Outback Flames: Australian Rural Romantic Suspense (20 page)

'I can't help
it. Imagine if my thoughts are true?'

'They're not.
So forget it.'

'How can you
be so sure?'

'For starters
when I came over earlier that night there wasn't a candle glowing in sight. Do
you remember?'

Zoe squinted.
'Why didn't you tell the sergeant?'

'He already
knows. I told him everything up front when the case closed in around me. I
visited you for about half an hour. Your mother called and was heading to your
bedroom. I slipped down the trellis without a sound. I told you I'd be back.'

'I don't
remember.' Zoe rubbed her temple. 'I've got a pounding headache.'

'No wonder.'

He veered the
car to a stop at Montagreen, and they walked into the house. Zoe dropped her
bag.

'Have you got
anything to take for that headache?'

'Yes.'

'Where?'

'In the
cupboard above the stove.'

Jordan found
some Paracetamol, filled a glass with water and took them to the dining room
table to where Zoe sat.

'Here you go.'

'Thanks.' She
took the tablets and drank the entire glass of water.

He sat beside
her. 'Hey. How about I rustle up a meal for us? It's almost seven.'

She nodded,
and while he rummaged around in the kitchen, she went into the lounge room,
turned on the television and sat down. She glanced about the room imagining her
parents in this room with Benjamin and herself sitting on the floor.

'Here you go.
I'm not sure if you felt like a drink, but it might settle you down a little.'

She reached
up, took the long stemmed glass from his hand, and swallowed a mouthful of wine
before placing the glass on the coffee table.

The lounge
beside her indented.

'I thought you
were doing dinner.'

'I am. It's
cooking on slow. Shouldn't be too long.'

He placed his
stubby bottle on the coffee table next to her wine, and turned toward her.

'Hell, Zoe.
You don't look good. What if I run you a warm bath? Perhaps that may relax
you.'

He reached
out, and ran his hand in circular movements over her back.

'Sounds good.
What about dinner?'

'I'll finish
cooking it and we can reheat it later. It's only spaghetti bolognaise.'

'Hmm. Sounds
nice. I don't mind spag bol from time to time.'

'Good. It's
all settled. I'll run your bath and be back soon.'

Zoe heard the
tap water sluicing into the tub, heard his footsteps above and let out a deep
sigh. The sooner she knew who started the fire when her parents were alive the
better she could deal with everything. Her mind wandered through a dark curtain
of thoughts. She sifted through every incident she could recall, but still she
didn't find an answer.

She picked up
her wine, and took a few steps only to notice Jordan was crossing the lounge
room toward her.

'Almost ready.
I'll walk you up.'

'Thanks. I
think I can manage though.'

'I want to
make sure.'

She shot him a
look, and took the first step. When they arrived beside the bathroom door, she
hesitated.

'I found a
bottle I gather is bubble bath. It's over there on the edge of the tub.'

Her lips
thinned. 'It is. Thanks.'

'If you need
anything just holla.'

Zoe waited
until she heard him take the stairs, and closed the door. She walked over
toward the bathtub, placed her wine glass on the edge of the bath and poured
some bubble bath under the streaming tap water. When the water almost reached
the top, she turned off the taps and undressed, allowing her clothes to fall to
the floor.

One foot in,
and she jerked it back. The water was warmer than she'd ever had it, and she
tried again, feeling the warmth soak through her foot. Inching in a bit at a
time until her legs, then her torso adjusted to the temperature, she allowed
her body to sink lower until her head was the only part of her body exposed.

She reached
out for her wine, and sipped its contents, replacing it after a few sips.
Easing her body back, she stretched her legs out, and rested her head on a hand
towel. The warmth of the bubble-invigorated water relaxed her muscles, easing
the tension knotting around her neck and she closed her eyes, breathing easily.

'Hey, you
okay?'

Her eyes
snapped open. 'Um...yes. all good.'

'I wanted to
make sure.'

Her lips
thinned. 'You can come in Jordan. I'm covered.'

The door
squeaked, and opened and she glanced up.

'Are you
sure?'

'You've seen
it all before. Why not?'

He moved in,
sat on the edge of the tub. 'That's what I figured.'

Zoe watched
his eyes as they roamed downwards over her exposed legs and then back again to
her face.

'Want to join
me?'

And he did.

Stripping off
as quickly as possible, he eased into the water while she sat upright.

'It's not
really built for two, but I think we'll manage.' He lost his footing, and
grabbed the side of the bath.

Zoe let out a
giggle.

