Chapter 17
Lena kissed Kyle goodbye and stood watching at the gate as he walked up the road to the bus stop. She glanced next door at the dairy and wondered how Adam was today. Her gut was churning so she doubted his would be any better. Last night’s sleep was peppered with nightmares about hunters creeping into her room killing her and burying her body afterwards. No second guesses as to where that idea had come from.
Breakfast was a non-event as Lena didn’t think she could keep anything down. Her stomach was a mess of nerves. Today she’d planned on going over to the dairy and taking measurements so she could order her stove. Then there was the decorating to tackle, and trying to figure out how she was going to be able to afford the furniture. Something would come to mind sooner or later. Immersing herself in the space was the best way to see what the outcome could be.
The plumber was taken care of. Her father had that under control and she was more than happy to leave that in his hands. One less tradie to deal with was fine by her.
Lena walked back into the house and searched her room for a notebook and a pen. May as well do something constructive instead of waiting for the sound of a gun. “Mama, where can I steal a measuring tape from?”
Sofia bustled into the kitchen, placing her handbag on the table. “Second drawer. Are you sure you don’t want to come into the CWA meeting? The ladies would love to see you and it wouldn’t hurt to get involved, you know.”
“Thanks, but not this time. I want to get a feel for the café and try to order a stove. Besides, I’m on dinner duty tonight, remember?” And that’s not going to be fun either.
“Yes, I do and I’m sure after what lies ahead, Adam will appreciate it too.” She kissed Lena on the cheek and took her car keys from the hook on the wall beside the fridge. “Have a good day.”
“Bye, Mama.” Lena sifted through the second drawer and pulled out the measuring tape, hooking it in the pocket of her jeans. She picked up the pen and notebook, slid her phone into the back pocket, and headed out the front door. Her mother’s little red car drove off down the road leaving a cloud of dust in its wake.
Lena stood in the front garden, absorbing the warmth from the sun and the delicate perfume of the flowers in full bloom. Bees buzzed from flower to flower lazily collecting pollen on their tiny legs. She pondered last night’s call from Cole. Did he seriously think she would take any notice of his ranting? After being roped into the fundraiser against her will, Lena had thoroughly enjoyed the event. The planning, executing, and producing of the meal had brought back how much she loved what she did. No matter what he said.
Ever since Cole had all but kicked her out of her own kitchen, she second guessed her career and where she wanted to go from there. Would she ever feel safe working in a kitchen again? Was it really what she wanted to do, or was it becoming a habit she didn’t want to break? Maybe a change of scenery would do her and Kyle the world of good. Cooking was in her blood, she knew that and it would seem the same bug had bitten her son. His announcement of wanting to join her in the kitchen had shocked her even though after some thought it shouldn’t have.
She walked down the path and out the front gate. The sunlight shone through the large camphor laurel trees, throwing a kaleidoscope of patterns on the dark grey stone building. The sign Mama had made for the big night was still hanging over the door. The Hidden Café had been painted in a rich chocolate brown on a weathered slab of timber surrounded by dark green leaves. It looked good and the name rang true for what she wanted to achieve. A small restaurant café away from the hustle and bustle of busy life. Nothing like the last restaurant. Somewhere quiet and out of the way was how she saw this place.
Lena turned the rustic door knob and pulled open the heavy door. Dust motes flew around in the shafts of sunlight like fairies on the breeze. She left the door open and walked inside, taking the time to look at the building with fresh eyes. The space was right being as open as it was with a high ceiling. It was very much like her last restaurant in as much as it gave that warehouse vibe. The milking equipment could all stay as part of the charm of the place. It hadn’t seemed out of place at the school fundraiser and it wouldn’t be in the future either.
She needed to find what to add to get the ambience of calm casual country she was looking for and walked around hoping it would all come to her. When nothing did she gave up and decided to measure for the oven instead. Lena chose the spot and slid the measuring tape from her pocket. She hooked the end of the tape on the edge of the counter and stepped it out, marking it all down on her notepad. Lena was standing with the pen between her lips when the first gunshot pierced the silence.
She dropped the pen and instinctively ducked her head, covering it with her hands and crouched down on the floor. The second shot reverberated in the dairy and a cold chill raced up her spine. Adam was slaughtering his animals. Tears rushed up her throat and Lena had trouble swallowing even though she
