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‘But there were three together who went missing. Maybe one of them was involved too?’
‘I’ll get the names off you and let Greg know when we land. He can follow that up when they get the bodies to the Chasm, and we know who it is. Who were the three?
‘A young married couple on the trek and an indigenous guide.’
‘Right, let’s go.’ Connor put his head down and they ran for the waiting chopper.
Chapter 30
Return to Standley Chasm
Ryan had been super-protective of Sandra since they’d arrived at the Chasm. As luck had it, three helicopters had circled the campground, and Kane had landed on a flat area behind the hill about five hundred metres along the road from the highway and dropped them off.
‘Are you right to walk in, Sandra? I can get out and help Ryan get you there.’
‘No, I’m fine. That flat road is a walk in the park compared to the past few days. You go. Andrew is the priority. If you have to explain everything, it’ll slow you down getting to him. I’ll handle it.’
‘Okay. Stay safe. Just remember we weren’t down here looking for you. The three of us were on a scenic flight over the trail.’
‘Got it. Now, go!’
‘Yes, ma’am! It’s good to see you. Ryan, I think you can make that call now.’
As they walked slowly along the road to the campground, Ryan pulled out his phone.
‘I’ll quickly text the girls to tell them you’re fine and then after I’ve called the paramedics, we’ll call them back.’ He put his arm around her shoulder as soon as the text was sent.
As they walked, Ryan dialled triple zero and reported that an injured trekker was being conveyed to the Standley Chasm campground.
‘All done. Now let’s get you to some food.’
‘And a loo,’ Sandra said.
‘You’re amazing, you know that? We know a bit of what you’ve been through, but you look as fresh as a daisy.’
‘I’d kill for a shower, a meal, and a nice hot cup of tea.’
‘We’ll get that sorted as soon as we face the welcome committee ahead.’
Sandra looked up. Two men in work shirts and cargo shorts were running towards them.
The men stopped as Ryan and Sandra approached them.
‘The campground is closed due to an incident,’ the taller of the two said. ‘Do you have any identification?’
‘I do.’ Ryan pulled out his wallet. ‘But I’d prefer to leave it until we get my stepmother to help.’
‘What’s the problem?’ the second guy asked.
Sandra pulled herself straight. ‘The problem is that I’ve been lost out there in the bush for the past day and a half. My sons happened to be down here for work, and saw my partner and I on the trail. They’ve gone back to get the rest of us, and one of the guides is badly injured. Ryan’s called for help, and hopefully an ambulance is on the way.’
‘I think you’d better come with us.’
‘I’m happy to, but first I need a shower and a cup of tea, and some painkillers.’
‘You’re hurt?’
Sandra made her voice shake. ‘No, I’m dehydrated, and I’m starving and I have a thumping headache.’ She pretended to stumble and Ryan grabbed for her.