'It's not
funny. What have you got in that stuff?'

Zoe wriggled
forward, closer to him while he placed his feet either side of her. He reached
out, slipped his hands around her waist and drew her closer. His lips connected
with hers, slowly, passionately, until they entwined in each other's bodies,
experiencing the most intimate of touches she'd ever received.

Zoe broke the
kiss, breathless, wide-eyed and out of control, before Jordan moved in again
this time lifting her over onto him against his chest as he leaned back.

Murmurs filled
the bathroom, the candlelight flickered over two bodies in unison, while hearts
pumped with anticipation.

'Oh baby. I
love you. I love you so much. In fact I have loved you all the days of my
life.'

Zoe responded,
moved her lips over his, reached around his neck and slithered over his body,
joining the two. She gasped, jerked her head back and met his delirious eyes.

'You better
hurry. I may not be able to wait.'

She moved over
him, drawing in his strength, his power, his love until they both lay sated.

'Oh God. I
went to heaven. I think I'm still there.'

Zoe rested her
head on his shoulder, and snuggled as the bubbles surrounded them.

'I love you.'

'Me too baby.
Oh, I mean I love you too.' He grinned and pressed his lips to her forehead.

The house phone blurted an urgent
call, and didn't stop ringing until Zoe clutched it in her hands.

'Hello, Zoe
Montgomery speaking.'

'Zoe, it's
Sergeant McPherson. Andy.'

'Hello Sergeant.
How's it going?'

'Good news. I
rang Jordan earlier. Your aunt and William Shearer confessed. They coughed up.
I knew they'd break.'

Zoe held a
palm to her chest. 'I can't believe it. After all this time, she was the
culprit.'

'That night
the window was smashed by a rock, but they confessed to smashing it first. She
said...I don't want to go into detail over the phone. But they tossed a Molotov
cocktail through the window. There wasn't a candle alight. Even if there was,
it was extinguished before your mother went to bed, well before the fire
started.'

'Oh, Sergeant,
this is such good news. A little upsetting, but good news. Jordan. How did he
take it?'

'He's beside
himself. He'll be cleared of the charges and paid compensation.'

Tears ran down
Zoe's cheeks. 'After so long. After all the lies. Everything. I...I.'

'Are you
okay?'

'No. Not
really. It's...I don't know.' She shook her head.

'Jordan is on
his way over.'

'Oh.' She
glanced toward the lounge room windows.'

'Thank you. I
um.'

'I'd like you
and Jordan to come in. We have a bit of work to get through.'

'Definitely.
When?'

'As soon as
you are able.'

'Today. Is
today suitable?'

'Yes. I'll let
you go. As I said Jordan should be there shortly.'

'Thank you,
Sergeant. Thank you.'

She replaced
the receiver, and sighed. Jordan's name was cleared. She blinked back tears of
happiness as she wondered why people went to such extremes.

The sound of
Jordan's vehicle pulled up.

***

Making her way
down the stairs, Zoe hesitated when she spotted the glow of headlights flicker
over the lounge room window. She crossed the foyer and glanced out through the
front window.

Jordan stepped
out from an expensive looking car, and her breath took a backwards slide.

While he
knocked on the door, she took the few steps and swung it open.

'Hi ya'.'

'Wow. Now
that's different.' His gaze ran over her blue floral dress which stopped short
of her knees.

She pressed a
hand down on her thigh. 'I bought this one on my last trip to Tamworth. Thank
heavens.'

'You look
amazing.'

She cleared
her throat. 'You don't look too bad yourself,' she said as she admired his
clean dark jeans, teamed with a blue open collar shirt. His hair was freshly
washed, and remained damp. She inhaled his masculine scent.

'Ready?'

'Um...yes.'
She smiled, turned to grab hold of the doorhandle, and closed the door behind
her only to hesitate at the top of the steps looking up at the umbrella of
diamonds.

'What a lovely
night.'

'Yeah, not
bad. After all the rain last week it's helped settle the aftermath of fires.'

He took hold
of her hand and they walked toward the car. Stopping by the car, she paused
while he opened the car door.

'Fancy car.
Your truck would have been okay.'

'I thought I'd
get this one out of the shed. It hasn't had a run for a while.'

'What is it?'

'It's a
Jaguar.'

She admired
the sporty, black exterior. 'Is it new?'

'It's two
years old. At first it was a play toy and then the fad wore off. The truck’s
more suitable out this way. The jag spends most of its days locked away.'

'Hi, Zoe.'

