‘Dave—’ Kim started.

‘No.’ He put his hand up, not wanting to continue the conversation. ‘Enough. I thought you would’ve been able to see things from my point of view. You usually can. They stole the life I wanted. The farm. All the things I wanted to do and be.’

He watched as Kim frowned. ‘Don’t you like your life now?’

‘What?’ He was momentarily confused. ‘Of course I do! I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.’

‘So what you’re angry about doesn’t actually matter anymore. You wouldn’t be here in Barker or with me if you’d stayed on the farm. Sure, you had a kick in the guts, but you’ve got on and made the best of what you’ve been given. If you keep this anger inside, it’s going to end up eating away at you—you’ll get sick. You’ve got to deal with it. You say you can’t understand why I don’t see your point of view, but you know what I don’t understand?’

Dave opened his mouth to answer, but she didn’t give him a chance to speak.

‘I don’t understand how someone who is such a great communicator, who loves helping people sort out relationships, can be so stubborn and pigheaded about his own. You really should take some of your own advice, Dave.’

Dave stood there for a second not saying a word. He knew he had to control himself so as not to say something he’d regret later. Finally, he turned on his heel and walked out of the room, saying, ‘Some wrongs can’t be made right just by saying sorry. I’m going to see Jack.’

‘Look what the cat’s dragged in!’ Jack got up from his desk as Dave opened the door. ‘You didn’t ring and say you were back. Welcome home!’

Dave held out his hand and grinned at him. ‘I’m glad to be back. Holidays are fine for about three days and then I want my desk and a case. What’s going on?’

‘Not much, my man, not much. Been really quiet.’

Bob gave a hoarse bark and limped out from underneath Jack’s desk.

‘Ah, g’day there, old fella,’ said Dave, squatting down to pat him. ‘You been stinking Jack out?’

As if on cue a puff of foul-smelling air reached them, and both men rolled their eyes.

‘Nice to know some things don’t change!’

‘Certainly not with Bob,’ Jack agreed, reaching for a piece of paper to fan the air.

‘So …’ Dave sat down and put his feet up on the desk. ‘Surely there’s been something going on? You’ve got to justify your wages somehow! What about the dangerous driving case against Frank Syme? Did he lose his licence?’

Bob let out a heavy sigh, and flopped to the ground next to Dave’s feet and closed his eyes.

‘Nope, just a suspended sentence. Bloody stupid, ’cause I see there’s rubber around the place again, but I just haven’t been able to catch him. I’d love to impound his ute.’