Outback Flames: Australian Rural Romantic Suspense (7 page)

'Hello, anyone
here. I know you're here, the cars. Zoe, Zoe.'

'Coming Jade.'

'Don't tell me
the family has arrived.'

Zoe smiled.
'She was invited.' She turned and walked toward the door.

'This place is
beautiful. I told you Jordan was good.'

'Thank you.'

Jordan
strolled toward them. 'I guess I should head off. I want to make sure the
garden is completed within a few days.'

'Yeah, sure. I
gave you a list of those plants didn't I?'

'All written
down in my diary.'

'Thanks,
Jordan.'

'Thanks for
the coffee. I'll see you tomorrow.'

And it was the
first time Zoe felt uncomfortable when he said goodbye. She didn't know why,
and suspected it was because Jade was there.

As Jordan
walked by, he playfully tapped Jade on the shoulder. 'Don't forget sis, Mum’s
special dinner tonight.'

'I won't. See
you then.'

After having
coffee with Jade, and giving her a two-hour tour, she waved goodbye. Zoe was
thankful for the friendship. It made life a little better. She closed the door,
and locked it behind her recalling the mention of the special dinner. It would
be a dream to sit around a table with family, to feel wanted, to belong, and
chat about day to day things in general.

Zoe had no
idea what that feeling felt like, even though she tried to please her aunt. Her
aunt had never been satisfied with the hours of hard work she had tirelessly
undertaken without complaint. Her chest filled with a hollow ache, and her eyes
glazed with tears as she glanced about the house. To hear her mother's voice
one last time, or even a memory she could hold onto would be all she
needed...for now.

What made
things worse, was that she couldn't sense that her parents had lived in this
house. She couldn't smell her mother and even if she could, it wouldn't mean
anything. Zoe shrugged and concluded that when she had cattle on the property
she'd be more than busy. There would be so much work to undertake she wouldn't
have time to miss something she didn't have and no time to dwell on her
emotions. At least she wouldn't be a failure in anyone's eyes. Her aunt
repeatedly informed her she was cold, and incapable of knowing or feeling any
type of love. Being so young, how could she give love when none was shown?

Zoe sank onto
the chair and tried to blink her tears away. There was no one around to accuse
her of not returning love, when to this day she didn't truly understand what
love was or what it was about. She may have had a couple of male friends, but
it didn't venture further than a few months of dating.

Oh sure, she'd
get that warm kick up feeling inside when Jordan was around, but hundreds of
women would. His easy relaxed attitude made her feel comfortable. Her list of
fine qualities that Jordan held was growing. She'd added well-mannered and
gorgeous to that list over the last few days.

She released a
shaky breath she hadn't realised she was holding. How could she please a man
like Jordan? Imagine the conflict, the difficulty she'd stumble upon as the big
letter 'F' sat in her mind? And the last person she wanted to disappoint was
Jordan.

'Well Mum,
Dad. Here I am back home. I did it. I know it's not finished yet, but I have to
slow down a bit on the money side of things. Jordan is here too. I think you'd
like that. You must remember him. He's turned out to be a really nice guy. You
would have liked him. He's a good friend.'

She rang the
solicitor, made an appointment, and then unpacked a new set of lilac satin
sheets. She walked up to her bedroom and stood at the door in a state of
disbelief. Jordan had set up her bed and mattress, and positioned the room the
way she would have wanted the arrangement. She screwed up her face, gave her head
a shake and made up the bed.

Jordan gave Mark, his friend, a
wave as his four-wheel drive pulled up in front of the house. Mark scramble
from the driver’s side and rounded the back of his vehicle, to open the
passenger door for his wife. Jordan grinned.

He stood from
his chair, a stubby bottle in one hand. 'To what do I owe the pleasure?'

Mark chuckled.
'You'll find out.' After helping his wife from the car, he headed up the six
timber steps toward Jordan. 'We've finally caught you doing nothing.'

'One hour and
I'm heading into town. Have a seat. I'll get us some beers.' Jordan shook hands
with Mark and kissed Samantha on the cheek.

