Saving Grace

by Fiona McCallum

  ‘I know what you meant,’ Jake said, grinning, ‘and I insist. Now you sit there with your magazines of dreams and just tell me where things are when I ask.’

  ‘Okay, if you insist.’ Emily found she rather liked him gently ordering her about.

  ‘Indeed I do, m’lady. Would you like another coffee?’

  ‘Thanks, that would be great. White …’

  ‘White with one. Yes, I know, I’ve been taking notes. One for you too, Liz?’ Jake asked.

  ‘No thanks. I think I’ll have a shower if you’ve got breakfast under control. Won’t be long.’

  She left the room and Jake stared after her for a few moments, frowning. Emily tried to re-focus on her magazine, but found her attention constantly returning to his back.

  ‘That was fantastic,’ Emily said, three quarters of an hour later, pushing her plate away from her. ‘Thanks Jake.’

  ‘Mmm, thanks,’ Elizabeth agreed, absently flicking through one of Emily’s magazines.

  ‘Glad you enjoyed it, missy, because it’s your turn to do the dishes,’ Jake said.

  ‘Fair enough,’ Elizabeth said, getting up to clear the table. ‘Then what are we going to do?’

  Maybe that’s what’s up with Liz – she’s bored. Fair enough, she supposed. They had only left the house to drive around the local district. No doubt her cousin was suffering shopping or café withdrawal.

  ‘Why don’t we take a drive over to Charity Flat for a late lunch?’ Emily suggested. ‘The pub’s been done up recently and by all accounts now does half-decent food. It’s only forty minutes’ drive away. Jake, there’s a couple of old buildings you might find worth photographing too.’

  ‘Sounds perfect,’ Jake said.

  ‘There are a few antique shops and a place with lovely gifts. Probably a little too rural for you, Liz, but it’ll be a change of scenery.’

  ‘Great. Should we invite David and Barbara along? They were such good company yesterday,’ Elizabeth said.

  ‘I think they’ve got something on already,’ Emily said. But it was a white lie; she wasn’t actually sure what they were up to that day and wasn’t about to ask. She really wasn’t up for a repeat of Liz’s sparring with Barbara and flirting with David.

  Chapter Forty-four

  ‘Hello, anybody home?’

  Jake, Emily and Elizabeth exchanged questioning expressions. Emily got up, leaving Jake at the table and Elizabeth drying the last of the dishes. ‘Coming!’ she called, hurrying down the hall.

  The voice wasn’t familiar, and it was weird that Grace hadn’t announced the visitor’s arrival by barking. The dog was curled up in her basket with a bright, satisfied grin after being given a few pieces of bacon rind by Jake.

  When Emily got to the door, a woman dressed neatly in jeans and an emerald green polo shirt was standing at the threshold. The woman’s car, a nondescript white sedan, was parked just beyond the verandah steps.

  ‘Can I help you?’ Emily said, cursing the house for not having a basic wooden screen door.

  ‘I hope so,’ the woman said, pushing a pair of sunglasses up onto her head. ‘I think I’ve got myself lost,’ she added, slapping what looked like a folded map against her thigh. She had friendly pale brown eyes, and her dark reddish hair was tied in a bun at the back of her head. She appeared to be quite a few years older than Emily, but perhaps that was just because of her freckled complexion. She’d always found it hard to tell people’s ages.

  ‘I’m Emily Oliphant,’ Emily said, smiling warmly and holding out her hand.

  ‘Tara Wickham,’ the woman said, shaking hands. ‘Sorry, I’m a little flustered,’ she said, pushing imaginary strands of hair from her face. ‘I’ve been driving around for ages …’

  ‘Um, well, would you like to come in? I could get you a glass of water, or a coffee.’

  ‘That would be great. As long as I’m not intruding.’ It was clearly a throwaway line; Tara Wickham looked to Emily like she very much wanted to come in. She was peering inquisitively into the darkened hall.

  Emily should probably have said something about them actually heading out, but instead she led the way back down the hall. Hopefully this Tara woman wouldn’t want to hang around too long.

