‘Thanks. That’s considerate of you. I do appreciate it.’
Talk about feeling uncomfortable. She couldn’t remember a time when her insides felt as fluttery.
‘Do you mind if I sit down?’
‘Go ahead.’
‘I’ve been engrossed with the sibling factor as you know.’
‘Yes.’
‘Cam said the strangest thing.’
Her heart stalled. It wouldn’t kick-start itself for long pounding seconds. She cleared her throat. ‘What did he say?’
‘He said he’d been thinking about it and perhaps the baby was a cousin or some relative although Mum wouldn’t lie to me. He said that perhaps my mother had it wrong. Dad killed himself due to drink; nothing else. I think Mary Hinder, with respect here, is losing it in her old age.’
Relief flooded her. ‘But why would your mother make up something so serious?’
‘She was sedated heavily. She could have been delirious.’
‘What about the letter?’
‘No one will ever know if she wrote it while she was on her medication or not.’
‘Have you searched for more clues in your mother’s office?’
‘Almost covered it, although there’s a filing cabinet tucked into a corner and the key is missing.’
‘Your answer could be in that cabinet.’
‘I hadn’t tackled it yet. I was going to do it the other day. Come to think of it, I should have done it weeks ago.’ He pushed to his feet.
‘Let me know if you find out any more.’
‘Sure will.’
‘Good luck.’
Samantha hadn’t stopped loving him and even now with the possibility they could be related, her love remained. She couldn’t switch it off like a tap and she dreaded the day she might have to try. If she was related, she’d have to shut down, close her heart. There’d be no other way. Until then she’d shove her feelings in a locked box, if that were possible, until he found what he was looking for. She had to think of not only herself, but her brothers would suffer the consequences as well.
***
A loud knock startled everyone.
‘Who in the hell is that?’ Cameron said, as he pushed to his feet to answer the impatient knock.
‘Brad. What’s up mate?’
‘I found what I was looking for.’
Every muscle in Samantha’s body locked.
‘Come in. Come in.’
The sound of their voices drifted closer.
‘I found some answers. My father had an affair with a woman living in Sydney. It could be the reason he took off so much.’
‘I’m pleased for you Brad.’ Until Samantha had some solid evidence she wasn’t about to jump up and confess her undying love.
‘Did the letter say who she was?’
‘Her name was, is, Kerry Campbell. She lives in, or did live in Sydney. I can’t believe I found more letters. My father had an affair for three years. It was when I was at boarding school.’
Samantha couldn’t believe how riled up she been thinking of the consequences if she were related. How silly of her. Her mother would have told them if they were adopted. She almost laughed. The Osbornes’ did have a certain manner, and they all looked similar. The tightness in her shoulders dissipated, and the constant headache she’d had for days slowly faded.
Brad walked over and sat on one of the sofas, sitting forward with his legs apart. He glanced up when Cameron passed him a bourbon.
‘Thanks mate. I need this.’ He chuckled. ‘I almost gave up hope but it’s a start. I’ll be leaving for Sydney in the morning.’
‘It’s good news Brad. Something may come of it.’
‘Yeah. I have a half-brother or sister out there who I really want to meet. All my life I have yearned for a brother or sister. I’ve envied other people who had what I didn’t have.’
‘Meaning us,’ Cameron remarked.
Brad looked up at Cameron and nodded. ‘Yeah. I won’t lie. You have a great family. You’re all fair dinkum Aussies. You keep an eye out for each other, and hell, if anyone hurts any one of you, I wouldn’t want to get in the way. I’ve seen the pride, the love, first hand.’
‘It was heaps better when Mum and Dad were around,’ Christopher commented.
‘But you’ve got a sister and two brothers, Chris. I wouldn’t give that up for the world.’
The excitement in his voice, the exuberance of knowing that he may have a sibling touched Samantha’s heart and she prayed he’d find what he was looking for.
