Page 12 of Kakadu Dawn | AllFreeNovel

Dru’s voice rose. ‘Oh, God, Ellie, don’t go thinking I’m having an affair too. It was Greg. Connor told me they were together today. From six o’clock this morning.’ Her voice was bitter, but strong. ‘Connor was lying to me, and I think that’s the final proof I need.’ Her lip quivered and her eyes filled with tears, and Ellie reached out and put her arms around her.

‘Dru, don’t jump to conclusions. I’m sure there’s a very good reason. He’s probably on some super-secret case or something he’s involved in through that agency that hires him sometimes.’

‘No. Greg wanted to come and see me and find out what was going on with Connor. And for Greg to do that, it’s big. You know what he’s like. A loner, but he stands by Connor; he’s as loyal as. Connor could do anything and Greg would stand by him, but he’s shutting Greg out too. I’m right, he’s having an affair. That’s the only explanation. If Greg is asking me what’s wrong, there is something very, very bad happening. And the phone call? That was Connor and he told me that they hadn’t finished and that he and Greg had to go away tonight. He said to say hello to everyone— ‘her voice finally broke— ‘and to apologise for being away. He lied to me, Ellie. He doesn’t love me anymore. I’ve just got to toughen up and get over it.’

‘No, Dru.’ Ellie kept her voice calm as her emotions swirled tumultuously. She was starting to think maybe Connor was guilty of something. He was certainly acting strangely. ‘You have to talk to him.’

‘We’ve always talked. He’s always been up front with me about what he’s working on, Ellie. He knows he can trust me. I don’t say anything to anyone. He shut down about six weeks ago and I can’t reach him, no matter how hard I try. He doesn’t even come into our bed some nights. He says he has to work late and then I wake up alone the next morning. He says it’s because I need my sleep and he didn’t want to disturb me when he came to bed. He’s never ever done that before so I know there’s something wrong.’ She closed her eyes and her lips drew together for a moment. ‘And you know what doesn’t happen when you’re not in the same bed, don’t you? I haven’t even seen him with his clothes off for weeks, and he’s started locking the bathroom door when he’s showering. It’s got to be my fault. I’m too cold for him. I mustn’t be a good enough wife or maybe I’m not a good enough mother either.’

‘Dru, stop it! Wake up to yourself. You need to sit down with him and find out what’s going on. Ask him straight out. Please promise me you will, or I won’t go away.’

Dru wiped her eyes and stood straight. She took a step away from Ellie, and the old closed-down Dru looked back at her.

‘You will and you’ll forget everything I told you. I’ll confront him tomorrow.’

‘Call me.’

Chapter 6

McLaren Mango Farm - Monday

Ellie

Ellie was quiet on the way back to the farm. The three kids were asleep in the back of the car, tired out from playing with their cousins.

Kane reached out to her and put his hand on hers. ‘You okay, love?’

‘Yes, just thinking about everything I have to do.’

‘Your pavlova was good. Did you see Graysen had three serves?’

She forced a smile. ‘I did. And did you see Mum’s ecstatic smile when Emma announced she was pregnant?’

‘I did.’ Kane frowned. ‘Was Dru okay today? She seemed a bit quiet this afternoon.’

Ellie hesitated. She’d promised, but she was also used to telling Kane everything. Finally, she spoke slowly. ‘She wasn’t very happy. Disappointed that Connor was working, I’d say.’

‘There’s nothing wrong with the baby, is there?’