‘After two years, I’m not sure. He’d be pretty well back to dust by that time.’
***
Samantha hadn’t seen or heard from Brad in over a week. Her nerves had settled a little, although she hadn’t forgotten what could possibly be in front of her. She stood under the old Hills Hoist clothesline pegging out some sheets. A constant breeze flapped the sheets about, but when a gust came out of nowhere she battled to peg them on the line.
‘It looks as though you need a hand.’ Cameron came to her rescue.
‘Thanks.’
Samantha held one end of a sheet while Cameron adjusted the other end and pegged it into place, and with his help it hadn’t taken long to fix the rest of the sheets to the line.
‘All done.’
‘Thanks Cam.’
‘Did you see the sprinkler? They’ve finished the first sprinklers.’
Samantha squinted, turned west in the direction of the Falls before swinging back to Cameron.
‘I’ve got something to show you. Come with me.’ He took hold of her elbow and escorted her around to the back veranda, while carrying the empty washing basket in his free hand. ‘You can see it from up here.’
Samantha followed him up the steps and in the distance water speared from a giant sprinkler over one of the paddocks.
‘It’s called a centre pivot.’ He dropped the basket near the back door. ‘Remember we spoke about it.’
‘Wow. It looks great.’ Long metal arms spanned out from a centre point, releasing a misty spray, soaking the ground. ‘I thought we were going to have the mobile type, you know the one on wheels that can be moved from paddock to paddock.’
‘That’s what I want to discuss with you, Steven and Chris. If our finances can manage it, it’d be a good idea to incorporate it as well.’
‘I’m not sure Cam. It’s expensive.’
‘We can wait a while, see how things go.’
‘That sounds better. It looks awesome.’ Samantha gazed at the span of metal. ‘So all that water is pumping up from the bore that they sunk?’
‘Yeah. It’s really cool isn’t it?’
Excitement kicked up in her stomach thinking of the grazing area the cattle would have. ‘I’m in awe. It’s fabulous.’ She reached out, put an arm around Cameron. ‘I guess I should say it was a good idea, Cam. Although at first I was horrified.’
He chuckled. ‘I know you were. But this will push us forward a few notches. Within time, who knows? The entire property could have pipelines running up this way with sprinklers all over the joint.’
‘One step at a time, eh.’
‘I wanted to ask. Do you mind accompanying Brad out today? I’ve got a lot on, and Steven needs to fix one of the ag bikes.’
‘Why can’t he go alone? I don’t need to hold his hand.’
‘It’s expected that one of us goes with him. Come on Sam. It’s everybody’s job to pitch in, see this through.’
‘I know but I’ve got so much to do. I really haven’t time to take a day off.’
‘Sure you can. You’ve done it before. We can pitch in at night to help you.’
She eased out a breath and dropped her shoulders concluding that friends did see each other and do things together from time to time.
‘Okay. I really don’t mind. Hey Cam.’
‘Yeah.’
‘Do you believe people should get a second chance?’
‘It depends. In small matters yes, but when it’s totally major no way. Why? What’s up?’
‘Just thinking, that’s all.’
‘You think too much; that’s your problem.’
Samantha poked him in the shoulder. ‘No I don’t, and when and if I do it’s for a good reason.’
‘You analyse things. You work them through your head until it drives you nuts. Mum used to do that.’
‘Yeah. Poor Mum. It seems such a long time ago.’ Samantha shook her head. ‘I miss her as though it was yesterday.’
‘I know you do. Come on. Brad will be here soon.’
As they entered the house, she heard Brad’s and Steven’s voices. Cameron plonked the washing basket on the machine, and they headed into the kitchen.
‘Hey mate. I was just talking about you.’
Brad chuckled. He wore jeans and a long sleeved chequered shirt hung loosely over a blue T-shirt. His right hand clung to an Akubra.
‘You growing your mop?’ Cameron asked.
Brad’s hair did appear longer as it fell in waves well passed his ears.
