Story: Destiny From a Tip of a Rifle (all chapters)

A large, white Toyota Hilux utility 4WD was travelling in a paddock. The driver and owner of the land, Cody Wilson had just been checking her stock of cattle as well as attending to some of the run down water pumps that dotted her large outback station. When one says “large”, it would be the size of a small European country.

Out on her land, it was hot and dusty. If you didn’t have a supply of water, it wouldn’t take long to perish.

She had lived on the land all her life following in her family’s footsteps. Cody was a strong woman, 38 years old and well aged from years in the sun. Her only companion was a 5 year old Border collie named Toby. His role was simple, herd up the animals and his favourite past time, chase anything that moves.

The Hilux started to slow down as it closed in on a dried up waterbed. It was semi-secluded and overshadowed by a rugged ridge that housed wild goats. It also provides some much needed shade from the heat which can be up to 45 degree Celsius. As the vehicle slowed, Toby started to get excited, barking and yelping in anticipation.

Cody laughed as she pulled up near some bushes. This was Toby’s reward for a good days work, play time. His tail was wagging and he kept spinning on the front seat.

“Hang on, hang on boy.” laughed Cody.

Cody looked over at the bushes and her eyes focused on movement and so did Toby. He was now barking excessively. Cody just got her side of the door open when Toby, with little regard for his owner, jumped across and raced into the bushes.

Cody had a good chuckle. Toby was after the elusive rabbit that he has been trying to catch for ages. Cody jumped out and jeered him up “C’mon Toby, git em, get it.”

Toby disappeared into the bushes after the rabbit. She could hear him yelping and thumping around. Cody shook her head when the rabbit shot out straight in front of her feet and headed down another burrow. Toby meanwhile was still in the bushes searching.

Cody reached inside her vehicle and grabbed a water jug and took a long drink. She took off her hat and pushed the top in to make a little drinking bowl and filled it up. She whistled for Toby, but he was in no hurry to return and was off sniffing around.

Cody looked at her watch reading just after 1pm. Her stomach was calling out for lunch so she called for Toby again. He poked his head out and looked at her.

Cody laughed “You missed out again you silly bugger, c’mon.”

Toby ran over and Cody placed the hat down. He drank thirstily while she patted him.

“One day boy, you’ll get it.” She smirked. “Question is do you know what you will do with him?”

She squatted down and roughed him up as he licked her face. As Cody stood she caught sight of something reflecting high up on the ridge. Cody grabbed her binoculars and slowly scouted around. She could see some goats hiding in and around the rocky ledges.

A person high on the ridge was looking down, focusing the sight along the barrel of the rifle until it clearly gets Cody in full view. The rifle was quickly lowered and the person dropped down after realising a reflection was given off.

Cody looked again but then shrugged it off. She threw the binoculars back into her vehicle and opened her door.

The rifle sight focused lining up with Cody’s head. A steady finger was on the trigger and squeezed it. The shot echoed around the ridge.

Cody fell down next to her Hilux. The person looking through the sight could only see her legs. The sound of a dog barking echoed loudly. The sniper looked through the sight again, Cody’s body still motionless. The sight then focused in on the barking dog and the rifle reloaded. The finger on the trigger was ready to squeeze but paused. The gun was thrown over the shoulder of the sniper and moved back down the ridge to the waiting car.

Toby barked excessively at his owner. He couldn’t understand why his master wouldn’t get up. He licked at her face, pulled at her shirt and eventually rested his head on her chest whimpering.

Cody started to stir and tried to sit up while Toby continued to bark and lick at her face. Cody cried out and looked down at her right shoulder. Blood had been pouring from the wound and soaked her shirt. “Oh fuck.”

She leaned against the car and slowly got up and pulled herself inside. Toby, already in, was licking her.

“Ok boy, ok…. Back off.” She started her vehicle and put it into gear. She held her arm to her chest and drove off to her homestead.

She pulled up and almost fell out. She stumbled inside and went through the draws in the kitchen. She eventually grabbed a towel and looked inside her shirt for the first time. She saw the hole and grimaced. She shoved the towel in and headed back to her vehicle. Toby followed.

“No boy, stay.”

Cody belted up with much agony and got on the radio. Her nearest town was Bundi, where the hospital was, except it was over 2 hours away. She contacted the outback doctor who arranged for the Flying Doctor Service to meet her at the nearby airstrip.

Cody floored the vehicle down the dirty road until she came up against a gate that separated her two paddocks. She didn’t have the energy to stop, so she drove around and through the fence. Groaning not just from pain, but the fact she would have another job to add to her growing list of things to be fix around her property.

The vehicle speeds down the unsealed road until she reaches an intersection. If she headed straight on to the main road would be 45 minutes to the air strip. She decided to turn left as a short cut, reducing the time by 15 mins, still on unsealed road.

It was hardly used by vehicles, mainly a stock route with bushes grown almost. The road was also very bumpy making it extremely uncomfortable for Cody. She came up to a clearing and remembered at the last moment a creek bed that was lower than the road. She stepped on her brakes to slow down but the Hilux drive slammed down into the creek and up the other side. The 4 WD stalled and Cody screamed her pain, grabbing her shoulder. She rested her head against the steering wheel for a moment, breathing heavily.

She reached around and started the Hilux again spinning the wheels on the dirt road before racing off again. She was feeling thirsty and her shoulder thumping. She focused on the road while trying to understand why she was shot. She was coming up to a dirt intersection but maintained speed. In all her life she had never seen anyone use this area as a thoroughfare. She was almost on the intersection when out corner of her eye she noticed dust flying into the air.

At the point she slammed on the brakes hard locking them up, the vehicle skidded but remained at a great speed. Then into sight came a sedan and Cody’s vehicle hit it full on. The sedan spun numerous times.

Cody’s vehicle came to a halt and no movement came from either vehicle. She groaned and put her head back. Now she had pain from her head, and felt groggy. She looked in her rear vision mirror and touched her forehead cringing. A huge bump was evident where her head had hit the steering wheel. She then recalled hitting something.

Cody got out of her Hilux groaning. Her vehicle was undamaged, protected by a large bull bar on the front. She staggered over to the other vehicle, to the driver’s side. It was that side that received the full impact, the side windows all smashed. She looked in to see the driver motionless, head forward and blood over the steering wheel and dashboard.

“Fucking hell!” Cody touched the person. “Hey… hey… can you hear me?” She pulled the head back and saw it was a woman. Cody touched the side of the driver’s neck and found a pulse. “Hey can you hear me?”

The driver moaned slightly, but didn’t move.

Cody tried to open the door but it would only slightly move-the impact had crushed it. She groaned not wanting to leave her and go for help. She didn’t know how long she was going to hold up already feeling light headed.

Cody stepped back and took a deep breath. She kicked hard at the door three times then with all the strength she could muster pulled at the door, its creaked and finally opened up. She knelt down and shook the woman again. “Hey…. Can you move?” The woman only groaned.

Cody unclipped the belt and with her good arm, picked up the woman and threw her over her good shoulder to carry her back to the Hilux. She belted up the injured driver and noticed her face was swollen, a wound to her head and her nose were all bleeding but she couldn’t do anything about it.

“Who-ever… you are just hang on.”

Cody went around to her side, her knees buckling and she fell, her good arm holding her from the ground while she threw up. She felt tired and wanted to lie down; only the crackle from her CB radio brought her back to her senses.

She drove up to the airstrip. The plane was already waiting along with two people. As she stopped the vehicle a person came to her side.

“No… no… her… she bleeding, I didn’t see her.” Cody stuttered.

The guy reassured Cody as another person attended to the injured driver. Cody went to get out of her vehicle and remembered nothing after that.

She stirred slightly, her body felt numb, her eyes trying to focus. The room was dim and she was trying to recall the events.

“Cody, you are going to be ok.” She heard a voice while feeling a reassuring hand on her left side

Cody looked at the ageing man. He was the town’s only police officer, Sergeant Richard Cooper. He was in his early 60s and had a soft spot for Cody. Every since her parents died, he and his wife put a place in their life for Cody. They never had any children of their own, she was the closest thing to a daughter and Cody appreciated it.

She bit her lip to fight back tears. She always tried to retain a tough image around people, but she was unsure of anything “Richard.”

“Its fine….. you are going to be alright. The doctors are taking good care of you.”

“Ohhh Toby.” she grimaced, feeling ill again.

“Meredith has got him. We will look after him until you are on your feet again honey. Rest.”

Cody eyes grew heavier and she did as she was told.

It was a week before Cody was coherent and Richard was making an official visit regarding the incident.

“I have no idea who shot me, I suspect it was some stupid city idiots coming up to shoot goats or something, I don’t know.”

“You don’t look like a goat.” Richard remarked with arms folded stating the obvious.

“Well I don’t know. Hey, how is the woman from the car I hit?”

“She is going to pull through. Concussion, broken ribs and cracked cheek bone.”

Cody hissed “Jesuz, nobody ever uses that track Richard. Why was she out there? Did you ask her?”

Richard smiled. “You want to wear my badge too?”

“Sorry.”

“She is not talking at the moment, still pretty beat up. Look, it could have been worse for both of you. Right Meredith will be in later today with a change of clothes, and no doubt to fuss over you.”

Cody smiled. “Your wife is too good.”

“Hmmm yeh.”

“For both of us Richard.” She laughed.

“So she keeps saying. …. The neighbours are looking after your stock, so you rest.”

Cody was never one to keep still and she eventually climbed out of her bed and went into the next room where the woman she almost killed was sleeping. She walked up next to her and looked over her swollen face.

Cody shook her head when the woman opened her eyes focusing on her. Cody was at a loss before spilling her words.

“I am so so sorry. I had no idea you were out there. Please believe me.” She looked at the board above her bed which read Jane. “Jane… I did all I could to stop.”

The woman didn’t respond. She just looked at the glass of water by the side of her bed.

“You thirsty?”

The woman slightly nodded and Cody picked it up and put it near her mouth. The woman sucked on the straw before lowering back down. Cody looked her over when she heard a low growl from the doorway.

“Cody Wilson, how many times do I have to tell you, get back into your bed.”

Cody knew the voice of nurse Hitler and rolled her eyes “Yes... Well I-”

“You are still carrying a nasty head injury and your shoulder needs to mend, now don’t make me tell you again.” She berated.

Cody left the room and Jane’s eyes followed her before closing again.

A few days later Cody appeared by the doorway in Jane’s room. Jane was sitting up, resting. She noticed the person in the doorway.

“Do I know you?” Jane huffed out.

Cody smiled “Kinda. I bumped into you.”

Jane scoffed. “You mean you drove into me, nearly killing me.”

Cody looked down. “I am sorry, I didn’t know. No one is usually out there. Why were you?”

“What! You a cop also?” She hissed.

Cody sensed her resentment. “No... I apologize.”

“Do you farmers always drive like maniacs on dirt roads? No consideration for anyone else?”

“No…. only the ones that have been shot.” She showed her bandaged wound to Jane.

Jane looked at it for a long time “Well... Thank you for not leaving me there.”

“So do you have a last name Jane?”

“I don’t remember my name. Jane is what they give to people that don’t know, Jane Doe.”

“Oh… jeez, I am so sorry. I let you be.” Cody went to leave.

“Wait… don’t go. I’m sorry ,please, I don’t know anyone.”

Cody sat for a moment talking about her station, unsure why someone tried to shoot her. Jane was unable to add anything to her life because she couldn’t recall. They were disturbed by a voice in the door way.

“Cody….” shrilled the woman.

Cody sighed. “Oh boy.” She whispered rolling her eyes at Jane.

“I’m going….” Cody gets up and left walking past nurse Hitler.

Jane smiled at the event “See ya Cody.”

As days dragged on Cody’s headache got worse but she didn’t say anything to the nurses. She just wanted to get out and back to her homestead.

Jane was reading a magazine when something caught her eye. A four legged creature with a tail went running past, followed by Richard. Jane didn’t like him, always asking questions. He nodded at her but she ignored him.

Cody was resting when she felt something by her. She opened her eyes.

“Toby.” she cried.

He jumped on the bed and began licking her excessively. Cody was in pain from him jumping on her, but didn’t care.

She roughed him up and hugged him. “Oh boy I’ve missed you.”

Richard walked in. “Toby, get off the bed.”

Toby wouldn’t move and sat against Cody.

Cody’s eyes watered. “Thanks Richard, I’ve been thinking about him heaps.” She kissed Toby. He then started barking and both Richard and Cody tried to quieten down his excitement.

Jane got out of bed and grabbed her ribs clutching from the pain. She walked out and peered into Cody’s room watching the commotion.

“Toby enough.” growled Cody. The command quietened him. “He smells lovely.”

“Yeah well, Meredith gave him a bath this morning and put some smelly stuff on him.”

Cody hugged Toby. “Oh who is being spoilt, don’t think you are getting that when we get home mister.”

Jane smiled to herself but that soon changed when she saw nurse Hitler striding down the hallway “Uh oh.”

