Outback Flames: Australian Rural Romantic Suspense

by Brandyn, Suzanne

  'I didn't realise how tired I'd be.'

  'Where are you staying?'

  'In town at the Banners. We hope by next week the sale of the property will go through and then we can think about moving back for good.'

  'How nice. Jordan will love that.'

  'I can picture it now,' Sam said. 'Boys’ night out, drinks, the lot.' She smiled.

  'We have to make up for lost time Sam.'

  Zoe laughed. 'I'm glad you could make it. Here Sam, sit down. Mark.'

  Zoe pulled out one of the dining room chairs for Sam. 'I can help you set up house after you move. You're in no condition to do any work like that for a while.'

  'Thanks Zoe. Jade has offered to help out as well. Between the three of us, it will be a great help.'

  A man approached them, and Zoe recalled meeting him earlier that night.

  'Jo. Great to see you mate.' Tony took a few steps toward him, as Zoe scanned the crowd for Jordan. Five minutes later, when she couldn't spot him she made her way out back, onto the veranda. The beauty of the landscape had her mesmerised.

  The afternoon sun had disappeared and a golden red clothed the distant mountains. They seemed so far away. Zoe inhaled the fresh scent of eucalypt as she wandered down the back steps toward the back fence. The tranquillity and colour wasn't something she'd ever tire of. She could stare at the sky for hours.

  'It's some place, isn't it?'

  She turned, and smiled when she spotted Jordan carrying a glass in one hand, a stubby in the other.

  'It sure is. How long have you lived here?'

  'I bought the joint when Luke was two. I haven't done as much as I wanted, but it'll get done one day.' He stopped before her. 'Here you go.' He passed her a glass of wine.

  'Thank you.' She reached out and took it.

  'It's not big enough to run cattle though. One day I intend to buy a place big enough to run a decent herd. So how are you doing?'

  He moved beside her, looking out at the view.

  'Everyone's so friendly. They're a great bunch of people. Some of them spoke of your conviction.'

  He turned toward her. 'And?'

  'They believe you're innocent, as I do. I wish we knew who really caused the fire.'

  'We will one day.'

  'And you're so sure.'

  'Yeah. Gotta be positive about things Zoe. It's the only way to go.'

  Did he hold the same positivity in the hope of her return? She sipped on her wine, as Jordan slipped a hand around the back of her waist. He leaned in and kissed her. A voice broke them apart.

  'Hey Jordan.'

  'Yo.'

  'Sorry to break you two love birdies apart. Jordan, there's a fire on the other side of Munna. We have to go.'

  Jordan ran a hand through his hand. 'God no. Now.' He looked at Zoe. 'I do have to go. I'm a volunteer firefighter, a firey. Did I tell you that?'

  'No you didn't. I'll be fine here. I'll go and find Jade.'

  After a quick peck on the cheek, she watched him jog toward the house before she made her way back indoors.

  Walking inside she was surprised to find most of the guests had left and only a handful remained. After a quick glance around, she spotted Jade in the kitchen and approached.

  'Need a hand?'

  Jade turned. 'No thanks party girl. You're the star of the party and she doesn't clean up.'

  'Come on Jade, it will give me something to do.'

  'All right then.' Jade threw a tea towel at her. 'Knock yourself out. There's plenty more.' She grinned.

  'The men might be gone for a while, so nothing like keeping busy, eh? Oh, is Tony a volunteer firey as well?'

  'Yeah. When he's home that is. Most of the younger men around these parts are. They help out from time to time.'

  'I hope they'll be okay. Do you get many fires about?'

  'With the drought and everything been so dry lately we've been on guard, but usually we don't. There was one a few months back, before the rain. I think it was not long before you moved back here. Nothing too dramatic. But nevertheless our boys are alert and on standby.'

  Zoe wiped the plates and glanced through the window. Disquiet settled over her.

  'Don't worry. Jordan's been a firey for years. He knows what he's doing. He's the best. Done courses after courses, and knows the area well.'

  'It wasn't that...it's.'

  'Oh I'm sorry. I forgot, your house, the fire.'

  Jade reached out and rubbed her back. 'It's a grass fire, Zoe, and kilometres from any house or property. It's got to be contained, that's all.'

