Shadows of Hunters Ridge Read online

  A series of thumps a few minutes later told her he was bouncing back down the stairs and she winced, hoping he wasn’t spilling his coffee on her clean floor. She was in lust with him. This did not mean she was oblivious to his flaws.

  He emerged from the corridor and leant on her reception counter as she flicked through follow-ups. ‘Got much on?’

  ‘Yep.’ She tapped some keys with fingernails perfectly manicured in sparkly red and tried not to feel like a schoolgirl. ‘Full day.’

  ‘You hear about the accident last night?’

  She sent him a weak smile. ‘I was there – Melanie’s dog.’

  ‘Take anyone with you?’

  She fought back the urge to roll her eyes. One day, everyone would realise she wasn’t about to drag someone else out of bed every time she got a call-out. ‘The Mudgee police were there. I decided several armed officers would probably protect me.’

  ‘Fair enough. Was the dog all right?’

  ‘He’ll be fine.’

  ‘Any updates on Melanie?’

  ‘She was awake after the accident – she called the ambulance herself, but by the time they got there, she was unconscious. They cut her out of the car and took off in a hurry. That’s all I know.’

  ‘Poor lady. We finally get a replacement for Rob and she has an accident on the only blind corner for miles on a mostly unused, dead-end road. What are the chances?’

  ‘I hope she’s okay. In the meantime, it would be nice to think we’ll get someone else.’

  ‘We will when the new station is built.’

  ‘They haven’t even started it.’

  ‘At least we’re getting one. Despite you not being a fan of the mine expansion, it’s bringing families out here. A lot of single police stations are at threat of closure. We’re getting a new station and three officers.’

  Ebony’s eyes flashed. ‘An offshore, multinational corporation walks in, forces families off their land, destroys the environment for countless generations and takes the majority of the profit straight overseas. Yes, families are coming here but some of them are coming because noise, dust, out-of-date practices and infrastructure closures have forced them to leave their own towns. That’s why.’

  He took a long drink of his coffee as his lips turned up at the edges. ‘Okay, I’ll just shut up.’ He checked his watch. ‘I have a delivery coming here in about fifteen, then Cam’s coming to help get those walls up.’

  ‘I’m pretty well booked today or I’d give you a hand.’

  He shook his head. ‘We’ll be fine. And we have to be gone by lunchtime anyway – we’re checking on the reno we’ve got contractors on at Kandos this arvo. Then I’m back in town to do a quick job for Fiona, then out to Mudgee to look at another property.’

  Ebony carefully kept her face blank at the sound of his girlfriend’s name. ‘Busy days all round then. What’s the delivery?’

  ‘Last of the gyprock for your flat. How’s Louise going?’

  She resisted the urge to spill, just in case the woman in question decided to turn up on time – for a change – and walk in on them. ‘Louise is okay. It’s good having the help – mostly.’

  ‘Morning!’ Carla breezed through the front doors, looking as smart and professional as always in black pants and pale blue clinic polo shirt, her auburn hair in a neat bun. The trim 48-year-old ran the surgery with military precision and had an empathy for pets and their owners that Ebony both relied on and appreciated.

  ‘Morning, Carla.’

  Carla slipped behind reception and began immediately scrolling through the already open list of appointments. Ebony wasn’t sure why she bothered – Carla would already have memorised every step of the day.

  ‘Morning,’ Lee echoed. ‘I left some coffee in the pot.’

  ‘I’ll grab some in a minute and put some more on in the lunchroom. Got to make sure the consult room is set up.’ Carla cheerfully hurried off again before Ebony could open her mouth to suggest otherwise.

  ‘She’s a whirlwind,’ Lee said with a smile. He cocked his head, sighed. ‘That sounds like the truck. Early. Damn.’ He drained the rest of his coffee and contemplated his cup. ‘Can I?’

  She grinned. ‘Sure, leave it there.’

  He put it on the counter, gave her ponytail a gentle tug. ‘See you later.’

  She nodded and watched him jog back down the corridor. ‘Bye, gorgeous,’ she mumbled and, as her first client walked through the door, got on with her morning.

