Page 51 of Stockman's Stowaway

Mia noticed they were all ready to jump in. Just like Harper had said: the brothers would drop everything to help.

‘Are we ready?’ called out Charlie from the high boards.

Bree dropped to one knee to give the dog of hug. ‘Good job, Willow. Go back to Mia. Let’s do this…’ Bree adjusted her hat, and climbed back up the rails, as Willow zipped under the rails with her tongue lolling to the side, eager for more.

‘Well done, Willow.’ Mia had never been so proud of a dog. She now understood why her dad loved the kelpie breed so much.

But she also had respect for Cap’s cattle dogs, too. The heelers were a barbed-wire-tough type of dog breed. They were fearless enough to tackle anything, especially when Willow shied away, and Cap would send in Atlas and Fern, where the trio of dogs worked as a team.

As the sun trekked its path across the sky, the dust rose, and time flew until Charlie gave the last command, ‘Bush. Bush.And that’s beer o’clock everyone.’Charlie waved his hat in the air as the final clang of the gate sent the last beasts to join the rest of the bush herd, who were happily grazing.

‘Take a swim, dogs.’ Cap gave the command and Atlas, Fern, with Willow following. The dogs eagerly jumped into a nearby cattle trough to splash in the water.

It was the best place to be at the end of a long day under an outback sun. Mia now understood why Bree had her own trough to slip into at the end of the day at the back of the caretaker’s cottage to watch the sunset.

‘Well done, you mob. Bloody good job, all of you.’ Charlie clambered down the steps with Mason still strapped to his chestto pat the kelpie. ‘Oi, that Willow is something special, for sure, Cap. You’ve gotta good one there.’

‘I agree. Except Willow’s Mia’s dog.’ Cap winked at her. ‘Stop denying it. Willow listened to you.’

‘And Bree. Especially in the pound. I was so worried they’d both get hurt.’ A few times Bree threw herself over the fence, only to scowl, then jump straight back in. Her long rod sang like a whip and her commands were fierce and sharp. ‘Get in there or you’ll be lunch meat.’

‘I know that feeling,’ said Harper, joining them. ‘There’s no way I could jump the rails like Bree did.’

‘And that will be the last time I do it, too.’ Bree flipped herself over the rails and tore off her gloves. ‘I’m too old for the pound, Pop.’

‘No, you’re not, kid.’

‘I’m in my dirty thirties. It’s a young mug’s game to jump in the pound and hike those fences. I ache all over, my shins are bruised, I’ve got a whopping big lump on my thigh, I’m covered in cattle slobber, and I’m sick of wiping yard dust off my teeth. For what? It’s not our cattle, Pop. We don’t get a share in the profits, remember that.’ She then turned to Cap. ‘Next time you lot can train a jackeroo in the pound. I’m done. I’m officially retiring from the drafting yards. Here, now and forever.’

‘Aw, come on, kid.’

‘Stop, Pop.’ Bree glared at her grandfather, wiping hard at the dust and dirt from her cheek. ‘My social battery needs a decent recharge, and all my empathy pills have well and truly left my bloodstream, which leaves me in a bad mood that needs some serious cooling off. I’m. Done.’ Her boots kicked up the dust as she headed for her horse and quickly set about resaddling it.

Ash sauntered over. ‘Where’s Bree going?’

‘Kid needs to blow off some steam,’ replied Charlie.

‘But we were going to have a few beers and a barbecue to thank you guys for your help. Harper made salads.’

‘We’re always having a barbecue. What’s the difference?’ asked Harper.

‘Only until you can use an oven and not burn the house down, babe.’ He kissed her cheek.

‘Ugh, you reek.’ Harper screwed up her nose, pushing Ash away.

‘We all do. And look at little Miss Snooty, all dirty as well.’ He went to hug Harper. When she squealed and ran off he gave chase, their laughter making Mia smile.

‘Where’s Bree going?’ Ryder pointed to Bree climbing onto her horse.

‘Home.’ Charlie narrowed his eyes at her. ‘Best we steer clear of her for a bit. Bree’s tired and cranky. But she did a good job. You all did. Over a thousand head got sorted today it’d almost be a record.’ Charlie adjusted his hat, with the toddler still strapped to his chest. ‘You’ve got a good-lookin’ herd, with a few fats this time round.’

‘To sell, right?’ Cap asked his brothers.

Ryder nodded as he spoke to Charlie. ‘Cap mentioned you might know of a stock agent.’

‘Bree’s got somethin’ sorted for you mob. I reckon they’ll either be here tonight or tomorrow.’

‘I hope tomorrow.’ Dex dragged off his hat and wiped at his brow with his sleeve. ‘I’m beat. You must be too, Ryder. You and Bree have been up all night.’

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