Shadows of Hunters Ridge

by Sarah Barrie

  And she hated leaving the stag in that condition. Maybe she could call Cam. Cam could shoot. She picked up her phone.

  ‘Lee and I are at least two hours away. I can’t get out there until late this arvo,’ he told her when she explained. ‘But while I’ve got you, I spoke to Ben. He doubts it was Rob or Martin out at the military range. There was no way to predict that pony would shy and you two would go out there.’

  ‘Maybe he was staying out there anyway.’

  ‘There was no sign of anyone squatting in any of those buildings. It probably was just kids, but Ben asked you not to go anywhere near the place again. Just in case.’

  ‘He doesn’t have to ask twice. I have to go. Thanks anyway.’

  She hung up. Cam and Lee were out – then the idea struck. Nick. He might do it. The wildlife park wasn’t too far from here. He’d worked with all sorts of wild animals. She pressed his number, decided it wouldn’t hurt to ask.

  ‘Ebony? Hi. I didn’t think I’d hear from you this quickly.’

  She cringed a bit. Nothing like coming across as desperate.

  ‘Hi Nick, actually, I have a problem with a stag. I was just wondering …’ She explained the situation, was relieved when Nick said he could lend a hand. Armed with a plan she went back to tell Bill backup was on the way. Nick arrived much more quickly than Ebony could’ve expected. He looked the stag over as it stood at the far end of the yard. ‘Ebony’s right,’ he said after a moment.

  ‘I didn’t doubt her diagnosis,’ Bill said. ‘We just can’t catch the bloody thing, and Ebony can’t tranquilise it.’

  ‘She could if you had a crush,’ Nick commented. ‘You’re breeding these animals commercially?’

  ‘Just starting out.’

  ‘Then you’re going to need better facilities than you’ve got. Ebony, would you mind loading up that dart gun?’

  Ebony didn’t say a word, just tried not to smirk as she did as Nick asked. He took it from her, adjusted the pressure and fired straight into the stag’s rump. It jolted and trotted around in a circle, heading back to the far side of the yard.

  ‘It’ll take a few minutes to work. While we’re waiting, we’ll need to get set up, then would you like me to talk you through what you’re going to need to make this successful?’

  Bill took his eyes off the stag and turned them on Nick. ‘All right, may as well hear it.’

  Ebony fought the urge to roll her eyes at the difference in Bill’s attitude. One decent shot and Nick was worth listening to.

  She really needed to master that gun.

  Lee was hot, tired and fast becoming pissed off. He’d spent the afternoon paving at one of Fiona’s friend’s houses, while Fiona and the friend had sat sipping pretty drinks and watching him work. He’d only volunteered because he’d felt bad about the other night. Now he was driving Fiona home, wanting nothing more than a shower, but she was talking about him taking her to Mudgee for dinner.

  ‘Fiona, you know I go to Cam and Ally’s tonight. You’re welcome to come along if you’re looking for something to do.’

  ‘But do you have to go every Friday night? It’s boring. I’d rather go out. Besides, Kade and Jaimee will be there. You remember them?’

  ‘Yeah, you had me fix something for them. Fiona, I can’t keep doing odd jobs for all your friends. I don’t have time.’

  She smiled and ran a hand up his arm. ‘But I really appreciate it.’

  ‘That’s not the point.’

  She dropped her hand back in her lap. ‘Maybe the point is you’re always so busy doing jobs for Ebony that you can’t find time for us.’

  Oh for … ‘Don’t bring Ebony into this, please.’

  ‘No, of course not, I’m not allowed to criticise Ebony! Good gracious!’

  … fuck’s sake! ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’

  ‘I don’t think you’re taking our relationship seriously enough.’

  ‘What relationship? Fiona, this was supposed to be a few casual dates when we both weren’t busy.’

  ‘So what am I, then? Just a bit of no-strings-attached fun? Someone to take advantage of when Ebony – I mean – no one else, is around?’

  This time he swore out loud. ‘First of all, Ebs is a friend, just a friend, and second, there’s been no taking advantage of. At least not on my end. If you really think otherwise, just say the word and I’ll walk away. Either way, I’m not doing any more freebie jobs for your friends, okay?’

