Queen of the Road (10 page)

The lock on the weathered door clicked into place. Angela pushed the screen shut and turned her back on the Munirilla depot office with a deep sigh. She’d done as much as she could today, and was actually going to get home a bit earlier than she had on her last few visits.

The second run to Adelaide had been uneventful. Now that she knew the route, she made sure she started very early, both on the trip there and the trip back. That had given Claudia good sleeping time, and when she woke it was time for Angela’s rest stop. She’d packed healthy snacks but they still called in at Port Augusta to see Jenny and try one of her straw air treats. Claudia was good company, singing and talking, and Angela relaxed into the driving with more confidence than she had previously.

She had to admit that driving Big Red was a dream. The computer was even ‘learning’ her style, which was a bit eerie. Towards the end of the leg back to Munirilla yesterday, there had been a few emus
out in the paddocks. Angela slowed down a couple of times to let Claudia have a good look at them before speeding up again. The variations had set off the driver-fatigue alarm, startling them both.

Angela sucked in a big breath of fresh air as she strode along the street. She preferred to leave the truck at the depot and the walk to the flat only took a few minutes. It was a beautiful day and she wanted to throw open the doors and windows and give the flat a good airing. Perhaps she could discover what had made the scratching sounds on their first night – although she wasn’t so sure she wanted to know.

Claudia was at Leanne’s and wouldn’t be home until after lunch. Once Angela had cleaned the flat she was going to put together the bed she’d brought back from Adelaide. Sharing the saggy double mattress was okay, but Claudia needed her own bed, in the other bedroom.

Angela felt a pang of guilt as she thought about her credit card. This latest purchase had eaten up the meagre amount she’d managed to pay off. But the expense was justified. Extra sheets never went astray and the bed and mattress were much better than the old set they had back in Melbourne. When it was time to go home they’d take this one with them.

Tomorrow Angela wanted to spend the day relaxing with her daughter. It would be their one day off before making three trips to Adelaide next week. She’d been taking bookings steadily and was managing a good deal of return freight to the city.

This last trip had been full of bulky items like tanks. They took up a lot of space and were difficult to pack other items around. Alice Tansell’s name had been on the list as one of the recipients but the tank was still at the depot. Angela couldn’t help wondering whether Alice or someone else would pick it up. Maybe the guy who worked for her. Angela had tried to read the name he’d signed on the consignment sheet but the signature, like so many, gave no
real indication of his name. Coop something, she supposed. She grinned. ‘Cute Coop’ was how she remembered him. He’d acted a bit standoffish but there was a small sparkle in his eyes that had piqued her interest.

The rumble of a truck brought her back to the present. She was a block from the flat. Across the road a shed was surrounded by a large cleared area and several fenced yards. The rig was moving slowly into the one of the stockyards. Angela stared at the purple cab. It was too far away for her to read the orange-and-gold lettering, but she had a fair idea what it said. She squinted to read the sign on the gate. She was right. ‘Berl Stock Transport.’

A large engine sounded behind her and she looked back to see another purple truck turning into the road. It would have to pass her to reach the stockyards. She recalled the grumpy driver at Port Augusta on her first run to Munirilla. Angela turned and let herself into the flat. He might not be driving either of the trucks but she wasn’t keen to see him again any time soon. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt so cheerful, and there was no way she was going to risk spoiling the mood.

***

Barb grinned from behind the bar as Coop stepped into the Munirilla Hotel.

‘Jeepers, Coop, matey. You’re a glutton for punishment. You back for some more of Billie’s cooking or you just want some company?’

‘A bit of both,’ Coop said. He’d been very busy the last few days and the house suddenly seemed very empty. Nothing in the fridge looked tempting and he felt the rare urge to be with people. ‘Just a squash for me thanks, Barb.’

‘Any more word on Alice?’

‘I spoke to her a few days back. She didn’t make a lot of sense. Mary said the drugs are knocking her around a bit.’

Barb put his drink on the bar. She reached across and patted his arm. ‘She’ll come good, matey. She’s made of tough stuff, that Alice.’

‘Yeah.’ Coop took a long, slow swallow of his squash. ‘So what’s on the menu tonight?’

