by Gus Frazer
He turned back to Higgins. ‘Nah mate, not interested,’ he said.
Higgins nodded slowly and followed his gaze. ‘Fair enough. If I had a woman like Jess, don’t think I’d go anywhere either,’ he said with a wink.
Finn smiled. ‘She’s not my woman, mate.’
‘Sure, sure. Well,’ he said, standing, ‘I better be on my way. Long drive back to town.’
Finn walked him out to the truck and held out his hand to shake.
Higgins looked at him again, squinting in the orange sunlight, now lower in the sky. ‘You take it easy, soldier,’ said Higgins, shaking his hand.
‘You too, Sarge. Watch your back out there.’
Higgins nodded. ‘Call me if you change your mind.’
‘I will mate. Drive safe,’ said Finn.
Higgins turned without another word, climbed into the truck, started the engine, saluted Finn and drove off down the driveway.
Finn returned the salute — then stood, hands on hips, his eyes squinting as he watched the truck bounce down the dirt road, red dust-cloud trailing behind. Turning back toward the homestead, he saw Jess leaning against the doorway. She smiled at him. Finn smiled and started walking back. As he did, he couldn’t help twisting and looking back one more time at Higgins, disappearing down the road.
THANKS
Firstly, to my wife Kate, without your support, belief and advice, none of this would have been realised. My editor, Allison Hiew, for your enthusiasm and the clarity you brought to the story. Rochelle Ransom for your detail and finishing touches. Kamal Sarma, you were ground zero in terms of inspiring me to write, you are a true architect of life. Tabitha Fairbarn, Marie-Claire Sayers and Michael Gibb for your help and guidance in publicising the story. Georgie Spencer and Grant Henderson whose creativity and vision made for a cracking cover design. Sam Robertson, for the professional advice, and of course, the not-so-professional advice when we were teenagers. Andrew Norris for the support and hilarious nerf wars. And last, but by no means least, Bill Athanassiou, Steve O’Connor, Chris Walton, Ed Harrison, Christiaan Van Vuuren and Tom Charles – thanks for following the black line with me all those mornings.