Outback Flames: Australian Rural Romantic Suspense (14 page)

'I'm not
making a statement at this time. I'm sorry. I can't.'

'As I said, if
there is evidence we can charge her without a statement from you. You were
thirteen years old at the time of the incident.'

Zoe's insides
hiked up as her nerves set on a slow rotation.

'We need
evidence, although you've stated it was your aunt.'

All the blood
in Zoe's body slowed. 'I...'

Jordan took
her hand, gave her a reassuring look. 'It's the right thing to do. She may be
responsible for burning your house, and the death of your family.'

'We'll see
what I can come up with.' The sergeant directed his attention to Jordan. 'It'd
be good to know for sure, won't it Jordan? I had a hard time believing they
convicted you on such little evidence. It wouldn't stick now.'

'Yeah. I'd be
nice to clear my name. Get the truth out there.'

'You could
always appeal.'

'We've
discussed that. I'm not putting my family through something like that again.'

'I
understand.'

Zoe released a
strangled breath.

'It's only
early. I'll take a drive to Tamworth later on today. I'll stay overnight,' the
sergeant announced.

'Thank you.'

Zoe gave the
sergeant her aunt's address.

'That far out.
Hell...it's out in the sticks.' He chuckled. 'And I thought Munna was.'

'It's pretty
secluded.'

The sergeant
shook his head. 'I'll give you a ring as soon as I find out any information.'

'Thank you.
I'd appreciate that.'

'Thanks Andy.'

They shook
hands with Andy before they left. Jordan opened the front door and Zoe stepped
out into the hot afternoon sun. She was pleased with their visit and something
kicked up her insides. To find out who was responsible would settle the
upheaval of her past, although she wondered if it would be a mere Band-Aid. She
was hoping the days spent with her aunt would gradually fade, be a distant
memory, locked away for good.

To have
someone responsible and convicted would free Jordan of the terrible accusations
he had to face each day, would also be a blessing. She couldn't bear to think
what he'd gone through during his time in incarceration.

Jordan slipped
his arm around Zoe's, and she grinned while they walked toward his vehicle. He
opened the car door, and she climbed in. When he settled behind the steering
wheel Zoe said, 'I feel a little better now that something is being done. Who
knows, it may lead to a dead end, but at least it's something, a start.'

'Me too. It's
a good feeling knowing Andy is on my side. He told me before I was sentenced
that he knew I wasn't responsible.'

'Every other
resident in Munna is also on your side.'

'Almost. There
are a few that still charge across the other side of the street when they see
me coming. Some of the towns folk are full of disbelief and only believe what
they want. They don't take to forgiving easy.'

'What's there
to forgive? You aren't responsible.'

'They think
I'm this big monster that will terrify them and their children.'

Zoe laughed.
'I hardly think so. You have Luke and what I've seen and know you're a good
man, and a good father.'

Jordan looked
at her. 'Thanks.'

'I haven't
seen Jade for a while.'

'Tony's back
in town for a few days.'

'It must get
lonely for her. It's like she's raising the children alone.'

'It does. Tony
is in the process of buying the local hardware. He already owns half, and well
he wants to give up the shearing. They'd do okay out of it.'

'That's good
to hear. It'll make Jade happy.'

'Yeah. It'll
also give Tony more time with the kids. Jade did help out in the shop a few
days a week, and she's been hinting that she wants to go back, do more.'

'That's
understandable.'

'She says
she's cooped up at home too much.'

Zoe smiled.

Leaving the
town behind, Zoe noticed thirsty paddocks aching for a little nourishment, even
the grass on the sides of the road had died.

'I wondered
why Mum and Dad called the property Montagreen. I can't recall if it was green,
brown or any colour really. I visualised so much greenery.'

'That's
because it was. Your mother loved gardening. The dams were full and the tanks
never ran dry. It rained often. I can't remember a drought as bad as this one.
Do you remember the white roses she had at the front of the house?'

Zoe shook her
head indicating no.

'They were her
pride and joy, along with you naturally. It'll rain soon. Give it some time.
It's a cycle. Everything goes in cycles.'

Zoe glanced at
his face. Perspiration dripped from his temples, and the heat in the cabin of
his vehicle increased.

'Do you want
the air on?'

'Yes thanks.
It's so hot. I need a cool shower.'

