Read Online Flight to Coorah Creek by Janet Gover - Free Book Online

the girl, a slightly older boy appeared at a run. His hair and similar blue eyes proclaimed their relationship.
    â€˜Bethany.’ The boy called and the little girl giggled happily.
    â€˜Well, hello,’ Jess said, as the boy came up to her.
    â€˜Bethany ran away,’ the boy said, taking the little girl’s hand.
    â€˜And you were looking for her?’ Jess fought back a smile at the boy’s serious face.
    â€˜We have to look out for girls. Jack says so.’
    Could the boy be talking about her mechanic? Maybe. He hadn’t mentioned a family, but then, she hadn’t asked either. Asking someone else about their life usually meant similar questions being asked of her, and Jess tried to avoid too many questions. At least from adults.
    â€˜Well, he’s right,’ Jess said. ‘What’s your name?’
    â€˜Harry. What’s yours?’
    â€˜I’m Jessica. Where’s your mum, Harry?’
    Before the boy could speak, the answer came in the form of running footsteps. A woman appeared, her face a mask of concern.
    â€˜Harry! Bethany! I told you not to leave the room.’
    â€˜I’m sorry Mummy, but Bethany ran away. I had to come and find her.’
    The woman swept both children into a hug. ‘You must never go off alone. I was so worried.’
    Jess stepped back to give the woman a moment with her children. She could feel the concern and love emanating for the woman. Her desire to protect her children from harm was evident in everything about her.
    My son is dead. It’s your fault. You killed my son!
    Jess took another step back. Her foot caught a chair and it crashed noisily to the floor. The woman looked up.
    â€˜I’m sorry,’ she said, slowly getting to her feet. ‘I fell asleep upstairs, and when I woke they were gone. We’re new to town and I guess I panicked …’
    â€˜It’s fine,’ said Jess, replacing the chair under the table. ‘I think they might have been heading for the kitchen.’
    â€˜Mrs Warren cooks really great biscuits,’ Harry offered by way of explanation.
    â€˜I’m Ellen Parkes,’ the woman said, ‘and you’ve already met Harry and Bethany. We just arrived in town today. We’re staying here for a day or two.’
    â€˜Jess Pearson. I arrived yesterday – sort of, and I think I’m staying here, too.’
    â€˜Yes, you are. And you are very welcome.’ A smiling, elderly woman approached. She had short grey hair and her lined face seemed to almost glow with good humour. ‘We’ve had a few of the Flying Doctor pilots here from time to time. And once a pilot who was flying a plane for a politician. But we’ve never had a female pilot before.’ The woman wiped her hands with a dishcloth and Jess guessed she was the one responsible for the great cooking smells. ‘The pub hasn’t had this many guests since last year’s election,’ the woman continued before Jess could greet her. ‘We had two politicians and two election officials here then, plus the pilot, of course. This is going to be much more fun. I see you’ve met Ellen and the kids. I’m Trish Warren.’ The woman didn’t seem to need to pause for breath. ‘Let me show you to your room, Jess. It’s going to be such fun. All us girls here together. And with the kids, too. I’m sure we’ll all get on famously.’

Chapter Six
    Ellen opened her eyes and stared up into the darkness. The silence surrounding her was as unfamiliar as the room in which she lay. For a split second she had to think to remember where she was. Of course, her room at the pub. She remembered the train journey, and the man … Jack … who had come to her rescue. Then she raised herself on one arm to look at the next bed. Beth and Harry were sound asleep, curled up under the covers against a surprisingly chilly night. They’d been exhausted when