???
Inside the shed, Griffin started loading up the second van.
‘What are you doing?We’re only here to check on the eggs, then go to work.We can’t have both Bastion and me away from the hatchery.Someone’s bound to notice.’
‘So, um, this is the part where I tell you that, um…’ Griffin scrubbed his nails across the back of his head, before readjusting his hat and said, ‘I quit.’
‘Quit what?’
Griffin slid a large box with small airholes along the sides into the back of the van.He then went back to the side of the ponds and scooped up two more crates and put them on his trolley.‘I quit and I’m taking everything.’
Lenora rushed over to the large incubators and pulled open the trays.All of them empty.‘Where did all the eggs go?The hatchlings?’
Griffin shrugged while pushing the loaded trolley to the back of the van.‘Bastion’s talking to the Stock Agent today, and he’s pretty sure he’ll take the lot off our hands.’
‘But that’s meant for us.For our crocodile farm.’Lenora slapped her hands on the trolley, stopping him from pushing it any further.
‘Sorry, hon, but I’m done.I’m out.You said the cops would never be called, you were counting on your dad to not call, based on his pride to save his business reputation.But the cops showed up.’
‘That’s not my fault.Jed told Stone—’
‘Who works for the Stock Squad.The Stock Agent warned Bastion that they’re not normal cops.’
‘It was pure coincidence that Stone showed up.He’s a family friend.They won’t find anything.’
‘But they did.They not only found the gear we dumped by The Vegan’s place, but the relay box.Face it, Lenny, the Stock Squad is closing in, and it’s time to go.’Griffin tugged her fingers free from the trolley, effectively pushing her out of the way, and began loading the crates on board.‘I’m selling these and heading west.’
‘What about us?Our land?’Lenora’s voice was so shrill, it matched the shock she wore on her face.
‘I’m putting my land on the market.Bastion’s way of making cash is so much simpler.One job, and I’ve earned more than I did from half a year’s pay working for your family.’
‘We were supposed to go into business together.I helped you buy that land.’
‘Yeah, thanks for that.’Again, Griffin adjusted his hat, only this time he wore the snide smirk of a con artist.‘Few people would buy me a block of land with cash and gift it to me.It’ll make it easier to sell.’
‘You used me.’Lenora’s face fell again as she stepped back from the man she lived with.‘Did you ever love me?’
Griffin paused from packing to place his hands on her upper arms.‘I honestly did, for a long time too, Lenny.But when Malcolm gave the place to your brother, Jed…’ He shook his head, as his voice filled with disappointment.‘There’s no way I’d work for Jed.He wouldn’t know what a left-handed screwdriver is.We both know he’ll ruin that place if left in charge.Unless that’s what Malcolm wants to happen.’
Lenora squeezed her hands into fists.‘Stop putting my brother down.’
‘What does it matter now?We both know you’ll never have the guts to go against your dad.And this croc farm is just a pipedream for you, because you’ll always be too scared about what your father is gonna say.’
‘Of course I’m doing this.I just received the plans to build.Wait!’She held up her hand.‘Have you been taking stock from the farm before this haul?’
Griffin shrugged, then loaded up the last crate onto the van.
‘You just said earlier, how many did the Stock Agent wantthistime.How many crocodiles have you stolen from my family?’She grabbed his arm, making him face her.‘You and Bastion agreed to help me steal from the hatchery way too fast.’
She narrowed her eyes at him.‘Funny how you never mentioned how that relay box showed up—or that it had access to every security feed on the property.’
‘We did that for you, Lenny.And I would have helped you with that crocodile farm, too.But I know you’ll never do it.’He pulled his arm free and tied down the boxes in the van, then closed the back doors as if ending a chapter in his life.‘It’s time I looked out for myself and got out of the Territory while I still can.Especially with the Stock Squad sniffing around.’
‘Mum said not to trust you.’Lenora wagged her finger at him.‘Mum said you were one of those snakes, all shiny on the outside but venomous underneath.And now you’re stealing my stock.’
‘No, hon.Youstole this stock.I’m just the delivery driver, being told what to do by my boss.’He kissed her cheek.‘Take care of yourself, Lenny.’
‘Arsehole.’She slapped him hard across his face.
