Tess tensed and stepped back, hitting the kitchen counter.
“You’ll be safe here,” she whispered. “But I need to get your statement.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Lara knows nothing about what happened to you and Ed, so we’ll talk in private.”
The young girl didn’t need to be told about such ugliness.
Ed held out his hand to Tess. “Let me introduce you.” He pulled her forward, glaring at Dot. “My sister, Georgie.” He pointed to a woman with blue hair, but the same brown eyes as Ed. “Amy, our bride-to-be.” A curvy woman with frizzy blonde hair. “Faith is Darcy’s fiancée.” She was slim with short, styled brown hair, a casual elegance about her. “And Matt is our station hand.” The dark-skinned man waved at her.
“Are you hungry?” Amy asked.
Ed answered. “We could both use a shower before we eat.”
“Go for it.”
Ed led Tess down a corridor lined with family photographs to a bathroom. “Have you got a change of clothes?”
She nodded.
“I’ll grab you a fresh towel.” He reached into a nearby cupboard and handed her a soft, blue towel. It felt like luxury. “Take your time, use whatever soaps are in there, and then go back to the kitchen when you’re done. The others will get you food and drink.”
The bathroom called to her like a siren, but she stopped Ed before he could walk away. “Thank you.”
He smiled. “Any time.”
She shut the door to the bathroom with a sigh. It was a small room, but a bath was squeezed in next to the shower and basin. The beige tiles appeared old, but it was clean. She locked the door and placed her backpack on the ground. Ed’s family’s greeting gave her hope she might be safe here, but she had to be mindful not to get in their way. She retrieved her only other T-shirt and turned the shower on, waiting until the temperature was right before she undressed. The warm water flooded over her, and she tilted her head back to wash her face. Glorious. It felt as if a month’s grime was washing from her. She slicked her hair back and rubbed her skin before examining the soap and shampoo bottles on the ground. Frangipani body wash. She sniffed it and then slathered it liberally over her body, needing to scrub away the dirt and sweat of several days. She washed her hair next and sighed with pleasure as the soap ran down her. For the moment, all she wanted to think of was getting clean.
When she was dressed and ready to rejoin the family, she hesitated at the door. Had Ed finished showering yet? The image of a naked Ed popped into her head and she blushed. Eager to wipe the inappropriate thought from her mind, she opened the door and stepped into the hallway. The voices came from the left. She followed the sound, moving slowly, nerves tickling her skin. As she turned at the main corridor, she stopped to examine the photos on the wall. Ed’s graduation photo caught her eye and next to it was his sister, Georgie’s photo. As she continued, the photos included all the children; high school graduation, first day of school—Ed with tear-stained cheeks—and baby photos. So sweet to have them all on display like this.
She hesitated in the kitchen doorway. Ed wasn’t back yet, but the others sat at the table drinking tea and passing around food. Three more large men had joined the family—perhaps they were Brandon’s army team. The young girl, Lara, noticed her and waved her in. “Come, sit by me, Tess.”
Suddenly she was centre of attention as everyone faced her. She cringed but forced herself to move forward and sit next to Lara. Amy handed her a bowl of salad. “Help yourself. I wasn’t sure what you would like.”
“This is fine. Thank you.” She dished up salad and took some fresh bread from a plate.
“Ed never said he was bringing anyone to the wedding,” Lara said. “Do you work with him?”
Tess glanced at the policewoman. Was she supposed to lie? “No, I’m still at university.”
Lara opened her mouth to ask another question, but Darcy was faster. “What are you studying?”
“A bachelor of science majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology with an additional unit of Australian history.”
“Why Australian history?” Amy asked, interest on her face.
“I discovered one of my ancestors was a pearl diver in WA and wanted to know more.”
Lara grinned. “Has Ed told you the story of the Retribution?”
Matt groaned. “Don’t get her started.”
Lara stuck her tongue out at him.
Tess smiled. “Yes, he has. It sounds fascinating.”
“I’ll take you out to see the plaque and the island while you’re here,” Lara said. “Do you ride?”
“A bicycle?” Seemed an odd place to cycle.
Lara laughed. “No, a horse… or motorbike.”
