The owner of the voice came into view and in front of her stood a tall man with dark hair and even darker eyes. His skin was tanned, and he looked like he worked out a lot. Did Barker have a gym now? She doubted it, but this guy was seriously ripped.

‘Well, Zara Ellison from the Farming Telegraph, I sure am glad to meet you. I’m Karl Richards.’ He held out his hand and she took it.

In the first seconds of introductions she pegged him as a larrikin, someone who loved to chat, laugh and play jokes on people. His face was alight with fun. It would be good to know someone who could make her laugh while she was here. God knows, she’d need it as time went on.

‘The local stockie at your service. And why are you here? Got some stock to sell? Or have some been stolen?’

‘Why?’ she asked instantly. ‘Do you know of some that have been stolen?’ Then Zara laughed. ‘None of the above, but I’ve got some questions for you.’

‘Shame. Fire away.’

Zara explained why she was there and then asked, ‘Can you tell me if you’ve got any stories or anything of interest going on? Sheep or cattle feed trials, anything really. Who are the most innovative farmers around or, at least, who wouldn’t mind talking to me? I need a couple of stories for next week’s paper and I only arrived yesterday.’

Karl leaned over his desk and grabbed a map and a pen. ‘Are you doing a penance or something? How come they’ve thrown you out into the sticks? Insulted the boss, maybe?’

Zara laughed again. ‘Nup. I haven’t been banished. I’ve come back for family reasons. You probably know my family. Are you the stock agent for Will Ellison?’

A grim look settled on Karl’s face. ‘Yeah, I am. And that’s a shitty situation. Are you his sister? I’ve heard about you and I’ve read your work in the Farming Telegraph. I should’ve put two and two together.’

‘That’s me.’

‘I’ve told both Lynda and Will that if they need any help with anything, no matter how small, to let me know. The guys from the footy club are always around to lend a hand as well. We discussed it at the last committee meeting. And I know Mick Sands has been helping a bit too.’

‘That’s my dad’s best mate. I’m not surprised he’s there. And thanks.’ Shoving her hands in her pockets, Zara rocked back and forth on her heels. ‘I’ll let them know again,’ she answered in a low voice.

‘Now, back to the farmers,’ Karl said, ‘I think the best thing for you to do is come down to the pub tonight. We’ve got another footy club meeting and there’re a couple of guys on the team you should talk to.’

‘Sounds great! What time?’

‘Make it seven. That’ll give us time to get the meeting out of the way and then we can focus on how we can help you.’