'Why not go
down to the swimming hole? You remember the spring fed dam, don't you? It's got
at least six feet of water, enough for a quick dip.'

Zoe shuddered.
'Um. I don't have a costume.'

'You have
underwear don't you? It's the same thing. It'd do you good. Be refreshing. I
have a few hours before I have to pick up Luke, and what work I have can wait.'

'Okay. I
haven't been swimming since...um well a long time ago.'

'When we were
kids?' He shot her a searching glance. 'You could outdo most of the fellas.'

Zoe laughed.
'It wasn't on purpose.'

'Let's see how
good you are these days. The ropes are still there.'

'You're on.'
She smiled. Her heart overflowed with warmth. She loved the comfortable feeling
she got while with Jordan, loved everything about him.

Ten minutes after Jordan passed
his parents property he turned off the main road.

Zoe bumped up
and down as his vehicle hit rocks, and dipped into tyre swallowing ditches. She
grabbed the door handle. 'I don't recall it being so rough.'

'It's always
been like this. When you're a kid you don't tend to notice these things.'

They pulled up
under a few gum trees, and Zoe's eagerness grew. God she hadn't been down this
way since she was a young girl. After scrambling from his car, she walked the
few paces to the edge of the cliff and hesitated.

Although the
water was murky she'd bet it was cool and refreshing. Even the edges of the
cliff held a tinge of green, and the surrounding shrubs seemed to be battling
well against the drought.

'It's amazing
what an underground stream can do.'

'It's a little
different, but nice.'

'You're not
going to chicken out, are you?'

'No chance in
that.' She grinned.

'Come on.' He
reached out, took her hand and she felt she was home. Her heart welled with
emotion as they climbed down the embankment. She broke from Jordan's hold, and
looked about for a shrub and headed toward the closest thickest clump of bush.

'I've seen it
all before Zoe.'

She slammed to
a standstill and turned back. She'd forgotten about her scars. Although Jordan
had seen them on more than one occasion, she decided to leave her jeans on, so
her left thigh and buttocks would be covered.

Zoe stripped
off her top, and when she walked out from behind the bush Jordan glanced over.

'You forgot
your jeans.'

'They're
staying on.' She hugged her arms around her chest, trying to cover her exposed
black lacy bra.

He took off
his shirt, and continued to undress, slipping his jeans from his legs revealing
nothing but muscles from his shoulders down his back, and his legs.

Zoe knew she'd
never tire of looking at him. He straightened, turned toward her.

'You want to
take the rope first or run in from here?'

Thinking of
the jump, adrenaline rushed through her. 'The rope.'

He shot her a
mischievous grin. 'I'll test it out first.'

Jordan closed
the space between them, kissed her lightly on the cheek and took off. He
climbed the tree. When he reached the rope that swung out over the dam, he gave
it a few hard tugs, testing to see if it supported his weight. 'It's still as
good as new. I replaced it about six months ago. The local kids come out here
on the weekends.'

Perspiration
dripped from her temples, and she stepped into the shade contemplating the
excitement of hitting the cool water. Unable to wait any longer she headed
toward the tree and started to climb. Half way up Jordan yelled out.

'Tarzan.'

She laughed
and watched as he hit the water. Excitement coursed through her and she
scurried the rest of the way.

'It's
refreshing.'

Zoe grabbed
the rope and peered downward. 'Here I go,' she yelled and swung out, but for
some reason she didn't let go of the rope.

'Are you
okay?'

'Yeah.
I'm....' The rope swung back toward the tree, and when it glided out again over
the dam, she released her grip, dropping the few metres into the murky water.

Coming up for
air, she turned in all directions looking for Jordan but she couldn't spot him.
She glanced up to the tree the moment he was about to grab hold of the rope.
She shivered against the abrupt change in temperature, but felt revitalized.

When she
walked from the water, she climbed the tree for a second time.

'You surprise
me Zoe. Again?'

'Yup. Again. I
want to do it right this time round.' She scrambled to the top at express
speed. As soon as the rope returned from Jordan's jump, she grabbed hold of it
and swung out to drop down and land metres from him.

She laughed,
and Jordan followed. 'I didn't think you still had it in you.'

'Well, you
thought wrong.' She shivered. As she started to walk from the water, Jordan
reached out and grabbed her hand, gave it a tug. She turned toward him.