Richard and Cody were chatting when the nurse growled. “What in the hell is that flea bitten mutt doing in my hospital?”

Richard stuttered. “Ummm to help Cody with recovery.”

“He’s not flea bitten, he has had a bath.” She hugged him.

“He has to go.”

She went to grab him to pull him off the bed when Toby growled and bared his teeth at the nurse.

“Hey stop that Toby.” berated Cody.

Richard called him off the bed and Cody apologized.

“If you don’t start resting I will sedate you Cody, do you hear me?”

Cody sulked. “Ok ok, I just had enough of being in here.”

“That makes two of us.” growled the nurse. “We will be x-raying your head tomorrow and see how that bruise is going.”

“You won’t find anything in there.” Richard joked. “Pretty empty.”

“Oh ha-ha old man, so then I can go home once it comes back….” She grinned.

“No… not until that shoulder gets some more movement.”

“Ohh.” groaned Cody loudly before the nurse left.

Richard put Toby back on the leash. “Cody…. I want to ask you something and please be honest. I won’t judge you and I will help you through it.”

“What…”

Richard swallowed. “Did you… did you try to kill yourself?”

Jane listened curious at the answer.

Cody just stared at him in disbelief.

“Look it’s ok… but depression is taken very seriously out in the country and it needs to be addressed.”

Cody’s demeanour changed to one of coldness. “If I was going to kill myself Richard, don’t you think I would have done it by now?”

“I’m only concerned love. You are a fair way out of town and perhaps it was an accident.”

Cody looked up at the ceiling and scoffed. “I did not try to shoot myself and if I did I would not have missed Richard. Look I’m tired thanks for bringing Toby in.” She rolled away from Richard.

“Ok-ok, I’m sorry love, I just needed to ask. I’ll see you later.” He left the room.

Jane quickly returned to her bed just as Richard stopped by her room.

“How are we today Jane…”

She looked at him. “If you mean have I remembered anything, the answer is still no.”

Richard smiled but he found her suspicious.

Cody’s head was hurting even more and she couldn’t settle so she left her room walking past Jane’s room. Jane watched her walk by and then walk back past again.

“Cody, that nurse will be chasing after you again.”

Cody entered standing next to Jane’s bed. “Yeah, I’m just not one for sitting still.”

“I take it from all the commotion earlier that was your dog.”

Cody laughed. “Yes that’s Toby. He’s my…. companion I guess.”

“He really is quite adorable. I was never allowed to have a dog but I do like them.”

Cody grabbed her head and cursed.

Jane sat up “Cody what’s the matter? You’ve gone pale.”

Cody started to lose balance, her head was spinning. She tried to grab the bed but fell. Jane watched her go down and convulse.

“Shit, nurse…. NURSE!” Jane pressed her buzzer a couple of times before getting out of bed. She knelt down and cried out in pain as her rib cracked. She grabbed hold of Cody’s head to stop it from hitting the ground.

People from all directions came in and took Cody away. Later in the day Jane asked after Cody but no one had an answer.

That night Jane was woken by voices and she watched them wheel a bed into Cody’s room. She waited a few moments before going in. Cody’s head was bandaged up, her face swollen and a ventilator was breathing for her. Jane went over and touched Cody’s hand. It was cool.

“You and Cody are the worse patients a nurse could have.” said nurse Hitler.

Jane ignored the comment but faced her. “What happened? Is she going to be alright?”

“It’s too early to tell. Her brain was bruised in the collision. We didn’t pick up how bad until now. The surgeon has removed part of her skull to relieve the pressure after having a stroke. At the moment the machine is breathing for her.”

“Is she going to die?”

“Like I said.”

“Has her family been contacted?” pushed Jane.

The nurse paused.

“I mean if there is a chance that she may not recover, shouldn’t she have family here?” Jane asked now showing some compassion.

“Cody has no family. Her parents were killed in a bushfire when she was 21. She was off rescuing her neighbour’s kids from a fire front and was unable to get back in time to save her parents.”

“Oh…”

“I wouldn’t even guess how to get in contact with her ex-girlfriend and their daughter.”

Jane listened realising she had stumbled onto a town gossiper.

“Really.”

“Yeah about a year after she lost her parents she became involved with a single mum who had a 9 month old girl. Now…. What was her name…. something china, ah Crystal, the little girl’s name was Crystal, can’t remember the mother’s. They raised the girl until she was about 6. She was a beautiful little thing and Cody doted after her. Everywhere Cody went, Crystal was there. And then one day when Cody returned home from out in the paddocks she was gone. The woman had packed up and taken off with Crystal. It shattered this dear girl. I heard she tried to track her down but no good. Since then she keeps to herself, occasionally comes to town for supplies and then back to the station where she lives by herself.”

Jane looked at Cody. “Poor Cody.”

“Yeah that was….gee, over 10 years ago now. That little girl must be about 16 by now. Anyway back to bed you.” ordered to Nurse.

“In a bit.” said Jane.

“Now.”

Jane squared off. “I will go when I’m good and ready nurse.” She spoke in a strict, authoritarian tone.

The nurse stepped back shocked. “Suit yourself then.”

Jane turned around and took hold of Cody’s hand squeezing it and smiled. She put down her hand and went over to the machine that was breathing for her. She looked closely at all the buttons and read what information was on them. Jane returned to her room.

Next day Jane was in Cody’s room talking to her, touching her hand when Richard walked in.

“This is a surprise.” spoke Richard.

Jane got up. “Well I thought she could do with some company. It was the least I could do for her saving my life.” She promptly left the room.

After 3 weeks Cody’s swelling had reduced and they replaced her skull section back. She looked up at the ceiling feeling miserable.

“Hello baldy.” said a cheerful voice.

Cody looked at Jane in the doorway. “Hi.” She said sullenly.

“Hey what’s up? You should be happy sporting a new hair cut like that.” She was referring to Cody’s head having no hair.

“I look hideous.”

“Yes you do.” laughed Jane.

“Are you trying to cheer me up?” moaned Cody.

“Yeah is it working?”

“No.” she growled.

“Guess I should keep working on it.” She stepped into Cody’s room and sat next to her.

“Tell me more about the farm, your homestead, about Toby.”

Cody after a while regained her spirits and was happy to converse with Jane. She asked what she was going to do when they released her and where was she going.

“I have no idea Cody. I don’t know who I am. I don’t know where.” Jane eyes got teary. “I don’t know Cody.”

Cody grabbed her hand. “It’s ok. Don’t get yourself worked up. One of use blowing a gasket is enough in this place.”

“Yeah I guess.”

Cody was eventually back on her feet and restless again. Her shoulder was better although in a sling and her headaches not as bad, but she got tired quickly. She realized things on the station where not going to be easy.

Cody walked into Jane’s room.

“I hear you are getting discharged tomorrow.” said Cody.

“Yeah…” Jane sullen over it.

“Me too” She said excitedly.

“Bullshit…. After that, you still hardly have any hair.”

“They tell me it grows back curly.” laughed Cody. “Actually I’m discharging myself but it really depends on you I guess.”

“What you mean?”

“I have a proposition for you.”

Jane giggled. “I don’t know you all that well Cody, please.”

Cody blushes “Noo, I mean-”

“I’m kidding you goose, what?”

“Well why don’t you come back to the homestead with me? I have plenty of room. You can take all the time you need to reconnect with yourself. But-”

Jane turned head to the side. “But what?”

“I need you to help me out with the farm. It’s not that hard. Well it may be a little physically challenging for you.” Cody checking out Jane’s lanky frame, judging she wouldn’t even be able to lift a bale of hay.

“So what are you saying? Because I’m not a big, strutting farmer like yourself, I won’t be able to handle the work?”

Cody was tall which handled her solid statue. Her life on the farm kept her fit and strong. She couldn’t hold back her smirk.

“Oh my god, that is so fucking egotistic Cody.” berated Jane.

“Hey I’m only offering refuge in lieu of help.”

“Only help?”

“Hmm and obedience.”

“I so want to punch you right now.”

Cody started to laugh. “I’m joking you goose.”

Jane sneered.

“So do we have an arrangement?”

Jane agreed.

That night Jane left her room to use a pay phone.

“Yes…. Well I’ve been a little out of action. No… not as yet, but I expect to resolve this very very soon. Things have fallen in my favour. I will contact you when it’s done.” Placing the phone back on the hook, she returned to bed.

Richard drove Cody and Jane back to the small police station in Bundi. On the side of the station was Jane’s wrecked sedan. They took a look at it and Jane cringed at how damaged her side of the vehicle was.

“I can’t believe how much damage you caused. I’m lucky to be alive. What did you hit me with a bloody tank?” asked Jane.

“Not quite, but I was moving quite fast.”

“I need to get me gear out the boot, can I have the keys.”

Richard handed them over and then he and Cody went inside. He looked over his shoulder and Jane just watched him until he went inside.

He sat at his desk looking out his window watching Jane open the boot of her car.

“I don’t like this Cody-her going back with you. I just got a bad feeling. I can’t get a trace on her, her car has no registration, it’s like it doesn’t exist in the system. Her prints are not in the system. She is a ghost.”

“I don’t know what to say Richard. I need help. I can’t stay in that hospital any longer. I’m going out of my mind.”

Jane waited for the door to the police station to close and placed her key in and opened the boot. She lifted up the carpet on the floor and lifted up the spare wheel. Her ribs were still sore as she reached deep down and grabbed something. She lowered the wheel and looked at her colt automatic pistol. She loaded it and quickly placed it in her back pack. She then ripped away the side carpet and reached inside and started to withdraw a rifle. Jane looked out the side so see Richard by the window and cursed. There was no way she was going to get that out without being noticed. She pushed it back in and put back the carpet. She closed the boot to the car and put the key back in the lock then snapped it, jamming the lock.

Jane went into the station. “I guess you can take it to the wreckers now, it’s of no good to me.”

Richard stood up as did Cody. “No… I think I’ll hold on to it. The car isn’t registered to anyone. For all I know, it’s stolen.”

“I might not know who I am sergeant, but I wouldn’t steal a car.”

“Well, like I said I will be holding on to it a bit longer.”

“Fine, do whatever you like.” she said flippantly.

Richard grabbed his hat and they drove to his place.

Toby was all over Cody as she was with him. He gave an excited bark and then payed Jane some attention who in turn patted him.

“Wow, he is friendly?”

“Hmm he likes you. I guess that means you get to come home with us.”

“Oh really and if he didn’t?”

“You would be riding in the back of the Hilux and Toby in front with me”

Cody walked to her vehicle with Jane in tow.

“You can drive a gear stick?”

Jane shook her head. “Nope.”

Cody threw her the keys. “Good time to learn. My shoulder is killing me so you can drive.”

“Oh how far?”

“About 2 hours, but we need to stop in town for supplies.”

Jane managed to make Cody’s Hilux hop into town as she tries to work out the gear changes. Toby whimpers on the back seat and Cody laughed.

They grabbed some groceries, and went into the local pub for lunch.

The girl came out from behind the bar and hugged Cody.

“Oh my god, I heard about it. My dear how are you?”

“Yeah I’m ok Lois. This is my new stock hand Jane.”

Lois looked over the young thing and smirked. “Hmm can I get you both a drink?”

Jane excused herself to the toilet and Lois got their drinks. Cody took off her hat to show her scar and bald head.

“She’s the one from Dunner’s track.”

“Hmm”

“What ever in the world was she doing out there?”

Cody shrugged.

“Nothing but rocks and goats.”

“Yeah I guess.”

Lois leaned over the bar. “She’s preetty.”

Cody smirked. “Now don’t you be starting anything about this.”

“Oh c’mon Cody. It’s about time you moved.”

“Lois.” warned Cody.

The girls ate their meals when a couple of local boys came in for their afternoon beer. One guy looked down the end and elbowed his friend.

“Well well well, if it isn’t Cody Wilson, thought you were dead.”

“Sorry to disappoint you Craig.” She bit back.

“Heard you tried to take your own life.” He continued.

“As usual you heard wrong.”

He walks over and stands next to her. “I also heard you nearly killed some other moron in your mad dash, from your self inflicted wound.”

“Shut up Craig.” warned Lois.

“Actually I’m Jane, I don’t answer to moron. Something tells me you do tho” said a voice behind Cody.

Jane stepped out and faced Craig.

“Well hello sweetheart. You finally gone and got yourself a mail-order girl. Do you think this one will stay?”

Cody jumped up and got in Craig’s face “Why don’t you just fuck off?” Cody snarled.

“What you going to do?” He pushed her.

“Craig so help me I will ban you from this pub permanently if you don’t stop this shit.”

“Fine. See you around lezo.” He faces Jane “Hm I certainly hope to see you again. Maybe you and I could hook up for a bit of fun.”

Cody pushed past. “C’mon lets go.” growled Cody.

Jane started to follow noticing Craig heading to the toilet. “I’ll be a minute.”

