The Model Wife

by Tricia Stringer

  Then on the way back they stopped at the beach and she couldn’t decide which experience was better. It was as Gabe had described, white sand stretching away in a long slow curve in either direction. The pristine beach was lapped by the Indian Ocean, which sparkled under the glare of the sun, and they had it all to themselves.

  Rosie wandered the edge of the water while the two blokes and Natalie swam. Gabe and Charlie jumped and splashed, chasing each other like puppies playing. The waves were gentler than they’d been at Cable Beach and Natalie stretched out on her back and let herself float. Gabe had been right, this was beautiful country.

  Later he dropped her back at her room and told her to come over to the camp kitchen when she was ready. By the time she’d showered and changed she was hungry and arrived just as he and Charlie had their heads down inspecting the fish in the coals.

  “See that pink flesh there,” he was saying to Charlie. “It needs a couple more minutes.”

  Rosie arrived with a potato salad and Natalie brought out her leftover ingredients to make a tossed salad. Her stomach groaned at the delicious smell of baked fish and beside her Rosie laughed. “You sound hungry, girl.”

  Gabe brought the fish to the table and sat it on the large plate Rosie had set out. Natalie was offered the fish first and waited impatiently while the others served themselves then they all tucked in.

  “Mmm!” she groaned happily through a mouthful. “That is divine.”

  Gabe grinned. “Not bad.”

  They added salad, finished what they had and picked more flesh off the carcass. Natalie wanted to lick her plate she’d enjoyed the food so much, even more than the fancy restaurant barramundi.

  “How long are you planning on staying?” Rosie asked. “We can take you fishing up the creek if you like.”

  Natalie sat back. Last night all she’d wanted was to head back to Broome but now…She hardly knew Gabe and Rosie. They made her feel so welcome and yet… “I don’t know.” She looked at Gabe. “I didn’t even ask how I’d get back.”

  “I’m staying till Saturday,” he said.

  “We can get you a ride before that if you need.” Rosie set her cutlery on her empty plate, her deep brown eyes locked on Natalie. “But why don’t you stay? It’s a good place. Even our beach is better than Broome.”

  Natalie pictured the beach where she’d just swum with its pristine white sand, like Cable Beach but bigger and no rocks, the beautiful turquoise water, and not another soul in sight. Sometime during their morning expedition a sense of release had settled over her and the swim had been liberating. The sheer relief of this new buoyant feeling was intoxicating. Perhaps here she could find some peace from everything that troubled her. Natalie dragged her gaze from Rosie’s searching look and glanced at Gabe.

  “I…it’s certainly beautiful here.”

  “You stay as long as you like,” he said. “And you don’t have to go back to Broome when I do. Rosie’s right. It won’t be hard to find you a ride back when you’re ready.”

  Charlie sniffed, sat back in his chair and folded his arms, his look sullen again.

  “What about you, Charlie?” Rosie said. “You going back with your cousin tomorrow or sticking it out a bit longer?”

  Silence fell around the table. Natalie shifted in her chair, unsure what to make of the surly Charlie. He’d seemed to enjoy the morning like she had but now his earlier moodiness had returned. She felt she understood teenage girls so well after three of her own but boys were different.

  He pushed up to his feet, arms crossed. “I’ll stay.”

  “Good.” Rosie gave a satisfied nod. “I’ve got a few jobs need doing.” Charlie frowned and opened his mouth but Rosie cut him off. “And Uncle Ron will need someone to help with the kayak tours.”

  “Okay.” His eyes showed a suggestion of interest before he turned away.

  “Hey,” Gabe said. “Take your plate to the sink before you go.”

  Charlie came back, his face serious but at least not quite as hostile, and took his plate into the kitchen. He went out the other door without speaking.

  Natalie caught the wink Rosie gave Gabe. There was something going on here that she wasn’t privy to. The rumble of a helicopter sent her gaze skyward, surprised by its throbbing intrusion into this peaceful existence.

