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  “Maybe you’d be better off moving into Invercargill, find a job there?” He trailed her out to the car.

  “I’m not turning this down, Johnny.” They put the boxes into her car and returned inside. “It’s a great job, one I’ll enjoy. The pay is beyond what I’d receive scrubbing floors, and I get accommodations for me and Thomas as well.” She indicated another box and picked up one herself. “Right now, this is a dream come true for me.”

  “Yeah, too bad your other dreams turned to dust.”

  Shannon shot a glance over her shoulder. “Shh, Thomas might hear.”

  Her brother shot a disgruntled look at her. “He bloody well needs to know,” he argued. “And you need to tell him what a useless waster his old man was.”

  “Shut up, Johnny.” Shannon glared at him. “Keep your opinions about Eric to yourself when you’re within earshot of my son.”

  “Thomas,” she called. “Hurry up. You need to put your stuff into Uncle Johnny’s car. My car is about full.”

  “And you think I’m a lazy, good-for-nothing,” Johnny mumbled as he picked up a suitcase. He waited until Thomas had stomped out to the waiting cars with a case and a bag. “At least I’ve got money put away for my kids. I earn barely enough for us to live on but I still manage some insurance and a little savings. If I did something stupid enough to kill myself, at least they’d have something to see them right. It might not be much but it’d be a hell of a lot more than that bastard left you.”

  The worst thing was Johnny was right. Shannon slumped, her chin hitting her chest, then she straightened her back before Thomas made it back through the door. He’d hardly looked at her and hadn’t offered a word since last night, but she wasn’t showing him any weakness.

  She touched her brother’s arm and gave him a weary smile. “You’re right. If I’d compared you a few years ago, in my eyes you’d have come up wanting against Eric, but right now?” She leaned against him for a second. “Right now you’re head and shoulders above. He wouldn’t be fit to clean your boots.” Her gaze checked for anything they’d missed. “However, I refuse to destroy the illusion Thomas has of his father.”

  “That’s a mistake, Sha. You should have shared what you learned as you learned it. He could have taken it. He’s not a kid anymore.” His added, “Are you, boy?” as Thomas stomped through, probably hearing the last comment, was met with a surly shrug.

  The cars were packed. Not surprised Thomas should elect to ride with his uncle rather than her, Shannon yanked the door shut without a moment’s regret.

  “I just hope you’re not making a mistake.”

  Shannon nudged Johnny as she passed on the way to her car. “Why are you such a gloom merchant today?” As she climbed in, she found her brother had followed her and shut her door.

  “Be careful, Shannon. Luke is too much like Eric. Hell, he’s forty years old, never had a home or any obvious income, and he’s always floating around the world playing games like some kid. You don’t deserve another Eric in your life.”

  “I’m going to work for the man, Johnny, not marry him.”

  “I just can’t see him being a decent employer, either. Word has it he’s never worked a day in his life.”

  Johnny’s concerned frown warmed Shannon. While Luke might be attractive to some women, she’d never fall for another adventurer. “I’m not sure how the locals know what Luke Prescott’s been doing all these years. He’s hardly ever been back in New Zealand, let alone Riversleigh,” she teased.

  Seeing his frown deepen, she touched his arm. “I’ll be careful, I promise.”

  “And make sure your wages go into the bank each week. Although who knows where his money comes from. Don’t let him fob you off with excuses. The first time he misses your pay, you tackle him.”

  “I will.” Her hand rubbed up and down his arm. “It’s nice having someone worrying about me.” Her voice wobbled. “I’ve missed that.”

  Shannon smiled as a ruddy-faced Johnny swung away and climbed into his own car.

  A glance in the rear-vision mirror showed him right behind her. Thomas and Johnny were talking but she wasn’t concerned. Johnny wouldn’t betray Shannon’s secret, no matter how much he argued she was making a mistake by not telling Thomas the truth about his father.

  ****

  Working in one of the farm sheds, Luke wandered out when cars rumbled on the gravel driveway. He couldn’t be sure, but he figured the car following Shannon’s old, beat-up Japanese import probably belonged to her brother. He waved her on past where he’d parked yesterday and pointed out a garage on the southern side of the flat.

