Queen of the Road

by Tricia Stringer

‘Are you feeling okay? Can I get you something?’

  He sat back down in his chair and stared at her. Then he sighed again and looked past her to his shop.

  ‘All I’ve ever done is work for this town. My father started the business and I took over where he left off. I should’ve bought a truck myself, back when I had the money. I could have employed my own driver. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.’

  Angela glanced around. She wanted to go but there was still no sign of Jim or any of Ken’s other employees. He was looking very pasty and she didn’t want to leave him alone.

  ‘You live in a place all your life and it becomes your life.’ His voice wavered. ‘Eventually, it’s not just your family, but others who rely on you too.’

  Angela frowned. She had no idea what Ken was talking about – he was rambling on as if she wasn’t even there. She edged back a step. Perhaps she should give Jim a ring, get him to come and check on his boss.

  ‘Everything’s been going well too, until these last couple of years.’ Ken continued to mutter to no one in particular. ‘I’ve survived high interest rates, droughts, economic downturns … Now I’m haemorrhaging money and I just can’t keep it up. I could cut my losses and call it a day, save myself. But so many depend on me here. And it’s my home. I don’t want to leave Munirilla.’

  Angela was still backing towards the office door but she stopped as he caught her eye.

  His face twisted into a grimace. ‘I’m sorry, I’ve been raving. You wouldn’t understand.’

  The colour had now returned to Ken’s face, but things sounded grim. And Ken was wrong. Angela knew only too well the sense of helplessness that came with financial pressure. She wondered what would happen if he closed his business. Jim would lose his job, for one thing, along with the other people who worked for Ken. Maybe someone else would take on the agency, but that wouldn’t guarantee their jobs, and the uncertainty would surely drive down business.

  ‘You head off,’ Ken said suddenly, straightening the pens on his desk. ‘It’s not your problem. I’ll sort this mess out.’

  Angela hesitated, thinking back over their interactions in the time she’d been in Munirilla. She’d thought his erratic behaviour was because he didn’t like her, but now she realised that it wasn’t personal. He was pinning all his hopes on a trucking company coming along and saving the day. Now, when things went wrong, his old-fashioned ideas about women made him all too ready to blame her instead of looking for the real cause of the problem.

  Angela glanced from Ken to the shop and made a decision. She shut the door. Ken frowned as she pulled up a chair again.

  ‘Our company has plenty at stake here as well, Ken. I think we need to work on this together.’ Something Coop had said popped into her head. ‘We need to look at it with fresh eyes,’ she said.

  ‘What are you saying?’

  ‘You and I need to lay our cards on the table, clear the air and tackle this together. I’m not being paranoid but I’m pretty sure someone doesn’t want Ranger Transport in town. And if that’s not you–’

  ‘Now look, Angela.’ A crease split Ken’s forehead.

  ‘Let me finish. Please.’ She said the last word firmly but gently. ‘I don’t think you’re sabotaging us and I can’t see why anyone else in town would … except for Berl Stock Transport.’

  ‘I keep telling you, they’ve got work elsewhere. That’s why they-charge more for the general freight – why they did, anyway. They wanted us to find another company and not rely on them.’

  ‘Hmm.’ Angela pondered a moment. ‘But now that there is another company, Berls are undercutting and poaching loads. The cost of fuel is skyrocketing, they must be losing money on these jobs. Something’s not right, Ken. Surely you can see that.’

  He held her gaze for a moment then stood up. ‘I need a coffee, would you like one?’

  ‘Tea would be good, if you’ve got some.’

  Lights flicked on in the shop and voices echoed in the distance. Angela turned as the office door opened behind her and Jim stuck his head in.

  ‘Hi Angela. Leanne said to let you know she’s going to the shops after she’s dropped the boys at school, in case you’re looking for her.’

  Angela glanced at her watch. She hadn’t thought she’d be this long. Leanne had finally agreed to accept some money for taking care of Claudia, but it wasn’t much and Angela didn’t want to abuse her generosity.

  ‘Thanks Jim. I’ll be on my way soon.’

  ‘We’re getting a backlog of empty pallets,’ Jim said. ‘Will you have room to take some back for us soon?’

