Maceration by Brian Briscoe Page B

her back to
reality. “ The paddock’s on the northern slope so that it utilises
maximum sunlight. I heard that caused a stir when it was first
planted. Robin wanted it for his cabernet but Peter stood his
ground. No one beat Peter. Incredibly tough, idiotically
idealistic, and completely driven. Poor sod. Driven to make the
best pinot. Couldn’t care less about sales. We’ve got cases of the
stuff sitting around at seventy five dollars a bottle.”
    Paul guided the ute across a
small wooden bridge that crossed a dried up creek bed.
    Maxine said," No point having a
great wine if it’s too expensive for the average punter like me to
buy. Especially when I can go down my local pub and get a great red
for twenty bucks.”
    “ Exactly. He
thought he’d compete with a Henschke or a Grange, but you need
years of respect in this industry to do that. The Felix’s have a
good name but not a great one.”
    Paul swung the utility beside a
small galvanised shed that looked over a sweeping expanse of vines.
He pulled the handbrake and the two climbed from the vehicle.
    He leaned on the bonnet, “
Peter’s Paddock. Some say thirty-five acres of the best pinot in
the country. What I wouldn’t do to own that.”
    Maxine studied his face, rugged,
interesting, “ And what would you do for it? ”
    He burst out laughing, “ I don’t
like the Felix’s, but I’m not about to bump them off one by one to
get the winery if that’s what you’re implying. This isn’t ‘Midsomer
Slaughter’ Inspector. And anyway, looks like an accident to
me.”
    “ Does it? You
never know. I’ve come across many a strange motive in my time, and
having a sunny smile doesn’t exclude you from suspicion.” She
turned and strode into the rows of vines.
    Paul called after her.“ I don’t
know if that’s a compliment or not, but I’ll take it as one. I’ve
got some work to do so take your time and have a good look around.
I'll collect you in about half an hour. You might find a clue if
you're lucky Miss Marple.”
    Maxine laughed,“ Very funny
Paul. I may do just that.”
     
     

Chapter Five
     
     
    Paul left Maxine at the winery’s
tasting centre. An impressive, renovated hundred-year-old bluestone
barn. A vaulted glass atrium extended from the rear, bathing the
inside with glorious light.
    The centre was closed, and
quiet. Her fault. She strolled around admiring the trophy cabinet
until she was disturbed by the sound of shouting. From an office,
hidden from view, she could clearly hear Len and Robin arguing.
    “ Robin we
can’t afford to not bottle Peter’s wine first. We’re in deep shit
for heaven’s sake. The bank’s going to foreclose if we don’t
repay,” implored Len, collapsing into a chair.
    Robin pointed a finger
threateningly, “ Don’t give me that. They’ve invested too much
money with us to have it all go belly up. You know that, they know
that and I know that. So we’re going to do it my way for once.” He
turned to look out over the sweeping vines. “ The one good thing
that’s happened over all of this is we no longer have to pander to
Peter’s bloody ego.” Robin turned to face his brother. “ And you,
you are not going to stop me. Peter’s wine doesn’t get made, and
his grape is going to be mixed with mine to make my Maceration
Carbonic and you’d better not get in my way!”
    Len wrung his hands, he was
sweating profusely but he knew he was beaten, “What was it all for?
What was it all for?” he cried.
    “ Shit Len, you
never used to be such a snivelling bastard. Get a hold of
yourself.”
    Maxine had heard enough. “ Maybe
you’ve turned him into one. Bullies have a propensity to do
that.”
    Robin, shocked at her presence,
turned on Maxine, “ Listen here dearie. Our finances have nothing
to do with you, and how my brother and I talk to each other is up
to us. Now piss off!”
    Len stood, strain screwing and
twisting his face, “ Inspector Lake thank you for your concern but
really my