Legacy of Hunters Ridge

by Sarah Barrie

  ‘Hi, Ebony.’

  ‘Hi, Bella. You working your way through your holidays?’

  ‘Yeah. Mum needs the help and I need the money. Uni’s not cheap.’

  ‘Bella’s studying medicine,’ Ebony told them. ‘Have you met Ally and Mia? Ally’s sorting out Mavis’s place.’

  ‘Hi,’ she said, then turned her attention back to Ebony. ‘Looking forward to that degree. Did Mum tell you I’m interning back here with Dr Jude?’

  ‘No – that’s great news.’

  ‘Yeah. I want to do country practice. The big city hospitals are exciting, but I like the community thing out here.’

  ‘Have you heard from Tara?’ Ebony asked carefully.

  Bella’s face fell. ‘No. I can’t believe she’d run off like that. Her parents are so upset. And she didn’t say anything to me. I know they’ve all taken off the same way, I know they said they were getting out, but something’s wrong – I know it is. Mum won’t let me drive anywhere after dark because I’m the last one – the last of our group from school.’ Bella hesitated, then dropped her voice.

  ‘Kylie and Hope swear it was only the two of them that actually followed through with their get-out-of-town pact. It’s terrifying to think something else might have happened to the others and there are whispers Rob’s not handling it properly, because the details of the other disappearances are the same, so he doesn’t want to call in outside help and risk looking stupid. Tara’s dad organised the search the other day, and Rob spent half of it telling them they were wasting their time – that they should be looking in Brisbane, because that’s where Kylie and Hope are. He has the cops up there chasing after Kylie for more information.’

  ‘Maybe it’s best you humour your mum – just in case,’ Ebony suggested, ‘and stay off the roads at night.’

  ‘I plan on it. I’d better go and serve those other customers.’

  Mia pulled out a note and handed it to Bella. ‘Keep the change.’

  ‘Thanks.’

  Ally watched her walk over to a table where a couple had just seated themselves. ‘Now I’m convinced that’s why Clint told me to stay off the road at night. He doesn’t believe it either.’

  ‘He’s on at me about my late night call-outs, too.’ Ebony rubbed her fingers over her forehead. ‘The whole town is uneasy. Everyone’s whispering, looking over their shoulders. Girls can’t drive around town at night without worrying they might not make it home. Bella’s not completely right, though – Rob swears he’s tried repeatedly to get a bigger investigation going. Apparently it’s being looked into.’

  ‘At least that’s something. And I know I’m a wuss and everything,’ Ally said as shouting and general noise came from the pub, ‘but speaking of creeps, could we stop talking about this and get going before your friend in the pub comes back out?’

  Ebony blew out a breath and nodded. ‘Yeah, I need to go check my latest patient. Nice to meet you, Mia. Thanks again.’

  Ally led Mia back to her car and spared her an unimpressed look as they climbed in.

  Mia’s ‘What?’ was all innocence.

  ‘You know what. One day you’re gonna get yourself in trouble. And who’s going to defend you – me?’

  Mia wiggled her eyebrows. ‘Maybe I’ll call on your sexy neighbour.’

  ‘If anyone can get a man to jump through hoops, it’s you, Mia.’ Ally put on her seatbelt.

  ‘I certainly didn’t get opinionated jerk.’

  ‘He does that. You think, wow, this guy’s too good to be true, then bang – one misunderstanding or two, possibly three, and he’s telling you what he thinks.’ Mia sent her a dubious look. After a stubborn hesitation, Ally caved. ‘And like I started to say last night, I’ve revised that opinion. Mostly. Because he’s friendly, he has values, and tells it like he sees it. And a few other traits I really admire. Satisfied?’

  ‘That you’ve stopped coming up with excuses not to like him? Because the fact that you’re coming up with excuses not to like him tells me you want to like him. Or you do like him, more than you think you want to like him.’

  ‘I’m sure that makes sense. At least to you. Realistically, it wouldn’t matter. A guy like that can have anyone – even you. So go for it, because messes like me don’t appeal to guys like him.’

  ‘Oh, you think? Because realistically, that man was more interested in the hem of your shirt this morning than you usually are.’

  ‘I’m trying to stop that fiddling habit.’

