Anchored Read online

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  Chapter 46

  Chapter 47

  Chapter 48

  Chapter 49

  A Letter From Tracey

  Other books by Tracey Hoffmann

  Anchored

  TRACEY HOFFMANN

  Anchored

  Copyright © 2011, Hoffmann Family Trust

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or any other—except for brief quotations in printed reviews or articles, without the prior permission of the publisher.

  This work is fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, organizations, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV®

  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™

  Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

  ISBN 978-0-9871824-3-2 (ebk) kdp Edition 1

  Published by Dawn Esmond Publishing, Australia

  To the beautiful women who shared their stories

  All Glory to Christ Jesus – forever and ever, Amen

  Chapter 1

  Mia Dawson needed answers. Her fingers clenched the steering wheel and the muscles in her shoulders yearned for the hands of a masseuse. Clear blue skies brought no respite to the risk of bushfires. Gum trees lined both sides of the road, indifferent to the hot, dry, windy summer’s day.

  Mia drove, as if on autopilot. The car’s air conditioner churned out icy cold air causing wisps of soft amber hair to escape her hastily secured braid.

  A small frown creased her forehead as an echo from the past struggled to surface in her mind. It was like a movie playing inside her head. Someone had switched it on and she had no control of the stop button.

  She could hear her mothers voice as clearly as if she were sitting beside her in the car.

  “Mia, where are you?” Mia watched as her mother turned towards her father. “Mia’s hiding again. I’m going to have to go without her.”

  Mia peeked out from under the curtain and felt the lurking fear turn her stomach.

  Her father stood and stretched. “She’s like her daddy and doesn’t want to go to church,” he stated with a shrug.

  “If you came with me, she’d want to come,” Margaret Dawson pointed out.

  Red splotches spread across her father’s face. “Drop it, Margaret,” he sneered.

  Mia watched her mother’s shoulders slump as she walked to the door. “Make sure you tell Mia I love her.”

  Mia closed her eyes tight, sucked in her bottom lip and tried to become invisible.

  The kangaroo came from nowhere. Mia jerked the steering wheel to the left. Her foot slammed on the brake and the car skidded. Her breath released as she watched the animal bound into the bush. She’d narrowly escaped collision.

  Stopping the car she shuddered. That was too close. She rested her head on the steering wheel and closed her eyes.

  She was sure she could smell the mustiness of the curtain in the car. Her head came up and she took a steadying breath. Her eyes scanned the road and she recognized familiar landmarks. She tried to banish the feeling that something bad was about to happen. She needed to get a grip on herself. This was a different place and time.

  Mia started the car, desperate to reach her destination.

  Ten minutes later she drove into her uncle’s driveway and turned off the engine.

  High-pitched screeching drew her eyes upward. Cockatoos perched in the tree watching her. Mia’s mouth curved slightly as they raised their crests in excitement.

  As she got out of the car, three birds swooped down to perch on feed trays.

  Mia waited with them.

  Her uncle came, carrying two bags of seed. Each step was calculated and careful. His left leg scraped the ground as if drawn along by a piece of string.

  Noticing her, he smiled. “Hey, Princess. You’re in time for the circus. Wanna help?”

  She kissed his weathered cheek and reached for a bag. They poured seed into the trays and stepped back.

  The feeding frenzy began. Mia counted twenty birds on the feed trays. Two remained in the tree like sentries keeping watch. Mia pointed to a Cockatoo screaming his annoyance.

  Another bird attempted to push him aside. “Look at that character. He certainly knows how to make his presence known,” she observed.

  “It’s a good thing to know what you want,” Robert stated. “What do you think about this heat? It must be at least twenty-eight degrees.”

  “I love it. The heat invites you outside. The thought of sitting on your verandah sipping your tangy lemonade makes my mouth water.”

  “Ah. You drove all the way out here for a glass of my lemonade.” He chuckled and extended his arm to her. “You’re in luck. I squeezed some lemons this morning.”

  Her eyes took in the smile lines creasing his face and her mouth lifted in response.

  Robert placed two glasses of lemonade on the verandah table, flexed his leg and stood leaning on the back of his chair.

  Taking a cooling sip, Mia looked at him over her glass. “I need to talk to you about my parents.”

  Robert frowned. “Has something happened? Is Maggie okay?”

  “Mum’s okay. Nothings happened. It’s hard to explain. I guess everything seems to be closing in on me. I need some answers.”

  Robert shifted the weight off his leg, moved around the chair and eased his body carefully down. “What’s this all about?”

  “I have questions, concerns—”

  “About your parents?” he interrupted.

  “Yes.”

  “Why don’t you ask them?”

  “I want to talk to you, hear what you know,” she stated simply.