Zoe peered
into the car. 'Hi Luke. How's it going?'

'Good. I get
to play with my cousins tonight.'

'Lucky you.'

She slipped
onto the cream leather seat, and inhaled the near new smell while she waited
for Jordan to sit behind the wheel. She glanced over.

'I hope your
mother doesn't mind?'

'Not at all.
She's looking forward to seeing you.'

'Really.'

'Yes, really.
They were pretty taken back when they couldn't turn up to your party. Mum
insisted I bring you over for dinner.'

During the
drive, Luke chatted about the fire, and about how Zoe took good care of him.
Pride welled inside Jordan's heart. Although he'd heard the story many times,
it summed up how fond Luke was of Zoe.

'Your father
was the one to come to our rescue.'

'I told you he
was a good firey,' Luke piped up.

'That he is,
Luke.'

They slowed on
their approach to the house. Zoe glanced about at the exquisite layout and drew
in a silent, sharp breath. Twilight settled over white roses which adorned the
driveway, and when they pulled up in the semicircular driveway, she opened the
door, inhaling their scent.

Zoe stared at
the white two-story home, with impressive gardens and expansive manicured
lawns. She'd always driven past here on her way into town, but the trees lining
the driveway and the many shrubs blocked all but the Colorbond roofing.

'Very
impressive.'

'It's not as
old as Montagreen. Montagreen has the history, this place hasn't.'

'Did you do
all the carpentry?'

'Yeah, with
Dad’s help. It's all renovated. The timber on the outside and the veranda is
about two years old.'

 'You're not
bad for a jack of all trades.'

'Why do you
say that?'

'You're a
carpenter, a jackaroo, and a volunteer firefighter. What else don't I know
about you?' She grinned, and tilted her chin into the air.

'You'll have
to marry me to find out.' He shot her a wink and her insides did a sweet roll.

When she was
about to step from the car Jordan reached over, and touched her arm. 'Hang on a
minute.' He opened his door, scrambled out and rushed around to the passenger
door, offering his hand.

Zoe shook her
head, reached up and took his hand while she stepped out.

'Thank you.'
She put her arm over his.

 'Are you
ready?'

His hand
tightened over hers.

'Yes.'

'This should
have happened ages ago.'

'Well, we've
been busy haven't we?' She clicked her tongue and grinned.

Luke ran ahead
of them as they walked up at least twelve steps, surrounded by garden statues,
and fancy white columns that supported the veranda.

The double
front door opened.

'Zoe. You made
it.'

Zoe smiled
with relief. 'Jade. It's so nice to see you again.'

'Mummy.'

The little
girl held Jade's leg and stepped behind her when she spotted Zoe.

'Don't be like
that Katie. This is Zoe. Remember I said she was coming over for dinner tonight?'

'Hello Katie.
Remember me from the party at your Uncle Jordan's house?'

Katie hid her
face behind her mother's leg. Jade laughed. 'She's not usually this shy. I
think it's a sign that she likes you.'

Luke had
already disappeared, and Jordan stood beside Zoe.

'Hey Katie, how's
it going?'

Katie peeped
around, and as soon as she spotted Jordan she scrambled from her mother into
his arms. He picked her up and landed a kiss on her cheek.

'Where's
Adam?'

Katie pointed,
and Jordan walked through the house searching for the boys.

'It's really
good to see you again, Zoe.'

'Same here.
We've been a little busy.'

'Yeah. Tell me
about it. The fires were horrific. It's going to take a while to get over it.'

'Jordan said
they came close to your property.'

'Too close.
But the boys were there and when the wind changed direction it was a godsend. I
hear you had it pretty bad as well.'

'Yes. It was
scary for a while. But it's all good now, especially with the recent rain.'

'Come on.
Let's find Mum. I think she's still in the kitchen fussing. She's dying to see
you again.'

Zoe braced
herself as they headed into the kitchen. A woman in her fifties turned, wiping
her hands on a handtowel. Zoe wished she’d dressed up more, noticing Jordan's
mother dressed impeccably with grey pressed slacks and an ice blue blouse,
which displayed a gold and black brooch.

'Zoe. My,
you've grown into a beautiful young lady.' Helen's eyes filled with tears.

'I'm sorry I
told myself I wasn't going to cry.' She flicked tears from her cheeks with an
index finger.

'Thank you.'

'This is my
mother, Helen, Zoe. Remember her?'

'It's nice to
see you again, Helen. I have a vague memory of being here with my mother years
ago.'

