Now Bob’s pallor mirrored the grey early-morning light. He glanced over his shoulder then spoke in a low voice. “Vee’s gone into a deep sleep at last.”

Natalie was grateful, both that Veronica was getting some rest before facing whatever would come today and that they didn’t have to make small talk.

Bob didn’t look like he’d had much sleep himself. He was one of those men who shaved their heads to avoid the fact that they were almost bald and this morning it made him look much older than when Natalie had last seen him several months earlier.

Milt gripped Bob’s hand in both of his. “You call us if there’s anything we can do.”

Natalie glanced from her husband’s concerned face to Bob’s sad one. Milt spoke as if Bob and Veronica were their dearest friends when in reality they were distant neighbours who’d avoided each other for years. Even though Natalie had long forgiven her husband she didn’t want to play happy neighbours any more now than she had back then. The Halbots would have plenty of other friends they could rely on.

“Thank you both…” There were tears in Bob’s eyes. “For staying with Vee.” He turned to Natalie and placed a hand on her arm. “I know you and Vee had a big falling-out. But it was all so long ago. Water under the bridge as they say. Silly for it to have gone on for so long. It was decent of you to put it behind you and support her.”

Natalie mumbled something placating, unable to hold Bob’s tearful look nor glance at her husband, who was standing rigidly beside her. The couples had been friendly once. That was in the time before Natalie’s husband and Bob’s wife had taken that friendship one step too far. Bob was a good-hearted man but she couldn’t imagine even he would be that much of a saint if he knew the truth. She had wondered what Veronica had told her husband all those years ago to keep the families apart. The few times their paths crossed each year Bob was always friendly towards Milt. It was hard to imagine he would act so genuinely if he knew.

Natalie and Milt were both silent as he drove against the tide of traffic travelling towards the city while they headed away. When he suggested a stop in Gawler for a coffee and a bite to eat it took her by surprise. That’s when she realised she was hungry again. It had been twelve hours since the slice of pizza she’d eaten last night. She hoped with food in her stomach she would get her mind in order. Normally she spent Thursday afternoons on lesson plans, now she’d have to fit that into the weekend, which would be hard with Laura at home and mustering to be done.