The human trafficking plot is taking shape, although I promise it won't take over the whole story. CJ will still take the lead and I have a good few extra storylines to weave through the story. Love, IJKS xxx

Chapter One Hundred and Fifty Two

Charlie hadn't seen the media in this much of a frenzy in their local town since the shark attack incident. Even Grant's murder hadn't been that crazy – a fact the Senior Constable was particularly grateful for. But now didn't particularly feel like a time to be grateful for anything. A boat had been lifted from the bottom of a reef and on it had been a dozen dead bodies. They were now laid out and shielded from the cameras but it looked like they had been illegal immigrants. With Angelo fielding questions and Charlie and Watson struggling to control the scene, Charlie didn't even have time to talk to her colleague. This incident clearly linked in with the mission that had brought Angelo Rosetta back to the Bay. But if Hugo was involved, he was a good actor. They'd phoned Martha immediately and hoped she would arrive soon to take him home. Angelo had been intent on questioning him but Charlie had just about had the time to harshly tell him not to dive in all guns blazing. They had to do this right and that meant doing it carefully.


With no boats being allowed out onto the water for the time being, Joey and Aden had headed to the Surf Club where many members of the local community had ended up. The whole place was abuzz with the news of what had happened. Joey plonked herself in the furthest booth, wanting to discuss things with Aden in peace.

"I hope Charlie's okay," she said.

She also hoped that this might be the break that Charlie and Angelo needed on their case. It had been a tragic scene but maybe it was over now. And for that, she was both hopeful and grateful.

"She'll be fine," Aden assured her. "She's a great cop. She can cope."

Joey nodded and sipped her drink. They were interrupted by a smiling Geoff and Ruby.

"What's wrong?" Ruby asked, her face falling.

Joey invited them both to sit down so that they could explain what Angelo and Hugo had found.


Two hours later, Charlie, Watson and Angelo were back at the station. The newly appointed Senior Constable was fielding calls and telling people to watch the news if they wanted information. Martha had arrived to collect Hugo and take him home. Charlie and Angelo were holed up in Charlie's office.

"So, what do you think?" Charlie asked, getting right to the point.

"I think we've got proof of criminal activity," Angelo said. "We just need to pin it to Hugo."

Charlie cleared her throat.

"We just need to find out who's responsible," he corrected himself.

Charlie nodded and sat down, folding her arms unhappily.

"Looking at him today, Angelo," she said. "He was so shaken up. How could he be responsible for that?"

"Maybe it's guilt," Angelo said.

"Don't get me wrong," Charlie said. "I'm not a fan. But..."

"Did you know he killed his girlfriend?" Angelo asked.

"What?" Charlie squeaked.

"He got into a car, stoned off his head, crash and she died," Angelo said. "What kind of person does that?"

"People make mistakes," Charlie pointed out, although the news both horrified and disgusted her. "Like shooting into the dark and accidentally killing someone."

Angelo glared at her.

"And didn't you say he was completely inappropriate when you and Joey were coming out and getting all that hassle?" he asked.

"And again, don't be a hypocrite," Charlie warned.

The night he had all but threatened her into bed was still etched into her memory – and Joey's.

"It's not the same," Angelo said. "Yes, I've made mistakes. Huge ones. But I'm trying to make up for them. This guy is pure evil. And whoever stole that boat of his, has just given us a fantastic lead. I hope."


Hugo sat beside Martha. His head was still a mess and he couldn't get the faces of the dead out of his mind. He felt sick and no amount of whisky shots were helping. Martha kept her arm around him, holding him tight and offering patience and care.

"It's not your fault, Hugo," she said. "I know this has shaken you up but if anything, you did a good thing. You saved them from being lost at sea forever. Whatever happened to them, the police will figure it out. And if someone is responsible, they'll catch them. Well, I mean, Charlie will. I have no faith in Angelo."

She pulled a face. Hugo rubbed his temples.

"Really, Hugo. You did a good thing. All those poor people... their families... they'll know what happened to them. I know first hand how important closure is."

Hugo gazed into her eyes, trying not to feel tearful.


It was much later in the evening when Angelo left the station in order to go and talk properly to Hugo. Driving along the coast road, he noticed a figure walking towards him with his head down and his shoulders slumped. Recognising him from many months ago as a man he once saw acting very afraid in front of Hugo who had been translating for him, Angelo pulled over. The man broke into a run. Leaping out of his car, Angelo chased him down.


Aden arrived at the police station and parked. Joey thanked him and jumped out of the car. Heading inside, she greeted Watson with warmth. She then put a packed lunch down in front of her.

"Charlie's in her office," the new Senior Constable said.

"This is for you," Joey said.

Watson looked surprised.

"I got one for Charlie too but I thought you deserved something."

She smiled. Watson blushed, smiled back and thanked her.

"Is it okay if I...?"

Joey nodded her head towards Charlie's office.

"Sure," Watson said.


Angelo and the stranger landed hard on the floor. Leaning over the potential witness, Angelo pinned him to the ground.

"Clint?" he said, mocking the pseudonym of Clint Eastwood that the man had provided him with last time.

"I know nothing," the man replied, struggling to get away.

"Then you've got nothing to hide," Angelo stated.

He yanked him to his feet, handcuffed him illegally and dragged him to the car.


Tony, Rachel, Miles and Kirsty sat around the dinner table.

"Sorry I didn't get time to make a dessert," Rachel said, as she cleared the plates away.

"No worries!" Miles announced cheerfully. "Look in your fridge."

Curiously, Rachel approached the kitchen appliance and realised that Miles must somehow have sneaked a cream cake into it.

"We can't take the credit for it, unfortunately," Kirsty said. "We bought it from the Diner before we came out to you but the gesture was there all the same."


Charlie looked up and beamed at her girlfriend when she entered the office.

"I can't even begin to tell you how happy I am to see you!" she said.

Standing up, she pulled Joey into a tight hug.

"I brought you some food," Joey said.

"Is it from the Diner?" Charlie asked uncertainly. "Because I had a really dodgy burger there this afternoon. It's kind of put me off for a bit!"

"All home made," Joey promised. "Aden's in the car waiting for me. We brought some stuff for Watson too."

Charlie smiled and kissed her.

"Sometimes I think you're too good to be true!" she laughed.

"Well, I hope that doesn't mean you think I'm not real," Joey pouted.

Charlie kissed her again and held her hands.

"That's definitely not what I mean," she assured her.

Joey smiled happily.

"Good," she said. "Is there a particular time that I could expect you home or should I just wait indefinitely?"

"I have no idea when I'll be back so just carry on with your evening as normal," Charlie told her. "If you're asleep when I get back, I'll just slip in beside you."

"Okay," Joey said, although they both knew the likelihood of Joey being able to sleep without her girlfriend was minimal.

She kissed Charlie goodbye and was just heading out when Angelo and Clint arrived. Charlie hurried up to them, wondering what on earth was going on.

"We need a translator," Angelo said. "Right now."

"What have you arrested him for?" Charlie asked.

Joey waved quickly and dashed to the car. Charlie waved back and focussed fully on Angelo and Clint. Watson approached them.

"Nothing," Angelo said.

"Then why the hell have you got cuffs on him?" Charlie demanded.

"He didn't want to talk," Angelo said. "And after everything that happened today, we need answers."

Charlie instructed Watson to uncuff their new witness and take him to an interview room. She then pulled Angelo to one side and demanded to know what he was playing at.

"You can't just abduct someone from the street, Angelo," she said, assuming that that's what he had done.

He looked immediately guilty.

"Wait!" Watson yelled.

Charlie and Angelo looked up to see Watson giving chase but Clint had already fled the building.