  ‘And here I was thinking you were flirting via your thighs.’

  Ally rolled her eyes and pulled out onto the street. ‘Yes, because that’s me all over, right?’

  ‘Ally just promise me you’ll call him if anything else happens. I don’t like the sound of those girls going missing.’

  ‘Fine,’ she said with a sigh, ‘as long as you promise not to drive out here after dark.’

  CHAPTER

  10

  Ally pressed the last lettuce seedling into the soft earth and looked over her neat rows of vegetables with satisfaction. ‘Well, what do you think, ladies, not a bad job?’ Neither Luna nor Bess spared her more than the flick of an eye. Both were attacking large bones she’d bought them from the butcher. ‘Thanks, I think so too. I’ll water them all in and I’m done.’

  In the three days since Mia had gone back to the city, Ally had continued to tidy up the farm. Lee’s contractors had been and gone and Violet’s new accommodation was complete. She’d coaxed Chester in too, because although Violet could now watch the comings and goings at the house, Ally thought she’d benefit from Chester’s company. Violet seemed to like it. Chester wasn’t convinced. Ally couldn’t have cared less, because if he got into this new vegetable garden, she’d have to kill him.

  She dusted off her hands and picked up the hose, then dropped it again when the sound of a car on the driveway caught her attention. A police four-wheel drive was coming in.

  The man who stepped out was probably in his late fifties, tall, with a strong but wiry frame, a head of greying hair and small, dark eyes. Those eyes roamed over her assessingly, before his sharp face brightened with a smile that creased his face. There was something slightly familiar about him that had Alissa returning the assessment with curiosity.

  ‘Morning. You Alissa?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘I’m Sergeant Rob Littleton, local police.’

  ‘Littleton?’

  ‘Yeah, Mavis’s brother. We haven’t met.’

  ‘Oh, hi. You’re much younger than Mavis.’

  He laughed at that. ‘Not often I get called younger than anyone these days. Fifteen years her junior. I was one of those unexpected, late babies.’

  ‘Is Mavis okay? Is something wrong?’

  ‘No, no, not at all. Though I did hear about an incident outside the pub a few days ago.’ His eyes hinted at humour. ‘Thought it was probably time I came round to introduce myself.’

  ‘Would you like to come in – have a cold drink?’

  ‘Wouldn’t say no.’

  She led him inside, where he stopped and looked around with a raised brow. ‘You’ve been tidying up.’

  ‘A bit. I like things ordered.’

  ‘Planning on staying long?’

  She sent him a small, quick smile. ‘Not sure yet. Just playing it day by day.’

  He dropped his hat on the table while she pulled a bottle of lemonade from the fridge. There was probably enough for two small glasses. There were a few bubbles. Shit – was it flat?

  ‘Nice of you to drop everything and come down.’

  ‘It was good timing really, I don’t mind.’

  ‘I was really sorry to hear about David.’

  ‘I’m trying to put it behind me.’

  ‘Of course. Everyone around here knows the story – that’s how it works in small communities – especially the one about how when Mavis couldn’t pay the bank you bought the place to let her stay on. I would’ve helped her myself, had I known.’ />
  Ally handed him a glass, the surprise showing on her face. ‘She didn’t tell you?’

  A small scowl briefly crossed his features. ‘Mavis and I haven’t exactly been on speaking terms for … a long time. Anyway, main thing is, you helped out, so thanks. Everyone around here will be happy to help with anything you need.’

  ‘I appreciate that. Lee Dalton’s done a few jobs for me. The house is falling apart.’

  ‘Doesn’t surprise me, it’s over a hundred years old. The top floor was added on by our father about seventy years ago – and he wasn’t a builder. Lots of second-hand materials and unskilled labour. Nothing’s ever worked quite right.’

  ‘Oh, I guess that explains it.’

  He nodded. ‘Are you going to sell?’

  ‘Once Mavis passes, I’ll have to.’

  ‘Mavis was real set on this place going to the church.’

  ‘That’s a nice sentiment, but I can’t afford to do it.’

  He nodded again, slowly, and gazed out over the hills. ‘You know, it’s not such a bad place to hang around. If you could fix the place up well enough to stay, it’s a nice town.’

  ‘I’ll keep that in mind.’