Craig was standing at the urinal smiling to himself when the door opened. His eyes widened.

“Couldn’t wait, let me just finish.”

Jane was over and grabbed hold of him real hard squeezing.

Craig was in tears of agony from Jane squeezing his balls. “Let me go, let me-”

Jane put her other hand over his mouth and yanked his balls causing him to lower so she could whisper.

“Don’t you ever talk to Cody that way again, don’t you ever call me sweetheart and there will be no you and me.” She yanked him again, tears swelling in Craig eyes.

“And you come anywhere near either us, I will tear your fucking balls off and feed them to you.”

He nods. Jane washes her hands and looks over at Craig sitting on the ground hold himself.

“You fucking little bitch, don’t think you getting away with this. I know where you are staying.”

Jane nodded and reached behind her pants pulling out her pistol and cocks it aiming it at him. “You want to repeat that Craig?”

Jane left laughing at how Craig pissed all over himself. She got back into the driver’s side.

“You ok.” asked Cody.

“I’m tired, I just want to go.”

They turned onto the unsealed road leading to Cody’s place. The sun was getting low in the sky. Cody got out and opened one of the two gates to her property. Jane slowed down for the next one.

“Yer don’t need to.” She pointed to the damaged fence line. “Just another thing to be fixed.”

They eventually pulled up outside the homestead. It had a long veranda that continued on down the one side of the old stone home, to shade it from the hot sun. Cody opened the door and they walked in.

“You don’t lock the door” Jane was surprised.

“Why? Don’t get visitors except Richard and Meredith? Maybe my neighbour Joe pops over to borrow something, he just leaves a note usually. If anyone does drop in, more than likely they are lost.”

“So it’s pretty secluded.” confirmed Jane.

“Uh huh. It’s just going to be you, me and Toby.”

“Suits me fine.” grinned Jane.

Cody walked down the narrow hallway showing Jane the country kitchen, with small dining table. A separate room with lounge and TV, open fire place. They continued to another room which was Cody’s study, with an old computer, TV, VCR and one wall containing bookcases, filled from top to bottom.

She pointed to her bedroom down the end of the hall next door to the bathroom.

“Um laundry is out the back. There is a stick by the door, make sure you take it with you before going in.”

“Why.”

“The odd brown snake likes to hide out the heat during the day.”

“You’re fucking kidding me. What if I get bitten? Oh my god we are miles from anyway.”

Cody smiled. “You’ll be right. I only killed one recently, so don’t expect another will move in any time soon.”

“Cody.”

“Look Toby usually chases them away anyhow, and you can always give me a yell.”

Jane goes into her room. It contained a double bed, side table, lamp and one cupboard not that she had many clothes. She pulled the pistol out and places it on the side table. She collapsed onto the bed; the springs had seen better days and made noises when she moved. Jane heard footsteps and grabbed her pistol putting it under her pillow.

Cody listened outside Jane’s door then spoke “You want tea or coffee?”

“Umm coffee, with lots of milk.” Jane heard giggle “What?”

“I don’t have fresh milk, I have powdered.”

Jane screwed up her face. “Black coffee will be fine.”

Jane joined Cody in the kitchen and tolerated her black coffee. They both sat down not sure what to say, so there remained an awkward silence.

“Umm do you have a phone I could use” spoke Jane.

Cody looked at her strangely. “Umm well not a landline I have a satellite phone. Who are you going to call? I mean did you remember someone?”

Jane wanted to kick herself under the table “ No… just if we need help, Richard you know.”

“You can use the Sat phone.”

There was another pause. “I’m going to get dinner ready, why don’t you have a look around outside.”

Janes got up. “Can I take Toby, to scare off the snakes?”

“Sure, take him towards the cattle hard, by the water trough. He likes it there.”

Cody watched her leave with Toby then started preparing the nights meal.

Jane looked around, poking her nose into Cody’s sheds which were full of farming equipment and spider webs. Toby growled and touched Jane’s leg. She jumped with fright.

“Don’t do that Toby.” She found a ball at her feet “Oh I get it.” She kicked the ball around the yard until she was called in.

Jane sat down, she was famished. Cody put a plate in front of her which she sniffed doubtfully. Both gave the same result, not appetizing.

“Umm what is it.” Jane asked poking around in it.

“It’s lamb and kidney stew.” Cody started to eat and watched Jane.

She took a bite and begrudgingly chewed and chewed the tough meat. She was afraid to swallow.

“It’s not too bad.” said Cody.

Jane smiled and added more salt. She tried it again and pushed it away.

“I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, and it’s going to sound it but that absolutely tastes revolting Cody. That’s not lamb; it’s dried up old tyre or something.”

Cody shrugged. “Well it’s the best I can do Jane. Give it to Toby. There is bread in the cabinet.”

Jane put the stuff in Toby’s bowl. She grabbed some bread and turned around to find Toby sitting next to his bowl looking down then back up at her. Jane smiled which turned into fits of laughter.

“Cody I think the consensus is with Toby and me.”

Cody turned around to see Toby sitting next to his bowl not eating.

“Oh don’t you start. You been too bloody spoilt that’s yer problem dog. Just eat it, or go hungry.”

It wasn’t long before Cody had thrown her own meal out and was scooping out the contents of dog food can for Toby.

“I can’t believe he would prefer to eat this shit.” She placed the bowl down and Toby goes at it in quick time.

Jane laughed “I think we will leave the cooking up to me.”

Next morning Cody was up early sitting at the kitchen table. Jane soon followed yawning and also sat down. “Hmmm. So what’s on today, Cody?”

“Well let’s start with breakfast, shall we?”

Jane looked and shrugged. “Wait… you’re kidding, you want me to cook?”

“Well last night you said to leave the cooking to you. Besides, I like a cooked breakfast before a day’s work.”

Jane remained still.

“Fine I’ll make us breakfast.” Cody rose to her feet.

“Nope, I will. You just don’t do anything when you’re in the kitchen.”

Cody smiled and enjoyed her breakfast of bacon, eggs and sausages.

“That was fantastic,” complimented Cody.

“Glad you approve. Oh by the way we are out of eggs.”

“Yeah so, just get some.”

“I don’t want to drive into town just for some eggs.”

Cody got up and walked towards the back door. “Come with me Jane.”

Jane followed and just outside the door was a chicken pen. “In the hutch you will find eggs. Just take them out.”

“They will let me do that?”

“Kinda, but you may want to distract them before going after the eggs. I’m going to take a look at that damaged fence. Hopefully mend it so I’ll see you for lunch.”

Jane was alone. She had done the dishes and had another look around. She stood outside the chicken pen watching with doubtful eyes. She took a deep breath and walked in. They scattered away so she felt a little relieved. She headed towards the hutch for the eggs when all of a sudden hens were flying at her, squawking. Jane backed out of the pen all together scolding.

She stomped the ground with her foot and yelled to no one. “They are just fucking hens.” She tried a few times but the same result. After much frustration, she had a thought and went inside.

Jane stepped in the pen and started spreading around some leftover food scraps and the hens went for it. She quickly went into the hutch and retrieved the half dozen eggs with little hassle.

“Ha…. Now who is the smart one eh?” Jane dropped her head. “Not me cos I’m talking to fucking hens. This is ridiculous.”

She decided to clean out the food pantry and was amazed at some of the products. Some used by dates had passed by about 5 years. She then heard Cody’s vehicle in the yard and Toby barking.

“Shut it.” growled Cody.

She walked in holding her head groaning.

“What’s wrong?” Jane noticed Cody was pale and sweating heavily.

“I don’t feel the best. My head really hurts.” Cody went to the fridge and grabbed a glass. Her hand lost coordination and she dropped it, smashing into the floor. “Fucking hell.”

“It’s alright. The doctors said this may happen and it will get better.”

“Well I don’t have fucking time for this, I need to-” Cody grabbed the bench her head spinning.

Jane grabbed another glass, filled it with cold water and gave her some painkillers. “Go and lie down, it can wait.”

Cody had no choice. The pain was excruciating in both her shoulder and head.

Jane sat on the veranda and Toby sat next to her, his front leg pawing at her.

“Ohhh you smoochy thing.” She spoke while roughing him up. “Just you and me Toby.”

Toby then ran off and Jane scoffed. “I guess not.”

The dog soon returned and put ball in front. “Ohhhh well ok then.”

She kicked the ball around for about an hour, the temperature was already hitting 40 degrees. Jane laughed when Toby lied down in the water trough by the cattle yard.

Jane decided to snoop around in Cody’s study room. She noticed a tall cupboard on the wall behind the desk. She went to open it but it was locked. Jane looked in the desk draws finding only papers, pens and other stationary items. She looked at old bank statements as well; not at all surprised the farm wasn’t doing so well. She then turned on Cody’s computer but it was password protected. Jane laughs because Cody doesn’t lock up her homestead, but has a password for her computer. She was finding Cody intriguing.

Jane looked at the bookcases and started pulling out old diaries. She couldn’t believe it was records of the station, going back to the early 1800s. She was amazed and read totally engrossed for hours.

Cody found Jane lying on the couch in the lounge looking at the ceiling.

“What are doing?”

“Well there is nothing to do, so I’m trying to remember things.” She sat up “So what are we going to do about dinner? I don’t fancy that meat in the freeze. It’s probably over 12 months old.”

Cody looked away and shrugged. “Well how about chicken?”

Jane thought about it. “There was no bird in the freezer either.”

Cody smiled. “Come with me.”

They went out to the pen. “Go in there and grab me one.” said Cody.

“What? Why?”

“Just do it. I’ll be back in a moment.”

Jane groaned not wanting to go back in the pen. She tried to grab one, but they kept running away. Cody came back and laughed. “I said grab one, not chase them.”

“Well tell them to fucking stand still.” She growled “and I will.”

Cody entered and Jane scowled “Don’t laugh at me.”

Cody in two steps reached out and grabbed one by the neck, turning it upside down and grabbing its legs. It squawked and flapped around.

Jane followed Cody around the corner of the house and stopped immediately when she saw the axe in the wood block.

Cody looked at Jane. “You want to do the honours?” She nodded to the axe.

Jane was horrified. “Fuck no.”

Cody in one swift movement picked the axe up and chopped off the neck. The animal flapped around and she dropped it as it continued to flap hitting Jane. She screamed and ran back inside.

Cody thought her sides were going to split from laughing.

Jane was pacing in the kitchen mumbling when Cody returned, putting down the headless chicken on the kitchen bench. Jane stared at in horror.

“C’mon, you have eaten chicken before. This is no different except its real fresh.” Blood was still dripping into the sink.

“What do you want me to do with it?” She asked touching the feathers.

“Ummm cook it comes to mind. But you might want to pluck it first. Now I have to go out to my shed and try fixing some pumps. Give me a call when dinners ready.”

Cody left and Jane mimicked her sarcastically. “Give me a call when dinners ready, like hell.”

Cody put on the radio in her shed and started pulling apart her pump, removing each piece. She hated this because she knew when she put it back together always had parts left over.

Jane paced, her face turning to stone. “It ends now.”

Jane went into her room and pulled her pistol out from under her pillow and cocked it. She then quietly walked over to the shed. She could hear music and the odd grumble. She was next to the half open door with the gun pointed to the back of Cody’s head.

Toby wagged his tail.

“You know boy she’s not a bad sort. I must be hard not knowing who you are, where you come from. But then sometimes I wish the roll was reversed. Then I wouldn’t have to remember.”

Jane listened, gun still pointing.

“I hope she doesn’t remember too soon. It’s nice to have someone to talk with again. Ok so she isn’t going to make a good farmer's wife.”

Jane found herself smiling.

“But she sure is funny, isn’t she and I know you like her too.” Cody roughed him up then out corner of her eye saw someone. Cody jumped up seeing Jane in the door way. “Is everything okay?”

Jane stands there, hands by her side “Um yeah, I was just going to say dinner probably be in two hours.”

Jane returned to her bedroom and lifted her pillow. She put the gun underneath and slammed the pillow down on it hard.

Cody follows her nose inside to the kitchen “something smells delicious”

Jane smiled. “Hm nearly done. You wanna wash up?”

Cody stood still.

“What you deaf? they are putrid" pointing to Cody's hands. "go and have a wash.” She was firmer.

Cody smiled. “Yes Maam.”

Cody returned to find Jane with two bottles of beer. “I can’t find the opener.”

“Don’t need one” she grabs one and places it on the edge of the bench and bangs her hand over it. The top flies off and she did the same to the second. “Cheers.”

Cody ate her dinner. “That was best chicken, what did you do.”

“Oh I found an old herb garden out the back. It needs work but it had everything I needed.” Jane noticed Cody went quiet and plays with her bottle.

“Oh good.” she immediately grabbed both plates and started washing.

“What’s wrong Cody, what did I say?” Jane helped wiping the dishes.

“My mum use to work in the garden. She grew herbs and vegies all the time.” Images rushed back as Cody reminisced.