  His widowed mother had insisted she could only stay living on the farm if her flat was completely separate, right down to its own garaging for her car. It should suit Shannon and her son equally well.

  He wasn’t surprised at the speed Shannon shifted into the flat. The dilapidated place she’d been renting wasn’t fit for anybody to live in. With winter fast approaching, she’d be much more comfortable here. And now she’d be able to work longer hours, too.

  Luke didn’t confuse any philanthropy with his offer of the empty flat. Her desire to be on hand for Thomas after school would have meant a shortened working day. With him on the school bus, Luke could expect Shannon to work at least an extra hour a day. Those extra hours would hurry his project.

  Luke frowned at the sour look Shannon’s brother subjected him to as he approached the cars. Apart from a passing meeting at the funeral, Luke hadn’t seen Johnny MacFarlane since high school. Even then they hadn’t been more than nodding acquaintances.

  The man jumped out of his car and intercepted Luke before he got close to Shannon’s vehicle. “You’d better be on the up-and-up here, Prescott.”

  The anger in the man’s voice stopped Luke in his tracks.

  Shannon’s brother stepped close enough his tobacco breath hit Luke. While he was a couple of inches shorter than Luke, and probably wasn’t as muscular as himself, the man was running on adrenaline.

  “Shannon’s had enough trouble in her life. She doesn’t need another bum screwing her around.”

  “What the hell are you on about?”

  “You better treat her right,” Johnny threatened. “Or you’ll have me to answer to.”

  As Johnny stomped into the flat after his sister, Luke stared after him. He shook his head, scratched his chin, and turned his attention to a lanky youth slouching beside the second car.

  “Thomas, is it?” He stepped toward the boy and held out his hand. “I’m Luke Prescott. Welcome to Ribbonwood Farm.” He waved his hand toward a stand of ribbonwood trees at the back of the implement sheds. “Named in honor of those trees back there.”

  The reluctance of the youth to take his hand wiped his welcoming smile. He remembered the scene he’d interrupted during his attempted visit to Shannon. Is this surliness part of his personality, or a sign of unhappiness? It’s only been a few months since he’s lost his father. For Shannon’s sake, Luke hoped it was the latter.

  Time could change that. He’d give the kid a chance to show his true colors, one way or the other.

  “Which are your bags? I’ll give you a hand and show you your room.”

  Luke ignored the boy’s lack of interest as he led him into the flat, but he couldn’t miss Shannon’s start of concern.

  “You don’t need to help, Luke. We can manage. We don’t have much stuff.”

  Luke smiled across at her and led Thomas up the steps and away from his mother’s unease. He noted some surprise in the boy’s expression before it was hastily covered with conspicuous disinterest.

  Luke hid a smile of satisfaction. He and Rod had struggled to maneuver the bed up through the small entrance, but the television and mini-stereo system had been easier. Marcia had swept through the room—and the rest of the flat—like a tornado, preparing it for the Turners’ arrival. They’d figured this attic was what a teenage boy would want for his room.

  Luke opened a couple of now-e
mpty cupboards. “There’s room for your stuff in here.” He pointed to the end wall. “If you wanted to hang some posters or anything, go ahead. That’d be fine with us.”

  Without a word Thomas chucked his case and a large bag into the nearest cupboard and slammed the door. Luke’s teeth clenched as the boy then threw himself onto the bed and drew some sort of game console out of his pocket.

  Having had no experience with teenaged kids, Luke was at a loss as to how to respond to the rudeness. No thanks, no appreciation for providing better living conditions? He itched to give the ungrateful brat a clip around the ear…

  “Aren’t you going down to help your mother?”

  The boy didn’t even grace him with a glance.

  Luke took a deep breath. “There’s a lot of unpacking. You’re not expecting her to do everything, are you?”

  “She’s the one who wanted to shift.”

  Luke wasn’t sure how he managed to keep his feet where they were, when his urge was to grab the sullen youth, throw him down the steps, and force him to help his mother.