Water droplets
ran over his body and she wanted her fingers to be those droplets, exploring,
touching... His hand snagged her around the waist and he coaxed her closer.
Goosebumps worked over her flesh, and she wasn't sure if it was from standing
in wet jeans, or if his touch was responsible. His chest, solid, muscular and
uncompromising, filled her vision and as her gaze trailed up toward his eyes,
their lips connected in a slow passionate kiss. She fell against his hard body,
while his hands explored her back, her shoulders, and her neck.

Their lips
broke free leaving her breathless, her gaze over his. 

'Unfortunately
we have to get going. I've got to pick Luke up soon.'

Her heart
plummeted.

'I've still
got a raincheck remember?'

'So that's
two. You are greedy, although I recalled saying, try me.' Zoe giggled and
reached down in the water to splash him. He retaliated, splashing back and she
ran from the water toward the spot where her clothes lay.

After she
slipped her top over wet skin, they climbed up the hill. By the time Zoe
reached the car her top was almost dry, and although her jeans stuck to her
skin they felt cool. She grinned at Jordan.

'Are you sure
you don't want to take them off?'

'No way. It's
ten minutes to home. I can deal with it...Oh...your seat. Have you a towel or
something?'

He walked to
the back of his four-wheeler and dragged out a towel, holding it with an
outstretched arm.

She reached
out, but he didn't let go. 'Come on Jordan, give it to me.'

'I did try.'

'Jordan
Townsend. Why you...' She tugged at the towel harder and he let go, sending her
to the ground on her butt. 'You wait. I'll get you back for that. You wait and
see.' She grinned and secretly plotted her revenge.

She scrambled
to her feet and opened the passenger door, placing the towel on the seat before
pulling herself up into the vehicle. Her mind slipped back to when she was
thirteen.

'Anything you
can do I can do better.'

'Yeah, well, I
see about that.'

'What Jordan?
I climb faster and I run faster.'

They had
laughed until their insides ached, they had smiled and everything around them
seemed bright, green and she'd been so happy.

'Hey. Hello.'

She glanced up
to find Jordan already sitting beside her in his four-wheeler. 'I was thinking
about being here when we were kids.'

'It was a
great time wasn't it.'

'It was
beautiful.'

'It can still
be both Zoe.'

'I know. Let's
go slow for now, okay.'

He nodded.
'Whatever the boss wants.'

'I'm not your
boss.'

'I've still
got the front garden to plant out.'

'I thought
you'd get a gardener in or something.'

'No gardeners
in Munna. That's why I'm doing the job.'

The engine
kicked over and they headed to Montagreen. Zoe had a hard time getting her mind
around the day she'd have to care for his son. If they were an item and were to
marry, Luke would become family. She wasn't sure if she could manage the needs
of a child, since she'd let her little brother down. She'd turned her back on
him and scrambled away from the fire. Tears filled her eyes and she glanced out
through the window. What if Luke ran away? The thought terrified her.

Jordan pulled
up in front of her house. 'Do you want to come over for a barbeque tonight?
Nothing fancy just steak, salad, chips.'

'I'd like to,
but I want to wait and see if the sergeant calls.'

'He said he'd
call either your mobile or home phone.'

'I want to be
here if the home phone rings. Oh and, I'm heading to Tamworth tomorrow to do
some shopping. I need more furniture, and it won't miraculously appear if I
don't do something about it. I'll be gone overnight.'

'I understand.
Be careful and keep your phone charged and switched on. I'd offer to take you,
but I've got a fair bit to get through over the next few days. How about we
catch up on Friday night at the pub for tea?'

'Sounds like a
plan.'

They exchanged
a light kiss on the lips.

'Oh and thanks
for the swim. I had a great time,' she said as she came up for air.

***

Zoe stood on
the veranda and watched Jordan's vehicle depart before she headed indoors. It'd
been an informative and enjoyable day but she felt a little squeamish in the
stomach, and put it down to the thought of driving into Tamworth the following
day.

Tamworth had
grown over the years, not that she'd frequented it that much, but there'd be
little chance she'd run into her aunt, if at all. She hardly ever went to the
stores.

On dusk Zoe
began to lock up the house. She hoped the house phone would ring, and kept her
mobile close by. Neither phone had rung all afternoon. She expected to hear
from the sergeant later that night or perhaps in the morning before she left to
head to Tamworth.