise. Crystal clear.’

‘What is turquoise?’ asked Rodney.

‘Blue,’ said Ben.

Rodney looked at him. ‘What’s up your nose? You don’t sound very happy.’

‘I’m not very happy,’ said Ben.

‘But Rose says I’m paying for this luxury holiday. Doesn’t that make you happy?’