  ‘I told you, they can wait,’ Ken snarled, taking them both by surprise.

  ‘Okay,’ Jim said, ‘It’s just that we’ve got a lot of junk stored out back, we’re running out of room. I caught another rat out there the other day. If Angela could start shifting some for us–’

  ‘Not at the moment,’ Ken snapped again.

  ‘Okay,’ Jim said again and backed out the door.

  Angela gave him a feeble smile and turned back to see Ken put the mugs on the desk. She watched as the older man slumped back into his seat.

  ‘I’m pretty sure Jim’s one of the good guys,’ she said softly.

  Ken sighed, propping an elbow on his desk and rubbing his forehead. ‘I know. He’s been with me since he left school. That’s part of the problem. I can barely afford to pay wages – so I’m certainly not paying for dead freight. Thankfully my last office girl stopped work to have a baby. I’ve been running the office alone to save money, and no one sees the extent of the damage but me and the accountant.’

  ‘What about your wife?’ Angela was sure she’d heard there was a Mrs Harris.

  ‘She’s never been involved in the business.’

  ‘But wouldn’t it help to talk to someone about it?’

  ‘She’s back and forth to Adelaide a lot. Our daughter’s just had her third baby and there were some complications. I don’t want to burden her any more than she is already.’

  Angela studied Ken for a moment. No wonder he was behaving so strangely. He was facing a huge problem all alone.

  ‘I can’t stay much longer,’ she said, ‘but here’s what I know. There’s been several instances when freight was cancelled. Sometimes the changes were made by the people who ordered the goods, like your farmer friends, but others, like a big order of Frank’s, were changed by persons unknown. But the bottom line is, each time there’s a change, Berls picks up the freight. There also seems to be an undercurrent of distrust with a few people. The Highway Hotel manager was very surprised when I delivered his kegs on time and unloaded them alone.’

  ‘You what?’

  ‘Doesn’t matter now. I know you’re not keen on a female driver.’

  ‘It’s not that,’ he said feebly.

  ‘You weren’t the only one surprised by my gender and size, but I have to reaffirm with you, Ken,’ – she leaned closer and tapped the desk with her finger – ‘Ranger Transport wants this contract.

  If Tiny Trev hadn’t broken his leg so badly, he would’ve been here from the start, but you’ve got me and I can do the job just fine … if I’m not sabotaged.’

  ‘That’s a bit over the top, isn’t it?’

  ‘Well, what would you call it?’

  Ken held her gaze, then lowered his eyes and picked up his cup. ‘You’re right,’ he said, taking a slurp of coffee. ‘Something’s going on. I don’t understand Berls’ motives but it looks like they’re involved somehow. Maybe it’s not Cliff, maybe it’s the boys and he doesn’t know about it.’

  Angela conjured up a picture of Cliff and his son, Clifford. She was sure it was one of them who’d fiddled with her truck at Port Augusta.

  ‘I don’t care if it’s one or all of them,’ she said. ‘I’m not going to let down Munirilla or my father by running away.’ She stood up. ‘I’ve got to get back to work.’

  ‘Leave this with me. I’m going to do some investigating. Someone in the Berls camp i
sn’t playing fair.’

  He reached his hand across the table and Angela shook it, a little surprised at his sudden burst of energy. She moved to the door.

  ‘And Angela …’

  She turned back.

  ‘I’m sorry if I gave you the impression I don’t think you can do the job. In light of all this, I think your other driver, Trev, would have met the same obstacles. No matter what happens, I’ll make sure your father knows you did your best.’

  Angela nodded and hurried out through the shop. She knew her father would understand no matter what, but she wanted to get this right – for herself as much as him. This was the first time in her life when work was giving her real satisfaction. In spite of all obstacles, she was enjoying it.

  Chapter 39

  Coop stood in the street and looked up at the two-storey house while Angela paid the taxi driver. It was more a mansion than a house, and every window was bursting with light. He looked down the street to the horizon and the last rays of the setting sun. They were in the foothills of Adelaide. At least there was a view across the city, giving him a sense of space rather than of being totally hemmed in by the dwellings around them.

