Outback Flames: Australian Rural Romantic Suspense (16 page)

***

Jordan picked
Zoe up at seven. When she opened the door, he stood dressed in a clean pair of
jeans, and a black silky short-sleeved shirt which sent a flutter of admiration
to her heart.

'Hi. Special
occasion?'

'It's always a
special occasion with you Zoe, always.'

She smiled,
and after she locked the front door and turned, he placed his hand at the small
of her back and as they walked to the car, he whispered, 'You look beautiful.'

'Thank you.'

He opened the passenger
door. 'Over the back matey,' Jordan called to Luke who scrambled over
immediately on his father's request.

'Hello Zoe,'
Luke said.

She sat in the
car and turned. 'Hello to you too. Clip up your seatbelt. What have you been up
to Luke?'

'My friend at
school is Sally. Dad. Zoe should meet Sally. They're both girls.'

Zoe faced the
front of the car and grinned. As she flicked her gaze to Jordan, he shot her a
wink and her heart tilted.

'Yeah, matie.
They're both girls,' he said, taking a glance at his son in the rear vision
mirror.

Luke chatted
non-stop on the way into town and Zoe thought it fascinating at how intelligent
he was for a six-year-old child.

When they
pulled up, Luke was out of the car and waiting on the footpath while she
unclipped her seatbelt. She opened the door, and Jordan held out his hand.
Reaching up, their hands joined and he helped her out onto the footpath.

Jordan was
considerate, handsome and intelligent. Her life seemed to be a dream and she
made a mental note to try harder where Luke was concerned. She was a lot older
now, and although she carried around a load of guilt, it didn't mean she'd
allow it to surface again. After all, she wasn't the one that started the fire.
She wasn't the guilty party, just as Jordan had stated.

They sat at a
table where they had view of the street through wide glassed in windows. Jordan
disappeared to the meal counter to place their order, and while they waited
Luke didn't stop asking questions. He was inquisitive as well as a chatterbox.

'Are you going
to marry my dad one day? He said he knew you when you were little and that you
were friends just like me and Sally.'

'We don't know
what the future holds, but we are really good friends.'

'Like me and
Sally, but I don't kiss her. That's grownup stuff.'

'Yes, it is.
Sounds like Sally is a lucky girl.'

Luke beamed,
and Jordan arrived in time as Zoe wondered what Luke's next question would be.

'In time I
see.' He placed the drinks on the table. 'You asking too many questions again,
Luke?'

Zoe
interrupted. 'If you don't ask questions you never learn. Isn't that true
Luke?'

'Yup.' He
nodded.

Jordan
grinned. 'Whose side are you on?'

Luke jumped to
his feet. 'Dad...Dad can I go over and see Peter and Mitchell? They're over
there, at the table over there.'

His father
looked over to where he was pointing. 'Okay. But don't go anywhere else.'

'Thanks.' His
chair almost toppled as he turned and rushed off.

'Anything for
a bit of quiet time with you. Sorry about that.'

'He's just a
kid. It's okay.'

He moved a
glass of chardonnay in front of her. 'I hope you like it.'

'I'm sure I
will.' She picked it up, took a sip. 'Nice.' She smiled and put the glass on
the table.

'I wanted to
ask you about the sergeant. What have you heard?'

'I haven't
found out anything. I'll call in and see him.'

Zoe frowned.
'Um...when I was in Tamworth the other day...well my aunt and William found
me.'

'They what?
Hell, why didn't you say something?'

'This is the
first time I've seen you in two days aside from this afternoon when I saw you
briefly.'

'You do have a
mobile, and a land line.'

'Ha ha, funny.
Anyhow, they were pretty nasty. They didn't do anything wrong, except William
carried a handgun. He let me know he had it. But that's as far as it went. My
aunt accused me of sending the police to her property asking questions.
Naturally I denied it. Oh she also said she wanted some of my inheritance that
it was owed to her.'

'Hell, Zoe.
Why didn't you give me a call?'

'It wasn't
that bad, but they put me on edge for a while. They aren't good people Jordan.
There's no telling what they'll do.'

