Page 43 of Stockman's Sandstorm

‘I’ve gotta hand it to you lad, that’s clever.’

Ryder sipped on his coffee and cleared his throat. ‘Charlie, we want you to ask Bree to come with us.’

Charlie spluttered out a laugh. ‘Fat chance that’s gonna happen.’

‘We need an extra pair of hands,’ said Cap. ‘The dogs can only do so much on a herd that size.’

‘We also don’t want anyone to know where we’re going and that you’ve stashed the cattle out there.’ Ryder pointed at Charlie. ‘Technically, that herd of cattle wasn’t your property to hide.’

‘I did that for the new owners. You lot. It’s your cattle, most are branded to say so.’ Charlie crossed his arms over his chest and stared at the map for a good while. ‘You’ll have some ferals in that mob, for sure. But it’s prize stock, that’s been out there a year in that valley that’s thick in pockets.’

‘Which is why we need you and Bree.’

Charlie leaned back in his seat. ‘Yeah, you’ll need Bree to come. She’s a damned fine stockwoman and a brilliant muster cook, too.’

Ash leaned forward. ‘Is it true you guys have pizza nights on Saturday night?’

Charlie squinted, deepening the crevices around his eyes. ‘You’ll have to speak to Bree about that, she’s the party coordinator.’

‘But will she work for us?’

‘You boys? Never.’ Charlie’s laugh echoed around the verandah.

‘That’s why we need you to ask her. We’ll pay you double to cover her wages,’ said Ryder. ‘We need both of you on this muster, with you leading it.’

Charlie sat straighter, giving them a curt nod. ‘Fair enough, then. I’d better get cracking.’ He stood from the table. ‘You’ll wanna do a deep clean of the troughs before we go, Ash. None of that flyover business with that toy, either. Get into your ute and get ya hands dirty. I found algae choking up the trough on the east side.’

‘It’s on my list.’ He hated being spoken down to, especially in front of his older brothers.

Charlie hobbled down the front steps. ‘Who’s watching the homestead while we’re away?’

They all looked back at the house.

‘You can’t leave that city girl here. Not on her own.’

‘Why not?’ Dex said. ‘The nanny will stick to the house like she does now.’

Charlie shook his head. ‘What’s wrong in lettin’ that girl come with? That poor kid has been nowhere, all locked up in the homestead. And Wombat Flats is paradise, fellas. She’s pristine country, that’s worth the stickybeak.’

‘No!’ The stern word echoed across the verandah, matched by Ash’s frown. ‘They’re not going. I will not risk their safety out on a muster.’ His protectiveness over Harper and Mason flared like fire inside him.

Oh no, had he already gotten too attached?

‘I can’t see Harper climbing into a saddle. Not unless it was for some country club,’ mumbled Dex.

‘Oi.’ Ash frowned at Dex. ‘Leave her alone.’

Dex held his hands up in surrender. ‘Okay, okay.’

‘The boy can ride with you, Ash. Bree’s made this special baby halter to strap him to your chest,’ said Charlie. ‘Harper can help cook.’

‘Harper can’t cook,’ said Ash. ‘She’d tell you that.’

‘Guess that’s why Harper’s been having cooking lessons with Bree.’

All four men raised their eyebrows.

‘It’s why we’d appreciate it if you can get Bree to come,’ said Ryder. ‘We’ll leave Harper here.’

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