‘Why are you doing this now, mate?’ Nathan said. ‘Let’s talk about it later. We’re burying him tomorrow.’
‘Yeah.’ Bub opened his eyes and looked at Ilse. ‘Still, silver lining for some, isn’t it?’
‘Bub!’ Liz said. ‘Enough!’
Ilse sat completely still as Bub walked out, slamming the kitchen door. They all stared after him as the sound reverberated in his wake.
‘What’s his –?’ Nathan barely started before Liz turned on him.
‘You’re no better. Have you spoken to your son yet? He’s been worrying all day about you. He wanted Harry to take him out to search.’
Nathan opened his mouth. ‘I told him where I was going.’
‘You’ve been gone for hours.’
‘Well –’
‘Your radio was off. Again.’
‘Shit. Yeah, okay. Sorry –’
‘It’s not me you should apologise to.’ Before Nathan could answer, Liz looked at Ilse. ‘Are you all right, at least?’
Ilse, still sitting at the table, didn’t move and didn’t look up. ‘Yes.’
‘Good.’ Liz sounded defeated. ‘Then I’m going to see to Bub.’
The door swung shut behind her. Ilse was still staring at the glass in front of her. Nathan opened the fridge and got a beer, leaning against the counter as he opened it and took a sip. He could see traces of the red dust in the creases of Ilse’s shirt and jeans. He had the same on his own.Just ask her. Instead he nodded at the door.
‘I didn’t realise Bub was so serious about the mustering thing.’
‘I think it’s less about the mustering and more about who makes the decisions around here now.’
Nathan didn’t reply.
‘He called Cameron’s lawyer,’ Ilse said.
‘Bub did?’
‘Asking about the property split and what happens now.’
‘What did the lawyer say?’
‘That Cam’s share goes to the girls.’
‘Not you?’
‘Not technically. I’m just the guardian until they’re old enough. But the point is, it doesn’t go to Bub. Or you.’ Ilse looked at him properly now. ‘Please tell me you already knew that?’
‘Yeah. It’s okay.’
She looked relieved. She lifted her foot under the table, and kicked a chair out a little way. Nathan wavered, then pulled it over and sat down.
‘I’m surprised Bub even knew who Cam’s lawyer was,’ he said. ‘Let alone think to call him.’
‘Your mum said that too. I told you, though. Bub’s more switched on than you all give him credit for. Especially about property work. Either way –’ She sighed. ‘I guess he was really keen to know.’
‘Had Cameron promised him something different?’
