Page 7 of The Dairy Farmer's Daughter

"No, the whole thing. Milking shed, stock, everything. A dairy that's already established will often take on leases for other properties. I can ask around, I'm sure we could find someone. The Montgomerys might even be interested."

It wasn't an ideal situation, but worth considering. "I guess I could lease it out until a buyer comes along. Ideally though, I'd rather sell it. Leasing could create other problems along the way, not to mention the tax implications."

"Yes, the government always wants their bit. I’ll look into the leasing and come back to you."

Justin rose and shook Stephen's hand. "I appreciate that, and you have all my contact details now."

"Of course, and again, my sincerest condolences."

"Before I go …" Justin paused. "Do you have a key to get into the house? I've decided to stay the night."

The older man raised his eyebrows before reaching into his desk drawer. He handed Justin a simple silver key. "Nina Montgomery has been keeping an eye on the place. The power is still on and it runs on tank water. You should be comfortable there."

"Thank you." Justin left the office and walked out onto the main street. It was after five now and the road had quietened down. The sun was lowering and bringing with it a chilly night breeze. Nevertheless, he decided to walk and clear his head before going to the farm.

He wandered down the wide footpath, noting the huge deciduous trees and quaint storefronts. As well as art galleries, cafés, and fashion stores, there was a children's playground, abakery and even a barbershop with old-fashioned red and white striped poles out the front.

He passed the butcher’s shop, the old-time building with historic, rustic appeal, and wondered if that was where Finn's father worked.

He paused to study the display at a bookstore café. Country scenes adorned the book covers. He shoved his hands in his pockets. He could rarely walk past a bookstore without buying something, his love for literature so strong. His mother liked to boast that he had been able to read before he started school. Had his mother brought him here? Had they bought books from this shop?

It was closed now, so he decided to come by in the morning and order a coffee, then he could have a good look around while he waited.

He crossed the street and wandered back towards his car. The evening air revived him and the walking stretched out his tight muscles. Maleny had all the essential stores, and the larger cities of Maroochydore and Caloundra, where shopping centres and department stores flourished, were within an hour's drive down the winding range.

Deciding he better grab a toothbrush and toothpaste, since he had brought nothing with him for his impromptu overnight stay, he headed into the supermarket and picked up a basket.

The deli section Freya had mentioned did not disappoint. Sliced meats and antipasto were on full display, and his mouth watered at the array. The bakery section was just as enticing with all sorts of cakes and slices. Bread of varying shapes and sizes lined display shelves with a selection of fillings including fruit, nuts and seeds.

The colourful array of fruit and vegetables, especially the organic section, which was just as big, made him want to focus on eating better, healthier food. Living in the city, he oftenskipped meals or ate out, unless he was at his mum's house. She always insisted on cooking a homemade meal.

He put a banana and an apple in his basket, then found a toothbrush and toothpaste and headed towards the checkout. As he waited in line, he spied the display of coffee beans with the unfamiliar Maleny coffee logo on brown paper packaging. He collected a large bag and added it to his purchases. He knew it wouldn't be much but still felt good for contributing to the local economy. Maleny didn't seem that bad after all; no wonder it drew thousands of tourists every year.

The GPS system on his phone directed him out of town, and he was surprised how quickly the suburban sprawl turned to lush, green pastures and quiet country roads.

The white milk-can indicated the driveway he was to turn down. He slowed to take in every detail of Boyd's property. The winding dirt track skirted wood and wire fences. At one point, he drove over a flowing creek which jogged something in his memory, though he couldn't think what.

As the car climbed a small hill, he took one hand off the wheel and brushed it down his thigh. It was stupid to be nervous, but despite being the new owner of the property, he was. Would he feel Boyd's presence in the house? Would he learn something about the man who had always been a stranger?

The setting sun still threw enough light for Justin to see the old iron milking shed when he came to the top of the rise. A mixture of black and white cows and some caramel-browns grazed contentedly in the grassy pasture. To his untrained eye, Justin could only presume they were in as good a condition as Stephen had suggested.

He continued down the road, eager to reach the house before dark. The car’s headlights illuminated a small house, and he parked in the carport, next to a dirty work ute.

It was quiet, apart from the soft mooing of cattle. The path to the house was short and when he reached the wooden front door, he used his key to enter.

He switched on a light and looked around the cosy living room. The couch was aged but promised comfort. Beyond it was a basic kitchen and dining room. A quick look in the fridge confirmed it had been emptied.

He ventured farther into the house and found a basic if somewhat dated bathroom. There were two small bedrooms, each filled with a single bed and dresser. The main bedroom was at the end of the hall. He turned on the light and looked around. The floral bedspread and lace doylies reminded him of his grandmother’s house.

The room had a distinctly feminine feel to it. He sat on the queen-sized bed and breathed in the lingering scents.

This was where Boyd had slept, where he had lived.

A silver-framed photograph on the bedside table caught Justin's attention, and he picked it up for a closer look. He recognised his mother dressed in a pale dress, holding a newborn baby in her arms. A younger version of Boyd stood next to her. He looked handsome in his suit, not yet wrinkled and weary.

His mother had said they were happy for a time. This must have been taken at the peak of that happiness. Perhaps his own christening, given the state of their dress. The young couple were still in love and proud to be new parents of a healthy child. They had no idea it would all fall apart in just a matter of years.

After freshening up in the bathroom, Justin locked the house and followed the directions Freya had given him to her house.

---