Page 1 of Ruby’s Outback Love

PROLOGUE

Barrawon Station

One month earlier

ANDREW

“What the fuck?”

On hearing Ruby’s voice, Cam, Linda and I snapped our heads towards Ruby and followed her line of sight to find she was glaring at Sergeant Phil Thacker. Not for the first time, I wondered what the deal was between the two of them.

I hadn’t known Phil for long, he’d only been back in town for a couple of weeks, but I’d found him to be a pleasant young man. I guessed he was in his early thirties, probably around the same age as Ruby. He was tall and slim with coffee colored skin and large brown eyes which seemed to be shadowed in sadness whenever he glanced in Ruby’s direction.

Ruby stomped over to where he now stood beside Gary. She came to a stop in front of him and slammed her hands on her hips.

“What the fuck are you doing here? I’ve told you; I don’t want you anywhere near where I am. Hell, I don’t even want you on the same goddamn planet. You know we have a clinic today so get the fuck out of here.”

When she spun to head into the clinic, Phil reached out and grabbed her wrist. Ruby fisted her hand and collected the officer square in the nose. He growled and released her, dragged a handkerchief from his pocket and attempted to stem the blood which now poured from his nostrils. I suspected Ruby may have broken his nose.

“Serves you right, don’t you ever lay a fucking hand on me again.”

It was time I interfered. Patients were gathering around us and watching with interest. I had never seen my nurse so angry; her eyes spat fire.

“Ruby, please go and set up for theatre.”

“Gladly, just get that arsehole out of here.”

We watched as she stomped to the clinic, pushed through the door and allowed it to slam closed behind her. I turned back to Phil who was gazing at the door she’d just disappeared through, sadness and….was it longing, clouded his eyes?

“Something I should know, Phil?”

He shook his head. “I deserved it. Can you tell her I was here because Gary and Viv had a problem with a couple of young shooters trespassing on their property? I’ll try not to get in her way again.”

He turned to leave but I placed a hand on his arm. “You need to let me take a look at your nose.”

“I’ll get Barry to take a look when I get back to town. I’m sure it’ll be fine until then and I don’t want to upset Ruby more than she already is.”

I nodded, knowing he was probably right and it appeared the bleeding was easing.

“I’ll talk to Ruby; she can’t go around punching you.”

“Leave her be, Drew, she has good reason.”

The conversation was obviously done. Phil headed to his police vehicle, climbed behind the wheel and we all watched as he drove off.

“What the hell just happened?” Viv asked. “I have never seen Ruby react so violently towards anyone.”

“No idea, but I aim to find out.”

Snarling at Phil in town was one thing but punching him in the nose was another. Ruby had stepped over the line.

Many in town thought something had happened out at the settlement where they’d both lived many years ago, but no one seemed to know the facts. I was determined to make sure it got sorted out before my nurse and good friend found herself locked up on assault charges.

Linda threaded her arm through mine.

“C’mon, Dr Drew, you have surgery. Interfering will have to wait.”

We excused ourselves from Gary and Viv with a promise to catch up over lunch and bring them up to date with details of our new home, the clinic in town and future plans.