We pick up from Part II:
Gungellan-The Police Station,
Frank put the phone down. He was sure now, all of the information and evidence was there, picking up the phone again, Frank dialled Dovers, and He'd better get Heath in here for this one.
At Drovers Run, Heath is at the shed when Tess gets a message for him:
"Heath! There's a message for you, call Frank DaCosta, urgent." Tess yelled out from the veranda.
Heath headed for the study. He soon returned, bolting for his truck.
"Where are you going?" Stevie asked as he swung the door open.
Slamming shut the door, "Explain later." He replied quickly, hitting the key the truck roared to life, its dual rear wheels spinning madly, slinging dust, gravel and dirt everywhere as it whipped sideways in his haste to get out the gateway.
"He's in a hurry." Claire observed.
"Not wrong." Stevie replied.
"Must've been something to do with that message from Frank." Tess said.
Hours later back at Drovers Run,
Heath climbed out of the Police car.
"Thanks Frank."
"No worries, I am sure your truck will be found somewhere."
"Yeah I hope so, at least the bastard was insured."
"True, be in touch. And I'm sorry again, the trails just gone cold, no evidence, we cant do anything further."
"Thanks mate. Much appreciate all you have done" Heath said as he walked towards the quarters, he lit a smoke and puffed away as he headed for the quarters.
Stevie walked outside, squinting she saw Heath walking.
"We're busted Ryan." She murmured.
"Who by Hall? Drover boy? He's no threat, I keep telling you that."
"There's more to him than we all know, trust me on that."
"Nah, he's as simple as 1,2,3." Alex whispered.
"Hey" Heath called as he walked to his room.
"Hey, where's the truck?" Stevie asked.
Before Heath could reply Alex cut in with "what? Forget where you parked it? Can't drive & parked it in a ditch?" He said, his mirth and mocking clear in his voice.
Grasping the screen door, Heath locked eyes with them both. "Got stolen." was all the reply he gave before walking inside, the door slamming shut behind him.
"Are you sure?" Alex yelled out.
"Get stuffed." Came the angry reply.
That Night
They were all sitting around the table. Alex and Stevie, Tess and Nick, Becky and Brick, Claire and Heath. The couples were being all sweet with each other and love was certainly in the air. To the point that Claire started looking at Heath, maybe there was something more to this, she was feeling lonely, she was sure that he would be after so long chasing cattle. I'll bide my time she thought as she watched Heath stand, quietly excuse himself and leave the building through the double doors, outside she saw the match briefly flare and light his cigarette. Claire followed him out, the others watched as she went, it was clear that Claire was making an effort, the makeup and perfume proved that. Even if she wouldn't admit. She was taken with Heath, probably because he reminded her of Jack. She found Heath sitting at the edge of the verandah, smoke trailing out of his nostrils. The laughter from inside drifted out to them.
"You ok?" Claire asked, looking at Heath.
"Yeah fine, thanks for a good meal, I'm turning in."
"Hang on," Claire said with a chuckle, "there's dessert to go yet."
"Nah thanks. I'm good aye." Heath said as he stood up. Looking over his shoulder he called out to the group still inside. "Night all." There was no reply. He just forced a smile and shrugged his shoulders. "Guess they didn't hear." He said good naturedly. "Good night."
"Night." Claire replied, almost dumbfounded at his sudden change in manner, she walked back inside.
"So," Alex asked. "We off to the sales tomorrow?"
"Sounds good."
"Yeah"
"Too right"
"Wouldn't miss it."
The dinner party broke up and everyone drifted off to bed. No one noticed that Johnno was gone from the yards. The note Heath had left wasn't found till the next morning.
