Val felt very much responsible for Jill, whom she’d known since childhood. Her relationship with Jill’s mother, Aunty Edie, went back eight years and was special, for she and Edie Yiramba shared a secret from the past. A secret about which Jill knew nothing, and Val intended to keep things that way, but her knowledge of the girl’s background aroused in her a strongly protective streak.

‘Little Brown Jug’ came to a rousing finish and upon another yelled request Betty leaped into ‘Chattanooga Choo Choo’.

Baz kept his arm around Jill and would have danced on, but she shook herself free and returned to the bar. Not that she wouldn’t have loved to continue dancing, and particularly with Baz, but duty called. She would not overstep the mark.

Val had been growing more and more worried about Jill of late. The girl was a virgin, she was quite sure of it, there was an innocence about her that was eminently readable, and although the current situation was harmless enough – Baz’s behaviour was instinctive, he flirted with every female in sight – she could tell that Jill was becoming besotted.

What if he decides to up the stakes, Val wondered. He’d lead her on to get her into bed, he’d tell her he loved her and the girl would most certainly crumble. But as soon as he’d had her he’d toss her aside. Baz Taylor was a thoroughly amoral bloke.

Yep, you’re a right bastard, Baz, she thought as she watched him sidle up to the bar still laying on the charm. She could hear him asking Jill if she wanted to come out dancing after they’d closed.

Val decided there and then that she’d issue a warning. In fact, she’d make him swear an oath. He must solemnly promise not to seduce young Jill Yiramba, because if he did – well, bugger his worth to business, Val thought, he’d be out that door like a shot.

CHAPTER THREE

Rumours abounded. No-one knew exactly how they’d started or who had been first to spread the word, but by the beginning of April 1942, it was common knowledge the invasion of Northern Australia was expected within weeks. It was further told that in a memorandum to Federal Cabinet, the Chief of the Home Forces, Major General Iven Mackay, had stated that he did not intend to defend Townsville. He was even quoted as having written, ‘It may be necessary to submit to the occupation of certain areas of Australia should local forces be overcome,’ a prospect that was understandably worrying for the citizens of Townsville.