Marcus came home, to an empty house, and a note, not unlike one Ingrid had left before:
Marcus,
I love you. But if Grace is having your baby, then I won't be here to get in the way. Pretty much, don't expect to hear from me again. Maybe in a few years time – who knows? By the time you read this, I will most likely be in Spencer, heading towards New South Wales. I'll be staying with a cousin of mine, but you won't be able to find her or me.
Goodbye,
Ingrid.
She'd done it again. Marcus buried his head in his hands, but felt oddly relieved. Grace was safe, and he was free to be with her. But he was instantly suspicious. It was too easy that this had happened. Shrugging, Marcus put down the note and crossed the room to the phone. He picked it up and dialled the Drovers Run number.
"Hey, Stevie. Guess what."
"Hmm..." Stevie bit her lip. "You've won the lottery?"
Marcus laughed. "Yeah, right. Since I stopped buying tickets, I've been really lucky."
Stevie heard the tension in his voice. "What's really up, Marcus?"
"She's gone, Stevie. Ingrid. She left another note."
Stevie sighed. "Marcus, would you like me to come over?"
"No. I'll be there in a couple of minutes, if that's OK."
"No worries. See you soon. And bring the note."