‘Nothing different. Billie’s got the roast happening. Still haven’t got the aircon fixed so he’s got no choice.’ Barb gave a big laugh. ‘I reckon he’s putting the pressure on to get it working soon though. He’s getting mighty sick of being in that kitchen, that old man of mine.’

‘Well, I enjoyed the roast last week so I’ll give it another go. Beats my cooking.’

‘Sure thing, matey. You go on into the dining room and we’ll send it through.’

Coop took another big mouthful on the way. The first people he saw in the dining room were Angela and her little girl. There were several other groups of diners and only a few spare tables on the other side of the room – to reach them Coop would have to pass right by the new truckie. He hesitated, not sure whether to speak to her, but in that split second she lifted her head from the book she was sharing with her daughter and looked directly at him.

‘Hello,’ she said.

Coop nodded.

‘There’s a tank for your boss at the depot.’ Her lips turned up in a quick tentative smile. ‘Guess you may not need it for a while. The rain seems to be all gone.’

‘That’s good.’ Coop found his voice. ‘At least, it’s good that the tank’s here, I mean. I can get it set up, ready for the next lot of rain. Alice reckons there’s another downpour coming.’

‘She’s your boss, yes?’

‘Yeah. She’s in the city at the moment. Hasn’t been well.’

‘So are you in charge or is there a Mr Alice?’

‘Just me.’

‘I’m a bit the same.’

Coop gazed into her hazel eyes. She wore a pale green shirt that really brought out their colour. Her long, fair hair was pulled back in a ponytail and her skin glowed. She was the prettiest woman he’d seen in a long time.

‘I mean, I work on my own, away from the boss,’ Angela hurried on.

‘Is Grandpa your boss?’ the little girl asked.

Angela turned back to her daughter and Coop took a deep breath. He was gawking like a teenager.

‘Yes, Claud. I work for Grandpa, he’s my boss.’

‘
We
work for Grandpa,’ Claudia said emphatically, looking from her mother to Coop.

‘Oh yes, that’s right. I don’t work entirely alone.’ Angela smiled and Coop was mesmerised by the sparkle in her eyes.

‘I have a serve of nuggets and chips,’ came a voice at his elbow. Sandra was standing there with two plates of food and he hadn’t even noticed.

‘That’s for Claudia,’ Angela said, indicating her daughter.

‘And the roast must be for you then,’ Sandra said, placing the second plate on the table. The young waitress squeezed in front of Coop. When she turned she was only a few centimetres away. ‘Your meal will be out in two ticks, Coop.’ She smiled sweetly at him, then ducked her head and hurried away.

‘Are you eating alone?’ Angela asked. ‘Would you like to join us?’

Coop looked across the crowded room to the empty tables in the distance.

‘I didn’t mean to … At least, you may prefer to be by yourself,’ she said.

‘Thanks,’ Coop said, pleased he could still talk. ‘I mostly eat alone. It would be nice to have company.’ He sat down and placed his drink on a coaster – he didn’t trust himself to hold the glass steady.

‘I don’t know that we’ve introduced ourselves properly. I’m Angela Ranger and this is my daughter, Claudia.’

‘O’Neil,’ Claudia said with importance before putting a chip in her mouth.

‘Claudia O’Neil,’ Angela repeated softly.

‘My dad’s a music man.’ Claudia picked up another chip. ‘He doesn’t like to live with us. But we don’t care, do we, Mummy?’

Coop saw the colour drain from Angela’s face as she looked at her daughter.

‘Everyone calls me Coop,’ he said, giving his attention to Claudia.

‘Where do you live?’ Claudia asked.

‘On a farm.’

‘Do you have lots of animals?’

‘A few.’

‘What kind?’

Coop pulled back quickly as Sandra plonked his roast in front of him. He caught a glimpse of a frown on her face before she stalked back to the kitchen.
Bill must be giving her a hard time
, he thought. She was normally quite cheerful.

‘What kind of animals do you have?’ Claudia repeated.

‘That’s enough, Claud. Let Coop eat his meal, and you eat yours.’

‘He said he was lonely.’

‘Claudia.’ Her mother’s warning tone was enough to encourage the child to pick up her fork and stab at a nugget.

