Shadows of Hunters Ridge

by Sarah Barrie

  ‘One, Lee’s a four-to-six-week relationship kind of guy; two, he never encourages her to do anything with us; and three, whether he wants to admit it or not, there wouldn’t have been any sort of a moment over that dress if he was really stuck on her.’ Mia ticked the items off on her fingers as she spoke. ‘So by all means wait until it fizzles out, but then be prepared to start taking advantage of your moments.’

  ‘I’m too … shy.’

  Mischief shone in Mia’s eyes. ‘You’re not shy – you’re one step off repressed.’

  ‘Bitch.’ Ebony laughed, then scowled. ‘Do you want to know how many times I’ve had sex? Once.’

  ‘And now you’re just trying to prove my point,’ Mia said with a half laugh. ‘Why?’

  ‘Because I decided I’d save myself for the right one.’

  ‘Nothing wrong with that,’ Ally pointed out.

  ‘No, except, back in the last year of uni, I was starting to feel like a dinosaur and decided my graduation was celebration enough. And there was this guy. This very willing, very sweet and suitable –’

  ‘Sweet and suitable?’ Mia interrupted. ‘Dear God, there’s your passion killer right there.’

  ‘Alex Donaldson. So I thought, why not? But he blew it in the first thirty seconds. After that, it was a complete flop – in every sense of the word. Then he blamed me. Said there was too much pressure.’

  ‘And you didn’t jump the next hot guy to come along just to purge the hideous memory?’ Mia asked, incredulous.

  ‘Well, no, because it was really that humiliating and disappointing and I just couldn’t be bothered. And a little part of my brain kept wondering whether it was my fault – I don’t think it was, but I know I’m pushy and I have high expectations based on those movies and novels I love so much … Anyway, by then I’d met Lee and pretty much every fantasy I’ve had since then has revolved around him so I couldn’t really rack up any enthusiasm for anyone else.’

  ‘Okay.’ Mia blew out a breath and tossed her cloth into the sink. ‘Now it makes so much more sense.’ She hopped up to sit on the bench and studied Ebony thoughtfully. ‘Forget all my teasing and all my advice. Just be yourself.’

  Ebony smiled wryly. ‘You mean give up?’

  ‘No, I mean you’re not playing at being sweet and innocent, you just are. If Lee can’t see how incredibly awesome that is, you can do better than pushing him into having a Lee-style affair with you.’

  ‘I agree,’ Ally said. ‘If this thing with Lee’s not meant to be, then someone’s got to come along before too much longer, and when he does, he’s going to sweep you off your feet and absolutely adore you.’

  Ebony pulled a face. ‘I’m still reading that as “give up”.’

  ‘Then you’re reading it wrong. Let’s get this done,’ Mia said. ‘Then end the day by putting the guys through one of those soppy, romantic comedies of yours. It’ll make you feel better.’

  CHAPTER

  9

  Two spindle-legged foals swayed precariously as they attempted to suckle. Both were on the small side, but healthy – and hungry. Ebony watched the miracle with relief and enjoyment. If she had to be dragged out of bed at quarter to five on a Monday morning, this was one of the best reasons for it.

  ‘Didn’t have a clue there were two in there,’ their owner was saying. ‘I knew she was big – didn’t think of this possibility, though.’

  ‘Well, it’s certainly unusual. Less than one per cent of twin pregnancies are successful in horses. Since the foals are quite premature, you’ll have to watch them closely, possibly supplement the smaller filly until she’s stronger.’

  ‘I’ll do that. Can’t thank you enough, Ebony.’

  ‘It’s my pleasure.’ The taller filly wobbled over to Ebony to sniff her out, leaning on her for a rest as Ebony stroked her soft, dark neck before turning her gently and sending her back to her mother. She yawned and checked the time. Nearly nine. ‘I’ll get going. Any problems, give me a call.’

  Before starting the car, she sent Carla a message to say she’d be late into work, then got on the road. She didn’t mind the long hours – spring tended to call for them – but her stomach was rumbling and her brain was shutting down. She needed a coffee.

  She drove through town. It was filling with people but she spotted a car space near Elaine’s café and manoeuvred into it.

