There were several vehicles lined up in the car park of the stock agents. Inside the shop, everyone was busy serving and talking. She hung back from the counter and looked around at the displays – dusty barbecues, bulk bags of dog food, fire extinguishers and rolls of pipe, none of it very interesting. She smiled at the recollection of her last shopping day in Adelaide. That had been more to her liking.

“Hello, Paula.”

She spun around to see Monica coming along an aisle beside her, followed by a lad pushing a trolley loaded with bags.

“Dan’s got you picking up things while you’re in town too, has he?”

“Yes and no. I’m picking up things but I wasn’t planning on coming in today. I had to make a special trip.”

“Yes, I know what you mean. Some days I’m thankful we’re not far from town.” Monica leaned closer. “Are you in a rush? This is my last port of call. I’m heading home and those pups are coming along nicely. I thought you might like to make a decision about which one you want. I’ve had a few people enquire.”

“Oh. I’d love to but I think Dan wants this stuff urgently.” Paula waved her notepad at Monica. “Will you be home tomorrow? I’ve got to make another trip in for my doctor’s visit.”

“Morning or afternoon?”

“My appointment’s at twelve. Perhaps I could call in on the way.” Now that she’d been to Monica’s a couple of times Paula knew how to get there via some back roads, which saved her quite a few kilometres. It was then only a quick run into town along the bitumen from there.

“Lovely. Come in time to have a cuppa.”

Paula was nearly home when Dan called her on the radio.

“How far away are you? Can you come over to Harvey’s place?”

Even through the crackle of the radio Paula could hear the tightness in his voice. She glanced at her watch.

“Yes, I’ll be there in about ten minutes.”

The road to their farm was coming up on her left but she was pretty sure if she went straight ahead the road would lead directly to Harvey’s. She slowed at the next crossroad and glanced around. It had come up much sooner than she’d expected. It can’t be this one, she thought and drove on.

She’d gone quite a few kilometres further before she slowed again. There was no sign of another crossroad and the road was starting to take a few twists and turns. None of it looked familiar.

“Damn,” she muttered. “The crossroads must have been the right place.” She stopped and did a U-turn. The car was warm and she fiddled with the air conditioner.