  “You’ll hear a lot of them,” Gabe said. “There’s an airstrip nearby and the rigs out at sea use it as a refuelling point.”

  The machine vibrated closer then faded into the distance. A reminder she wasn’t as isolated as she’d imagined.

  Rosie collected their plates and Natalie rose to help clean up. The two women started on the dishes while Gabe got rid of the fish carcass.

  “You a reader, Natalie?” Rosie asked.

  “Since I’ve come on this holiday I’ve read three books and started a fourth which is more than I would have read…” Natalie paused. Shook her head. “In two years.”

  “I love reading. I’ve got a little library back at my place if you run out.” Rosie laughed. “Plenty of time for it here.”

  Gabe came back inside. “I’m going to visit Uncle Ron.”

  “I’d better get going too.” Rosie wiped her hands on the tea towel. “You sure you’re happy in the lodge? It’s pretty basic.”

  “It’s all I need,” Natalie said and waved them off.

  Back inside her room she paused to look around. It was so different to her Broome accommodation, not grand or luxurious but comfortable and clean. She’d meant what she said. The morning out paddling had swept away any concerns she had about staying here. While the indulgence of the resort had been enjoyable, in a strange way this basic room was all she needed. She stretched out on the comfy bed and closed her eyes.

  Later in the afternoon, after a refreshing sleep and just as she had settled to read, Gabe called in again.

  “There’s a cabin empty,” he said. “Tika and Rosie reckon you’ll be more comfortable there. It’s got its own kitchen and bathroom.”

  Although the thought was appealing Natalie didn’t want to bother moving. She was already settled in her room even though she hadn’t really unpacked.

  “There’s a group of blokes coming tonight,” Gabe said. “Fishermen. They’re nice enough but they can get a bit rowdy and they like to take over the camp kitchen. You might prefer your own space. And you won’t have to go out for the bathroom.”

  Natalie had a sudden recall of Bazz. Perhaps having her own cabin where she could keep to herself if she wanted was a better idea. “If it’s no bother.”

  Gabe shook his head.

  “Thanks.”

  “I’ll help you shift.”

  He waited on the verandah while she threw her things back in her bag then he loaded his vehicle with her belongings and drove to one of the colourful cabins she’d noticed from the camp kitchen. He pulled up in front of one painted a vibrant shade of purple.

  “You’ll like it here. Bit more comfortable than your other room.”

  Natalie stepped inside and felt instantly at home in the neat little cabin. Gabe brought in her case while she carried her assorted bags.

  “I’ll clear the remains of my food from the camp kitchen,” she said.

  Once again Gabe offered to help. By the time they were done Natalie was hot and sweaty.

  “I can’t offer you much to drink,” she said as she put the last of her perishables in the fridge. She waved a bottle of mineral water. “It’s cold at least.”

  “Suits me.” Gabe took two glasses from the cupboard.

  She poured and they took their drinks outside where they settled into the outdoor chairs and sipped the cool fizzing water in silence. Across from the verandah was a small garden plot containing assorted shrubs and beyond that was patchy lawn, coconut palms and much larger broad-leafed trees. The sun had slipped below the giant sandhills creating a golden glow across the sky.

  “Thanks for bringing me here,” Natalie said. “I can understand why you’d want to come ba
ck. It’s beautiful.”

  He turned, his look searching. Natalie felt he could see right inside her.

  “I like to visit. This is home but there’s not much to do here.”

  “That sounds good to me.” Natalie broke away from his gaze and watched a small bird flitting in and out of a leafy shrub.

  “Are you running away from something?”

  His question took her by surprise. She glanced back. He was still studying her, his look solemn. They’d only just met. She felt comfortable with him, as if they’d known each other for years instead of days, and yet she wasn’t about to confide in an acquaintance, least of all a male one.

  “No, I just needed a holiday. Some downtime.”

  “You’ll get that here.” He watched her a moment longer then stood suddenly and drained his glass. “I’ll leave you to it.”

