By now Kristy could have got the boat out of the water, but she had only two directions to go; north back to town, and south out of town.
Dot switched on her lights and sped south.It would be difficult for Kristy and Andrew to lift an unconscious Oliver out of the boat, so maybe he was still conscious, and they had a weapon to keep him in line.He was sensible enough to do what they said.
The tightness in her chest was from more than adrenaline.She gripped the steering wheel as her hands trembled.This wasn’t fear for herself, this was terror Oliver might be taken away from her again.Just when she’d got him back.
There was still so much to say to him.She wanted to see if they could make things work.She still loved him.
She exhaled, fighting back control.Think.
She tapped her finger on the steering wheel.It made no sense to take Oliver unless it was to use him as leverage against her.But what did Stonefish want with her?To scare her off the case?That wouldn’t happen.
Just before Dot turned off the main road towards the boat ramp, she noticed a dust plume in the direction of the ranges.A car, but only rangers were allowed there.She headed for the ramp, but radioed Parks and Wildlife.“Are any of your rangers in the southeast of the ranges today?”
Karen responded quickly.“Negative.”
“Thanks.”Dot was tempted to turn around, but she was almost at the ramp.She slowed as she came around the bend.The car park contained an unhitched boat trailer and closer to the ramp, a white Range Rover was parked in front of the jetty.Dot could see two people standing on the jetty next toCersei, but it was impossible to see who they were through the car.
She radioed dispatch.“I’ve found the boat and its occupants.Send backup.”Dot pulled to a stop, got out of the car, and drew her gun.
“Rodney and Martin are heading to you now,” dispatch replied.
Good.
One person ran towards the car and came into sight.Kristy glanced Dot’s way and her eyes bulged.Dot headed her off, raising her gun.
“Stop, Kristy.”
Kristy stumbled to a stop and raised her hands high.“Don’t shoot.”She wore a T-shirt over her wetsuit, which was pulled down to her waist.No weapon in sight.
“Head back to the others.”Dot could see around the car now.Andrew stood next to a kneeling Oliver.
Her eyes met Oliver’s, saw the pain.Her gaze lowered and her breath left her.
A spear stuck out of his chest and the bandage wrapped around his torso was red with blood.
Shit.
Horror filled her and panic wanted to take control.
She couldn’t lose him.
Chapter 19
Dot strode forward, calling into the radio.“Require ambulance to southern boat ramp.Man impaled through the chest with a spear.”She assessed the situation, her heart pounding.
Oliver was conscious, bending drunkenly forward at the waist, his hands around the spear as if holding it in place.His weak smile gave her hope and allowed her to focus on the others.
Andrew stood next to him, watching her with a frown on his face.
He was still a suspect, though he didn’t seem to be armed.He held a first aid kit in his hand and his wetsuit was pulled down to his waist.
Not a lot of places he could hide a weapon, but he could still hurt Oliver.
She kept her gun out but lowered as she called, “Andrew, raise your hands and step away from Oliver.”
Andrew did as she asked.
Dot stepped onto the jetty, glancing at the boat.It appeared empty from where she stood, but someone could be hiding on the deck.“Is there anyone else on the boat?”
