The Sunburnt Country by Fiona Palmer

he’d turn her away again? What kind of friend was she? Slowly her feet led her to the bin outside the post office, curiosity getting the better of her. She reached in and pulled out four unopened envelopes. All of them were bills, one from the power company, another from Elders and a few from local businesses. Why would he just throw out his bills like that, without a backwards glance?
    She walked back towards her workshop, envelopes tucked under her arm and so deep in thought that she collided with someone and ended up with milk all down her chin.
    ‘Damn,’ she cursed as she lifted up her black singlet to wipe her face – and that’s when her eyes met Daniel’s.
    ‘I’m so sorry, Jonelle. I barged out that door and just didn’t see you,’ Daniel said.
    ‘No, no. It’s my fault. I wasn’t watching where I was going.’
    They stood in awkward silence.
    ‘Oh, I’m so sorry. I’ve got milk on your briefcase,’ she said, reaching down to wipe the black leather. ‘Are you off somewhere?’ she asked. Back to the city , she hoped.
    ‘Yeah, off to see a farmer. Jean’s given me directions. Somewhere down Cooper Road, so if I’m not back by lunchtime, send out a search party,’ he joked.
    But Jonny wasn’t laughing as she clenched the milk carton to crushing point. Her stomach twisted into knots. ‘You’re going to see Ryan Cooper?’
    Daniel cocked his head to the side. ‘How did you know that?’
    Jonny almost rolled her eyes. ‘He’s the only farmer with a house down that way.’ Just then, an idea occurred to her. ‘Hey, how would you like me to go with you and show you the way?’
    Daniel looked puzzled and a little worried. ‘Um, but I’ve got a meeting and I could be a while.’
    Jonny weighed up her options and decided to tell him the truth. ‘Look, Ryan is a close mate of mine, and he’s been having some troubles. I really don’t think he’s going to be too pleased about you rocking up in your leather shoes and fancy shirt talking money. He’s had a tough year. I want to be there with him, to help. Is it bad news? Are you going to take his farm?’
    ‘Whoah. Hang on a minute. Does everyone around here know everyone else’s business?’
    ‘Yeah, pretty much.’ Jonny shrugged. ‘You know, if you don’t take me with you, I’m just going to follow you out in my own car.’
    She saw that look in Daniel’s eyes, the one that said he might as well give up because he’d already lost this fight. Her dad got that look too. Dan smiled and nodded. ‘Well, you’d better come along, then.’
    Dan unlocked his car and she got in. It smelt of the vanilla air-freshener tree he had hanging from the rear-vision mirror and the inside was so clean the car looked brand new. Jonny hadn’t seen a car this clean since . . . well, ever. Out here, folks nearly spent more time in their cars than in their homes so it wasn’t unusual that stuff accumulated in them. Farmers’ utes were filled with farming magazines or papers, maybe a stray bullet casing, toilet paper, clothing and water bottles, and then people with kids . . . now, they were the worst. Ever tried to keep kids happy on a long drive? Her Torana was an exception, because it was her baby and only came out for special trips.
    As Daniel pulled onto the main road, the smell of his aftershave started to permeate the car.
    She cleared her throat and fiddled with the envelopes, which were now sitting on her lap. ‘You didn’t answer my last question.’ She almost squeaked out the next bit: ‘Is Ryan in trouble?’
    Dan glanced across. ‘I’m sorry but I can’t discuss Mr Cooper’s private affairs with you, Jonelle.’
    Jonny watched the bare paddocks flash past as she replied. ‘I guess I’ll find out in a few minutes anyway.’ They drove in silence, no radio or music playing. A horrible sense of dread was building in her stomach. A visit from the bank manager had to be every farmer’s worst nightmare. How was Ryan going to handle