Rowena looked over his shoulder. “That’s pretty good compared to how he used to write.”

“What do you mean?”

“Dan, surely you realise that boy’s nearly illiterate.”

“Why would I know that?”

“You’ve worked with him for years.”

“I don’t employ him to write. I employ him to do farm work.”

“He’s pretty good at covering.”

“Why haven’t you ever said anything?”

“I’ve given him a bit of help from time to time but he’s very sensitive about it. I haven’t helped him since Paula’s been here. I think she’s taken him under her wing.”

“She’s never said anything.”

“I’m only assuming. Tom hasn’t said as much but I’ve noticed a few improvements and I’ve seen him at Paula’s with papers a few times. Things that he may have asked me or his mother in the past.”

Dan’s mobile pinged. He peered at the screen.

Rowena waited while he read his message.

“That was Paula,” he said and dropped his mobile onto the table. “She’s staying in Adelaide for the night.”

“Is she all right?”

“Just tired and didn’t want to drive home tonight. She’s still got some things she wants to do in the city tomorrow.”

“She’ll be missing her family. A rest and some retail therapy is probably a good idea. We’re all a bit tired. I’ll make you a cup of tea.”

“No thanks.”

“But, Dan, we need to talk.”

“I’ve nothing new to tell you at this stage.”

“Dan, let me use my money—”

“No, Rowena.” He pushed his hat onto his head. “Just give me a bit longer.”

Rowena listened to the sounds of him leaving. She wasn’t sure how much longer they would have.

Chapter 36

CHAPTER

36

“That should make it more comfortable. There’s a lot of tissue damage.” The grey-haired doctor looked over his glasses at Dan. “It’s going to take a while to heal.”

Dan looked back at the hand the locum had finished working on. It still hurt but not as much as it had in the night. The throbbing and lack of sleep had forced him to get it checked out.

Lachlan Hunter was away and Dan had agreed to see his replacement. He was an older man and quite brusque. At first he’d reprimanded Dan for not coming in as soon as he’d hurt his hand but then he’d got down to business and organised an X-ray.

“Thanks,” Dan said. The broken finger still hurt and his whole hand was swollen and various shades of purple and black.

“I don’t suppose there’s any point in me telling you to rest that hand for a few days. The splint should keep the fracture in place but if you knock it…”