Jane had watched Cody deal with physical pain of her injuries with little complaint, but she didn’t seem to be coping with emotional pain.

“You want to-” but Cody cut her off.

“I haven’t thought about Mum and Dad for a long time. Jeez I’m a terrible daughter. I have not been out to their graves in years.”

Jane touched Cody’s arm “Do you want-”

“NO…no point-it’s just headstones.”

Cody read for a little while then retired to her room. Jane sat at the table with the satellite phone. She went to dial a number, but put the phone down and went to bed.

The next day was much the same. Cody had her usual early afternoon nap while Jane went on reading journals in the study. She put one back and noticed an old photo album. Jane blew the dust off and looked at the old black and white photos. She stopped at one reading Cody 5 years and her baby brother Ben, 3 years.

Jane shifted uncomfortably. She couldn’t recall Cody ever mentioning a brother and realized this complicated things for her. She continued to flip through the photos laughing and noticed after Cody photos at 10 years no more appeared of Ben. She wondered how she was going to find out more about Ben without drawing suspicion to herself.

She put back the album when she spotted another pushed further to the back of the bookshelf. Jane removed it. The cover was newer with child’s writing ‘my baby album.’

Jane opened it and slowly looked at the photos. It was all of a little girl. A little girl called Crystal. There were drawings done by Crystal ‘dear Momma, happy birthday love Crystal and Mummy.’

Jane smiled at a photo that was taken of Cody while asleep on the couch and Crystal asleep ontop of her, Cody’s arm wrapped around her. Then the photos stopped and no more in the album.

She turned the TV on but picked up no channels. She bent down and opened the cabinet and found videos. She watched them, mainly documentaries of stock, different areas of the homestead and land.

She found another with ‘my little angel’ written on the video sleeve.

It was various footage of Crystal learning to crawl at first. Her first steps, having hissy fits and running through the house naked, showing off to the camera, the sounds in the background of Cody and her girlfriend laughing. There was footage of Crystal patting and feeding sheep, of the three of them riding horses together and Crystal talking and introducing her new pony called popcorn.

Jane smiled and sat back in Cody’s seat watching. The footage cut to a watering hole. A little secluded oasis somewhere. Cody was standing out on a rock face with Crystal. She had little floaties on her arms.

“C’mon Momma again, do it again.” whined the little child.

“Ohh I don’t know, what you think mum?” called Cody.

Another voice appeared on the video “Yeah do it.”

Cody picked up Crystal and rocked her back and forth before launching her into the water.

Jane was horrified which quickly turned to laughter as Crystal came up and started paddling and squealing. Crystal came up to the camera and whispering could be heard.

Crystal walked over to Cody who was still standing on the ledge. She then pushed Cody’s leg, in turn causing her to fall into the water. Cody jumped up laughing, “Oh you naughty girl, you’re in trouble now.”

Crystal ran off squealing as the video followed Cody. She grabbed Crystal who was still squealing.

“Mummy told me to do it.”

“Really?” The woman looked at the camera.

Cody put the little girl down and walked towards the camera.

“Hey don’t even think about it honey, I have the camera.”

Cody kept going and the camera fell down facing the water.

Jane could see Cody carrying someone over her shoulder. She could hear the woman screaming, threatening which Cody ignored. She walked up to the ledge.

“What do you think Crystal?”

Crystal yelled. “Do it.”

Cody launched the woman into the water following herself and Crystal ran and jumped in with them.

Jane laughed till she had tears. Tears because there was nothing on the tape after that footage. She gauged that Crystal must have been around 5 or 6 years old. Around the time her mum took her away from Cody.

Cody ate her dinner noticing Jane was quiet.

“What’s up? You look sad.”

“Nothing… well…. Why don’t you have any horses?” she asked.

Cody stiffened. “It’s easier in the Hilux or motor bike.”

“But you did have horses.”

“Long time ago.”

‘Where are they?”

Cody stood up. “I got rid of them.”

“Why?”

Cody leant on the table. “Because I did, end of subject.”

“Sorry, so what’s on for tomorrow?”

Cody stretched her shoulder. “Hm. We need to take some hay out to the paddocks, as well as feed the calves.”

“You have calves, oh so cute. Can I come?”

“Yes.”

Next morning Cody and Jane loaded up the Hilux with bales of hay. Cody went over to grab a bag of feed when Jane cut her off. “Hey I’ll get this, you still aren’t suppose to lift heavy things yet.”

“Umm it’s ok, it’s pretty heavy 30kgs.”

“I can do this.”

Jane couldn’t lift it and struggled dragging it over to the Hilux.

Cody leant against the shed watching in amusement as to how she was going to lift it into the vehicle.

“Jane let me help.”

“I’m fine.” Jane tried to lift it from the ground, unsuccessful. She looked over. “Um, a little help would be nice.”

Cody smirked, she grabbed one end with one hand and Jane grabbed the other with two and lifted it in.

After a 30 minute travel to the paddock Jane stopped the vehicle. Within moments cattle came strolling over to the Hilux trying to get at the feed. Jane jumped in the back with a little squeal.

“They won’t hurt you.”

Cody then started spreading it out on the ground. She put some in her hand and a young calf hungrily ate.

“C’mon, he won’t hurt you.”

Jane enjoyed feeding the calves and gave them all names. After 3 hours they headed back when Cody made Jane turn off down another unknown track. They pulled up under a tree, near some gravestones.

Cody looked over “Yeah that’s where Mum and Dad and…yeah.”

Jane started to get out.

“Hey where are you going?”

“I want to say hi.”

“Why?”

“I am on their land. I want to thank them for having a kind and charitable daughter.”

Jane went down and looked at the graves, they were covered in weeds. She noticed a little one next to them. It was Ben, Cody’s younger brother. Died when he was 9 years old. Jane smiled, then gathered her composure and returned to the Hilux.

Cody didn’t say anything, just looked out the window sadly. Once back at the homestead she headed inside and straight to her room. Jane thought she heard Cody crying.

Jane continued snooping in the study and found a video tape stored at the back of cabinet. She loaded it and waited for it to play. She put a hand over her mouth to catch her laughter, her head turned to the side.

“My my Cody Wilson, who would of thought you had such a tape.” Jane sat back in Cody’s chair and watched the lesbian pornography tape. It didn’t take long for Jane to feel aroused, so unzipped her pants and let her hand drift down to ease that tension for the rest of the afternoon.

All through dinner Jane couldn’t lose the smirk and no matter how many times Cody asked she never answered.

A few mornings later while Cody was munching on toast, Toby got excited and ran out the door and down the track. Cody got up and peered out looking at the dust in the air heading towards her house.

“Hm we have a visitor.”

Jane peered out. “How can you tell? I can’t see or hear anything.”

Cody pointed. “See the dust it’s made when a vehicle is coming down the road. It’s how I saw you, but I saw it too late to stop. Jeez Jane I’m so sorry… you probably have a family worried about you and I just fucked it up. I wish it was me that had lost memory.”

“Well I wouldn’t trade places. The nurse told me that it was because you were so strong that you survived your stroke. Anyone else would have died or become a vegetable. I’m not as strong as you, not physically anyway.”

“Well best put the kettle on.”

Richard came inside; he had been well greeted by Toby. Cody handed over cup of coffee.

“How are things?”

“Yeah… getting there. Always something to do.”

Richard looks at Jane. “And what about you Jane?”

She shrugged.

“She’s been a real big help Richard, I’m appreciative.”

Richard sniffed and just drank his coffee; his eyes remain focused on Jane.

“Well I’m taking Toby for a walk.”

Once the door closed.

“Now how are things really Cody?”

“Fine, better than fine. She’s learning a lot and is a big help. She is a great cook.”

“And she still has no memory of her life?”

“Not that she has mentioned.”

“Interesting. I took another look out at Dunner’s track, found some shell casings. I have sent them off to have them analysed.”

“Like I said, city idiots.”

“Well I want to make sure. Also have a video of the latest stock lines. I drop by again soon Cody.”

Cody went into her study to watch the video.

Jane came back and found Cody in the kitchen quietly. She grabbed a beer and banged the top off like she had been shown.

“Doesn’t your dog ever tire?”

Cody didn’t answer, just looked sternly.

“What? Great, what did Richard say about me now.” Jane asked a little nervous.

“Nothing, it’s just, well it seems someone’s been snooping in my study. Nosing through my stuff.” She gruffed.

Jane remained rigid.

“I mean Jane, why…. “

“Well…. You don’t talk about anything. Not your family, friends anything. You only talk about is the farm and well that gets a little tiring.”

“Well I’m sorry you find this tiring.”

“That’s not what I meant. My god you have over 100 years of history. Before all the wars, your great, great grandfather was the first in this area. That’s un-believable, that’s-” She stopped when Cody held up the tape.

“You obviously had yourself a little fun on my desk, your shoe prints were all over it. I hope you wiped the seat down when you were done.”

Jane blushed realising she forgotten to take out the porn tape out.

“Well, you surprise me Cody, I never would have thought.”

Cody laughed. “A girl has needs Jane, even me.”

Jane laughed. “You do realize you can get that stuff on DVD now. A lot raunchier too.”

“I’m not that hard up. However I guess I could ask my neighbour, see if he can give you something.” Cody picked up the sat phone and dialled.

Jane flew at Cody grabbing for it. “Don’t you dare. I’m not hard up thank you.”

“Well fix me my dinner and I’ll let it be.” Cody grinned.

Jane poked her tongue out.

“Maybe….” Cody finished off.

Jane picked up a fry pan pretending to chase the woman.

Over the next few months they worked side by side. Jane got better with her driving and was getting stronger as she could now lift 30 kgs bag of feed off the ground. However Cody still had to lift it all the way into the back of the Hilux.

Jane looked at the calendar and determined she had been on homestead nearly 3 months. She needed to get back to reality, get back to civilisation rather than hiding out. It was time she finish what she was suppose to do.

Cody threw some things she had packed into the Hilux and whistled. Toby came running out and jumped into the Hilux, Jane peered out the door.

“Wow, obedience from both.” joked Cody. “C’mon, I have pumps to replace and a few other things too.”

“Ok, just wait a minute.”

Jane went into her room, grabbed her backpack and put her pistol in it.

Running back outside, she climbed in and shut the door to the Hilux smiling. “Let’s go country girl.”

They got to the first water trough and Cody went to work on replacing the pump. Jane looked at the disgusting state of the water.

“They drink from that? It’s gross. All green and murky.”

Cody with little acknowledgement to Jane’s grumble. “They are cattle, they will drink it.”

Jane sorted through Cody’s tool box and found a scrubbing brush. She scrubbed madly until all the algae was off the side of the trough. All she had to do was unscrew the plug to release the water. It wouldn’t budge. Cody was off at the cemented water tank to check the level of water, so Jane rummaged around until she found a wrench, but she still couldn’t get it loose.

“Bloody hell.” She grumbled loudly.

“Need some help with that?” offered Cody.

“Did I ask? I can do this.” She spat.

“Alright.” Cody grabbed a drink and put some in her hat for Toby.

Jane tried again and spat at Cody when she noticed Cody looking at her wrist watch. “Fuck you.”

Cody shuffled. “Sorry, here let me show you.”

She changed the wrench to the other side. “Now pull it towards you, and watch out for- ”

“Get out the way.” Jane impatiently pulled and it gave way too quickly. The trough emptied out all over the ground and Jane fell backwards into the murky water.

Cody laughed hard. “I tried to warn you, why you don’t listen to me.”

“I’m all fucking wet, look at me.” Jane shouted dripping from top to bottom.

Cody put a hand over her face and the woman’s eyes narrowed. She couldn’t wait for later. With Cody pissing her off, it was going to be easier than she thought.

Cody reached behind the back of her Hilux seat and pulled out some old clothes, throwing them at Jane.

She turned her back on Jane while she changed, but was quite happy to spy on her in the side mirror. She felt a little excited seeing Jane’s naked chest. She put her hat down and got into the Hilux.

Jane hardly spoke a word and Cody became worried. “Hey look, I promise I won’t take the piss out of you. I won’t make fun and I’ll be a little more sensitive towards you.”

Jane shrugged. “I don’t care.”

Cody pulled up at some tall bushes. “You wait here. I have a surprise for you.”

Jane didn’t respond, she knew what she had to do.

Cody poked her head back in. “No peeking either.”

Jane smiled falsely. Cody grabbed some bags and disappeared into the bushes while Jane grabbed her backpack and took out the pistol. She looked at Toby and patted him. “I’m sorry boy.”

Jane quietly got out of the car and she pulled the gun out heading into the bushes. She crept through and put the gun to the back of Cody’s head. Jane looked up and recognised the watering hole from the video-the one where she and Crystal were playing. Jane shook her head of the image and took a deep breath. She lowered her weapon for a moment, then put it back to Cody’s head and tried. She closed her eyes and tried again, her hand shaking obscenely. Her face screwed up in defeat. She put the pistol in the back of her pants, she couldn’t kill Cody. She concluded to herself, it was not going to happen now. She stepped back and a stick under her foot snapped.