  Lee unloaded the truck and thought about going back in for another cup of coffee. Nah, too late, Ebony would be eye deep in clients by now. Besides, the morning cuppa with her was becoming too much of a habit, one he should rein in. He had too many feelings for Ebony that could complicate their friendship. And as to that particular side of things, it wasn’t like he didn’t have girlfriends – he made sure there was always someone or other around. It kept his thoughts … elsewhere. Usually. Once he was no longer working here on a daily basis, things would go back to normal.

  Chastising himself, he forgot to watch where he was going and the front edge of the gyprock he was carrying crashed into the wall. ‘Damn!’ He put it down, rubbed the mark. ‘That’ll teach me,’ he muttered. Just as he picked the sheet up again, Cam turned into the parking area. He nodded in greeting at his best mate. Who happened to be Ebony’s brother. You didn’t hit on your best mate’s sister. Especially when you had Lee’s kind of history.

  He hadn’t realised, the first time he flirted with Ebony, who she was. Cam had just handed him his life back – at considerable expense to Cam’s own – and he’d found himself chatting up his little sister. He’d put an end to that pretty quick and told himself to get over it. And he had. Sort of. Besides, he was seeing Fiona, albeit on a casual basis.

  ‘Morning.’ Cam climbed out of the car and ambled over. ‘Something on your mind?’

  ‘What? No.’

  ‘Look on your face, I was worried the roof had collapsed on us or something.’

  ‘Just wondering where my head is this morning. Coffee’ll kick in shortly.’

  It took several trips to get the gyprock where it needed to be. After the last, they stopped for a quick drink.

  ‘How’d the fishing go yesterday?’ Cam asked after sculling half a bottle of water.

  ‘Not great. Good to get out on the river though.’

  ‘How’s your dad?’

  ‘Same as usual. Giving me shit about my skills with the rod. Worst of it is he caught three decent fish while I caught nothing, so there wasn’t a thing I could come back with.’

  Cam grinned. ‘Feel the love.’

  Lee returned the grin. ‘He gave me one. Would have thought he was parting with its weight in gold.’

  ‘You gonna share it with Fiona?’

  ‘She prefers to go out for meals.’

  ‘Unless they’re at my place. Guess she doesn’t like pizza. What are you fixing for her today?’

  ‘Some friend’s got a guttering issue.’ Lee looked sideways at his friend. ‘I know you don’t think all that much of her.’

  ‘Not up to me.’ Cam leant back against the wall and shook his head. ‘She’s just not your usual type of fling. What’s going on, you getting serious?’

  ‘With Fiona? Nah. That’s not what either of us want.’

  ‘Maybe she’s more your type than I thought then. Let’s get going. We’ll be late.’

  CHAPTER

  3

  ‘You’re right, Ally, it’s an abscess. I’ll drain it and we’ll get a poultice on it. You know what to do.’ Ebony gently released the little palomino’s foreleg then tossed the hoof testers to her kit.

  ‘Long day?’ Ally asked when Ebony winced as she straightened her back.

  ‘Difficult. Sorry I had to push your time back, I had a couple of extra appointments ring through this morning. The surgery is flat out. Louise was still doing consults when I left to get here.’

  Luna, Ally’s young tan and white kelpie, sen
sed movement and picked up a tug toy, tossed it and caught it, before attempting to put it in Ebony’s hand for a game of tug of war.

  ‘That’s fine, Ebs, makes no difference here. Luna, go lie down. We’re not finished.’

  At Ally’s order, Luna gave her a disappointed look and flopped back down in the shade with Ally’s other two dogs, Bess, the older, sensible kelpie, and Millie, the three-legged border collie.

  Ebony picked up her water bottle and looked around while she took a drink. A little over a year ago this place had been a rundown old farm with a mismatch of livestock and a dilapidated old home belonging to Ally’s dead husband’s birth mother, Mavis. The fire that had destroyed that house had almost led to tragedy, but the equine business that had risen from the ashes was flourishing. Ally herself was barely recognisable from the broken young woman who had first arrived and stolen Ebony’s brother’s heart, and her business was testament to just how far she’d come.

  Of course, Mavis Littleton’s mismatch of animals had remained and Poppy pig was a favourite among the children who came to ride and train. One such child on a lovely black pony trotted proudly around the brand new arena, while a group of teenage girls preened over a large chestnut warmblood in the wash bay. Yet more horses were being saddled nearby by other keen riders.

