Page 87 of Larapinta

Within a minute, the radio crackled. ‘Makowa Lodge bird, Makowa Lodge bird, this is NT police, repeat, NT police. Please return to Alice Springs and await instructions.’

Kane turned to Connor and raised his eyebrows. ‘Instructions, boss?’

‘Don’t reply. We can deal with the fallout after we’ve searched the next bit of the trail.’

‘Okay, northwest and we’ll double back at the summit of Brinkley Bluff.’

‘Where were the bodies? Did Greg have any information on that?’

‘They were spotted about four kilometres along the track on the northern side,’ Connor replied.

‘Ryan, keep a lookout that way,’ Kane said.

‘Roger.’

The track climbed from Standley Chasm and followed a ridge, and it was easy to see it from the air.

‘There,’ Ryan called. ‘Down there.’

Kane lowered the nose of the chopper and looked to the right. A small group dressed in white overalls were walking through the bush, carrying what looked like two stretchers.

‘I’d say that’s the couple we first heard about. They’ve retrieved the bodies,’ Connor said. ‘Once we do this leg, we’ll land somewhere, and I’ll call Greg and see what he’s heard.’ His chuckle held no mirth. ‘He’ll know by now we’ve been spotted and challenged.’

‘I can’t believe Sandra’s climbed that,’ Kane said as the track below rose steeply to the mountain they were approaching. He peered down and pulled back the speed a little as a movement on the track below caught his attention.

‘Connor,’ he said urgently. ‘About a hundred metres ahead. Can you see? There’s someone on the track. I’m going up higher. There’s something metallic in his hand.’

Chapter 28

Darwin Waterfront precinct

Dr Emma Langford walked into the coffee shop near the wave pool at the Darwin Waterfront Precinct just before eight a.m. She walked in and ordered her usual caramel latte, and then took the number to an outside table before easing herself carefully down onto the plastic chair. She looked around and smiled; she should have let Jeremy come with her, but when he’d suggested he come with her she’d said, ‘No, I can tell my sisters alone.’

The poor sweetheart had been working hard at the hospital as well as dealing with her health issues, and he would have enjoyed sitting here in the sun with her. Anyway, he was on duty at ten, and she didn’t want to rush away. It had been ages since she’d had girl time with her sisters. It was a shame Mum was away; she would have enjoyed meeting up with them.

‘Thank you.’ Emma smiled as the young girl put the coffee on the table in front of her.

‘Did you want to order breakfast too?’ she asked.

‘I will. I’m meeting my sisters and I’m sure we’ll eat.’

Emma sipped her coffee and lifted her face to the morning sun. Since yesterday afternoon when she’d made the decision to take some time off work, the world somehow seemed a brighter and sweeter place.

‘Aunty Em!’ She turned with a smile as James ran across the lawn towards her, followed closely by Ellie and Dru. A surge of love for her sisters brought tears to her eyes, and she blinked them away before Dru could see them.

Standing carefully, she bent down and kissed James’ cheek.

‘Hey, you pair. What are doing in town so early, Ellie? Are you okay?’ Emma stared at her two younger sisters. Both of them were pale and didn’t look happy. ‘Are you both okay? What’s going on?’

‘James, you can go and play on the grass and I’ll order you some pancakes,’ Ellie said quietly.

‘With ice-cream too?’

‘With ice-cream.’ Ellie smiled, but Emma knew her sister well enough to know something was wrong.

‘I’ll get our drinks, Els,’ Dru said after she’d hugged Emma. ‘Tea?’

‘Yes please. And can you order James’ pancakes too, please?’