Empty Nest: Book Three: The Euphemia Sage Chronicles by Fenwicke Rosy

Author:Fenwicke, Rosy
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wonderful World
Published: 2022-04-26T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 22

‘See that?’ Sandy pointed to a pattern in the dust. ‘That’s a ferret’s footprint—an adult judging by the depth.’

They were part way up one of the rough tracks inside the sanctuary. It was not only rough but narrow and even though someone had cut steps into the hill in some parts, in others; they had to grab whatever branch was closest and haul themselves up. Sandy led the way, followed by Josh. Euphemia brought up the rear, providing the boy with a boost from behind when his short legs couldn’t reach the next step. Tree roots and crumbly rocks added to the obstacles in their way—it was slow going and hard work. Cool under the trees, Euphemia was pleased she had won the battle with Josh to get him to wear a jacket.

Had the girls been as difficult as this little boy? She didn’t think they had been, but maybe time had smoothed over daily disagreements and pointless battles? He couldn’t always be like this, or was he being a brat because of his father’s accident? Whatever, it was tiring to be around him, especially when she had more important things to think about.

‘He needs a treat,’ Jane had said in the hospital car park after they said goodbye to his parents. ‘How about McDonald’s for lunch?’

‘Who needs the treat?’ asked Euphemia, knowing Jane had a particular fondness for chicken nuggets and barbecue sauce.

‘We all do,’ she replied.

They ate inside at one of the not so clean tables, gorging on fries, nuggets, and Big Macs followed by a chocolate ice-cream sundae for Josh and black coffees for the grown-ups. Euphemia realized how hungry she was when she ordered a large size of everything with extra fries. The food brought back fond memories of taking the girls for Happy Meals at the age was Josh was now. Somewhere amongst the junk in the attic, there was a shoebox of McDonald’s plastic toys. The girls had grown up and left home, but when she suggested the box should either go to the dump or the op shop, they greeted this with howls of outrage. How dare she get rid of their treasured mementos of childhood? Easily had been her reply. ‘Certainly easier than getting you to take it away.’

Already this afternoon, they had seen the footprints of two rats, lots of mice and worst of all, a mature ferret. She hoped it wasn’t a pregnant female. The bush was depressingly silent and there was no sign of the birds. If they didn’t act to eliminate the predators soon, they would decimate what was left of the sanctuary. Joe’s hard work, the money he had spent to save his precious bush and its bird life would be for nothing. Worse, the retirement village was rapidly losing its unique selling point.

‘This is boring,’ said Josh, slashing a manuka bush with his hand. ‘Why did I have to come? I want to go home.’

The whine in his voice has the same effect on Euphemia as fingernails being slowly dragged down a blackboard.

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