Rode Hard

“Was she sociable in Uni?”

“No, she was the same, wouldn’t mix with anyone. I don’t know why she gravitated to me.”

“She felt safe knowing you’re gay.”

“That’s what Luke said.”

“What about graduation, was anyone there?”

“No-one, which is why I thought her parents were dead. Lately she’s let a few things slip which has me wondering.”

“About what?”

“Her past and what might have happened to her. Luke insists, from what he’s noticed in the short time he’s known her that she’s been abused in some way. It would certainly explain a lot of things. I hate the thought someone might have hurt her.”

“I think Luke could be right. What are you going to do?”

“I’m not sure. First off, I have to settle things with Luke. I’m really struggling without him. I love him so much, dad, it can’t be over.”

Dad stood, I joined him, and we turned to head back down the beach to his home.

He clapped me on the back and squeezed my shoulder. “I’m sure you’ll get it sorted. How about I make that call to Parker now?”

“Thanks, dad, for always being here for me.”

“Always, son.”

We strolled back down the beach in silence, both of us deep in thought.

***

LUKE

I arrived at the office to three smiling faces and handshakes. Over coffee I was introduced to my new staff and we chatted briefly.

Rick was ready to hand the reins over and concentrate on enjoying himself in a well-earned retirement.

The man was approaching seventy and didn’t look a day over fifty. Considering he’d worked the job for more than forty years, and the stresses involved, he’d held up remarkably well. I hoped I looked as good when my time was done.

He showed me to what was to be my office and I took a seat behind the computer. While Rick watched from a seat beside me, I studied open cases and recent arrests.

There wasn’t a lot of crime in our town, or the surrounding area, but enough to keep us busy and on our toes.

I opened a section which listed missing persons bulletins, scrolling through the pictures and accompanying information until one caught my attention, forcing me to pause.

“Familiar face?” Rick asked.

“Not sure.” Yes, I was. I’d been a cop for too many years not to notice subtle changes in one’s appearance. I read the information below the picture:

Natalie Marie Portia Winters

Aged – 19

Last seen on January third, 2003 in Fernvale, Qld.

Please contact missing persons Mincrow.

The conversation I’d had with Kyle replayed itself in my mind. I had absolutely no doubt, the young girl in the picture was who we knew as Wendy.

Her piercing green eyes were unique. She was the daughter of a wealthy mining magnate, one of the most powerful men in the country. They owned a prized stud station around six hundred kilometers from Clearlea. Her hair wasn’t red like in the picture, it was now mousy brown. She wore glasses in the picture, but now she more than likely wore contacts.

I sat back in the chair. Having gotten to know Wendy in the brief time I’d been at Kyles, I figured if she was hiding, it was for a good reason. Bringing attention to her was probably the last thing she’d want. I needed to have a serious chat with the lady, but how was I going to do that without seeing Kyle?

My thoughts drifted to the man I loved. I was a little surprised he hadn’t shown up, but shouldn’t have been, he had far too much integrity to embarrass me at my place of work.

“I’m not sure. She’s from one of the best-known families in the country, so I probably recognize her from television or internet.

Rick nodded, accepted my explanation, and we continued with him bringing me up to date.

By the time my four hours were up, I was exhausted. My ribs ached and I was glad to say goodbye and head back to Parkers.

***

KYLE

On the drive home to Clearlea, I was overwhelmed with nervousness and excitement. Luke hadn’t left my thoughts since Dad had managed to get Mr Parker to agree to allow me to see my love.

I turned onto the road leading through town and headed north, concentrating on staying within the speed limit. I couldn’t wait to reach the Parker place knowing Luke would be there now. Dad had been told that Luke had been working the mornings in town at his office, arriving at the station for lunch before helping out with afternoon chores.

I eased down the driveway and pulled to a stop in front of the neat, whitewashed ranch house. Luke had been seated on the front porch with the old man, but when he saw it was me, he stood to head inside.

I stepped from my truck and noticed the old man’s hand wrap around Luke’s wrist. He said something I couldn’t hear, and whatever it was, had Luke staying put as I approached. I stepped onto the porch and nodded to the two men.