  “Thanks for your help.” Natalie waved him off. There was something about Gabe that she found – how could she describe it – attractive? That she even thought it surprised her. Not that there hadn’t been other men she’d found attractive over the years but none of them had compared to Milt or made her even think of straying. She shook herself. Her husband had crossed that line but the idea had never entered her head before. She rolled her shoulders, stretched languidly in the warm air and pushed thoughts of men from her mind.

  Back inside her cabin she unpacked, everything this time, made herself a coffee and curled up on the couch with her book. Once again she was overwhelmed by the indulgence of sitting and reading on a…she had to struggle to remember what day it was. Monday! She’d been kayaking, swimming, eaten the most delicious fish cooked for her straight from the ocean and now she had nothing to do but relax and enjoy the pleasure of reading a book.

  She glanced at her phone. There was plenty of signal here. She should send a message, say she was staying longer, but her last text, when she’d been leaving Broome, had said she wasn’t sure how often she’d be able to make contact. They were managing without her. Natalie opened her book. She’d send another message once she knew what her next move would be.

  Twenty-Three

  Bree slid out of her boots and sat them beside her dad’s. He’d knocked off early. She wondered if he had a meeting to go to. She hadn’t noticed anything against Wednesday when she’d checked the calendar that morning. Bubbles was curled in his usual spot on the chair by the back door. She scratched him under the chin and let herself inside where she was greeted by the sound of an ABC newsreader blaring from the den.

  “Bree,” a voice hissed.

  She turned. Laura was beckoning her from the kitchen.

  Bree frowned. “What’s up?” No sooner had Bree stepped into the kitchen than Laura closed the door carefully behind her.

  “When are you leaving?” Laura said.

  Bree bristled. “I don’t know.” Her dad had asked her only this morning when she intended to head off and now Laura was nagging her. If the truth be told she was reluctant to leave now. After the conversation they’d overheard between Granny and Dad, she was worried about her mum and also the future of the property. She couldn’t bring herself to make plans to leave when things were so messy at home. “Has anyone heard from Mum today?”

  “I haven’t and Kate and Dad haven’t mentioned it.”

  “Where is Kate?”

  “In her room.”

  Bree shook her head. Kate might as well go back to her place for all the help she was being.

  “And Dad’s watching TV. He came in about an hour ago, had a shower and went to the den. He never watches TV at this time of the day.” Laura gripped Bree’s arm. “What are we going to do?” she hissed.

  “About what?”

  “For goodness sake, Brianna.”

  Bree raised her eyebrows. “Calm down.”

  “Dad’s miserable.” Laura began to pace. “Kate’s miserable. You’re leaving any minute and Mum’s gone off to some remote place where we can’t contact her.”

  “Have you tried?”

  “I sent a text this morning but she didn’t reply. Do you think she’s all right?”

  “Why wouldn’t she be?”

  “After what Granny said about Dad doing something to upset her.” Laura got to the end of the table and wrung her hands. “What if he has?”

  “They’ll work it out.”

  Laura stalked back down the kitchen and stopped right in front of her, eyes wide. The sickly sweetness of her perfume wafted on the air around her. “What if Mum’s actually left him and this holiday thing is all a cover-up.”

  Bree paused at the thought then brushed it aside. “Don’t be ridiculous. Mum and Dad have a rock-solid marriage. She wouldn’t leave. I’m more concerned about the stuff with Connie. That’s probably playing on Dad’s mind too.”

  They both froze as the door opened behind them. Kate stuck her head in, looked from one sister to the other. “What are you two up to?”

  Bree frowned. She hadn’t seen Kate at breakfast this morning or at lunch. Her face was pale and her skin blotchy, as if she’d been crying.

  “We’re keeping the heat in,” Bree said.

  Kate came all the way in and shut the door. She was huddled inside a thick sloppy jumper and even though the kitchen was warm, she looked almost blue with cold.

  “We’re talking about Dad,” Laura said.

  “I’ve just looked in on him. He’s asleep in his chair. Do you think he’s okay?”

  Bree groaned. “He’s probably tired. It’s been a big couple of weeks.”