  She paled and he felt like a bastard, but this had to be nipped in the bud before it went any further.

  ‘I didn’t realise doing these little bits and pieces bothered you so much,’ she replied stiffly. ‘I won’t ask anymore.’

  It was more about Ebs than the jobs, but he nodded once. ‘Thank you.’

  Three times she restarted the computer, because usually when it froze, restarting it solved all her problems. Not today. No, today was just determined to be the day from hell. Louise was supposed to be working, but she’d called in sick. So Ebony had been backed up with clients, none of the cases had been straightforward and she’d missed out on her lunchbreak. Now she was supposed to be closing but couldn’t because the stupid computer was refusing to work. Carla needed to do invoices before she left and Ebony needed to enter appointments for tomorrow, damn it!

  When it failed to open again she slapped the side of the monitor, for no other reason than because it made her feel slightly better. ‘Listen to me, you little piece of shit. You’re about to end up as spare parts for a refrigerator!’

  ‘Need some help?’ Nick’s amused voice asked from the doorway.

  ‘Ah … Nick. Hi.’

  ‘I was in town – thought I’d say hi and see if you’d heard back about how the stag was going. Problem?’

  ‘I haven’t heard about the stag but by any chance do you know anything about computers?’

  He walked over and looked at it. ‘A bit. Playing up?’

  ‘It hates me.’

  ‘Not possible,’ he murmured with a cheeky wink. ‘Let me see.’ He brushed against her as he joined her behind the desk. She could smell his cologne, something spicy. Pleasant. ‘Ebony, this computer is ancient. You’ve restarted it right?’

  ‘Three times.’

  ‘Turn it off again, restart it in safe mode.’

  ‘In what mode?’

  ‘Here, let me.’ Absorbed in his task, he pulled in the chair and took over the computer.

  ‘You’re forever coming to my rescue.’

  ‘I’m a sucker for a damsel in distress.’

  ‘Ebs, did you manage to fix it?’ Carla appeared then stopped, her expression curious when she saw Nick.

  ‘Carla this is Nick, Nick, my vet nurse-slash-office assistant, Carla.’

  Nick gave her a quick smile. ‘Nice to meet you.’ Then he frowned in concentration and began typing at a million miles per hour, something that looked like commands.

  When the computer didn’t immediately respond, he tapped his fingers impatiently on the desk, then jumped in again with more typing when it finally did.

  A few seconds later, she had her computer back.

  ‘How did you do that?’

  ‘Lots of programming of older computers when I was a teenager. Ebony, do this poor thing a favour and retire it.’

  ‘But it’s got all my stuff on it. Years of files.’

  ‘So transfer the files to an external drive and get a new one.’

  ‘Yeah, but I don’t know if that program I do everything in will even work on a newer system.’

  Nick again took control of the computer, shook his head. ‘You’re very likely right. You’ll have to upgrade to a newer version. Hopefully they’re compatible enough that I can transfer everything into the new system for you.’

  ‘I think you should listen to Mr Computer Whizz,’ Carla said.

  ‘All right. I just didn’t want to lose everything. You really don’t mind helping?’

  ‘For a price.’

  ‘
Oh – okay, of course. Sure.’

  ‘Which would be dinner, with me. My shout.’

  ‘That’s not a price that’s a –’

  ‘Deal,’ Carla said over the top of her.

  Nick grinned at Carla then looked around. ‘This is a nice place.’

  ‘Thanks. Would you like a quick tour?’

  ‘Love one.’

  She led him through the surgery and showed him around. ‘So how come you know so much about computers? You said you used to program them?’

  ‘For fun. I was always the geek in my family.’

  ‘Geek?’ Her tone was so dry he grinned.

  ‘Seriously. I was the animal-loving, computer-programming geek like my dad, but I mostly lived with my mum’s family and big brother, who were swearing, drinking, hunting, tough guys. I got picked on a lot, as you can imagine. I learned to live with the title. I’m cool with it.’

  ‘That’s actually quite sad.’

  His grin widened and he shrugged. ‘I did what I loved doing in the end.’

  ‘So from computer programming for fun, to veterinary surgeon, to studying animal psychology …’

  ‘I get bored easily,’ he admitted. ‘I like challenges.’

