‘Just the usual local fishermen.The police boat cruises past at least once a month, with Policeman Porter and his fireman mate, Bottle Shop Luke, on board.Good lads, that pair.They’ll drop off a spare fish on their way home.’
‘Do you visit the Sandfly Saloon much?’
‘Weekly for supplies.Or Two-dollar Darryl and his nephew, Chopper, will bring them to me.’
‘Good.’Another twinge of guilt settled in his chest like heartburn, for not getting out to visit as much as he’d like to.Stone was glad someone was checking up on the old guy.
‘I know you told me her story, but why did you bring Roman out ‘ere?’Chook gave a short nod in Romy’s direction.
Leaning against the pole, Stone admired her profile, reflected in the dancing light of the river, highlighting her warm eyes.She sat on her stool, gazing at the water with the same focused intensity she had behind a camera.Watching her was like witnessing his own documentary unfold.
It only made him want to help her more, when by rights he shouldn’t be doing anything with the pretty little filmmaker.Yet, he couldn’t help himself.
‘I’m hoping you’ll let Romy interview you for her documentary, share some of your stories, show off your memorabilia that’s gathering dust inside?’
‘Struth.’Chook’s grey eyebrows shot up.
‘You’ll love it.’
‘Does that mean I’ve gotta shave?I haven’t shaved in decades.’Chook stroked his bearded plait.
‘Nope, stay authentic, brother.I’m sure you’ll win her over by just being who you are, and Romy’s a good sort.’
‘Must be, to put up with the likes of you, coz you never suffered fools lightly… Which had me wondering why you’d want The Vegan to stay here?I hear she does some dumb things.’
‘You could use her to do trips to town for food and medicines when I’m too busy to check in on you.’
‘I don’t need a babysitter, boy.’
‘I didn’t say that.Backpackers are good like that, they live their own lives and regularly volunteer to help just for the privilege of staying.It’s why I have them around, and they keep Finley company.’
‘I see.’Chook rubbed his jaw in thought.
‘Raven’s heart is in the right place, and she saved a security guard from an asthma attack, even though they were enemies.’Which made him peek back at the boardwalk, towards the front gate, hidden behind the shifting curtain of leaves from the towering fig tree.
What paint had Raven used that caused Doug’s asthma attack?When Stone knew that Raven avoided all chemicals, especially anything toxic.That whole paint-bomb incident didn’t sit right with him.
If only the Duchess could see him now, she’d be so proud of his note-taking skills, as he tapped a reminder on his phone to ask about the type of paint Raven used.‘I’ll go sort out the tanks.Where are the egg warmers?’
‘Back shed.How are you going to cart them?’
‘With the sling.’
‘You ready to use that sling again?’
Stone frowned, as the heat swirled in his chest.‘No.But for this I will.’Hoping Chook would drop the subject.He didn’t need the past dredged up like that, not when he’d been doing his best to forget.
‘I’ve got plenty of clips, and a few spare slings there, too.Even the one I taught you how to use, all primed and ready for you to use anytime.’Chook squinted at Stone as if he could see straight through him.
‘You need glasses, old man.Squinting makes you look older than you are.’Stone crossed the deck quickly, to escape that kind of scrutiny.‘Be nice to the Roman while I’m gone.’
‘What did you call her?’Chook chuckled.‘She should be nice tome.I am the captain of this here river circus.’
Twenty-one
‘Are you flamin’ feeding the fish or catching ‘em, Roman?’The houseboat’s deck thudded with each step of Chook’s wooden leg.
‘I don’t know what I’m doing.’With her camera taken away from her and being made to sit on the simple wooden stool, it was like she’d been sent to the naughty corner.‘Where did Stone go?’
