The Red Dirt Road

by Alissa Callen

  The electric kettle came to a boil. She went to make her tea when something caught her eye. Uncertainty held her still. A longish stick hadn’t been at the edge of the garden earlier. Even as she stared, trying to decide if it was a snake, a black-and-white blur raced across the garden. Eyes fixed on the object, Molly’s tense body remained low to the ground.

  Hands shaking, Fliss reached for her phone on the kitchen bench. Please let Hewitt have his mobile on him. A text would be quicker than running over to him. Fingers refusing to cooperate, she misspelt snake and then managed to type where it was.

  She grabbed the snake kit from her emergency shelf and ran down the hallway. The screen door banged behind her as she gathered the sleepy puppies and placed them safely inside. It wasn’t until she pulled the front door closed that she realised one puppy was missing.

  Hewitt was already through the back garden gate and following Molly when his phone chimed. There was only one explanation for the border collie’s deep growl and dash across the lawn. He didn’t bother to check his phone. The relief in Fliss’s strained face when she saw him confirmed what had been in the message.

  He quickly assessed the yard. Fliss had already taken the puppies that were near the house inside. With her babies no longer under threat, he could only hope Molly would maintain the distance between herself and the snake. He glanced at Fliss, hoping she wouldn’t call the border collie away. Any sound could distract her. But Fliss stood on the veranda edge, her hands around the white post and her lips pressed together. A plastic box sat near her feet.

  The snake faced Molly, its upper body lifting off the ground in an S-shaped coil. Small and flattened, its head was poised to strike. Molly growled but didn’t move closer. After what seemed like a lifetime, the snake’s head lowered. Sunlight glanced off glossy, scaled skin as it turned and slid away in burnished ripples across the yard. The tension aching in Hewitt’s shoulders eased. The reptile would soon reach the undergrowth on the other side of the wooden fence.

  A flash of black-and-white kickstarted his adrenaline. Poppy ambled along the fence line, cutting off the snake’s escape route. The snake slowed, assessing the new risk. Molly lowered herself to the ground and slunk forwards, readying herself to protect her baby.

  Poppy needed to be distracted long enough to allow the snake to pass. He whistled softly.

  The sound was enough. Poppy stopped to look at him. The snake took advantage of the gap that opened up between them and slithered beneath the fence and towards the creek.

  Molly raced over to Poppy and after sniffing her to check she was okay, led her over to Hewitt.

  He ruffled the top of Molly’s head. ‘Everyone’s okay.’

  Fliss opened the screen door and puppies spilled down the veranda steps. Molly went to assess each one before lying on the lawn, her attention fixed on where the snake had disappeared.

  The sight of the puppies climbing all over their mother didn’t bring the usual smile to Fliss’s face. Instead she glanced at him, face pale. ‘I think I need to sit.’

  She sank onto the top veranda step.

  He collected two camp chairs from near the fire pit and set them up in the veranda shade not far from Molly and the puppies. ‘You’ll be more comfortable here.’

  ‘Thanks.’

  After Fliss slid into the closest chair he scooped up two puppies and settled them into her lap. As if sensing her tension the puppies snuggled into her arms instead of making it their mission to chew her fingers. The strain in her eyes faded as she ran her hand over their soft coats.

  ‘Box ticked,’ she said, words tighter than usual. ‘The first snake of the season.’

  ‘Believe it or not, they want to avoid us as much as we want to avoid them.’

  Fliss shuddered. ‘At least no one was bitten … I’ve seen what a snake bite can do. One summer Cressy and I lost our childhood Jack Russell to a snake bite.’

  Hewitt picked up a puppy who was gnawing on the toe of his boot. With the puppy wriggling in his arms he wasn’t so tempted to reach over and draw Fliss against him. He now understood the personal reasons behind her aversion to snakes.

  ‘I’m sorry to hear that.’

  ‘Thanks. It was a long time ago now but I’ll never forget how fast it happened and how brave little Midge was.’ She scanned the garden beds. ‘I think I’ll plant more geraniums.’

  ‘You could get some guinea fowl. They’re supposed to deter snakes.’

  ‘I’ll ask Ella—she’ll know where I can get some.’

