Don't Fence Me In: Perth Detectives, #4

By LJ Perry

Jane Dawson had reinvented herself, trying to escape a violent event in her past. She moved from the city to the country, changed her name, changed her looks and found a new job. Brett Anderson had his own demons, his own challenges, his own aspirations. Could they overcome their pasts and build a brand new life together? Only patience, understanding and love would make it all possible.

• Language: English
• Publisher: MRead4200
• Release date: May 30, 2022
• ISBN: 9780980818147

Book preview

Don’t Fence Me In

Copyright 2019 LJ Perry

Published by ReadIt Publishing at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Other books by LJ Perry

CHAPTER ONE

Jane hugged the soft overnight bag to herself as she sat on the bench at the railway station. The platform was deserted and she watched the small gusts of wind swirl the leaves and scraps of debris around her feet. Letting out a heartfelt sigh, she once again looked along the empty street, hoping to see a vehicle or at least another person. Someone she could ask about directions to the nearest telephone, or taxi. This wonderful brainwave of hers to work in the country was beginning to turn into a disaster.

Jane dug into her holdall and pulled out the letter. Yes, it did say she would be met by somebody named Dean, at the railway station, today. There was only one train from Perth, and only one railway station at Avonsville, so where the heck was her ride?

She stuffed the sheet of paper back into her bag as a ute pulled up and a blonde-headed man alighted and slammed the door shut. He walked nonchalantly towards her. Jane started to rise but quickly sat again as he threw her a cursory glance and walked past her, disappearing through a doorway into the station house behind her.

Brett spied the lone train passenger as he parked the work ute, and as he had approached she had looked at him expectantly, not quite meeting his eyes, then looked quickly away. She was vaguely familiar to him, but he shrugged mentally, not knowing why. Obviously she was waiting for someone; maybe he’d hang around a few minutes to make sure she got her lift. It must have been at least thirty minutes since the train had arrived, and she had come to stay, judging by the suitcase at her feet and the bag she was clutching.

Jane took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. She knew the man had stopped in the doorway and was watching her; the movement of him lounging against the opening made her nervous. Taking deep, even breaths to control her panic, Jane felt perspiration on the palms of her hands and wiped them on her bag. She didn’t dare turn around, didn’t want him to know he was frightening her. Surely there was no need for him to hang around, even the station master’s office was empty; she had checked previously.

Just then, to her great relief, a station wagon roared up and screeched to a halt. A young dark-haired man in a checked shirt, with a cowboy hat stuck on the back of his head, hurried up to the platform towards her.

Before he or Jane had had a chance to say anything, a voice behind her called out, Hey, Dean, you supposed to be looking after this young lady? She’s been waiting for over half an hour.

Dean answered cheerfully, Yeah, I got a flat tyre. That’s why I’m a bit late. He looked at Jane and grinned. Sorry I couldn’t get here any quicker.

He grabbed her suitcase and headed back to the car, leaving Jane to follow. She glanced back at the other man who was watching their exit. Now that she looked properly, he was quite good-looking and she felt like an idiot for having been intimidated by him.

Dean slung her suitcase in the back of the wagon and waited for Jane to sit in the passenger seat and clip her seatbelt on, before he backed out and drove off with a screech of tyres. Jane held onto the armrest. Maybe staying at the station with a complete stranger would be less scary than driving with Dean.

So, you’re Jane, he offered.

Jane wondered what he would say if she replied no, then just nodded. And you’re Dean, she matched his observation skills. Who was that at the railway station?

Brett Anderson. His girlfriend committed suicide.

Jane, taken by surprise, studied the young man beside her, looking for malice in his statement, and not finding any.

Oh. Now she was curious. How long ago?

A couple of years back. They say he wouldn’t marry her so she done herself in.

They. Always the anonymous ‘they’: the gossip mongers who knew half-truths and made the rest up.

Jane changed the subject, not wanting to listen to anything else ‘they’ had to say. How far is the farm?

’Bout fifteen kilometres out of town. Aunty Kay’s really looking forward to you coming to stay.

So you don’t just work for the Barretts, you’re Kay’s nephew.

Uncle Max’s really, but yeah, I live and work on the farm.

Jane looked out the window as they turned onto a gravel road. She gave up further conversation as the wagon slipped and bumped over the uneven surface at breakneck speed.

