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Ellie put her head back and closed her eyes; she’d not had much sleep in the past twenty-four hours and she knew she had at least two flights to take up late this afternoon.

It was a full half hour before the caravan in front of her began to move as the traffic was allowed through. She was just going to get back in time for her shift. The revving of a powerful engine came from behind her car and Ellie glanced in the rear-vision mirror. A black Mercedes SUV was almost nudging her bumper and a memory tugged at her. Mercedes? Where had she seen one of them recently?

Once the traffic was flowing, the Mercedes accelerated with a roar and flew past her. Idiot.

By the time she turned into the lodge and parked near her apartment, there was barely enough time left for her to run in and change into her work clothes. Despite what Kane had said, she had to go there to get changed. Terry was mowing along the edge of the car park but still trepidation filled her as she unlocked the door. She looked around carefully, but the place was as it should be. Changing quickly, she grabbed her work boots and locked the door before sitting outside on the steps and pulling them on. She’d have to run the pre-flight check before the three o’clock flight.

The hangar was hot and the smell of smoke hung in the air. If this burn-off covered a large area, there wasn’t going to be much of a view for the tourists. She logged on and checked the weather forecast before stepping out onto the tarmac. A north-easterly change was forecast to arrive through the afternoon, which might clear the smoke. On the other hand, it could make the fires flare up more, and the flight would be a waste of time. Plus a change from the north could bring a thunderstorm, even in the dry season.

Ellie picked up the phone and dialled the office. She tapped her fingers as she waited for Jock to pick up. ‘Hey Jock, it’s me, Ellie.’

‘Where are you?’

‘I’m over in the hangar. Did the Cooinda guys come over this morning?’

‘Yeah they did. Had another flight booked, too, but they checked over both choppers before they left. You should find the paperwork over there.’

‘Yeah, see it. I just checked the forecast. What do you think?’

‘Hmm. I was just about to do the same. Give me a minute.’

She waited as the sound of Jock pounding on the keyboard came down the line.

‘How many booked?’

Ellie checked the schedule. ‘Looks like we’ve had a cancellation. Only one left. Henry.’ The name was familiar. There’d been a Henry a few days ago; tourists would often come back for a second flight when they stayed at the lodge.

‘Can it. Hang on, I’ll see if we can contact them.’ More keyboard clicking as he checked the guest register. ‘Sorry, no Henry staying here. Must be staying somewhere else. You’ll have to wait until he turns up.’

‘Okay, will do. Thanks, boss.’

‘No worries. I’ve got a meeting up at the park headquarters. Sorry but I gotta go, I’m late as it is.’

‘See if you can find a spare pilot while you’re up there. Okay?’

‘I’ll do my best.’

Ellie flicked the light switch off and closed the office door. It had become darker; the combination of low cloud and smoke hanging in the air confirming that Jock had made the right call. She turned towards the tarmac to re-lock the gate she’d unlocked when she’d arrived. A shadow moved to her right and Ellie jumped as a man appeared in front of her.

‘Holy shit. You scared me.’ She took a quick breath.

‘My apologies. I thought you were leaving. I’ve got a flight.’

Ugh. The same guy she’d taken up on Wednesday. Henry. Now she remembered him. He was the one who’d wanted to fly the chopper. He’d been more interested in the workings of the helicopter, the seats, the radio and the doors than any of the scenic spots they’d flown over.

‘Ready to take me up again, love?’ He was a big man, and he invaded her personal space as he leaned close. Ellie took a step back, trying to keep a polite expression on her face.

‘Sorry, all flights have been cancelled for the afternoon.’ She took another step back and turned to leave the hangar. ‘Too much smoke. If you go over to the main office, they’ll refund you or give you a voucher for one of the other tours.’

The guy shook his head. ‘Uh-uh. I want to go up now.’ He looked around. ‘Where’s your partner?’

Ellie ignored his question and waited for him to come out onto the tarmac with her. He followed her outside slowly and a small shiver ran down her spine. He pulled a cigarette from his top pocket and she shook her head. ‘No smoking.’ She pointed to the large sign on the side of the building.

He put the cigarette in his mouth but didn’t light it. ‘So are you going to take me up or not?’ His hands fidgeted with the lighter and Ellie looked around. There was no one in sight. She had a feeling this guy was trouble.

He reached out and took her arm but Ellie gritted her teeth and shook his hand off. ‘I already told you; flights are cancelled. Walk over to the office with me and I’ll sort out your refund myself.’

‘Did you hear me?’ He grabbed her again and Ellie looked down at the thick fingers holding her hand. ‘I’ve paid and you’re taking me up now. The smoke doesn’t concern me.’