‘I have an address but it’s an old address. I looked up the name in the phone book. Well I tried, but there wasn’t a number associated with the name Kerry Campbell. I went through the list of Campbells with the address as well. It’s a dead end. The name might be different now, especially if she’s married. All I have is this address in a letter that my father had written but it never got posted. I think my mother must have missed it somehow, as there hadn’t been anything related to my father at the house. She got rid of everything that was a reminder of him. This address might be a start.’
‘It sure is.’
‘When are you heading off, Brad?’ Cameron asked.
‘The sooner the better.’ He turned to Samantha. ‘I’d like you to accompany me, you know, for moral support. That is if you don’t mind Sam.’
All eyes settled over her and her cheeks flamed.
‘He hasn’t got nits, Sam.’
Samantha beamed one of her annoyed looks at Cameron before looking at Brad. ‘Okay. I’ll go with you.’ After all she did say she’d help him in any way she can.
‘Great, thanks Sam. You did say you enjoy being on the road. We leave at six in the morning. Is that’s okay with you?’
***
‘Not long to go now,’ Brad said as he took his eyes from the road for a second and directed his gaze at Sam. ‘I’ve booked a motel near the address on the letter. Single rooms.’
After such a long time it was possible that Kerry had moved on. Perhaps she’d married and changed her surname. Samantha prayed that the depth of enthusiasm filling his eyes would remain and not empty within moments.
His mobile rang and he picked it up, placed it against his ear, instead of hitting connect on the blue tooth in his car.
‘Not now. I can’t. I’ve said this before. Listen I can’t talk now. I’m sorry.’
Was it a woman he spoke to? She found it difficult not to say something, but it wasn’t any of her business. A stab of jealously wound through her, although he was a free man, free to do whatever he chose.
They pulled up at the address Brad had put into the satellite navigation system.
‘We’ll get some lunch soon.’
‘That’s okay. Morning tea wasn’t long ago.’
‘There it is. Twenty-four Alfred Street.’ He looked at the house number. ‘Fancy place, isn’t it?’ Colourful flowers of different varieties decorated the front garden of the white timber home.
‘I hope she’s home.’
‘Well find out soon enough,’ Samantha said as she climbed from his vehicle. They walked side-by-side toward the house. ‘It appears they like gardening.’
‘Sure does.’ He chuckled with a spring in his step.
Brad knocked on the door while Samantha absorbed her surroundings. The garden thrived and she wondered how much time the owners spent on having it looking so lovely.
The door opened and in front of them stood an elderly woman around seventy, with blonde grey hair and vivid brown eyes.
‘Yes. Can I help you?’
‘I would like to introduce us first up. I’m Bradley Harper and this is Samantha Osborne.’
‘It’s nice to meet two young people. What can I do for you?’
‘We’re looking for Kerry Campbell.’
The woman’s expression suddenly changed. It was as though she’d seen a ghost. She placed a hand to her chest and glared at Brad.
‘You...you can’t be Kerry’s child.’
She trembled. ‘I was told that...’ She glared at him, her face, and her eyes full of questions.
‘No, I’m not Kerry’s child. I’m sorry. Do you know Kerry?’
‘Kerry was my daughter.’
‘Was.’
‘Oh, the poor girl. She died giving birth to a child.’
Brad fisted his right hand by his side. ‘You said died.’
‘What business is this of yours?’
‘The baby she gave birth to might be my half-brother or sister.’
‘You’re saying that you’re the other child.’
‘It appears so. I’m Timothy Harper’s son.’
‘Come in. This is not something to speak about on the front porch.’
‘Thank you.’
They followed the woman into a floral decorated lounge room, consisting of a white lily lounge suite, with matching cushions.
‘Scott, can you make the coffees for our guests?’
‘Coming up Helen.’
‘I didn’t introduce myself properly. My name is Helen. My last name is Campbell. Scott is my husband. I can’t believe it after all these years. I thought you’d be here sooner.’
‘You were expecting me.’ Brad moved forward with anticipation.
