The Girl in Steel-Capped Boots by Hill Loretta

Author:Hill, Loretta [Hill, Loretta]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: FICTION
ISBN: 9781742753515
Publisher: Random House Australia
Published: 2012-01-02T00:00:00+00:00

Three days later Lena was back on the plane to site having not really achieved much of anything else. This time fear and dread didn’t grip her. She was actually looking forward to getting back and seeing everyone again. Even Mike, who she thought might be picking her up from the airport. As it turned out, it was Gavin this time.

He had a meeting in Karratha with a supplier, so was charged with the task of picking her up as well on the way back. It was good to touch base with him again after his little dip in Crossing Pool.

‘You know I had nuts for earrings for days after that little swim,’ he shot at her as they drove back to the camp.

‘Really?’ She grinned, unable to keep the pleasure out of her voice.

‘You’re not even sorry?’

Lena wound down her window, breathing in the humid air as the familiar red landscape with short shrubs and snappy gums filled her vision. It didn’t look so barren any more, now that she knew about all the snakes and lizards crawling around in the short grass.

‘You deserved it and you know it.’

‘Hmmm,’ he said but she knew he was over the worst of his embarrassment.

After a reasonable silence had passed she changed the subject. ‘So how’s it all going on site anyway? I feel like I’ve been missing everything.’

‘Oh, you know,’ he sighed, ‘the usual chaos. The night shift is in full swing but of course there are problems and Bulldog’s livid about it. But when doesn’t the bastard have a chip on his shoulder?’

This time her reply was not so jovial. ‘Well, he must have his reasons.’

Gavin cast her a quick look. ‘Taking his side now, are we?’

‘No.’ She turned away so he couldn’t see her blush. ‘What kind of problems are we having?’

‘Communication problems,’ Gavin replied. ‘Some things are getting done twice or not at all because day shift isn’t telling night shift what they’re up to before they knock off. Or night shift specifically needs day shift to make sure supplies are on hand when they come in. And they don’t, so half the night is wasted when materials run out.’

‘That’s easily fixed, isn’t it?’

‘You’d think.’ Gavin grimaced. ‘But there are too many big egos out there. They all reckon it’s someone else’s job and blame-shifting is standing in the way of progress.’

They were silent for a while as the ute ate up the road. There was so much other stuff Lena wanted to know but wasn’t sure if she could ask him.

‘How’s Sharon?’

‘Sharon?’

‘Yeah.’

‘Same as always, I guess. Haven’t really spoken much to her. Kind of shy, isn’t she?’

‘Not always.’ She frowned.

‘Have you two had a blue or something?’

‘Sort of.’ She hunched her shoulders miserably. What on earth was she going to do if she and Sharon never made up? She would give talking to her another shot. Sharon had to miss her.

Didn’t she?

‘What did you mean the other night when you said you thought I would be good for something?’

Crap.

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