Home Before Sundown by Barbara Hannay Page A

Alex?’
    â€˜Eleven.’
    Eleven – six years older than Declan – and old enough to know if he liked music. Still, Liz wasn’t overjoyed. ‘Have you been learning piano for some time?’
    â€˜I started when I was four.’ After a beat, ‘And it’s nearly a year since my last lesson. I  . . . I really miss it.’
    There was no mistaking the sincerity in the boy’s voice and Liz could feel herself weakening. This situation sounded so very sad, as if the boy had lost his parents in a tragic accident and lost his chance to play the piano at the same time.
    But if this were so, why wasn’t the grandfather making this call?
    She had to be cautious. ‘Does your grandfather know you’ve telephoned me?’
    This query was met with silence.
    â€˜Alex?’
    â€˜No, I didn’t tell Grandpa,’ the boy admitted with evident reluctance. ‘But I don’t think he’ll mind.’
    Liz wasn’t so sure about that. ‘What’s your grandfather’s name?’
    â€˜Jack Roper.’
    Again, it wasn’t a name Liz knew. No doubt Grandfather Roper had moved into the district during the thirty years since she’d left.
    â€˜Is your grandmother living with you as well?’
    â€˜No.’
    Okay. Liz felt a brief stab of sympathy for the grandfather. Most cattlemen were hardworking, practical, outdoor types and there was a good chance this man had found himself trapped. Caught in a tricky situation – unexpectedly caring for an orphaned grandson who preferred tinkering on the piano to helping in the stockyards.
    It was a pity she’d already taken on Declan Browne, who had the musical potential of a mosquito, but she had to remember that she’d come home to help her family, not the whole community.
    â€˜I’d like to help you, Alex, but I’m not sure how long I’ll––’
    A heavy sigh shuddered down the line and Liz couldn’t help remembering the many happy hours she’d spent right here at the homestead having lessons with her mother. Away from the coast, piano teachers were as scarce as emus’ teeth.
    â€˜I think I should speak to your grandfather before we decide anything,’ she said quickly. ‘Can he ring me?’
    â€˜I’ll ask,’ Alex said but he didn’t sound hopeful.
    Bella felt a little guilty as she headed for the computer. When she’d promised Anton that she would stay in contact, she’d anticipated writing daily emails and making lots of phone calls. She hadn’t expected to find it a chore.
    Now she tried her best to make up for her slackness.
    To: [email protected]
    From: [email protected]
    Dear Anton,
    How are you and the gang at Alpazur? I miss you all so much, especially you, Anton.
    There’s still no sign of rain here and I’d kill for one day in your beautiful snow, but at least I’ve finally got those firebreaks cleared, so it’s back to worrying about the cattle.
    One good bit of news – Dad’s out of hospital, but he’s in a motel in Townsville and they won’t let him come home for a while yet. I rang him last night and we had a good long chat, but then Mum came on saying I was tiring him. So I guess he has a way to go.
    Mum’s become really anxious, which must be pretty grim for Dad, but I guess I can’t blame her. She’s found a unit that’s close to the Townsville hospital. She’s scared he’ll relapse at any minute. I’m hoping that another couple of weeks of recovery will make a big difference.
    I’m sorry I don’t have much other news. I don’t think you’d want to hear about cattle supplements or the state of our water lines.
    Please say hi to Jean and Hayley and Rambo and the others. I can’t believe I won’t be with you all for Christmas.
    Lots of love,
    Miss you heaps,
    Bella xxxxxxxxx
    She hit send, closed the screen and went