5
"So what is the story with the Boss?" Jack hoped Owen would be more open and to Rhys' obvious annoyance he was.
"Married into the money. It was hers. Her family didn't like him, his didn't like her so they moved out here and settled. She … died. He was left the homestead and angry in-laws who are not welcome any time in the near century" Owen said with glee, "Last time they were here demanding some of her things he threatened to put the hounds on them."
"Shit. How did she die?"
Rhys went to stop Owen but he was too quick.
"Others. They got her. She was in the stables, took too long to come across the walkway. He was saying it needed to be enclosed and she was scoffing that the Others never came around the house. It happened so fast and he never forgave himself for not being more forceful about the walkway." Owen said and Rhys sighed as he slumped and glanced at the house again, then back as Owen continued, "He's a nice man. He internalises and is incredibly withheld. Hates to show emotion and would rather hide."
"I lost my wife and daughter" Jack said as he watched Rhys open the large doors to reveal several carriages. "Melissa was barely five years old. They tore them apart, I killed some but … couldn't get there in time. It's not something you can get over. Something like that. You just learn to live with the empty hole left."
Owen was staring at him with shock, "Both of them?"
"I was getting the stock in, they came early. Never knew them to come on dusk before and the screaming … it …. Well. Melly came out to watch the cattle come in, Lucia heard them coming and ran out to grab her…. They were swarming" Jack looked away and Rhys glanced again at the house, this time caught by Jack.
"What are you looking at?"
"He's listening" Rhys whispered, "He knows we are talking about her and he is not gonna be pleased."
"How do you know?" Jack frowned, "How the hell can he hear us?"
Rhys looked at him with surprise, "Because he was bitten, have you not heard of the survivors?"
Jack's turn to gape.
"It was severe, he almost went a couple of times. It was two weeks of touch and go but I managed to save him. Strong, tough and able to beat the poison from the bites" Owen explained, "He is altered now. Has sensitive hearing, sight and can only stand the light for short periods. He didn't change though, not like those bitten and not eaten. Not like…"
"Don't" Rhys barked, "Enough. You know he will be pacing and upset now. Let's just drop it."
"I agree" Jack shivered, "Let's get this done and he might rest easier knowing something that he had wanted will ensure the safety of us."
The men started to work, another man arriving that Jack recognised as the cook and Rhys called him Andy several times, then sweetie. Jack watched their interaction and realised they were a couple. A cute couple.
"You two been together long?" Jack asked and they looked at him with confusion.
"Oh no, I have a missus" Rhys laughed, "Gwen. She's a school mistress, she is in there teaching the kids."
"Oh, sorry. I thought … Ah. The woman with the gap in her teeth. Right" Jack nodded, "I really thought the two of you… you look so comfortable together."
"Not the first to say that either" Rhys agreed. "Owen keeps saying I need to ditch the broad."
Jack laughed as Rhys now looked furtively at the house, "She is bloody scary sometimes. One of those … hi, how are ya I'm Gwen…bam … together. I don't remember asking her or anything, just came to my bed and wouldn't leave. Nah, I do love her. Just didn't expect her."
"Life is like that" Owen sighed happily, "Look at me and Toshi. I mean … I thought she was just along for the ride. Then I realised she was caring for me. Not just looking after me … caring for me. Took a while, I am pretty thick ya know."
"Love can be a mystery" Jack grunted as he started to manoeuvre the carriage, "A couple of horses and that smaller flat deck, we can move this."
"We can?" Owen asked with surprise.
"We slide the flat deck under the corner here, so the broken wheel is not a problem, carefully drag it over then lever it off. We use some poles to slide it off down to the ground and we are there. This will fit like a glove." Jack motioned, "There will be a slight gap each side that we can shore up and this means we can connect the two buildings."
"Then let's make that happen" Jones said from the barn doors and Jack swung to look at him, a large smile that faded as he saw a sullen look in reply.
"You OK?"
"Yes. Yes, let's just get this done!" he sighed as he stepped out of the shadow of the barn to help and Jack again watched the lithe body move, revelling in the vision once the jacket slid off to reveal a taut arse nestled in the dark trousers.
Then he saw something else, making him pause.
Jones glanced back at him and blushed.
Like he heard his lustful thoughts.