  ‘Jake, Elizabeth, this is Tara Wickham – Jake and Elizabeth are visiting from Melbourne.’ Emily thought Tara was right behind her, but as she turned to introduce her, she saw that the other woman was still at the open door to the lounge-dining room, looking in. Emily was a little annoyed. Even if it wasn’t technically her house, it was her home, and she didn’t like this stranger scrutinising it. She cleared her throat.

  Tara recovered herself and hurried into the kitchen. ‘Hello,’ she said, thrusting out her right hand.

  They exchanged handshakes as Emily repeated the introductions.

  ‘Are you sure I’m not intruding? I didn’t realise you had guests,’ Tara said, taking a seat at the table. ‘I seem to have got myself lost,’ she explained hastily to Jake and Elizabeth.

  ‘Well, we are off to Charity Flat soon,’ Emily said, ‘but we do have a few minutes. Tea, coffee or Milo?’

  ‘Ah, Charity Flat, haven’t been there in years. A Milo would be great, thanks.’

  ‘Do you guys want another drink?’ Emily asked.

  ‘No thanks,’ Liz and Jake said in unison.

  ‘Are you from around here originally, then?’ Emily asked, filling the kettle at the sink.

  ‘No, but I have family in the area. I used to visit when I was a child, but not in the past twenty years or so. I was planning a surprise visit,’ she said with a tight laugh, slapping the map on the table, ‘but I can’t seem to find them.’

  ‘So who’s your family?’ Liz asked. ‘Everyone knows everyone around here; Emily here’s bound to know them. She’s probably even related to them,’ she added with a hearty chuckle.

  ‘Oh. Just a couple of old bachelor cousins. They’re brothers. I think they keep pretty much to themselves.’

  At hearing this, the hair on Emily’s arms stood up and her back tightened. How many old bachelor brothers could there be around here? She had the distinct feeling Tara was being evasive. She wasn’t sure why, but she was suddenly uneasy. Hoping Tara would say more, Emily took her time to plug the appliance in and get the things back out of the cupboards. But Tara didn’t elaborate.

  ‘You don’t mean the Baker brothers, do you? Donald and Trevor?’ Emily finally offered.

  ‘Actually, yes. Do you know them?’

  ‘This is their house. I’m renting it from them.’

  ‘Ah, so this is the original Baker home, then?’

  ‘I think so,’ Emily said reluctantly. She remembered how nosy Tara had been on her way down the hall. Her back stiffened again as she wondered if Tara Wickham was really lost and there by accident.

  And so what if she isn’t? she thought. She’s not going to just bowl up and say, ‘Hey, my great-aunt and uncle used to live here, do you mind if I come in and take a look around?’ Emily could imagine her mother doing just that, though she was country born and raised. This Tara woman seemed to have more of a city air about her.

  ‘Isn’t it a small world?’ Liz said.

  ‘It is indeed,’ Tara agreed.

  Emily frowned as she made the one mug of Milo, unable to judge Tara’s tone, and with her back to her, unable to read her expression.

  ‘I haven’t actually been to their other house,’ she said, putting the mug in front of Tara.

  ‘Thanks. I think they must be more to the north-east.’ Tara said.

  ‘I don’t know. Sorry, I’m no help at all.’

  ‘Oh well, I’ll just have to drive to the next place and ask,’ she said, taking a sip.

  ‘I’m afraid I don’t know where the nearest house is,’ Emily said apologetically. ‘I’m not really from around here either. I’ve only just moved in.’

  ‘So, Tara, what do you do when you’re not out driving around the countryside looking for old relatives?’ Jake
asked.

  Emily was a little taken aback at his forthrightness. Perhaps it was normal in Melbourne to ask relative strangers straight up what they did for a job. Not around here. Around here most men were on the land and most women were stay-at-home wives and mothers, or they held dull jobs on check-outs or in offices. There was no need to ask, and certainly not as a conversation starter.

  ‘Oh. I’m a financial planner. I advise people on the best strategy for their financial future. Freedom now and in retirement, making sure they’re getting whatever Centrelink assistance they’re entitled to. It can be quite a juggling act.’

  ‘I’m sure. Tell me, what are your thoughts on subdividing?’

  ‘Can be a way to make a lot of money, depending on where the land is. I’ve actually done quite well out of a couple of city blocks.’

