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‘The fatality was the young bloke who was working on your farm here.’
Cy’s mouth dropped open. ‘What!’
‘Dean Drummond, also known as your Jerry White, a fake ID provided with the help of Russell Fairweather, was identified by his fingerprints.’
‘Why the hell would he break in and try to poison Tarni? He didn’t know her,’ Cy said. ‘He turned up looking for work, and she took his card. That was their only contact.’
‘It was under Fairweather’s instruction. Is it possible that Drummond could have thought she was somebody else?’ the detective asked.
‘Yes. He was under the impression that we were the McLarens. We saw no reason to disillusion him.’
A look of satisfaction crossed the detective’s face as he nodded. ‘Why was that?’
‘Tarni didn’t want him to know that she was alone in the house. He did seem a bit of a strange guy.’
‘That was wise, but what you didn’t know that Drummond had just been released from jail. He was jailed for seven years after being found guilty of the violent rape of a young girl at Dundee Beach. He almost strangled her and left her for dead.’
Cy put his hands over his face. ‘Holy hell, and we had him here.’ He removed his hands and stared at the detective. ‘And you’re saying he poisoned Tarni? He put that stuff in the water and she drank it. Holy hell.’
‘We believe that’s how it happened. We’ll be examining the contents of the fridge and cupboards when forensics arrive.’
‘But why?’
‘It was a contract killing organised by Russell Fairweather with outside help, as was the truck “accident”. We are yet to find the truck that allegedly pushed Drummond’s ute into the other truck.’
‘But why Tarni?’ Cy thought for a moment. ‘Hang on. You mean he thought she was Ellie? Was he after Ellie all the time?’
‘That’s correct. Mrs McLaren was a significant witness in Fairweather’s trial. He was responsible for the murders of her father and Mr McLaren’s stepfather a few years ago.’
‘No wonder Kane and Ellie are so careful about security here. I didn’t know any of that.’ Cy shook his head in disbelief. ‘Do they know what’s happened?’
‘Yes, they’ve been informed and they are apparently cutting their trip short.’
Cy was keen to get back to the hospital; even though he’d been told that Tarni was out of danger, he wanted to see her for himself. ‘Am I free to go back to the hospital now?’
‘Yes, Mr Prescott. Thank you for your co-operation. Your information has been very helpful and tied up a few loose ends. Constable Baker will take you back in now.’
Cy worried about Tarni all the way to Darwin. He didn’t know how she was going to react when she found out what happened. For God’s sake, she’d almost died.
Emma had kept him in the loop about Tarni’s treatment and recovery over the past two days. She’d been given an IV antidote to reverse the effects of the poison within half an hour of her arrival at the hospital in Darwin. A doctor from the UK who happened to be in emergency had recognised her symptoms from a case he’d had recently seen overseas. Emma had assured Cy that the fast administration of the antidote would prevent permanent organ damage.
‘Your quick response probably saved Tarni’s life,’ she said.
Cy paced as he waited, and just as he sat in the chair again, the nurse came out to the waiting room and smiled at him. ‘Ms Morgan is back in the room now, and she’d like to see you.’
Cy smoothed his hair back, regretting that he hadn't shaved, and followed the nurse across the hall to the private room.
Tarni was sitting up in bed, her face pale, her eyes circled with black. Cy’s heart lifted when she smiled at him.
‘Hello, Cy. I believe I owe you for saving my life.’
Cy walked over to the bed and stood beside her ‘You don’t owe me anything. It’s enough to see you smile.’
Tarni reached out to him with both hands. ‘Please sit down with me. I’ve missed you.’
Cy took her hands in his and sat on the side of the bed. ‘I’ve missed you too.’
‘Emma said you’ve been at the hospital since I came in.’
