Austin patted her leg. “If you’re really concerned, just ring. Better to have a few terse words from Paula and at least know they’re okay.”

“I suppose.”

Rowena dug her phone out of her bag and tried Dan’s home number. She held it to her ear as if it was about to bite her. It rang until the mobile disconnected. She peered at the screen.

“What’s the matter?”

“Nobody answered.”

“You said yourself they could be anywhere.”

“Yes, but they have an answering machine. It didn’t answer.”

“Perhaps it’s not working.”

“Or the power’s gone off. Austin, we have to get home. The latest radio alert was a warning for the district not that far from us. I’m worried.”

“Dan and Paula are sensible people. They will be all right.”

Austin was right. If Dan was alone it might be different but he wouldn’t risk Paula and the baby. Rowena simply couldn’t stand not knowing what was happening. “I just want to be home.”

“I’ll get you there, my love.”

Two more fire trucks overtook them. She watched them race ahead and gritted her teeth. If only Austin would allow her to drive, they would get there much quicker.

* * *

Paula put the farm computer back-up in the plastic box that already contained her laptop, the photo album and her jewellery bag. She had re-read their fire action plan days ago in preparation not thinking she’d need to follow it.

Now she was frightened; frightened of the fire, frightened that there was something wrong with the baby, and frightened that, no matter how hard she tried to convince herself otherwise, the pains she was having might be something to do with labour. It was too early and nothing like what had been described to her but the lower-back ache was constant and more and more she would have to stop what she was doing as a stronger spasm spread across her back. If it was because of her fall, she prayed her baby wasn’t injured.

Outside, the wind had picked up and the smell of smoke was much stronger. She called both dogs and, with her backpack slung over her shoulder and the box in her arms, she walked against the wind towards the car shed, keeping a wary eye on the young animals. She didn’t want them running off now.

Once she got inside the shed she was protected from the wind but one of the old wooden doors was flapping across the opening. The pole that had been holding it in place was lying on the ground. Paula put her things in the car and approached the door. One of its hinges was nearly off and each gust of wind made it swing wildly and slam against the cement leading into the shed.