A Bride for Jack

News of a Robbery Part 8

Chapter 16

"Hi Alison"

Alison turned around and then she noticed her neighbor and his wife who had just sat down behind them.

"Hi Mr and Ms Jones it really is hot today. The children wanted ice-cream and soda to cool off."

"Yes we had the same idea. Especially with this lovely air conditioning, and she turned too little Sue and smiled at her. When are you going to school?"

"Actually she is starting at the 'Tiny Tots Playschool' down the road tomorrow. We thought she would enjoy the company of children her own age."

Yes a playschool is good for them. Did you hear what happened at the Steward's farm yesterday?"

"No we have been so busy at the farm with a big order for the duvets. What happened?"

"They were attacked by a bunch of thugs and robbed. Luckily they have security and his wife managed to press the silent alarm. The security was there fast but it was too late. They were already off into the kloof with the pay roll. "

"But how did they know the Steward's were going to pay out at that time and on that day?"

"That is what the Police are trying to find out he said."

"Well thanks for telling me, although I must say Jake is very security conscious. You know in my uncle's day I can remember we slept with unlocked doors."

Times are changing. I am confident that the thugs will be caught soon. We have never had any trouble before. The Steward's assured the Police that they were not local."

"Look at the time. I must be off, Jake will be wondering what happened to us. Come children. Bye.

At the farm gate Lana and Mike argued about who's turn it was to open the gate. Sue was sleeping when they stopped by the farm house and Jake who was waiting for them picked her up and carried her to her room. Alison carried in her groceries and was packing them into the fridge when Jake came in.

"What are the kids talking about Alison, they say the Steward's were attacked."

"Yes, we saw Mr and Ms Jones at the Wimpy and they told us. Apparently it happened yesterday when the Stewards were getting ready to pay the workers. The police are trying to figure out how they knew about the pay roll seeing that they were not locals."

"Alison you have got me worried now. Trevor paid me in cash. I wanted a check but he had just sold some of his stock and insisted on paying me with the cash he had received. I put the money in the safe and thought you could pay in into the bank tomorrow when you fetched the kids from school. Now I am wondering if I am not putting you in danger."

"That is okay Jake. I will be careful. Will Peter be going with you?"

"No, I will leave Peter here and ask him to stay at the farm house until I come back. Luckily I taught him how to use a firearm. Peter's son is here for a couple of days and he said he would enjoy going with me to deliver the sheep."

"I will take Mina with me when I go to fetch the kids tomorrow. We can go to the bank before we pick them up."

"That is a good idea. Alison."

"Uncle Jake may we go horse riding," asked Mike.

"Later Mike, when it has cooled down. Right now it is too hot for you and the horses."

"Jay, Mike ran off to tell his sister."

Jake left early the following morning. Alison helped the children get ready for school and Sue was very excited because she was going to 'school' as well. Alison walked into the kitchen just as Mina entered the kitchen and closed the back door.