'I'll get the
beers and a glass of water for myself,' said Samantha.

'Thanks
Sammy.' Jordan eased down onto a chair, and Mark sat at the end of the table.

'So how's
things going? I didn't know you were in the area.'

'We called in
for a quick catch up. We've been busy with the property and organising things
for the baby and wanted to ask you something. I'll wait until Samantha comes
outside.'

'And you
couldn't do it by phone?'

'Not this.'

'It must be
important.'

'It is. I'd
like Sammy to be present when we ask you.'

'Sammy does
look good for someone that's pregnant.'

'She is, mate.
She's as healthy as a mallee bull. How's things with you?'

'I got a
shocker a while back. Guess who's back in town?'

Jordan grinned
and as he waited, he studied Mark’s face. 'You haven't a clue have you?'

'Here you go.'
Samantha placed the stubby bottles on the table in front of the men. 'You still
going on about Jordan being alone?' She directed her gaze at her husband and
sat beside him.

'I don't think
Michelle would want you to be alone mate. You've been working yourself to the
bone lately. No fun and well, other stuff.'

Jordan
laughed, picked up his stubby and snapped the top before taking a long swig.

'Ease off
Mark. If it's meant to be, it's meant to be. The right woman will walk into
town one day, and well. It'll be all wedding and babies.'

Jordan let out
another deep chuckle wondering where this would take him. God he loved his best
mates. He'd known them since high school and they bonded like blood.

'Well,' said
Samantha.

Mark grinned,
rolled the sleeves of his blue checked flannelette shirt up to his elbows and
picked up the stubby bottle. 'I can't win. She's always right.'

Samantha
slapped him playfully on the shoulder. 'Yeah and this baby is hearing
everything you say.' She rubbed a hand over her eight-month swell.

'Sorry tiger,'
Mark said to her stomach.

'It's going to
be a little girl, a tigress.'

Jordan loved
the respect they held for each other. Loved the way they bantered openly in
front of anyone. His best mates knew his heart, knew it was anchored on his
sleeve for that special woman.

'Jordan. Come
in, Jordan. You're off with the damn cows again.'

Jordan snapped
from his reverie.

'They say you
never forget your first love but don't you think you should move on?' Samantha
questioned. 

'I tried that
remember?' Jordan stilled, sculled a mouthful of beer. 'I even dream about her
on the occasion.'

'You mean to
say the dreams are back?'

'Yeah. Pretty
much constant now.'

'I thought
they left when you met Michelle.'

They did but
as I said, they're knocking me out. They're pretty damn vivid. Some scenes are
disturbing.'

'What do you
mean?' Samantha leaned closer toward the table.

'Well there's
this woman yelling at Zoe, more like screaming. I see a strap and this woman
orders her around like a dog. I can't make it out.'

'I think your
brain is that wound up about her, everything is getting mixed up in there. Let
it go. It's going to bring you down even more.'

'It won't.
She's back.'

Mark and
Samantha stilled, gazing at him.

'Come again,
mate?' Mark said.

'What? Do you
mean Zoe?'

'Sure do. Zoe
Montgomery is back in town.'

Samantha
covered her mouth. Mark straightened his back.

'Here in
Munna?'

'Yep.'

'Hell...have
you spoken to her?'

After Jordan
explained the events surrounding Zoe's disappearance, Samantha looked like
someone that had been hit over the head with a shovel, and Mark's face revealed
a touch of relief mixed with curiosity.

'So there's
hope for you yet mate.'

'I'm not too
sure about that.' Jordan remarked, and leant back in his chair.

'Oh poor Zoe.
That means she won't remember us. So does this mean she doesn't remember
what...anything...us...school...no one?' Tears filled her eyes.

'That about
sums it up.'

'I can't
believe it. A lot of people thought she was dead, that she was kidnapped.'

'Yeah,
everyone had their own story to tell. One thing, we'll have to take it slow.'

