The Cattleman's Special Delivery Read Online Free Page B

here, Jess. He apologises for the late hour, but he’d like to speak to you.’
    She was suddenly scared and she felt a little sick as the policeman stepped into the room. He didn’t look threatening, however. He was middle-aged, balding and thickset and his expression was one of almost fatherly concern.
    ‘Good evening, Mrs Cassidy.’
    ‘Hello, Sergeant.’
    He nodded towards the cot and smiled. ‘I believe congratulations are in order.’
    ‘Thank you.’
    He stepped closer. ‘She’s a little sweetie, isn’t she? It’s been a big night for you.’
    ‘It has rather.’ Jess swallowed a nervous lump in her throat. ‘Have—have you seen my husband?’
    Sergeant Bryant dropped his gaze and cleared his throat and in that moment Jess knew, even before he spoke.
    ‘I’m so sorry,’ he said.
    ‘He’s d-dead?’
    ‘I’m afraid he is.’
    At some primitive level, she had probably known all along, but until now she’d never allowed herself to think it was actually possible. But faced with the horrible truth, Jess felt strangely numb. She’d run the full gamut of her emotions tonight and it was almost as if there was nothing left to feel right at this moment...
    She couldn’t even squeeze out a tear, but she knew the grief would come...later...
    ‘At some stage I’ll need to talk to you about the accident,’ the sergeant said. ‘But I won’t bother you tonight.’
    She nodded.
    ‘The rain’s almost stopped, so I’m hoping that the ambulance will be able to get through in another few hours,’ he went on. ‘It will bring you back to Dirranbilla. You’ll be able to see a doctor. And then we can talk.’
    He looked into the cot again and his face creased in a soft smile and then he left her.
    Jess lay dazed, unable to focus on anything except the news that in another few hours...she would be leaving. She would be starting a new life.
    How strange... For a short space of time this simply furnished room had been a little sanctuary for her and for Rosie...a safe haven from the wild night...and from the real world where all her savings were lost and accidents happened and husbands died...
    Reece had been so kind. He’d delivered Rosie so beautifully. But in another few hours...
    She would be gone...and the cruel irony was, she would be a single mum, after all.

CHAPTER THREE
2/56 Mary Street,
Edmonton, Cairns
3rd March
     
     
Dear Reece,
Once again, thank you, although I know thanks aren’t enough. Rosie and I owe you our lives. I will write again properly when I have more time, but I wanted you to know that Alan’s funeral was yesterday and I’m managing OK.
I thought you might like this photo of Rosie. She’s growing already, isn’t she?
     
     
Warmest wishes and masses of gratitude,
Jess.
     
     
     
     
2/56 Mary Street,
Edmonton, Cairns
25th April
     
     
Dear Reece,
Thank you so much for the pink teddy bear and the little sleep suit dotted with roses. They are so cute—and such a kind thought. I cried when they arrived. I should be sending you gifts. I owe you so much. One day, I promise I’ll repay you.
At least I can tell you that Rosie is thriving. She’s filling out nicely and she doesn’t wake too often, although she sometimes takes a bit of settling, especially in the evenings. Still, I can’t complain.
She’s started smiling. You’ve no idea how cute her smiles are. Once she starts, she just keeps on smiling as if she thinks the whole world is hilarious.
     
     
Thanks again and warmest wishes,
Jess
     
     
     
     
4a/89 Potts Street,
Redlynch, Cairns
16th June
     
     
Dear Reece,
Another big thank you from Rosie and me. What a lovely surprise to open your parcel and to find your note and the gorgeous board books. Rosie loves picture books and these are perfect.
I showed her the cows and the pigs and the turkeys and told her all about your farm—not that I saw much. She squealed and crowed and bashed at the pages with her fat little fingers, which is her way of showing how much she