Bree bristled again at the suggestion her joining Owen at Marla was such a selfish act. Her parents had had plenty of chances to take a break and she wouldn’t have made a fuss if they’d gone off, in fact she’d welcome the opportunity to run things her way. She went to the fridge and got a beer then glared at Kate. “Perhaps she’s worried about you, moping around all day looking like something the cat dragged in and not helping much.”

Kate clutched her cup. “If she was worried about any of us she’d be here, not thousands of k’s away.” Tears brimmed in her eyes.

Bree got a daggered look from Laura. She felt a stab of guilt. She hadn’t meant to sound so mean. “Look, I’m sure Mum’s doing just what Dad said. She’s gone on a holiday. Maybe they’re both miffed ’cause he wouldn’t go too.”

“But she was going to Aunty Brenda’s,” Laura said.

“It was a bit of a surprise to find out she was in Broome.” Kate rested her behind against the kitchen bench and took a sip of her tea.

“Dad told us about that,” Bree said. “Mum’s decision was last minute and she didn’t know Brenda was going to be away.”

“But it’s all a bit weird, isn’t it?” Laura said. “You’d think she’d have let us know the minute her plans changed. It’s almost as if she wouldn’t have told us she was in Broome if we hadn’t caught her out.”

They were all silent then until Bree plonked her beer on the table and sat. “I think this is all ridiculous. You’re worrying over nothing.”

“We could just ask Dad what’s going on.” Kate came and sat down again. The tears were gone and her face was returning to a healthier pink.

“Like how?” Bree said.

They all froze as the handle rattled and the door opened. “Hello, started drinks without me?” Milt’s eyes were bleary but his voice was cheery.

“A beer?” Bree leaped to her feet.

“Thanks, love.”

“Jeepers, look at the time. I’d better get tea started.” Laura jumped up too. Bree glanced at her. Her little sister said the strangest things sometimes but jeepers was new.

“Everyone happy with chops for tea?” Laura asked.

“I’ll do the vegetables,” Kate said.

Bree passed her dad a beer then set the table and for a while the kitchen was abuzz with activity. No-one brought up their missing mother and soon the smell of meat cooking wafted around them.

Kate made a sudden dash for the door. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

Bree looked up as the door banged sharply but her dad and Laura didn’t seem to notice. She took a deep breath. “Have you heard from Mum today?”