Mr Parker nodded. "I know what you mean. He's had a rough few days but I know you'll help him find his way."
Before I could quiz Mr Parker further, Luke called out that everything was right to go.
The old man walked to where Luke stood at the side of the truck, took him in his arms, patted his back, and whispered something in his ear to which Luke nodded before his eyes welled with tears. When one escaped, he brushed it away angrily.
As I approached the truck, I heard Luke say, "thanks for everything, Mr Parker. I don't know what I would have done without you."
The old man slapped Luke on the back, gave me a chin lift and headed back to the house. I was left completely confused as to what the fuck was going on."
I climbed into the vehicle as Luke started the motor.
"What was that all about?" Yeah, I know I'm nosy and said I wouldn't push, but fuck, give me a break. Something is going on and it's killing me not knowing what happened to Luke. Did I mention I care deeply for this man? I want to help.
"Mr Parker is a good friend, I've stayed in touch with him over the years, and he was there for me when I needed someone."
"Why did…."
The glare Luke cast in my direction had me slamming my mouth shut. In time, I hoped he'd trust me enough to confide in me. I also hoped, curiosity didn't kill me before that time came.
CHAPTER FIVE
LUKE
Fuck it was hard diverting Kyle's attention, he was like a damn dog with a bone when he wanted answers.
I just wasn't ready to open up to him yet. Given time, I would tell him my secrets but that time hadn't yet come. He remained silent, no doubt stewing on the fact I refused to talk to him about what had happened, while I drove to the station. When I pulled the truck to a stop outside the stables, Wendy was speaking with three other men.
Kyle slid from the truck without saying a word. I joined him and we strode toward where the others stood.
"Men, let me introduce you all," Kyle began. "This is a friend of mine from school."
I’d prefer to be much more, but I'd take it.
"He's the new Detective in charge of the Police station. Detective Senior Sargent, Luke Kelly."
The men groaned as I shook hands with the first man and Kyle introduced him. "John, the best horse wrangler in the state, if not all of Australia."
John nodded.
"Pleased to meet you, John. I might ask you to take care of Sally for me when I'm busy working. If you don’t mind of course."
"Be happy to, Luke."
I took a moment to observe the man—average height, sun bleached close-cropped hair, tanned skin, slight muscular build. I'd guess in his early forties.
The next man who held out his paw, yeah, it wasn't the size of any hand I'd ever seen. The man was a fucking giant. We could have done with the goliath on our football team.
He had jet black hair, brown skin which indicated he was of aboriginal descent, and muscles on his muscles. He was one man you didn't pick an argument with if you had even half a brain.
"Mitch…" Kyle started.
"Resident cowpoke," Mitch grinned broadly as we shook.
His voice was deep, gravelly, and he was quietly spoken which belied his appearance. He was probably in his forties also.
The third man was taller than John, and larger build, but smaller than Mitch. Hahaha, everyone would be smaller than Mitch. Hell, he towered over Kyle and I and we were both around one hundred and ninety four centimetres, or six feet four inches on the old scale.
"Kale is another cowpoke and the men's cook. Don't play him at pool, I'm convinced he's unbeatable."
Kale laughed at Kyle's comment and we shook. He was older, in his fifties I reckoned.
"Pleased to meet you all."
"Luke is injured at the moment and won't be able to help out much for a few weeks while he heals. After that, he'll give us a hand with chores when he's not on duty," Kyle explained.
I noticed Wendy's eyebrows reach to her hairline when Kyle mentioned I was hurt. I had no doubt there would be questions later on.
"What did you do to him, Kyle? He was fine last night and this morning at breakfast." Wendy had her fists jammed on her hips and she glared at Kyle as if he was to blame.
I jumped in to rescue him. "He didn't do anything, I had busted ribs before I got here."
"How? And why the fuck didn't you say anything? We made you reach up into cupboards, and do everything for yourself, when you should have been resting." Wendy was like an angry little terrier when she got herself worked up.