The Wildwood Sisters

by Mandy Magro

  No way was she going to tell them about being followed at the ball last night. Hell, she wasn’t even sure now that anyone had been following her—maybe her fears and a good dose of alcohol had conjured up something that wasn’t even happening. Stepping into the dimness of the hallway, her eyes took a few seconds to adjust after standing outside in the sunlight—little white speckles floated like miniature fireflies in front of her.

  ‘And I’m not going anywhere until I know you’re back to a full bill of health. End of story.’

  Although a little intimidated by her nan’s defiant gaze, Renee matched her nan’s stance and folded her arms too, just for good measure.

  Pearl turned to Stanley, her eyebrows raised almost to her curly salt-and-pepper-coloured hairline. Her small frame did nothing to take away from the determination in her eyes. ‘And what do you have to say about Renee staying here, Stanley?’

  Renee noted the fact her nan had just called her pa by his full name. Things were getting serious. She stifled a smirk.

  Stanley shrugged as he removed his boots and hung his tattered wide-brimmed hat on the hook at the doorway. ‘Sorry, dear, but I tend to agree with Renee. I’m out working a lot of the time and I need to know there’s someone at home with you—just for a little while. Mick, Dylan and me are making sure we keep a close eye on her, so there’s nothing to worry yourself with.’

  ‘I would like to say I’ll take your word for that, Stan, but I still feel very uneasy about Renee being back here.’ She huffed, shaking her head. ‘And who’s this Dylan anyway?’

  ‘Dylan Anderson is my new right hand until Mick is fit enough to come back to work. And he’s an old school friend of Renee’s too, so that’s a positive. I told you about him the other day at the hospital—I didn’t think you were listening to me at the time, you were too busy reading your Woman’s Day.’

  ‘Did you? I can read and listen at the same time, and I do listen to everything you have to say, my dear. My memory has been a bit like a sieve lately, with everything that’s happened, that’s all. Dylan Anderson?’ Pearl said out loud as she tipped her head to the side in thought and tapped her chin. ‘Where do I know that name from?’

  Stanley stepped inside, shutting the screen door behind him. ‘He’s Peter and Claire Anderson’s son.’

  Pearl sucked in a breath. ‘I hope to God he is nothing like his hoodlum father? It was a blessing when that horrible man skipped town. I don’t know Claire very well, but I’ve heard Peter left her in quite a state, the poor woman.’

  ‘No, Pearl, Dylan’s a good lad. I wouldn’t have hired him if I had any doubts.’

  Renee felt the urge to jump in. ‘Pa’s right, Nan. Dylan’s nothing like Peter. He’s actually a really charming guy. You’ll love him when you meet him, I just know it,’ she said a little too quickly, a stupid lovesick grin tugging at the corners of her lips. She bit her bottom lip to stop it spreading across her face. Nan knew her inside out and back to front, and she didn’t want to give away her feelings for him. Not just yet.

  Pearl’s mouth dropped open a little as she regarded Renee, a knowingness flickering in the depths of her hazel eyes. Then she smiled ever so slightly, cheekily almost. ‘Is that so, love? I hope to meet him soon, then—just to make sure he’s trustworthy, even though I do trust your pa’s judgement.’

  Shit, too late. Her nan could read her like a book. ‘He’ll be here for work tomorrow, I think, so you can meet him then if you like.’ Renee looked to her pa for confirmation.

  ‘No, he’s not here tomorrow, but he will be the day after—on Tuesday. We have some fences to fix and a few of the horses to shoe.’

  ‘Goodo then, I’ll be sure to pop my head out when he gets here. But regardless of all these men keeping an eye out for you, love, I’m still very uncomfortable with you staying here because of me. I’d rather you got back home to your apartment, and got on with your life there selling those stupidly expensive houses.’

  Renee smiled lovingly. ‘My life is here, too, Nan. This is also my home, my real home for that matter.’

  ‘But what about your work? Surely your boss can’t be happy with you taking so much time off.’

  ‘It’s all sorted, Nan, so no need to worry yourself. To be perfectly honest, I think I needed a break from work. It was pretty hectic and I was starting to feel burnt out.’

