“Do you really like photography?”
His answer was immediate. “Yeah, I do. It takes focus and patience and I love experimenting with light and filters to bring the landscapes into people’s homes.” He smiled, though he felt sad. “I’ll be forever grateful to my father for bringing photography into my life.”
“That’s lovely.” She smiled back at him.
Nhiari’s smile warmed his insides, made him feel as if he was the most important person in the world and made him want to do better.
Her radio crackled. “Dot to base.” They glanced at each other and Nhiari increased the volume.
“Go ahead, Dot,” the answer came.
“Just got word Oliver and Andrew are missing.” Dot replied. “Suspect they were taken by a woman in a silver dinghy calledCersei.Need to check all boat ramps. Heading to you now, so Rodney and Martin can check the northern ones. I’m heading south.”
“Copy. We’ll be ready when you get here.”
Nhiari frowned. “She shouldn’t be going by herself.”
“I guess she doesn’t have a choice. Colin has been arrested, you’re here with me, and Pierre will be needed at the station.”
“I don’t like it. Are you sure Andrew won’t get violent?”
“Positive.” The boy was too soft and lazy to get excited about anything except maybe a video game he was playing. “He hates even killing flies or bugs in the house.”
A few minutes later a black four-wheel drive sped down the road out of Retribution Bay. Lee frowned, focusing on it, trying to see who was inside, but it was too difficult. Was it Joseph, or had Lucas got involved? Over by the southern boat ramp, the dinghy had disappeared from view, the land getting in the way.
The black car sped past the road leading to the boat ramp and Lee exhaled. Oliver should still be safe. Perhaps it was a local heading home.
“There’s Dot.” Nhiari pointed at the police car tearing down the road, lights flashing.
She would reach the boat ramp before Oliver could be taken away.
Lee checked on the black car. It had turned off the main road and was heading towards the ranges to the spot he’d taken the children. Shit. It had to be someone from Stonefish.
But who?
Had Joseph decided he was going to hide instead of going to Perth?
He pointed the telescope in the direction but he still couldn’t see the driver. “I have to go.”
Nhiari noticed the car and frowned. “Who is it?”
“I don’t know, but I need to check.”
“What do you need me to do?”
“Stay here. Listen to the radio. Find out what you can about Oliver and the others.”
“Will you be all right?”
He nodded, faking confidence. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He hesitated. “Keep watch when you hear me return. If Lucas is with me, you need to run. I can’t guarantee your safety.”
Her expression hardened. “Be careful.” She kissed him hard.
The radio came alive. “I’ve found the boat and its occupants. Send backup.” Dot was at the boat ramp.
“Rodney and Martin are heading to you now.”
Lee needed to go. The black car was halfway to the ranges. “Take care.” He stole another kiss and then hurried into the tunnel to discover what was in store for him next.
