I believe him, because what he says is true. We don’t have to like each other to help each other. But I don’t want his help, and I don’t understand his relationship with Elaine.

‘Thank you, Ben, for the offer, but I will be fine.’

He scrapes a foot back and forth in the dirt, and stops it as if that foot will betray him. I realise he is barely controlling his irritation at me.

‘Don’t be so pigheaded, Dave. Don’t take it as an offer from me. We all need to work together.’ He forces the word ‘together’ out, pauses, and then swallows something that I think might be rage. The attempt to be friends has not gone the way he hoped. ‘These people are a threat to our community. We need to be united.’

It is possible he is concerned for his own farm and business. Maybe he thinks Buzzcut will target him next, or maybe he already has. ‘I certainly appreciate your concern, Ben, but I can assure you I can handle the situation.’ He clenches his jaw, and I think he might be gritting his teeth.

‘Have they visited you?’ I ask.

He is confused by the question. ‘Me? No. I can handle this sort of stuff. I’m here to support you.’

‘Or do they work under your orders? I know you want the boxes. I know you’re mixed up in this, so don’t try to pretend you’re suddenly a good guy.’

His back stiffens, and he says without emotion: ‘Suit yourself.’ He swivels, and walks to his ute. I watch him go, but as I turn away I hear him say, ‘I picked up something for you. It was under your mailbox as I came in.’ He has a large box, the same size as all the others in his arms. He offers it to me, and I take it. It is not as heavy as the other boxes, but it looks the same.

‘See you.’ He raises a hand in farewell, and leaves me as if we’ve just had a friendly chat. Maybe we have.

I put the box in my ute. I’m not curious about the contents. Whatever is in there cannot be good. I go on strolling around my sheds absent-mindedly, picking up sticks and a bucket that the wind has blown out of place, and a piece of a beer carton pushed against the wall. I don’t know what Ben is up to, but I’m guessing I will find out soon enough. I don’t think he has the slightest desire to help me, so something else is going on.