Dean slowed the car and turned into a driveway. Can you get the gate? he asked.

Jane got out and opened the gate and closed it again after he’d driven through. He sped up again and came to another gate, where Jane was once again gatekeeper.

Jane was thankful when they at last reached the house, coming to a final stop in a cloud of dust. A woman emerged from the house and came down the steps as Jane waited for Dean to drag her suitcase out from the back of her transportation.

Jane, how lovely to see you, she called as she clasped Jane’s hands in hers. I’m so glad you made it, despite Dean’s driving.

Jane smiled at her. Thanks; it was quite an experience.

Come inside. Dean, why have you taken such a long time to get home?

Got a flat tyre, Aunty Kay, he explained sheepishly, throwing her an apologetic grin.

Kay’s face tightened. You left Jane at the station by herself?

It’s okay, intervened Jane. I was fine.

Yeah, interjected Dean, Brett Anderson was there as well.

Kay opened the flyscreen door and ushered her in. I’ll show you your room and the bathroom so you can wash the dust off while I make a cuppa.

Jane followed Kay as she gave her a quick tour of the house before returning her to her room where Dean had left her case.

Kay smiled at her. I hope you’ll be comfortable and enjoy being with us. She turned to leave and then looked back. Jane, you’ll come to me if you need anything, won’t you?

Jane looked into the concerned face of her employer, a good-looking woman probably only a few years older than herself, her dark hair tied back with a band at the nape of her neck.

Sure, and thanks.

I’ll see you in the kitchen in a few minutes. She closed the door behind her.

Jane sank down on the bed and looked around her. The room was painted pastel lemon, with bright floral curtains framing the large window. The bed frame and dresser were white, the coverlet for the bed made out of the same material as the curtains. A crystal bowl with pot pourri sat on a lace doily on the dresser and a doorstop in the guise of a dressed mouse, complete with mop cap and apron, posed by the door. Apart from these two homely touches, the room had been left bare for her to add her own personal items. It was a cheerful room and Jane almost felt she was on holidays. She picked up the towel from the end of the bed and slipped along to the bathroom. Having washed the dust and grime off her hands and face, she made her way to the kitchen.

How do you like your tea? greeted Kay.

Before Jane could answer there were heavy footsteps outside and the back door was flung open by a large man with a crop of ginger unruly hair. You’ll be Jane, then, he boomed and advanced towards her.

Jane faltered and took a step backwards. Kay stepped in front of her and headed her husband off, guiding him towards the table.

Jane, this is my husband Max.

Jane’s nerves steadied and she gave him a nervous smile. Hi, I’m looking forward to staying.

Did you have a good trip up? he asked, now seated in front of a large cup of tea, spooning sugar as he spoke.

Yes, thank you.

Sit down, Jane. Milk and sugar in your tea?

She nodded and pulled out a chair a safe distance from Max, took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

Kay saw her discomfort and asked Max about what he’d been doing all day, and they continued to talk about the farm while Jane sipped her tea. Max grumbled about Dean and Kay told him about his lateness in picking up Jane.

Max shook his head. I should have picked Jane up myself; she was probably scared half out of her wits with his driving, let alone him being late.

Jane found her voice. Look, it really doesn’t matter; I’m here now, that’s the main thing.

Max threw her a grin. Sometimes I worry about that nephew of mine. Have you met my girls yet? he asked.

No, not yet; I believe they’re still napping.

They’re beautiful; you’ll be delighted with them. His love for his daughters showed on his face and in his voice.

He only sees them when they’re asleep, contested Kay, patting her husband’s hand.

Don’t you believe her Jane, I’ve had my fair share of night feeds.

Jane smiled at him. She was getting used to the booming voice and as he covered Kay’s hand with his huge paw, she saw the gentleness in this big man.

As if on cue, the sound of a child’s voice came to them, and Max stood up. I’ll go get them.

When he’d left Kay turned to Jane. I’m sorry, I should have warned you about Max. He’s loud and demonstrative, but he’s all heart.

It’s okay, really. I just get a bit tense still around men, which is stupid really. Jane looked down at her hands in her lap.

It’s not stupid; it’s very understandable, and nobody here knows anything about you. I haven’t told Max; he just knows that you’re the daughter of a friend of Mum’s, and you were looking for a child-minding job.