‘Yes, and perhaps Kerry’s child. Kerry had a child to Timothy you know. The birth was early and Timothy whisked the poor little thing away hours after Kerry died when she gave birth. God rest her soul. That man took advantage of her. He was a lot older. Nothing but a mongrel.’ She fidgeted, her hands sitting in her lap. ‘I’m sorry for calling your father names sweetness.’
‘He deserved it, I’m sure. He was a drunk. Do you know where the child is, well they’d be grown up by now, but I’d like to locate my sibling?’
‘No, I don’t. Kerry moved into the city and we didn’t see her for years. Timothy saw to that. She did call me to let me know she was pregnant, but we never heard anything since that phone call other than the police informing us that she’d died giving birth and the baby was in the care of its father. Apparently Timothy left with the baby that very day.
Oh my god. The room filled with disquiet. Did Timothy kill the child as well as himself? Surely he wouldn’t harm an innocent baby, his own flesh and blood?
‘I might wait outside Brad,’ Samantha said, pushing to her feet. ‘The trip was a bit much. I need some fresh air.’
‘Do you want me to come with you?’
‘No, I’ll be fine. You finish up here and I’ll wait outside in the shade.’
‘Okay.’
‘It was nice meeting you, Helen.’
‘Lovely to meet you too deary.’
Samantha walked from the room. She couldn’t comprehend someone wanting to harm a child, a baby. It was inhumane.
‘Where were we? That’s right. My father died when I was around four years old or thereabouts.’
‘I’m sorry Brad. But where’s Kerry’s child?
Brad’s insides churned. ‘That’s what I hoped to find out.’ Brad shook his head. ‘I spent most of my younger years in a boarding school. However I did see a photograph of my father holding a baby. No one seems to know where the baby is at present.’
Helen shook her head. ‘Kerry was a sweet girl. She thought Timothy was the world. She couldn’t see past her infatuation and she prayed they’d get married one day.’
Brad glanced at his shaky hands.
‘If you ever find out where they are can you tell them that they have grandparents that would dearly love to meet them?’
‘I will, Helen.’
‘You must be exhausted. You can stay here for the night if you wish.’
‘That’s real kind of you but we’ve organised accommodation.’
‘Oh, I can’t believe it, after all these years. You’re Timothy’s son.’
‘Yes, unfortunately.’
‘Timothy told Kerry he had a son, meaning you.’
‘He did?’
‘Yes, in a roundabout sort of way. He let it slip about being married and having another child. Kerry was blind. She couldn’t see past his lies. He said he’d get a divorce and marry her.’
Brad shook his head. ‘I didn’t know him well. Mum battled debilitating arthritis and cancer most of her life.’
‘Oh dear, that’s such a shame. Does she know about the baby?’
‘She died a while back and whispered on her dying bed. She said to find my sibling. I’ve found a letter confirming a sibling.’
‘It must have been a shock for you, but I’m worried about the baby.’ She placed an open palm to her chest. ‘All this news is a bit much to take. They’d be grown now.’ Tears filled her eyes.
‘I’m sorry to drag up the past like this. I realise it’s difficult for you to talk about such matters. What I need to know is when was the child born?’
‘The year. It was around thirty years ago.’
Brad did a mental calculation. That meant the baby would be at least his age, Cameron’s age.
Scott walked into the room carrying a tray of biscuits and coffee.
‘Thank you dear. Do you mind setting them down over there?’
‘Yes sweetheart.’ His blue-grey eyes sparkled.
‘This is my husband Scott. Scott this young man’s name is Brad, Timothy’s son. He’s searching for information about Kerry’s baby.’
Brad stood and the men shook hands.
‘Hi Scott.’
‘It’s good to meet you.’
‘So you’re Timothy Harper’s son.’
‘Yes sir.’
‘You know the baby Kerry had was a girl, don’t you?’
Chapter Eleven
‘A girl. No. I didn’t.’ Brad’s body tensed.