Helen took a
few steps and hesitated to stare at Zoe, then she shook her head as though
disbelieving Zoe was standing before her. 'It's remarkable finding out that
you're okay. We were all worried.'

'Thank you.'

Helen moved
closer, leaned in and kissed Zoe on the cheek before throwing her arms around
her to give her a tight hug.

She drew back.
'I'm sorry again. But your mother was my best friend. She was such a treasure.'

 'Thank you.'
Zoe's eyes filled with tears, and she willed them back to where they belonged.
Why
couldn't you be here mum, why?

 'You've been
through a lot these past years. Now I have a feeling everything will settle
with your memory back. It must have been difficult for you.'

'It was. But
now everything's good.'

'Enough about
that Mum. You'll have her crying as well.'

'Oh I am
sorry. So much for me putting on the water works.' She smiled.

'It's nice to
hear how much my mother meant to the community. It appears everyone liked her.'

'Where's Dad,
Mum?'

Helen waved a
hand in the air. 'Oh, he's out back on the veranda with Tony. I saw Jordan head
out there as well. Jade, can you pour a drink for Zoe please?' Helen looked
over at Zoe. 'Why don't you girls take your drinks out back? We're having
dinner on the veranda. It's such a beautiful evening.'

'Okay Mum. Are
you sure you don't need a hand with anything more?'

'No thanks
love. Everything is organised.'

Jade poured
two white wines, turned and held one out.

'Here you go.'

Zoe took the
glass, and took a sip.

'Come on.
We'll go and see what the boys are up to.'

She followed
Jade outdoors onto a wide veranda. Further down, a large timber table had been
dressed with cutlery and condiments.

'There you
are.'

'Well...well...well...It's
about time. I thought this mystery girl was going to stay a mystery. It's
lovely to see you again, Zoe, except you're all grown up.'

'Zoe. This is
my Dad, Anthony.'

'It's nice to
see you again. I have vague memories.'

'We hope in
time everything will settle into place for you.'

Zoe smiled.
'Thank you. I'm hoping as well.'

'Hi Zoe.'

Zoe looked
over. 'Hello Tony. How have you been?'

'Not too bad
now. I think we all are in the same predicament. Still getting over the fires.'

Zoe nodded.
'Yes. Let's hope they stay away.'

Zoe pulled out
a chair next to Jade, but before she could sit, Jordan walked to her side.

'Hang on a
sec,' he whispered, and shot her a wink. Hell, she loved his wink. It warmed
her insides.

Helen walked
toward the table with a platter of nibbles in one hand. She leaned over and
placed it in the centre of the table. 'There you go. Dig in.'

'Thanks Mum.'

Zoe glanced at
Jordan. Her nerves were doing giant somersaults in her stomach as she wondered
about his family's reaction to their news.

'Before anyone
gets comfortable. I have an announcement to make.'

His mother
glanced at him, flicked her gaze to her husband and then back to Jordan.

'I hope it's
good. These past years have been hard for us Jordan.'

'I know Mum. I
appreciate everything this family has done for me. But Zoe has agreed to marry
me.'

Tingles shot
up Zoe's spine as she waited while her heart pumped through the long drawn out
seconds. Everyone cheered, and smiled.

'Oh,
congratulations sweetheart.' Jordan's mother took the few steps between them,
stood on tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek.

'I knew it. I
knew it was coming. It's great news. Congratulations.' Jade swung her arms
around her sister in law to be.

Celebrative
congratulations went round. Jordan snagged Zoe's waist with his hand, and
pulled her closer.

His mother's
face beamed with delight, and his father’s voice held pride.

'We need to
break out a good wine, champagne perhaps,' his father said, as he straightened
his back, signalling he was indeed pleased with the outcome.

'Jade, your
matchmaking skills worked for once.' Jordan glanced at his sister. She looked
up and grinned with that cheeky pixie grin he'd known all his life.

'You two were
matched long before I stepped in. You always said you were going to marry Zoe,'
Jade said, as happiness bubbled in her words.

'I did, didn't
I? It's finally come true.'

'I'm so happy
for you both,' Jade chimed.

Zoe had finally
returned home to a community she loved, and to a new family where she could
grow and overcome anything. Her roots were here. She felt it in her bones, in
the blood that flowed through her veins. She leaned against Jordan.

He tilted his
head kissing her on the lips, and withdrew a little.

'Welcome home,
baby. It's been a long time coming, a hell of a long time, but the flame in my
heart is one flame I'll never put out. It'll burn until the day I die.'