After the Ferry by C.A. Larmer

Author:C.A. Larmer [Larmer, C.A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Larmer Media
Published: 2019-08-13T23:00:00+00:00

TOM

Tom hadn’t enjoyed a day at work more in a long while. It was Friday morning. His wife had been missing five days now, but his boss, Jimbo, simply issued orders like he normally did, then returned to the converted shipping container that doubled as the headquarters of Shepperdin Building Supplies. As if he didn’t care. As if everything was hunky-dory.

It was such a blessed relief, not being treated like a criminal or, worse, a bad husband, and Tom enjoyed the physical toil, the shearing of timber, the oiling of giant slabs, the shifting of rocks and gravel. It helped to feel normal again, to feel physically weary, to forget if only briefly that his life had just fallen apart.

The only indication that things were different now was Jimbo’s casual nod when Tom tapped on his door that afternoon and asked to knock off early.

“Gotta get my kid at two today,” he explained. “He’s got a thing—”

“No worries.”

Jimbo didn’t want to hear it, and this left Tom frowning. A week ago the older man would’ve snorted at Tom and told him he was whipped. Today he added, “Take all the time you need,” ruining Tom’s buzz.

Two hours later, his buzz now back, Tom pulled up outside his home and sat in his truck for a moment, not willing to get out, not willing to face his empty house.

“Thomas Bloody Wilson,” came a voice through the open window, and he jumped, nearly hitting his head on the roof of the vehicle.

“Jesus!” he said, holding on to his chest, then he looked out and up towards the familiar figure that was leaning in. “Jesus,” he said again and flung the door open. “Angus Bloody Tower, what the hell are you doing out here in the sticks?”

“Good to see you too, mate,” Angus said, holding out a hand and pulling him in for a hug. “Been to the beach, mate?”

“What?”

Angus pointed to a smattering of leaves and other debris caught in Tom’s red curls, then looked past him and back into his truck.

“Where’s young Phillip then?”

Tom shook his fringe out and said, “Went home with a mate. Kid’s got a better social life than the Kardashians. Nothing like a missing mum to bring out the leeches.”

Angus had a feeling Tom was referring to him but let it slide.

“I heard about Millie. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, it’s Amy we’re worried about.”

“Of course. Amy… yeah, Amy.” He said her name slowly as if still trying to get used to the idea. “And how’s Phillip, is he…”

“My son is fine.” His smile had deflated. “We’re both fine in fact. Seriously, you needn’t have come. Haven’t you got your millions to count? Heard business is booming, you’re a bigwig these days, quite the digital star.”

“Yeah, well, I gave myself a hall pass.” He offered an apologetic smile. “Besides, it’s your face I’m seeing all over the news. You and Mil… Amy.”

Tom shoved his hands into his pockets and looked away.

“I’m here to help, Tommo. Last night’s news gave me quite a shock.

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