Cody jumped up and looked around surprised to see Jane. “Hey, I said no peeking.”

“Well if you are going to say that, what did you expect? I hate surprises.” smiled Jane.

Jane looked at the picnic site Cody had set out. “This really is a nice surprise, Cody.”

“So you wanna go for a swim first?” Cody nodded towards the waterhole.

She stripped down to her underwear and walked out onto the small rock ledge and dived in. She surfaced and called out to Jane who hesitated but followed because it was hot.

She stood on the rock’s edge. “What’s it like in there?”

“Beautiful.” smirked Cody.

Jane jumped in and surfaced screaming and shivering. “It’s fucking freezing.” She splashed around and headed for the smooth rocks where she sat to warm up. “You lied.”

Cody laughed as she paddled around. “Yes I did.”

“You said, you promised that you wouldn’t take the piss out of me any more.” whimpered Jane with a sulky expression

Cody started to leave the water, Jane never seen Cody in anything but pants and shirts. Now she knew the exact reason why she couldn’t kill Cody. She found herself drawn to her, physically, emotionally and now sexually.

Cody sat down next to her. “Ok, I’ll stop it.”

Jane leaned over and pushed some hair away from Cody’s face. “No don’t, don’t change Cody. I like you the way you are.”

Cody felt uncomfortable at the closeness and moved away when she felt Jane was going to kiss her.

“Um… lets have lunch.”

They munched on their sandwiches. Jane went to say something, but caught it. Cody urged her to continue.

“I saw the video, of here with you, Crystal and your girlfriend. It was really nice.”

Cody dropped her head and closed her eyes but said nothing.

“She really is a pretty girl-your daughter. I saw the photos too. I love the one with her asleep on you.”

Cody stood up and walked to the water’s edge. She picked up a rock and threw it hard.

“I’m sorry Cody.” Jane spoke softly, approaching over to her.

Cody sat and pulled her knees up dropping her head. “I was so lost after my parents were killed. I didn’t know what to do and then Gail showed up in town. She had run away from her abusive boyfriend and was working at Lois’s pub. I always found a reason to go to town to see her. I found out she had a little girl who was so adorable and I just fell in love with them both. I suggested she come and live with me, he wouldn’t find her, and if he did I would protect her. I don’t know when it happened, but we became lovers. We raised Crystal together and I was the happiest person in the district. All the sneers and jibes about my sexually didn’t matter anymore. And then...”

Tears started flowing from Cody’s eyes. “There was no warning, no anything. I came home and she had gone with Crystal. Nobody knew where they went, no note she just vanished. I eventually tracked her down after a few years and found her living with some other guy. I just wanted to see my daughter and then Crystal came running out of the house and jumped into my arms. Gail started yelling at me to go, not to come back. She wouldn’t tell me what I did wrong. Then the boyfriend came home, and a fight broke out. I just left. I didn’t want Crystal to see all the fighting and anger. I left and never contacted her since. She probably doesn’t even remember me anymore. She was so young when it all happened.”

Cody was trying to catch her breath. She couldn’t contain her sobs and it all poured out. Her sobs echoed around the waterhole. Jane’s eyes were stinging and she wrapped an arm around Cody and pulled her close letting her cry. She kissed the side of her head. “I’m sorry Cody, I really am. You are such a good person.”

Richard was at the station waiting for Jane’s car to be loaded onto the trailer. The driver of the truck said he wanted to make sure all the contents were out of the vehicle, including the spare wheel. Richard didn’t have the keys to open the boot so he told the driver to break the lock.

“Well I guess I would have had to do that anyway Richard, it’s jammed.”

Richard bent down and noticed that a key had been broken off in the lock.

“That’s interesting. It was fine when Jane last opened it. Break the lock Geoff.”

Richard looked in and pulled out the spare tyre finding nothing. He was about to close it when something caught his eye. He pulled back the carpet from the side of the car and reached in. He withdrew a weapon.

Geoff cursed. “Fucking hell, will you look at that.”

Richard offered no comment about the weapon. “Geoff, you can scrap the car now.” He took the high powered rifle into the station and made a phone call.

One morning Cody was up early chopping firewood. She knew the weather was going to turn bad in the next few days and wanted to get the large pile done and stacked under the veranda. Jane came out with her coffee. She watched Cody bite through the logs with her axe. Her shoulder had obviously healed and back to full strength. Cody pushed her hat up and faced Jane.

Jane realised she had been sprung perving. She couldn’t help but notice Cody’s shirt clinging to her sweaty body.

Cody took the coffee and Jane picked up the axe deciding to have a go.

“Before you go and stuff your back up Jane, let me show-”

“I think I can chop a block of wood Cody.”

Cody shrugged; she had learned now to let Jane find out things for herself. Jane hesitated and looked at Cody. “Fine, show me.”

Cody smiled and took the axe and put a block of wood on the ground. “Now rather than throw your back into it, just let the axe bite into the log first, then lift the log and axe and then slam it down. Do it in two movements.”

Jane swung the axe and it lodged into the log. She then lifted the axe and log and dropped it down again. The log split in half and fell away.

“Wow, how easy was that?”

Cody grinned. “Well now that you have it, you can do the rest.” She pointed to wall behind her.

Jane scoffed at the amount of wood. “There is no way we will get through that today.”

“You best get started then.” grinned Cody.

“Sorry, but I’m going to town for supplies. I have a long list, so I shall see you this afternoon.”

Cody shrugged, “No worries.”

Jane headed back to the house and just looked over her shoulder watching Cody chop wood. Cody didn’t do it like she showed Jane. In one swing Cody split the log.

Jane parked the Hilux in front of the local grocery store and went in to place her order. The woman behind the counter shifted uncomfortably.

“Um. I can’t fill this honey. Cody hasn’t paid for the last lot. I know she is doing it tough, we all are but I need her to settle this account first.”

Jane left the shop and walked across the road. She pulled her wallet from back of her pants and used the ATM.

Jane returned and counted out $1000.00. “Does that clear her account?”

The woman nodded and Jane filled up the Hilux with supplies. She pulled into the pub and was greeted by Lois.

“Hello Jane, how goes things out there?”

Jane sat down and ordered a drink. “Fine, I’m no natural on the farm, but it keeps Cody amused.”

“I’m sure it does.” Lois winked.

Jane looked down the bar and saw a familiar face. “Hi Craig.”

Craig drained his drink and left the pub. Jane laughed. “Was it something I said?”

Lois shrugged.

“I want to pay Cody’s account and order a couple more cartons of beer.”

Lois helped Jane load up the Hilux.

“So you and Cody coming to the dance on Saturday night?”

Jane frowned. “What dance?”

“Once a year we have a dance at the local church hall, raising funds for the hospital. Everyone gets dressed up; it’s a huge community event. You guys should come along.”

“Cody’s not big on community events.”

“Hey I’m sure you can convince her. She can’t keep hiding out there forever. Please say you will come. I know Cody is a great dancer.”

Jane laughed. “There is so much about Cody I don’t know. I’ll get her there.”

Cody finished stacking up the split logs on the veranda when her Hilux pulled up. Jane was amazed she had done it all in 4 hours.

Cody helped carry the groceries inside.

“How in the hell did you get all that done in a short time?”

Cody smiled and shrugged. “What can I say, I have super powers.”

Jane leaned against the kitchen bench. “Really, so if I was to go into your tool shed, the chainsaw engine would still be warm I take it.”

Cody laughed, she had been caught out. “Yeah well my shoulder started to hurt. So did you have a nice time in town, hun?”

Cody stopped instantly and Jane eyebrow rose. Cody coughed, trying to cover her embarrassment “I mean-”

Jane smiled. “It’s ok. A slip of the tongue. There is something I want to discuss with you.”

Cody grabbed two beers and opened them. “Uh huh.”

“It’s to do with the dance this Saturday.”

“No.”

“Hang on let me-”

“No, I’m not going.” Cody left and headed out to her shed.

Jane found Cody welding one of the stock fences and cleared her throat.

Cody without looking up, “The answer is still no.”

Jane sat on the veranda and sulked. Cody finished up and looked over. She wiped her brow and bit her lip. She walked over to Jane.

“The reason I don’t go is…. It’s difficult to explain. I just have bad memories, and I-”

“You have to move on. People want you there, stop hiding out here.”

“I am not hiding, it’s just…” Cody kicked the ground. “Jane… I don’t.”

Jane gets up and throws her hands in the air. “It’s fine. I’ll go by myself.”

“You don’t know where it is.” said Cody smugly.

“So…. I’ll call your neighbour. I’m sure he would want to take me to the dance. You won’t even have to wait up.”

Jane got up and walked inside. Cody didn’t like that idea for some reason and went in after her

“Fine.”

Jane started getting dinner ready. “Fine…You will come or fine go with your neighbour.”

“I’ll take you to the damn dance.”

Jane got excited then sad, “I’ve got nothing nice to wear.”

“Come with me.”

She followed Cody into the spare bedroom and watched Cody pull out a large trunk. She opened it up.

“These are Gail’s stuff, there should be something nice.”

“Oh cool, you have any make up too.”

Cody looked at Jane putting her hands on her hips. “Do you think I’m the type of girl who would wear makeup?”

Jane smirked. “Ok then does Gail.”

“Probably in cabinet under the bathroom sink.”

“You are going to get dressed up too I hope. Apparently it’s a big deal, everyone dresses up.”

Cody left and yelled back. “No.”

Saturday night arrived and Jane was waiting anxiously for Cody to come from her bedroom. “For someone that doesn’t do hair or makeup you sure take a long time.” yelled Jane.

Cody stepped out of her room and walked down to the kitchen. Jane smiled at first then it disappeared.

“I love the black moleskin jeans and white shirt but” She took off Cody’s hat. “The hat stays home.”

“Hey, this is my going out hat, no marks or stains.”

“You are not wearing it and that’s final.”

“But everyone will be wearing one.” Cody whined.

She casually looks over Jane’s body. She was wearing a white, flowery short dress. Her hair put up and just small amount of makeup.

Cody didn’t know what to say. “Um. we should go.”

Jane headed out to the Hilux disappointed. She got in and Cody faced her.

“You sure look lovely in that dress.”

Jane smiled. “Thanks.”

“Would be better if you had a hat?” smirked Cody.

“I’m not wearing a bloody hat and neither are you, so drive.”

After an hour they pulled up at what looked like an abandon old church, except the car park was full of cars. Jane got out amazed at all the vehicles.

“You all drive bloody tanks.” She remarked while looking at the different 4 WDs, all with bull bars. She then scoffed when a couple and small child walked by. Cody acknowledged them.

Cody cocked her head to the side. Jane saw that they all had hats, including the child.

Jane scoffed. “I don’t care, we are not wearing hats.”

Cody and Jane walked towards the church. Jane hand brushed against Cody’s. She thought she would be bold and lightly held Cody’s fingers. Cody didn’t pull away until she got to the church entrance. She stalled and took a breath.

Jane leaned in. “It’s ok.” She rubbed Cody’s back reassuringly. “C’mon.”

Cody had only been in for 5 minutes and she had people around her talking, acknowledging how good it was to see her. Cody relaxed a little.

“Wow don’t you look hot?” spoke Lois.

Cody blushed. “Thanks.”

Lois hit Cody in the stomach. “I was referring to Jane.”

Jane blushed.

“Don’t you think Cody? I hope you told her.” nagged Lois.

Cody smiled. “I’ll get us all some drinks. Leave you both to talk, girlie stuff.”

Cody and Jane danced together on and off throughout the evening. Jane also danced with some guys who asked while Cody drank and talked farm stuff to her fellow farmers.

Jane finished dancing and caught up with Lois.

“So what’s the Cody and Jane story?” asked Lois.

Jane laughed. “Nothing, absolutely nothing. Cody likes to be a solitary creature I guess.”

“Oh come on, I sensed the chemistry between you two.”

“Are you kidding? She doesn’t look twice at me.”

Lois laughed. “Honey, her eyes haven’t left you all night. Every time you hit the dance floor she was watching you.”

“Well it’s one thing to look Lois, she just-”

“Shy, a gently soul. Maybe she needs someone to tell her it’s ok, give her a little nudge.”

Jane giggled. “So what you are saying is.....I should make the first move?”

Lois smiled. “Exactly.”

Cody watched the two girls from the other side of the church. They were laughing and then they looked at her. Cody sensed it was about her and turned away for another drink. She felt relax from the numerous glasses of beer.

As she leaned against the bar she looked over at the new arrivals and quickly looked away. She knew this was the time to go, but when she looked for Jane she was not around.

Cody remained still when someone leaned over the bar next to her.

“What brings you off the homestead Lez Wilson?”

She ignored him.

“C’mon we don’t see you for years and all of a sudden you here, trying to fit in.” He sneered.

She faced him. “Tony not tonight, I’m just here to have a good time without you and your mates starting trouble.”

