Free Down Outback Roads by Alissa Callen Page A

another part-time job. Drew’s contract-fencing business hasn’t picked up yet after the drought.’
    There was no missing the concern lacing the brunette’s soft voice. Kree’s heart went out to the young mother.
    She offered her hand. ‘Hi, I’m Kree.’
    ‘I’m Beth,’ the girl said, shaking her hand.
    ‘So no one’s hiring, or are there not many places to work?’
    ‘Both. The coffee shop was a good place to work part-time shifts, but it’s gone now. There’s the grocery store, but any vacant position has a tonne of people applying.’
    ‘I passed a post office and a general store, but I guess they don’t need any extra employees?’
    ‘No.’
    ‘Is there a tourist information place? In my home town in the States they’re always looking for extra help, especially during the summer.’
    ‘The coffee shop used to have a few tourist brochures but I don’t know who has them now.’
    Kree’s attention became diverted by a corner of the shop that contained boxes of chocolate and large glass jars filled with a rainbow array of lollies. ‘No way.’
    She moved to a box on the bottom row and held up the top chocolate bar. ‘Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in Glenalla?’
    Beth grinned. ‘Every town needs a lolly store, and I tried to get a few different things, as well as the usual favourites.’
    Kree plonked the full box onto the counter. ‘My brother’s having withdrawal symptoms from not eating peanut butter with chocolate. Now I don’t need a friend to send him a care package. I can send him one myself.’
    ‘There’s also Hershey’s Kisses.’
    ‘Beth, you’re a life saver.’
    Kree added all the packets of Hershey’s Kisses to her pile, along with a selection of kangaroo-decorated t-shirts.
    ‘Now, I need something for two boys.’ She collected a pairof toy green tractors from across the room. ‘And something for a grownup boy who still likes his toys.’ She spied an old-fashioned model ute on another shelf. ‘This will be perfect.’
    With her arms filled with bags and her heart warmed by the thanks in Beth’s wide smile, Kree exited the small shop. She walked into the bright, mid-morning light.
    ‘Kree. Well, well, isn’t this nice? I haven’t seen you since the command post.’
    Kree turned to see Moira Jessop gliding towards her, not a coiffured grey hair out of place.
    ‘Hello, Moira.’
    Kree stood still as Moira air-kissed both her cheeks.
    ‘How’s your brother doing?’
    ‘Good thanks. He’s making the most of Sydney’s bright lights.’
    ‘After what he went through, I’m sure he would be. Doing some shopping, I see,’ the older lady said, her sharp eyes zeroing in on Kree’s parcels.
    ‘Yes. I’m so thrilled to have found some American candy.’
    Kree juggled her bags to open one for Mrs Jessop to peer into. Moira raised a pencil-drawn eyebrow at the amount of chocolate.
    Kree laughed. ‘Don’t worry, they’re not for me. I don’t seem to want anything but lamingtons these days.’
    Moira’s gaze swept over her as though checking the fit of her white shirt and jeans. Thankfully, she wasn’t wearing yesterday’s too-snug tee.
    ‘Now, isn’t that a coincidence. Lamingtons are Ewan’s favourite, too. Talking of Ewan, how are you getting on at Marellen?’
    Kree shifted the heavy bags in her arms. She should have known social queen-bee Mrs Jessop would have got wind of her temporary home.
    ‘Good, thanks. But hopefully I won’t be there long. I don’t want to impose on Ewan and Tish more than I have to. As soon as Ewan can speak to the Tylers, he’ll organise a new pump.’
    ‘You’ll be waiting a while, my dear. I bumped into Maureen’s close friend, Mrs Fisher, in the grocery store. Don and Maureen are on some Greek Island cruise, and out of contact.’
    Kree withheld a groan. The sooner she was installed at Berridale, the better. She couldn’t drive to Glenalla every day to avoid Ewan and the feelings he generated. ‘Well, I’ll keep my fingers