‘Back to Dixby Downs, please?’She had to know more.
‘Do you think it’s true that Sawyer’s out there digging up the deed to the station, buried by his father?Tilly told me that,’ said Izzy.‘It’s madness if you ask me, when I’m flat out digging holes for our orchard.’
‘Tilly mentioned that to me, too,’ nodded Amara.
‘That’s one of the stories,’ said Bree.‘Others say Sawyer killed his father for the land to pay back the debt to his dodgy bankers, who weren’t interested in livestock, or land, just cash.Is it true Sawyer stole from his parents?’Bree asked Izzy, who only shrugged.‘Do you really think Sawyer killed his father?’
Again, Izzy shrugged.‘Amara, what do you know?’
‘The coroner’s report stated that Rohan Dixby died from blunt-force trauma,’ replied Amara.‘The head wound was considered consistent enough with the rocks surrounding him where he was found.’Not that she’d spent much time on the file, and hadn’t discussed it with Porter, not since the night she’d met Tilly.Glancing around to see if the lady with the long cane was here.
‘Was he wearing his hat?’
‘Why?’
‘Because Tilly swears her husband always wore his hat, and where his head hit the rocks, his hat would’ve protected him,’ said Izzy.
‘Really?’Bree looked sceptical.‘My grandfather never believed Rohan died from falling off the back of the ute.Broken bones, sure, but…’
‘That’s a valid point,’ Amara mumbled, mostly to herself.‘A proper stockman’s hat is usually made of thick felt, with a wide brim and reinforced crown.It’s not just for sun protection, it’s also impact resistance.I’ve made enough to know that kind of hat should’ve absorbed some of the blow.At the very least, it would’ve lessened it.’
She glanced down at her gown as the skirt reflected the light and scattered it like a microscopic mirror ball across the floor, as a flash of memory surfaced when Tilly had said:He always wore his hat.All proper stockmen did… If he’d had it on that day, he’d still be here.
Maybe, once things settled down, Amara would take another look at Rohan Dixby’s file.But right now, she had to get through the night.
Weaving her way back to the tables, a cool hand gripped her wrist.‘Amara?Please join me for a moment.’Lydia motioned her to the side.
‘Um, sure.’
‘First, I have to say you look positively beautiful tonight, luv.Porter is a lucky man.’
‘Um…’ Technically, they weren’t on a date-date.‘Thank you.’
‘I’ve been thinking a lot about that paperwork.’Lydia fidgeted with her handbag’s strap, as she peered over her shoulder.‘I tore my office apart.And now, I don’t think it was just your horse.I think I’ve let a lot of bad paperwork through, without even realizing it.’
‘How?’
‘Someone has been bypassing me.They’ve been using my stamp, faking my signature, I even think they’re using my computer sign-in.Call me paranoid, but I’ve changed all my passwords.’
‘Did you find any proof of this?’
‘I can’t talk about it here.’Lydia leaned over and tenderly stroked the material of Amara’s gown as if talking about the dress material and not stock sheets.‘But I want to help.It’s my pet hate for anyone stealing livestock.I know how much it means to the farmers.’
Amara knew that sting all too well.‘Let’s talk to Finn.I’m sure we can come up with a solution.Can we come and see you in the office tomorrow?’
‘No, it’ll draw too much attention.’
‘Got it… Can you give me a hint?’
The glow of the fairy lights somehow highlighted the tension in Lydia’s worried face.‘I found more paperwork, Amara.SW again.With Red’s signature on it.’
Amara’s breath hitched, but she kept her expression neutral.‘Is that surprising?’
‘It is.’Lydia’s voice dropped lower.‘It’s not just SW, luv.Red’s signed off on plenty of other legitimate work.My husband’s record as a stock agent is impeccable.And he knows how strict I am with the stock coming into those stockyards.’
‘But SW still doesn’t sit right with you, does it?’
Lydia barely nodded as she swallowed nervously, her fingers fiddling with her pearl necklace.‘I don’t want to alert anyone, but I’m worried if I ask too many questions…’
