They paid and then walked to the door. “I’ll see you later.”
Penelope waved to Gretchen and got out her phone. Sam would almost be finished. As if he’d heard her thought, her phone dinged with a message.
All finished. Are you at home?
In town at Coral Connections. Heading home now.
I’ll meet you.
She grinned and glanced up to make sure she wouldn’t walk into anyone. Across the way, a man caught her eye. She froze as recognition hit her.
Murray, the poacher.
Heart pounding and hands trembling, she watched him lift a black crate onto the back of his ute. He hadn’t seen her. She ducked behind a tree and dialled triple zero. The woman who answered wasn’t someone she knew.
“I’m in Retribution Bay. I’ve spotted a man who evaded police after he drew a gun on me last week.” Penelope exhaled. “He was caught poaching at the Muiron Islands.”
“Exactly where are you, ma’am?” the dispatch asked.
“Outside Coral Connections.” Or near enough. She’d walked towards the street as she’d texted Sam. She scanned the area for a street sign and caught Grant walking towards her from the carpark, expression fierce.
Shit.
She backed away. “The other man is here as well—Grant. He’s coming towards me.”
“Go into the cafe,” the dispatch said. “Surround yourself with people.”
Penelope backed away, eyes still on the man making determined steps towards her. He was between her and the cafe. Across the road was the skate park where a bunch of children were hanging out, but she couldn’t go there and risk them. All she had was the street.
Over by the ute, Murray had spotted her and was backing the ute out.
She was in real trouble. “There’s no one here,” she gasped. Yelling would attract the attention of the people in the car park, but if Grant still had his gun, she could put them in danger.
“Are you still there?” The dispatcher’s voice was far away, and Penelope realised she’d lowered the phone.
“Yes.” She called to Grant, “The police are on their way.”
He didn’t hesitate, just kept coming towards her.
“How far away are the police?”
“I’m still getting in touch with them,” dispatch said.
She was so screwed. Her nerve left her and she turned to run as a car pulled up beside her. Grant’s eyes widened and his steps faltered.
Sam stormed past her. Grant spun, sprinting for the ute Murray was driving. He leapt into the passenger side and the car roared out of the car park.
Penelope’s gaze went back to Sam who had stopped chasing them and turned. Relief made her knees weak and she stumbled towards him. “Good timing.”
He swept her into his arms. “Are you all right?”
She clung to him for a minute, secure, and nodded. “I called the police.” She stepped back and held her phone to her ear. “They drove off in a black ute.” She gave the woman the number plate.
“Impressive observation,” Sam said, keeping his hand in hers.
“I’ll contact the local police,” dispatch said. “Are you safe?”
“Yes, my friend scared them away.”