Tony leaned in. “I heard you have a lovely piece living with you now. Real pretty like.”

Cody felt her self control slipping. She had put up with his taunts for years and she always let it go. Always was the one to walk away.

Jane came back from the toilet and noticed Cody stance in full stretch.

“Uh oh, this doesn’t look good.” She tried to get through the crowded room.

“So you have a new woman. What I wouldn’t give to dip my stick inside her, just like I did with Gail.”

Cody snapped and shoved Tony. “You son of a bitch, you shut your fucking mouth.”

Tony pushed back. “Fucking make me dyke.”

Jane jumped between them and held them apart. “Stop it both of you.”

Tony laughed. “Hmmm she sure has you pussy whipped dyke.”

Cody went to move in on Tony but Jane forced her back. “Stop it Cody, go outside and wait by the car, we are leaving.”

Cody eyes still on Tony, hands clenched at the ready. Jane lightly slapped Cody to get her attention. “Now Cody.”

She drained last of her beer and left.

Tony laughed with his friends. The dance hall had gone quiet with disapproving people mumbling.

Jane faced Tony, her eyes narrowed.

“You wanna know what being pussy whipped is like Tony?”

He smiled. “Why don’t you show me sweetheart?”

Jane with all her strength kneed Tony in the groin and as he doubled over she hit him across the face sending him to the floor in front of his mates. Blood pouring from his face, him rocking back and forth with a hand between his legs groaning.

Jane shook her hand from the pain of hitting the man’s face and looked around at the quiet room. She looked at Lois who started to clap and whistle soon followed be the crowd.

“Atta girl.” yelled out someone.

Jane blushed and left the church in search for Cody. Jane got to the Hilux but no Cody.

“Ohhhh, Cody.” She looked around the car park. It was so dark and she had no idea where to start looking.

She heard mumblings and grumbling. Jane followed it until she found Cody trying to unlock a car door. Jane muffled her laugh.

“Um. Cody what are you doing?” Jane asked walking towards her.

“I’m trying to unlock my car, what does it look like?” She growled.

Jane looked away and tried to maintain a level tone. “It looks like you are trying to unlock someone else’s car with your key.”

Cody looked into the Hilux and huffed. “ Well I thought it was mine. They all look alike out here” she grumbled

Jane walked up and took the keys. “Well you definitely not driving.”

Jane grabbed Cody who stumbled all the way to their vehicle. Jane placed her in the passenger seat and click in her seat belt. Jane climbed in and looked over at Cody.

“Cody, you alright?”

“Just get me out of here.”

“Cody….”

“I fucking told you this would be a bad idea, but no you wanted to go. Well hope you’re satisfied.”

Jane didn’t say anything, she set off towards home.

Cody looked over at Jane and dropped her head. “I’m sorry I spoilt your night.”

Jane smiled still watching the road. “You didn’t, Tony did. I can’t say I have ever seen that side of you.” She looked the woman over. In fact that side of Cody turned Jane on more than ever.

Cody looked away. “He said some things I didn’t like.”

“What did he say?”

“Just stuff,..... about someone I care about.”

Cody put her head back and started to drift off. Jane put a hand on Cody’s leg and rubbed it to sooth her. “It’s over with now.”

Cody drifted off to sleep.

Cody felt someone shaking her. “C’mon you, I can’t carry you in all by myself.”

Cody got out of the vehicle and staggered inside. She sat on her bed and fell backwards. Jane walked in and laughed.

“C’mon lets get you undressed.”

Jane started at Cody’s boot when she sat up. “I can do it, I can do it.” grumbled a drunken Cody.

Jane stood up with arms crossed and watched as Cody unsuccessful in her coordination to pull her boot off.

Jane pushed her back down and took her them off, then her shirt and pants and finally put the covers over the top of her.

She stroked Cody’s hair and could not believe that 6 months ago she nearly killed this woman. Jane was about to stand up when Cody put an arm around her and pulled her down. Jane lay awake wondering if Cody was trying to start something but once she heard her snoring, she climbed out of bed. She stripped down to her panties and put one of Cody’s t shirts on and crawled up next to her. She kissed her shoulder and snuggled against her.

Cody slowly opened her eyes; along with the stinging light was a thumping headache. She felt something behind her and rolled over slightly. Her eyes widened in disbelief at seeing Jane in bed with her in only a t-shirt. Cody carefully got out of bed and dressed. She fed Toby and got herself a coffee.

Cody went out on the veranda, the skies definitely threatening with rain. She paced and drank, shaking her head. She heard the door behind her creak and looked around. Jane was standing there in just t-shirt and panties. She walked up to Cody and took her coffee drinking it.

“Hey why didn’t I get a cup, in bed?” She allowed the words to flow.

Cody ran a nervous hand through her hair. Thunder and lightening filled the sky, a few drops of rain fell.

“I… um last night. It was good.”

Jane smiled. “Oh you don’t remember?”

Cody blushed.

“Baby you were terrific. You had me screaming the roof down.” She rubbed Cody’s chest.

“Really…”

“Oh yeah, you were hot baby.” Giggled Jane.

Cody frowned. “And you wanted to? It’s what you wanted? I mean I was a drunk and-”

“Baby if I didn’t want you to touch me last night and you tried to force me, well you would have woken up in Toby’s kennel.”

The rain pelted down heavily, the dry road now flowing rivers of mud.

Jane shivered. “What are we going to do today, out in that weather.”

Cody smiles and placed Jane’s mug on the window sill. “I have an idea. This time I would like to remember it.” She pressed her lips against Jane’s in a long, lingering kiss drawing in all her air.

Jane moaned and wrapped arms tightly around Cody. She grabbed Jane’s hand and dragged her back into the bedroom.

Jane felt nervous, she didn’t expect Cody to believe her but she didn’t want to stop. Cody lifted her chin looking into her eyes. “What’s the matter? Second thoughts?”

Jane took her shirt off and lied down. “Nope.”

Cody undressed and hovered above the smaller framed woman. Her hand caressing up and down Jane’s body. Thumb rubbing across her nipples.

The feel of Cody’s roughen hands ignited her desire. Her hips lifted and she pulled Cody’s lips to hers. She kissed her hard, her tongue unleashing inside. Cody started to lower herself, worried about her heavy frame.

Jane grabbed Cody’s face. “I’m not that fragile.”

Cody’s knees spread Jane’s legs, her finger works down into the wet depths. Easing deep inside her. Jane lifted again wanted her all the way.

“More.”

Cody withdrew and pushed back in again and again. Her thumb rubbed gently at her clit and Jane started to wail, her body started to shake and clamp down on Cody. She wrapped her arms tighter around Cody and kissed her, her tongue flicking in and out of Cody’s mouth. Cody groaned and lowered her body, her finger forces down hard and Jane cried out as her orgasm took control, shaking her body under Cody.

Cody kissed her shoulder and down between her breasts. She removed her finger and lay next to Jane, facing her with a grin. “So was that better than last night?”

Jane looked up and the ceiling still panting. “Oh yeah, most definitely.”

Cody smirked. “Well I’m glad, considering that nothing happened in this bed last night but sleeping.”

Jane rolled over and blushed. “You knew… and you let me go on.”

Cody pinched her chin. “I was drunk but I wasn’t that drunk.”

“Well why didn’t you say- I mean if you knew.”

Cody sat up. “Well I do everything else around here, about time you made the first move in something.”

Jane shrieked and leapt on top of Cody forcing her down. “You are such an egotistic, full of shit, infuriating, ” She kissed her. “and yet so sexy woman.”

Cody lies on her back while Jane straddled her. Cody’s hands rubbed up and down her breasts, while Jane moved back and forward. Her pussy dragging up and down Cody’s stomach, leave a wet trail.

Cody fondled her breast sucking it hard before releasing it. Jane held Cody’s head to her chest until she had enough then took Cody’s lips. Cody flipped Jane and moved further down.

Jane opened her legs and waited. Cody licked loudly, moaning from the taste of Jane’s sweetness. She grabbed her hips and pulled her onto her tongue. Jane panted and hissed, forcing herself onto Cody.

“Fuck I wish you could get your head further inside me.” groaned a frustrated Jane.

Cody attacked Jane’s clit, stretching up her pussy lips and stroked it flat. Jane began bucking, grabbing and pulling at the sheets.

“Oh fuck… Cody…. Now now.”

Cody pushed two fingers inside thrusting in and out. Jane exploded, Cody continued until Jane had stopped asking for more and begged her to stop.

Cody wrapped an arm around her and pulled her in until Jane lay on top of Cody’s chest. She pulled the covers up and they dozed off together.

Later on in the night Cody was sitting on the couch reading when Jane forced the book aside and straddled, sitting over her. Cody groaned, but loved the unconditional attention.

“You can’t still be wanting … you know”

Jane kissed her. “Hmm after 6 months of not having you know, but I guess I can go into the study and watch that porn movie if you can’t keep up with my pace.”

Cody stood up quickly with Jane in her arms. Jane was caught by surprise at how quickly the woman reacted and how easily she was picked up.

“I have no problems in keeping up with your pace honey.”

“Good cos’ a farmer’s wife needs some more you know.”

Cody put Jane down and stared at her.

“What? What did I say wrong?” stuttered Jane, not able to read Cody’s sudden mood change.

“Is that what you see yourself as, my wife?”

Jane fidgeted uncertain when Cody grabbed her hands. “Jane.”

“Well yeah… I mean is that ok? We do everything together out in the paddocks, in the house.”

“Hmm yeah.”

“Well I’d like to think I was more than just a lover. I would like think I meant more.”

Cody kissed Jane “Shudd up woman, you think too much. A farmer wife isn’t meant to think, she is meant to do and be obedient.” played Cody.

Jane snarled. “Obedient, I’ll give you obedient.” She picked up a nearby fire poker and pointed it menacingly at Cody.

The woman jumped back and disappeared with Jane chasing her to the bed room still pointing the poker at Cody.

“Who is the obedient one?” growled Jane.

Cody shuffled backwards and shrugged.

Jane touched Cody’s chest. “Who is the obedient one?”

“Me.” squeaked Cody.

Jane’s lips were all over Cody’s body, her hands twisting her breasts, rubbing through her hair. The touch was driving Cody insane, hitting the spot then missing it all too deliberate.

“Shitting hell Jane, stop teasing me. I told you I was obedient.”

Jane put her hair over her shoulder and sunk into Cody, her pussy saturated. Jane licked every inch of Cody’s lips before setting upon her engorged clit.

Cody began to cry out, she grabbed the metal bed head hard as her tension was starting to release. She groaned and clamped her knees as Jane brought her to climax.

“Good girl.” Jane massaged Cody’s face and kisses her and it wasn’t long before she heard the familiar snoring. Janes rested on Cody’s shoulder and wrapped her arm around her happy.

A few days on Cody and Jane were in the kitchen talking about the day activities. Jane held up piece of toast and Cody bit into it. Toby’s excessive barking broke the moment between them. Cody peered out the door.

“Ahhh Richard, best put the kettle on.”

Jane groaned. “He is going to pester me again. I can’t take it Cody. Can you tell him I’m not here?”

“Jane, it’s ok.”

“No… please Cody for me.”

Richard pulled up and was greeted outside by Cody. She handed him a cup of coffee and he looked to the house.

“So where is Jane?”

Cody didn’t feel comfortable lying to Richard. “She’s gone.”

“Gone.”

“Yeah left town, dropped her at the bus stop few days ago.”

Richard looked at Cody.

“I want to show you something.” He went behind the back of his car and opened up the hatch.

Jane peered out through the window, watched the two go behind the back of Richards’ vehicle but couldn’t see anything.

Cody peered at the rifle

Richard watched Cody carefully as she picked it up and looked it over.

“Cody…”

“Richard, I know this looks like my high power rifle, but I can assure you it safely locked away in my study. You are welcome to check.”

“I know it’s not yours. I believe this is the weapon that shot you.”

“What…. How did you get your hands on it?”

Richard closed the boot. “I got it from Jane’s car, the one that was wrecked. I was doing a final sweep before releasing it and found this in the boot, tucked away.”

Cody’s head was trying to process the information. “But… it might not be hers.”

“Cody it has her finger prints all over it.”

“You know who she is?” Cody surprised.

“No…. but her prints match the prints on this gun. She was the one trying to kill you.”

Jane watched in anticipation. She could see Cody shaking her head furiously.

“This is ridiculous Richard.”

“Cody do you have any idea who would want you dead?”

Cody shook her head. “I don’t know…. I never met Jane before.”

“I heard you had a little run in at the community dance Saturday night.”

“What? The thing with Tony? No Richard, this shit with Tony and me has been going on for years. He still pissed because I slept with his sister Lois. It can’t be him.”

“Cody someone hired Jane to kill you. I’m going over to call in on Tony. I want you to check in with me on the sat phone this afternoon and again this evening.”

