‘Yeah.’
‘Much taken?’
‘98 saltwater crocodile eggs and 45 juveniles.’
‘Struth.Malcolm would be gunning for heads to roll.Mongrel of a man he is, especially with the women.’Chook shook his head, rummaging through his outdoor fridge to retrieve a beer, and offered them one, but they both declined.‘I don’t know how Celeste puts up with him and his mongrel moods, but he was a good crocodile hunter in his prime.’
‘Are you saying you didn’t know about the break-in?’
‘Of course I did.It’s the talk of the river.And that Raven wouldn’t shut up about it when I showed her where to camp.’Chook winced at Stone, his upper lip curling into a sneer, like he was deflecting sunlight off his weathered face.‘So, did she do it?That’s why you’ve got The Vegan camping out here?I’ll have to charge her double if she’s a fugitive, you know.Lyin’ to coppers costs extra.’
Stone shook his head.‘The thieves were trying to set Raven up as a suspect.’
‘And…’ Chook popped the lid of his beer, took a guzzle while eyeing Stone.‘Tell me the rest of it.There’s always more than one point with your actions.’
‘Some locals were harassing Raven, dumping stuff to tempt the crocs to come up the banks.It wouldn’t take long for some sneaky saltie to intrude on her camp, especially when the water rises with the rains.’
‘Where was she camping before you sent her here?’
‘East of Saltscale, on that parcel of Crown land there, just a few clicks along that side creek to the river.’
‘Big crocs through there.And pigs.’
‘I know.Thank you for giving her a place, Chook.’It meant Raven was safe.
‘Hey, you—girl!’There was a thud on the deck, then a slide as Chook turned to face Romy.
‘It’s Romy,’ she replied.
Chook took a step closer to her.‘You from Rome?’
‘No.’
‘What kind of name is Romy?Didn’t your parents like you?Is it short for Romia or Rosemary?’
‘No.Just Romy.’
‘What kind of name is that?Is it for a boy?’
‘It’s a girl’s name that means dew of the sea.’
‘Aww…’ The old salty dog plonked down on his stool and gazed at the woman.‘Well, in that case, you can fish for dinner.Set ‘er up, Stone.Go on, she can look busy while we yak.’
‘Good idea.This way.’Stone led Romy along the far side of the houseboat, where the view of the river was putting on quite a show.‘The croc grass is still long, Chook.Are you fertilising it?’
‘What is croc grass?’Romy asked.
‘That stuff.’He pointed to the lush thick green grass that brushed the sides of the houseboat.‘Crocodiles like to nest in it.’
‘Are you saying that grass is growing in water, like a reed?’She went to peer over the side.
‘Please don’t lean over like that.Do I have to do the whole safety speech about always keeping fingers and toes inside,again?’
She straightened up.‘No.I forget, that’s all.What are we doing now?’
‘You, shortcake, will be fishing.’Stone picked up the fishing rod that rested against the side wall, near a bucket of live bait and a wooden stool.
‘Why do you call me shortcake?I’m not short.Is that because my skin looked like a strawberry from the hives?’
