The Rain Circle, page 14
‘It seems to be the getting lost deliberately scenario, where peace has been found not in the karri forests of Western Australia but in South Australia’s grain belt,’ Christine answers.
‘Maybe he changed his mind. He told Inka the forests are where he’d like to go. But it doesn’t matter. The good news is that he’s been found. What did he say to you?’
‘No I haven’t spoken with him. I’ll get to that in a minute. Firstly, we found he didn’t cross the border because the ticket he bought took him as far as Ceduna on the west coast of Eyre Peninsula where he stayed for three days in a motel. Soon after that he came back east to central Eyre Peninsula and since then hasn’t been spending much money so seems he’s taking it easy, not living it up. The phone trace puts him north of a place called Kimba. Seems he really does not want to be disturbed, rejecting calls made from this station and accepting only the occasional call from a fisherman called Pavic in Port Lincoln and a person called Niemenen in Helsinki. Do these names mean anything?’
‘Not Pavic, but Niemenen is his old professor in Helsinki.’
‘Well I guess it doesn’t really matter if he’s no longer a missing person,’ Christine says, pausing before suggesting where to go from here. ‘Since he’s no longer missing we can close the file but if he doesn’t want to speak with you or your daughter, would you like us to send an officer out to where he’s staying to ask him to call you and put your mind completely at ease?’
‘No, thank you for your offer but you have done enough,’ Susanna answers automatically. It is a response that comes from more than appreciation and politeness. There is a voice in the back of her mind telling her Christian may take flight. A distinct possibility when his behavior is considered. And she wants to look him in the face and know if he needs help or needs to be forgotten.
‘Let me know if you change your mind,’ Christine offers. ‘I’m sure everything is fine. When I spoke with our officer in Kimba last night she said people in the town knew Christian has been around for a while and is staying in farm accommodation run by the Ellsons, a respected local family out at Buckleboo. Our officer was able to phone a young woman who takes bookings at their farm stay and she said their guest was resting and didn’t want to take calls. Rest assured that he’s in good hands.’
In a café below the SA Police Headquarters Susanna spends the next hour trying without any success to phone her daughter who is in a remote part of the rugged Kimberly Ranges in Western Australia. It is easier to get through to Miro in Lahti, who agrees with her strategy to make an unannounced visit to Buckleboo. She does not want to do this without the blessing of her daughter but a decision must be made soon as enquiries show there is a bus leaving to travel through Eyre Peninsula at 2pm.
At 6pm on this day, Thursday September 11, when the bus is passing through Port Augusta, Inka calls her mother. First worried about so many missed calls, feelings turn to anger as the story of the finding of Christian unfolds. Her mother says she is travelling to see him. Inka does not think it is a good idea and asks what happened to their plans to see things together in Adelaide. She asks who is more important, with a voice echoing hurt. Accused of interfering and probably making things worse, Susanna apologises and tells Inka that they will still have time together just as planned as she’ll probably be back in Adelaide in a day or two with good news to tell.
‘Where are you now?’ Inka asks, ignoring the attempt at putting a positive spin on the situation.
‘Just gone through Port Augusta.’
‘Enjoy your adventure,’ says Inka, trying to demean the exercise. ‘Sorry Mum, I am just so frustrated, what with all this tension around Christian and now I find I have so much to complete here in the north of Western Australia. Perhaps I should just finish what I have to do here before I go back to South Australia.’
The conversation leaves Susanna with an empty feeling. Discord in the family is rare and she knows she has made a quick decision that would best have involved Inka. But this bus isn’t going to turn back and Susanna feels she, too, has a stake in the Christian matter. It is dark when she checks in at the Norton’s Halfway Motel in Kimba, where Moira notes how lightly she is travelling.
‘Just one large backpack and you come from overseas by the sound of your accent,’ Moira observes. ‘Just one night. Where’re you heading tomorrow?’
‘Buckleboo. To the farm stay place.’
‘Not good enough for you are we?’ Moira mutters under her breath, not making contact with Susanna’s puzzled face as she hands her the key. ‘Room 20. On the left as you go out the door.’
