Something in the Wine

by Tricia Stringer

  Her eyes flicked open and she stole a quick look at Euan. Was she mad? He could be a serial killer and she hadn’t told a soul she was going with him. Apart from his mention of Margaret River, she didn’t even know where he was taking her. Then she remembered his sister. Maggie knew about Keely’s existence and even if she was in cahoots with Euan the hospital had kept records when they’d discharged her. And not sure about the reliability of Euan’s phone, she’d given the police Maggie’s number when she’d filled out the report. Keely bit her lip. She wasn’t usually given to such wild flights of imagination.

  “Are you okay?”

  She took in Euan’s worried expression and felt a flush spread across her cheeks. “I’m fine. I just remembered I haven’t contacted my parents…”

  “You can use my mobile if you like.” He frowned. “Although it might be flat. We have a landline at home.”

  “Thanks. They won’t be expecting to hear from me for another day or so. I’ll call them later.”

  His face relaxed.

  She reassured herself that Euan was as he seemed, a good Samaritan and nothing more. Gradually the motion of the car and the comfortable seat rocked her to sleep.

  “Keely, are you hungry?”

  His gentle question brought her back to life. She looked out the window at a sign drawing visitors’ attention to Busselton Jetty.

  “A little,” she replied, trying to shake the fog of sleep so she could make sense of her surroundings.

  “I’m not a very good host. I promised to look after you and I haven’t even fed you.”

  Keely gripped the pillow and sat up cautiously. Her stomach grumbled but she wasn’t sure if it was from hunger. She had eaten a small breakfast at the hospital but had sipped only liquids since then.

  “What about a bowl of homemade vegie soup?” Euan asked. “I know a place that makes all kinds of things to tempt a wayward stomach.”

  “Sounds good.” She would have preferred to keep going and not worry about food but she didn’t want to rebuff his hospitality.

  They drove through Busselton and Euan pulled up opposite a brightly painted cafe. Keely waited while he went in. It was a beautiful afternoon and the sun was warm on her arms through the window as she nestled against the seat and gazed drowsily at her surroundings.

  Euan returned with a box and they drove on down the long street, to the beach. He dragged a tattered blanket from the back of the car, then helped Keely out, lowering her to the blanket, with her back resting against a large pine tree.

  She sat regaining her breath and took in the picturesque scene before her. A jetty stretched way, way out into the water and curved off into the distance. Closer to the shore there was a bright red train, toy-like in appearance, in front of a row of beach hut–type buildings with the Australian flag fluttering gently in the sea breeze. Euan sat the box of food on the blanket beside her. He lifted the lids from foam cups to reveal steaming soup and then unpacked crusty bread rolls, slices of quiche, bottled water, chunks of chocolate cake and firm bananas.

  “I hope there’s something here you to tempt you,” he said. “Normally I don’t think a picnic is complete without a good bottle of wine but this water will have to do.”

  He smiled and his face creased into the countless wrinkles that had fascinated Keely on the plane. As soon as he stopped smiling his skin smoothed over with hardly any visible lines. Like a calm sea after a storm. “Thanks.” She picked up one of the cups of steaming soup. It smelled delicious. Perhaps she did feel hungry after all.

  “So, what do you think of Busselton?” he asked.

  Keely looked along the foreshore to the jetty again. “It’s pretty.”

  “The history here always gets to me. It’s one of the earliest settlements in WA. It was a whaling station and quite lawless in its beginnings. Maggie always says she wants to write a book about the frontier time, as she calls it.”

  Keely took a tentative sip of the hot soup. It was pumpkin, just what she felt like. She blew to cool it and slowly sipped more as Euan told her some of the history of the town.

  * * *

  Euan was glad to see Keely had eaten most of the soup and some bread. She’d looked so tentative when he’d first settled her on the rug that there was no doubt she was still in pain. While they ate he’d told her about the history of the area and then he’d related some of the funny stories he knew about the town and she’d laughed, albeit gingerly, and appeared more relaxed.