  ‘You must. Nick, thank you again for the help with the stag. I find Bill more challenging than his animals.’

  ‘I’ve dealt with plenty of Bills. You just have to beat your chest and show off a bit. It’s a dominance thing.’

  Ebony laughed at the image. ‘You’re certainly a good shot.’

  ‘Some of those old dart guns are okay, others not so much,’ he said. ‘I tend to go for the Dan-Inject dart guns. They’re really easy to use. Much better than the one you’re struggling with.’

  ‘Oh, I don’t really know much about them. I kept telling myself I needed to be able to use one so I went and got my licence but it’s the gun thing – I tried but I just don’t like them.’

  He smiled. ‘They came in handy at the wildlife park in South Africa. They’re just as good for administering antibiotics and other forms of medication as tranquilisers. The darts really reduce the stress put on an animal that can be associated with handling. It’s worthwhile. If you’re going to go down that track you should ditch the old gun, get one of those.’

  ‘I’ll think about it.’ They smiled at each other and she felt a pleasant little buzz. Interesting. ‘You want to see the new building?’

  ‘Yep. I’m guessing it’s your large animal exam room?’

  ‘It soon will be – it’s nearly finished.’

  They walked through it, Nick making appreciative noises. ‘Very nice. What’s upstairs?’

  ‘An apartment for another vet – when I get one. I’ll show you.’

  ‘So you’re advertising? You’ve got so much going on. I was wondering how you manage it all.’

  She laughed. ‘So do I sometimes. I’m struggling, to be honest. I’ve been advertising for a new vet but getting someone out here just doesn’t seem to be happening. I’m hoping to tempt someone with accommodation.’

  ‘I think that will be a huge drawcard. Accommodation out here is scarce.’

  She opened the door to the apartment and saw Cam up a ladder fitting a smoke alarm.

  ‘Hi. Cam, this is Nick, Nick, my brother, Cam.’

  Cam stepped off the ladder, extended a hand. ‘The Nick that fronted Martin at the café? Nice to meet you.’

  The men shook hands. ‘Yeah, a pleasure.’

  ‘Nick also helped me with Bill’s stag, then a few minutes ago fixed my computer.’

  ‘There’s no fixing that computer, Ebony,’ Nick said. ‘I just made it cooperate temporarily.’

  ‘Anyway, I’m going to get a new one.’

  ‘Lee needs to as well,’ Cam said. ‘You should both go in, look around.’

  Ebony hesitated. ‘Maybe. Well, I’m giving Nick a tour so we’ll keep going. See you later.’

  She led Nick back to the front of the surgery. ‘I know I’ve said it, but thanks again.’

  ‘I enjoyed working with you at Bill’s place. I’m at the wildlife park on and off as needed, but if you ever get stuck again, just call. In the meantime, how about that dinner?’

  A noise in the doorway made them both turn. Lee was leaning casually against the door. ‘I put the stock invoices you asked for the other day on your desk. I’ve got to head off again,’ he told Ebony, but his cool stare rested on Nick. ‘I’ll pick you up at half-six?’

  ‘Thanks, but I’ll be fine to drive myself. Lee, this is Nick, a friend of mine. Nick this is … another friend, Lee.’

  The slight nod and lack of any other response was so unlike Lee that Ebony blinked in disbelief.

  ‘Fine, see ya.’

  Ebony shot a quick glance at Nick, who watched Lee until he walked out of sight.

  ‘Friend, you said?’

  ‘Yep. He’s probably just tired. He’s been at it all morning in the heat.’

  ‘And you’re going out tonight with your friend?’

  ‘Just to Cam’s house. There’s a group of us. We do pizza. You’re welcome to come, meet everyone.’

  Nick shot another cautious look at the doorway. ‘Maybe another time. Are you free tomorrow night?’

  He was certainly persistent. It was flattering, really. But she was feeling hesitant because her heart wasn’t in it. ‘Nick, I’m –’

  ‘Surely not booked again? I have an idea I’d like to run past you.’

  ‘Sounds interesting,’ she found herself saying, ‘as long as you realise that I could get a call-out at any time and might have to cancel, or take off halfway through.’

  ‘You’re talking to another vet, Ebony. I understand. Where’s the best place to go around here?’

