Alice knew that Troy had been longing to visit Redstone ever since Mushgang had told him about the transformation of the filly. As it happened, not long after the crew returned from the bush run, a turn of events in his own life forced Troy to stop procrastinating and pay Alice a visit. It was afternoon when he arrived and found her over at the yards, working Rose. The little mare was a lather of sweat from the circle work they’d been doing. Alice was trying to improve Rose’s balance in a collected canter and teach her to slide to a stop on command.
Engrossed in what she was doing, Alice only looked over and waved when Troy walked across to the yard and sat on the top rail. Then she kept working, barely aware of his presence.
At last she rode towards him, looking up at him sitting in the glow of the late afternoon sun, his usually subdued green eyes alight with emotion. She dismounted and, leaving Rose’s reins to dangle loose, climbed up and settled herself beside him on the rail. All at once, she was vividly reminded of the time she’d met with her father.
He spoke admiringly. ‘I’ve seen a few fellas with flash tricks in this horse game, Ali. But this here is bloody special. Knowing what a tough case that filly was – it’s damn near a miracle.’
‘We just understand each other, Rose and I, that’s all. You know how it is when you really click with a horse.’
‘If you say so – I’m not gonna be the one to disagree.’
Alice’s rare musical laugh rang out in the evening air, her amusement at Troy’s solemn manner showing on her face.
‘You think I’m a real dill, don’t you, Alice? You’ll be glad when I’m gone.’ Troy looked away then as though wishing the words unspoken. Alice could hardly bear it that she had the power to upset him so much; she’d hoped it wouldn’t still be so. Troy was like a beloved brother to her. She’d often wondered why, when they were undoubtedly two of a kind, she wasn’t in love with him, and had always imagined that one day she probably would be. But perhaps they were too similar. Just recently she’d become certain that she could never return his feelings. Why was she so sure? It couldn’t be because of Jeremy: the realisation had merely coincided with his coming.
Alice squeezed his hand warmly. ‘I think you’re lovely, Troy. And what do you mean, “gone”? Where are you going? Not back to the mine, surely?’
‘No fear. No, an opportunity’s come up working for some horse guru bloke in the States. An old mate of Dad’s has been working with this legend fella there for thirty years. Wants a young offsider.’
‘Troy, that’s wonderful! This could be a real breakthrough for you.’
‘Yeah, well, if I’m serious about getting anywhere in this game I’ve gotta move on from the small-time stuff. Branch out a bit and try to make some sort of a name for meself. This job will pay pretty good too – this fella has some money to throw about, they reckon.’
They sat in silence watching the sun drop behind the jagged outline of the range. Alice wished they were kids again and everything could be simple and uncomplicated.
Troy, reluctant to leave, stood with Alice beside his ute.
‘Troy, just think, you’ll be getting some real recognition for your talents at last!’ Her smile broke over him like a tingling wave.
He looked into her eyes and swallowed hard, thinking of how gladly he’d forgo all other recognition if he could only win hers. ‘I’ll miss you, Ali.’ He forced himself to continue to meet her unwavering gaze.
‘I’ll miss you too. But I’m so happy for you. I really believe you’ll have an amazing time over there.’
‘Thanks. I hope you’ll stay afloat here too. It's tough, I know.’
‘We’ll manage. Jeremy and I are slowly getting on top of things.’
‘He’s a good fella, no matter what anyone says. He’s a bloody lucky one too if he’s gonna end up with Alice Wilson.’ Troy boldly searched her face for confirmation. Before coming out here today he’d been hoping that she’d be heartbroken to hear he was leaving for the States. He’d fantasised about her begging him to stay and confessing to strong feelings for him. But deep down he’d known how it would be – and sure enough, she had been thrilled for him, like a good friend or sister, no more. Now he needed to know how things stood with O’Donnell.
‘Oh Troy, there’s nothing going on between Jeremy and me. Surely you’ve seen the types he goes for?’ Alice looked down. ‘Luckily, a girl like me holds no attraction for someone like Jeremy. That’s why we get along so well.’
‘You fair dinkum?’ Troy laughed incredulously. ‘So be it.’ He held his hands up in front of him. ‘Not my place to interfere if the big fella hasn’t let on any different.’
Alice smiled, but for a moment avoided meeting his eye.
At last Troy looked at his watch. ‘Hell, time’s got away on me. I’d better hit the road.’
They hugged. Alice kissed him tenderly on the cheek before releasing him. She held his shoulders and looked into his face. ‘I can't wait to hear all about it.’
‘Yeah, righto. But I’m not much of a letter writer . . . and, Ali . . .’ Troy stammered, ‘could you use a couple of dogs? I mean . . . I want you to have ’em . . . my dogs.’
‘Troy, are you sure?’
He gave a quick nod. Then, looking at his battered boots, he added, almost inaudibly, ‘Don’t forget me?’
‘Forget you?’ Alice exclaimed in astonishment. ‘As if I could! Think about me from time to time too, if you’re not too busy having amazing experiences.’ She laughed.
Troy looked at her helplessly, wishing that somehow he could find a way to stop himself from thinking of her.
At that moment they heard a metallic bang and a loud curse coming from the depths of the shed. It was Jeremy working on the grader. They both glanced towards the sound, then back at each other. Alice was smiling absent-mindedly. Yes, Troy was certain Jed would get her in the end. At least, he hoped so. It would be easier to bear than if it was Wingnut Lonergan. He studied her face, making a mental note of every detail.
As he drove away, Troy took a last longing look in the rear-view mirror at the fast-diminishing figure of his angel.