At 8am next day, dressed in shorts, tee shirt and sneakers and with backpack in place, Susanna electronically transfers her room cost to Curly who is on desk duties. Directions to the Ellson place are requested and while they are happily provided there is a query about how she’s getting out there without a car. Saying she’s going to walk worries Curly, who offers to drive her when Moira can relieve him. After all, it’s nearly 30Km. The offer is politely refused, with the reason that she’d like to soak in the Australian countryside and is used to long treks. Everyone to their own he thinks, shaking his head knowing the walk will probably take six hours at a good pace. At least she is carrying a bottle of water that he notices is tucked into a pocket of the backpack.
‘You wouldn’t want to be doing that hike in the middle of summer,’ he cries out to his departing guest. ‘Heat would kill you.’
At the edge of the Ellson property’s newly-graded airstrip May and Christian are watching the arrival of another small aircraft. She casually mentions that a police officer in Kimba called the night before last to ask if he was staying here. His face turns paler than its normal shade of pale and anxiety is written all over it.
‘What did you tell him?’
‘Her.’
‘Well, did she say why she was asking about me?’
‘No, she seemed happy to know you’re here with us and didn’t ask for you to call back or anything. I told her you were resting and don’t take many calls. Did I do something wrong?’
‘Of course not,’ Christian answers kindly, not wanting her burdened by his own fears. ‘No you didn’t do anything wrong. I’m just nervous.’
He is nervous because the next few days are critical. Research is being put into practice in a major way and the team needs him. Clearly someone is enquiring about his whereabouts, but it may just be one of the project’s helpers. His greatest fear is that the authorities are onto him and, if they are, it doesn’t matter as long as nothing happens over the weekend that foils the grand plan. He’s certainly not risking anything by calling the police to ask why they checked he’s living at the Ellson farm. It is now Friday September 12 and already the place is abuzz with four engineers from overseas arriving and much discussion between the main players. Believing there won’t be enough rest otherwise, Patrick has cleaned up the house on the neighbouring property. This is appreciated by Christian as it means he can take time out when he needs to. May, whose mother is now in Helsinki to work with Professor Niemenen and other senior members of the team, will check on him from time to time.
Walking across to the main Ellson house from the airstrip, Christian sees Patrick coming towards him. They meet and there is more fear of disruption when news is given that a woman is on her way. It is explained that Brian had a phone call from Curly Norton at the motel saying a person with the surname Aalto stayed last night and is now walking here.
‘Reckons it’s too far and I agree,’ Patrick says. ‘I’ll go down and pick her up.’
The distance is not what jolts Christian but the thought of suddenly facing up to his deception and declaring where his priorities have been placed. Facing up is something his mind has told him he’d gladly avoid by his death, as cowardly as this is. Now there is what seems to be an early day of reckoning. Feelings of guilt are now intense and more painful than the gripping pain of his cancer.
‘Dad’s in the house so go in and wait with him,’ Patrick suggests, understanding how Christian is feeling.
Treading the road to Buckleboo is a breeze, Susanna thinks. No steep climbs or slippery surfaces. The air is fresh and there are gentle sounds of a breeze flowing through the mallee trees. A woman who works in Kimba’s supermarket stops and offers a lift. Going back in the direction she came is no problem, the driver insists. Assistance is politely refused and Susanna realises she is an oddity on a lonely country road. Another vehicle approaches, driven by a young man with long hair and serious eyes. It is a little scary when he passes her, turns around and stops ahead of her, staring at her through the rear vision mirror. It is Patrick and he calls Christian for an identity check.
‘Your Inka’s not around mid-30s is she?’ he asks. ‘Blonde hair?’
‘Not that old. When you say blonde, do you mean white as snow?’
‘Nup. More creamy I’d say.’
‘That can’t be her, Inka’s hair is very white. Are you sure the motel fellow said she signed the name Aalto?’
‘Dad says he was definite.’
‘Sounds like her mother. Can’t imagine her being in Australia though. And she’s not mid-30s, more mid to late 40s, but then she and Inka’s father look younger than they are.’
‘Must be the water in their town. What’s it called, Lahti?’
Susanna has walked closer and although she keeps a safe distance has heard the mention of her home town.
‘Did you say Lahti?’ she asks with some hesitance.
‘Sure did. I’m Patrick Ellson and I know someone you probably want to see,’ Patrick says, getting out of the vehicle and opening his wallet to show his identifying driver’s licence to allay fears. There is a smile from Susanna who knows she must take the ride to see Christian.
