‘Ok!’ I said. A little too loud as it tuns out. Vanessa flinched and jerked behind Jane’s elbow. ‘Sorry, I didn’t men to shout. Jane, where are these men now?’

‘Well, I guess where they fell.’

‘And where may that be?’

‘Exactly where I camped last night. I stop anywhere I like and spend the night or a few days. Then I go to towns and pick up supplies, fresh water and drain my tanks. I don’t know where I am form one day to the other. I don’t follow maps. If something looks good, I drive toward it. I do have the GPS co-ordinates if it’ll help,’ she offered.

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Finally, something to work with, I thought. It still sounded hinky and that detective instinct I had built up over the years was tingling like a shock machine in my gut. I knew there was no way Jane’s shit doesn’t stink. She was toying with me. Stringing me along like a power play. Instead of giving me a full ice cream, she gave me the bottom bit of the cone. The part that’s filled with chocolate and satisfies the immediate craving but leaves you wanting. I wanted it all.

‘OK Jane, can I ask you and Vanessa to stay here while I go out and check these co-ordinates. I need to see who we’re dealing with. Is that OK with you?’

She nodded and for the first time, since I sat down, she broke her stare to kiss Vanessa on the head.