  Zoe nodded.

  'I'll be back in a jiffy. The kids are stirring.'

  Zoe glanced into the lounge area where Luke, Adam and Katie were sound asleep. She smiled. They appeared as though they'd been dumped on the couch, with legs and arms dangling in all directions. It amazed her that the children were asleep, especially with the chatter going on beside them. She glanced at the clock and it registered after ten thirty.

  Jade returned. 'They're worn out.'

  'I imagine so. They didn't stop once during the night.'

  'Do you want me to put Luke to bed before I go, Jade?'

  'Mike. Yes thanks. Mike, have you met Zoe.'

  'Yeah. Sure did. The other day as well. We spoke a bit during the night. I hope you enjoyed your party Zoe.'

  'It was great. Thanks for coming.'

  'No worries. I'll put Luke to bed, then I'm off.'

  'Okay. Thanks,' Jade said and watched him saunter toward Luke.

  'He's such a nice guy. He helped Jordan so much when well, during the rough days. He was a godsend to have around.'

  Zoe was thankful Jordan had family and friends to support him when she hadn't been around.

  After cleaning up and saying goodbye to all the visitors there still wasn't a sign of Jordan's return. Zoe glanced at the clock. He'd been gone two hours.

  'Give it another hour. I'm sure they'll be back by then. Tony went with them. I think Jordan will drop Tony off home on the way back. I'll stay at Mum's for the night. I can stay until Jordan gets back. Keep you company if you like.'

  Zoe felt relieved. She didn't want to be alone in the house with Luke. What if something happened to him? She couldn't take on that responsibility, especially alone.

  Jade disappeared for a while, and Zoe wandered toward the television noticing the children weren't asleep on the couch. She turned back, glanced through a doorway only to spot Jade walking out.

  'I've put them in Jordan's bed. At least we can watch a bit of tele.'

  Zoe sat on the end of the lounge and Jade sat next to her. 'Finally. My feet are killing me.'

  Zoe smiled and noticed a news headline slide across the screen in bold white print.

  Fires springing up around Munna.

  'Did you see that?'

  'What?'

  'The headlines. It said fires are springing up around Munna.'

  Zoe's heartbeat increased as she stared at Jade.

  Jade stood. 'I'll give Jordan a call.' Jade rushed over to her handbag sitting on a chair, and picked up her mobile. While it rang, she looked over to Zoe, giving her hand signals. Zoe couldn't make out what she was trying to say.

  Zoe shook her head, trying to indicate she didn't understand.

  'Jordan. About time. Are you okay? We saw the news flash.'

  'What? When? Okay. No she's still here with me. Okay.'

  Jade hung up. 'They have them under control. Apparently the smaller one was picked up by winds, shot a few embers attacks into a nearby property. He's on his way home as we speak.'

  Zoe placed a hand over her chest. 'That's good to hear.'

  Half an hour later she heard Jordan's vehicle pull up. After he helped Jade carry the children to the car, he returned inside while Zoe was gathering her bag.

  'You can stay if you like.'

  'I've already told Jade I'd go with her. She's taking me home, and staying at your parents’. Besides I'm pretty worn out, and by the looks of you,
not that much better.'

  He stopped beside her, reached out and ran a hand down her cheek. 'Sorry to cut the party short.'

  'It wasn't your fault. Most people left about eleven or perhaps a little later.'

  He moved closer, tilted her chin upwards with an index finger, edging her closer until his lips roamed over hers. Zoe absorbed his warmth, the passion and the tenderness until he drew back.

  'Come on. I'll walk you out. Thanks for keeping an eye on Luke.'

  'It wasn't me. Jade is really good with children.'

  He walked her to Jade’s four-wheeler, stopping by the passenger door.

  Jordan poked his head through the doorway. 'You okay to drive?'

  'Yup. Climb in Zoe.'

  Jordan watched as she swung up onto the seat.

  'Drive carefully.' He closed the door after her. Standing back, Zoe gave him a wave, but she doubted he would have seen it through the darkness.

  'Why didn't you stay the night? I think Jordan wanted you to.'

  'He's had a rough night. Perhaps some other time.'