  The two women stared at each other for a few seconds, as if in a Mexican stand-off, until Pearl threw her hands up in the air in defeat. ‘Okay, okay, I know I’m not going to win. But as soon as the doctors give me the all clear—’ she pointed to Renee, ‘—you, my love, are going back to your other home.’ She brushed her hands together as if satisfied she’d had the last word. ‘Now, let’s all go have a cuppa on the back verandah. I’ve been dying to sit out in the sunshine. I feel like I’ve gone mouldy in that hospital.’

  Renee got to helping her nan make a pot of tea in the only-for-special-occasions fine china while Stanley cut the red velvet chocolate cake she’d baked yesterday in preparation for Nan’s return home. Cake cut, Stanley excused himself as he wandered out to the back verandah with the plate, licking chocolate icing off his fingers.

  Watching her nan flutter around the kitchen like a butterfly that had just emerged from its cocoon, Renee had to silently admit that Pearl was looking ten times better already. Being out of the hospital and back in the fresh air was obviously giving her some of her legendary oomph back. And this home was where her nan’s heart lived—just like her own heart, if she was completely honest with herself. There was something healing about being here, that fixed you from the inside out.

  ‘It’s so great to have you home, Nan. I’ve missed having a woman here to chat to. The blokes just don’t get us sometimes, you know?’

  ‘It does get a bit lonely not having a woman about the house, hey love,’ Pearl said as she stopped pouring the milk into the pitcher, her eyes coming to rest on the photo on the windowsill of Renee and Scarlet with their mother.

  Renee followed her nan’s soulful gaze, her heart squeezing for not only what she had lost but for the insufferable loss her poor nan had endured, firstly her only son and daughter-in-law, and then her granddaughter too. Parents weren’t supposed to bury their children, and especially not their grandchildren—not that they’d had the chance to do that with Scarlet—and that made it even worse. ‘I miss Mum and Dad and Scarlet every day, too, Nan. I wish they were all still here with us.’

  ‘I believe they still are, in their own way,’ Pearl said softly. ‘I especially still feel Scarlet around the house.’

  The unique scent of frankincense suddenly filled the room and Pearl turned to Renee as she closed her eyes and breathed in deeply—her unspoken words loud and clear. And then as quick as the aroma had arrived, it was gone.

  Renee stared back at her nan in shock. ‘You can smell that too? So I’m not going insane?’

  Pearl nodded slowly as she opened her eyes. ‘I sure can. I only used to get a whiff of it occasionally, like once or twice a year, and so fleetingly I wondered if I was imagining things, but over the last six months I’ve been smelling it a lot more. I just wish I could take her in my arms and feel her close to me again.’ Pearl drew in a deep breath, and then sighed. ‘I haven’t told your pa any of this either—he’d think I’ve lost my bloody marbles—so keep it between us, okay?’

  ‘My lips are sealed. I thought I was losing my mind at first, too, but now the scent gives me a weird type of comfort. I feel so much better now I know you can smell it too, Nan. And like you, I just wish there was a way I could reach out and touch her.’

  Stretching up on her tippy-toes, Pearl cupped Renee’s face, her five-foot frame only coming up to Renee’s chest. Her nan’s lashes were heavy with unshed tears. ‘It’s a blessing her spirit is still with us, but it does make me wonder what she’s trying to tell us. If only ghosts could talk, hey.’ She smiled gratefully. ‘Thank you for coming home to take care of me. I really do appreciate it from the bottom of
my heart. I’ve missed having you around all these years, my love.’

  Renee choked back tears. ‘You don’t have to thank me, Nan. You’d do exactly the same for me. It’s just what family is meant to do.’

  Pearl kissed Renee on the cheek before turning back to the sink. ‘I just hope we find her body before I pass on, so we can give her the burial she deserves. The hardest part is not knowing where she is, even after all these years. And I hope the cops find the horrible person that took her from us so they can get the justice they deserve.’

  Renee placed her hand lovingly on Pearl’s back, resolve filling her. She had to get the diary to Craig as soon as possible—at least that way she would feel as though she was doing something to aid their plight. ‘We will find her, Nan. I have no doubt in my mind.’

