‘I call it outback policing, where half the time I’m working well out of range, on my own.And Sarge knows all about that cold case.’
Marcus cleared his throat, his look positively lethal.
It made Porter speak faster in a need to cover his arse.‘We found this buried rifle, which I believe to be the murder weapon used on Tilly Dixby’s husband, the then owner of this station, Rohan Dixby.We also found the missing overseer—Sawyer Dixby isalive!’
That raised some eyebrows.Thankfully, it took the edge off the bosses’ death looks.
But saying the words ignited Porter’s rage.
‘That bastardalmostkilled us, and he killed Montrose’s vehicle.So, sirs, you can dress me down later and I’ll give you a full blow-by-blow account of events, no worries.But right now, we need to move if we’re going to catch Sawyer.Because I want to lay attempted murder charges on that mongrel for what he did to us,’ he growled, rubbing the back of his head.
And then he remembered… ‘Oh, and we think this property is being used as a way station for assorted livestock.Wild stock.’He looked back at Amara, who nodded, while wincing as her leg was being bandaged up by Romy.
‘What sort?’Finn asked.
‘Banteng, buffalo and brumbies, all in excellent condition.That’s where we found Amara’s horse.It was hanging out with this mixed mob at the waterhole.’
‘Sir?’Amara’s voice was strained.
Porter shot her a warning glare to stay quiet.
Of course, she ignored him.
‘If we get a muster team together, sir, I’m betting there’s more stolen stock mixed in with that wild stock—especially among the horses.We saw some brands.’
Finn grunted.‘You’ve got locations?’
‘Got a map?’Porter drained the last of his water bottle that hadn’t even touched the sides.
The moment stretched out with the senior officers glaring at them.
It was time Porter did not want to waste.
‘Look, sirs, I went to great lengths to cover our tracks when Sawyer tried tobury us alivein the bulldust.’
‘Damn.’That came from Craig, who’d know all about those pits too.
‘Right now, I don’t think Sawyer realises we’re still alive,’ said Porter, speaking to his superiors.Sure, they’d done the wrong thing, but he wasn’t done with Sawyer.‘We can use it to our advantage.We’re along the property’s border, so I’d doubt he’s seen you lot coming.’
Silence.
Too much bloody silence.It was driving Porter nuts, when he wanted to actnow.
Then finally, Marcus said low, but firm, ‘Porter’s got a point.’
But he wasn’t out of getting that lecture later.No way in Hades was his boss done with Porter.
‘I’ll get my maps.’Finn dragged a mess of rolled up charts across the bonnet of his troopy.Then spread out the topographic map, held open between the dusty sweat-stained hands of everyone on scene.
Porter jabbed a finger at a mark.‘Here is where Montrose’s Land Rover went under.Big bulldust sinkhole—real nasty.’
Then he dragged his finger westward.‘Over here’s the waterhole, where we found the wild stock and the stolen horse.A few horses are branded, and in pristine condition—but they’ve got banteng in the mix.’
Finn glanced up.‘Banteng?’
‘Yeah.And that’s a problem.’Porter tapped the map again.‘I might not be part of your Stock Squad, but I know those animals are endangered.My mate Luke and I work with Parks, to help relocate banteng to get them off the endangered list.Their numbers are fragile and heavily monitored.You can’t just round them up or shift them without permits—and I know every single person in this region who has that permit, because I’m the one who manages them.This lot?’he said, tapping on the map.‘They don’t belong on Dixby Downs.And I know the owner.She didn’t give permission for anyone to be here, but me.’Then he muttered, ‘And Montrose.Tilly Dixby spoke with her too.’Trying to cover their arses.
That earned a grunt from Finn.‘Are you saying someone’s managing them on Dixby Downs?’
