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‘This is the best time of the year up here. The traditional owners call the season “Yegge”, one of their six seasons. The weather cools down and we get these misty mornings. You’d probably like to see the water lilies. There’s a big billabong on the way out to Hidden Valley where my cousin has his cattle station. It’s like a carpet of flowers. And this time of year, the country is burned off to “clean the country”. You’ve probably seen the smoke hanging around. It makes for some spectacular sunrises and sunsets.’ Cy stopped and looked a bit embarrassed. ‘Sorry, I got a bit carried away there.’

‘No, it was great to hear about it. I know nothing at all about the Territory apart from how the mangoes grow. I’ve been getting up early and watching the sunrise. Dawn is very different here than in the city.’

‘You came from Sydney?’

‘No, Adelaide. I grew up in Sydney, but I’ve been in Adelaide for a few years now. What made you think I was from Sydney?’

‘Most people who come here are from the east. Kane told me most of his seasonal workers come from the orchards and vineyards down around southern New South Wales. To be honest with you, this is my first time working on a farm like this. I usually work with cattle.’

‘Are you enjoying the work?’

‘It’s very different.’ Cy spread his arms wide and gestured down towards the avenue of mango trees. ‘But I’m enjoying it so much, I’ve been thinking that I wouldn’t mind getting a small property like this one.’

‘Change is good.’ Tarni’s voice was quiet as she looked out over the trees. ‘Once I get the first seeds going, I’d like to have a bit of a look around. Speaking of which, I’d better get back to work.’

‘Me too.’ Cy stood and threw the dregs of his tea onto the grass. Thanks for the chat. I’ll be around the shed a bit later. I have to order some more pipes and do some work on the bobcat.’

‘Thanks for the tea and the biscuits.’ Tarni said. ‘How long does it take to get into Darwin? Is it reasonable to go after lunch? I’m not fussed about driving back in the dark.’

‘About an hour. Depends how long you stay in there.’

‘Is there anything you need?’

‘No, I’m pretty right. I’ve got plenty of fruit and veggies.’ His grin was wide and the tanned skin around his eyes crinkled as he held her gaze.

Tarni smiled back at him but was shocked at the sudden surge of attraction that ran through her. Chatting to Cy, and sharing his morning tea, had relaxed her and her usual angst had receded as they’d talked.

‘No. I only want a couple of things. Where’s the best place to go shopping that would be open tomorrow?’ Tarni looked away from him and started walking back to the shed.

‘What sort of shopping?’ Cy walked beside her.

‘Nothing flash. Just basics. Aldi or something like that. And maybe, a bookstore.’

‘If you don’t want to do any touristy stuff, the shopping centre at Casuarina should suit you. All the shops should be open on Sunday. It’s about ten minutes off the highway. Once you see the RAAF base, turn right and it’ll take you there.

‘Are you sure there’s nothing you need?’

‘A new thermos if you’re near that sort of thing.’ He paused as he reached the door and turned around. ‘Drive safe. That highway can be a bit dodgy with all the smoke.’

‘I will.’

A warm glow, suffused Tarni; it was unusual to have someone to tell her to drive safe, or keep safe. Even though she had conversations with her colleagues at the institute, they were all work-related. She’d not shared any of her tragedy at work. She hadn’t even told anyone she was heading off on this project, and she doubted that she’d even been missed. As for Sally and Tamika, they’d not been in touch since that night she’d gone to the nightclub with them.

‘See you around, Tarni Morgan.’

Tarni headed for her workbench and Cy took the mugs and remaining biscuits back inside. A moment later, she heard his ute start up and head down towards the dam. He was a worker. Maybe they could do morning tea again.

Maybe she’d even ask Cy to the house for dinner one night.

Chapter 14

Royal Darwin Hospital - Sunday

Dru

Even though Dru’s waters had broken, a raft of tests and a visit from her specialist had resulted in the decision to keep her in hospital. She’d been in here six days and had not yet spoken to Connor in person, but they had exchanged texts each day. His excuse was that he was on a case and out of phone range.

The texts she sent in reply were impersonal and didn’t encourage a dialogue. Dru was not going to find out the state of her marriage by text. That seemed to suit him because Connor’s replies were also very impersonal. No emoticons, kisses or love hearts, and none from her either.