“Richard…. Don’t you think you're over-reacting just a little-”

“Damn you Cody, this is serious. Someone wanted you dead and sent Jane or whoever the hell she is to do it. She may be gone, but she is still a threat.”

Cody nodded.

“You are lucky she missed you.”

Jane watched Richard drive off and Cody just staring at the ground in deep thought.

Cody’s head was still trying to process everything. She made her decision and strode off into the house.

She pushed the door open hard making it bang against the wall.

“Cody what is it?” Jane sensed Cody’s sudden mood change.

Cody ignored and went straight into her study and grabbed the key from under the desk.

Jane followed Cody and stood in the door way watching Cody open up the large cupboard behind the desk. Her eyes widened.

Cody pulled out her high power rifle and laid it across the desk. She grabbed a box of bullets and put a handful in her pocket.

Jane swallowed nervously at the sight of this weapon. “… Baby what’s wrong?”

Cody looks up. “There’s something going on at the ridge. I need to go and check it out.”

She walked to the doorway.

“Like what… and why do you need that.”

Cody pushed past not answering any more questions. Jane was now concerned on what was there that had Cody so worked up

“Just wait up, I’m coming with you.”

Cody stopped and turned to face her. “Think I can handle this myself. ”

“No..... I’ll meet you in the Hilux, just don’t go with out me.”

Cody left to get the Hilux, Jane raced into her bedroom and grabbed at her back pack pulling out the pistol. She had anticipated this day was coming and wanted to be prepared.

She loaded up and put it in back of her jeans.

Cody drove fast around the bends. Jane many times had to grab the dashboard for support.

“Easy up… what is it Cody? Will you talk to me ?” Jane touched Cody’s leg.

“It’s nothing.”

Jane became increasing nervous at the situation.

Cody pulled the car to a sliding stop, almost to the same spot she parked the day she was shot. Cody left her vehicle with the rifle and binoculars and looked around the ridge.

Jane knew this place, but not from where she was now standing. She watched Cody look through the binoculars.

“There you are.”

Jane quickly ran towards Cody grabbing her and trying to drag her into the vehicle. "Just get back in the car.” She looked up nervously, wondering who was up there.

“So you feel like goat meat for dinner Jane?” asked Cody in a matter fact tone.

Jane let Cody go “Goat?” She took the binoculars and looked high up on the ridge. “This is the something you got all excited about. Fucking goats.”

“Well what did you think?” questioned Cody.

Jane was getting a weird vibe from Cody. "nothing" Jane in a quiet voice

Cody leaned up against the Hilux bonnet and peered through the sight. “Yeah, what do you say about the white one Jane?”

Jane looked through the binoculars. “Yeah…. Don’t know if you could hit it from down here.”

Cody squeezed the trigger, the sound echoed around the ridge and Jane scoffed “Fuuuuck, you nailed it clean. Hey I’m not going up there to retrieve it. Why didn’t you bring Toby?”

Cody reloaded. “Well let’s make it worth our while shall we. Your turn, bag yourself a goat.”

Jane was hesitant.

Cody smiled and knew which button to press. “Actually don’t worry; you probably won’t be able to hold it steady enough for a clean kill.”

Jane put the binoculars on the bonnet and held out for the gun. “What’s your wager? I’ll get it in one shot.”

Cody grabbed the binoculars. “Oh if it’s a clean kill, I’ll let you ride home with me. You miss, you walk.”

Jane laughed. “Be ready to eat your words baby.”

Jane leaned on the bonnet and found her target. “How about the white hooves with horns?”

Cody looked through the binoculars. “Ok, where’re you aiming?”

“For the head of course.”

“You sure about that?”

“Yeah I am.” The sound echoes around the ridge, so does the screaming of the goat.

“Fuck.” Jane tried to reload, but Cody snatched the gun away.

The ridge echoed with the screams of the injured animal.

“Cody give it back, the poor thing's suffering.”

“Not a very good shot are you Jane?” Growled Cody.

“Cody… C’mon, I must have moved. Give it to me again.”

“See inside the ridge you get little air pockets and shooting can be deceptive. You think that you are aiming at the head when-.”

Jane was crying from the goat screaming. “Cody.”

“When you end up hitting the shoulder instead.” Cody turned, aims up high and shoots the goat dead within a one breath.

Jane wasn’t sure what she was saying “Cody…. I-”

Cody punched Jane knocking her to the ground. She threw her rifle into the car and grabbed Jane punching her again. She felt Jane’s cheekbone crack.

“Cody…Cody please stop-”

“You little fucking bitch, you tried to kill me, you fucking left me for dead you.”

Cody raised her fist but stopped and stood back quickly. Jane had her pistol pointing at her.

“Cody… I just want you to listen.” She tried to reason with her, wiping the blood from her face as she got to her feet.

“Why…. I want to know why. I never did anything to you Jane. Well that is obviously not your name.”

“Cody…. Things are different now.”

“…. Who sent you?”

“Cody I don’t know why he wanted you dead. All I was given was your picture.” Jane pulled it out. A small picture that was taken from an old stock journal two years ago.

“I had to shoot you. I don’t know why, he just wanted it and paid me.”

“Paid you, how much and who is he?”

“$200,000. I don’t know him. It was a hire job.”

Cody paced kicking the ground screaming, “I trusted you, I gave myself to you and all this time just so you could kill me.”

Jane lowered her weapon. “No…. Cody I could have killed you anytime, but… in the end I couldn’t. I can’t kill the woman I’ve fallen in love with.”

Cody sneered at her. “Love? How can you say that, you fucking bitch. You were hired to kill me.”

Jane stepped closer. “Yes I was, but that’s not going to happen, ever. Please Cody I didn’t know you, but now.... please just calm down and talk this out.”

“Oh my god it doesn’t matter what I do, some fucking woman always screws me over. Just get it over with. C’mon do it.”

“Cody-”

Cody stepped forward. “Kill me you fucking piece of shit, c’mon.”

“I told you Cody, I’m not going to do that. That is not who I am anymore.”

“I want you off my property; over that ridge and 15kms you will hit the main road. You can jag a ride. I want you gone.”

“Cody you can say what you like but it’s the truth, I do love you. I have never felt this way about anyone and the scariest thing is that man who wants you dead knows I failed, he will send someone else. You don’t know how these guys work, I can protect you.”

Cody opened the door to her vehicle and sneered at her “I don’t need your protection, I can look after myself. Now piss off. Those signs that say trespassers will be shot; it applies on my land and believe me I don’t miss when I shoot.”

She slammed the car door. Jane ran up to her. “Cody don’t do this, they will kill you..... please.”

Cody drove off, she stopped and threw out water container and sped off towards home. Jane collapsed to the ground, dropped her gun and cried.

Cody had only driven for 10 minutes when she found it hard to see the road through her tears. She pulled over and turned the engine off. She dropped her head to the steering wheel and cried. She looked down at her rifle before picking it up and reloading. Her hands shaking as she clicked off the safety. "You pathetic loser, you don't even have the guts." Cody berates herself. She clicked on the safety catch then threw her rifle back down before starting the Hilux up and sped off again.

Jane got to her feet and looked at the ridge, then back to the track to the homestead. She picked up her gun and water container. “I guess you are going to have to kill me Cody, because I ain’t going anywhere.” She headed off on the long trek for the homestead.

Cody slammed the brakes on in her yard and got out slamming the door. She kicked the wheel of her Hilux in anger and looked around. Cody whistled and Toby didn’t come.

“Toby…. Where the fuck are you? C’mon.” She whistled again but he didn’t appear.

Cody grumbling goes inside to the kitchen and opened the fridge. She noticed that two beers were missing from her 6 pack and as she turns around is hit from behind.

“Wakey, wakey.” came a voice.

Cody opened her eyes, she could feel and taste the beer being poured over her head. She tried to move but her hands were restrained behind her as she sat on her chair in the kitchen. She looked at the two figures sitting in front.

“Who are you? What do you want?”

Her face is punched and she cried out.

“All in due time lovey?”

Jane continued to walk along the path. She guessed it would be an hour before she would reach the homestead and hopefully Cody had calmed down. Jane reached top of a crest and off in the distant dust rising into the air, two lots coming from the main road entrance to Cody’s property.

“FUCK, nooo.” Jane dropped the water container and ran fast towards the homestead.

Cody still restrained in her seat not talking. She heard a vehicle pull up and hoped it was Richard. She heard heavy footsteps, many footsteps and suddenly her kitchen was crowded with 5 guys, one in a suit. He sat down in front on Cody.

“Hello Ms Wilson, we haven’t formally met.”

“Who are you? What do you want?” Her voice quivering in fear.

“Well let’s just say I’m part of an organization that you need not worry yourself about, and well darling I want your property, your entire land.”

“Why?”

“Because it has something very precious in it and I want it, all of it.”

Cody wasn’t sure what to say. “If you want the land, then make me an offer I’m happy to sell.”

“What, and pay full price for this dust bowl. Why would I want to do that when I can just buy it from the bank for " he smiles ” a fraction of the price?”

“I’ll give it to you then, just let me go. I won’t say anything.”

“Oh I wish that was true but you just can’t trust women. And next time I will send a man to do a man’s job.”

“You sent Jane to kill me.”

“Jane… oh you mean Illana. Yeah…. She didn’t do a good job. Where is she, I have some unfinished business of my own with her.”

“Why is my land so important?”

“Last year you came across a couple of campers on your property.”

“Umm yeah, they were just bush walkers.”

“No they were geologists, they were looking for gold and sweetheart you have a great big streak underneath your ridge that I want to mine.”

“Gold, all this just for just gold.”

Jane dropped to her knees gasping for breath, she was thirsty but she needed to keep going. She knew Cody was in real trouble. She decided to run towards the back of the property and creep up.

“Well darling I’ve said enough. I thank you for your audience but I need to get back. I don’t know how you can live out in this putrid heat.”

Cody struggled with her restraints. “ Please don’t kill me.” She cried.

The well dressed man heads out side and looks at his two thugs. “Burn it, burn it to the ground.”

“And her?” said one thug.

“Yeah her too.”

Cody tried to struggle and jumped around on the chair when the two guys returned with a can of diesel.

“No don’t!” screamed Cody.

The diesel was poured all over Cody. She closed her eyes and tried not to breathe it in but in her panic couldn’t help it. She started coughing, choking, her eyes stinging, she continued to cry out.

Jane could see the back of the homestead and crouched low coming in from the side. She tripped over and rolled back, grabbing at it pulling it to her face.

“Ohhh Toby no no no.” She buried her head in the blood stained coat of the dead dog. She gritted her teeth and pulled her pistol out and ran towards the house.

“Please don’t!” cried Cody but all she heard was them laughing.

They continued to pour the diesel over the walls, and made their way to the door. One guy lit up a cigarette and dropped the match to the ground.

The floor lit up and started working its way into the house. Cody couldn’t see anything, her eyes blurred, but she could smell and screamed.

The guys stepped off the veranda when around the corner Jane came into view.

One guy went for his gun.

Jane unloaded into him, then aimed at the other guy. He looked at her then the diesel can in his hand.

“Oh shit.”

Jane shot the can and he erupted into flames, him running off and screaming.

She ran to front door, the house alight. She screamed to Cody but got nothing. She picked up the rug from the hallway and worked her way inside.

The kitchen was just starting to take and Jane could see the flames licking at Cody’s legs.

“Cody? Cody?” She placed the rug over her legs to pat the fames out. She grabbed a knife and cut away the tape.

Cody’s pants re-ignite as she was saturated in diesel.

“Fuck, wake up Cody…. Please.” Jane dragged Cody outside and pats out the flames again.

She could smell diesel and no life from Cody. She dragged her to the water trough in the cattle yard and dropped her in it holding her down washing her. She pulled Cody out, her face and arms blistering.

Cody wasn’t breathing so Jane performed CPR. She breathed life over and over until Cody took a gasps of air. Jane rolled Cody to her side, while herself coughing and gagging from the fumes of the diesel she had inhaled.

Jane had Cody strapped into the Hilux and headed for the airstrip. She had radioed ahead and they were on their way.

Jane pulled up at the airstrip as the plane was just insight. Jane went around to the passenger’s side. She could hear Cody’s shallow wheeze, her face and hands red, blistering. She unbelted Cody and pulled her close.

“It’s going to be ok, you just hang in there baby.” She kissed her head and rested against it sobbing silently.

Jane paced back and forth in the visitors waiting room until the doctor came for her.

“Is she…” Jane trying to remain strong.

“She has serious petroleum burns to her face, hands and lungs, some of it will be permanent I’m afraid. It’s going to be a slow recovery.”

“Can I see her, is she awake?”

“She is slightly sedated, and dosed up with painkillers. You can go in. Richard is on his way.”

Jane walks in quietly. Cody’s hands and arms were bandaged her eyes had patches on them. She could hear the gasping breath. “Ohh Cody” She all but whispered.

Jane pressed her lips to Cody’s and touched her hair. Cody shifted and groaned.

