Annie had gone home to get married. If Sheva was Annie incognito, then she was hiding here in Jindabyne because she was in some sort of serious trouble, and ranger Dan had some role in it.
He needed to know, and he needed time with her to find out. Once he knew, he could help her deal with whatever she was struggling with, and perhaps they could find comfort together.
Sitting here brooding in his farm surrounded by alpaca wouldn’t make it happen.
Roy glanced at his watch. Six o’clock. He pulled out his mobile phone and realised he didn’t know her phone number, but he did have Dan’s.
Dan answered on the first ring.
‘Why do you want her number, Roy? And what makes you think I would give it to you?’
Dan’s tone sent sharp slivers of anger through Roy. He controlled his temper. ‘Dan, I thought she might enjoy getting away to the mountains for the day. She looked stressed when I met her last.’
Dan was silent for a few seconds. ‘Okay. I’ll text it through to you.’
***
Sheva answered on the second ring. ‘Good morning. Dr Sheva Singh.’
‘Good morning to you too, Sheva. Hope I didn’t wake you. You don’t work on Saturday, do you?’
He sensed her hesitance in the momentary pause, the quick indrawn breath. ‘How did you get my mobile number?’
‘I called Dan.’
Another pause.
‘Right, to answer your question, I am not on duty on Saturday. All serious cases are sent direct to Cooma. Others come back on Monday morning. And no, you didn’t wake me.’
‘It’s a glorious day, are you up to some vigorous outdoor activity?’
Sheva laughed. ‘I just returned from a walk by the lake. It’s magical at sunrise.’
‘I’ve got an idea for something even more magical. Let’s do a trek up to Mount Kosciuszko. Have you been up there?’
‘No, I haven’t. I heard it’s an all-day trek.’ She hesitated. ‘Will it be just us on the walk?’
‘Sheva, the Kosciuszko boardwalk in summer is busier than Sydney’s Pitt Street Mall at a Boxing Day sale. We will definitely not be on our own.’
‘It sounds interesting.’ Sheva responded after another couple of seconds pause. ‘The walk, not the fact that it will be full of people.’
A thrill shot through Roy. He would have her for the whole day. He would show her she could trust him with whatever was worrying her. ‘I’ll pick you up in forty-five minutes. Bring a large bottle of water and dress warm. I’ll pack us some food. Layer your clothes. Long sleeve top, walking shoes, a beanie, scarf and gloves also. It’s rough ground in places. The weather can change real fast. It can get awfully nippy real quick. The sun’s still a killer. The UV is super strong, so you don’t want to burn.’
Sheva laughed. ‘Roy, I have a natural tan. We Subcontinentals don’t burn.’
‘Brown skins burn, Sheva. I’ll bring the sunscreen and insect repellent.’
‘Insects?’
‘Yeah, March flies. A wretched nuisance for bushwalkers, but essential for the cross pollination of the native wildflowers.’
‘Flies, sunburn and rough terrain— and you call it magical.’ Sheva laughed. ‘I’ll go get ready.’
‘And Sheva, lovely as you look in them, no hot pink shorts.’
‘Very funny.’
Roy rang the farm house. ‘Sam, I’m going for a walk to Kosciuszko. Can you pack me some food?’
‘I’m glad you’re going bushwalking, it always helps you settle your head. What are you doing? The main range, Townsend, Merritts track?’
‘No. Thredbo and the Boardwalk.’
Samson guffawed. ‘A cakewalk for you. I get it. Not going on your own, are you, Roy?’ He chortled. ‘You’ve invited the good doctor for a stroll. I’ll pack food for two.’
Roy paced his drive into Jindabyne to allow her time to get ready. He reminisced on what his life had been and how it had changed. His work was enjoyable. It was challenging and rewarding, both mentally and financially. Both his bank account and investment portfolio were evidence of it. But, it would lead nowhere. There was no future for him. The charities he supported and the research foundation he was patron of were grateful for the donations. Would there be any research breakthrough in time for him? Probably not.