  ‘With your lawn now mowed and the garden beds tidy, the snakes will realise Bundara isn’t as inviting as it once was.’

  ‘I hope so.’ She paused while one of the puppies in her arms jumped to the ground. ‘I’d better get back to my computer. Analysing DNA is like going down a rabbit hole. I have to remember to come out to eat.’

  ‘Come over to the stables for dinner. I’ll cook.’

  Brow furrowed, she studied him. ‘I thought we were making sure what happened at the river doesn’t happen again?’

  ‘We’re both mature grown-ups. Fliss … I promise I’ve not come here to cause trouble or hurt you.’

  ‘Okay.’ Her eyes searched his. ‘Dinner does sound nice. Can I bring anything?’

  ‘No. I’m all sorted thanks to the shop we did on the way home from the trail ride.’

  The puppy in Fliss’s arms yawned and wriggled until its little head rested in the crook of her arm.

  Hewitt stared at the tiny face that was all white except for a black eye that had earned him the name Patch. Still looking at the distinctive black marking, he put the puppy he was holding onto the ground.

  ‘Hewitt, what is it?’

  ‘Just a thought. Hold still while I take a photo of Patch’s face to send to Ella.’

  After he sent the photo to the vet, he glanced at Fliss. ‘Who does that little face remind you of?’

  ‘No one.’

  ‘What about a dog we’ve seen lately?’

  ‘But we haven’t seen any border collies, have we? The only black-and-white dog, and I’m not even sure if it was that colour, was the one in the pigging ute we saw on the trail ride.’

  ‘Exactly. It had a black patch around its right eye, too.’

  Fliss shifted in her camp chair to take out her phone from her jeans pocket. ‘Taylor took photos of that echidna. I wonder if she took one of the dogs?’

  While Fliss talked to Taylor, Hewitt texted Ella to see if there were any photos of missing Max.

  Fliss ended her call and then her phone whooshed as pictures came through. She placed Patch beside Molly, left her chair and leaned over Hewitt to show him her phone. She appeared unaware that her heavy hair slid over her shoulder to touch his shirt.

  ‘You’re right.’ She examined the photo, voice excited. ‘Look, there he is. Right up the back. You can’t see much but that’s a marking just like Patch’s.’

  Hewitt touched the photo to move it higher. ‘And there’s the ute’s rego number.’

  Fliss met his eyes and smiled. ‘This dog could very well be Max.’

  ‘It could be.’

  Hewitt forced his hands to rest on his thighs. All he could smell was gardenias and all he could think about was how soft and sensual Fliss’s lips were. She was so close all he had to do was thread his fingers into her hair and turn her mouth to his.

  Fliss spoke again. ‘I’ll send this photo to Ella. She can pass it on to the owner’s daughter and the police they’ve been dealing with. I’ll send it to Daniel at the police station here.’

  As if suddenly conscious of how close she was, she straightened. Colour painted her cheeks as she moved away. Hewitt took a deep, silent breath of relief.

  ‘Hey, Miss Molly,’ Fliss said as she bent to pat her. ‘Hewitt might just have found your missing Max.’

  Fliss’s phone whooshed again and she read the text aloud. ‘Ella says thanks and she’ll keep us in the loop. I’d better head inside. DNA sleuthing calls. I’ll l
ook forward to dinner tonight.’

  For the rest of the day Hewitt focused on rebuilding the chook pen as well as his self-control. If he was going to survive dinner with Fliss the emotions simmering inside him had to be tightly contained. Not only would they be alone, he now knew exactly how it felt to have her pressed against him. Holding Fliss once would never be enough.

  Once the afternoon shadows had lengthened, he showered and made his mother’s signature spaghetti bolognaise. When the garlic bread was almost cooked and the rich aroma of spaghetti sauce filled the kitchen, he checked the wall clock. Fliss would be here soon.

  Movement flickered in the living room window as Fliss left the main house. But instead of descending the veranda steps, she stopped to sit on the top one. Molly came to her side and Fliss slipped an arm around her.

  Hewitt’s first instinct was to stay where he was. Fliss wore a loose floral dress that left her smooth shoulders and arms bare. One glimpse of her was all his testosterone needed to lurch into overdrive. But his second instinct was to sit with her. He took down two wine glasses and filled them with red wine. This dinner was all about proving that things could remain relaxed and easy between them. And he’d start now.