  ***

  After supper and feeling ill at ease, Zoe wandered toward the front door and swung it open, sending her heartbeat ricocheting in her throat. Down the valley, towards town but further onward, the mountains were tainted with brown-red clouds of smoke.

  She walked down the steps to the side of the house where the trees opened up to a better view of the valley. Her heart stalled at the sight. Angry, black and white clouds of smoke encroached on Munna.

  She retreated to the veranda, and dashed inside, hoping to hear a news headline on the television. Settling back, she waited for what seemed ages but there was nothing to let her know what was happening. After making a cup of tea, she returned to the veranda and watched the undulating smoke clouds.

  Turning, she eased down onto a timber chair, sipping on her tea, and her view diminished as the dark of night impinged over the last light of day. Zoe's gaze flicked toward the driveway when the roar of a vehicle caught her attention. Headlights cut a path toward the front gate. The vehicle came to a sudden stop, and the driver's door opened.

  'Zoe, Zoe.'

  It was Jordan's voice, and she stood, reached inside the front door to switch on the outside lights.

  'Zoe. I'm glad your home.'

  She raised her eyebrows, wondering where he thought she'd be at that time of night. It wasn't as though she'd made many friends in the area as yet.

  'Hi Jordan. What's up?'

  'I need you to keep an eye on Luke for me. There's a fire.'

  Chapter Eighteen

  'Jordan?' Zoe took a few more steps, and spotted Luke climbing from Jordan's vehicle clinging to a bag, with a distraught look.

  They walked up the steps toward her. She turned to Jordan.

  'I can't. Look what happened at the pub the other night. Jordan. What if it happens again?' she whispered.

  'It won't. I'm asking you, please.'

  'What's going on?'

  'There's a fire. It's blocked the road into town from Jade's place. Mum and Dad went over for dinner this afternoon. Tony is away, and the kids are there as well. The fire is heading straight toward Jade's place.'

  Zoe slammed a palm to her chest.

  'They have no way out.'

  Shivers tripped over her skin and she glanced at Luke who remained silent. She couldn't look after her brother let alone look after someone else's child. She tried that for a few short moments at the pub and didn't do such a good job.

  'What are you going to do?'

  'I have to go. I have to help my family. Please keep an eye on Luke?' The desperation in his voice, the look of alarm over his face softened her heart.

  Zoe nodded with reluctance and looked at Luke. Fear was embedded in his eyes. 'Come here sweetie.' She put her arm out and Luke took the few steps between them, huddling against her side.

  'Be careful Jordan, it sounds bad.'

  'It is. Don't expect your landline to be working. It's knocked out everything including power to the town. I can't contact Jade or anyone north east of Munna.'

  He walked closer to Zoe, leaned in and took hold of her elbow before kissing her on the cheek. 'You take care. I'll be back as soon as it's all under control. Don't leave the house.'

  Jordan said goodbye to Luke and he made him promise to behave for Zoe. She felt sorry for Luke. He was handed around a lot lately and she wondered what he thought of his father’s increasing absence. Although it wasn't Jordan's fault. She watched until his vehicle dipped from sight, and then led Luke indoors.

  Her nerves wouldn't settle, and now she had to entertain a six-year-old child. She'd never had anything to do with children. The incident at the pub proved that. One distraction and she'd forgotten about him.

  'Luke. Can you sit down? I think I might need to talk to you first.'

  He perched on the edge of a dining chair.

  'Dad is a good firefighter. He fought a fire before and his hand got burned.'

  'I know he is,' she said, when she sat beside him. 'Listen. I don't know much about six-year-old boys as I well...I have no relations, no brothers or sisters, cousins, or little nieces or nephews. Do you know what I mean?'

  'You haven't got a husband as well.'

  'No. I haven't got a husband. Have you had dinner?'

  'Yeah. Dad made me eat some vegetables, and we had shepherd's pie.'

  That was a far cry from her left over spaghetti bolognaise she'd downed earlier. 'Well, I was going to have dessert and I wondered what you eat for dessert.'

  'Sometimes we have apple pie. But that's only when Grandma makes it. Ice cream is good. Chocolate flavouring is my favourite.'

  'Well it so happens I have ice cream and chocolate flavouring. Would you like some?'

  His eyes beamed. 'Yes please.'

