Claire McNab: The Dingo Dilemma

As for my mum, Jack was out of bed and taking an interest in the running of The Wombat's Retreat, but as Mum said, "He's not up to full speed yet, darl. And that's a mercy."

When I'd come back from the confrontation with Blainey, Ariana had greeted me with warm relief. Since then, however, she'd been pleasant but remote. I knew she was working through issues to do with Natalie, but I ached for the closeness we'd had, however fleeting it had been.

Several weeks passed. Bob and I were in Ariana's office, lingering after our fortnightly staff meeting, when Bob said, "I saw Dingo O'Rourke being interviewed on ET last night. He was talking about Darleen's rescue. Unlike Homeland Security, he gave you full credit, Kylie."

"Dingo and Darken did all the hard work."

"Did you really say 'My heroes-just in time' when those bozos burst in after it was all over?"

I hadn't mentioned it to anyone, and hadn't realized Dingo had heard my sarcastic comment. "I might have said something like that."

A grin spread over Bob's face. "Ariana always says you're one of a kind, and she's oh so right. I can't imagine how we got on without you." He went off chuckling to himself.

"Bob thinks you're quite adorable," said Ariana, expressionless.

"He does?"

"And you don't know you are, which makes you even more adorable."

I felt a smile begin. "Do you find me adorable?"

Ariana smiled in turn. "I'm afraid so," she said.