  He collected the small antipasto platter sitting on the bench and headed across the garden.

  Fliss greeted him with a smile. ‘Lucky for you and that platter a certain six little ratbags are in the shed.’

  He handed her a glass of wine before setting the antipasto platter between them. ‘Yes, it would have been the shortest pre-dinner drinks in history.’

  He sat on the top step, making sure a careful distance existed between them.

  ‘This all looks great.’ She cut a piece of soft cheese. ‘I was coming over but … this sounds silly … I just wanted to spend as much time with Molly as I can.’

  ‘That doesn’t sound silly at all.’

  ‘So where did you learn to be so handy in the kitchen?’

  ‘My mother. She was determined Brody and I learn to cook. Brody wasn’t interested but I enjoyed learning the recipes that had been passed down by her mother and grandmother. Also, I live by myself so if I don’t cook, I starve.’

  ‘You mustn’t live far away from your parents and the twins?’

  ‘I don’t. Ava and the twins live in the cottage on Mayfield. Mum and Dad live in the main house. Years ago they bought the neighbouring farm and I live there.’

  ‘Have you spoken to Lizzie and Quinn about visiting?’

  ‘I have.’ He took a swallow of wine. ‘Lizzie’s already told me what she’s packed.’

  ‘I’ll need to think of some fun things we can do.’

  ‘They’ll be fine. Lizzie will play with the puppies and ask you dozens of questions while Quinn will follow me around like he used to do with Brody. The two of them were always in the shed fixing things.’

  ‘It’s nice to hear you talk about your brother. You seem more … at ease now.’

  ‘It’s still tough to talk about him but I am feeling a little more comfortable.’

  He stared at the ridge he and Garnet had climbed. ‘I’ve been able to say goodbye and to let go of some of my grief.’ While the weight of his grief had lessened, the guilt that hounded him remained. ‘Being here hasn’t just been good for me. By not being at home to keep everything together it’s allowed Mum and Ava to regain a sense of purpose. Mum’s knitting again. Ava has put on weight and has been going to town at least once a week.’ Hewitt frowned. ‘The only person who hasn’t benefited from me not being there is Dad. He refuses to leave the house.’

  ‘Grief’s a very personal thing. Everyone will have their own timetable.’ She sipped her wine. ‘It’s also been good for me to have you here. I’ve left Bundara more times since you arrived than I had in the past six months. I have a garden littered with puppy toys that I couldn’t have tolerated earlier and here I am looking forward to visitors.’

  Hewitt grinned. ‘Are you blaming me for your messy garden?’

  Fliss returned his smile. ‘Only for giving me the confidence to cope with chaos.’

  ‘You don’t need me to give you confidence. You’re one of the most competent and knowledgeable people I know.’ He hesitated, not wanting to ruin the relaxed mood between them. But the need to help her wouldn’t let him remain silent. ‘I know how hard it was for you to deal with Alice’s finger. But the Fliss you were before Caitlyn died is still the Fliss you are now. You can more than handle anything that comes your way. Not only that, you can handle it well.’

  She stared at him, expression wary. ‘You notice far too much.’

  He matched her wry tone. ‘I’m afraid it comes with the territory. I need to know what a rider, a horse or even a bull will do before they even think about doing it.’

  Her lips tilted. ‘It’s nice to know you can read my body language as easily as you can a bull.’

  ‘If it’s any consolation, you’re much easier to look at than a bull.’

  Fliss raised her wine glass to his and clinked. ‘Nice save, cowboy.’

  Peace flowed through him. Sitting next to Fliss and just talking felt right. It wasn’t only being at Bundara that was good for him. The beautiful woman beside him was, too.

  CHAPTER

  13

  ‘Uncle Hewy,’ Quinn called before he catapulted himself into Hewitt’s arms and hugged his uncle as hard as he could.

  Fliss blinked to clear her vision. There was something about a strong man being open about showing love and affection that stirred her emotions. It had been bad enough seeing Lizzie’s beaming face when Hewitt had gathered her close and she’d kissed his cheek. Now seeing the depth of his bond with Quinn, her heart melted.