Jane sighed and looked up. Thanks. I really mean that. Thanks for letting me stay and for giving me a job. I didn’t want to be in the city anymore; I was getting paranoid about everything. You would think after more than two years things would be back to normal, but they’re not, I don’t know if they ever will be, and that is scary too. I needed a new start, somewhere different.

Kay nodded in agreement. Well, we are out of the way a bit, so distance will protect you for a while. Mind you, everyone in town will want to know who you are as soon as I go back to work. Kay glanced at Jane’s hair, which was a mousy brown. A few subtle changes can help of course. People gossip in small country towns, it can’t be helped; everyone tends to know others’ business.

Jane nodded. Yeah, I gathered that. Hopefully this city girl can blend into the background. Besides, maybe something that happened in the city isn’t so well remembered in the country. She thought about Brett Anderson; it was true people had long memories. She thought briefly about how she may have been introduced to a stranger, like Brett had been to her.

Dismissing the unpleasant thought quickly, Jane turned her attention to Max who had returned clasping two young girls to his chest.

Here are the terrible twins, he announced, tickling them as they wriggled and giggled in his arms.

This is Katie, explained Kay, lifting one of the girls into her arms. And the other one is Jessica. She kissed Katie and then said to her and Jessica; This is Jane. She’s going to be looking after you sometimes when Mummy can’t be here.

Both girls smiled shyly. They were real cuties. Katie had dark hair like her mum, Jessica’s was strawberry blonde. There’d be no problems telling them apart.

Hello, she said to them both. Have you just woken up from your nap?

Jessica nodded, staring at her.

And who is this? asked Jane, indicating a soft toy held close.

Teddy.

And I’ve got a Teddy, too, offered Katie, determined not to be left out of the conversation. She wriggled out of her mother’s grasp and edged closer.

Max placed Jessica on the ground and she wound her free arm around his leg, watching Jane carefully.

Would you like to show me your Teddy? Jane asked Katie.

I’ll go get, she replied.

Perhaps I could come with you and you could show me all your toys. Jane held out her hand to Katie and she skipped over to hold it. Jessica might like to come with us. Jane held out the other hand to the little girl, who thought about it seriously before relinquishing her father’s leg and joining her sister. Jane left the kitchen with them both and headed to her charges’ playroom.

CHAPTER TWO

Lying completely still, Jane listened to the quietness, disturbed only by the far-off laughter of a kookaburra and the closer warbling of the magpies in the trees. She always awoke early in the peace and tranquillity of the country; maybe it was because of the longer summer days or just because her days had become enjoyable and she didn’t want to waste any of it. Whatever, life had taken on a shine again; a busy but pressure-free existence.

The sun had appeared over the horizon and flooded her room with light. It didn’t last long enough to overheat the room before the verandah took the brunt of the burning rays and provided shade. Jane slipped out of bed and stood at the open, but fly-screened, window, breathing in the fresh air. She heard a murmur of voices and a vehicle start up. Max and Dean were off to work early to beat the heat.

It had been a week now since she’d arrived. Jane had phoned her mother the evening of her arrival, promising to write in a few days. Her mother had been apprehensive about Jane’s move, but hadn’t tried to stop her. Knowing she was with a friend helped to smooth out the doubts somewhat. The routine of caring for children had fallen into place without a hitch. Katie and Jessica were a delight to look after and they already regarded Jane as much a part of the family as Dean.

Jane had accompanied Kay into Avonsville twice and met a few of the locals, mainly shopkeepers. Kay had shown her over the small country hospital where she was due to start work again next week. She now also knew where the post office, supermarket and chemist were located in the main street. It was only a small town with two main streets; if you didn’t know, you just had to ask. Jane felt comfortable meeting people, and although they looked at her curiously, it was friendly curiosity.

Jane had seen little of Max and Dean. Kay and the children and Jane had usually eaten and the girls were bathed and in bed before the men made an appearance. It was a busy time of the year, Kay had explained, and it meant full sun-up to sun-down days.

Padding into the kitchen on bare feet Jane flicked the switch on the electric kettle, put a teabag into a mug and waited for the water to boil. She could hear the sound of the water running in the bathroom; Kay must be in the shower. The rest of the house was quiet so Katie and Jessica were still in bed asleep.

