Goldmine Experience

CHAPTER 1

How do I avoid a psycho?

Just take the first one who’s halfway decent, Mum. I’m sure that’ll be fine. That’ll work out for sure.

Sam Wells, the eternal optimist, was incapable of thinking bad of anyone. He knew, even at seventeen, that he was much better at decision making than his mother, Julia. He was home just for a quick bite before going out for a run. His mother had always encouraged him to keep fit.

Why do you always have to do everything the longest, most difficult way possible? She was going through the messages on the answer phone, noting the details with a pencil in a large exercise book. He came up behind her, smiling. You need to decide fairly soon, Mum. You really don’t need to take half an hour. I’m getting hungry.

I don’t know so much about that. Julia valued Sam’s opinion and tried to avoid arguing with him. Being mother and father to him was difficult enough without feuding over trivialities. Yes, being the man of the house since age three had definitely shaped him into a strong personality. She gazed past him at the green hills outside and the red flax bushes that marked the edge of the garden against the distant long grass. They were lucky to live surrounded by trees and flowering shrubs, with no other houses in sight.

It’s got to be someone who can pay the rent, so it would help to have someone who’s working. This one’s just waiting to hear back about an engineering job at A&G Price. He sounds really polite on the phone message.

Good. He’ll do, Mum. Just choose him. Sam gave a quick glance at his blond, curly haired mother. She still had a good figure, and she’d be attractive if she would just smile more often, he thought.

Do I choose the most suave? The best qualified? What if they’re telling a load of lies?

You have to start trusting people, Mum. Just because you deal with so many unruly teenage boys all day at school doesn’t mean all men are bad.

This man had rung three times.

Good morning. My name is Dieter. I’m a South African engineer, and I’m waiting to hear back about a job here in Thames. I would love to look at the apartment if that is possible, please. Polite, urgent, and respectful, he sounded deep and exotic with that tiny tinge of

accent.

Julia rang him back. Good morning. You left a message about the apartment to let.

Oh, good morning to you. His courteous voice was low and appealing. How are you today?

I’m fine, thanks. Can you tell me how many people you want the apartment for?

Oh, it’s just for me. I really need a place straightaway, as I’m hoping to start work in a new position on Monday.

So when exactly would you be planning on moving in? Julia asked.

Oh! Soon as possible, if that is allowed, of course.

Can you meet me there at four o’clock tomorrow then?

I will be delighted to do that.

Is his voice always so husky? Julia flexed her shoulder muscles and released her grip on the phone. This is great. I’ve found a good tenant already! she said, beaming.

Sam smiled back at her. That’s great, Mum. Time to start cooking dinner, then?

Just before four the next day, Julia strode quickly up the hill, glancing back at the red corrugated-iron roofs and the blue harbor behind her. The whole of the small town of Thames, squeezed into flat land between green hills and the sea, stretched out as she climbed higher. The fresh wind on her face reminded her of her childhood in Wellington. She loved the carefree feeling of the wind blowing through her hair, blasting problems into perspective. She loved looking at the little front gardens of the old miners’ cottages: brightly flowering lobelia, cineraria, and some red geraniums coping with the steep gradient. The geraniums with their special scent were a giveaway of the owners’ ages. As she approached, she was surprised to see someone was silently hunched beside the garbage cans as he waited beside the flats. From his confident and courteous voice, she’d been expecting him to be standing up, not sitting on the dirty asphalt footpath. His blond hair was cut short, almost in a crew cut, and he was wearing a casual white T-shirt and faded jeans. Why is he looking so resigned? Most prospective tenants paste on smiles. Julia, however, dismissed the thought.

Dieter brightened quickly. How do you do? He stood up immediately and marched confidently forward to give her a firm handshake.

Nice to meet you. Julia smiled. Sorry to keep you waiting.

Oh, that is all right. Dieter did have a strong South African accent. His tanned face was eager and alert. The sun was shining straight into his green eyes, and Julia was mesmerized as he gazed directly at her face from only a few inches away. She could feel herself blushing and quickly took a step backward, trying to hide her reaction.

Am I that desperate to meet someone to replace my dead husband? No, I’m not going to think any more about losing someone in the prime of life to leukemia. She deliberately looked away as she led him around to the back of the apartment and up the wooden steps. The lawn was trim and green, ferns grew for privacy, and the lush toitoi grass was silhouetted against the blue sky, framing the sloping lawn. As she stuck the key in the door, Julia wondered why she was so nervous. She found it difficult to breathe quietly.

She opened the door and motioned Dieter in. The apartment resembled a motel unit, with its white painted concrete walls and gray carpets. Julia waited by the front door while Dieter had a brief look at the small kitchen, bathroom, living room, and two bedrooms. He came back, nodding and smiling appreciatively. Yes, I’d love to live here, he said. Julia walked through the kitchen and living room and fiddled with the lock on the balcony ranch slider to show him the view over the town.

