Read Online Mister Cassowary by Samantha Wheeler - Free Book Online

wondering …’
    â€˜Accident?’
    â€˜Was there really a monster cassowary? The biggest one in history?’
    Walter laughed. ‘Abby said she’d been talking to you. Gotta watch that one. She has a shocker of an imagination!’
    â€˜No, not just Abby. I read a newspaper article, too. It said a vicious cassowary called Big Blue attacked a man, and that Grandad—’
    â€˜Big Blue is a beautiful bird, Flynn, one of the most handsome cassowaries I’ve ever seen. Your grandad loved that fella.’
    â€˜ Is a beautiful bird? You mean Big Blue’s still alive?’
    â€˜Yep, sure is. We see him in the forest near the rehab centre from time to time. But don’t get too excited.’ Walter’s eyes crinkled. ‘He hasn’t caused any mischief for a while, touch wood. Probably decided it was time he moved on.’
    I glanced behind me. No sign of Dad. ‘Did Big Blue do something to my grandad?’ I asked, keeping my voice low. ‘Is that why Dad’s so worried about how dangerous it is around here?’
    Walter’s smile dropped. ‘I think you should probably ask your dad that one,’ he said, firmly.
    I felt like lava was suddenly bubbling in my chest. ‘But Dad won’t tell me!’ I exploded. ‘It’s like he thinks I can’t handle any scary stuff, but I can! I’m old enough to hear the truth!’
    Walter scratched his head. ‘Well, is that so?’ he said. ‘Doesn’t want to share the scary stuff, hey? Perhaps that’s because when he was a little tacker, he was afraid of his own shadow. Wouldn’t say boo to a post. It sounds like you’re more like your grandad. A good egg you are, just like him.’
    I looked at him, my eyes wide. ‘I am?’
    â€˜Yep.’ Walter nodded. ‘You sure are. You and Barney are just the type of people our cassowaries need. Now listen,’ he said. ‘Abby told me you and your dad are still no shows for the working bee tomorrow. Any chance you could come for just a couple of hours? We’d appreciate another pair of hands with the cyclone on the way.’
    I sighed. ‘No. Dad says we’ve got too much to do around here.’ I chewed my lip. ‘Unless …’
    Walter raised his eyebrows.
    Bang. The screen door slammed behind me. Dad walked over, his hair standing up and his face creased.
    â€˜G’day, Steve.’
    â€˜Walter. What’s happening?’ Dad scratched sleepily under his T-shirt at his chest.
    Walter waved a hand at the cans he’d unloaded from his boot. ‘Brought you round some fuel. You hear the latest about the cyclone?’
    Dad nodded. ‘Yeah, worst luck. I’ve got enough on my plate without a blower chopping the place up. Let’s hope it stays out in the ocean.’
    â€˜Too right,’ said Walter. ‘I knew I should have organised the working bee earlier.’ He glanced towards the paddock behind the house. ‘Top job, by the way.’
    â€˜Yep. One down, three to go.’
    Walter sucked his cheek. ‘Yeah, well, s’pose it’ll look good in the sales brochure.’
    Dad smiled. ‘Yep.’
    â€˜I mean, if that’s what you want.’ Walter glanced over to the thick row of trees bordering the banana plants. ‘Shame to see it all go, though. I remember your dad planting them.’
    Dad’s smile faded.
    â€˜The developers aren’t exactly going to leave the trees, are they?’ said Walter. ‘No room for cassowary corridors when there are houses to build.’
    I took in a sharp breath. But the cassowary chicks lived there!
    â€˜Don’t start, Walter. Don’t start.’
    There was an awkward silence, filled only by the rosellas squawking in a nearby bush.
    â€˜Righto,’ said Walter with a scratch of his belly. ‘I’ll leave you to it. I think Flynn has something to ask you.’
    I dipped