  ‘Clint told me he’d had a word to you about the shooters out this way.’

  ‘He mentioned something about an old military ground.’

  ‘It can be a bit dangerous out in that area – I wouldn’t want you coming between a hunter and a boar or something. You want to explore, you should use the marked trails.’

  ‘Thanks for the warning. Any news on the missing girl?’

  ‘Tara?’ He put his empty glass on the table, stood up and rubbed a forearm along his brow, looking uncomfortable. ‘Look, whatever you’ve heard, don’t let town talk spook you. She’s no doubt in the city, like the others. Parents don’t like to believe the kids would do it. But it’s tough out here, and those parents expect the kids will stay on – work farms and small businesses that are never going to make any money. I’ll admit I was worried when Kylie took off like that – but it keeps happening, and I find them eventually. I’m following up some leads in Queensland. She’ll turn up. I’d just about guarantee it.’

  ‘I hope so – for her family’s sake.’

  He put on his hat. ‘Best be off. Don’t let it worry you. Station’s on the main street by the fruit and veg shop. You need anything at all, just let me know.’

  ‘Thanks, Rob.’

  He saluted her, climbed into the car and drove away.

  He’d been nice enough, seemed genuine. She wondered what the fallout had been between him and Mavis. Whatever it was, it didn’t look like Mavis wanted him to inherit anything. Thinking of Mavis reminded her she still hadn’t dropped those books in.

  Tom weaved around her legs and she gave him a scratch, turning up her nose at the smell coming from him. ‘Maybe I will take those books in, and while I’m in town, little man, I might drop you off to see Ebony.’ She scooped him up and headed for the carry cage. ‘Come with me.’

  The clinic was quiet, no other cars out front as she pulled in. Ebony appeared almost immediately.

  ‘Hi, Ally. Ah, you’ve brought my patient.’

  ‘Sorry, it occurred to me halfway here that I probably should have called and booked him in first.’

  ‘It’s no problem, bring him through.’

  ‘Don’t you have any help here?’ Ally asked, noticing again that Ebony was the only one around.

  ‘I do have some help during the middle of the day when surgery is on. Carla has school kids and horses, so can’t work many hours. And I had a full-time vet nurse who recently quit to get married and move away. It’s busy without her.’ Ebony took Tom out of his carry cage and started examining him. ‘How’s Violet getting on?’

  ‘She’s moving better, seems brighter. Lee made sure her shelter got done quickly – thanks for that – so she’s up near the house. I put the goat in with her for company.’

  Ebony looked amused. ‘How’d you manage that?’

  ‘It wasn’t easy.’

  ‘I’m impressed. Violet should like the company. I’m glad Lee was able to fit it in.’

  ‘He told me he didn’t want to face a pissed-off Ebony,’ Ally said with a grin.

  Ebony shrugged. ‘He’s just teasing. He’s been a good friend since I moved out here.’

  ‘How did that happen? You and Cam were both from the city weren’t you?’

  ‘Back at uni we had a couple of guest lecturers come in to talk about rural practice. I liked large animals and there’s not so much opportunity for that in the city. Lee mentioned the local vet out here, Dr Thompson, was looking to wind down his hours and employ a second vet, so I applied to do my internship with him. Out I came, and fell in love with the place.’

  She listened to Tom’s heart, then pulled the stethoscope from her ears. ‘Dr Thompson was an amazing teacher. I think he knew more about animals than any of the professors I studied with at uni. He was like a walking, talking encyclopaedia with a sixth sense for animals. When I graduated, he offered me a position, so I dropped everything and started working for him. Then a few months back he retired, and Cam helped me buy the business. Now he’s renovating it for me.’

  ‘So you knew Lee before you came out here?’

  ‘Yeah, through Cam.’ She picked Tom up and put him on her shoulder. ‘He should be right to pick up this evening. I’ll give you a call.’

  ‘Thanks. I have to drop some books in to Mavis, then I’ll be home, so any time is fine.’

  Ebony’s smile was taunting. ‘Enjoy your afternoon.’