Pouring boiling water into the mug Jane noticed dishes in the sink; all the other adults had eaten breakfast, so she sat at the table with her tea. As she sipped she thought about what to do with the girls, maybe some painting and playdough would keep them amused, it was going to be too hot to play outside today.

Good morning, said Kay as she walked into the kitchen. Jane returned the greeting. You look deep in thought.

Jane smiled at her employer, Yes, I was thinking about paint and playdough, would that meet with your approval for an inside activity?

Kay laughed, Sure, I think there is some poster paint in the games cupboard, not sure about playdough though.

I was going to make some, the girls can help, more fun than getting it out of a packet.

Now they will enjoy that, you sure you haven’t done childcare before? You have some good ideas.

I’m not just doing it for them, joked Jane, I enjoy playdough myself.

I am very pleased to have you here looking after my family. Kay patted Jane on the shoulder. I have to go and get ready, she said as she disappeared out of the kitchen.

Kay was going into the hospital to do her First Aid refresher course in readiness for her return to work. With that and paperwork and uniforms it was going to be a full day for her. It was the first time Jane had been left completely alone with the children, and she was a little apprehensive as to how she would cope.

Before Kay left for the day Jane had a quick shower and ate breakfast, and then peeked in at the twins, they were still asleep.

They are such sleeping beauties, she said to Kay, who had returned to the kitchen in her absence.

Yes, and I am going to make a quiet exit while I can. I don’t know what time I’ll be back. I’ve left my phone number on the table if you need to get in touch, but I’m sure everything will be fine.

Not long after, Jane was aware of small voices coming from the bedroom. She collected the girls, gave them breakfast, dressed them in play clothes and got down to the serious business of painting and making playdough.

Jane spread a plastic sheet on the floor in the playroom, mixed some pots of colourful paint, with the help of Jessica and Katie of course, laid out some sheets of butcher’s paper and found some fat paint brushes for her budding artists. By ten o’clock, her two charges had produced artwork Picasso would be proud of. They had painted every sheet of paper, and like true artists, most of themselves.

Jane thought it was time for a snack for them all, and maybe a change of activity. She took Jessica and Katie into the bathroom and washed faces, hands and legs, to remove the excess paint.

Okay girls, what shall we have for morning tea? she asked, as she shooed them into the kitchen in front of her. Seating them at the table Jane poured fruit juice, cut up some fruit and found some homemade biscuits, to put on their plates.

Painting makes me hungry, said Jane. What about you?

Both girls nodded and giggled, and helped themselves to the food.

Would you like to help me do some cooking? asked Jane. Katie’s eyes lit up and she nodded enthusiastically.

Jessica cautiously replied, Mummy does the cooking.

Ah, but this is special cooking, and we are not going to eat it.

Two little faces looked up at Jane clearly puzzled.

We are going to make playdough, and you can choose whatever colour you like for your own, and after we’ve mixed it, I’ll cook it, and then you can play with and make anything you want to. But first of all, she told them firmly, We have to finish our fruit.

The girls quickly disposed of their food and drinks, eager to get on with this new and exciting game.

Jane measured out the ingredients into two plastic empty icecream containers she had found in the playroom cupboard and allowed the children to mix each of their own in the bowl with a big spoon.

Now, what colour would you like Jessica?

Pink, was the decisive answer from Jessica.

Katie deliberated over blue and green, and finally decided on green.

Putting a few drops of the food colouring of their choice into the mixture, Jane told them to give it all a good mix to make the dough ready for cooking. She watched as they concentrated hard on mixing, Jessica with her tongue sticking out of one side of her mouth, Katie with a little frown.

They both look just about ready for cooking.

Two little arms stopped stirring with relief and the twins looked at Jane expectantly. Taking the dough out of the containers, Jane cooked first the pink mixture, then the green mixture in the old saucepan from the laundry cabinet, her charges watching her every move from a safe distance away from the stove.

Putting both batches on the sink to cool for a few minutes, Jane suggested they go into the playroom and see what they could use as moulds and shapes. Jessica found a set of plastic biscuit cutting shapes and Katie found a tray of chocolate moulds. Jane found a plastic rolling pin, some pop sticks and an old plastic plate to arrange their ‘biscuits’ on. She had scrounged two plastic cutting mats from the kitchen for the important rolling surfaces.

Okay, that will do for now, let’s go see if that dough is ready!