That’s the back of the Brookby Motel, she said, pointing across the river. It advertises as the quietest motel in town, so we don’t have parties or loud disturbances at night. She wondered if she was sounding like a prim and proper schoolteacher. She paused and listened to the calm, tranquil water, reflected on the peaceful sound, and steadied her breathing. Dieter was nodding with empathy.

Of course. That is understood.

Julia intuitively trusted this man, but she remembered—her body stiffening suddenly—that it was not a good idea to be infatuated with a tenant. She rested her elbows on the wooden railing and gazed at the hospital’s barely used helipad for its red Westpac helicopter. She was calmed by the view over the blue Firth of Thames, which separated the base of the Coromandel Peninsula from the main part of the North Island. She could see the cream hospital and the red-roofed houses all framed by the evergreen trees native to New Zealand. The Firth of Thames is a stretch of calm water, good for fishing, which separates the base of the Coromandel Peninsula from the main part of the North Island. Julia felt sure Dieter would be a good tenant. She could already sense his enjoyment of this top flat with its spacious, outdoor living area and expansive views.

Can I come back with a lady friend just to get a second opinion?

Of course, Julia replied. They agreed to meet at lunchtime the following day.

Helga wore a severe expression. She held herself stiffly with her shoulders back, almost as if she were in a military parade. Her straight, short, no-nonsense dark hair framed a pale face with brown eyes. Her thin lips were pursed. She was wearing a faded yellow blouse tucked into beige jeans and flat white leather sandals. She did not smile, and Julia wondered if Helga’s manner was jealous or merely hostile. Julia would have to try to control the way she looked at Dieter.

We could just clean it up and move in right now. Helga’s voice was harsh and strident as she marched into the living room.

No. Julia looked at Helga and Dieter. I need to get the carpet cleaned first.

Who’s in charge here? Helga turned around as if to check where furniture might be placed and then gave Dieter a quick glance.

Is the flat for both of you or just for Dieter? Julia tried to speak gently.

Just for me. Dieter was curt.

All right, I’ll give you first option as soon as it’s all clean. Should be the day after tomorrow. Julia smiled at them both as she ushered them out.

Walking briskly past the Baptist Church a day later, Julia had a brief moment’s doubt when she noticed Dieter standing on the pavement and talking with no-hopers outside the church. He was with two unkempt men, who were lounging against the wall while rolling cigarettes and chatting. Inside, another two older men, as well as three worn-looking women, were sitting at round plastic tables and drinking tea. The gaps in their teeth showed clearly every time they opened their mouths. This is a truly Christian ministry, Julia thought, opening a café for all the down-and-outs in Thames. Where else is it possible to get a free cup of tea? Memories of her carefree traveling days and her idea of Jesus mixing with the common people blocked any shred of hesitation. It’s so resourceful of Dieter to find this way of making friends in a new town. Isn’t it really a form of outreach by a church trying to do what’s in the Bible?

At home and at work, Julia found it difficult not to fantasize about Dieter at random moments. Why does he keep coming into my head? She was nervous when they met to sign the rental agreement. She had rushed straight from school, climbing the hill quickly while knowing she needed to return to school afterward to complete her planning of the next day’s lessons. Julia was surprised that Dieter had already left an old single mattress and two large blue-and-red striped canvas bags outside the door.

Isn’t this a bit presumptuous? What if I change my mind about giving him the tenancy?

Hello, she said. I see you’ve already brought some things over.

Hello, Dieter replied. Why yes. It is very difficult and also very expensive to settle in a new country. Perhaps I must explain. Helga and I immigrated to New Zealand together as a couple, but since then we have split up, and I left all the furnishings with her.

What a considerate and generous man! Will you be having any children staying with you? Julia half-turned to look at him as she unlocked the door.

I do not have any children.

Julia looked at Dieter. How can it be possible for such a sensual man not to have any children? She waited, motionless.

Well, I do have one daughter, but we have very little contact, Dieter answered after a pause.

How old is she?

Twelve.

Oh, that’s all right. I just worry about little children possibly getting into difficulty in the river. Julia shrugged her shoulders with relief. She was becoming breathless again, aware that Dieter was standing very close to her. Hoping her cheeks were not too red, she glanced at the grass outside the open door, took a deep breath, and completed filling out the rental agreement. They both stood in the kitchen, using the kitchen bench as a table. Dieter signed willingly, as did Julia, and they shook hands, both smiling. Julia had accepted the written statement from Work and Income Support that they would pay for Dieter’s bond and first week’s rent since he obviously needed help.

Just one more thing. I hate to ask, but could you possibly lend me some money to buy food? I have nothing to eat, and my pay doesn’t come in till Tuesday. Dieter asked haltingly, looking at the kitchen floor.

Oh no, thought Julia. The last tenant who’d asked this had turned out to be an alcoholic, evicted eventually for not paying the rent. Is there a pattern here?

I don’t have any cash on me.

You have a card, I am sure, pushed Dieter.

Julia flushed with anger this time. She said No! and left hurriedly, taking her copy of the agreement with her. She already regretted having signed it.