  Enjoy your afternoon. Ha, Ally thought a few minutes later as she approached the hospice office clutching Mavis’s bible and a couple of old novels from the bookshelf. A younger nurse with a bun that was escaping its confines was manning the desk, phone to ear, scribbling on a piece of paper. A beanpole of an elderly man in a drab brown dressing gown was leaning over the desk, pushing a container at her, talking incessantly.

  ‘It’s my sample. I have to give you my sample. Every morning. It’s eleven o’clock. You have to test it. I want ice cream with my lunch. Got to keep an eye on things. I’ll miss my spot at the table …’

  The nurse hung up, giving Ally a flustered smile. ‘Mr Billings, it needs to go to the other door. With Nurse Kelly, just down the hall. Nurse Kelly’s room, Mr Billings.’

  Mr Billings shuffled around in a circle, heading off in another direction.

  ‘Can I help you?’

  ‘I’d like to leave these for Mavis Littleton.’

  ‘Room nineteen.’

  ‘Oh yes, I know, but I’m in a hurry. I thought I could just –’

  A beeping and flashing on the board had the nurse giving an apologetic smile as she moved from the desk. ‘Excuse me.’

  Damn it. ‘Sure.’ Ally turned her attention to the hallway. ‘Don’t be such a wuss,’ she muttered to herself.

  Mavis was having her blood pressure taken.

  ‘Oh sorry, I’ll just leave these.’

  Ally recognised the older nurse, who smiled brightly. ‘No need, we’re just about done, aren’t we, Mavis?’

  ‘Oh, yes. Here’s Kitty.’

  Ally looked around, confused.

  ‘We’re playing hide and seek,’ the nurse said with a wink for

  Ally’s benefit.

  Ally cleared her throat and approached the table by the bed. ‘Hi, Mavis.’

  ‘Shh.’ Mavis lifted a finger to her lips. ‘Billy’s in.’

  ‘Billy?’

  ‘Mavis’s little brother,’ the nurse whispered.

  ‘Kitty’s brother too,’ Mavis informed the nurse. ‘Kitty’s my big sister.’

  ‘Pleased to meet you, Kitty,’ the nurse said to Ally. She saw the sympathy in the nurse’s eyes, the kindness. Obviously she thought it was better to play along.

  ‘Got to be quiet. Billy can tiptoe right up behind you and you’d never know he’s there and then he gets you!’

  ‘Oka
y.’ Ally placed the books beside Mavis and stepped back.

  ‘Billy’s even better at hiding. He’s down the hidey hole under the stairs. Shh.’

  The nurse patted Mavis on the arm and gestured for Ally to follow her out.

  ‘She’s not with us today. Happy enough, though. Trying to bring her round only confuses and upsets her.’

  ‘It’s hard to keep track of the brothers and sisters.’

  ‘Katherine – that’s Kitty – Mavis, Robert and William – that’s Billy. Kitty and Billy died years ago in separate accidents. Lots of tragedies in the family, scandals, illnesses, that sort of thing.’

  ‘You seem to know a lot about it.’

  The nurse laughed. ‘I’m Cassie, the town historian, I keep an extensive history on all the founding families of this town. They all have their eccentricities, but the Littletons are the most interesting. You ever want to know anything more specific, I’ll take you through it.’

  ‘I might, thanks. Mavis mentioned Billy on my first visit. I was wondering who he was.’

  ‘She often mentions him, sometimes in past tense but just as often in the present. He and Rob were twins. Their mother died in childbirth and their father was a very religious man and a bit of a mean drunk, with no time for children. Mavis pretty much raised the boys herself. Sad story. One day she was playing with the two young ones outside, went inside for something or other, when she came out, Billy had fallen down their father’s old mine shaft. She never got over losing him.’

  ‘That’s horrible.’

  ‘Some of the things she’s been through – well, she hasn’t had an easy life. It’s nice of you to keep turning up. Nice for her to see someone cares.’

  It might have been a genuine comment, but it made Ally feel guilty. Mavis was dying and alone. By the time she’d got home, Ally had decided she could probably make a bit more of an effort to drop by, keep Mavis stocked with novels and whatever else she needed.

  The phone was ringing as she reached the front steps and she raced through the door to pick it up. Her pulse jumped as she noticed the number.

  ‘Hello?’

  ‘It’s Cam. I need your mobile number.’

  ‘You do? The reception’s pretty sketchy. Why?’