‘Don’t you talk? You’re bad enough.’
Cameron laughed. ‘It’s the curls mate. Chicks dig them.’
Samantha grinned. ‘In your dreams, Cam.’
‘No, in their dreams.’
Laughter filled the kitchen.
‘Sam’s going with you this morning, Brad. I have to meet with the workers and sort out a few problems. Is that okay with you?’
‘Yeah sure. If Sam doesn’t mind.’
‘It’d be nice to see the Falls again. With all that water being dumped out there in the paddock I’d like to see if there’s any water left in the drop. ‘
‘There will be. I think you’ll be surprised.’
‘I’ve got to head down to the machinery shed. I should have been there by now.’
‘Okay. See you later mate.’
On Cameron’s way out, he paused next to Samantha and whispered, ‘Be nice.’
She plastered a thin smile to her lips. ‘I’ll try to.’ She chuckled and he walked from the room.
Samantha busied herself packing the backpacks. She made sure they had enough food and water to see them through the day.
‘So how are you going with finding this brother of yours?’
‘No luck so far.’
‘I’m sure something will eventuate.’
‘I’m hoping.’
She turned to face him. ‘Are you right to go?’
‘Yeah.’
Passing a back pack to Brad, she picked up the second one and they headed down to the stables.
‘Good ol’ Mike. He’s always on the ball,’ she said, when she spotted him holding onto the reins of Raven.
‘Morning Mike.’
‘Sam. Are you ready to go?’
‘Yeah, thanks.’ After she took the reins, she was galloping off before Brad had mounted his horse.
‘Have a go at that?’
‘She should ride in competitions or something,’ Mike stated.
‘I’ve never seen anyone so competent and relaxed on a horse. It’s a sight to see.’
‘Her mother was like that. Those two were inseparable and so alike in many ways.’
‘I’ve heard nothing but good things about her mother. I should try to catch up to her.’
‘Wish you luck on that one mate.’
He chuckled and took hold of the reins before mounting.
Samantha slowed Raven and she looked over to where the overhead sprinkler was in action. As Brad gained ground a cool mist drifted over them and she took off in a gallop, leaving him in her wake. Five minutes later, she slowed to a canter and waited for him to catch up.
‘Are you in a hurry?’
‘No.’ She laughed. ‘Do you want to have a race?’
‘I think that’d be unfair.’
She pulled a quirky face and took off once again, but he remained on her tail admiring her dark hair flowing out from under her Akubra, which matched the dark sheen of the horse’s velvety coat. It occurred to him that the name Raven Falls could have possibly come from her mother’s hair.
Brad bypassed her and she laughed. The melodious sound emitting from her lips would make any exotic bird flutter with jealously. It reminded him of his mother’s laughter on the days she wasn’t so ill.
‘Sheer luck,’ she called out.
They cantered toward the Falls. Brad adjusted his Akubra to shade his face from the bite of the sun, although it was early morning, it signalled the following heat.
‘
I know what I’ll be doing when I reach the Falls.’
‘And what’s that?’
‘Ha ha. Have a dip...that is, if there is any water left.’
‘Don’t be so pessimistic.’
‘I’m not.’ She raised her hand to shoo away a couple of pestering black flies.
They left the horses beside the watering hole, and headed up the incline. Her stamina was remarkable. After riding for almost an hour, she was now skimming up the side of a mountain and she didn’t appear breathless.
His back gave a tug and a few tingles ran down his legs, signalling he’d been overdoing it. He had to slow down, but with Samantha beside him that was impossible. Even jumping into the water would take some manoeuvring to ensure he landed right. Although his spine was screwed together, and the plate secure, he didn’t want to mess up all the hard work it had taken him to get to where he was now, not to mention all the hard work the doctors put in. He was healing well, but he’d wait a while longer to take a dive. He wondered if he could do other things the way he used to.