  ‘I do hope you’re right. I’ve prayed for justice for Scarlet every single night, and I will keep doing so until my prayers are answered. God has to hear my pleas for help sometime, surely.’

  ‘When the time is right, he’ll heed your prayers, Nan,’ Renee said, her voice cracking with emotion.

  Sniffling, Pearl wandered back over to the fridge to pop the milk bottle back in. ‘Anyways, my love, that’s enough moping. Let’s join your pa out the back before the old bugger thinks we’re missing in action. He’s probably eaten all the cake by now, knowing him and his sweet tooth.’

  ‘He better not have eaten it all. I’ve been looking forward to devouring a piece or two of that cake all day,’ Renee said, chuckling as she placed the last of the cups onto the serving tray.

  Following her nan out of the kitchen, Renee’s gaze travelled out the large bay window and off into the distance, where the Opals Ridge National Park met with the edge of Wildwood Acres. There had to be a defining clue out there somewhere, but where? It was like trying to find a needle in a damn haystack, but she wasn’t going to give up—she couldn’t. Something was telling her she was close, closer than she or anyone else had ever been to unravelling the tangled truth. Scarlet was making her presence known for a reason, and Renee was determined to finally give her beautiful sister the justice she deserved.

  That evening, Renee chuckled to herself when she caught herself yawning and looked at her watch to find it was only eight thirty. She was already bone tired and longing to hit the sack, and the gorgeous sound of rain hammering down on the roof of the homestead was aiding her lethargy. If she were back in Melbourne she would still have a few hours of life left in her—going to bed before midnight an absolute rarity. But she now loved getting up early in the morning, the change of routine suiting her and the surrounds she was in. There was something so very satisfying about rising just before daybreak and watching from the back verandah of the homestead as the earth came alive.

  Much as she loved city life, this place was taking hold of her again. Going back would be harder than she’d expected. And if she and Dylan decided to make a go of things, how in the hell was she meant to walk away from the two things in the world that truly owned her heart? She just couldn’t bear to think of it.

  Making sure Scarlet’s diary was still tucked safely under her mattress—she’d rung the police station and Craig had informed her he was on late shift tomorrow, so she was going to drop it off in the afternoon—Renee climbed beneath the feathery pleasure of her doona, turned on her side, and then snuggled into her boomerang pillow. Her ears rang from the beautiful silence, and the pitch black of her bedroom made her body sink even further into blissfulness. Country life could be so delightfully peaceful.

  It had been lovely sitting around the dining room table with Pa and Nan and Mick, enjoying a Sunday roast like the good old days—the only difference being that Renee had cooked it herself. And her nan had been very impressed by her culinary skills, even going back for a small helping of seconds, while Pa and Mick had devoured every last drop of the luscious minty lamb gravy with thickly buttered bread. Then it had been onto the bread-and-butter pudding, which she’d made from Nan’s CWA cookbook. It had been lip-smackingly delicious and was just what the doctor had ordered, the four of them enjoying the simple pleasures of life while catching up over humble home-cooked food.

  Closing her eyes, Renee’s thoughts turned to Dylan, and she wondered how he was feeling about spending last night with her at the ball. He had seemed smitten when they had awoken still wrapped in each other’s arms, but they had quickly parted ways before anyone could spot them together, only briefly chatting to each other again over the barbecue breakfast. They had swapped mobile numbers before saying their goodbyes, and she had been checking her mobile every ten minutes just to make sure it was turned on, but she’d heard nothing from him all day. The silence was killing her, although she wasn’t going to hound him. He had enough on his plate to deal with at the moment. And he’d been very firm about the need to spend some time together as friends. All in good time, she hoped.

  Just as she was about to slip into a peaceful slumber, her mobile phone beeped, sending her flying from the covers and over to her dressing table. Her heart flopped around like a fish on the end of a line when she spotted it was a message from Dylan. Hallelujah!

  Hi Renee. Hope your nan is doing ok. Was wondering if you’d like to come out to my place tomorrow arvo for a swim and a BBQ with Annie and me? No worries if you can’t.

  Renee jiggled on the spot, excitement filling her completely. A swim and dinner…and she’d be meeting Annie. She understood this was a huge step for Dylan, introducing her to his daughter, even as a friend—kids were clever little beings—and she was honoured. She couldn’t wait to meet Annie in person. She texted him back straight away.