  Zoe got up from her seat, walked into the kitchen and placed two bowls on the bench top. She scooped generous amounts of ice cream into the bowls and topped them with the sauce, and retrieved two spoons from a nearby drawer.

  'Well. We could eat here. But I do have a television in the lounge room now.'

  'Cool.' He jumped from his seat. 'Will I leave my bag here?'

  'Yes, for now.' While she carried the two bowls, he walked beside her into the lounge room.

  Zoe knew his pyjamas and toothbrush would be in the bag, and she gathered it wouldn't be long before he fell asleep. He looked tired.

  'Cool,' he said when he spotted the large soft floral lounge.

  'There's a little bathroom next to the kitchen, well down the hallway.' She placed the bowls on a coffee table. 'How about you go into the little bathroom and change into your pyjamas and then we can have our ice cream. Come on I'll show you where it is.' Zoe walked into the kitchen and picked up his bag before showing him the way.

  While he was changing, she wondered if the television still had reception. She switched it on and let out a relieved breath just as a news headline crossed the screen. She checked that Luke was still busy, and listened, feeling mortified.

  'An uncontrollable bush fire has blocked the north east road from Munna. The only entry and exit into Munna is the main road to Tamworth. Several homes in the area have been destroyed and more are in its path. The New South Wales Fire Brigade is at the scene as I speak, with support coming in from as far away as Queensland.' The newsreader hesitated, glanced sideways then looked up again. 'News has recently come in of another fire which is out of control to the northwest of Munna. Although a north-easterly wind is now blowing, we are hoping it doesn't change to a north-westerly.'

  God, she didn't think it was that bad. Her mouth opened when it showed firemen fighting the huge flames. She glanced closer, wondering if one of them was Jordan. A report arrived saying several firefighters had smoke inhalation and were treated at the scene, with one of the men shipped to Tamworth hospital. Those fire-fighters were from Tamworth on the other side of the fire.

  'We urge all residents of Munna to take your first step in s
ecuring your home and be prepared for the worst. The wind has picked up and news of its strength increasing is expected.'

  She changed channels when Luke appeared in a cute pair of light blue boxer shorts with a matching top, holding his bag in his hand.

  'How'd you go? Everything all right?'

  'Yup.' He dropped the bag near the lounge and jumped up onto the edge. 'Where do I sleep?'

  'There's a spare room next to mine. It has a new bed, and I made it up in case I had a visitor like you.'

  Luke seemed pleased with the idea, although Zoe felt uncomfortable wondering how to entertain a child. After stressing for a few moments she concluded that they were only miniature versions of adults and surely there wouldn't be too much in caring for one, especially when they'd be asleep shortly.

  She handed Luke a bowl of ice cream. 'It's a little melted.'

  'I like it melted, best.'

  Zoe grinned, and glanced at the television as a documentary about whales came on. She flicked her gaze to the window and back to Luke, who had devoured his ice cream before she had even started hers. 'I don't feel like mine now. Do you want some more?'

  'Yes please. Wow. Two bowls.'

  'Yes. But don't tell your father.'

  'I won't.'

  While he was content with the second bowl of ice cream, she moved to the window, and slid the curtain aside enough to get a better look. She stilled as she focussed on the huge cloud of thick orange smoke covering the sky. She squinted. It appeared to be some distance off, but it was impossible to know how far, or even what direction it was heading at that stage. A fire was on the west side of town and one was blocking the exit road to Tamworth. Montagreen and Jordan's parents’ property were south of Munna. She released a tight breath.

  Dropping the curtain, she turned and spotted Luke who had devoured the second bowl of ice cream and was now resting on the edge of the lounge, sound asleep. Too easy. She wondered why she'd stressed so much. She walked to the television and turned down the volume and then slipped a hand around his neck, another around his waist and lifted him into her arms.

  He was heavier than she imagined and as she carried him upstairs, he didn't stir. She wished she could sleep as soundly. Upon reaching the bedroom, she pushed the door open with her foot and walked to the bed, easing him down. He mumbled, but she managed to pull the covers back and he automatically snuggled down, while she placed the sheet over him. She grinned. He was a miniature version of Jordan. After a few seconds of admiring how much he looked like his father and satisfied he was safe, she turned and left the door open so the light from the hallway would shine into the room.