'Or what
they've done. I want to make a call. Will you be okay for a few moments?'

'Yes.'

'Can you keep
an eye on Luke?'

Zoe swallowed.
'Um. Okay.'

'Thanks.' He
leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.

While Jordan
was gone for the second time, the pub was beginning to fill with customers. She
recognised only a few faces, but after fifteen years it was a wonder she
recognised anyone.

'Well, a lady
all alone. Mind if I take a seat?'

The tall man
with sandy hair dropped onto the chair beside her and Zoe flicked a glance out
through the window trying to spot Jordan. She couldn't and drew in a deep
irritated breath. She straightened her back, and sat forward as though she was
ready to pounce from her seat.

'Where have
you been all my life beautiful?'

She cringed at
the ancient pick up line.

'I'm waiting
for my husband, if you don't mind.'

'No ring, no
husband. That's been used over and over. Tell me, what's your name?'

'It's Zoe.'

'Nice name.'
She tried to inch away from him, but he moved closer. How about I buy you a
drink, then we can well, get to know each other...better?'

If he didn't
stop soon Zoe was going to let him have it.

He bent
forward, tried for a kiss, and she ducked from his reach and pushed upwards to
her feet. But he wouldn't give up. He put an arm around her waist the moment
she looked over and spotted Jordan entering the pub.

For crying out
loud. Jordan blinked and blinked again, as he watched some guy's arm around Zoe's
waist and he slammed to a stop when she kneed him in the groin and he stumbled
backwards. But the guy didn't take no for an answer, and Zoe...did he see
right? She'd closed her fist and knocked him to the floor. Jordan could have
sworn he felt the vibration of his fall underfoot.

The crowd
applauded, and being the lady she is, she quietly sat down and took a sip of
wine as though nothing had happened. Jordan grinned and sauntered toward the
table. He reached down and grabbed the man by the front of his shirt, and
yanked him to his feet.

'That was just
a taste. You come near her again and her old man will give you triple of what
you got.' Jordan shoved him aside, watched him wobble toward the door, before
reverting his attention to Zoe.

'God, Zoe. Are
you okay?'

'Sorry to make
a spectacle of us, but he wouldn't take no for an answer.'

'You did the
right thing. Although, I won't be leaving you like that again. You surprised
me. You know how to take care of yourself.'

'Mr Patterson
taught me a lot. As I said, they were the parents I didn't have. I don't know
what I would have done without them.' She grinned.

'I'd like to
meet the Pattersons one day.'

'I'd like you
too.' She smiled before he turned scanning the crowd.

'Where's
Luke?'

Zoe glanced
over to where she last saw Luke and no one was at the table. She stood, her
gaze searching the faces in the crowd. 'I'm sorry. He was at the table last
time I saw him,' she said.

Oh God no. Her
heartbeat rattled her insides. In all the commotion, she'd forgotten about
Luke. Jordan grabbed her arm. 'Come with me.' They searched through the
thickening crowd for at least ten minutes until they heard a call.

'Dad. Dad, I'm
hungry.'

She
straightened her spine, and glanced about, frantic to find Luke.

'What in the
hell.'

Jordan had
spotted him, and she sighed with relief, although her heartbeat remained on the
run.

'Where did you
go?'

'To the
toilet. I had to go Dad. You were on the phone and I didn't want to ask a
girl.'

Jordan ruffled
his hair. 'It's okay matie. My fault,' he said on a relieved breath. 'You could
have asked Zoe to walk over there with you. She could have waited outside.'

Luke shrugged.

Their meals
were ready. 'I'll get this,' said Jordan, 'but I'll be keeping my eye on both
of you. Don't leave the table. Either of you.'

Luke looked at
his dad, then to Zoe. 'Are you in trouble too?'

Zoe chuckled.
'No. I don't think so, and you're not in trouble either. Have a drink while
your father gets our dinner.'

The moment
Jordan asked where Luke had disappeared to, her heart had leapt to her throat
and stayed there. It proved she wasn't any good with kids. What if something
terrible had happened to Luke?