  Coop still couldn’t believe he’d agreed to come to Jeremy’s party. Angela had rung him last night and asked if they could stay a little longer in Adelaide – she had something she needed to discuss with Jeremy and she wanted to do it face to face. It would delay their departure by a few hours – and mean coming to this party – but Coop decided that spending some social time with Angela would be a good thing.

  Like the last trip they did together, they left in the early hours and Angela drove the leg from Munirilla to Adelaide. Coop stayed awake for at least half the trip, and they talked a lot. Well, Angela did most of the talking, but he’d been happy to listen.

  Once they reached Adelaide, Angela made her deliveries and picked up some freight while Coop went to visit Alice. It was a relief to see her looking better. All being well, she was to go home to Mary’s in the next day or so. He reassured Alice things were okay on the property and that he was organising some home help in readiness for her return. He hadn’t told her who the help was though. He had a fair idea she wouldn’t be keen on Joan Barnes cleaning and washing for her, tending to her more personal needs, but he hadn’t had much choice.

  With Alice reassured, he met up with Angela and they shared a quick pasta meal before Jeremy’s bash. Coop had freshened himself up a bit, swapping his shirt for a clean one, but Angela had changed completely. She’d put on a fancy pair of jeans that hugged her in all the right places and the black top she’d worn to the pub that night. She’d transformed her ponytail into a roll and applied more makeup. She joked about him not recognising her, but Coop knew who she was all right – and he liked what he saw.

  Music suddenly boomed from behind him.

  ‘I think we’ve got the right place,’ Angela said with a laugh.

  With her cooler bag in one hand she thrust her other into his, leading them through the gate. Coop allowed himself to be led, enjoying the feel of her warm grip. They stood at the door, waiting for someone to answer.

  ‘I know you can’t drink tonight but you will relax for a while, won’t you?’ she asked.

  He looked down into her sparkling eyes and felt dull in comparison. ‘I’m not much good at parties, I’m afraid.’

  ‘Jeremy said it’s only a few friends over for drinks.’ She stretched up and kissed him swiftly on the lips. ‘It’ll be fun.’

  She tasted sweet. Coop wanted to wrap her in his arms and kiss her properly, but the door opened.

  ‘Hey you two,’ Jeremy’s welcome sounded over the music. ‘Glad you could make it. Not many here yet, but come on in.’

  He took them up a staircase, talking as he went. Coop looked at the art on the walls as they passed. He’d learnt to sketch a little during his time in detention. The guy who taught him had introduced him to the world of paintings. Coop admired the taste of whoever had selected these.

  ‘Wow! What a magnificent view,’ Angela said when they reached the top. The stairs had led them to a huge, open room with windows along one side. The sky was darkening outside and thousands of tiny lights were beginning to appear across the city. There was a handful of others here, a man and three women, standing with their heads together. They gave a quick glance in Coop and Angela’s direction.

  ‘One of the perks of living at home,’ said Jeremy, by way of explanation. ‘Upstairs is my part of the house. I have to share it with the odd visitor, but otherwise it’s at my disposal.’ He nodded to a door on their left. ‘Bathroom’s through there if you need it. I’ve got some sparkling open. Can I get you a beer, Coop?’

  ‘No thanks.’ Coop shook his head. ‘I’ll have a soft drink.’

  They followed Jeremy to the bar that dominated one corner of the room.

  ‘Coop’s the driver tonight,’ Angela said. ‘We can only stay a few hours.’

  ‘That’s right.’ Jeremy grinned and wagged his finger at Coop. ‘Zero alcohol for the driver. Luckily that’s not you, Angela,’ he said and put a glass in her hand. ‘I know how you like the bubbles and this one’s particularly good. Now come and meet Lucien and Avril. They’re from France – very keen to know more about the fabled outback.’ He lowered his voice and leaned closer. ‘I told them you two were experts.’

  As they followed Jeremy, Angela looked at Coop, grinning and raising her eyebrows. What that meant exactly, he didn’t know, but he hoped that like him, she felt like a fish out of water.

  Jeremy introduced them all, along with the other two women, Mel and Sandy, then excused himself to answer the door again.

  ‘So, Jeremy said you live in the outback,’ Lucien said. ‘Is it a long way from here? We are not long in Adelaide, then we go to Melbourne.’