'Yeah, you
especially. Have you told her much about that night, or the past?'

'No. I want to
get to know her a bit and then tell her what I know. It's the only way I can
envisage getting through this in one piece.'

'Sounds like a
plan.'

'I need one,
that's for sure. So how long are you staying?'

'Two nights,
that is if you don't mind?'

Jordan
laughed. 'You could stay permanently and I wouldn't mind Sammy. You can have my
bed. I'll sleep on the couch.'

Mark shook his
head. 'You sure mate? We can stay at the motel in town.'

Jordan moved
forward, the stubby in one hand. 'No bloody mates of mine are shacking up at
the Banners’. That place is so small and well Ned and Sally aren't too fond of
us remember? I'd love to have you both.'

'That's settled
then.'

'Banner was a
friend with old Wright wasn't he? Remember him?'

'I'll never
forget.' Mark let out a heartfelt chuckle.

'Wright didn't
take too kindly to us when we blew up his mailbox after leaving primary school.
I don't think he ever got over it. He shoots me that glare each time I see him
in town.'

'I can't
believe Zoe is back. Are you sure she hasn't said anything about where she's
been?' Samantha sniffled a few times.

'She's said a
bit about staying with an aunt. But it didn't sound too good.'

'I can't help
thinking the worst. At least she's back home. It's like a miracle come true.'
Samantha gazed at Jordan as tears brimmed to her cheeks.

'Hey. It's not
something to get all sad about.'

'Yeah, but it
was the not knowing. All those years we wondered what happened to her. I was so
scared for her. Don't forget we were only young. Poor Zoe. We all had dreams in
those days. Then it suddenly everything changed. It was a scary time. And you
Jordan, you've waited for this day for so long. You wanted her to return, you
never gave up on her. Did you tell her you set out on a search party at least
twice a year looking for her, and that you'd covered most of Australia in the
process?'

'She wouldn't
want to hear that. I don't want to scare her off. It's slow and steady,
remember?'

'Since when
have you ever been slow and steady? I can see this unfolding before my eyes.'
Mark grinned.

'I'll give it
my best shot.'

'No doubt you
will Jordan. No doubt you will.'

'What does she
look like?'

Jordan rested
back in his seat, and a grin stretched across his face. 'Well, she's got
beautiful silky hair, and eyes that knock me off my feet.'

'That happened
when you were young. I recall you saying,' Mark said.

'You've never
stopped loving a ghost have you?'

'Sammy.'

'Well it's
true Mark. Jordan didn't know if she was dead or alive, yet he still loved her.
He still held on for all these years. It sounds so romantic.'

The men
laughed.

'Anyhow, what
brought you here? You said you had something to ask me, or to tell me.'

Mark sat
forward in his chair. 'Sammy and I wondered if you'd be godfather for our child
when he or she is born. If anything happens to us, well, you get the job.' Mark
grinned.

'You know I'd
love to, Mark. Sammy. Hell, it'd be a privilege.'

'We thought you'd
say yes. It means a lot to us Jordan.'

'I know. After
all, you two are Luke's godparents.'

'Thanks
Jordan,' Sammy said, her cheeks beaming.

'Seeing it is
Saturday arvo how about you come with me into town for a feed? I've got to pick
up Luke from Mum and Dad's first.'

'Sounds good.
I can't wait to see him. How's he been? I bet he's grown.'

'Yeah, he's a
good kid. Come on. Finish up. It's almost time get going.'

***

Zoe grabbed
her handbag and locked the front door. She walked up along the path and turned
back gazing at Montagreen. It felt good. Everything felt right. She was
celebrating tonight, alone, and she wondered what Jordan was having for supper.
One thing on her to buy list wasn't a barbeque, and her stomach wouldn't let up
with the craving for a good steak. She closed the black wrought iron gate
behind her as pride and contentment filled her body.

As she drove
into town, she glanced at the ochre sunset spearing across the sky and wished
she had someone to share it with, wished... she reprimanded herself. She was
lucky to have escaped her aunt, let alone wish for anything more. She should be
grateful, having a roof over her head and a place to call home, without having
to live in fear.

