“They do, but Clark thought it would be another way of getting them in, where he’d get a bigger cut. His boat brought the drugs in with the guns, left the drugs in blue barrels which were submerged in the gulf, and then one of Clark’s men would retrieve the drugs and distribute them throughout the north of Australia.”
“Was it effective?”
“They had a few drops I knew of. Clark never told me what he’d set up with his men, so I didn’t know when to check them to see if the drugs were there.”
“Did you randomly check them?”
Lee shook his head. She wouldn’t like this next bit. “Martin got Colin involved. Wanted the entire police station working for Stonefish so he could show you and Dot were incompetent. Colin checked them weekly for me and reported back if they were full.”
Nhiari closed her eyes. “Colin too?” She sounded weary.
“The kid didn’t know what to do. He worshipped Martin, so maybe Martin fed him some kind of line about being undercover. He was always very nervous when he reported back to me.”
“And what did you do if they were full?”
“I stored it. I didn’t have Clark’s contacts, and no one knew what he’d arranged. It’s another irritation for Lucas. I’ve made enquiries and found the chain Clark set up, but Lucas thinks I’m still working on it.” He didn’t want those drugs to end up on the market.
Nhiari ran a hand through her hair. “Organised Crime will be called up. They’ll give Dot help. Is there something we can do from here?”
We. He glanced at her. “Nothing yet. The drugs aren’t going anywhere and neither are Colin nor Martin. We have to focus on Lucas.” He scanned the rest of the area to make sure no one was near.
“You going to tell me more about him than his name?” Nhiari asked.
Lee packed up the telescope and hid it again. “Yeah. I’ll show you everything I have on the company, but there’s nothing I can tie directly to Lucas. All of his men are terrified and will take the fall for him. Their families will be killed if they do anything else.”
“Aren’t you worried about your mother?”
“He won’t kill his own sister.” Of that Lee was certain.
Nhiari stared at him a moment and then nodded. “All right. Let’s go.”
Nhiari’s stomach grumbled and she checked the time. Already past six and they’d barely made a dent in the information they were collating. She was impressed by the quality of data Lee’s father had put together, but a lot of it was stuff that would need to be analysed by financial experts.
“I’ll make dinner.” Lee stretched and went to the back of his car. “I’m low on fresh food, so it’ll have to be another MRE.” He set his kettle to heat. “How’s your ankle? Do you need more pain meds?”
Nhiari rotated her ankle and winced at the dull ache. “It’s fine. I’ll manage.”
He retrieved a bottle of pills and brought them over. “You don’t have to be in pain.”
She stared at his outstretched hand for a moment before taking the bottle. “Thanks.” She shoved down the appreciation and warmth.
“You’re welcome.” His gentle smile spoke directly to her heart and she cut off the connection, reaching for her water.
“Food won’t be long.”
He returned to his car and she exhaled. They’d sat side by side all afternoon and his presence was a constant pressure on her mind and body.
He’d been nothing but business-like but it was like his essence had encircled her, caressing her and reminding her of all the hopes she’d had after their first date.
Nhiari limped over to the cave entrance and turned her face to the sea breeze. Cool and constant, bringing a damp, saltiness inland. A welcome reprieve from the musty heat of the cave. Maybe in a couple of days when her foot was better she could convince Lee to go swimming so she could wash off the dirt and grime.
“Dinner’s ready.” Lee had already cleared space on the table and he placed the two bowls down.
“Thanks.” She debated moving her chair so it was on the opposite side of the table, but then he’d know she was bothered by his closeness.
Instead she sat and took a mouthful of the satay chicken. Not the best she’d had, but it was surprisingly good. She’d eat quickly and then get back to work so they didn’t have to talk.
“I read that book you recommended,” Lee said. “The one with the assassin princess.”
