Page 93 of Stockman's Sandstorm

‘I’ll take it. Not that I’d know how to do an IV.’

‘Cap does. He’s done the procedure plenty of times over the radio.’

‘You’re kidding.’

‘Welcome to station living. I’m the only vet in the region.’ He pointed to the map.

‘That’s bigger than Belgium.’ She studied the map, only now realising Elsie Creek Station was almost a quarter the size of Belgium, the economic nerve centre of Europe and headquarters to NATO, crammed with over eleven million people. While Elsie Creek Station was home to less than a dozen people.

‘Why do they do it? Live out here? It’s so dangerous, and so remote.’

‘This is all new for you?’

‘I’m on holiday.’

‘You’d be surprised at how many come out here for a holiday and never leave.’

‘I have to go back to work.’ That she’d been avoiding.

‘Well, if you ever change your mind, I could do with an office manager.’ He held up some files. ‘Oh, there’s the machine. You can pay me now.’

The machine was dusty, but the paperwork showed he was busy. ‘People don’t pay you?’

‘People pay me what they can. I’ve got a freezer full of steak and fish. Cowboy Craig said I should put a tin at the pub for donations to help those who can’t afford it, and for the wildlife carers.’

‘Well, I can pay in full. Be sure to give yourself a tip.’

‘You’re kidding?’ He arched an eyebrow at her.

‘If politicians can raise funds for voting campaigns, I’m sure you’ll find people willing to donate to your surgery. There’s plenty of ways to do it.’

‘Who are you?’

‘I’m Harper Jamison.’

‘I meant, what do you do for a crust?’

‘I’m an assistant to the …’ She paused at her job title that used to make her feel so proud. But it was on the other side of the world, where none of it mattered over here.

‘Assistant. That makes you an office person. Want a job?’

‘I have one.’ Did she?

‘Well, if you ever change your mind, you know where I am.’ He grinned at the pay machine beeping. ‘My bank is going to love this.’

‘Can we take Ruby home now?’

Forty

The simple pleasure of driving her sleek black Audi back to the station, gave Harper her independence back, even if it was crammed full of goodies, a toddler, and a dog. But it was twice as quick as Ash’s ute, roomier, and so much more comfortable.

She had a lot to unpack before the boys got home. Already mentally preparing for the argument to come, ready to plead her case, especially over the snake incident.

She slowed down at the main gate to the station. Digging the gate key out of the centre console, she spotted a large four-wheel drive ute parked near the front gate.

She rummaged in the driver’s door pocket where she kept her taser and pepper spray handy. Having a diplomatic passport allowed her to carry such things. She just never got a gun license. And why should she? The outback wasn’t a terrorist’s playground.

Even so, she was alone in the country, with an injured dog and a toddler in the back seat.

---