Jordan groaned but did as she asked.
Gretchen opened the fridge. Perhaps toasted sandwiches would be suitable for dinner. They’d had a big lunch, and she didn’t feel like cooking. Jordan loved toasted cheese sandwiches. She got out the ingredients and put the sandwich maker on to heat. By the time the kettle boiled, two sandwiches were sizzling and the water in the bathroom shut off, signalling Jordan had finished his shower.
She made her tea, cut the crisped-to-perfection sandwiches and placed them on two plates. Her phone buzzed again.
She picked it up and her cheerful mood vanished.I want information.
“Mum, I’m hungry.” Jordan entered the kitchen wearing his superhero pyjamas, his hair damp and sticking out in different directions.
Love filled her. She had to protect her baby. “I made toasted sandwiches.” She handed him a plate. “You can eat in front of the TV.”
“Epic. Thanks.” He left the room and a moment later, the television blared to life.
Normally she would tell him to turn it down, but she didn’t want to risk him overhearing her conversation. Before she could call Kurt, her phone buzzed again, this time with a photo of Jordan and Cody, both in their school uniforms, obviously taken when they were walking home from school.
She slid into a chair, her legs not strong enough to hold her.
Could the Stokes or the police help her? If Stonefish hadn’t been caught yet despite all the trouble they caused, it was hardly likely.
This was a test. Kurt expected her to call him. If she didn’t, his threat was obvious. She glanced into the living room where Jordan was watching a cartoon. Dread and self-loathing filled her as she dialled Kurt’s number. This was what he made her do, how he made her feel. The phone rang and rang. Just when she thought it would go to voice mail, he picked up. “What did you find out?”
She kept her voice low. “The Stokes have been having trouble with a company called Stonefish. They’ve been causing problems out at the Ridge.”
Kurt grunted. “Tell me something I don’t know.”
Anger pushed aside her fear. “How am I supposed to know what that is?” she demanded. “You asked me to find out what was happening, and that’s what they told me.”
“Who told you?”
Gretchen hesitated. She didn’t want to name names. But what choice did she have? “Faith.”
“She’s not a Stokes.”
“She’s engaged to Darcy.” And as far as the Stokes were concerned, she was already family.
“You were at the beach today,” Kurt said. “What did they tell you about the Retribution?”
How the hell did he know that? The beach was in the middle of nowhere. There had been no boats, no other cars, no signs of civilisation at all. She shivered as she thought about the kids playing in the bush. What if one of them had stumbled upon the spy?
“All I know is that the Retribution wrecked on an island just offshore.” Did he know about the plaque commemorating the passengers?
“Any mention of what happened to the cargo?”
He was fishing, but at least she could answer honestly. “No.”
“What about stories about their ancestors?”
“Two of their ancestors were on board.” But he’d given her an insight into what he was after. Could the treasure Mischa mentioned be part of this?
“You should ask questions. I want to know everything that happened on that boat the next time I call.” He paused. “And because you failed, maybe I’ll say hello to my son tomorrow.” He hung up.
Gretchen’s hand shook as she lowered the phone. A quick glance into the living room showed Jordan still happily in front of the television.
She couldn’t live like this, couldn’t keep wondering whether Kurt would carry out his threat and couldn’t betray her friends. She needed help.
Her first thought was Arthur. He was military-trained and Jordan liked him, but she didn’t want to get him involved. No, she had to call Dot, had to tell her everything.
Friends helped each other, they didn’t betray each other.