  “Thomas,” a male voice yelled from below. “Get your backside down here and help carry these boxes in from the cars.”

  Tension eased from Luke as the youth did respond to his uncle’s demand. He waited a moment after Thomas had slouched away before retreating down the steps. The boy’s attitude had nothing to do with him—as long as it didn’t impact on Shannon’s work, or the kids.

  Shannon was in the kitchenette unpacking boxes onto the bench and small table. Her hands stilled, her glance toward him wary. Has she guessed her son’s behavior might not have been perfect?

  “Thomas—”

  He frowned at the quiver in her voice and interrupted before she continued. “He seemed okay with the set up, I told him to hang some posters up if he wanted.”

  He looked out the window at some heated conversation going on between Johnny and his nephew. Luke hid a satisfied smile as the man pushed boxes at Thomas, barely waiting for him to catch them before he piled on another one. It appeared Johnny wasn’t in the mood to have the boy sit around while they worked. “I can stick around and help…”

  “No, we’re fine, thanks.” Shannon’s tone sounded quite desperate.

  “Okay. Marcia suggested I invite you to dinner tonight.”

  “Oh no,” Shannon replied immediately. “We’re not imposing on you.” She continued unpacking meager kitchen possessions, her chin tucked against her chest. “Thomas and I will be fine here, thank you very much.”

  “As long as you yell if you need anything.” Luke acknowledged the hint and took his leave. “Jake heads off for the school bus around eight. He’ll give Thomas a shout on Monday. Come on through to the office any time after that and we’ll start planning.”

  As they passed on the garden path, Luke ignored the surly youth and gave Johnny a stiff nod. He strolled around to the main house. Shannon clearly wanted to keep their personal space separate from any work commitments. That was just fine with him.

  He wanted someone to help him achieve his park. Involving himself in their lives wasn’t part of his plan. Getting involved with Shannon, on any level except a business one, positively wasn’t part of any plan.

  Chapter Seven

  Although still voicing doubts about their shift, Johnny had been forced to agree the little flat was in much better condition than the dive his sister and nephew had been living in.

  Considering his reservations, she’d been surprised how long he’d stayed to help. Shannon smiled as she set up the apartment and made it hers.

  He’d rallied Thomas and coerced him into lending a hand as they unpacked carton after carton.

  She loved having the opportunity to hang some photos on the available hooks on the walls. She dug out scatter cushions and furnishings she hadn’t unboxed at their previous place. By the time Johnny left late in the afternoon, Shannon sat back in amazement at what they’d achieved.

  With a coffee clutched in her hands she gazed around, contentment and a return of confidence warming her. They were feelings she hadn’t known for practically a year.

  “We’ll be much happier here, Tommy.”

  His disgusted grunt couldn’t deflate her euphoria. Her back stiffened. “Well, I’m going to be much happier here. At least we’ll be warm.” The heat pump blasted out hot air as the sun dipped behind the hills.

  She finished her drink and stood, staring him straight in the eye. “You know what, boy? I’m not going to let you spoil this for me. You can mope around and be sour and angry for as long as you want.” She shrugged and put her mug into the sink. “I think I’m going to love living on a farm for a while.”

  She began preparing their first meal in their new home. It had been kind of Luke to invite them for dinner, but she intended to keep their life here well-separated from his family. She was an employee, not a family friend—nor did she intend to become one.

  “And you’d better believe this is the last tin of baked beans I’m ever going to buy. We’re eating it right now and then I don’t want to see a baked bean ever again.”

  Thomas opened the front door.

  “I know you must want to explore but it’s getting dark. You’ll have all day tomorrow. Don’t go too far, dinner won’t take long.”

  There wasn’t even a grunt to acknowledge her words, but she suspected his stomach would keep him close enough to hear her call when the meal was ready.

  ****

  Thomas kicked repeatedly at a rock protruding from the edge of the driveway. He was probably ruining his shoes but he didn’t care. He didn’t care about anything anymore.

