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‘One of the reasons I want to move is to get away from my past. I think we’ve established a bit of a friendship today where we can talk freely.’

‘A problem shared is a problem halved,’ he said surprising himself. ‘My dad used to say that.’

‘I lost my partner almost two years ago,’ she said. ‘Jonty was killed in an industrial accident. I guess I haven’t really let myself get over it and coming here and this change has been very therapeutic for me. I even wonder if that’s why I think I should stay up here, but I guess it’s because I moved away and I’ve let go. I didn’t think I’d ever be happy again but I’ve enjoyed spending time with you this week, Cy.’ She shook her head. ‘Please don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying I’ve fallen for you or anything as heavy as that; it’s just been really good to spend time with another human being and talk. To be honest, I haven’t done that in the last two years. So, thanks for being kind to me.’

Cy cleared his throat and his voice was gruff. ‘Ditto. I’ve enjoyed your company too. And we’ve all got our demons.’

‘We do.’

‘Come on, let’s go make a cuppa.’ Cy held Tarni’s hand all the way back to the house.

Chapter 22

McLaren Mango Farm - Sunday night

Tarni.

Tarni yawned as she stood at the kitchen window, looking out into the dark. The moon was just rising and the tops of the mango trees were touched with golden light. The shadows beneath were more sinister, but she knew if there was anyone about, the dogs would be barking. Cy had assured her that whoever had been here was long gone.

She turned as he came in from the hallway. His hair was damp and he was wearing a white T-shirt and a pair of shorts.

Tarni looked away from the well-defined muscles of his chest. ‘Did you find everything you needed?’

‘Yes, I grabbed a towel from the hall cupboard. Listen, I don’t think I’ll have that cuppa now. I put some cans of Coke in the fridge. I’ll have a cold drink.’

‘Very healthy,’ she said. ‘Coke would keep me awake.’

‘Nothing will keep me awake tonight. A drink and off to bed.’

Tarni got the impression that Cy wasn’t feeling very talkative. He’d been quiet since he’d come back to the shopping centre where she’d sat reading in a coffee shop while he visited the hospital. He still hadn’t been forthcoming about who he had visited, but she had noticed the definite change in his demeanour afterwards. When he came back, he’d barely spoken before she went to sleep on the trip back to the farm. Even though she’d known him for a short time, it was clear something was bothering him. It probably was none of her business, but she found the courage to ask; he’d looked out for her. She could do the same for him.

‘Are you okay, Cy?’

He nodded and then looked away. ‘Yep.’

‘Okay, I don’t think I’ll have a hot drink either. I’ll take a glass of water to bed with me, in case I need to take more painkillers through the night.’ Tarni walked over and stood beside him. It was very much out of character but she put her uninjured hand on his forearm. His skin was warm and still slightly damp. ‘Thank you, Cy. It was very kind of you to look after me today. I appreciate it.’

‘Not a problem. How’s the hand?’

‘Not hurting too much. It’s been a long time since anyone has looked after me, so thank you. I know you had a lot of work planned.’

‘It waited. Back to work for a normal day for me tomorrow. I hope you’re going to take some time out.’

‘I might have a bit of a lie-in and I’ll just go down later in the morning and look at the seeds. Write up some figures if I can.’

‘If your hand can take it.’ He smiled slightly but still looked distracted.

‘Yes. Would it be all right with you if I came down to the dam and watched you work for a while? It would be nice sitting in the sun down there. I’d like to take a walk through the trees and have a good look at the orchard.’

He nodded slightly but didn’t reply and she wondered if he would prefer to be alone.

‘Anyway, I’ll see what the morning brings,’ she said briskly. ‘I might have a fair bit to write up depending on what happens with the seeds overnight.’

‘Okay. Sleep well.’ Cy disappeared up the hallway without looking back and soon she heard the bedroom door close.

Tarni went back to the window and looked out over the orchard. The moon had cleared the tops of the mango trees now, and a peaceful scene met her. Full and heavy, the light of the moon made the shadowy corners under the trees seem less sinister. The fear that had gripped her when she knew someone had been in the house eased a little.

The unlocked front doors had thrown her; now she scanned the darkness looking for any sign of anyone still out there. She still felt uncomfortable, because she knew she had locked both the doors before they left.