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‘Russell, how are you?’

‘Get rid of him. Now. He’s gone. He screwed up.’

He disconnected and walked back along the corridor with the guard behind him. The pain in Russell’s chest pressed down hard, and he struggled to breathe. He had never felt such anger before.

His eyes widened, and suddenly it became clear. This wasn’t his temper; he put his hand to his chest and turned to speak to the guard. ‘Help me, help me.’

His legs crumpled beneath him, and his world went black.

Chapter 30

Wilderness Station - Friday afternoon

Cy

Cy and Tarni had chatted for the first fifteen minutes of the trip, and then she’d put her head back, pulled her hat over her face, and was soon sound asleep. He knew he’d shocked her with his honesty, but she had listened, and Cy sensed she hadn’t judged him as he’d feared she would. Tarni’s opinion of him was starting to matter a lot. He filed that away to take out and examine later.

She had started the conversation when they turned off the Arnhem Highway onto the back road to Wilderness Station.

‘I’m keen on looking for a job in the local region,’ she said, looking at the landscape that flashed by.

‘What sort of work would you look for once you finish your PhD?’ Cy asked, keeping his eyes on the road. He was impressed. He didn’t know anyone who’d done a doctorate before he’d met Tarni, but strangely, it didn’t make him feel inadequate. Once upon a time, it would have, but he’d toughened up over the years.

‘Something in agriculture. I’m sure there are quite a few government departments and maybe some institutes in Darwin. I haven’t had a look yet, but once I finish here, I might take some time to travel around the place and decide if I like it up here. One thing I do like is the warmth. I can’t imagine going back to winter down south now.’

‘I love it here,’ he said quietly. ‘The place gets into your blood.’

‘Sitting out on the back veranda at dawn every morning and watching the new day come to life has been good for me. It's given me hope for the future, and I feel I can continue. Please tell me if I sound silly. Maybe it’s the painkillers. They tend to loosen my tongue.’

‘No, Tarni, I know exactly what you mean. I haven’t experienced the same tragedy you have, losing someone you loved, but I did lose the life I loved. It was my father’s fault. I shouldn’t say it, but his death has released me.’

Tarni's eyes widened in shock. ‘In what way?’

‘It was a difficult situation, Tarni. My father was in the palliative care unit attached to the private hospital because it was more secure.’

‘What do you mean secure?’

‘He was in the Darwin Correctional Centre. My father is a murderer. And don’t feel bad if that shocks you and you feel like you don’t want to be my friend anymore. I have enough trouble living in my own skin, knowing I’m the son of a murderer.’

‘Tell me more, Cy. And no, I don’t judge you. You know what they say about the sins of the father.’

His laugh was bitter. ‘Yeah, I’ve read it all. And I went to therapy for a while.’

‘Anyway, enough about that. Let me tell you a bit about Ryan and Dee. It was Dee’s mother who Joe killed long ago, but it’s not talked about much these days. Dee didn’t ever know her; her aunt adopted her. Ryan is Ellie McLaren’s half-brother, and when I look at how happy they all are, I know I can overcome this fear that Joe’s actions make me what I am.’

‘A good way to be. I feel for your pain, though, Cy. It must be tough.’

‘Sometimes. Anyway, Dee and Ryan have twin boys. Dee’s the one I told you about who used to manage the macadamia farm, so you both will have a lot to talk about.’

‘I look forward to meeting them, and yes, thank you for asking me. I might try and have a bit of sleep now if you don’t mind. I wish I could kick this tiredness.’

‘You do look a bit pale.’

‘I’m over it.’

‘How about we go in to get your stitches out on Monday, and you can make an appointment with the doctor?’

‘I'll see how I feel. Hopefully, some sleep will make me good company over the weekend.’