  Robert leaned back in his chair. “It’s not my place to answer your questions. I’m sure Maggie would tell you anything you want to know.”

  “It’s not that simple and you know it. I can’t ask Mum why she stays with him. I can’t tell her I hate him.” Mia sat forward, clenching her hands.

  Robert narrowed his eyes and shifted in his seat. “Don’t say that, Mia. He’s your father,” he replied firmly.

  Mia jerked to her feet and walked to the railing. As she looked out over the valley, she breathed deeply and tried to calm herself. She would not let emotion influence her words. Her eyes sta
red, transfixed on the gum trees lining the property. As a child the sound of Kookaburras singing and the scent of eucalyptus had made her heart sing. This home and the love it represented was a refuge to her.

  Gracefully turning she declared, “I’m having nightmares. The same one every night.”

  Robert pulled himself up and joined her at the railing. His eyes moved over her face and he nodded for her to continue.

  “It’s cold, dark, starless. The air feels heavy, oppressive. I’m running through the bush with something chasing me. Stumbling, I fall and hands reach out to grab me. Terrified, I scream and—and that’s when I wake up.” Mia shivered.

  Robert folded her in his arms. His calloused hand rubbed up and down her back, gently offering comfort.

  Looking up at his generous face, Mia gave a weak smile.

  Robert created space between them. “You think your nightmares are connected to your parents?”

  “I don’t know. But I have to start somewhere. Will you help me?” she pleaded.

  Stroking his chin he stepped back and leaned heavily on the railing. “When you were little you had bad dreams. Your Auntie Jen would sit with you until you went back to sleep. I asked Maggie if you had them at home and she said sometimes, but not often.”

  “I remember having bad dreams, but not what they were about. I wonder if they’re connected?” Her voice was full of tension.

  “Probably not, that’s a long time ago. What about work? The preschool must bring its challenges. The noise alone would drive me over the edge.”

  “Work’s good. I love my job. It’s not that!” she said, her voice rising impatiently.

  “Okay, what else?” Not fazed by her tone, he continued. “How long have you been living back home with your parents?”

  “Three months. I love spending time with Mum, but Dad and I sort of tolerate each other.”

  “I know Maggie loves having you there,” Robert confirmed.

  Mia absently ran her finger along the railing. Dust particles lifted and glided silently through the air. Her eyes beseeched him. “Will you help me?”

  “I’d like to. But talking about your parents feels like gossiping to me. It doesn’t feel right. I’m sorry.”

  “Not right? It’s not gossiping. I’m their daughter, for goodness sake.”

  Robert dusted at his shirt and moved away from her.

  The sound of the Cockatoos leaving interrupted their silence. They looked up to watch them spiral across the valley.

  “You forget, Mia, your father’s married to my sister. I owe him respect as her husband. I know he’s hurt you, but honey, you need to forgive him.”

  Straightening her shoulders, she walked back to the table and picked up her drink. “They have no wedding photos. Was Mum pregnant with me before they got married?”

  “Mia, please. I will not discuss this with you. You’re not a child anymore. Ask your mother.”

  Slumping back in her seat, she looked at her hands. The burning in her eyes begged respite. If she left here upset with him it would create a distance between them.

  “I can’t understand your loyalty to him. I know you say it’s to Mum, but it’s not. I feel like you’re choosing him over me.” She saw concern on his face but turned away.

  “Mia, don’t do this.” The sorrow in his voice drew her gaze to his and she grimaced at what she saw. His face had paled and there was moisture resting on the laughter lines she loved so much.

  Moving towards him, she cupped his face with her hand and reached up to kiss him.

  “I’m sorry. It’s all right—don’t worry about me.” She moistened her lips and dredged up a smile.

  Swiping at his eyes, Robert grabbed her hand. “You look like you’re about to drop. Why don’t you go upstairs and lie down. I can cook us a meal and then we can watch a movie together or play cards.”

  “Maybe another time. I think I’ll get going.” They looked at each other.

  “What are you going to do?” he asked quietly.

  “Talk to Mum. What other option is there?”

  Chapter 2

  Sunlight pushed its way through the gap in the blind, persuading Mia to open her eyes.

  She sat up, and minutes slipped by as she thought of her mother. Frustration gnawed at her stomach. Running her fingers through her hair she swung her feet onto the floor, she’d go for a walk, seeing the expanse of the ocean would bring things back into perspective.

  Floating sounds merged together and splashed all around her. The melody of morning lightened her step. A Bible verse her mother helped her memorize as a child popped into her mind. Something about not being afraid and being worth more than sparrows. The words were somehow nice. It seemed idealistic to think God knew you in this way and for a moment she wished she believed like her mother.

