Chapter 21

“This needs to be fixed up,” said Benjamin when they got to the small shed by the chicken coop. “And the lawns need to be maintained. They’re not looking as healthy as they were when I first came down.”

“Have ya got a tractor? A mower? Reticulation?”

“The lawns are reticulated, yes. But I haven’t got the other two.”

“Need the other two,” said Mick. "I can get ya a good deal. My brother runs the machine shop.”

“Okay,” said Benjamin. “Thanks. You’d know better than me what I should get.”

They continued walking. “And these are the cottages. Do you need a place to stay?”

Mick laughed. “You know what? My girlfriend kicked me out about a month ago. The bitch has shacked up with some shearer. Been stayin’ at my brother’s since. I reckon his wife’ll be happy to see the back of me.”

“Sorry to hear that.”

“Ah, she’s alright. She’s got kids and havin’ to look after a houseful of people ain’t easy.”

“No, I meant about your girlfriend.”