Coop smiled to himself and picked up his cutlery. For a few moments there was silence as they ate.

Angela was the first to speak again. ‘Have you always lived in Munirilla?’

‘No,’ Coop said. ‘I grew up in Queensland.’

‘That’s a long way from here.’ Angela glanced around. ‘Although Munirilla is a long way from anywhere.’

‘Do you miss Melbourne?’

She paused to look at him, her eyes questioning. Then she raised her eyebrows at Claudia. ‘I guess there’s not much about our life story you don’t already know.’

‘I’m sure there’s more.’ Coop felt himself relaxing.

‘We’re having a venture,’ Claudia chimed in, keen to rejoin the conversation. ‘Grandpa said we could take Big Red for a trip to Money Real.’

‘The town’s glad you’re here,’ Coop said.

‘Most people have been friendly.’ Angela tipped her head to one side and looked pensively over Claudia’s head. ‘But I get the impression that our agent, Ken Harris, was a bit taken aback.’

‘Have you always driven trucks?’ Coop decided to steer the conversation away from Ken.

‘Yes and no. I normally work in accounts for a company in Melbourne. I learned to drive trucks at an early age, but I only drive when Dad needs help. I’m the dogsbody.’

‘What’s the dog’s body?’ Claudia’s bright eyes inspected her mother’s face.

‘I do the bits and pieces, odd jobs,’ Angela answered, then turned back to Coop. ‘I don’t often do long-haul, but I fill in from time to time as a driver.’

‘Sounds like me,’ Coop said.

‘Have you always worked on farms?’

‘Mostly. I’ve got my truck licence as well.’

‘Really?’

‘I drove for a mining company in Queensland for a while but I’d rather work with animals and open spaces. I usually only drive on farm-related jobs now.’

‘Queensland’s my only other long distance trip. I drove to Roma once. At least, I was the support driver.’

Coop smiled. Angela was easy to talk to. Over dinner they talked a lot about trucks. Coop was interested to find out about her rig – it was nothing like Alice’s ancient farm truck. As they chatted, Claudia looked at her books, occasionally adding a few words to the conversation.

‘Bill sent me out to see if you want dessert,’ Sandra said. ‘He’s closing the kitchen.’

They all looked up at her grim face. Her pen was poised over the pad she gripped in her hand. Coop glanced around in surprise. The dining room was almost empty and he hadn’t even noticed the other people leave.

‘Can I have ice-cream, Mummy?’

‘How about some fruit with that?’ Angela reached across and gave Claudia a gentle pat on the hand. ‘And some manners?’

‘Yes please.’

‘That’s two fruit and ice-creams, please.’ Angela smiled at Sandra, who scribbled on her paper then turned to Coop.

‘Make that three fruit and ice-creams, thanks Sandra.’

She dragged her lips into a smile and went to see the other remaining diners across the room.

‘This was a lovely evening,’ Angela said. ‘Thanks for sitting with us.’

‘I enjoyed the company,’ Coop said. ‘Alice has been gone a while and I don’t know when she’ll be back.’

‘So, are there any good picnic spots around here? Claudia and I have the day off tomorrow.’

‘Yay!’ Claudia clapped her hands. ‘You can come with us, Coop.’

‘Claud,’ Angela’s voice was stern. ‘Coop’s probably busy.’

Coop searched Angela’s face. Did she want him to come or would he be imposing? ‘There are a couple of places I could recommend,’ he said cautiously.

Angela’s face lit up.

‘If you like I could take you,’ he said. ‘Save drawing directions.’

‘Thanks.’ Angela raised her glass. ‘Here’s to a day off.’

Coop raised his all but empty glass and clinked it against hers.

‘Yay!’ Claudia clapped again.

Before they knew it Sandra was pushing plates of fruit salad and ice-cream in front of them with a face like thunder. But Coop didn’t give her more than a glance. He was too busy gazing at the delight on Angela’s face.

Angela inhaled the smell of fresh eucalypt through the open window as Coop pulled up under the shade of a scraggly gum tree. The sun was high in the brilliant blue sky, which was scattered with stringy white clouds. It was a beautiful autumn day: warm, but without the extreme heat typical of the final throes of summer. She couldn’t recall the last time she’d been on a picnic, let alone out in the bush.