  He looked around at nothing—grass and paddocks and stupid farm buildings filled with dirty, broken-down tractors and stuff. This was even worse than Riversleigh. He’d have bet there wasn’t any Internet out here, but when he’d switched on his tablet earlier there had been a Wi-Fi connection. Whether that Luke-bloke would be willing to share the password was another thing though. Thank God his cell phone worked. At least he could still text his mates in Auckland, and tell them he’d be home again soon.

  He didn’t understand his mum. About a month after they’d learned of his dad’s death she’d suddenly gone kinda crazy. She’d sold everything—their cars, their home, the furniture, even their clothes. Oh, she hadn’t taken anything of his, but everything of his dad’s had been hocked off. She had no right to get rid of Dad’s stuff.

  He kicked at the rock some more, ignoring the pain shooting up through his toes. She had no right to drag me down here either. Coach told me with a couple more years I’d be good enough to go to Nationals. If I’d kept working hard I could be looking at the Olympics in a few years. He gave the rock a particularly vicious kick, numbing his toes in the process. Stuck down here, I can’t.

  Sometimes the anger got so strong he was scared his head might burst.

  “Whacha doing?”

  Thomas jerked. He hadn’t heard anyone approach. He definitely hadn’t been aware of the horse now standing next to the fence with a young boy on its back.

  “What’s it look like I’m doing?” Thomas snarled before controlling his bad mood.

  The boy slid off the horse’s bare back and bent to study the rock. “I don’t think that rock’s gonna come out of there any time soon.” He looked up at Thomas, a frown furrowing his brow. “You need a pick or a crow bar. Want me to get one from the shed?”

  Heat burned Thomas’s face.

  “We could dig it out with some tools. I could help you.”

  Thomas shook his head, ashamed the boy had witnessed his rotten mood. “Do you live here?”

  The boy nodded. “I’m Jake. What’s your name?”

  “Thomas.”

  “You’ve come to live in Gran’s flat with your mum, haven’t you?” When Jake took the horse’s bridle and began walking, Thomas automatically fell in beside him. “Did you live in a city?”

  Thomas nodded, his mind picturing Auckland.

  “I’
ve never been to a big city.” The boy’s voice was full of awe. “Invercargill’s pretty big, but Uncle Lindsay says Dunedin is much bigger. Maybe we’ll get to go to Dunedin this year.”

  While difficult, Thomas managed to swallow his scoff. Dunedin hadn’t appeared big. They’d driven through it on their way to Riversleigh. You sure couldn’t compare Dunedin to Auckland. Auckland is the best.

  “I come from Auckland.”

  “Wow.” Round eyes settled on his face. “That’s way up in the North Island. How come you’re down here?”

  That was Thomas’s problem. He had no clue why they were here. Why they’d had to leave Auckland and his friends. Why he’d had to give up his sailing.

  Thomas turned away and glared at the flat where they were to live—where his mum was cooking tea and pretending life was suddenly wonderful.

  “I guess Mum decided it would be easier to live down here. She’s going to work for your dad.”

  “My dad is dead. My mum, too.” The boy bit his lip, his voice wobbled a bit. “We were in a car accident before Christmas. Our Uncle Luke lives with me and Amy now.”

  Thomas glanced back at his companion in time to see him gnawing at his bottom lip.

  “I think he wishes he was living in Auckland, too. Or some other place. He hates being here.” The boy yanked open a gate. Taking off the bridle he gave the animal a hug, and then a couple of pats before it trotted off to join some other horses in the paddock.

  “What’s so special about the city anyway?” The boy’s voice still wobbled a bit. “I bet I couldn’t have my horse live right next to me in a city.”

  Thomas dipped his head, recognizing fear as acute as his own. While he was desperate to return to the city, here was someone who was just as desperate to stay right here on this farm. Thomas swiped a kick at a tuft of grass. But Jake was the lucky one. He was only scared of the possibility of being taken from his home. Thomas already had been.

  A loud clang sounded. Thomas looked around, trying to identify the noise.

  “That’s Aunt Marcia. I have to go in now.” Jake had already started back toward the house. Thomas raised his arm in farewell, relieved a few moments talking with this kid had lifted the darkness always with him now.