  ‘The Thai near the café is good. There’s only that or pizza or Chinese. Or the pub.’

  ‘Then I’ll meet you at the Thai around seven.’

  When he left, Carla wriggled her eyebrows. ‘Nice, Ebs, very nice.’

  ‘Yes, he is, but I’m not sure I want to have dinner with him.’

  ‘I’m not sure I would either,’ Carla agreed. ‘I’d rather be getting him straight into bed. Yummy.’

  Ebony looked up the tranquiliser guns Nick had mentioned and found the website. The demo video she watched made them appear simple enough to use. And Nick had a point: if she was going to have to use one, she may as well have the easiest one to shoot.

  But if she couldn’t bring herself to fire it, what was the point? She felt foolish. She’d gone to all the trouble of getting her licence and doing the course and she couldn’t bring herself to practise. Because the memory was still there, still vivid.

  Rob had the knife at her throat, Ben had his gun trained on Rob. The barrel of that gun was pointed at them. The knife had been there, but it wasn’t the weapon that haunted her nightmares, because it had been below her line of sight. The gun had been directly in front of it. The moment Rob’s hand had jerked on the knife, Ben had put a bullet in Rob’s shoulder only three inches from her face. For a split second, as the knife had cut her skin, she thought she’d been shot. Every time she felt the jolt of a gun in her hand, heard it fire, she felt the knife at her neck. It brought it all back.

  But she was practical by nature, and practicality told her she needed one of these dart guns, so she ordered it and told herself she’d worry about firing it later. She couldn’t let a memory stop her from doing her job. If she did, there was no point getting through all the other stuff. She had to put it behind her.

  Banging on the door startled her. Then Lee called her name, so she opened it.

  ‘Hi. What are you doing here? I told you I would drive myself.’

  ‘Wanted to check. Nice outfit, is the new hero coming then?’

  ‘After your welcoming approach this afternoon? Hardly.’

  ‘I overheard his little advance. Not shy, is he?’

  ‘So? He’s polite and helpful and a very capable vet.’

  ‘Sounds perfect.’
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  Her eyes narrowed. ‘I have no idea if he’s perfect, but he was being friendly, and you were rude.’

  ‘Maybe I didn’t like the way he was looking at you.’

  Her mouth fell open. She even managed a laugh. ‘How was that? Like he was attracted to me? How dare he, right?’

  He ran a hand over his head in frustration, sighed. ‘Sorry. I’d had a shitty afternoon. Wasn’t feeling particularly social as it was. I’ll apologise to Mick if it makes you happy.’

  ‘It’s Nick. And it makes no difference to me. I couldn’t care less.’

  ‘And there it is.’ He caught her hands. His expression softened. ‘What’s wrong, kiddo?’

  ‘Nothing’s wrong!’

  ‘Bullshit. What have I done?’

  It wasn’t that he never swore, he just never swore at her. She stumbled over a response. ‘I didn’t say you’d done anything.’

  ‘You don’t need to.’ He squeezed her fingers, ran his thumbs across them. ‘Don’t you think I can figure you out by now?’

  Apparently not. But she wanted to step into his arms, knew he’d put them around her. Knew she could hold on until she felt better. She ached to take that step.

  But that was exactly what she couldn’t do.

  Instead she tugged her fingers free and searched for anger – that was easier. ‘I told you it was nothing. If it means that much to you, I’ll come to Ally’s with you.’

  ‘This is not about …’ Suddenly he just looked tired. ‘You know what? Drive yourself.’

  She was pretty damn sure she’d achieved that step – giant leap – back from Lee, Ebony decided as she wound her way along the road to Cam and Ally’s place. So why did she feel so terrible? So ridiculously close to tears? Not wanting to see Lee until she was sure her emotions were under control, she detoured past Ally’s and wound her way to the cottage. She’d talk to Mia first, take a few more moments to pull herself together.

  Mia was coming out of the cottage as she pulled in – on her way up to Ally’s, Ebony supposed. When she got out of the car, Mia’s smile quickly turned to concern.

  ‘Ebs, what’s wrong?’

  ‘God, is it that obvious?’

  ‘Is it about that masked person? Martin?’