Coop switched off the engine. He opened his door then looked back at Angela over Claudia’s head. ‘This is a popular spot with the locals,’ he said, ‘but I’ve only been here a few times. I hope it’ll be okay.’

‘It looks great. Better than our musty flat any day, isn’t it, Claudia?’

‘Mmm,’ Claudia murmured, licking the ice-block Coop had bought her on the way out of town.

Angela dragged a rug and cooler bag with drinks from behind the front seat. There was only one other vehicle near them, parked further along the track, but no sign of any people. It was peaceful, so far from the frenzy of her Melbourne life.

She watched Claudia delight over some colourful rocks, trying to pick some up while the remains of the ice-block melted over her hand. The little girl was intently focused on her task but Angela knew her seemingly single-track mind was capable of much more. It was obvious from her statement at dinner that she had more of a grasp of Nigel’s desertion than her mother had given her credit for.

It shocked Angela. She tried so hard to protect her daughter from all the hurt, but she clearly hadn’t succeeded. There’d been no earlier sign that she even understood what had gone on, but the ‘we don’t care’ was almost as if she was defending her mother with bravado. How much pain had Claudia locked away inside? Angela had wanted to chat with her on the way home, but the little girl had fallen asleep in her arms.

‘Look Mummy. Aren’t they pretty?’

Claudia held out the pebbles with a look of delight lighting up her face.
Surely she couldn’t be too scarred
, thought Angela.

‘They’re very pretty,’ she said, and as she bent to admire them, her hair fell forward around her face. She brushed it back, thinking she should have put it in a ponytail, but she was sick of having it in the tight band. Having it loose added to her sense of freedom. This was her day off and she was determined to relax and enjoy it.

She grinned as Coop produced a tin for Claudia to put her special stones in. The two of them had their heads together discussing each rock as it went into the container. Wary as Angela told herself to be, she was enjoying being with Coop. He seemed a genuinely nice guy. She clicked her tongue as a different face popped into her head. She remembered feeling that way about Eddie too.

‘Everything okay?’ Coop asked.

Angela turned at his question, searching his eyes for something to suggest she could be wrong about him.

‘Wonderful,’ she said quickly, picking up the bag of drinks.

Her confidence had taken a battering but her instinct still told her Coop was one of the good guys. She’d immediately felt relaxed with him; she decided she might as well enjoy the day. They were only here for a few more weeks, so why not? They’d be on the road most of that time anyway, making today even more special.

‘Come on, Claudia,’ Angela said. ‘You can’t collect every rock. Leave some for someone else.’

Coop set off in front, following a rough path through the trees. ‘I’m hoping after that rain we might find a bit of water,’ he said over his shoulder. ‘They say it runs off the big rocks in the hills and pools in a few places along the creekbed.’

With the rug and bag over one shoulder and her free hand clasping Claudia’s, Angela followed him through the scrub. From behind she got the chance to take in the broadness of his shoulders and the good fit of his jeans. She wondered how old he was. Her first impression had been early thirties. He was definitely a good-looking guy in a rugged, country kind of way. Nothing like Nigel and his attempt at tough-looking stubble.

Regardless, Coop didn’t seem to be aware of his appeal. Last night the young waitress had done everything but bare her breasts to get his attention – but Coop hardly noticed her.

A sudden noise brought Angela back to the present. She stopped as a large, black dog rushed towards them. It bounded up to Coop who gave it a pat on the head before it swiftly moved to Claudia, sniffed her, then licked the little girl’s face.

Angela gasped in horror. Claudia giggled. There was a shout from up ahead.

‘Baxter!’ A man burst around the bushy bend in front of them. ‘Baxter, come!’ he commanded.

The dog gave Claudia one last sniff then dashed back to its master.

‘I’m sorry,’ the man said as he clipped a lead to the dog’s collar. ‘I thought we were on our own.’

Coop patted Baxter’s head. ‘He’s a nice-looking dog.’