  ‘What about farmland?’

  ‘As in rural living blocks?’

  ‘Yes, farmers selling off small parcels of land to free up some extra cash.’

  ‘I could put you in touch with some developers if it’s something you’re interested in.’

  ‘Thanks, but I’m more interested from a financial planning perspective. Is it something you’d recommend farmers do?’

  ‘Carve off portions of a much larger holding to access the value?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Well, obviously every situation is different, and I would need to know your full financial history, goals, et cetera, before giving any sort of advice.’

  ‘It’s not for me. I’m speaking hypothetically. Say a farmer was near or past retirement age and they wanted a bit of cash to make themselves a little more comfortable. Is it something you would recommend?’

  ‘Oh, well, hypothetically speaking, no, it’s not something I would generally recommend to someone near to or past retirement age. I’d be more inclined to suggest selling everything up, investing in superannuation or managed funds, and seeing if they qualify for the aged pension.’

  ‘You mean, you’d have them leave the land completely?’

  ‘That’s usually the better outcome. For those in difficulty, freeing up the equity in their land can often give them more financial freedom and peace of mind.’

  ‘And if they didn’t want to sell up? Hypothetically.’

  Emily wondered about Jake’s line of questioning. He was becoming slightly combative, and she asked herself why. Had someone in his family received poor financial advice? Had he?

  ‘Well then, hypothetically, I probably wouldn’t be of much help. I sell investment and superannuation products. So my clients are usually those with money to invest, seeking advice and options.’

  ‘Are there options other than selling up?’ Jake continued.

  ‘Well, you asked about subdivision. If you’re now talking financial planning options, generally, then yes, there is usually more than one option. But as I said before, it would all depend on the individual’s circumstances.’

  Emily wondered now if Tara was visiting the Baker brothers to talk them into selling up. Perhaps they had asked her to come out and give them some advice. No, hadn’t she said her visit was a surprise?

  ‘My dad knew Donald and Trevor’s parents before they left the district,’ she said, desperate to change the topic of conversation. ‘Were your parents from around here as well?’

  ‘Yes, but they left before I was born. I actually grew up on a farm over in Western Australia – cereal and wool country, like around here.’

  ‘So you’d have to understand a farmer’s connection to the land. Where’s your compassion and understanding?’ Jake asked, looking incredulous.

  ‘Compassion and understanding don’t pay the bills. And it was a hypothetical discussion we were having, remember?’ Tara offered a tight smile and shifted in her seat.

  Jake changed tack, but clearly wasn’t giving in. Emily was intrigued to see a different side of him, but was also concerned that he was being less than hospitable. ‘So, what are the old farmers meant to do all day, once they’ve sold up?’

  ‘Travel, potter around in the garden, take up bowls, do what most other retired people do: enjoy their retirement!’

  Emily hated the way Tara waved her arm dismissively. It must be so bloody easy when they were just clients and there weren’t any consequences to directly affect her.

  ‘What are your thoughts on investing in shares? Any hot tips?’ Elizabeth suddenly asked.

  ‘Shares are fine if you’re talking long-term. Though you have to be careful – the market is still pretty volatile thanks to the GFC. No sure bets, I’m afraid.’

  ‘The trouble with what you do,’ Jake interrupted, ‘is that it’s still only another opinion. And you can be wrong, can’t you?’

  ‘Well, I have had extensive training.’

  ‘But it’s just sales, really, isn’t it? It’s not really about helping people, it’s more about filling your company’s coffers.’

  ‘Jake, I’m sure Tara has better things to do with her time on a Sunday than defend her profession,’ Emily cut in quickly. ‘Tara, would you like me to phone your cousins and get directions?’ she asked.

  ‘Thanks, but I have their number in my mobile. I’d better get going and let you head off,’ Tara said, pushing her cup away and getting up.

  So why didn’t you call them when you got lost? Unease wound its way through her again.

  ‘Thank you, Emily, for the cuppa, and you, Jake, for the stimulating conversation. Elizabeth, lovely to meet you. Emily, here’s my card if you ever need any advice of a financial nature. I’m based in Adelaide. No point giving you one, Elizabeth or Jake, is there?’ she said brightly – a little provocatively, Emily thought.

