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‘You are Jane and Damien’s daughter?’
She nodded.
‘The local ladies were gutted when the store closed, too. A couple of other women tried to take up the gauntlet but it was never the same and eventually, it closed and the women folk had to source their pretty dresses elsewhere.’
What? Ava used to live in Bellethorpe as a kid? They must be similar ages but he didn’t remember her at school. So, she’d left and come back. Noah wasn’t sure what to make of that either. Had he been too tough on her?
He glanced at Ava. She seemed lost to another time now, her gaze far away and dreamy.
‘How lovely that you’re back. How are they?’
It took her a moment to answer. ‘My parents? They’re well, thank you.’
Ava’s features had twisted into something he couldn’t read. Sorrow? Distress? Sadness? Or was it annoyance?
Noah leaned in, wanting to hear more, but Ava didn’t elaborate. Instead, she packed her purchases into a canvas bag. ‘Thank you for your help.’
Noah placed his plunger forward and swiped his credit card. Stuffing the receipt into his pocket, another piece of paper fell out. Ava, who hadn’t moved away yet as she tended to the boy, retrieved it before him.
‘What’s this?’ She smiled, a giggle emerging as she read. ‘What’s a squishy cuddle?’
‘It’s nothing.’ He swiped the small square of paper out of her hand and tucked it into his pocket, shoving harder than necessary.
‘Look, Ava, who do you trust in town?’
She regarded him quizzically.
‘Bridie? Do you trust her?’
Ava nodded.
‘Ask her about that O’Brien builder. She’ll tell you the truth. She’ll back me up that he can’t be trusted and has several claims before the commission for his shoddy work. I’m not being vindictive. But get a second opinion. Bridie will agree and tell you to run a mile.’ He tipped his hat goodbye.
Chapter Six
Ava’s mobile rang just as she’d kicked the door shut behind her. Dumping her purchases, she checked the screen on the phone and her heart jumped into her throat. ‘Ish, can you check Daisy? Give her some of those treats we bought?’
They’d agreed on a name that suited the chocolate lab perfectly. Daisy was a gentle, soul with a sweet face. So far, no one had claimed the dog and she had taken up a firm position in their hearts and home.
And she was a great distraction. Ava gripped the phone until Ish had raced away to tend to the dog.
‘Jamila?’ Ava spoke softly to avoid Ish overhearing. Jamila’s distinctive voice was breaking up as she spoke in a rushed garble. It was the first time they’d spoken since Ava had arrived in Australia. There was so much to say, so much news to share.
‘Are you okay? Are the kids okay?’
With the phone glued to her ear for the reply, Ava snuck outside and collapsed onto the back step. ‘Okay, good, good. That’s great. I’m so happy you’re all right. It’s making the news over here, did you know?’
Nodding, she listened. Yes, Jamila had taken legal advice and commenced divorce proceedings. Her lawyer was one of the best and she felt safe for the moment. She said she continued to look over her shoulder anytime she ventured out, or worse, if a plane or helicopter flew over. She described a constant vigilance that Ava could relate to. Her friend and formally her mother-in-law, described the veil of fear and intimidation that continued despite the sea of distance between her and her powerful husband. Yes, Ava understood. Australia was a world away so she hoped the increased distance improved her safety.
In other circumstances it would be amusing that Jamila, only ten years her senior, was her mother-in-law. She hardly ever thought of her in that context. The woman had been nothing but a confidante and close friend when Ava had moved to Egypt.
Ava stared out over her endless paddocks, the never-ending bush and listened; the wind whistled in the trees, birds chirped and there was the soft thump of kangaroos bouncing. She was protected here, wasn’t she? More so than where Jamila was in London? London had a larger population but less places to hide.
‘Jamila, if you need anything, please let me know. I can help. I’ll do anything. I can never thank you enough for what you did for us. I’m forever grateful.’ Was this her new mobile number? Was it safe? Yes, this was Ava’s number, it was private, she was sure. Wasn’t she?
With uncertainty hanging onto each word, fear of detection drove them to end the call prematurely with so much left unsaid.
Ava nursed the phone for a long while after she disconnected. The call had been unsettling while simultaneously reassuring her that Jamila was safe, for the present, anyway. The conversation was a reminder of where they’d come from, of what might be in her future. Neither of them was out of the woods yet. Jamila’s journey was always going to be tougher, longer and more fraught with danger. Ava had gotten off easily. She prayed that Jamila’s court proceedings would end swiftly and to her friend’s satisfaction.