‘He’s a great companion but he’s still young.’ The man gave a throaty chuckle. ‘Not sure who’s learning most at obedience classes, him or me. Enjoy the day. It’s a nice walk along the creek.’ He nodded to Angela and edged past them with Baxter on a short lead.

‘I was thinking I should have brought Jilly,’ Coop said, ‘but by the look on your face, it’s probably just as well I didn’t.’

Angela frowned at this. Coop had intimated he was on his own. She felt a pang of regret that there was a woman in his life.

‘Jilly’s my dog,’ he said. ‘I’m guessing you don’t like dogs.’

‘Oh, well, no … At least, we’ve never had one. I tend to keep away from dogs I don’t know.’ Angela shuffled her feet, unable to look at him.

‘Baxter licked me,’ Claudia said, scrunching her face.

‘He’s still learning his manners,’ Coop said. ‘Jilly is better behaved than that.’

‘Can I see your dog?’

‘Maybe another day, if it’s okay with your mum.’

Angela looked up and directly into his steady gaze. Somewhere inside her, something wriggled and flipped.

‘Maybe,’ she said. ‘Let’s find a spot to eat our lunch. I’m getting hungry.’

‘Me too, me too,’ Claudia babbled.

‘Me three,’ Coop echoed, giving a big grin, then turning to lead the way.

Angela sucked in a deep breath then exhaled slowly before she started after Coop and the skipping Claudia. By the time she reached the bend in the track they were already disappearing round the next corner. She dawdled along, enjoying the smell of the bush and its calming effect on her wayward emotions.

Suddenly there was a shriek and Angela rushed ahead. She ran down the descending path and rounded the bush hanging over it just as Coop yelled out to stop, but he was too late. Angela only had time to glimpse her giggling, muddy daughter before her feet went out from under her and she slid down a short bank, landing on her bottom in the mud.

For a brief moment there was silence, then Coop leaped across the rocks towards her, offering a hand.

‘Are you hurt?’

Angela was speechless. The ground was soft and she’d missed the rocks. She wasn’t hurt – not badly anyway – but she could feel the moisture soaking through her jeans. She was going to have a wet bum.

Coop hovered over her, hand out, the expression on his face unreadable. But instead of taking it, Angela passed him the rug and the bag, which he quickly transported across the creek. She grabbed a branch to pull herself up but immediately slithered down the bank again.

‘Let me help,’ Coop said. He offered his hand again, and now she could see the hint of a smirk on his face.

She took his hand. It was warm and strong and she struggled to her feet, doing her best to hide her wince as her battered muscles protested.

‘The clay here is slippery. You should be right now,’ he said.

Coop brushed a twig from her hair with his other hand, gazing into her eyes as he did so. He was standing so close she could smell him, a combination of spicy deodorant and a more earthy scent.

‘Hurry up!’ Claudia was jumping up and down with impatience, her muddy hands clenched in little fists.

Angela jerked her eyes from Coop. She stepped away from him and carefully across the creek. It was dry the rest of the way. She must have slipped in the only puddle of water. Ahead of her, Claudia’s giggles turned to shrieks of laughter.

‘Look Mummy.’ She pointed.

Angela turned to see Coop with mud streaks down his nose and across his cheeks. He gave her a wink.

‘Thought I may as well join you,’ he said.

‘We’re all muddy,’ Claudia giggled as Angela climbed onto the bank beside her. Then the girl called a warning. Angela glanced back to see Coop coming towards them, muddy fingers outstretched.

‘You all need some face paint,’ he said.

Claudia squealed with delight as he smeared some mud on her nose. ‘Get Mummy too,’ she instructed.

He turned towards Angela. She glared at him as he extended an arm. He had the most unusual green eyes she’d ever seen and when he looked at her like this, it took her breath away.
Was he really going to do it?
Coop held her gaze, then dropped his arm.

‘I think Mummy’s got more than enough mud for all of us,’ he declared.

‘Indeed,’ Angela said, watching as he bent to wipe his fingers on some grass.

‘I’m hungry,’ Claudia said.

Coop picked up the box of food. ‘Let’s find a spot to eat. Follow me.’ He glanced back over his shoulder at Angela. ‘Carefully,’ he said with a wink.