The futility and loneliness of his life weighed down his heart. Father had thought his mother would be there for him to the end. Roy had taken Charlene’s devotion to him as a given. Women like mother and Charlene didn’t have the resilience, or maybe even the sacrificial love needed to deal with the challenges of marriage.
No woman did.
Forget commitment and forever, he would live for today. And he would convince Sheva she needed to do the same.
CHAPTER 25
Dan picked up on the first ring. ‘I was about to call you. You’re going bushwalking with the alpaca farmer.’
‘You gave him my telephone number, but how do you know— no, don’t bother to respond, you have my phone line bugged.’
‘Guilty as accused. But, as I keep repeating, Sheva, it is for your own good— no, your safety. It’ll be a lovely day on the mountain. Take your locator beacon, and watch how you deal with Roy. Remember, you can get close, but be careful what—’
‘Dan, I don’t like taking instructions—’
‘I’ve noticed.’
‘Never mind. How am I supposed to act today?’
‘I thought you’d never ask.’
His teasing tone brought a smile to her lips. She had no right to be nasty.
‘I am at your command,’ she replied in the same playful tone.
‘Here’s what we want you to do. Check your wardrobe, you will have clothes suitable for the day in the mountains. It’s hard to be sexy when bushwalking, but you’ve got a good selection, so, dress to impress. Take warm clothes, water—’
‘Sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, I know.’
‘Let him set the pace. We have decided to leave this to your discretion. If and when you feel comfortable, you can tell him some of the information. I have texted you the version we want you to share with Roy. Now get going, we don’t want to keep lover boy waiting.’
‘Lover boy. Come on—’
‘Hey, don’t get prickly on me girl. And, by the way—’
‘What else, Dan?’
‘Enjoy your day.’ Dan chuckled and cut the line.
***
Sheva opened the wardrobe and looked at the blouses, skirts, pants and coats— all colour coordinated, and on hangers. Shoes were on the rack for casual wear and work.
Her thoughts spun back to her first day here. Dan had walked with her through the house. Opening cupboards to display crockery and cutlery, shelves stocked with cereal, flour, sugar and cooking oil. A refrigerator with all the essentials. Even a spice rack on the counter by the stove, stocked with Sri Lankan chilli, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom and curry powder. Sheva had followed him, jet lagged and zombie-like, as he showed her where things were in the house.
‘Dan, how and who—’
‘You are the doctor here, Sheva. The supplies were part of the contract you signed when you accepted the job, together with the payment of the lease for the house for two months. It includes the electricity for lights, cooking, heating and air con.’
‘I didn’t sign anything.’
Ignoring her comment, Dan picked up her suitcase and walked ahead of her up the stairs. ‘The bedroom, study and bathroom are up here.’ He’d pointed to the open doors, walked through into the bedroom and put her suitcase down on the rack by the bed. ‘Bed’s made. And—’ He opened the wall cupboard— ‘spare sheets and towels. Also—’ the door of a mirrored wardrobe was swung open— ‘there’re clothes here in your size. Mainly summer clothes, work and leisure. You’ve also got warm coats, g
loves and scarf for the freakish cold weather the Snowies can throw at you, even in summer.’
‘Dan,’ she’d tried to protest.
Dan had stood in front of her and placed his hands on her shoulders, in a gesture she now accepted as comforting. ‘You are here as the new medical officer for the Jindabyne Medical Centre. Senior Registrar is the title they have given you.’
‘Who are they, Dan?’
The question had hung in the air between them unanswered.
‘The notes for your profile as Dr Sheva Singh are in the file.’ He had gestured to a brown envelope on the pillow of the four-poster bed. ‘The township of Jindabyne are aware they finally have a medical officer for their newly opened medical centre. Your nurse, Rosie, and clinic attendant, Peter, are expecting you at work the day after tomorrow. It gives you a day to fit into your new persona. Get some rest. I’ll come by tomorrow morning around seven to brief you and I’ll bring some breakfast.’
