The Promise
Page 16
‘You two want a lift home?’
I tried to answer but couldn’t get my frostbitten jaw unlocked. I nodded my head as best I could, opened the back door, helped Jim and the cat into a seat, followed by Ella. I jumped in the front seat. The car reeked of marijuana smoke. Ethan turned to Jim and Ella and then me, glassy-eyed.
‘What have you four been doing?’ he drawled.
I still couldn’t open my mouth. I was glad in a way, as I didn’t know what to say.
‘Ice-cream,’ Jim explained. ‘We have been out getting some ice-cream. I think we’ve got it here somewhere.’
‘Cool,’ the kid nodded. ‘I love my ice-cream.’
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I want to thank John Hunter for his unwavering support of my writing. I also want to thank everyone at UQP associated with the delivery of this book – a dedicated team effort.
I am fortunate to have a wonderfully supportive family and a group of loyal friends. This is for you. For Sara – ‘We’re riding out tonight to case the Promised Land’. And finally, Tully (1999–2013) – we miss your mighty big heart.
First published 2014 by University of Queensland Press
PO Box 6042, St Lucia, Queensland 4067 Australia
www.uqp.com.au
uqp@uqp.uq.edu.au
© Tony Birch
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