Zoe poured the hot coffee into a
mug, turned and sat on one of the dining room chairs. She pressed her fingers
to her forehead as images of her little brother flashed in her mind. Screams,
words and more images jolted her into awareness.

A candle
flickering in the darkness, wavering as a slight breeze passed through the
house. Zoe couldn't distinguish if it was a dream, or reality. She needed fresh
air.

She stood and
walked outside onto the front veranda, down onto the footpath that led around
the house. She hesitated beside the gardens. Even the weeds were dead, crying
out for moisture. How could she consider gardening when guilt carved up her
heart? The incident at the pub only heightened her inability to care for a
child. She gave herself a shake, mentally as well as physically.

It didn't
matter what she thought or what she did. If she continued her relationship with
Jordan, there was a chance that their love would deepen, most likely into
permanency. Isn't that what she had wanted, to have a family, to love and be
loved? If so, that meant being a step-mum to Luke. She almost laughed. How could
she ever think of having children? Her insides froze and she shivered, although
the heat of the sun bit into her arms.

As she
strolled around toward the front of the house, Jordan's vehicle pulled up
beside the gate. He stepped out, waved a hand in the air.

'Hey Zoe.
How's it going?'

Zoe forced a
grin to her face. 'Yeah good, thanks.'

A shudder of
attraction wavered through her body. When he stopped beside her his aftershave
sent that wave at express speed straight to her heart.

'Hey, what's
up? You've been mighty quiet since the night at the pub.'

She twisted
her hands in front of her. 'It's nothing. I'm not feeling too good lately. I
might be coming down with a bug or something.'

'Do you need a
hand to do anything?'

A grin touched
her lips, and her gaze met his. 'No thanks. Everything is under control. I'll
soon have to think about cattle, and get this place up and running. Next week's
my deadline.'

'If you ever
need a hand don't forget I'm here.'

'Thanks.'

'Um. I've
organised a do. I hope you don't mind?'

She shot him a
horrified glance. 'What?'

'I've
organised a welcome home party. It should have happened a while back. Jade
thinks it's a great idea. It's this Saturday night at my joint.'

Zoe trembled.
The last party she could remember having was when she turned twelve. 'I'm not
sure Jordan. I don't know what to say.'

'You don't
have to say anything. I'll pick you up at five Saturday arvo.'

'You said that
Jade thinks it's a good idea. Who's going?'

She wandered
to the front step, and eased down. Jordan followed and sat next to her. He
reached out and placed a hand over the top of her palm. 'Everyone.'

'You've got to
be kidding?'

'Well everyone
I've asked.'

'Oh.' Zoe
stared out past the fence line to the trees in the distance.

'It'll be fun.
Mum's helping, and so is Jade.'

'I don't want
people going to too much trouble.'

'Why not?
Everyone in Munna thinks highly of you.'

She turned to
look at him. 'Okay then. You've talked me into it. But I've never had a party,
so what do I do?'

He jerked his
head back. 'Never? Not even a birthday party? Hang on. I went to one of your
parties.'

'I should have
said I've never had a party since I was thirteen.'

'If that's the
case, this party will be all your birthday parties rolled into one huge one,
and a welcoming home party.'

She grinned,
and dropped her shoulders as he picked up a lock of hair and tucked it behind
her ear. Then, unexpectedly his lips pressed lightly over her cheek.

Shivers
tripped over her skin, and as she looked into his eyes, his lips roamed over
hers and she responded before he broke from the kiss.

'I'd never get
sick of kissing you.'

She chuckled.
'You said that when we kissed once when I was twelve.'

'I have to
make up for lost time.'

***

Zoe gazed at
the line-up of cars.

'Everyone is
here, so be prepared.'

A hand rested
over the top of her leg. She looked at Jordan.

'It's okay.
They're friends. We're pleased you've returned to Munna. It's a celebration.'

'I don't know
what I'm going to say.' She pressed her hands down over her skirt.

'You look
beautiful.'

Zoe didn't
feel beautiful. It had taken yonks to find something she'd feel comfortable in.
She'd chosen a soft, floral skirt to her ankles, and teamed it with a lilac
sleeveless top.