'I'm sure they said Kerry's baby was a boy, Scott.'
'No Helen. It was definitely a little girl.'
Helen shook her head, confusion over her face. ‘I’m sorry I do get muddled up from time to time. The police that came here said the baby was premature.’
‘They also said Kerry had the baby alone and Timothy came home and found the child. The police spoke to him and he left the next day,’ Scott added.
‘It was the same day Scott.’ Helen looked up, her forehead creasing with concern.
‘Thank you for your time.’ Brads guts churned with despair. Surely his father didn’t kill a little girl, his half-sister?
Brad couldn’t bring himself to tell Samantha that his missing sibling was a girl. His guts weren’t the same as he left the house. But she’d be thirty and Sam was twenty-eight, or was she? His suspicions were filling his puzzle, and in some strange way, he didn’t want the pieces to fit, not if it included Sam. He’d stick to the child being a boy for the time being. It would be easier that way, and save a hell of a lot of heartache.
When he arrived outside he spotted Samantha sitting in his vehicle with the door opened.
‘Wow. That was a lot to take in,’ he said, when he opened the driver’s door and eased onto the seat.
‘That poor lady. She was sweet wasn’t she?’
‘Yeah. At least I have some answers. I realised if this sibling is about they’re probably married with a bunch of kids. You must be starved. How about we grab some lunch?’
‘I am a bit hungry. If you don’t mind, can we head back home today? You said that the motel wouldn’t charge if you cancelled.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Yes. I’d like to get home. I know it’ll be pretty late when we arrive, but we can share the driving.’
‘That’s not necessary. I’m fine to drive.’
Samantha felt Brad’s gaze rake over her and her skin fired with heat. She wanted to be home in familiar surroundings.
After a quick bite to eat, they headed toward Raven.
‘It appears my father ditched the kid somewhere.’
Samantha swallowed, flicked a glance at Brad and back through the windscreen. ‘I don’t know. I really don’t know.’
‘If he took his own life, what was st
opping him killing his own kid? After all, no one has heard anything about it. It’s as though the kid was and is non-existent.’
‘The baby could have been adopted out. Don’t jump to conclusions.’
‘It’s making my guts churn.’
‘I’m sure you’ll find out what happened.’
‘So if the kid survived, who raised it? If the old man put him up for adoption, perhaps he’s on some sort of registry and is looking for relatives.’
‘I’ve heard of those, but if he’s not registered it’s going to be difficult to locate him. He might not even know he’s adopted.’
‘Perhaps I’m wasting my time. He might be dead for all I know.’
Samantha mulled over his last statement. Dead. She didn’t want to think about the scenario as she pictured a small child’s body buried in the outback somewhere.
‘Hey, you okay?’
‘Yes, why?’
‘You’re pulling some weird faces there.’
‘Sorry...I…’
‘You can say it. You’ve been thinking along the same lines as I have.’
‘What’s that?’ The upheaval in her stomach increased.
‘There’s a possibility the old man killed his kid. No wonder Mum sent me to boarding school.’
Samantha let out a restrained breath. She thought he was going to say that she could be his sister. ‘Didn’t you go to boarding school when you were four? If that were the case, the baby wouldn’t have been born until after you were four?’
‘Scott and Helen said thirty years ago. So the baby, if it’s still alive would be thirty years of age.’ A chuckle rose up his throat. ‘He’d be the same age as me, born the same year.’ He shook his head. ‘My father isn’t worth talking about, isn’t worth remembering. No wonder Mum tossed everything out. He’d been having an affair for years.’
Samantha rolled her lips together. ‘It’s one scenario, but Mary Hinder said he might not have hurt the child as he was his own flesh and blood.’
‘I’m not sure. If he was a drunk I’d say he was pretty well intoxicated when he did away with himself. What’s there to stop him from doing anything in that state?’
‘Wouldn’t there be some type of record? Wouldn’t they have found something when they found his body?’
Raven Falls: Australian Rural Romantic Suspense Page 17