  Hi Dylan. Nan is doing ok. I reckon she’ll be back to her feisty self in no time. And I’d love to. Pa said he’s only got half a day of work tomorrow so he’ll definitely be around the house with Nan—I don’t want to leave her on her own just yet, even though she keeps telling me she’s fine! I’ll be there around 5ish, if that’s okay? I’ll even bring a six-pack and some dessert.

  While waiting for him to reply, Renee did a happy dance around her bedroom. The love of her life was finally back in her life, even if it was just as mates. She wasn’t sure if he was ready to commit to a relationship—or if he ever would be after losing his wife so tragically—but at the moment she was happy to take whatever Dylan was offering, and a firm friendship was a very good start. One step at a time, she reminded herself. The phone buzzed once again.

  Sounds great, whenever you can get here is fine. Text me when you’re leaving so I know to look out for you. I’ve got a bit of work to catch up on around the place but I won’t be far away from the house. Catch you tomorrow. Sweet dreams beautiful lady. Xoxo

  Renee grinned, feeling like she was seventeen all over again as she wrote back to him.

  Okay, catch you then. I look forward to seeing your place and meeting Annie. Night. Dream sweet. Xx

  Freefalling backwards with her arms stretched out wide, Renee collapsed back onto her bed, grinning for all of Australia. Between having her nan back home and being invited to spend the afternoon with Dylan and Annie, life was looking brighter. Tomorrow was going to be a wonderful day.

  CHAPTER

  18

  It had only just gone past six in the morning, but life on Ironbark Plains was, as usual, in full swing. Never one to be a night owl, Dylan loved the early morning starts that country living brought with it, his land stealing his heart each and every morning he watched it come to glorious sunshine-filled life.

  Leaning against one of the timber railings, he watched as three of his mum’s prized silky bantams went tearing past where he and Annie were standing in the shade of the stables, followed closely by Annie’s two pet ducks, Funky and Groovy. Bossy raced behind the clucking birds in hot pursuit, her long gangly Great Dane legs making ground fast as she barked animatedly. Claire hurried behind the crazy mob, straw broom in hand, hair in curlers with a hairnet tied over the top and her pink terry towelling robe flapping out behind her like a cap
e as she shouted at Bossy to stop. It was a sight to behold.

  Annie giggled as she brushed Rascal and the horse turned his head to watch the commotion, nickering as if laughing at the chaos. Dylan had to agree with Annie and Rascal—it was highly amusing, although very naughty on Bossy’s part. Bossy ignored Claire’s pleas to stop and she finally gave up the chase, huffing and puffing and shaking her broom out in front of her. Dylan shook his head and whistled to his mischievous canine friend, commanding Bossy come to his side immediately. He knew Bossy wouldn’t hurt a fly—unless it was to defend Annie—but the terrified birds clearly weren’t so sure. Bossy skidded to a stop, eyeing Dylan and then the absconders before doing as she was told. Panting heavily, she charged over, then leant her eighty kilograms against him, almost knocking him over in the process. Bossy was forever leaning against people. It was a well-known loving trait of the Great Dane.

  Dylan gave her oversized head a loving rub. ‘You’ve really got to stop scaring them like that, Bossy. Every time you do it they stop laying eggs for a few days.’ He leant in to whisper in her massive upright ear. ‘That really pisses Ma Anderson off, and you don’t want to do that because then you won’t be getting any treats off her in the near future.’

  As if on cue, Claire came up beside them, out of breath and clearly not impressed. She wagged her finger and Bossy eyed her like a naughty child before dropping her head. ‘Yes, you know you shouldn’t be doing that, you cheeky thing. Stop chasing my chickens, and Annie’s ducks, or I’ll smack you on the backside with my broom.’ Claire shook the broom for good measure and Bossy eased her way behind Dylan.

  Dylan observed Bossy, smirking. ‘Don’t you hide behind me, you chicken.’ He laughed out loud, winking at his mum. ‘Get it? Chicken? You know… Bossy was chasing the chickens, and well, bad joke… Forget it.’