'Smile and
you'll do well. I forgot to tell you. Mum and Dad can't make it.'

Zoe stilled.
'Why? Is something wrong?'

'Mum's not
feeling too good and Dad doesn't want to leave her.'

'I don't blame
him. I hope it's not serious.'

'She said
something about a virus. She didn't want to spread it round.'

'What a shame.
I was looking forward to meeting your parents, after being here for so long and
especially when they live only thirty minutes away.'

'You'll meet
them soon enough.'

They climbed
from his four-wheeler, and she reached down adjusting a strap on her silver and
black sandals.

'I don't know
how you walk in them.'

'They're not
that high. Besides, it almost brings me up to your level.'

'Don't bet on
that.' He grinned, looked down his nose at her.

Zoe glanced
up. 'Well, almost.' Laughter left her lips.

As they walked
toward the front door, Jordan took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
She took comfort in knowing Jordan was there for her.

'I would like
to tell everyone we're an item. Meaning that we are together.'

'I thought
everyone knew we were seeing each other, in a round-about sort of way.'

Jordan shot
her a wink, and they walked through the front door. The wide-open lounge room,
kitchen and dining room filled with people. Even her view through the back door
revealed more guests.

A shiver of
uncertainty wound through her, but the moment Jade popped her head out from the
crowd, the tension stored in her shoulders drained away.

'About time,
we were going to send a search party out for you.'

'Funny, sis.
What do you want to drink, Zoe?'

'A chardonnay
thanks, that is if you have one.'

'Sure do.
Jade. Do you want a drink as well?' He briefly flicked his gaze to her empty
hands.

'Yeah. The
same thanks.'

'I won't be
long.'

A small child
walked up to Jade, and clung to her jean-clad leg.

'Oh, this here
is Katie.'

The little
girl stared at Zoe.

'Hello Katie.
How old are you?'

She pushed a
mop of blonde curly hair from her eyes, and peeked at Zoe. 'I'm four years
old.'

'Wow. You are
a big girl for four.'

A sudden rush
behind Jade and a small boy skidded to a stop almost knocking them over.

'This here is
Adam.'

'Hi Adam. And
let me guess. You're probably seven years old.'

'Nar. I'm
six.'

'Well you look
seven or eight.'

The children
didn't take their gaze from Zoe.

'They're
lovely children, Jade.'

'A bit wild at
times, but they're good kids.'

'They didn't
inherit their hair colour from you.'

'Tony, their
father, has sandy blonde hair. He's here tonight.'

'Jordan told
me he's in the process of buying the hardware store. Good news.'

'Yeah. I'll finally
have a husband that'll be home.'

Zoe glanced up
and a man in his early thirties took long strides toward them.

'This is Zoe
Montgomery. Zoe, my husband Tony.'

'I've heard a
lot about you. Good to meet you.'

'Likewise,
Tony.'

Tony leaned
in, gave her a kiss on the cheek. 'Jade hadn't stopped talking about you when
you first arrived in town. She's a bit of a matchmaker.'

'Tony.'

'It's true.'
He chuckled, and Jade prodded him in the shoulder.

While Zoe
spoke to Jade and Tony, interruptions were frequent. She recalled some of the
names, but not the faces.

'Well here she
is.'

Zoe turned. An
elderly woman, with an up-do of blonde grey hair, nails painted as deep and
dark as the red earth surrounding Munna, approached. A plain blue dress, belted
over her wide midline, twisted to either side as she walked.

They made eye
contact. 'Um.'

'It's Mrs
Moore. She knew your mum.'

'Don't tell me
you don't recognise me? It's so nice to see you. Why, the community went
berserk the night you disappeared. And to imagine you were with some aunt the
entire time.'

'Um, yes. I
was.'

'Sounds as
though she wasn't a good person. You've been away for far too long.'

It was the
beginning of a long drawn out night. After a few hours into the party, Zoe
realised these people were her friends, her family. Most offered support, and
offered to help her with the property until she got on her feet. Zoe smiled as
she sat on the arm of a lounge clinging to an empty glass.

