Chapter 23.

Jodi sat up in bed, her hair tied together in a messy tail. She looked at the man next to her, not laying in her bed, but sitting upon the edge putting on his boots to go into town. 'Can't that wait?', she breathed out as she positioned behind him and kissed his cheek softly. Matt turned his face to look at her. A soft smile on his silent lips. Jodi stroked his black gray hair gently.

'I better do this now. It won't take long. I just don't want that car to break down tonight', Matt finally told her, as he finished putting on his boots. He saw her puppy eyes looks begging and softly smiled, tipping her nose. 'I'll be back before you know it. Get some rest'. A small grin fell onto his lips as he leaned in and kissed her lips softly.

***

Matt parked his car at the side of the road in front of the Truck Stop. It was a shame Moira was still in Argentina, otherwise he could have stayed with Jodi, and let Moira look at his Ute. There was no doubt the chance was rather big that it would break down any day soon. He closed the door of his Ute and stuffed his hands in his pockets and walked into the Truck Stop.

Up to meet its new owner; Bobby Martin. He quickly shook hands.

Returning ten minutes later from the back Matt had concluded Bobby was pretty much like his mother Beth. Very chatty and he knew his way around being a mechanic. Being able to also lead the Truck Stop was something else though, although he quickly swept his dirty hands off at a tea towel, taking his position behind the desk.

It was then when Matt noticed the tall man at its other side, asking for a fresh cup of coffee. Dark sunglasses made it hardly unable to spot his eyes, short brown hair gave him a flashy look, if it wasn't just for his casual but neat clothing; a fine gray jacket with dark jeans underneath. Matt frowned, not even noticing he was standing and staring just there next to the desk, waiting for Bobby to help him make a final arrangement.

The man suddenly noticed his staring and showed a short grin, reaching out his hand; 'oy you're a local?'

Matt suddenly shook up, feeling a float of oddness run through his body as he saw the tall man's features better. He would nearly swear … but luckily his mind finally made a connection and quietly he answered with a yes. Taking the guy's hand and shrugging his shoulders lightly. 'Matt Bosnich', he shortly said, as his dark eyes were still transfixed on the man's appearance.

' Righto, Jack Cross, I'm replacing detective Montello', he spoke.

Matt nodded, mumbled; ' finally replacement.' He knew that during the first year Jodi and him had been away, there still had been some brief contact between Jim and Montello, until he left town, and it was only now that they've been able to hire someone else. Someone who looked fairly much like Alex Ryan.

'Yeah, just trying to get my head around this town. It's surely differs from the city. Any ideas how I can get to know the locals any better?', Jack asked, even though he noticed the man in front of him wasn't much talkative.

'If you keep an eye on that board', Bobby quickly interrupted; ' it shows all there's to come in Gungellan. That's the best way to meet the locals; share a drink.' He grinned sheepishly, handing Jack the change.

'Thanks, I'll keep that in mind', Jack answered, slipping the coins quickly in his wallet, before sliding it in the back pocket of his tight jeans. He took the cup of the desk and walked out. ' See you around'.

Matt's eyes followed his moves, seeing how he made his way to a pretty flashy car.

'City boy', Bobby snorted; ' but oddly familiar'.

Matt realized Bobby hadn't been in this town for many years, not able to remember much of Beth Martin's son, or him ever being mentioned, but it said enough he at least had some recognition too. Probably not the brightest one to connect it to Alex Ryan