  Ava crossed the lawn towards her. Hewitt’s sister-in-law was tiny, too-thin tiny. But her blonde hair was thick and glossy and her skin possessed a healthy glow. The ring finger on her delicate left hand bore no wedding band.

  ‘Thanks so much for having us to stay,’ Ava said, her smile warm.

  ‘It’s my pleasure.’ Fliss stepped forwards to hug her. She wasn’t usually demonstrative with strangers but felt like she already knew Ava from their laptop chats.

  ‘How was your trip?’ Fliss asked as they turned to see Quinn sprint over to Ava’s four-wheel drive to fetch a yellow and green toy tractor.

  ‘Let’s just say it will be nice to spend the next two days out of the car.’

  Fliss nodded as Quinn bolted back towards his uncle. ‘I can understand why your trip might’ve felt long.’

  Lizzie came over to Ava and took hold of her mother’s hand. The little girl stared at Fliss, expression cautious. From the amount of times they’d talked she was certain Lizzie wouldn’t feel any shyness when they met face-to-face. But for all her confidence and bravado, Lizzie was still a young child who’d lost her father less than a year ago.

  Fliss bent to talk to her. ‘I’ve been looking forward to you staying and so have the puppies. They’re sick of playing tug-o-war with me. Who would you like to meet first?’

  A smile dawned in Lizzie’s wide grey eyes. ‘You’re even prettier than on the computer, and much taller.’ She put her small hand in Fliss’s. ‘Can I meet all of them?’

  ‘You sure can.’

  They’d taken two steps towards the garden shed when Quinn raced up to them. He thrust his tractor out for Fliss to see. The tractor was the same brand as the one pictured on his green and once white cap. She admired the toy’s chipped green paintwork. ‘I think your Uncle Hewitt had better book your tractor in for an oil change. It looks like it’s ploughed lots of paddocks.’

  Quinn’s grin flashed before he ran away. Lizzie’s hand tightened on hers.

  ‘He likes you. He doesn’t show anyone his tractor. Even Miss Annabelle at the Bush Mobile hasn’t seen it.’

  When they arrived at the garden shed, six puppies were jostling and yipping at the low wire panel Hewitt had constructed to keep them inside when the door was open. No sooner had Fliss lifted the panel
than puppies rolled, slid and wriggled towards Lizzie. Fliss made sure the little girl didn’t feel scared or overwhelmed. But Lizzie was fine. Giggling, she skipped over to the box of toys Fliss had left on the lawn. All six puppies followed and were soon chasing balls or chewing on the dog toys Lizzie dished out.

  Fliss went to help Hewitt, Quinn and Ava unload the car. When all the bags were inside Hewitt and Quinn disappeared into the shed. Fliss gave Ava a tour of the renovated stables before offering her a cup of tea over in the main house.

  Fliss made small talk while the kettle boiled but when they sat at the kitchen table, their china mugs in front of them, Ava’s open expression turned serious.

  ‘Fliss, I hope it’s okay, but while we’re alone I wanted to have a quick chat. We mightn’t get another chance.’

  ‘Absolutely. What’s on your mind?’

  ‘Firstly, I want to say thank you for having us this weekend and for giving Hewitt a place to stay. I was so worried about him but now it’s almost like … he’s come back to us.’

  Fliss nodded. Knowing how much Hewitt had been in pain made her throat ache.

  ‘Secondly, I have something to tell him and I think it’s best if he hears it while he’s with you … where he’s got time and space to process things.’

  ‘That makes sense.’

  ‘It’s not something bad. It’s actually a happy thing, but it could be painful.’

  Fliss stayed quiet, sensing Ava needed to say more.

  ‘Brody came on a horse trek ride I was running and from that first moment he swept me off my feet. Before I knew it we were married and expecting twins. Life was complete. Then the cracks appeared. I don’t blame Brody. The twins weren’t planned and fatherhood is demanding. But it soon became obvious Brody wasn’t cut out to be a father.’

  Ava stopped to trace a knot of wood in the table with her finger. ‘It was Hewitt who’d stop to help when I was hanging out the washing. It was Hewitt who minded the twins so I could sleep. His parents were also great but the one person who wasn’t was Brody. He was determined to keep his bachelor lifestyle.’