That was the moment it had truly sunk in. She was not Dr Maryanne Shevanthi Samarasinghe. She was now Sheva, a country GP. Thank God, they, whoever they were, let her continue as a doctor. She would have died if they didn’t allow her to practice medicine.
Well, this is where she was and who she was, and she had no choice but to live it. Fear and apprehension for the future had swirled through her. She’d stumbled, stopped and held on to a post of the bed, gasping. Her body was shaking.
Dan had turned and slipped his arm around her shoulder. ‘Shush, Sheva, we know this is hard for you. It is the only way we can keep you safe. You really have no choice. It won’t be for more than six to eight weeks. I’ll be there every step of the way.’
‘Do we have to pretend you’re my fiancé?’ She’d stammered at what it may entail.
The laughter had been spontaneous. ‘Tempting as it is, here, in Jindabyne, we can be good friends.’ He’d stared down at her. ‘However, it won’t matter if people think there’s something more than friendship between the ranger and the doctor.’
***
Dan had kept his promise of friendship and support. Now, four weeks later, she had adjusted to her new lifestyle, just.
Sheva flicked through the clothes. She selected a white cashmere turtle neck sweater and a pair of dark blue stretched jeans. She hadn’t needed to use the warm coats before. She pushed aside the black one and settled on the silver green. It was a sporty anorak style, cold-weather jacket. She read the label: “90% goose down and 10% feathers”. Amused at the thought of being covered by goose down, she slipped it on. The hooded style had a cinched waist with snap tabs, zip vents at the sides, a cosy rib-knit collar and woollen cuffs she could slip her thumbs into.
She brushed her hair and looked at her reflection in the mirror. Whoever stocked her wardrobe sure had good taste. Sliding a cream cashmere scarf off the rack, she twisted it around her neck. She applied her make up with care, outlining her eyes and lips to suit Sheva’s persona.
Picking up her backpack, she stuffed a woollen scarf, a thick knitted beanie and leather gloves into it. She slipped on her walking shoes, glad she had broken them in with her morning walks by the lake.
Downstairs, she put a bottle of water and a packet of cream biscuits into her backpack, stuck the locator beacon into her bag and picked up her sunglasses.
She shut and locked the front door. Standing in the garden, she scrolled through Dan’s message. It was a sterilised version of the events that had taken place in Sri Lanka. Now, she had to find the right time to share this with Roy so they could, as Dan said in the message, recruit him to the team.
Roy slowed the car to a stop and jumped out. ‘Hey, you look amused. What’s so funny?’
Sheva’s fingers went to her neck, where her cross would have nestled.
‘Just seeing another side of you. I know the businessman and the farmer,’ she gestured to his black padded jacket, the thigh hugging black jeans, and the well-worn Akubra on his head. ‘I guess this would be the intrepid adventurer look. Or maybe the mountain cowboy.’
Roy laughed. He raised his hand to tip the brim of his hat. ‘Yes, ma’am,’ he replied with an exaggerated drawl.
She allowed Roy to tuck her backpack in the back seat and help her into the car. They drove away from Nuggets Crossing and down Kosciuszko Road. The road curved away from the lake. They were surrounded by dry grassy paddocks. Roy gestured to a sign by the road. ‘We turn into Alpine Way to Thredbo. Kosciuszko Road continues to Perisher Valley and Charlotte Pass. We’ll go that way next time, Sheva. It’s a longer and harder walk, but fully worth the effort. Once you get there, the views from Mount Carruthers are worth it.’
He called her Sheva and said nothing about her being Annie.
Sheva relaxed.
They were into the hills and climbing. ‘This is all good cattle and sheep country. In the old days, cattle were allowed to graze right up into the mountains. Grazing stopped in the 1950s to preserve the natural plants and wetland bogs of the Kosciuszko National Park.’
‘You farm alpaca.’
‘Hmmm, they are a sort of boutique farm animal. Once set up they can be managed with minimum staff.’
‘And you split your time between your accounting business and your farm.’
There was an almost imperceptible pause. ‘Yes.’
He didn’t want to talk about himself. She would let it rest for now. It wasn’t like she didn’t have skeletons in her cupboard.
