Natalie looked around the large, well-appointed hotel room. She’d been so excited by her beautiful accommodation in Broome but now she couldn’t care less about the luxury of her surroundings. She moved across to the window as Milt deposited their bags. The night was clear and she had a bird’s-eye view of the river and the brightly lit Adelaide oval where a football game was in progress.

She studied Milt’s reflection in the glass as he joined her.

“Port Adelaide are playing,” he said as he gazed out of the window. “I haven’t heard who’s winning but it must be nearly over.” He turned and picked up the television remote.

Natalie watched in the window. She crossed her arms and gripped tightly as annoyance rose up inside her. There were obstacles that needed to be faced, decisions to be made, and when at last they were truly alone Milt wanted to know the footy score. The blare of the television filled the room. He stabbed at the remote to turn it down, glanced at her then back at the television.

“It’s over. Port won.”

Natalie could already see ant-like figures streaming across the footbridge fifteen floors below.

The television went silent.

“This place is pretty flash, isn’t it?” Milt opened a cupboard. “Should be for the cost, but everything within easy distance of the hospital was booked. Steve offered us a bed of course but they live so far out. Lucky Bree has a friend a bit closer to stay with… Are you hungry? We could go down for dinner…”

Natalie took a breath, swallowing her irritation. She dropped her arms to her side and turned, knowing he felt as awkward as she did. “We need to talk, Milt.”

The expectant look on his face crumpled. He dragged his fingers through his hair. “I know. It’s just that this business with Kate and the baby…”

“I was already on my way home. Kate and the baby are perfectly safe for the moment and we’ve got time and space.”

“Fair enough, but I’m having a drink.” He opened the fridge and took out a beer. “Would you like something?”

She shook her head. She wanted no more distractions. “I left because we’d hit a wall I felt we couldn’t overcome. I tried to talk to you about it but…”

“I didn’t listen.” He slumped into an armchair, placed the beer on the table unopened and clasped his fingers together. “Can you tell me now?”