Page 69 of Rough Stock

The head of the massive bull lifted, his nostrils flaring, as a sweet mango molasses scent permeated the air.

‘Tell you what, mate, I’ll make you a deal…’

The bull sniffed deeper as he stepped in closer.

Craig also took a step closer to meet him halfway.

The bull paused, neck stretched, not sniffing at the treat, but at Craig’s hand, his wrist and arm. He paused, head tilting to the side, as if he remembered.

‘I know it’s not your fault for hurting me, mate. And I’m sorry you got penned up in a strange place like this.’

Wraith was just a lost beast who wanted to go home. He understood that, because it’s what Craig wanted too. He wanted to go home, but not without Izzy.

It was also time to put aside a lot of the bad stuff that was holding him back, keeping him from the future he wanted.

‘If you’d kindly go outside and let us mob do what we came here for, I promise to retire from the rodeo…’ And it felt right finally coming to terms with it, too.

‘And I’ll even name my bull ropes after you.’ Why not? Craig enjoyed making those specialised rodeo ropes, even better with one eye on the sunset and a cold beer on hand.

But Craig also wanted that life with Izzy, sharing a home with her at Dustfire, and he’d negotiate with a bull to do it. ‘I’ll call Ginny to tell her you’re safe, as you’ll be my first guest at Dustfire’s quarantine station—where I promise to spoil you rotten.’ He was looking forward to a new future, if destiny would allow it. ‘So, what do you say, big fella? Do we have a deal?’

The air hung heavy, as if the world stood still, holding its breath.

Craig was ready to react, but with his wounds, he wasn’t quick on his feet like he used to be.

This could go either way.

It was up to Wraith to make the next move.

And within that long stretched-out moment, the bull finally nuzzled at Craig’s open hand and delicately plucked up the oat bar. As he ate, he even allowed Craig to stroke his thick neck, to befriend the animal that had once landed him in hospital.

Not today, Death. Not today.

Craig gave the beast another oat bar, before stepping back to give the bull a clear path to the open shed doors. ‘Go on, mate, I’ll catch up with you shortly. I’d like to hug my wife, now, if I may.’

The bull hesitated, turning his head back to the other animals.

‘They’re safe too, mate. We’ll look after them, I promise.’

It was like Wraith understood, giving Craig a slight nod before he turned and casually strutted out into the bright sunshine with his long tail swinging.

The cage door flung open, and Izzy wrapped her arms around Craig, holding on as if she would never let him go. I’m so sorry for what I put you through. And I’m sorry I never said it sooner—but I love you, Craig. I was a fool for not coming home sooner.’

‘Hey, you’re here now…’ The relief was enormous as he held her against his chest, with her soft hair against his cheek. The pain didn’t matter, not when his heart was finally healed. ‘You’re safe now, sweetheart. We’re together now, and we’re safe.’

Twenty-five

Two weeks later, Craig walked into the Stock Squad office, jerking at his shirt’s tight collar. ‘I hate this.’ He hated anything to do with pomp and ceremony, tugging at the tie that Izzy had found at the back of his cupboard. She’d rearranged everything in their shared bedroom, settling into Dustfire, just liked they’d always planned.

Izzy had set up her home office in the sunroom and was living her dream. Like Craig was living his dream of walking onto his back verandah, to enjoy that first morning cuppa while watching that big Brahman bull, yakking it up with the calves in the massive sandpit, made just for Wraith, who really was a big puppy away from the rodeo.

His favourite redhead had shown up in her bright yellow kombi van, with theDustfiresign, saying he’d need it for the quarantine station. But Bree also brought with her a legacy brand for them. He’d hung it on the wall in their house to pass down from generation to generation, making Dustfire a family brand, like he’d always wanted, with Izzy by his side. It made the dream feel real, every time he saw that legacy brand hanging beside his framed rodeo vest, the one with the patch in the chest, scuffed and worn—like hanging up his battle armour made it real.

Even though falling out of the truck had set back his leg’s recovery, Craig had never been more grateful when the rest of the Stock Squad showed up to help. Finn, Stone and Amara, all worked together to help Craig fix up the front driveway, and put in the sandpit, with Izzy getting a lesson on driving the tractor. Together, the Stock Squad erected a specialquarantinesign, complete with a boom gate to cross over the main driveway, and other security measures. Stone proved to be a wizard when it came to high-tech security, installing a camera system that made Izzy sleep a lot better at night.

Even while Stone and Amara bickered like siblings, the Stock Squad shared a barbecue and a few beers, celebrating together when Dustfire officially became their quarantine station, and for their first success with the rough stock case. Then it was back to work…

Today, getting dressed up just to hang around the Stock Squad’s office in the Elsie Creek Police Station, was a total pain. It had Craig tugging at his tie, again.

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