  “We think he and Mum have had a fight,” Laura said.

  “What?” Kate said.

  “We do not,” Bree snapped.

  “Granny thinks they did. Why else would Mum go off without telling us?”

  “She told Dad where she was going, not us,” Bree said. “If she’d been mad at him it would have been the other way round, wouldn’t it?”

  “Perhaps she’s mad with us too.”

  “Why?” Kate slumped into a chair then got up again, switched the kettle on and put a tea bag in a cup. “Anyone else want one?”

  Both Bree and Laura shook their heads.

  “I guess she might not be happy about you leaving, Bree.” Kate spoke in that know-all older sister voice that annoyed the hell out of Bree. “She’s been trying to get Dad to take a holiday,” Kate went on. “But I can’t imagine she’d be that upset. And your hair was a bit of a shock, Laura, but it’s Dad who flies off the handle about those kinds of things, not Mum. And unless someone’s told her I presume she doesn’t know about the tattoo.”

  Bree bristled again at the suggestion her joining Owen at Marla was such a selfish act. Her parents had had plenty of chances to take a break and she wouldn’t have made a fuss if they’d gone off, in fact she’d welcome the opportunity to run things her way. She went to the fridge and got a beer then glared at Kate. “Perhaps she’s worried about you, moping around all day looking like something the cat dragged in and not helping much.”

  Kate clutched her cup. “If she was worried about any of us she’d be here, not thousands of k’s away.” Tears brimmed in her eyes.

  Bree got a daggered look from Laura. She felt a stab of guilt. She hadn’t meant to sound so mean. “Look, I’m sure Mum’s doing just what Dad said. She’s gone on a holiday. Maybe they’re both miffed ’cause he wouldn’t go too.”

  “But she was going to Aunty Brenda’s,” Laura said.

  “It was a bit of a surprise to find out she was in Broome.” Kate rested her behind against the kitchen bench and took a sip of her tea.

  “Dad told us about that,” Bree said. “Mum’s decision was last minute and she didn’t know Brenda was going to be away.”

  “But it’s all a bit weird, isn’t it?” Laura said. “You’d think she’d have let us know the minute her plans changed. It’s almost as if she wouldn’t have told us she was in Broome if we hadn’t caught her out.”

  They were all silent then until Bree plonked her beer on th
e table and sat. “I think this is all ridiculous. You’re worrying over nothing.”

  “We could just ask Dad what’s going on.” Kate came and sat down again. The tears were gone and her face was returning to a healthier pink.

  “Like how?” Bree said.

  They all froze as the handle rattled and the door opened. “Hello, started drinks without me?” Milt’s eyes were bleary but his voice was cheery.

  “A beer?” Bree leaped to her feet.

  “Thanks, love.”

  “Jeepers, look at the time. I’d better get tea started.” Laura jumped up too. Bree glanced at her. Her little sister said the strangest things sometimes but jeepers was new.

  “Everyone happy with chops for tea?” Laura asked.

  “I’ll do the vegetables,” Kate said.

  Bree passed her dad a beer then set the table and for a while the kitchen was abuzz with activity. No-one brought up their missing mother and soon the smell of meat cooking wafted around them.

  Kate made a sudden dash for the door. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

  Bree looked up as the door banged sharply but her dad and Laura didn’t seem to notice. She took a deep breath. “Have you heard from Mum today?”

  Milt looked surprised by the question. “No.” He patted his pocket. “But I haven’t checked my phone tonight. Must have left it in the bedroom.” He too let himself out into the passage.

  Laura gave Bree a questioning look.

  “What?” Bree said.

  “I thought we were going to ask him about Mum,” Laura hissed.

  “I was working up to it.”

  “Jeepers, keep your hair on.”

  Bree took a swallow of her beer. “Anyway, it was Kate’s idea. She can do it.”

  Bree folded her arms and looked away from Laura’s baleful expression. Even though the colours were fading it was still hard to take her seriously with that rainbow of hair cascading around her head.