Mark and
Samantha approached her. Mark carried a small bundle in his arms. Zoe's mouth
formed a circle.

'How's it
going Zoe?' Mark said.

'Hi Zoe.'

'I'm glad you
two could make it. Jordan didn't tell me...your baby.'

'Zoe, we would
like you to meet Charles. We call him Charlie.'

Zoe peered at
the sleeping child. 'He's lovely. Congratulations. How old is he?'

'Just on two
weeks, so we can't stay long,' Mark said.

'I
understand.' Zoe looked at Sam. 'How are you going Sam, especially with the new
baby?'

'I didn't
realise how tired I'd be.'

'Where are you
staying?'

'In town at
the Banners. We hope by next week the sale of the property will go through and
then we can think about moving back for good.'

'How nice.
Jordan will love that.'

'I can picture
it now,' Sam said. 'Boys’ night out, drinks, the lot.' She smiled.

'We have to
make up for lost time Sam.'

Zoe laughed.
'I'm glad you could make it. Here Sam, sit down. Mark.'

Zoe pulled out
one of the dining room chairs for Sam. 'I can help you set up house after you
move. You're in no condition to do any work like that for a while.'

'Thanks Zoe.
Jade has offered to help out as well. Between the three of us, it will be a
great help.'

A man
approached them, and Zoe recalled meeting him earlier that night.

'Jo. Great to
see you mate.' Tony took a few steps toward him, as Zoe scanned the crowd for
Jordan. Five minutes later, when she couldn't spot him she made her way out
back, onto the veranda. The beauty of the landscape had her mesmerised.

The afternoon
sun had disappeared and a golden red clothed the distant mountains. They seemed
so far away. Zoe inhaled the fresh scent of eucalypt as she wandered down the
back steps toward the back fence. The tranquillity and colour wasn't something
she'd ever tire of. She could stare at the sky for hours.

'It's some
place, isn't it?'

She turned,
and smiled when she spotted Jordan carrying a glass in one hand, a stubby in
the other.

'It sure is.
How long have you lived here?'

'I bought the
joint when Luke was two. I haven't done as much as I wanted, but it'll get done
one day.' He stopped before her. 'Here you go.' He passed her a glass of wine.

'Thank you.'
She reached out and took it.

'It's not big
enough to run cattle though. One day I intend to buy a place big enough to run
a decent herd. So how are you doing?'

He moved
beside her, looking out at the view.

'Everyone's so
friendly. They're a great bunch of people. Some of them spoke of your
conviction.'

He turned
toward her. 'And?'

'They believe
you're innocent, as I do. I wish we knew who really caused the fire.'

'We will one
day.'

'And you're so
sure.'

'Yeah. Gotta
be positive about things Zoe. It's the only way to go.'

Did he hold
the same positivity in the hope of her return? She sipped on her wine, as
Jordan slipped a hand around the back of her waist. He leaned in and kissed
her. A voice broke them apart.

'Hey Jordan.'

'Yo.'

'Sorry to
break you two love birdies apart. Jordan, there's a fire on the other side of
Munna. We have to go.'

Jordan ran a
hand through his hand. 'God no. Now.' He looked at Zoe. 'I do have to go. I'm a
volunteer firefighter, a firey. Did I tell you that?'

'No you
didn't. I'll be fine here. I'll go and find Jade.'

After a quick
peck on the cheek, she watched him jog toward the house before she made her way
back indoors.

Walking inside
she was surprised to find most of the guests had left and only a handful
remained. After a quick glance around, she spotted Jade in the kitchen and
approached.

'Need a hand?'

Jade turned.
'No thanks party girl. You're the star of the party and she doesn't clean up.'

'Come on Jade,
it will give me something to do.'

'All right
then.' Jade threw a tea towel at her. 'Knock yourself out. There's plenty
more.' She grinned.

'The men might
be gone for a while, so nothing like keeping busy, eh? Oh, is Tony a volunteer
firey as well?'

'Yeah. When
he's home that is. Most of the younger men around these parts are. They help
out from time to time.'

'I hope
they'll be okay. Do you get many fires about?'