“It’s ok baby, you’re safe.” Jane reassured her.

Cody put a hand out to Jane’s chest and Jane grabbed it. “Yes it’s me, it’s ok.” But what she felt was Cody pushing her away.

“Go away, leave me alone.” wheezed Cody.

“Please Cody, I saved you and I’m going to protect you.”

“You should have left me to die.”

“Cody.... just listen.” She begged while trying to fight back tears.

“Get out!” screamed Cody, who then collapsed in coughing fits. The nurses came in and placed the oxygen mask back on as she screamed in pain.

3 months later Richard pulled up at Cody’s homestead. Cody got out of his patrol car, was speechless as her place had been rebuilt. She walked inside looked around.

“Wow.” was all Cody could say.

She sat in the kitchen while Richard made them coffee.

“The whole community pitched in.”

“That’s great, I appreciate that.” Cody in hoarse voice

“Look Meredith wants to get you a puppy.”

“NO.” Cody banged the table, her voice raised followed by fits of coughing “I’m sorry, just not yet Richard.”

“Ok love.” he pats her hand. They drink their coffee in silence

Richard stepped off the veranda and faced Cody. “You got everything?”

“Yep.”

“Remember, any problems, you see anything out of the ordinary call Tony. He’s only 10 minutes away and failing that Craig only 20.”

She laughed. “Yeah I can just see Tony going out of his way.” mocked Cody

Richard stepped forward. “Hey he was the one that led the charge to get this place re-built for you. He also said that only he had the right to knock your block off and no other asshole better ever try again.”

Cody shrugged her shoulders. “Very descent of him.” she said sarcastically

“Cody.”

“I understand, yes I will call them if I need. Please stop fussing I’m ok and Meredith the same.”

Richard wiped his eyes. “Cody, you know both Meredith and I, we love you very much. And nobody would think any less if you wanted to leave this place and come and live with us.”

Cody walked over and hugged her second father. “Richard I love you both, but now I just need to be alone.”

She sat on the veranda and watched Richard drive away. She sat there until the day got dark. She went inside shutting the heavy door and then something she can’t ever remember doing. She locked both bolts and then made sure all the windows were locked.

She sat down in the lounge with her rifle across her lap. No TV, no radio, no reading, she just sat.

Cody was woken by the clocking chiming 11pm. She took the gun into her bedroom and shut her door and something she had never done in her life, locked her bedroom door. The gun left resting on the wall next to the bed; she left the lamp on and closed her eyes.

In an inner city office a well dressed man signed some papers and went into his office closing the door. He faced his chair and stopped in his tracks at the person in his seat.

“Hello Karl, long time no see.”

“Illana what do I owe this unpleasant visit. I’m not paying you so you can leave or I’ll call security.” He reached for the phone but Illana open up a newspaper exposing her pistol.

“Take a seat Karl. I have a proposition for you.”

Karl sat down. “Please get your feet off my desk.”

Illana ignored his demand. “I want you to leave Cody alone. Don’t be sending anyone out there just leave her on her land.”

“Oh Illana you have no idea. That land is worth billions and I want it. Hey if you can convince her to sign the land over to me fine.”

“No.... there are some things more important than wealth, than money Karl.”

“Really, like what ....”

Illana takes some pictures from her jacket pocket and throws them in front him

“Things like family, love ones, pretty daughters that get to grow up with parents, parents that get to grow old together. Are you getting my drift Karl?”

Karl looked at the photos of his wife and two daughters and sneered. “You touch one hair on them and you’re a dead woman.”

“So I take it we have a deal, you will leave Cody alone.”

Karl sat in his seat procrastinating.

Illana removes her feet from the desk and sits forward. “Or maybe I will just take a trip down to the hairdressers, hmm you’re wife is having her perm today. Or maybe I should wait by the school when she collects the kids and get all three, what do you say Karl.”

The man stood up. “She can have her fucking land, just leave my family alone. Get out now.”

Illana smiled and placed the gun in back of her pants. “Pleasure doing business with you Karl” She mocked and left.

Karl was furious and picked up his phone and called his wife.

“Hey honey I want you to get the kids from school right now. Don’t argue just listen. Get the kids, packs some things and take the passports. I’ll have airline tickets for you, just do it now.”

Karl hung up and paced. He flipped through his roller dex for a number and dialled.

“Yeah it’s me, have a problem I need you to sort out. Can’t say over the phone; meet me at the usual place in 1 hour. I'll make it worth your while”

Karl grabbed his briefcase and threw in 3 rolls of hundred dollar bills. He wasn’t going to let Illana get in the way of his plans and once his wife and kids were safe it is going to be open season on his double crossing employee.

Karl got into his blue BMW, started it up and reversed. He drove to the exit of the underground parking when he sees Illana waving and holding a device.

“Ohhhhhhh shit.”

Illana pressed the button and his car exploded, the car park shook violently. Alarms and sirens ring out as people evacuate the building. Illana disappeared into the crowd.

Cody sat at her table eating a piece of toast. She heard someone coming up the track. It was louder now that she had put down coarse gravel. Nobody would be able to sneak up without her hearing. She peered through the window putting the gun back down and unlocked the door. She stepped out onto the veranda as Richard’s police car pulled up.

He got out and smiled. “Hey I’ve got someone that wants to see you.”

Cody nodded. “Yeah.”

The passenger side door opens and a young girl got out. Cody rubbed her eyes and stepped forward.

“Richard.”

Richard nodded to the young girl.

“Um Momma it’s me, Crystal.”

Cody grabbed her mouth to catch herself from crying and stepped to the ground. She strode over to Crystal and they hugged. Cody kissed her head and cried into her.

“Oh sweetie, oh my god I can’t believe it’s you. You’re all grown up.”

Crystal cried into Cody’s shoulder “I’ve missed you. I didn’t know how to find you Momma.”

Cody stepped back and had a good look at the young woman. “Wow you’re beautiful, isn’t she Richard?”

“Yes always was.”

“Oh stop it Uncle Richard.”

“Umm, does your mum know you are here?” asked Cody suspicious.

“Yeeeeh.” in an unconvincing tone

Cody looked at Richard and he shrugged. “Hey don’t look at me. She rocked at the station this morning asking for you. Now I have to get back to work, but Meredith is going to want to see her so don’t be hiding Crystal all to your self. See you soon love.”

“Bye Uncle Richard, thanks again.”

Cody picked up Crystal’s bag and they walked inside. Crystal went from room to room.

“Wow, everything’s different from what I remember.”

“Hmmm it burnt down a few months back. Plus it needed some renovating. Right sit and let’s talk.”

Cody fixed Crystal a drink and grabbed a beer for herself. “Now tell the truth, does your mum know you are here with me.”

“Yes momma, jeez aren’t you happy to see me?”

Cody knelt down in front of her daughter. “No amount of words that I can say will express how happy I am, and how much I’ve missed you. The only words I can say is that I love you and I never, ever stopped loving or thinking about you.” She threw her arms around Crystal “My world stopped when your mum took you away from me.”

“I never stopped loving you either. I wanted to find you but mum wouldn’t let me. And then one day out of the blue a woman stopped me and told me how to find you.”

Cody got up and stood rigid. “What woman? What did she look like? Did she hurt you Crystal?”

“Momma take a breath, don’t get all freaky on me.”

The woman sat down. “Ok will stop being freaky, tell me everything” grabbed Crystal’s hand.

Crystal remembered back to the encounter.

______

Crystal was walking home from school when a woman approached her.

“Hi... umm are you Crystal Gordon?”

“Yeah, why.. who wants to know?”

“Please don’t be alarmed I’m a friend of your Momma’s.”

Crystal didn’t acknowledge her.

“You were young, I mean Cody Wilson.”

“I know who she is, where is she?”

“Where she has always been, on her farm.”

“Really... I want to see her, oh she probably won’t”

“Sweetheart she would love to see you.”

“Yeah but mum won’t let me go.” Crystal started to cry. “I can’t even remember what she looks like. I have no photos.”

“I’ve already organised that with your mum and here, I have one” the woman hands over a small picture she had carried around.

Crystal looked at it. “Yes, yes oh my god... that’s her.”

“On the back is the town. Go to the police station ask for Richard and tell him who you are. He will get you out there.”

Crystal didn’t know this woman but threw her arms around her. “Thank you so much. You are obviously a good friend, who are you.”

“Ahhh. That’s not important, getting you reunited with your momma is. Come on I’ll drive you home.”

____

Crystal pulled out the picture and showed Cody. She instantly recognised it as the one Jane showed her.

“Who was that woman, Momma?”

Cody looked up. “No one important honey.”

They talked all day and once Crystal went to bed Cody dialled her sat phone while closing the door in her bedroom. She heard a familiar voice.

“Gail, it’s Cody.”

“Crystal, my baby.”

“Shhh she’s with me, she is fine and is asleep. Thanks for letting her come.”

“Did I have a choice?” She growled.

“What do you mean by that?”

“You hire bounty hunters these days to get your own way.”

“I never hired anyone, what are you on about.”

“Sending that woman around threatening me into letting Crystal come and see you.”

“Hey I never sent anyone around.”

“Bullshit Cody. She said if I didn’t let Crystal go, there were other means of persuasion. She had a gun Cody, a fucking gun in my house.”

Cody gritted her teeth. “Look I’m sorry; I just wanted to let you know that she is safe here with me.” Cody looked over at the rifle leaning against the wall, tears falling from her face.

“Well two weeks Cody, that’s how long school holidays are. Try not to spoil her.”

Cody stamped her foot. “Like you ever gave me the chance Gail.”

The line went dead.

In one week Cody was starting to feel alive again because of Crystal. She had showed her off in town to the locals and spent some time with Richard and Meredith. Cody even taught Crystal how to drive while on the property.

Crystal kissed her momma good night “I’ll see you in the morning”

“Yes you will.” She tapped her nose and hugged her. “Maybe I should tuck you in.”

“Read me a story too.”

“If you like.” played along Cody

“I’m good, don’t forget we are feeding the calves right?”

“I’m aware of the routine” She laughed and hugged her daughter again. “See you up bright and early.”

Cody poured herself a coffee and walked out onto the veranda. It was dark, very dark for Cody. She looked up at the sky but there were no stars. She held her breath for a moment and turned sideways.

“Who is there?” Growled out Cody.

She heard some one in the yard and stepped back towards the door, her gun just inside the door.

“Cody.” came a voice.

Cody stood rigid. “I told you I never wanted to see you again.”

Jane moved closer but Cody didn’t look at her. “Please just-”

Cody faced the voice. “Part of me is grateful to you for getting Crystal and I reunited and then there is a part of me that wants to rip you apart for bringing her into my life at a time that puts her in danger. People still out there want to kill me. How can I protect her, when I can't even protect myself. “

“Cody you don’t have to live in fear, Karl... the guy that hired me won’t be coming after you,..... ever.”

The woman groaned. “What did you do Illana?”

“You don’t need to know. Please call me Jane, Illana doesn’t exist..... anymore.”

Cody turned her head slightly to the voice. “Why are you here?” She felt Jane getting closer.

“Because I’m not done protecting you, because I want to look after you, like you looked after me. Most of all, because I love you .”

Jane almost upon Cody suprised she had not moved. She waved a hand in front of Cody’s face and she didn’t flinch. Then in a flash Cody had Jane pinned to the wall.

“Cody.” Jane surprised and winded

“Just because I have night blindness doesn’t mean I don’t know where you are. And how could you take a gun into Gail’s place and threaten her.”

“The bloody woman wouldn’t see reason. I tried to be diplomatic, I even offered her money but she was adamant that her daughter was not going to see you. I just wanted to scare her; I wasn’t going to hurt her.”

“You’re a killer, I don’t want a killer in my home Jane.”

“Then what do you want. Please tell me what you want me to do because I don’t know what to do, how to convince you.”

Cody’s hand felt wet and released Jane. She put her thumb across Jane’s cheek as more tears fell.

“I always thought crying meant you were weak, but now that I have no tear ducts I would give anything to feel my own tears. I cry... but I get nothing.”

Cody mood changed and leaned her head onto Jane’s shoulder.

“I’m so scared all the time Jane. I’m scared and tired and tired of being scared. I want it all over, you know?” Cody stuttered out

Jane hugged Cody. “It is baby, no one is coming after you. And I promise if anyone comes within distance of you and your daughter. I’ll have them 6 feet under.”

“I guess they won’t have to worry if you threatened them with a rifle.”

Jane pushed Cody up not sure if she was having a joke at her expense.

“You are never going to let me forget it.”

“What.... that you tried to kill me?” spoke Cody quietly in Jane's ear

Jane relaxed finally as the tone in Cody’s voice softened.

“No, the fact I missed.”

Cody touched Janes face and pulled her in, their lips meeting in a slow, drawn out kiss. Jane broke the kiss. “I’m glad I missed.”

Cody took Jane’s hand and quietly led her inside. “Me too.”

The end