Private Sydney (Private 12)

I mentioned again that I had to be back in Sydney as early as possible. I’d agreed to meet Eliza Moss and to be there in case the sting to catch Collette’s boyfriend went awry.

Mary was waiting outside the hangar. We found our way to the canteen building, which was a large wooden log cabin, with tables on a verandah. Over freshly cooked burgers, we discussed what we’d seen.

It bothered me that Moss could fly a helicopter and there was a landing pad by the shipping containers they flew over. Geoff had said that he had flown all visitors over the area in the last six months in the Duchess. Moss obviously didn’t want them landing.

‘Or he developed something that stopped him flying,’ Mary suggested.

One thing was clear. The CEO hadn’t disappeared in his helicopter.

‘Maybe he was hiding something in those containers,’ I suggested. ‘He didn’t want potential investors finding out.’

Mary wiped her hands on a napkin. ‘The only way to know for sure is to look ourselves before they’re moved or emptied.’

The problem was, we were about to fly back to Sydney.

Chapter 72

WE WERE FINISHING our coffees when Geoff Andren walked into the canteen and grabbed himself a teabag and hot water from the urn near the ordering station. He slid into the chair next to Mary.

‘We have to delay take-off until morning. I’m sorry to do this to you, folks, but safety is my prime concern.’

‘Why?’ I didn’t understand. ‘We just flew here without any trouble.’

‘I found an insect lodged in the pitot-static tube.’

‘One insect. How?’ I wasn’t convinced it was serious enough to ground the plane.

He sighed. ‘It can affect instrument readings. Have to be sure there isn’t a hive down behind it.’

‘He’s right, Craig.’ Mary seemed unfazed. ‘Better to make sure it’s cleaned out. That’s why they have such rigid safety checks.’

‘Is there any other way of getting back to Sydney?’ My first concern was Collette, meeting the man who bugged our offices without extra backup.

Geoff blew across the top of his drink. ‘Someone might be able to give you a lift into Lithgow, and there’s the train, but no guarantees you’d get there any quicker. All non-essential crew here have been given leave until Sir Lang replaces Mr Moss.’

‘Explains why the place is so quiet.’ Mary looked over the rim of her white mug.

‘What about a hire car?’ I had to try to get back. Somehow.

‘No services around here.’

‘We’re better off staying.’ Mary reached over and patted my hand then raised an eyebrow at Geoff. ‘Anywhere we can sleep?’

‘Trainees’ accommodation. It’s where the police and army troops sleep during survival training. Each one’s equipped with gear and supplies.’

‘Let me guess,’ I said, ‘Gillies cancelled all courses too.’

‘No,’ Geoff answered. ‘From what I hear, trainees are the ones pulling out. In droves. Moss is the backbone of this place.’ He glanced around. ‘Hate to think what will happen to us all without him.’

He took his cup with him and walked out, shoulders a little more rounded than before.

As Mary finished her coffee, it became clearer.

‘Any chance the insect blocking that tube was a dead wasp?’

She shrugged. ‘Johnny and Darlene have Collette’s boyfriend under control.’ There was a mischievous glint in her eyes. ‘And it’ll be a long night for us if we’re to get to that helipad site and back without being noticed.’

Chapter 73