Inheritance Read Online Free Page B

you’ll have managed as well as anyone could. I’ll go through the books and I’ll have a better idea how things are then. Is there anything you think we should be doing now?’ She gave a shaky laugh. ‘Apart from praying for rain.’
    ‘We better all do that, by God. We need a proper wet.’
    ‘Is everything down in the office? I think I’ll go down now and have a look.’
    ‘Yes, I’ve put everything on the desk for you.’
    ‘Thanks, Tom.’
    The station office had been built in the large space under the house. Inside everything was neat and tidy. Cassie looked around the room that had been her uncle’s special domain.
    Framed aboriginal art and artefacts hung on its walls, gifts to members of the family from the local aborigines at various times over the last century. They reflected the friendship that grew between the two different cultures as they learnt to live amicably in the same area.
    Cassie seated herself at the desk and turned on the computer. As she examined the reports, she saw at once that they were now receiving less than half the price for stock than they had a year ago. The sales were not enough to cover the costs of the previous year. The feed bill alone was enormous. Checking further, she gave a gasp of dismay as she perused the bank statements. My God, we’re running on an overdraft. An overdraft on Yallandoo! But Yallandoo’s always been so prosperous. Perhaps it’s just since the drought. She checked back further. Yes, here it was, Uncle Len established the overdraft about three months before the accident.
    Cassie sat at the desk thinking. If the monsoon rains came this summer, there would be good feed within a few weeks. That would stop the hand feeding. But then the station would need re-stocking. They were down to about a quarter of their full capacity. More money would be needed for that. And what if the rains didn’t come? What would happen then?
    Searching through the files she found a letter from the bank manager, Bob Rawlings, to her uncle. It confirmed that the bank would extend credit for a period of twelve months as arranged. Should an extension be required, then further arrangements would need to be made. Twelve months — that meant it was for another three months from now. What then?
    Cassie managed to push down the feeling of panic rising inside, but, as she went upstairs, the responsibility weighed heavily on her.
    Rosie had come in and the three of them were waiting for her in the big, homely kitchen.
    ‘Why don’t we all have a drink before dinner and we can sit and talk,’ Cassie suggested. She led the way out to the wide rear verandah, which was the usual spot for an end of day drink.
    ‘What’ll you have, Cassie?’ asked Tom when they were all seated.
    ‘Gin and tonic, thanks, Tom.’
    Rosie stood up. ‘Same for me. I’ll get them, Dad. Beer for you? And you, too, Mum?’ She went back inside while the others waited in the comfortable cane chairs facing the back garden.
    ‘So, I know things aren’t too good, Cassie, how did you find it?’ Tom sounded apprehensive.
    Considering, she measured her words. ‘Well, no, things aren’t too good, Tom, but then it’s only to be expected with the drought. We’re going to need more cash soon and the executor doesn’t know when probate will be through. I rang to let him know I was coming up and he said it may be soon, but he’s not certain just when. There’re plenty of assets but it’s worrying to be losing so much money. I guess we can only hope for a good wet this year.’
    ‘Like everyone else, Cassie,’ Tom reminded her.
    ‘Yes, I know, it’s not just us. If only we had something that wasn’t so dependent on the weather.’
    Rosie came out with a tray of drinks and set them down on the table. After handing them around, she seated herself next to Cassie. ‘Cheers,’ she said cheerfully as she lifted her glass. ‘Here’s to you, Cassie, our new boss.’
    ‘Oh, no,’ said Cassie as they raised