The Lost Man(105)

‘Come on, then.’ Ilse waited until Liz had disappeared into the house, then slid her hand into his. Her palm was warm and dry as they walked.

‘Listen,’ she said. ‘Harry was talking about driving over and helping you with your flood prep, but –’ Her words came out in a rush. ‘I was thinking he should stay and make sure everything’s ready here, and I could drive over and help you for a couple of days. If you want.’

Nathan stopped walking and looked at her. ‘I would absolutely love that.’

‘Are you sure? Because if you actually need Harry’s help, or Bub’s –’

‘No. God, no.’

‘Is there much to do?’

‘No.’

‘But I should still come?’

‘Definitely.’

‘Okay.’ She smiled. ‘Good. So maybe Thursday and Friday next week?’

‘New year.’

‘Yes.’ She smiled. ‘I suppose it is.’

They reached the verandah. Lo’s pictures were still pinned by rocks, the edges flapping in the breeze. Cameron’s painting was propped up against the railings where Liz had left it.

‘Oh God, what is this doing out here?’ Ilse said as she climbed the steps.

‘I brought it out.’

‘Oh.’ Ilse picked up the painting and held it out. The colours were already dulled by a light coating of dust. Ilse frowned for a minute then, without warning, licked her thumb and wiped a long smudge from the top corner. It removed the mark, but left a smeared wet thumbprint. The edge of her mouth turned up a little. ‘Better.’

She put the painting back down with the clatter of wood against the floorboards. ‘Anyway, I’ll see you outside after your call.’

‘Ilse –’

‘Yes?’

‘Just –’ Nathan took her hand, her fingertips light against his. ‘Are you happy? Now, I mean?’

Ilse’s face clouded as she considered.

‘I don’t know,’ she said finally. ‘It’s been a bad week. A bad year, really. But if you’re asking me if I feel better than I did last week, or last year, then the answer is yes.’

They looked at each other and slowly she took a step forward, leaned in and kissed him. Nathan closed his eyes, and warmth that had nothing to do with the sun spread through his body and he felt himself smile.

‘I suppose when I think about the future now,’ she said as they broke apart, ‘I can imagine being happy again. And I haven’t felt that way in a long time. Do you know what I mean?’

‘Yeah,’ he said. ‘I do.’

She opened the screen door and pointed at the phone, off its cradle. ‘I’ll see you afterwards.’

Nathan watched her disappear around the side of the house, then let the door slam behind him. He walked down the darkened hall and picked up the phone.

‘Hello?’ he said. Through the window, the cricket game was in full swing. The girls were taking turns bowling while Bub called out instructions.

‘Nathan,’ Glenn’s voice came down the line. ‘Sorry, mate, I only got back late yesterday and got your messages. So we’ve looked into it, and this Jenna woman has been in Bali for nearly three weeks. Flights and passport movement all add up, and I called the retreat she’s staying at and had a brief word with her. She said she was sorry to hear about Cameron, mate. Apparently she just wanted to send him some letter.’

Xander spotted Nathan through the window and waved as Lo somehow managed to bowl Bub out. Bub fell to his knees in mock humiliation as the girls celebrated to a loud chorus of laughter. Bub pointed at Nathan through the glass, and gestured. Come and help me.

‘Nathan, mate? You still there?’ Glenn’s voice sounded far away.

‘Yeah.’

‘Was there something else you wanted to talk about?’

‘Sorry,’ Nathan said. ‘It was –’

Ilse was laughing as the girls ran victory laps.

Nathan took a breath. ‘You know what, mate? It was nothing.’

‘You sure? Message made it sound urgent.’

Lo was at the wicket now, struggling with a bat that was almost as big as her. Harry bowled underarm and she made contact and everyone cheered.

‘No, I wanted to say –’ Nathan stopped. ‘I wanted to tell you that I’m going to be coming into town more often from now on. I’m not looking to make any trouble, but I’m going to show my face when I want to. So tell whoever you need to tell, but that’s what’s going to be happening.’

‘Righto,’ Glenn said. ‘I wouldn’t say that was particularly urgent myself, but it doesn’t sound like a bad idea at all to me.’

‘Thanks, Glenn.’

‘No worries.’ The cop gave a polite cough. ‘If that’s all –?’

Through the window, Nathan could see Liz standing to one side, a little in the shade, a little unnoticeable, watching over her family. She looked at peace. Harry was giving the girls batting tips while Bub said something to Xander that made him laugh. Ilse was smiling, her hair shining in the sunlight.

‘That’s all,’ Nathan said.

‘Merry Christmas, then.’

‘And you.’ He hung up.