  Mia stopped and her gaze lifted to watch a scene unfolding in the clouds. Her interest evaporated as the cloud dispersed. Turning, her eyes widened as a huge animal jumped towards her.

  A piercing scream ripped through her body, and she toppled over onto the dewy grass. Captured beneath the massive animal, Mia kept her eyes closed tight. She could smell its meaty breath and feel moisture soaking through her clothes from the damp grass.

  The animal shifted slightly, encouraging Mia to sneak a look. The Rottweiler angled its head, seeming curious. Mia tentatively raised a hand to its shoulder.

  “Hello, where’d you come from?”

  The dog lowered its head.

  Mia tensed and pushed back into the grass. The roughness of its long pink tongue swept over her chin and the dog nudged her with its paw. The look on its face calmed her.

  “There’s a good boy.” She pushed at him. The dog’s only response was to squat down beside her. One paw remained holding her captive. Mia decided to try and slide away.

  A man appeared behind the dog, his hand grabbing frantically at its collar.

  “Bruno, get off!” the man commanded.

  Mia felt the blood return to her shoulder as the dog obeyed. She watched as the man wrapped the lead around his hand.

  “Down. Bad dog. Are you all right?”

  Bruno crouched down and rested his head on his paws, his eyes not moving from her.

  The man extended his hand towards her and she stared at it for a moment before allowing him to help her up. She rubbed at her chin with the back of her other hand.

  “Thank you.” She could feel her heart racing.

  He stood staring at her and seemed to forget to let go of her hand.

  Embarrassed, Mia stepped back and pulled free. She laced her fingers together to hide their trembling and studied him. He was athletic, bronzed and his height made her feel tiny. A strong angular face, with eyes as blue as the ocean on a clear day. A strong man, she thought, one who knew what he wanted and went after it.

  “I’m sorry. Bruno doesn’t normally do this sort of thing. He yanked the lead out of my hand and took off. Are you hurt?” he enquired softly.

  “No I’m fine.” Turning towards Bruno, Mia noticed his whole body seemed to wag. She squatted down and held out her hand.

  “I’m David O’Malley and you’ve met this crazy animal.”

  Without looking up Mia said, “Hello.” The dog was easier to talk to than this handsome stranger. Mia forced herself to smile and scratched Bruno behind the ears.

  “You can’t go around scaring people Bruno. I thought you were a monster out to get me.”

  “Lick you to death more likely. He may be big but he’s a pussycat. I’d like to make it up to you. Can I buy you a coffee? The Corner Café should be open by the time we walk there.”

  “That’s not necessary.” Mia avoided his eyes. “I’ve got to get going.”

  Standing, she brushed her jeans off and turned to go.

  “Wait. What’s your name?” he asked quickly.

  She deliberated not telling him. Manners won out and she turned back slightly.

  “Mia.” Lifting her hand she waved and headed off.


  He called after her. “Until next time, Mia.”

  She looked back to see him salute her and heat burned up her neck.

  She walked down the street until she came to the narrow beach access. Once on the beach Mia walked to the water’s edge. The tide was going out and she noticed the sand had been vacuumed clean. She slipped off her shoes and allowed her toes to dig into the wet grainy sand. Waves fizzed around her feet and cooled her nerves.

  A sob escaped her. Why do I act this way? Why do I freeze up and make a fool of myself? Why didn’t I stay and talk to him? What’s the matter with me?

  This walk was not having the effect she wanted. She turned and headed home.

  Mia stepped into the kitchen and was surprised to see her father making toast. She watched him lift down a cup and pour himself a black coffee. “Where’s Mum?”

  Her father glanced towards her, took another cup out of the cupboard and placed it on the bench. “She’s gone to a prayer meeting. Do you want some coffee?”

  “No thank you.” Mia answered stiltedly.

  “What about some toast? I can put a couple of pieces in for you.” Her father turned towards her with the question and Mia stopped her retreat from the kitchen.

  “Sit down, Mia. I’ll pour you an orange juice.” Quickly he placed two pieces of bread into the toaster.

  “I’ll pass on breakfast, thanks. I’m going to get ready for work.”

  Her father diverted his eyes and nodded.

  “Did Mum say what time she’d be back? I’d like to see her before I leave.”

  “I don’t expect her back before I leave for work,” he stated dully.

  The toast popped and Mia smelt the alluring aroma of heated bread. Only the thought of eating alone with her father silenced her. Moving back home was a mistake. Her mother had convinced her it was a good idea, saying they could spend more time together and that she’d be able to save to pay off her student loan. She’d planned to keep an emotional distance between herself and her father, but what surprised her were his random acts of kindness. They came from nowhere and confused her. Now the look in his eyes angered her. She was not the one who should be feeling guilty.