  ‘No thanks,’ Jake mumbled.

  ‘I’ve got some friends in finance in Melbourne, but thanks anyway,’ Elizabeth muttered.

  The three of them followed Tara down the hall and out onto the front verandah. As she walked, Emily marvelled at Tara’s ability to remain cool despite Jake’s criticism and refrain from getting into a full-blown row. She frowned at his behaviour. It was rude. Sure, he might have issues with financial planners, but it was her house, and Tara was her guest. Well, not exactly. But she’d invited her in. And she still had the unsettling feeling that Tara hadn’t been totally honest with her.

  ‘Jeez, Jake, what was that all about?’ Elizabeth demanded when the car was out of sight.

  ‘What was what all about?’

  ‘The interrogation.’

  ‘Interrogation? I was only satisfying my curiosity.’

  ‘Yeah, Hitler-style.’

  ‘I wasn’t that bad, was I, Em?’

  ‘Well, actually you were a bit aggressive,’ she said, carefully choosing her words.

  ‘Oh well, she seemed able to take it.’

  ‘I hope she doesn’t talk her cousins into selling everything up,’ Liz said.

  ‘Hmm. That’s what I was thinking.’

  ‘It’s interesting, isn’t it, how she wouldn’t support selling off bits of land to free up some cash,’ Liz said. ‘It sounds like a good idea to me.’

  ‘Me too.’ A thought suddenly struck Emily. Hang on, was Jake’s hypothetical questioning about this place, me? He’d said ‘not for me’. Had he cast his eyes briefly in her direction when he’d said it? The more she thought about it, the more she was convinced he had been asking on her behalf. She felt herself blush ever so slightly before returning her attention to Liz, who had carried on talking.

  ‘But I guess they’re all about super and allocated pensions and getting the most out of Centrelink.’

  ‘And I hear you’re only allowed to earn a miniscule amount each week before it affects your pension,’ Emily said.

  ‘So, seriously, Jake, what’s your beef with Tara?’ Liz asked.

  ‘I don’t have a beef – I just don’t trust financial planners, advisors, whatever you want to call them. I went to see one once and I’d be broke if I’d taken his advice. What people don’t seem to realise is that their ad
vice really is subjective. At least accountants have concrete facts to work with – this is how much you’ve got, this is how much tax you’re going to pay, this is what you can do legally to minimise it. And don’t forget, most of the advice financial planners give is about investing in products that they receive a commission on. So you tell me whose interests they have in mind.’

  ‘I hear the government has changed the regulations so they won’t get commissions anymore – they’ll just charge hourly for each service they perform,’ Liz said.

  ‘Yeah, and about time too,’ Jake said. ‘Shall we go and see what Charity Flat has to offer?’

  Jake offered to drive since the road was sealed. Emily was content to sit in the back and enjoy the scenery. But her head was still whirring with the thought of buying the house and a few acres. It crept into her mind whenever she let it.

  First David had mentioned it and now Jake. They were both intelligent, sensible men, which told Emily there must be some merit to the idea. Though of course, even if she could get Donald and Trevor to agree – which was unlikely, especially if they asked their cousin for advice – there was a major hurdle. Money.

  Why the hell hadn’t she got professional advice on the settlement? If only she’d spoken to a lawyer. Though, like Barbara had said, it really wouldn’t have mattered much; the figures were cleverly fudged.

  Emily looked at Grace sprawled across the back seat beside her and thought how good it was of Jake to let the dog in his car with its lovely leather upholstery. He really was a very nice man.

  Chapter Forty-five

  ‘Is that a giant kangaroo up ahead?’ Jake asked after they’d rounded the last bend and were slowing on their approach into Charity Flat.

  ‘Big,’ Emily corrected, leaning forward into the gap between the two front seats. ‘And it’s not a kangaroo, it’s a wallaby. It was originally a kangaroo, but a big wind took off the top section a few years back and it got shortened during repairs. That’s why it’s a little out of proportion. You’ll see when we get alongside it,’ she explained. ‘I think it’s made of fibreglass.’

  ‘Oh, right,’ Jake said.