Drovers Run-The stock route.
Riley put a log on the fire and set the billy to the side of the coals. A camp oven sat in the middle.
"So what have you put in that camp oven?" Riley asked.
"Secret drover's recipe, perfected over many years on the trails." Heath replied somewhat secretively as he tied up a hoochie between two trees, Riley watched with interest as Heath removed a firearm that was completely black, it had an adjustable stock with a laser spot sight on the top.
"What the hell is that?" Riley demanded.
"Heckler & Koch, Model MR223." Heath replied simply.
"You ex-Army?" Riley asked, guarded.
Heath slipped a magazine into the gun, looking a Riley directly in the eyes "not really." He replied, his easy tone now flinty.
"Just asking," Riley replied affably, "I was."
"Yeah?" Heath asked, his tone softening.
"Yeah, discharged after a disagree…." Riley trailed off, a sound interrupting them. "You hear that?"
"Yeah." Heath replied quietly, picking up the rifle he gripped the bolt and ripped it back, the spring pushing it back into place. Riley grabbed his rifle. Watching Heath, Riley knew he had some sort of training, the way he moved and concealed himself. He would ask later.
Heath could hear the engine, but could see no lights or anything to give it away. It seemed to be disappearing, it droned into the distance. Riley looked at Heaths face in the dying light. His expression had changed, his face was hard and his eyes almost glazed over, like a second persona almost.
At Drovers Run.
Claire sat down to eat with Stevie and Jodie, Meg bought in a roast as Kate walked in from the veranda.
"All done Claire." She said, "I am starving, looks great Meg."
"Thanks Kate." Meg replied as a vehicle pulled up. "Must be the boys back." She commented.
"Couldn't hack it hey!" Stevie yelled out as footsteps were herd on the veranda. The familiarity gave way to shock as a man in military uniform stepped through the doors.
"Sorry! I thought you were someone else." Stevie said, recovering.
"That's alright, I apologize for startling you all and interrupting your meal. I am Major Ben Thomas of the S.A.S, I am looking for Heath Beresford, and so far I have traced him here."
"Ben, I am Claire McLeod, Heath's fiance."
"Well congratulations Claire, where can I find him? I need to talk with him urgently."
"He's camped out tonight, some poachers are hanging about." Claire replied somewhat guarded. "What's this all about?" she asked.
"I'm sorry, I am not at liberty to say due to the sensitivity of the situation. But we need Heath's help. Can we contact him at all?"
"We'll try the two-way." Claire said as she walked towards the shed, reaching into the ute she picked up the mike and began the call.
"Drovers Mobile calling camp one, are you on channel Heath?"
"Yeah loud n clear sweetheart." Heaths voice came back.
"There's a bloke here to see you, says it's urgent, Ben, he's S.A.S."
"Okay, we are down on the stock route, bring him down, all safe." Heath said, his voice changing.
"Okay, will do." Claire said as she climbed aboard and fired up the ute. "Jump in" she said to Ben.
Ben pointed at the nearby Land Rover, typical Army vehicle with its camouflage paint and canvas top. "We'll follow."
"Okay." And with that Claire drove down into Drovers, with Ben close behind.
At the camp:
Riley sat there staring at Heath in the fires glow, the whites of his eyes evident.
"S.A.S.? Want to explain?" He asked.
"Hmm, I'll wait to see what they want first, this aint gonna be a social call." Heath said as he rolled a smoke. There wasn't a hint of nervousness.