Putting his condition from his mind, he concentrated on following Samantha, admiring her cute backside on the way up only to realise his circumstances. Hell, she could be his sister. Disgusted with himself, he looked away.
Perspiration trickled from Samantha’s brow after ten or so minutes. Her anticipation rose as she reached the track. She could almost feel the cool water running over her skin.
‘How good is this? It’s a lot cooler in here.’
‘It’s an oasis.’ One she hoped still contained water. She climbed up the rock ledge and peered below into a pond of blue. ‘Oh wow. It seems fuller.’ Sunlight found its way to one edge of the pool, reflecting light upwards into her eyes, and she lifted a hand to block the glare.
‘What a sight. Especially out here. I didn’t think the drop would be affected.’
She shot him a puzzled look before taking off her boots. ‘I’ll climb down first up.’
‘Yes ma’am.’
‘You wouldn’t want to dive into a rock, or hit the bottom. Although it looks deep enough, there might be a log lingering under the surface.’
As soon as she stripped, exposing her black bikini, she turned her back to Brad, and began her descent.
A slither beside her had her stilling and holding her breath when she caught sight of an Eastern Brown snaking its way over the rocks. She waited until it passed and looked up toward Brad.
‘Did you see that?’
‘Yeah. Be careful Sam.’
She inched her way into the water, splashing her hands about until she was satisfied there were no other predators arriving for a drink. Duck diving, she swam under the water for some time, exploring its depths.
Upon resurfacing, she called, ‘All clear.’
It wasn’t long until Brad dive-bombed right beside her, splashing water in all directions.
‘This is so good,’ he said as he surfaced for a breath of air.
Samantha ran a hand over her face, and repositioned wet strands of hair that had stuck to her cheeks. ‘I could stay here all day.’
‘Yeah, me too.’
Brad moved closer and for an instant she was mesmerized, taken in by droplets of water running over the top of his solid shoulders.
‘I know now why you don’t want this place touched. It has a natural beauty no one could ever replace.’
She smiled. ‘It was my mother’s. I adore it as much she did.’
‘Your mother sounds as though she was a nice person, just like you.’
‘She was nice. She helped everyone in Raven. She went out of her way to help people.’
‘Is that where you get it from?’
‘I enjoy helping and caring for others.’
‘Like mother, like daughter.’
‘I’m going up for a dive.’
‘I’m coming too. I won’t be diving though.’
‘Why’s that?’
‘I don’t dive so well.’
Samantha shrugged and noticed once again that he’d left his singlet on. She couldn’t understand why he hadn’t taken it off and she’d noted he avoided exposing his chest a few times now.
After swimming for what seemed like hours, she had cooled down considerably. She sat on the edge of the rocks, staring into the water. Brad sat beside her.
‘Where’s on your mind now?’
‘I was thinking about Mum and Dad and other things.’
‘You take on so much.’
‘Meaning.’
‘Looking after your brothers, the property.’
‘Mum would have wanted me to.’
‘I don’t think she would have wanted you not to have a life. She wouldn’t want you missing out on your youth.’
‘I’m happy where I am.’
Secretly she wasn’t. But she was afraid if she wasn’t near her brothers, wasn’t watching out for them, that she may lose one of them, or all of them. The death of her parents was the most horrific pain she’d ever suffered. She’d do anything in her power never to feel that pain again. Anything. She wouldn’t survive if she lost a brother, any one of them.
‘You know those rocks over there used to be covered with water. See the ledges, the marks.’ She pointed in the direction, trying to outline the area.
‘Yeah, I see them.’
‘When I use to come here with Mum we’d stand under the falls. It was beautiful.’
‘It seems you’ve got some good memories.’
‘It’s home. It’s Mum. Come on let’s have some lunch. It’s way past lunch time.’
‘Good idea.’
They climbed up to where they’d left their packs, and Samantha spread a blanket over a grassy area next to a huge boulder. ‘Can you have a walk around a bit? I don’t want any snakes inviting themselves for lunch.’
