‘My drone isn’t equipped for that.Sorry, I haven’t had time to make any modifications or set up anything properly without being spotted.And Stone won’t let me get any closer.’
‘Don’t push me, shortcake.’Not when his heart iced over at the thought of her getting hurt.‘I’ll tie you to a tree.’Stone may be grinning at her like it was some game, but he’d do it if she pushed him, just to protect her.
‘I can fix the issue of sound.’Amara dragged out her phone and hit record as they settled around the drone console’s clear picture.
The shed sat less than a hundred metres away, hidden behind a half-collapsed stone wall—one of the last remnants of the old holding yards.Romy nudged the controls, slowly panning the drone’s camera through a gap in the broken roof panelling.Even parked, it tracked smooth as a CCTV rig.
Inside the shed, two vans sat beside rows of plastic ponds—just like the hatchling setup Stone had created at Craig’s quarantine station, where heat lamps hung low, casting a dull glow over the water.
‘Your drone is ten times better than the standard issued drones I’ve used for past operations,’ Finn said under his breath.
‘It’s for filmmaking.Custom made.’Romy gave a shy smile, but her eyes shone with pride.
‘Which we’ll use to our advantage… Zoom in on the exit and entrance points of the shed, and let’s work out a plan.’Finn’s dark eyes narrowed at the screen, no doubt three steps ahead of the bastards inside.
From this spot, they could see both the shed and Stone’s helicopter, parked a few paddocks back and well out of earshot.
But with Romy’s drone catching everything in crisp detail, all Stone needed now was Finn’s call to action… and maybe a beer and some popcorn to watch the show.
???
‘How many does he want this time, Bastion?’Griffin asked, closing the passenger door of Lenora’s four-wheel drive, parked just at the entry to the shed.
‘Thirty eggs and ten juveniles, preferably females only,’ replied Bastion, loading up the back of the white van.The second van was navy blue, parked on the other side.
Lenora approached the right corner, where a large cluster of ponds glowed under red lights.‘Where did all the juveniles go?’
Bastion paused from loading the plastic crates onto the metal trolley and looked back at Griffin to answer.
‘In the van, to go to the Stock Agent.’Griffin sauntered towards her and slung his arm over her shoulders.‘Look, hon, we discussed this.For us to pay for the infrastructure to start our croc farm, we need the cash injection.’
‘So who is the Stock Agent?’
‘He’s a man who pays cash, as long as you don’t ask questions.’
Bastion scooted past the couple, rolling a metal trolley filled with specialised crates and began loading them into the van.
‘But if Bastion knows him, why can’t I meet this Stock Agent?What does he have to hide?You can tell me, Bastion.’
Bastion shook his head.‘I can’t.Not this time, Lenny.Seriously, I can’t.’
‘Why not?’
Bastion shrugged his skinny shoulders, his pale face all twisted as if truly apologetic.‘He’d kill me.And you.Sorry.’
Lenora’s face fell as she stepped back from the men.‘What sort of people have you got me involved with, Griff?’
‘The sort who’ll do business with us and not ask questions.’Griffin helped Bastion load the first van then closed the back doors.‘The containers will keep them warm while travelling.Just watch the bumps if you can.’
‘Seriously, it’s not the first time I’ve transported these guys.’Bastion climbed into the driver’s seat.‘Seeya, Lenny.’
‘Drive safe, and I’ll see you on the other side.’Griff saluted Bastion as he drove out the shed.
???
‘Do we follow him, sir?’asked Amara, crouched beside the rest of the team watching the shed below them.
‘I’m sure Stone can catch up with Bastion quick enough.First, I want those two.’Finn pointed to the shed.‘Now I’ve seen the shed’s layout, I have a plan.’