‘Where are we now, Roy?’ She looked around at the tree studded paddocks on both sides of the road and toward the green and brown mountain ranges beyond.
The tension eased. ‘We’re in the Crackenback range. Over there—’ he pointed to a quaint little brick building hidden by pine trees— ‘is Crackenback Cottage. They have an interesting little maze, chocolate and strawberry muffins. We’ll stop for tea on the way back.’
Roy took the sharp curves on the road with the confidence of familiarity. They left the paddocks behind. Majestic and gnarled gum trees and shrub hemmed the road in.
‘I love these trees.’
‘Dendrophilia, Doc.’
She cuffed his thigh with a closed fist. ‘I’m not a greenie, but I find the gum trees absolutely fascinating.’
She pointed at two stout trees with dark-brown fibrous rough bark. They stood side by side, their branches reaching up, thick, sturdy and entwined. Fresh shoots sprouted from the dry rough bark at the lower parts of the trunks. ‘Those look like two old people holding hands, their skin parched and dry with age, arms gnarled and arthritic. Their grandchildren are gathered around them.’
Roy laughed. ‘Mountain gum, Sheva. And the grandchildren are epicormic buds. When the tree is burnt and the foliage removed, these buds are triggered into life and start to grow. Once these buds sprout, the tree begins to regrow all of the lost foliage and, over time, the tree recovers.’
Roy pointed across the valley where the whole hillside was covered by silver white skeletons. ‘What do you make of those Alpine Ash?’
‘They are the ghosts of times past.’ She leant toward him, her hand resting on his thigh, to stare out of the driver’s side window. ‘There’s so much new growth around those dead trees.’
‘The Alpine Ash responds differently to fire. The trees die, never to recover. Seeds stored in gum-nuts up in the tree tops are released following the fire; they germinate and grow.’
‘So, in dying, they create new life.’
Roy turned into a sharp bend. ‘Add philosopher to the list of achievements,’ he slowed at the national park entry gate. The lady in the booth glanced at the New South Wales Parks entry pass on his windscreen and waved him through with a smile.
‘You’re not excited about the trees are you?’
Roy flicked his eyes to her fingertips spread on his thigh. With a smile, he took his left hand off the wheel to cover hers. ‘My excitement ha
s nothing to do with gum trees.’
Her gaze slid from his face to his lap. She flicked her hand away.
Roy’s laugh reverberated through the car. ‘Sheva, you are too easy to tease.’
Still laughing, Roy pointed to a sign that read “Thredbo Diggings”. ‘Ideal spot to camp overnight. Want to come with me sometime?’
Camping out in the open with Roy. Dan would throw a fit. But, if she wanted to, it was none of his business. ‘Maybe. What’s it like?’
‘It’s beautiful, right by the Thredbo River. Twilight brings out the ‘roos, wallabies, wombats and echidnas. If we’re lucky we could even spot a duck billed platypus. Have you ever seen a platypus?’
‘No. Aren’t they indigenous to Australia?’
‘Yep, sort of a cross between a large water rat and a broad billed duck. We could even do some fly-fishing for trout.’ He smiled at her. ‘Don’t look so worried. I’ll bring separate tents and zip you up secure so the snakes and spiders don’t get at you.’
‘You have the most charming way of inviting a girl to spend time with you. If it isn’t sunburn and a fly attack on a freezing mountain, it’s a snake or spider bite by the river.’
‘It’ll all grow on you, Sheva. You’ll be a naturalised Snowy woman before you know it.’
‘Naturalised or not, I think I’ll pass on the spiders, snakes and sundry other mammals.’
‘Come on, Sheva, take some risks with your life. It’s cleansing to the mind and body.’
Sheva stayed silent.
She could tell him her whole life was a risk, every moment of her day lived dangerously close to disaster. She never knew what the day ahead would bring, and the feeling was not in any way cleansing.
In a few minutes, Roy turned into the parking area opposite a grey building with a large sign that read “Kosciuszko Express: Thredbo Australia”.
Snowy Summer Page 15