There is excitement in her voice as she explains how she, or at least her helpful missing persons police officer, has tracked him down. No-one knew if he was on some strange scientific endeavor or simply taking time out. Finally, it is obvious that the latter is the case. Christian is breathing the clean air of the Australian countryside. When he is energised he may be back to his old self and there is a future together for him and Inka. He needs, of course, to be told of the anguish he has caused. But it is time to move on. This idea of staying on a farm is wonderful. So peaceful.
At the turn off to the Ellson headquarters, Patrick brings the vehicle to a halt. Something tells him to prepare her for reality. He turns to her and looks into eyes that are a shade of blue he has never seen. There is a face that says it always wants stories to have a happy ending. It makes him pause a while, reading a personality that is well-meaning and trusting. At the same time knowing the truth is important, however hurtful it may be at times.
‘I am sorry Mrs Aalto.’
‘Susanna. Please call me Susanna,’ she interrupts, knowing there may be some information that will curb her enthusiasm.
‘The first scenario is the right one. It’s true. There’s a crazy scientific operation underway right now. You’ll find our farm filled with activity. Aircraft going this way and that. We’ve got people from three nationalities staying with is. Four if you count the Aussies. It’s not a peaceful farm stay environment I can tell you. Tomorrow or the next day they’re going to make the world stand up when they make rain. Yep, make rain and kick climate change in the arse. Sorry, I meant they want to make a difference and save the world for a while. Rain on demand. End to food shortages.’
‘But I’ve already been in contact with Christian’s parents to say he’s been found chilling out somewhere in Australia. His mother told me she knew that anyway so why interfere.’
‘He may be happy for that deflection from his real mission. So, let them believe whatever he tells them for now. I don’t want to get involved. In the family stuff anyway.’
‘You are not a friend of Christian?’ Susanna asks, suspecting there is a relationship problem.
‘No, we are becoming sort of mates. I don’t agree with everything he does and there are some things I don’t want to know.’
‘What don’t you agree with if you don’t mind me asking?’
‘For a start, not conducting his rainmaking experiment with approval of the government. Not even community consultation. Then there’s his pig-headedness about his cancer treatment or lack of.’
‘Cancer?’ Susanna queries.
‘So your daughter and you don’t know?’
‘No.’
There is stunned silence. Susanna’s early happy emotions of the day have evaporated.
‘What an unusual character,’ Patrick says in sympathetic tone. ‘Doesn’t tell his closest that he’s on his way out.’
‘Way out?’ Susanna questions. ‘What do you mean?’
‘Well, it’s terminal and he doesn’t want chemotherapy. But he has to tell you all about that. Not me,’ Patrick pleads. ‘Look, I hate being the bearer of bad news. Just steel yourself for what you may not have expected. He’s as nervous as can be and as skinny as a rake.’
‘Can’t anyone convince him to have treatment?’ Susanna asks with tears rolling down her cheeks. ‘Hiding away like this can’t be good for him. And on top of it he must be under a lot of pressure with his involvement in this rainmaking project.’
‘Oh yes, we’ve tried to get him to be open about what’s happening with his work and to get all the medical attention he needs,’ Patrick stresses. ‘He’s stubborn. To the point where I’ve got very annoyed with him. Then I look at his suffering - which doesn’t seem to affect his determination. He’s gutsy. You’ve got to give him that. Ready to go?
‘Yes’ replies Susanna, not confident that she is ready.
Brian introduces himself quickly and he and Patrick retreat from the house once Susanna is seated opposite Christian at the kitchen table. Digger, who crept inside when the door was opened, hasn’t responded to the cue to go and sits under the table with head resting on Christian’s feet. The warm head of a dog that knows someone needs comfort is welcome. There is a quietly spoken hullo from Susanna, who then expresses her sadness at seeing him so ill. When Christian says it is nice to see her it is said with affection, making it difficult for Susanna to reconcile what has happened with the closeness that still exists on a personal level. If Inka was here she too may feel the warm vibes and while justifiably upset with Christian’s behavior may consider there is no divide that can’t be bridged. The strong affection they had for each other is probably still alive, just put aside for a while.
‘Tell me if it is none of my business,’ Susanna says as a prelude to asking the pertinent questions behind her visit.