  Her face was pale and there were dark rings under her eyes. She looked gaunt, so different from when he’d met her on the plane. It must have been an awful experience to have a medical emergency so far from home.

  “It’s bad luck your holiday started with a stay in hospital.”

  “It wasn’t quite the way I’d imagined it.”

  “Your parents will be worried, being so far away and no way to contact you. I should have taken you to Maggie’s to ring them.”

  “What they don’t know won’t hurt them.” She looked away from him towards the sea. “I’ll ring them tomorrow.”

  “Will you go home once you’re feeling better?”

  “Oh, no. I couldn’t bear…I don’t want to miss this opportunity. I’ll be fine in a few days. The doctor said a week to ten days and I’d be almost back to normal.”

  They both watched in silence as the little tourist train began its journey out along the jetty and Euan wondered what it was that Keely was running away from. Not that he could criticise. Avoidance was his middle name. Stretching out his return home by showing her the sights was enjoyable but Keely was starting to look uncomfortable again and he couldn’t stall forever. He should have rung Flynn and warned him they would have a guest but Euan was putting off the inevitable battle that was to come. Perhaps Keely’s presence would distract Flynn and give them a chance to settle back to normal, before they tackled the issues that needed to be discussed.

  Euan glanced at his guest. Was that why he’d been so glad to bring her home? With someone else in the house Flynn would have to be polite. Maybe Keely’s path had crossed Euan’s for a reason. The strengthening sea breeze flicked her hair back from her face and she shivered.

  He looked at his watch. “We should get going. There’s still a beautiful drive ahead.”

  * * *

  They took so many twists and turns that Keely no longer had any sense of direction. Magnificent trees lined the roads, thick shrubs linked branches underneath and patches of colour from the clumps of wildflowers spread below them. Every now and then a gap would allow her a view of vines or open fields where cattle grazed, only to be quickly replaced by the thick walls of trees.

  “Spring is the best time to visit the south-west. Everything is fresh and flowering,” Euan said. “I avoid the highway when I can. It only adds a few extra minutes to the journey to take the alternate route and you see more of the country.”

  Keely took in the excitement in his face. He was enthusiastic about his part of Australia.

  He slowed down as they meandered through a tuart forest.

  “Oh, the lilies are beautiful.” Keely gazed at the thick spread of white flowers below the ancient trees. She half expected to see a princess emerge from the bush, dressed in a flowing white gown on the back of a glossy black horse.

  “A beautiful pest,” Euan said, bursting her dream. “Tourists love them but they’re a nuisance and spread everywhere.”

  They drove on but Keely couldn’t resist one last quick look as they left the lilies behind. She was a tourist after all and she did think they were beautiful.

  The sun was low in the sky when they finally turned onto a narrow road lined with the inevitable trees. The roadside forest was so large and thick that in some places the foliage met like a cathedral arch above their heads. Keely was exhausted now. Her stomach was aching and she longed to lie down.

  “Here we are,” Euan announced as he slowed the car. “Welcome to Levallier Dell…bloody hell!”

  In spite of
her tiredness Keely couldn’t hold back the nervous giggle. “Do you welcome all your guests with rhyming poetry?”

  Euan didn’t answer. He was leaning forward, peering up at the gleaming sign with Levallier Dell Wines written in gold. The letters were outlined in black, which made them pop out from the green sign in the fading light.

  “Now what?” he muttered and let the car roll forward onto a neat crushed-rock drive that swept down from the road in a curve, towards a distant group of buildings. All around them vines stretched away in lines.

  The house stood apart from the assortment of sheds. The front was hidden by a tangle of shrubs and roses but Keely barely got a look as they whizzed past and pulled up with a lurch under a vine-covered carport at the back entrance. She gripped the pillow and gritted her teeth.

  Euan looked at her as if he’d just remembered she was there. “You must be worn out. Wait here while I take in the bags. I won’t be long.”

