“They have a team in Coral Bay now. Doug’s watching the ramp.”
At least they could trust him, but the complete plan didn’t ring true. Nhiari strode across the red dirt to the shed, unable to keep still. “It makes no sense. Lucas would be a fool to put the treasure on his boat.”
“The team is covering the boat ramp and the airstrip.”
She shook her head. “I think they’ll land at Mum and Dad’s.”
“Why?”
She had forgotten to tell Dot about her phone call with her father, so she filled her in.
“It makes sense,” Dot said.
“Do you think they’ll do it tonight, or wait until tomorrow?” Nhiari asked.
“If Rodney wants to keep his cover, they’ll do it tomorrow.”
“He might plan on boarding the plane himself,” she pointed out.
“Yeah,” Dot agreed. “There’s more. I’ve been told I’m no longer needed on this case. I’ve been ordered to leave it in Rodney’s hands and concentrate on day-to-day matters.”
Idiots. But it again pointed towards Rodney working for Stonefish. Her mind whirled as she considered options. “Do you want me to bring Lee into town, or is Rodney coming out?”
“Rodney’s coming out for Lee and the treasure. He just left.”
“So they could do it now if it’s the two of them,” Nhiari said. “Where’s Lucas’s plane?”
“Brandon will insist on accompanying the treasure,” Dot pointed out as she tapped some keys. “The plane is in Carnarvon. It wouldn’t take more than an hour to refuel and fly to Coral Bay.”
Shit. “Lee and Rodney could overwhelm Brandon. Where are Sam and Sherlock?” Her heart thudded as her muscles tightened.
“They’re back from the shipwreck and waiting for instructions.”
They were the only other people who could be trusted and had the right experience. “Do we want to involve them?”
“We have little choice.” Dot sighed. “I told Doug about Rodney and he told me to leave it with him.” She made a sound of frustration. “I’m not supposed to be working this case. There are so many unknowns and variables; we don’t know how many people Lucas will have with him, or where he’s really going. We don’t know who to trust.”
Nhiari felt for her best friend. “Let’s make arrangements in case Lee and Rodney overwhelm Brandon and take the treasure now. I’ll call my parents.” How quickly could she get to her parents’ place? Not long if she took a motorbike and cut through the station using the track Matt used to visit the Stokes when he was a kid. The only problem was anyone on the road would notice the dust and Lee would know someone was out there. “I could insist on accompanying Rodney, Lee, and Brandon. I need a lift back into town.”
“Rodney said you need to stay there, so Lucas doesn’t know you’re safe.”
A good excuse and it would limit what she could do. She had to leave the Ridge after Rodney did. A plan formed.
“Can you send Sherlock and Sam to my parents’? You’ll need to stay in town in case they arrive as planned.”
“What are you thinking?”
“I’ll leave here after Rodney and Lee. When they hit the main road to Coral Bay they shouldn’t see any dust from me. I can be at Mum and Dad’s before they are… if that’s where they go. Between Sam, Sherlock and I, we can stop anything they have planned.”
There were a lot of contingencies to consider. Perhaps she was being paranoid.
“I’ll get someone in Carnarvon to monitor Lucas’s plane. They can call if it takes off again.”
“I’ll tell Brandon and Lee that Rodney is on his way and call my parents.”
“Keep me posted.”
Nhiari hung up and strode back to the homestead, finally feeling as if she was helping. “It’s time,” she said to Lee and Brandon.