‘It’s not,’ Christian cuts in decisively yet not rudely. ‘I don’t think you or your family or my family have to be embroiled in this. All this is my doing and my responsibility.’
There is a pause while Susanna collects her thoughts then uncharacteristically becomes demanding, telling him she did not come all this way to go back with nothing. Questions roll out in a manner that tells she will not be fobbed off. Of course your scientific project is none of my business if you think so, but why couldn’t you tell us the truth about what you’re up to? Do you not trust us? Do you understand how much you have hurt Inka? Do you ever want to see her again?
The last question is answered first. He says he’d very much like to see Inka again although he doubts she will want to see him after his deceit. As for not trusting and for causing hurt he admits to being selfish, putting the achievement of a goal ahead of everything else.
‘I’m sorry for the hurt I’ve caused everyone Susanna,’ Christian apologises. ‘Guess I’m like one of those politicians who puts ambition ahead of family to get where they want to be. Winning, getting to the top, is everything. It doesn’t mean family isn’t important. It is about not letting anything stand in the way. Selfishly my closest people have taken second place and I’m very sorry for that.’
‘We’d never stand in your way,’ Susanna interrupts, feeling very offended. ‘That’s rubbish.’
Christian is about to defend himself with reasons for secrecy surrounding the rainmaking project when his voice is drowned by the intrusive sound of a light aircraft crossing the roof. Brian hurries in to say the engineers are all here and to remind Christian that the briefing starts in 15 minutes. It adds to Susanna’s growing belief that the rainmaking project is big and happening soon. They can talk again later, promises Christian, who insists she stay with him in the house on the neighbouring farm. For now he is happy for her to talk with Inka but she need not speak with his parents. He will do that.
‘You must,’ Susanna appeals, giving him a parting hug that is gently applied. ‘Your parents must be told you are not here on holiday but business. Most important though, they deserve to know about your cancer. Your work is not as important as your health and those who love you. You may not see this right now with your mind set on this project but try and see reason. Your mother and father will insist on getting you the best possible treatment. I want that too, so will Inka I’m sure.’
In the house on the neighbouring property May is wiping benches as Patrick arrives with Susanna. There is a compliment from Patrick for handling so well the needs of the influx of visitors, including cleaning as well as stocking refrigerators and cupboards with food. When he offers to help with remaining tasks at the shearers’ quarters, Susanna insists she also help. It is work that provides companionship and an escape from churning over her thoughts. Between bed-making with fresh linen and sweeping floors much is gathered about their lives and interests. Two pieces of information, Susanna’s liking for a morning walk and May’s egg production enterprise, result in a plan for some early morning exercise to be followed by an egg breakfast. Although Christian will skip the walk because he’s dog-tired due to a lack of sleep in recent days, the breakfast sounds too good to miss.
The walk next morning begins in whispers so as to not wake Christian. Cloud cover makes it darker than they’d anticipated for 6.30am, although there is still enough definition of their trail which is the space between a paddock fence and crop. Cool air makes them think they should have worn something over their tee shirts. Such thoughts disappear, however, when brisk walking warms their bodies. At least they can’t get lost, Susanna figures, because walking around a paddock gets them back to where they started. There is a wonderful sense of being close to nature and welcoming the dawn of a new day. May is proud to tell Susanna that the bright star she spots appearing between wispy clouds is the planet Venus and that the chirpy sounds they hear are probably made by small birds known as weebills. A request is made by Susanna that they stop awhile. Taking in a deep breath and closing her eyes she says it is so nice to be close to nature and have lovely fresh air to breathe, away from the hustle and bustle. Jokingly, May says the Ellson farm headquarters is currently more like a city than a quiet place in the country. At least it is tranquil out here in the paddock, Susanna thinks as they restart their walk across a cloddy, freshly-cultivated strip of soil. Suddenly she takes May’s hand and asks her to listen, her trembling voice indicating it is about something that may not be pleasant. Rapid breathing, fast approaching from behind, is building intensity and as it gets closer there is a throaty, sniffing, assortment of sound mixed with the fast breathing. Trying to outrun will not be successful, they think, and they fear turning around. Their pursuer surges past them and pulls on the brakes, turning to look at them with wide eyes and saliva drooling from the mouth. It’s Digger. Hearts that have almost stopped reset to normal rhythm.