  He disappeared around a lattice wall, which was smothered in a rambling rose. Keely took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Now that she was here she was a little nervous. Euan had been very kind to her but she still didn’t feel as if she knew him well and here she was about to stay the night in his house. Too uncomfortable to sit a minute longer in the car, she carefully eased herself out.

  “Take it easy.” Euan appeared back by her side and offered his arm.

  Reluctantly, she leaned on him. “Thanks,” she murmured. Her stomach ached and her legs were behaving like wobbly bowls of jelly but his support was reassuring.

  He helped her into the house and onto a large comfy couch piled with cushions. Keely glanced around the room. It was a big family room with high raked ceilings and an open kitchen. Euan was busy rattling around in the cupboards. It was getting dark but he had turned on some lamps and the glow gave a cosy effect to the large space. There was no sign of anyone else.

  “Did you say your son lived here?” she asked.

  “Yes, but he wasn’t expecting me home tonight. Would you like tea or coffee?” He waved a cup at her.

  “No, thanks.”

  “What about food? Are you feeling hungry?”

  “No, just some water, please.”

  He peered at her. “You’re looking a bit pale again.”

  A throbbing ache radiated through her. The nurse had said to take the pain relief regularly but she’d forgotten. “I’m a bit sore. I should take some tablets.”

  He rushed away and came back with a glass, keeping a close eye on her as she swallowed the pills.

  Keely stifled a yawn. “I really think I should probably just go to bed.”

  “Of course. You can have my bed.”

  “Oh, no…” Keely blushed.

  “I always give it up for visitors. I’ve got a spare bed in the den. Maggie sleeps in there when she visits. It’s got clean sheets and there’s an en suite and in the morning you’ll have a beautiful view of the river.”

  Keely was too tired to argue. After all, it was only for a night or two. Then she’d be on her way again. “Thanks,” she mumbled and Euan helped her up.

  CHAPTER 6

  Keely struggled to open her eyes. It was dark. She fought to banish the dream where hands had clutched at her and young faces sneered at her. She tried to sit up, and the sudden pain reminded her she’d had her appendix out. But this wasn’t the hospital.

  Then she remembered Euan, realised where she was and relaxed, letting the tension flow away. He had been so concerned for her and she had been grateful for his kindness. She smiled and stretched again, carefully this time.

  Her eyes adjusted to the gloom and she noticed light edging in around the thick curtains. It must be morning; she felt as if she’d been asleep for a long time. The distant calls of cattle reached her then, and closer, she could hear the raucous laughter of kookaburras.

  There was also a glow coming from under the door that led to the family room. It was the last thing she remembered seeing as sleep had swallowed her the night before. It had been reassuring to look at that little strip of light. After she’d crawled into bed and waited for the painkillers to work, she’d had a sudden pang of homesickness. The light from under the door and the sounds of Euan moving around beyond it had been her comfort. Now, after a good sleep, she felt her determination to explore and enjoy her holiday return.

  She fumbled with the bedside lamp and squinted at the dainty little clock on the table. It was only six o’clock. She lay still, listening. The house was silent. She pulled back the covers and climbed gingerly out of bed. Walking was easier this morning. In the en suite, she washed her hands and splashed water on her face then peered at her sallow reflection in the mirror and shivered. The cold air encouraged her to shuffle quickly back to bed and snuggle into the comfortable warmth.

  There was a noise outside her door, a gentle knock, and then Euan stuck his head around. He was silhouetted by the light from behind.

  “Hello. Did you sleep well?”

  “Fine, thank you.”

  “Are you ready for breakfast?”

  She eased herself up. She did feel hungry. “Yes, thanks.” The pain was a dull throb but she’d take some tablets again to be sure to keep it at bay.

  “Stay there.” Euan disappeared then the door swung open and he entered carrying a tray. “Here we are, mademoiselle, your breakfast.”

  “I could have come out.”