  Coop leaned closer. Lucien’s English was distorted by his strong French accent and it was difficult to understand him.

  ‘I’m really a city girl,’ Angela said. ‘I come from Melbourne.’

  ‘Really?’ Avril seemed surprised. ‘Maybe you can tell us if we have picked the right places to visit.’

  ‘Jeremy said you have a property outback and you drive trucks,’ Lucien persisted.

  ‘Coop lives on a farm near a town called Munirilla. It’s on the main highway between here and Perth,’ Angela said. ‘I drive a truck between Adelaide and Munirilla. Coop’s helped me out a few times.’ Angela smiled up at him, put her hand around his arm and squeezed it.

  He shifted his weight so his arm touched her shoulder. More people came into the room and the buzz of voices grew louder as everyone tried to talk above the music.

  ‘I’ve studied a map,’ Lucien said. ‘It looks a very big distance from here to Perth.’

  ‘It is,’ Angela said. ‘Munirilla is only a short drive in comparison.’

  ‘More drinks?’ Jeremy was beside them, juggling an assortment of bottles. He topped up all their glasses and moved on.

  ‘What animals do you have on your farm, Coop?’ one of the women asked. Was it Mel or Sandy? He couldn’t remember.

  He was going to explain that it wasn’t his farm but what was the point? He’d never see any of these people again.

  ‘Snakes and kangaroos,’ Angela said.

  ‘Really?!’ The French couple exclaimed in unison.

  ‘Tell them all about your animals, Coop.’ Angela leaned closer and gave him a conspiratorial wink. ‘I’ll be back in a minute.’

  She moved away and he felt cold. He’d been enjoying the closeness of her body, her gestures, her smile.

  ‘You don’t farm snakes and kangaroos though,’ said the woman, almost as a question.

  They all looked at him in anticipation.

  ‘No, we farm sheep. Snakes and kangaroos are part of the landscape. The only other animals we have are dogs and chooks and an old horse.’

  ‘Sandy loves horses,’ said the other woman – Mel, apparently. ‘Do you ride?’

  ‘No,�
�� he replied.

  ‘I thought stockmen rode horses,’ Lucien said.

  ‘A lot do, but that’s more in station country,’ Coop said. ‘I’m on a sheep and crop farm. I drive a ute.’

  ‘Oh, I see.’ Avril sounded disappointed.

  ‘Do you have horses, Sandy?’ Coop asked.

  Sandy began talking about her horse and Coop eased back a step, happy to have directed the conversation away from himself. He looked around the room, now full of people and loud with voices and music. Jeremy was behind the bar but there was no sign of Angela. Coop stifled a grin. Angela was short. It would be easy to lose her in a crowd.

  ‘Do you drive for Angela often?’

  Coop turned back and was startled to discover that Mel had moved up right next to him. Her eyes were hazel, like Angela’s, but that was where the similarity ended. Mel was as tall as he was, with long, straight black hair and lips painted bright red.

  ‘No, I’m just helping her out.’

  ‘I guess there are some jobs best left to men.’ Mel tipped her head to one side and ran her finger around the top of her glass.

  ‘We’ve got a load of chemicals. You need a special licence for dangerous goods. Angela will get hers soon enough.’

  ‘Your wife doesn’t mind you travelling with another woman?’ Mel smiled at him with a predatory look in her eye.

  ‘Not at all,’ he said, ‘but she only shares me with Angela.’

  Someone pushed into Coop from behind and he bumped Mel’s arm. Wine spilled down her dress.

  ‘I’m sorry,’ he said. ‘Let me get something to mop that up.’

  ‘There’s no need.’

  Mel put a hand on his arm but he edged away.

  ‘I’ll get a cloth.’

  Coop wove through the crush of people to the bar. He had no intention of going back to Mel. There were a lot of bodies jammed into the space now. Coop estimated he was the oldest person here, by far, and that Angela was probably erring on his side of the average by a long shot as well.

  At the bar there was now no sign of Jeremy. A young woman spun around in front of him. Her hands were loaded with drinks and she looked as if she’d already had quite a few. She pushed her face up to his.