  ‘Morning, Ebs. You’re here earlier than normal,’ Elaine’s sister commented. Jacqui had taken over running the place since Elaine had headed to the city to be with her daughter, Bella, who was still recovering from Rob’s attack.

  ‘Long night.’

  ‘Hot date?’

  Ebony laughed, looking down at her clothes. She’d taken her overalls off, but the jeans and tee weren’t exactly flash. ‘With one of Joe Davison’s brood mares.’

  ‘Oh, I wouldn’t complain, I’ve had worse dates than that in my time.’

  Ebony’s grin widened. ‘Me too. Not complaining either. Good outcome.’ She breathed in deeply. ‘Smells amazing in here. Are the cookies out yet?’

  ‘Just. What flavour are you after today?’

  ‘Do you have white choc macadamia?’

  ‘Loads of them. I’m baking extras for tomorrow because I want to go into the city in the morning. I’ve got a couple of young ones filling in for me but neither of them are bakers, that’s for sure. How many can I get you?’

  ‘Ah … six … seven to take away? With Lee and Cam around I can’t keep any in the jar.’

  ‘Then I’ll throw in a couple of extras. On the house.’

  And probably would forever more, Ebony thought as Jacqui began putting cookies into bags. Jacqui would never forget that Cam and Ally had saved her niece Bella’s life, would never stop being grateful.

  ‘You having one of those revoltingly sweet flavoured lattes too?’

  ‘Okay, you twisted my arm. Is that trip tomorrow to see Elaine and Bella?’

  ‘Sure is.’

  ‘How’s Bella doing?’

  ‘Physically, she’s okay,’ Jacqui said, preparing the latte. ‘Still got some heavy scarring but her physical therapist is really pleased with her. Mentally, she’s not so okay, not yet. She’s still looking over her shoulder and jumping at shadows. Can’t focus on much for very long. Has crying episodes, depression … won’t come back out here. Maybe with some more therapy and after Rob is caught that might change.’

  ‘I really hope so. Is she thinking she’ll study again?’

  ‘More determined than ever to be a doctor now but going into psychology. She wants to do something to help other people who’ve been through crime related trauma. Of course, she needs to get herself better first. I wish they’d hurry up and find Rob Littleton. I know what I’d like to do to him. Hey, I don’t suppose there’s any truth to that rumour that Martin was in it as deep as Rob was?’

  ‘I don’t know.’

  ‘If it’s true, it’s a crime he’s walking around free. And now we’re without a police officer again. I suppose you would have heard about Melanie?’

  ‘The accident? Yes, I have her kelpie at the surgery.’

  ‘Well, she’s on the mend. Aaron Jeffries went in to visit and another cop friend of his was there. Said there’s talk we’re getting a new station out here.’

  ‘Yes, I heard.’

  ‘Here you go. Extra shot, extra sweet. That should see you through the morning. Oh, speak of the devil, what does he think he’s doing?’

  Ebony followed Jacqui’s gaze to the street. Martin was standing, arms folded, legs apart, leaning on her car. When he saw them looking he smiled nastily but didn’t move. Ebony’s stomach took a dive.

  ‘You want me to come out with you? I’ll lead the way with the biggest knife in the shop.’

  Ebony grinned. All five feet of Jacqui with a kitchen knife, taking on the mountain. ‘Thanks. But I think I’ll have my latte in here. If he doesn’t move, I’ll call Cam.’ She turned around and nearly bumped into the person behind he
r.

  ‘Sorry –’ It was the rather gorgeous jogger she’d run into several times on the path. ‘Oh, hi. Nick, right? How are you?’

  ‘Hi Ebony.’ He shot her a cute smile. ‘I couldn’t help but overhear. Is there a problem?’

  ‘Probably not –’

  ‘Yes, there is and he’s out there leaning on Ebony’s car,’ Jacqui said, pointing at Martin.

  ‘The big, hairy, ugly guy?’ Nick studied him. ‘You want me to ask him to move?’

  ‘Yes, she does, if you wouldn’t mind.’

  ‘No problem.’

  Ebony grabbed her latte and cookies and followed Nick out to her car, told herself she wasn’t intimidated when Martin snarled at her.

  ‘Excuse me. The lady needs her car back.’ Nick didn’t seem the slightest bit perturbed.

