Chapter 12
Drew chained Bess up by the back door. ‘Bit far for you, old girl.’ He fondled her ears and offered a lamb shank. The dog whined and gave the bone a half-hearted lick. Poor compensation for missing a day out on the range.
They’d made a perfunctory exchange of gifts that morning – him, Mai and Dad. It was a dismal scene. Mai had escaped afterwards to spend the day with relatives in Wodonga. Bill was off to Christmas lunch at neighbouring Brigalow Station. He’d expected Drew to tag along. ‘It’s a fine thing,’ Bill grumbled, ‘when your own children can’t be bothered with you on Christmas.’ Drew had excused himself from the breakfast table, his appetite suddenly gone.
Sam was towelling her hair dry by the water tank when he arrived, Tambo by her side. Singlet top, denim shorts sh
