“All right.” Penelope hung up and turned to Sam. “This can’t be related to the buried treasure,” she said. “It must be another part of their business. If the man responsible for the animal smuggling was killed, could Grant or Murray be his replacement? Maybe they were smuggling ocean animals too.”
“They wouldn’t have killed them if that was the case,” Sam pointed out. “But maybe they were killing time while waiting for something else.” He wanted to hunt them down himself, but he wasn’t ready for Penelope to go yet. “Did you get the results from the lab?”
Penelope shook her head. “The samples were lost in transit. I sent another batch this morning and ran a few tests of my own, but didn’t recognise the chemical composition.”
“Don’t you have a chain of custody?”
She nodded. “Declan has the receipt and I’ll chase it down on Monday.”
He didn’t like that it had gone missing. It spoke of Stonefish’s involvement. He’d ask her about it again tomorrow. In the meantime, they had to figure out what Stonefish were smuggling this time. “If what you saw at the camp site on Muiron was more buried weapons, that could be what they’re up to.”
Penelope shivered. “Those guns were terrifying.”
Sam nodded. No individual needed weapons that powerful. It spoke to organised crime and weapon smuggling.
So maybe he’d have to investigate it tomorrow night. Penelope would be at Dot’s birthday celebration. He could invite Brandon into town for dinner and they could take a look.
He smiled. No one needed to know.
***
The next day after work, Penelope shut the door behind her, dropped her keys on the kitchen bench and sighed. She’d been on edge all day, expecting to see the poachers at any minute. Having four familiar walls around her was safety and comfort.
She had an hour before she was due at dinner for Dot’s birthday. She debated calling Sam, but she almost wanted a break from him as well. Things had moved rapidly between them, and while she’d really enjoyed her weekend, the intensity was scary.
She’d found herself thinking of him throughout the day, wondering what he would do in certain circumstances, wishing she could share things with him.
She’d rarely thought of Gerard while she worked.
Penelope headed for the shower, taking her time under the spray to wash away the rest of her tension, and then getting ready to go out. With still half an hour before she had to be at the restaurant, she picked up her knitting. She’d done more rows after arriving home last night and it was resembling a blanket and not a random bit of knitting. She might even have it finished by the end of the month. Ceiveon would be so surprised.
It was dark by the time she left her house to make the short drive to the brewery. She brushed her hand over her belly, the movement and the silky fabric of her black dress helping to calm the small bundle of nerves dancing in her stomach. These women were welcoming and friendly. There was nothing to be worried about.
As she got out of the car, she glanced around the car park, but saw no one lurking. Maybe that’s what the nerves were about.
Dot sat at a table made from a large, recycled cable spool, her emerald green top drawing Penelope’s gaze as she crossed the yard strewn with blue metal. It was such a contrast to the blue uniform Dot normally wore, and Penelope smiled. With her were Nhiari, wearing a subdued brown, and Gretchen, her floral maxi dress typical of the style a few years ago.
“Any problems today?” Dot asked as Penelope sat.
“None,” Penelope answered. “And I’m sure you want a break from police work tonight.”
“There’s not much chance of a break when you live in a small town,” Nhiari answered.
“What’s been going on?” Gretchen asked.
Dot widened her eyes in a stare. Gretchen mustn’t know about Stonefish. “Just a few people not doing the right thing.”
Luckily, Amy arrived with Faith, and Georgie was right behind them. By the time the greetings were over, conversation had shifted to what everyone had been up to.
“Seen Sam lately?” Georgie asked Penelope.
Penelope smiled. “Yesterday.”
“I knew you too would be amazing together,” Georgie continued.
“Brandon’s on his way there now,” Amy said. “They’re going to catch up.” She pursed her lips together.
Penelope frowned. Sam hadn’t mentioned that. She glanced at Gretchen, but didn’t ask the question she wanted to know. What were the men planning? She caught Amy’s eye and Amy gave a tiny nod. Yes, they were planning something.