  Martin ignored him. ‘It’s funny, but the RSPCA came out to my place a few days ago wanting to see the pups,’ he said to Ebony.

  Ebony’s eyebrows lifted. ‘I don’t see how that’s funny.’

  ‘I warned you not to get involved. See, after Grahame’s call, those pups went and disappeared. Anything might have happened to ’em.’ He smirked. ‘Coulda drowned, got shot … got stolen. Don’t know where they’ve gone.’

  Ebony’s anger overcame her caution. ‘You bastard. We still have one, and that’s enough to prosecute you on. I should probably also take this opportunity to thank you for leaving all those animals on my doorstep the other night. I’m a good vet, but I regret to inform you they were a bit past saving.’

  ‘You listen to me, you smart-mouthed little bitch –’

  Nick stepped between them. ‘Right, that’s more than enough. Get off her car and move on. Now.’

  ‘You really want to interfere with this?’

  ‘I am interfering with this,’ Nick said.

  Martin shook his head in disgust. ‘You’re an annoying little shit.’

  ‘And you really need to learn some manners. You’re done here. Go away.’

  The two men stared at each other for several seconds, before Martin’s gaze moved to Ebony. ‘I’ll come visit you another time,’ he threatened, ‘when Wonderboy here isn’t around.’

  ‘Thanks,’ Ebony said to Nick when Martin had crossed the road to his car. She was puzzled. Nick was built, but Martin had given up pretty easily. Perhaps he’d just said what he had to say.

  ‘My pleasure.’ He turned away from Martin back to Ebony. ‘The guy’s a moron.’

  ‘Have you had a run-in with him before?’

  ‘He came into the wildlife park the other day.’

  ‘The one that’s setting up just this side of Mudgee?’

  ‘Yep. I’m working there, helping them get it underway. Martin caused a fuss over collecting some money. They pay him to shoot possums for the Tasmanian devils. I just mentioned he should –’

  ‘Learn some manners?’

  Nick’s grin was fast and cheeky. ‘Something like that. You’re a vet?’

  ‘Yep.’

  ‘Me too.’ He checked his watch. ‘I have to go but … I really have to get your number.’

  ‘Why?’

  ‘Because I’d love to organise a time we can have a conversation without one or both of us having to run off in opposite directions.’

  ‘Oh. Um …’

  ‘Jealous boyfriend?’

  Hah. ‘No.’

  ‘Are you kidding?’ His gaze skimmed over her. It was satisfying to see at least this male gaze was appreciative. ‘Why not?’

  Oh, because I’m too busy mooning over some guy who sees me as a kid sister and is currently dating someone else. ‘I don’t have a lot of time on my hands.’

  ‘Carve some out.’

  She was pretty sure her face was bright pink. ‘Thanks but –’

  ‘For a friendly drink, that’s all. I don’t know anyone around here. It would be nice to. Please?’

  Oh, damn – he really had the cute thing down. ‘Okay. That sounds nice.’ She gave him her mobile number. ‘Thanks again for the help with Martin.’

  ‘No problem. Stay away from big, hairy, mean guys.’

  She laughed and nodded, then stared at his retreating figure. Nice guy. But why did I give him my number? Because he’s cute and friendly and my ego needed a boost? What on earth am I going to do if he calls?

  As the hero’s touch sent shivers racing along the heroine’s skin, Ebony felt her own body tremble in response. But as good as the story was, she conceded it probably had more to do with the falling temperature in the bath than the hero’s persuasive seduction techniques. She put her book down and stretched languorously in the scented water, considered topping the bath up with more hot water and continuing with another chapter. Her stomach growled. Maybe after dinner. There was a fair bit to go – she could read it later, in bed. But perhaps not all of it. When you were on call twenty-four-seven, you couldn’t afford to be too indulgent with late nights. She climbed out of the bath, wrapped herself in a towel and went into the bedroom.

  As she passed the window, her eyes dropped to the street, and she did a double take. The smoker was back. He was dressed in the same black hoodie and his features were again indistinguishable. He was completely still, save for his arm, which rose towards his face. There was the faint glow of orange before the arm dropped again. She stared, hoping he’d move just enough into the light that she’d get the right angle to possibly identify him. But it was almost as though he knew just where to stand – ridiculous, she told herself. For what purpose? She could ask the same of that dark hoodie. It wasn’t cold out. He was simply standing there, facing in her direction. Why couldn’t he stare at the hardware store across the road or at the houses further down the street?

