Amara raised a brow.‘He was hit by rocks—’
‘She uses that phrase to make a point, especially when the system treats her like a fool for saying her husband’s death wasn’t an accident.And you’ve met Tilly, you’d know she’s the type to reclaim an insult and weaponize it.’
Amara stepped back at the realisation.It made sense.And it also revealed something else—that beneath her dry wit and fierce defiance, Tilly was quietly grieving.
‘When you and Porter have a moment, I’d love to talk to you both about Rohan Dixby’s death,’ Izzy added.‘Maybe we can come up with some ideas.’
‘Are you bored already, Einstein, that you have to look for work?’It was Bree, bustling through in a divine green dress, her long red tresses loose around her shoulders.Such a stark contrast from the women Amara had met at the office.
‘Hello, Bree.’Izzy warmly hugged the redhead like an old friend.
‘What’s the goss?’Bree was blunt, and for once Amara was grateful for it.
‘We were just discussing Dixby Downs.Do you know the story of the missing overseer?’
Bree tapped her chin.‘Are we talking about Sawyer Dixby’s side?Tilly Dixby’s side?Or the stockmen’s side of the story?’
‘How many sides are there?’
‘Everyone has an opinion or a theory, especially out here.’Bree patted her baby bump cleverly hidden by her gown.‘Please tell me you’re going to the ladies.’
‘We are.’
‘Good.Don’t hate me if I push in first.’
‘Pregnant women get first priority.’Izzy hooked her arm through Bree’s, putting herself in the middle of their sisterly stroll, as they navigated across the grass in heels.
‘So, the story of Dixby Downs?’Amara had to know.
Bree leaned forward and grinned.‘Look at you… Finn said you never switched off from the job.’
‘Technically, we are working tonight.’Even if she was in a ballgown.
‘I want to hear it too,’ said Izzy.
‘Fine…’ began Bree, taking a deep breath.‘Well, Tilly and Rohan Dixby worked, lived and loved each other for a long time at Dixby Downs.They were friends of my grandfather.I think Craig ran a muster out there to help Tilly after Rohan died.’
‘He did,’ replied Izzy.‘But Craig won’t say much.Just rumours.’
‘Let me guess, it was about Sawyer’s mismanagement of the place, borrowing money from the wrong people, that the bad guys came to collect, and it wassee ya, Sawyer.’
‘You’re saying organised crime?In the sticks?’Amara scoffed to herself.
‘Doesn’t Finn suspect there’s a bigger smuggling racket going on?’
Amara paused, surprised that Finn had discussed this with his ex-wife.
‘I’d count that as organised crime,’ said Izzy.‘Oh, don’t mind me.Craig talks to me all the time, and I have signed that confidentiality agreement as legal counsel for you guys.’
While Bree grinned, as if relishing the fact she got to break the rules with the boss.‘Well, I manage the local brand register.I guess that’s enough.’
‘Maybe Finn could call you his advisor, or is that more of an informant?With your shady connections—’
‘Hey, you’re supposed to be my lawyer, Einstein.Enough of theshady connectionswith the cop present who can arrest me.’Bree winked at her.
Amara didn’t know whether to smile or frown.
‘Lighten up, Amara.’Bree even patted her shoulder.‘You’re part of Finn and Craig’s team, and you live at Porter’s place, which makes you part of the family in my books.Besides, us girls have got to stick together.Did you know there are about six men to one female out here?Or is that eleven men to one?’