He let out a deep throaty chuckle and checked out the area, before returning to sit beside her leaving ample space. Samantha opened a container containing two sandwiches wrapped in foil. ‘Here.’ She passed him a sandwich.
‘Thanks. You’ve thought of everything, haven’t you?’
‘There’s a cold drink also. Or it should be still cold. It’s in the container in my bag.’
Brad reached around and grabbed two bottles of cool water.
‘Raven Falls. I’ve been wondering where the name came from.’
She glanced over. ‘My grandmother had raven hair; it was named after her. Mum had similar hair colouring as well, and then she named her horse Raven.’
‘I thought as much. Well, not about your grandmother.’
‘It’s Mum’s place.’ Samantha admired the area, recalling the good times with her mother. ‘It was left to her. They also named the town Raven after my grandmother.’
'Impressive.'
'She was well known in these parts. She helped a lot of people when times were tough.'
Brad nodded, appearing to absorb her words.
'I spoke to Mum's solicitor the other day.’
‘Did he have any information about your brother or sister?’
‘There was a letter attached to my mother’s file. The solicitor was unaware it was there. Apparently one of the office girls slipped it into another folder and it was misplaced, filed separately. He’s posting it out. I guess I have to wait it out a few days.’
A cool shudder ran up her spine. ‘Seems to me a lot of letters are going around. My grandmother left my mother several letters. It was like a puzzle and she had to find each one.’
‘What was at the end of the puzzle?’
‘The deeds to Raven Falls.’ She smiled.
Brad shook his head.
‘You must be hanging out to find out what’s in your letter.’
‘I am. I hope it’ll arrive soon. He’s sending it by express post.’
‘Why didn’t he scan and fax a copy, or send it via email?’
‘There’s no telling what’s in it, so I asked for it to remain sealed.’
A wobble of insecur
ity ribboned through her. It wasn’t just the sibling factor. Where would she go, what would she do? She gazed at him trying to find some resemblance. Brad had dark brown hair, she had almost black. His eyes were brown, her eyes were green. Seeing she didn’t know who her parents really were she had nothing to go on. Either one of them could have had green or brown eyes, although her mother Shirley had green. She stilled as doubt clawed at her mind.
‘You seem to be thinking of something pretty serious there.’
‘Oh sorry. I always get lost with the fairies when I’m here. It’s this place. It does that to me.’ She didn’t lie. The Falls always took her on magical journeys.
They spoke for hours about Raven Falls and about his missing sibling. Samantha gazed up only to witness dark clouds blotting out the sun. ‘Wow, I’ve never seen clouds like that before.’
Brad craned his neck upward. ‘It’s probably passing through.’
‘We should head back. It’s getting late.’
‘Yeah. I’ve just realised we haven’t gone over to the bore.’
‘We’ve still got time. Come on.’
Samantha grabbed her jeans, and pushed to her feet before tugging them up her legs, while Brad walked over to his pack and redressed. ‘The air seems cooler all of a sudden.’
‘You’ve been sitting in wet swimmers.’
They made their way through the track out into the clearing and headed toward the horses.
Samantha came to a stop and ran a sweeping gaze around the area.
‘The horses. The horses are gone.’ She ran down to where they had left them, propped her hands on her hips and did a complete circle. ‘They’re gone, that’s for sure.’
‘You’re kidding.’ He raced up beside her, searched the area. ‘Bloody hell.’
‘That means we have to walk. If anything has happened to Raven I’ll die. He was Mum’s horse.’
‘They probably got loose and wandered off back toward the house. They won’t be too far away. Come on.’
But Samantha wasn’t convinced. She’d secured Raven properly like she’d done many times and he’d never wandered off. After exploring close by and with no sign of the horses, they had little option but return on foot.
‘Do you want to go over to where we sank the bore? It’s not that far, and we can check the creek out as well.’
Raven Falls: Australian Rural Romantic Suspense Page 18