  Maybe he was simply wondering why she was staring at him. In a towel. God. She pulled the curtains across and got dressed.

  Who was he? Martin didn’t smoke – she didn’t think. Even more importantly, neither had Rob.

  Stop it, you’re going to freak yourself out.

  She was letting Martin get to her.

  Besides, she was locked in and had the alarm on. She was fine.

  What was she going to have for dinner? A quick check of the fridge wasn’t inspiring, so she pulled a container of leftovers out of the freezer.

  Joxer’s high-pitched bark reached her apartment. He didn’t usually cause a fuss after lights out. The dog was bored, plain and simple. She waited a few seconds, hoping he’d stop. If she went down there the puppy would start up and he was harder to quieten down.

  But … she also had a cat in there tonight, recovering from surgery. Joxer would upset her. And what if he needed help? What if he was caught somehow, or he’d flooded his pen and he was uncomfortable, or he needed to go out?

  She pulled on some jeans and a tee and flicked the stairwell light on. It cast enough light down the corridor for her to see as she headed for the pens. Joxer excitedly wagged his tail, barking and whining. Nothing was obviously wrong.

  ‘What’s up, buddy? Let me guess … toilet break?’ She took a lead and clipped it to his collar. ‘Let’s go.’

  She walked him out the back and wandered around the yard while he sniffed and pulled. Finally, he lifted his leg at the fence.

  ‘Is that it? You couldn’t have held that tiny bit?’ she mocked. ‘Let’s go back in.’

  He trotted happily enough in front of her to the door, then as she went to open it, darted back between her legs. The lead ripped out of her hand and knocked her off balance. In the second it took her to regain it he was running around the side of the building towards the road.

  ‘Joxer, no!’ She hurried after him.

  At the sound of his name he bounced on the spot, before excitedly bounding off again to sniff around.

  ‘Joxer, come here! Let’s go!’ Petrified he was going to disappear into the night, she tried to inject happy excitement into her tone. ‘Come on, Joxer!’

  As he ran around in an arc on the road she caught sight of the smoker
. He was still there, and out here in the night, he was a hell of a lot scarier. His head was down, as though examining the ground. Then, slowly, it lifted. And she finally saw his face.

  It was shiny and oddly shaped, the expression an unnatural, evil grin.

  CHAPTER

  10

  The scream tore from her lungs. She ran.

  Sensing danger, or a game, Joxer chased her.

  With trembling fingers, she keyed in the code for the front doors. Joxer jumped at her legs and she pressed the wrong button. Started again. She threw a wild-eyed look over her shoulder. The smoker wasn’t there.

  Shit.

  The doors finally slid open and she threw herself inside, counted the seconds for them to close, locked them, ran to the phone that was already ringing and snatched it up.

  ‘Thought you might be down there, couldn’t get you on your mobile. Do you mind if I –’

  ‘Lee, help.’ It was all she could manage. The breath just wouldn’t enter her lungs.

  He can’t get in. He can’t get in. He can’t –

  She hadn’t closed the back door.

  ‘Ebs, what’s wrong? I’m coming. I’m not far away.’

  She needed to lock the back door, she needed to get upstairs and lock herself in the apartment. She cautiously headed towards the back of the surgery.

  About six steps away from the door, it moved, just a fraction of an inch, no more than a gust of wind perhaps, but it sent her scuttling backwards and the phone smashed to the floor, batteries scattering.

  Too far from her stairs and too scared to get closer to that open door, she glanced around frantically: the storeroom was the only downstairs room that locked. She picked herself up and dived into it, Joxer still bouncing around her, enjoying the game.

  Locked in, she slid down the door, breathing hard, trying to be quiet.

  The silence dragged. As the minutes ticked by, Joxer flopped in the corner with a bored sigh. In the recovery room, the lonely puppy began whining piteously.

  Working on pure panic, Lee threw the ute into the car park, jumping the kerb and slamming to a stop. He made quick work of the key code on the front doors and waited impatiently for them to open.