Driving to her home in Waiomu Bay, her anger dissipated as she looked at the constantly changing colors of the beautiful sea and purple Coromandel ranges. Wind-shaped green pohutukawa trees punctuated the view of the peaceful, blue water. She felt overcome by her lack of Christian giving, but by the time she was home, she felt calm again.

Hi, Sam. How’s it going? Julia grinned to see Sam filleting a rainbow trout on the steel kitchen bench.

Hi, Mum. I don’t know what you’ve planned for dinner, but this could do for our hors d’oeuvres, don’t you think?

Julia laughed. Sam really didn’t appreciate fine dining. He didn’t see the point of different knives and forks or even napkins. She was surprised he even remembered the fancy word for a first course.

I went fishing in the river after school and got lucky. She’s quite a big one, isn’t she? He proudly held up the trout. Their little dog Mutt was sniffing at his heels, always on the lookout for food.

That’s fantastic, Sam. The pink belly is so beautiful. No wonder they’re called rainbow trout. I haven’t planned anything for dinner yet. I went straight from school to show that South African guy the top flat that’s empty.

How did it go?

He’ll be all right, I think, but he seems very short of cash. I was going to lend him some plates and cups and give him a bit of food to get him started.

That’s pretty decent of you, Mum. I’d appreciate that if I’d just arrived in a new country. Sam continued preparing the trout fillets, and Julia eased her conscience by packing a cardboard box with a box of cereal, tinned fruit, jam, and some of her own home-baked chocolate biscuits in an ice-cream container. She included a spare electric jug, plates, cups, and saucers, and some forks and knives.

I’ll drop it off to Dieter first thing tomorrow morning, before school.

It was a clear, fresh morning. Julia dropped the box off quickly, not wanting to be late for the morning staff meeting. She parked outside the flats and ran up the back steps. Julia placed the box carefully outside the thick frosted glass door. She was ready to leave at once but knocked quickly in case the dog next door might be attracted by the smell of the food. Dieter must have been up, since he opened the door straightaway. He was dressed in the same white T-shirt and faded jeans, and his feet were bare. His face was unshaven, but his hair looked the same. He seemed surprised anyone would call so early. Julia noticed Dieter’s mattress was on the living room floor. Both bedroom doors were closed. All the curtains were closed. The airy, spacious flat seemed a prison cell.

Good morning. I’m in a bit of a hurry, but I thought I’d drop these off. Julia gave Dieter a quick smile.

Morning, Dieter mumbled. He seemed embarrassed and reached over quickly to take the box. Thank you. He closed the door as Julia started down the steps.

Why doesn’t he open up the doors and windows to let the fresh, cool air through now that it’s so hot in the daytime? It would be much more pleasant to leave both balcony doors open and all the inside doors to get better airflow. Maybe I’d better just not see Dieter for a day or two. I seem to be thinking about him and judging him far too much.

Julia was content with the courteous phone message Dieter left to thank her for the parcel during her busy day at school.

Julia returned to the routine of teaching all day and relaxing with Sam on their small farm in the evenings. When she had time, she enjoyed gardening. Sam very often jumped in the river to cool off after a hot day or went fishing on his way home from school. He was delighted to be able to do this since he had gotten his driver’s license. He loved driving his mother’s old navy Mazda Familia she had given him for his last birthday. Julia drove directly home and always checked the phone messages as soon as she came in. One message didn’t relate to renting. The voice was dry and brittle, almost like an old man croaking.

Hello, Ken here. Look, I’d like to meet you to get to know you better, but I’m busy right now. Perhaps when calving’s over, in about a month’s time. Julia was surprised to hear from Ken. She’d forgotten all about him. It had been three months since her Swiss friends, the Rothenburgs, had told her of their farmer friend Ken and passed on their numbers. Frau Rothenburg had suggested that Ken and Julia make contact.

Ken sounded quiet, shy, and a bit tongue-tied. Probably a good farmer, but definitely not one with hypnotic magic. His voice was broken; he sounded tired and aged.

Julia was shocked by her own lack of common sense. How can I think more of penniless, courteous Dieter than of Ken with his blunt lack of manners and his dairy farm? Surely, Ken must be so stable and wholesome, spending all his time working, never having time to go out to meet girlfriends. How kind of the Rothenburgs to pass on our phone numbers.

Julia resolved to wait perhaps till the middle of the next week before visiting Dieter again. I need an excuse to visit him. I’ll check that he’s settling in all right.

Wednesday lunchtime was calm and sunny. All the gardens were sparkling, as Julia strode up the hill, eagerly hoping Dieter was home. To the front, the flats looked empty, as if no one was there. Julia had bought the block of four flats when she first moved to Thames. They’d been on the market for over a year, and they were very cheap. Julia had thought that one of them would be ideal for her elderly mother, Mary, when she became unable to live alone. That would be more convenient than having her mother and teenage son living in the same house. Her mother, though, still wanted to be independent