Skipping along behind Jane, the three of them returned to the kitchen. Jane tested the dough, discovering it was cool enough to play with, she returned the doughs to their containers and gave the girls them to carry back to the playroom. Running down the passage into the room and squatting on the floor, Katie was the first to handle the warm playdough, giving a little squeal of delight as it squished between her pudgy little fingers. Not to be outdone, Jessica did the same, and giggled.

So it started an entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable activity. By 12 o’clock, the play dough had been made and remade into dozens of different things, but when the girls started squabbling over whose turn it was to use the rolling pin, Jane thought it might be time for lunch and a nap.

They all helped to tidy up the mess, put all the playdough into containers for next time, and carry the used plastic ware to the kitchen sink.

Jane washed Katie and Jessica’s faces and hands and feet, fed them a quick sandwich, then popped them into bed without a murmur of protest from either of them.

Deciding the laundry tub would be a better option to wash all the paint and playdough-covered utensils, Jane loaded up with as much as she could carry in her arms and headed for the back door. The old laundry was built on the end of the back verandah and as she opened the door the heat from outside hit her with force. She returned to the kitchen for the rest of the washing and the detergent, quickly shutting the door to keep in the air-conditioned coolness.

Standing in front of the concrete tub, Jane filled it up with hot water and detergent. She put everything into the water and started scrubbing it clean.

Glancing up and through the partly opened louvres, Jane stopped scrubbing. Parked over near the big machinery shed was a car, one she didn’t recognize!

CHAPTER THREE

Jane’s heart skipped a beat, she knew the car didn’t belong to the family, whose was it? What was it doing here? She stood still, not knowing what to do, she was alone with the children. Her stomach knotted and she felt the start of panic set in. As much as she wanted to stay calm, and think rationally, her fear level grew.

Taking deep breaths and telling herself she was stupid, Jane fought the urge to run inside and lock the door.

There’s a perfectly good explanation, she told herself. The car has probably been there for days, you just haven’t noticed it.

She kept staring at the vehicle, mesmerised by its existence.

No, she thought, I’m not going to let something as silly as an unseen car frighten me.

She swallowed hard and looked around the laundry for a suitable weapon to carry. In the end she resorted to a piece of metal bar about 30cm long, not ideal to ward off possible intruders, but it gave her courage.

Swallowing her rising fear, Jane stepped off the back verandah steps into the full blistering heat. She walked slowly and quietly towards the car with nervous glances darting to all points around her. Every nerve in her body tensed as she stopped a metre away from the car. She heard someone making noises, and then saw the top of a person’s head, their body out of sight on the other side of the car. There was profuse swearing and Jane’s fear jumped back into her throat.

What are you doing? she yelled, gripping the bar tightly, ready to fight!

The body jerked up suddenly to full height.

Christ, you scared me, I thought there was nobody home. Brett Anderson’s face was streaked with dirt and surprise.

Unable to move, Jane repeated her question.

Max asked me to deliver some fencing wire, there were no cars here, so I thought there was no one home.

Jane was transfixed, the fear had subsided, but she still had the adrenalin pumping through her veins.

You were swearing, she accused him.

Brett wasn’t quite sure of Jane’s intentions with the metal bar she held, and didn’t make a move. Keeping his eyes on her as he said, I had a flat tyre, and was changing it.

Jane glanced at Brett’s greasy hand at his side, there was blood dripping off his fingers on to the ground.

You’re bleeding, she stated flatly, eyes never leaving his hand.

Hence the swearing, he replied. I’ve gashed my hand open.

Jane swallowed again, and nodded, she started to breathe again, it all made sense, and the threat subsided. Her grip loosened on her weapon and she took a step back.

Kay isn’t here, but I might be able to find something to put on it, some kind of antiseptic.

Brett nodded, Thanks.

Jane gave him a quick glance, he was dirty, bloody and sweaty, probably thirsty too, fighting with a flat tyre, greasy tools, flies and the heat.

You had better come up to the house, she reluctantly offered.

She walked off quickly ahead, not waiting for a response.

Feeling better, but not entirely happy with Brett on the property, Jane strode swiftly across to the verandah, and leaving the metal bar at the steps, crossed through the laundry to the back door, opened it and pushed it closed after her. It was blissfully cool inside compared to outside. She went