Zara giggled. ‘Yeah, they did. He’s good for her. I like seeing them together.’ She put down her knife and fork and looked at Dave. ‘We spread Will’s ashes today. That was tough. Final. I feel empty and sad,’ she took a breath and looked around, ‘but it’s good to be here with friends, and Mum has James out there tonight, so I know she’s okay. I’ve been thinking a lot about what you said, Dave, about not letting things fester. It was good to find Will a place where he’s free.’

Dave nodded. ‘Glad about that.’

‘Did you say you were here for good?’ Jack asked.

‘Yeah, as of yesterday. I’m going to be hard to get rid of.’

‘What about your work?’

‘I’m still going to report for the paper. I’ll have to travel a bit, but that’s okay.’ Zara stopped and excitedly put her hand on Jack’s arm. ‘Oh, I haven’t told anyone yet! I’ve also got a new job.’

‘Have you? What’s that?’

‘I’m going to be a mediator between activists and farmers. To try to raise awareness on both sides.’

‘Jeez, good luck with that,’ Dave said.

‘I think it’ll be challenging, but hugely rewarding.’

‘That’s a great job for you,’ Jack said. ‘You’re really fair, so I think that’s perfect.’ He patted her hand. ‘Maybe we could have a coffee and you could tell me about it?’

A smile split Kim’s face, and she put her hand on Dave’s leg under the table and squeezed.

Perfect.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Acknowledgements

Having to do acknowledgements twice a year is slightly difficult because I’m thanking the same people over and over and over again! Don’t get me wrong, the people on Team Fleur need thanking every time! They keep me on the straight and narrow, but it’s finding different words to thank them, every six months which is getting difficult! And just a little secret—I spend hours agonising over this part of the book, so this time, I’m not over thinking it, I’m just writing.

So, let’s get started!

The Allen & Unwin and Agent Team Fleur: Tom, Annette, Christa, KM, Sarah, Laura and everyone else behind the scenes, with a special mention to Jenn Thurgate—what a power of work you do, without any of us authors even knowing! Gaby Naher, who I could not do without.

The WA Team Fleur: Carolyn, Heather, Robyn, Lauren and Graham, Ewin, Jan and Pete, Chrissy, Paul and Lee, Al, Wal, Tom. Peter Fitzpatrick. And interstate: Carrie, Sarah, Bridget, Gillian (I never thought such tragedy could bring friendship), Bev.

The Plotting Team: DB—Never enough words to thank you. And Tanya.

And of course, all my family; human and canine.