Page 10 of Quinn

“Right side, back about twenty metres,” Waigi shouted.

I swung to look back to where we’d been and saw the men standing off to the right-hand side of the road, weapons aimed.

While the driver stayed focus on getting us to the terminal, no doubt wanting to be rid of his dangerous cargo, the rest of us fired towards the men dressed in all black. I have no idea why we bothered, we were out of range, as were they.

Sirens sounded as the driver brought the car to a stop in front of the terminal. Not wanting to wait for questions, I threw a handful of kina at the man and gave him instructions as everyone piled out.

“Take a message to Captain Akwai Urusiter in Waigani. Tell him Quinn said to get your car fixed and make it go away. He’ll understand what you are saying.” Urusiter was our only police contact in Moresby but he had enough seniority to sweep the incident under the carpet.

The man nodded as I jumped from the car. Reaching back in to where I’d come from, I pulled a terrified Arabella into my arms. Logan and Daly dashed ahead to ready the plane while the rest of us followed close behind.

Once on the aircraft, I handed Arabella to Barry, who moved to settle her into a seat. I hung over Logan’s shoulder as he called through for permission to take-off. The blood ran cold in my veins when I heard him denied. He glanced back at me with concern.

Daly grabbed a handset and spoke. “Get Roger McKenna on the line."

I could hear a voice down the line but couldn’t quite make out what was being said as I was a little too far away.

“I don’t fucking care if it is his day off. Tell him Daly Johnson needs clearance for take-off. Now!”

Moments later, Logan’s headset crackled. “Lima Whiskey Alpha, cleared to Popondetta Airport via route as filed. Taxi to runway one-four-right. Departure frequency one-one-seven.”

I took a seat and buckled in as Logan guided the plane onto the runway. He pulled the aircraft to a stop and waited. I heard crackling in his headset and a moment later, Logan responded. “Cleared for take-off, runway one-one-four-right, Lima Whiskey Alpha.”

He glanced at Daly before he pulled back on the throttle and we sped down the runway. Through the front windscreen, I watched as the mountains loomed close. The engines screamed as the upward slope of the runway assisted the plane into the air. We cleared the mountains by what seemed like mere inches, turned towards the north on course for Popondetta, and continued to climb.

My fingers rested on the buckle of the seatbelt pulled tight across my hips, waiting for the green light to unfasten it so I could check on Arabella. Logan’s instructions put the kybosh on me going anywhere.

“Gentlemen, the seatbelt sign will remain on as we are expecting medium level turbulence as we cross over the Owen Stanleys. Please remain seated.”

Arabella was in good hands with Barry, so I couldn’t help but wonder why I felt an overwhelming need to be by her side—to keep her safe.

Low murmuring amongst the other men, and the occasional ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response from Arabella when Barry asked her a question assured me all was well.

Settling back, I closed my eyes for five minutes of peace. I knew once I arrived home, Connor would want to grill Arabella and make plans for the men who’d been shooting at our car. I had no doubt they were Sangumala and suspected they wouldn’t rest until they retrieved Arabella. She knew their secrets, there was no way on fucking earth they would leave her alive to live her life in the community.

CHAPTER THREE

QUINN

Logan taxied the aircraft to the family’s hangar and shut down the engines. I had to admit, I’d breathed a sigh of relief on making it home in one piece.

I stood waiting while Daly lowered the stairs and watched as Barry carried Arabella towards the front. When he reached me, he handed her into my arms. Her thin arms wrapped around my neck, she turned her head into my chest and snuggled close. When my eyes met the doctors, his eyebrows were raised.

Daly stood back from the open door and I descended the steps onto the tarmac where two of our vehicles sat waiting. Connor and Jake leaned against one and frowns marred their faces as I approached.

“We’re in deep shit. I’ll explain back at the compound.” It was all I said before lowering Arabella into the back of one car and climbing in alongside her.

Connor climbed in behind the wheel, Logan, who stated he would deal with the post flight details the following day, took the passenger seat, and Barry settled beside me in the back. Jake drove the other vehicle with Daly, Waigi, and Mala.

“Did you get hold of Eddie, Connor?”

“Yeah, he was pissed off that we cancelled so late.”

“What did you tell him?”

Connor eased away from the airport and onto the road leading south towards the compound.

“Nothing. I said the meetings were cancelled until further notice and you would be in touch when you were ready with the new dates.”