  “No, no. I insist. You are still recuperating. We need to put some colour back into those cheeks. Rest a little longer. Later I will take you out for some fresh air but it’s a bit cold outside right now.” He put the tray down and pulled back the curtains. “There’s a magnificent view from this window. As you eat, the river will appear.” He waved his hand majestically then picked up the tray.

  Keely watched him approach. He was a fit-looking man, and this morning he was dressed in mismatched shorts and a crumpled shirt as if he’d put on whatever he’d laid his hands on first. He placed the breakfast tray across her lap, then backed away, still examining her.

  Her heart raced under his scrutiny. She’d put a lot of trust in a man she hardly knew.

  “I really think you should call your parents once you’ve—”

  “Euan?” They were both startled by a male voice calling from the kitchen. “So, you’re home at last.” The statement had an accusing tone and a tall, sandy-haired man strode through the door. He stopped when he caught sight of them.

  “Flynn.” Euan turned abruptly towards the door.

  Keely clutched awkwardly at the sheet. This must be Euan’s son. He was taller than his father but there was no mistaking the profile of his face and the sharpness of his gaze.

  “Oh…I didn’t realise,” Flynn stammered, his look grim.

  “This is…”

  “I’d rather not be introduced, thanks Euan,” Flynn snapped. “I would’ve appreciated some warning that you were home and that you’d brought a guest.” He spat the last word out as if it was poison.

  “You weren’t home last night or I would have.”

  “I was out with some mates.” He gave Keely then his father one last scathing look and strode from the room as quickly as he had entered.

  “I’m sorry about that, Keely,” Euan said. “Flynn’s manners are usually impeccable.”

  Her cheeks burned. She glanced at Euan, not knowing what to say. Right now she wanted to be as small as a mouse and disappear under the covers.

  “You stay and eat your breakfast,” Euan said. “I’ve been away from home for a while. Flynn and I have some catching up to do.”

  His lips turned up in a smile that didn’t dispel the sadness in his eyes or the rigid set of his jaw. He left, closing the door behind him. She released the sheet from her grasp and looked at the beautifully set tray on her lap. Euan had gone to a lot of trouble. There was a proper pot of tea – she lifted the lid – with real tea leaves; poached eggs, toast and an assortment of condiments. A dainty pink rose lay along the napkin at the side.r />
  She heard movement in the next room.

  “Where are you going?” Euan’s sharp question from beyond the door startled her.

  “I’m moving down to the studio.” Keely could hear the tightness in Flynn’s reply.

  “Why?”

  “I’ve had enough, Euan.” Flynn’s voice rose higher. “I’ve put up with your disappearances and your women but you’ve gone too far this time, you stupid old bugger. If you’re moving one of your ladies into the house, I’m moving out.”

  Keely clamped her hand to her mouth.

  “Flynn!” Euan barked. “Lower your voice. Keely is a guest—”

  “Call her whatever you like to justify it, I don’t want to be a part of your cosy little love nest.”

  The burning sensation spread across Keely’s face to her ears and down her neck. He thinks I’m Euan’s lover. She pushed away the tray and tumbled out of bed, pressing her hand to her stomach as she went. Outside, she heard doors thudding and raised voices retreating into the distance. The house returned to silence but there was a rushing sound in her ears.

  She went into the bathroom and turned on the shower. Standing under the steaming water, she kept hearing Flynn’s words over and over again. She was mortified to think he could assume she was his father’s lover.

  A momentary image of Euan delivering her breakfast and his slightly dishevelled appearance popped into her mind. Keely bit her lip. Damn it, she could imagine her mother’s reproving words. “You’ve put yourself in a compromising situation, Keely. Appearances are what count.”

  She pressed the cool face washer to her cheeks.

  Flynn had certainly assumed plenty. Damn it! How dare he? Her embarrassment was replaced by anger and she dried herself vigorously with the towel, flinching as she forgot to go easy over her stomach and then dabbing carefully over the dressings. She’d been told they’d fall off after a few days. The thought of exposing the cuts underneath made her squirm.