  ‘You’re really getting some horses on the place.’

  Ally nodded and raked her blonde, shoulder-length hair out of her eyes. ‘It’s building all right. Cam can’t get the yards in fast enough.’

  ‘The arena looks great.’

  Ally’s grin spread. ‘Best wedding present ever! The roof has been invaluable – I can train in all weather. Cam’s started building stables along the far side of it.’

  ‘Between your work and mine, I’m surprised you guys have time to look at other properties. Still, I suppose he got out of building you a house.’

  ‘Yes, I took over his! I’m still not sure he’s really a fan of the cushions on the bed or his bathroom cabinet being full of girlie stuff.’

  ‘I don’t think he’d mind pretty stuff in, say, a nursery, though?’

  Ally pulled a face and shook her head. ‘Like I’ve said the thirty thousand other times you’ve mentioned it, not yet.’

  ‘I’ll keep harping. I want babies to play with.’

  Cam drove in and parked close by. ‘Still working, Ebs?’

  ‘Just have this one last patient – hopefully. The surgery’s been backed up all day.’ She accepted a peck on the cheek then dropped her water bottle on the ground and picked up her hoof knife and the horse’s foot. Ally held the patient horse in one hand and dragged Cam in for a quick kiss with the other, while Ebony shaved off small amounts of hoof from the underside of the pony’s foot.

  She quickly found the abscess. ‘There you go, mate,’ she crooned as puss oozed from the wound. ‘You’ll feel better soon.’

  ‘Yuck.’ Cam pulled a face. ‘I’m in awe, Ebs. Slightly ill, but in awe.’

  Ebony frowned up at him. ‘Of what?’

  ‘Of the fact you can do that and hold your stomach.’

  ‘While watching you all over Ally? Go get a room. I’ve told her I want babies to play with.’

  Cam smiled cheekily down at his wife. ‘We could start trying. I have a few minutes …’

  Ally smirked and shoved him playfully. ‘Why are you here?’

  ‘Because I can’t stand to be away from you, my darling.’

  Ally choked, Ebony gagged.

  ‘And the real reason?’ Ally asked.

  ‘To let you know I’m heading over to the cottage to work on that front gate. Make it a bit more secure for your sister.’

  ‘You’re so good.’

  ‘You can repay me later.’ He kissed her again.

  ‘Oh honestly – baby or not, get that room. There are children around!’

  ‘Ebs, you need to lighten up. Get yourself a boyfriend,’ Ally teased.

  ‘She can have one when she grows up,’ Cam said seriously.

  ‘I’m twenty-seven!’ Ebony reminded him. ‘Define grown up?’

  Cam pondered that. ‘I don’t know … forty? Maybe fifty? You don’t want to rush into anything.’

  Ebony rolled her eyes. ‘Who needs an overprotective father when I have you for a brother?’

  Cam ruffled Ebony’s hair. ‘Bye, ladies.’

  ‘Was Cam talking about Gus’s old cottage?’ Ebony asked as he drove off. ‘I thought you were going to sell that.’

  ‘I don’t know. Still doesn’t feel right. Gus left the place to Mavis, and she only outlived him by a couple of weeks.’

  ‘And she left everything to you. What’s wrong with that?’

  ‘I suppose you’re right. Anyway, Mia wants to use it as a weekender, so Cam’s making it more secure.’

  Ebony grinned knowingly. ‘A bit too cosy staying with you two, is it?’

  ‘So Mia says.’ A worried frown formed on Ally’s forehead. ‘But I’m not happy about her being out there alone. Not until Rob’s locked up.’

  ‘I have to agree. I find myself looking for him every time I’m out – especially at night. He’s made me completely paranoid.’

  Ally’s gaze softened. ‘Ebs, you were held at knifepoint by a deranged serial killer. You’re entitled to the odd jitter now and then but –’

  ‘But?’

  ‘If it’s more than that, if you think you need to talk to someone, I can –’

  Ebony shook her head rapidly. ‘No, I’m fine. It’s no more than that, honestly.’

  Ally didn’t look convinced. ‘Okay, but talk to me, all right? Because, well, firsthand experience with PTSD – and Rob. So if it gets worse, you talk to me.’

