Page 47 of Larapinta

‘How far tomorrow?’ Maggie asked. ‘I really enjoyed today. It was a long way but I managed.’

‘You managed well,’ P.D. chipped in. ‘Very well.’

‘And so did I,’ Jenny said. ‘I’m starting to surprise myself. How did you go on the high trail, Sandy?’

‘It was wonderful. I had the best day, and we saw budgerigars too.’

Andrew waited until everyone was listening. ‘Early start tomorrow. We’ve got a nine-hour trek, so we’ll be up at dawn for breakfast, so set your phone alarms. Jodie will send P.D. along to the tents when breakfast is ready, so try to be packed up and ready to set off as soon as you’ve eaten.’

‘God, it’ll be cold that early,’ Maggie said.

‘It will. P.D. and I will lead you out tomorrow, and then when we get on the main trail, I’ll lead the way and P.D. will bring up the rear. Jodie will meet us with the truck at Birthday Waterhole and when we get there, P.D. and I will help her set up camp.’

‘Are we allowed to swim in that waterhole?’ Paul asked, but he was grinning.

‘You can. And you’ll appreciate it after tomorrow’s walk. Plus, our campsite is a kilometre from the public trail camp, but there’s no phone service out there anywhere.’

Sandra gave a little gasp and her face heated when everyone looked at her.

‘Sorry.’ She shook her head. ‘I just realised we have phone service here and I hadn’t even thought of ringing home and checking in.’

‘That’s what we like to hear. The Red Centre has worked its magic on you.’

‘It certainly has. Excuse me. I’ll be back in a little while.’

As she stood to leave, she put her hand on Graysen’s shoulder. ‘Wait for me?’

Her answer was the squeeze of his hand on hers.

The café was closed but the tables and chairs were still out on the stone balcony undercover. There was no one else sitting there, so Sandra walked up the hill and pulled out a chair.

Who to call first?

Chapter 15

McLaren Mango Farm

‘Here we go,’ Ellie said as she looked down at the screen of her phone when it rang. ‘Thank goodness James is in bed already. That’s one thing I can be truthful about.’

‘Your mum?’

Ellie nodded at Kane. ‘Yep. Don’t look at me or I’ll sound unnatural.’

‘I’ll go and load the dishwasher and give you some privacy. Say hello from me.’

Ellie took a deep breath and answered the call. ‘Hey, Mum. So good to hear from you. We’ve missed you!’

‘Hi darling, it’s good to hear your voice. I suppose I’ve missed James.’

‘Yes, he’s been in bed for a couple of hours. He went out to the trees with Kane this afternoon and came back filthy. So, early bath and tea and we’ve had some peace and quiet. Kane says hello.’

‘Hello back to Kane, and give James a kiss from Nanny in the morning. How are you?’

‘You’ll be proud of me, Mum. I’m having a rest most afternoons. I’m enjoying this not going to work. Now enough about us, how are you?’

‘Oh, darling, It’s absolutely incredible here. I’m having the best time.’

Ellie smiled. She hadn’t heard her mother so animated for ages.