Novels 02 Red Dust Read Online Free PDF

have are looking good and we're all organised for lamb marking next week. What are you two up to for the weekend?'
    'Reckon we'll probably go to the pub, what do ya think, Gazza?'
    'Yeah, think that's where we'll end up. Gotta go to town on Sat'dy mornin' to get some supplies, so I reckon we'll probably pass through the pub.'
    'Sounds like a good plan. Well, I guess I'll see you both in the morning.'
    The pair got up from their chairs, downing the last of their beers as they went. Bulla stopped abruptly before he got to the door.
    'Gem, I'm not really keen on that Jack. Make sure you watch out for yourself. Make sure you lock ya doors at night, okay?'
    'Why's that, Bulla? Are you being overprotective?' She smiled at him affectionately.
    'Nah, I've got me reasons. Just you be careful, hear me?' he reiterated gruffly.
    'I'm always careful, Bull,' Gemma said gently. 'See you tomorrow.'
    'Seeya,' they echoed.

    After a dinner of eggs on toast – not that she would ever confess to Jess how close to the mark she had been! – Gemma took a deep breath and picked up the phone.
    'Hello, Sarah speaking,' her mother's voice carolled.
    'Hi, Mum, it's me.'
    'Hello, darling. How are you?'
    'Pretty good. What's happening over there?'
    'Oh you know, the usual. Your father's pretty busy with calving. He's gone to bed early tonight actually – he's feeling a bit poorly. And I had a phone call from Leisha today. She and the children are fine – and guess what?'
    'What?' It had been a couple of weeks since Gemma had spoken to her sister.
    'Zac has been offered a job in Canberra. Higherpaying than where he is now. They'll be shifting sometime in the next month or so. It'll be such a great move for them. Much colder than Melbourne, of course, but a wonderful opportunity and plenty of good schools for Zoë and Kate. And here's the best bit – oh, that's right, I can't tell you that yet. Leisha wants to tell you herself. Anyway, how are things going over there? Are you eating properly? You've lost so much weight. I wish you would come over here more often for meals.'
    Gemma raised her eyes heavenwards. 'I'm fine, Mum. It's great – about Leisha, being pregnant again, I mean.' Gemma waited for the reaction.
    'Oh, has she rung you already? Isn't it exciting?'
    'No, Mum, she hasn't rung – I was just guessing.'
    'Oh, Gemma, you do get me every time. Now don't you go telling your sister I told you. I didn't really tell you, anyway. Now I must go, your father is calling me. The poor darling, he was feeling so awful that I had to send him to bed. Have a lovely night. Bye!'
    'Bye, Mum,' Gemma put down the phone and shook her head, smiling. She sent an email to Ned explaining that she hadn't spoken to her father yet, then she had a shower, jumped into bed and picked up the book she was reading . . .

    Jack took another swig from his bottle of rum and gazed through the window of the shearers' quarters. A short time later he threw on some clothes and grabbed his torch. Opening his door quietly he listened. Not a sound – maybe tonight was a good bet to check out the widow's house. He made his way softly across the yard, talking quietly to the dogs who growled in return. Looking around he paused and listened again. Nothing. His hand rested on the doorknob, then Jack turned it slowly. The dogs started to bark excitedly. He abruptly stopped and let go of the knob, cursing, and made his way quietly back to the shearers' quarters. Lighting another cigarette he lay back thinking about how he could get into the house and have a look around. His mobile phone beeped with a text message.

Chapter 6

    Gemma sat up with a start. What had woken her? The clock showed 12.20 am. Then she heard the phone. Who on earth could be ringing at this time of night?
    'Hello?'
    'Gem, it's Mum here, darling.'
    'Mum, what's wrong?'
    'Well, nothing to be too alarmed about, dear, but Dad has had a bit of a heart attack and we're in at the hospital. We thought you might like to come