  ‘Thanks. Can you grab some warm water for this poultice? It’ll help the pus drain the rest of the way out.’

  ‘Yep. Then we should head up the hill for a cold drink at the house.’

  ‘That’d be great.’ The sound of her phone had Ebony digging in the pocket of her overalls. ‘It’s Carla. Hold on.’ She put down the hoof again and straightened. ‘Hi.’

  ‘Ebs? Sorry, I know you’re on a call but we have a problem. Louise …’

  It was difficult to hear Carla over the noise of raised voices in the background but Ebony got the general idea. A moment later she hung up with an apologetic smile for Ally.

  ‘Sorry, some drama with Louise and one of the clients.’

  ‘Another one?’

  ‘Withhold your disbelief. Can you manage the poultice? I have to get back to the surgery.’

  ‘In my sleep. Can’t wait to hear what she’s done this time. I’ll see you tomorrow night.’

  Ebony made her way as quickly as she could back to the surgery. Clients sitting impatiently in plastic chairs with various pets at their feet lifted their heads as she hurried through the front doors. She plastered a smile on her face to counter looks that ranged from curious and hopeful to bored and thoroughly pissed off. Some of those clients, she knew from the appointment book this morning, had been waiting too long.

  ‘Ebs!’ Carla swung around from behind the desk and with a strained smile, clutched her arm to lead her into the corridor. ‘Thank goodness.’

  ‘What’s happening?’

  ‘Did you know Martin Sullivan was breeding dogs?’

  Ebony shuddered at the thought. Martin was a big man with a mean personality and no concern whatsoever for animals. ‘No. Hell – Martin and puppies. Can you think of anything more wrong?’

  ‘No. Especially after this. Grahame Bailey bought a puppy off Martin for hunting and he’s brought him in because he seemed sleepy and reluctant to do anything. He’s in poor condition, and an X-ray found a fracture. Louise went off on one of her rants about responsible pet ownership and Grahame got upset. He’s only had the puppy a couple of days and you know Grahame – he’s never neglected an animal in his life. But Louise being Louise, she got him all offside and then World War Three started and you could hear them out in reception. I tried to go in and
smooth things over, but Grahame is refusing to talk to Louise and refusing to leave until he sees you. He’s also had the barney to end all barneys over the phone to Martin, who I gather, from what I could hear from the reception desk, is denying any responsibility.’

  Ebony clutched her head with one hand against the beginnings of a headache. ‘Well there’s a surprise.’

  Carla nodded. ‘Anyway there’s a stalemate in there and out here. Some of these clients have been waiting almost an hour and a half.’

  ‘It’s a wonder they haven’t walked out.’

  ‘I rescheduled three, and I’ve been plying the rest with tea and coffee, and gave out a couple of those special cookies of yours – sorry.’

  ‘Don’t be – thanks. What’s Louise doing?’

  ‘Holding the pup and refusing to hand it back.’

  ‘Good grief. Okay, I’ll send her out to get through some of these consults while I deal with Grahame.’

  She pushed through the exam room door. Louise was clutching a trembling pup in her arms and emanating pissed-off self-righteousness. Grahame, with his kind face, comfortable paunch and thinning grey hair, was standing squarely by the far wall, arms folded, shooting daggers at Louise.

  ‘Ebony! Finally!’ Louise gushed. ‘This puppy has been abused. We have to call the RSPCA.’

  ‘You call the RSPCA,’ Grahame snapped back, ‘and sic ‘em on Martin, but if you don’t give that pup back –’

  ‘You’re going to have to deal with this man, Ebony, he’s completely –’

  ‘Okay!’ Ebony said loudly. ‘Louise, Carla filled me in. I’ll take care of this. Would you mind starting on the waiting consults in the other room please?’

  Louise smiled nastily at Grahame and Ebony grimaced. She’d have to deal with her later. She took the pup carefully and let Louise storm out.

  She gently placed the dog on the exam table and looked him over, shooting an apologetic smile at Grahame. ‘Sorry about that.’

  The pup was tiny, maybe five or six weeks old, too young to be away from its mother, and terribly thin. As its coat was a mismatch merle colour mingled with white patches – the rumours of Martin paying big money a while back for a hunting Catahoula were probably true. The other parent was bound to be one of his Bull Arabs.