Chapter Thirty-Three
MATUA - UNCLEMikaere grazed in the old man’s garden, tugging at the sparse green shoots with sharp teeth and snatching them from the ground. He inspected the pumpkin leaves wrapped around the old car and blew out a sigh of disgust. Phoenix unclipped the lunge rope but left the head collar in place to avoid drama when she wanted to leave and he didn’t.
“He fell heavy?” Matua spoke English as he pointed at Mikaere’s knees.
Phoenix nodded. “He went down in the bush. I think it’s just bruising and grazes.” She looped the lunge rope over her shoulder and followed the old man up the steps onto the porch.
“Phone is there.” Matua pointed to a handset fixed to the wall. He gave her a toothless grin. “Looks old but it works.”
“Thank you.” Phoenix lifted the handset and paus
