Chapter Eleven
NhiariwatchedLeeleave,her muscles clenching as if they wanted to go after him. Who was she kidding? She hated the idea of him going to face whoever was coming on his own. But he was right. She would be safer here and going with him might endanger their long-term plan.
Nhiari turned her attention back to the southern boat ramp. She couldn’t see details, but as she watched, Dot called over the radio, “Require ambulance to southern boat ramp. Man impaled through the chest with a spear.” The horror and fear in her voice meant it could only be Oliver.
Nhiari’s muscles tightened. What had happened? Neither Andrew nor Kristy were supposed to be violent. Oliver should have been fine. She prayed he would be all right as another police car raced down the road. It would be even more time before an ambulance got there, but at least Dot had backup.
Not far away the motorbike engine roared to life. Lee was leaving. The black car heading towards the ranges was already out of her sight, somewhere behind the ridge.
The police car turned at the boat ramp and further behind them an ambulance was speeding down the road after them.
There wasn’t anything she could do from here. Better she prepared herself in case it was Lucas heading to the ranges.
As she walked back into the cave, she hesitated, her gaze resting on the car. She could take it and head for the boat ramp to help Dot.
The desire to flee wasn’t there any longer. She wanted to see this through with Lee, desperately hoped there was a way he could avoid prison time.
Perhaps she should call her contact.
Nhiari checked her phone reception. No bars here, but she’d had a couple on top. Perhaps she would even see Lee returning.
She pursed her lips as she grabbed one of Lee’s day packs and filled it with water bottles and food. If she had to flee, she would need to go back up the tunnel and from there down the western side of the ranges.
Her police uniform caught her eye. She couldn’t leave that here. She stuffed the clothes in the bag and then dressed in the police vest, feeling comfort from the sturdy shield. If it was Lucas, she might need the protection.
Feeling better prepared, she headed back to their lookout, glad her ankle had healed and was only an occasional pain.
More reception from here. No cars on the road, so the ambulance must have reached the boat ramp, but there were no other calls over the radio.
She flicked through her contacts until she came to the one she wanted. Detective Doug Pecherczyk had been a good friend at the academy and had gone into the Organised Crime unit. He would know what bargains they could make. But there was always a chance he would have to run it past someone who could be working for Stonefish. And if Rodney knew she had made the request, he would do everything he could to thwart her.
She scowled and tapped her thumb on the front of her phone. Was it better to let Organised Crime know now they had someone on the inside, or wait until it all came out?
Just call.
She pressed the button and waited as the phone rang. She wasn’t even sure what cases he was involved in at the moment. He could be working undercover.
“Nhiari, long time no see.”
She smiled at the smooth, familiar tone. He seemed happy to hear from her. “How are things, Doug?”
“Really great. I’m going on leave the week after next and I’m going to propose to my honey.”
Her heart lifted. “Congratulations. Who’s the lucky man?”
“An artist who paints wall murals. He’s so talented.”
She grinned at his gushing tone and felt a twinge of envy.
“How are you? Are you ringing to complain about Rodney?” He chuckled.
“How did he get the gig?” she asked.
“He insisted. I wanted to go, but we weren’t sure how long this would last and I’ve had my leave planned for months. How’s he been?”
“Dot’s been dealing with him,” Nhiari said, picking up a small twig and twirling it around.
“So what can I do for you?”
