Had his initial suspicion been correct? Was she on the run? Now wasn’t the time to ask, not when they were confined together in a small vehicle. Perhaps he could bring it up at lunch, then if she reacted badly, they would both have an out. Geraldton was large enough to have hire cars and probably a bus to Retribution Bay as well. He shifted in his seat. “We’ll stop in Geraldton for lunch,” he said. “Do you want to take a turn at driving afterwards?”
She glanced at the gearstick. “I don’t know how to drive a manual.”
Damn it. “That’s all right. I’ll be fine.” He’d have a double dose of caffeine with his meal. They had another nine hours to drive. He pulled into one of the fast-food franchises along the main road through Geraldton and got out, stretching his muscles. The rain had stopped north of Gingin, and now the sun’s rays beat down, erasing any memory of the downpour. He’d switched the heater to cool air about an hour ago, and now stripped off his jacket, throwing it into the back. Across the car Tess did the same, revealing a white buttoned shirt. Without the jacket, she looked like a waitress.
At the counter, Tess opened her backpack. It wasn’t big, about the size of a school backpack, and there were no clothes inside. Tess shifted, blocking his view and retrieved some cash. She ordered the cheapest thing on the menu, and now, she carefully counted her change.
Her story didn’t make sense. If she was meeting friends for a holiday, she’d at least have clothes.
They sat by the window to eat. Despite the air-conditioning, he felt the strength of the sun through the glass. Testing his theory, he said, “You might want to change before we leave. It’s going to get hotter from here, and black pants will be uncomfortable.” She looked startled, so he added, “There are rest rooms over there.”
She glanced where he pointed and then said, “I’ll be fine.”
The niggly suspicion grew stronger. What reason could she have for not changing? His own jeans were still slightly damp, and he hadn’t been as wet as her. Perhaps she wasn’t comfortable baring her legs. “All right. I’ll change after we eat.” And keep a tight hold on the car keys.
“How much further is it?”
“We’re about a third of the way.”
Her eyes widened. “Only a third?”
He nodded. He didn’t love the idea of driving at night in the dodgy van, but it couldn’t be helped. Perhaps he could convince Tess to stay the night at the Ridge, and he could drive her the extra hour into town tomorrow morning. As they ate, Ed balanced his intake of sugary caffeine versus the distance between rest rooms on the rest of the trip. The idea of stopping on the side of the road to relieve himself with Tess in the car did not appeal.
He also debated the different options for why Tess was so nervy. He’d made an effort to be relaxed and charming, so she was comfortable.
If she was on the run, then it could be from an abusive partner, in which case he would help her any way he could.
But what if she had committed a crime? Would he be charged with aiding a felon?
“I hope the burger battles the Chiko Roll and wins,” Tess said as she finished her drink. Her smile washed the worry from her expression, and Ed’s shoulders relaxed.
He laughed. “I warned you.”
“I couldn’t refuse experiencing it myself.”
Underneath her nerves was a woman with an adventurous heart. Perhaps he was being paranoid. How did one subtly ask if she was in trouble?
His phone rang and Sheridan’s name came up on the screen. What now? “What’s up, mate?”
Sheridan groaned. “Code red disaster. The update glitched last night so half the computers have the update and the other half have stopped working. It’s a nightmare.”
Ed winced. “That sucks. You’re not calling me in, are you?”
“Nah. Just heard about the strike on the radio. Did you get out?”
“I’m driving up.”
“What in? I’ve got your car.”
“I hired a van and I’m carpooling with another stranded passenger.”
“Tell me it’s a beautiful woman with long legs and blue eyes.”
Ed rolled his eyes. “You’re half right.” Tess was beautiful.
“Which half?” Sheridan demanded.
“I’ll tell you when I get back. I need to hit the road again. Bye.” He hung up to Sheridan’s complaints.