The dry heat
sat heavy in the atmosphere, and with her window down, the drum of the tyres
over the bitumen road, the occasional squawk of a bird and the humming of
insects broke the silence.

One hour
later, she slowed her ute and crawled down the main street. She glanced about,
noticing the growing number of cars parked out the front of the pub, and she
hoped she wasn't too late to put in a meal order.

Zoe stepped
from her ute, and ran a hand down the side of her jeans, her gaze fleeting in
all directions. She adjusted her ice blue top and swung her bag over her shoulder.
After closing the door of the ute, she stepped up onto the footpath and headed
toward the pub.

A few stares
from the surrounding men had her on edge as she walked into the pub. The meal
area was to one side, and she wove a path through the crowd to join the
line-up. Fifteen minutes later, holding a number in her hand, she turned,
looking for a spare table.

Standing on
tiptoes was the only way to see above the many heads as she tried to find a
vacant seat. Wolf whistles echoed above the crowd, and Zoe's cheeks filled with
heat.

'Zoe, over
here.'

She glanced
around and spotted Jordan standing at a table with his son and another couple.

She made her
way over, and stopped by the table. 'Hi Jordan. I didn't expect it to be so
busy.'

'Saturday
nights are usually flat out. We've got a vacant seat if you'd like to join us.'

Zoe flicked
his friends an uneasy glimpse, but what choice did she have? The place was full
and she'd already paid for her meal. 'Thank you.'

Jordan pulled
out the chair next to him and Zoe slipped onto it feeling uncomfortable.
Everyone in the place was staring, and she didn't know what to do or say.

'It's okay.
They are probably wondering what happened to you. I think....hell I forgot to
introduce you, sorry.'

Zoe gave a
polite nod toward the strange couple and a smile touched her lips.

'Zoe this is
Samantha and Mark Butterworth. Most people call her Sam, or Sammy and Mark's
just Mark.'

The men
chuckled.

'It's nice to
meet you Zoe,' Samantha said, gazing at the woman that was once a close and
dear friend.

'Same here,
Zoe. Jordan's told us a bit about you.'

'It's nice to
meet some of Jordan's friends.' Zoe smiled again, shifted her feet under the
table, and dropped her hands in her lap.

She looked at
Jordan, and then to Luke who sat on his left side.

'Hello Luke.
You're quiet.'

'Dad said I
can't talk unless someone talks to me. Thanks for talking to me Zoe.'

'How did the
present go?'

'She loved it.
Dad said next time I go to a party we might invite you to help pick out the present.
It was the best present she got.'

'That's good
to hear.'

'You've
ordered I see.'

'Hey mate.
Who's your friend?' someone yelled from the crowd, and it appeared to be coming
from the bar area.

Zoe dipped her
head, trying not to be so conspicuous, but she knew it wasn't working. Everyone
in the place spotted the new face in town.

'Hey Zoe; do
you mind if I shut them up for a while? You have to let people know what
happened to you, otherwise this could go on forever,' Jordan said in a hushed
tone.

'Really?'

'The people
who knew you are curious, and don't understand why or how it took so long for
you to return. Perhaps they think you've come back from the dead. The men who
don't know you think some hot chick has moved into town and they're ready to
pounce on your bones.'

Zoe raised her
eyebrows. 'Pounce on my bones.' She laughed. 'Do you think they'd do that?'

'It's an
expression, but it'd be pretty close to the truth.'

'I can't stand
up and announce I've come back from the dead.'

'Where did you
come back from Zoe?'

Zoe looked
over at Samantha, gathering they had once known one another. 'I was living with
my aunt. Apparently she was in town the night of the fire, and she took me away
that night not wanting me to face anything horrific.' Well most of it was the
truth, there was no need to elaborate and she hoped it would be enough to
settle the curiosity of the townsfolk. 'I've already discussed the issue about
being listed as missing with Constable Berry. I had no idea.'