by Annie Seaton
Russell turned away to the window and kept his voice low. ‘Go and make sure she’s dead and then find the other woman.’
Outside at the lagoon pool there was already a crowd lying around on sun lounges and day beds. Indolent tourists; Russell couldn’t think of anything worse than lying around with no goal for the day.
‘Yes, sir. I’ll find her.’
‘Do that. I’ll call you in an hour.’
*
Ellie opened her eyes. The cable from her headset was choking her and she reached up and yanked it off. She was hanging sideways, held in by the seatbelt that was now constricting her breathing. She turned her head slowly and the vertigo eased, but she drew in a breath as she caught sight of the water flowing through the jagged edges of the smashed canopy. The door on her side had popped out in the crash but it was above the water level. If she could get her belt undone, she could clamber up on top of the chopper and stay above the waterline.
Jock knew she’d come down and he knew where she was heading; he’d have help on the way as soon as he could locate a pilot. Ellie focused on the hole in the Perspex canopy, trying to clear her blurred vision and see how far away the riverbank was. This part of the river was a narrow waterway, and only deep in the middle. The sandbanks where the crocodiles basked in the winter sun shifted every wet season. She shivered as she looked out over the water. The riverbank was only about twenty metres away but it might as well have been two hundred. There was no way she’d wade through that.
A movement flashed in her peripheral vision; her heart jumped as she imagined a crocodile slithering at speed out of the water and through the hole in the canopy. She closed her eyes, waiting for the impact.
But when she slowly opened them, it was the face of a man, not a crocodile, that met her.
Henry, her difficult tourist, stood waist deep in the water, peering up at her through the hole in the canopy. She opened her mouth to yell at him to climb up on the skids, out of the water, away from danger, but the words died on her lips when she saw the knife in his hand.
‘I suppose you think you were clever, landing like you did. Not so clever now, are you?’ His tone was conversational.
‘Who are you?’ she whispered.
He laughed and the sound was chilling.
‘What are you going to do?’ Ellie was rigid with fear, her eyes fixed on the knife that was now only inches from her neck.
‘Good question. Maybe I’ll cut you out of the belt? Or perhaps I’ll cut that pretty little throat of yours first?’
Ellie whimpered and tried to shrink back away from him.
He pulled the knife back and shifted to one side as he braced his other hand on the edge of the cockpit. ‘You know, you’ve got the same eyes as your father. He looked at me just like that when I tightened the rope around his neck.’
Ellie shuddered and her chin trembled as his words sank in. Even in her dazed state, her thoughts turned to her mother and her insistence that Dad had been murdered. A heavy weight settled in Ellie’s chest. Mum had been right all along, but they hadn’t listened.
She lifted her chin, ignoring the shooting pain down her back. ‘Why are you doing this?’
‘I’m just doing my job, sweetheart.’
He lifted his hand and leaned to the left. The cold steel of the knife touched her throat with a sharp sting, and Ellie raised her hands and pulled back as far as she could. As he leaned forward again, the water behind him suddenly churned and a massive crocodile broke the surface. The huge jaws clamped down on his legs and the knife dropped, hitting the metal with a clatter as his head slammed against the roof of the cockpit. He disappeared from sight before she could take a breath. The water erupted with red foam as the crocodile rolled, its creamy white underbelly flashing in the sunlight as it flipped over.
One unearthly scream, a last splash and they disappeared below the surface.
He was gone. The water was calm again, just a quiet gurgle as it washed through the broken canopy of the helicopter. The silence was almost obscene, as Ellie imagined what was happening beneath the clear, green water.
A keening sound filled her ears and it was a few seconds before she realised that the noise was coming from her. She had to get out before other crocodiles came. The dominant male had fed, next it would be their turn.
Pushing as hard as she could against the seat, her fingers scrabbled for the catch of the seatbelt but they slipped off before she could release it.
Three times, she pushed herself as far back as she could, and three times the belt jammed. Finally with a grunt Ellie stretched her legs towards the water and arched her back, and the catch released with a loud click. Sobbing, she reached up and pulled herself out through the canopy, using the skids to lever herself to the side of the helicopter that was safely above the water. Her head spun as she stared at the sandbanks in the middle of the river. Four huge crocodiles lay watching her. As she lay on her back on the cold metal, the water churned again.
But this time it was the rotor wash from the other Makowa Lodge helicopter as it headed for the clearing at the edge of the river.
*
David craned forward as the helicopter headed towards the sandy clearing. ‘Look, down there! It’s Fairweather’s man’s vehicle. It has to be. There wouldn’t be many black Mercedes in this part of the world.’
Kane twisted to the left and looked out the other side. The river glinted silver as it snaked around a bend. His pulse sped up when he saw the red Makowa Lodge helicopter on its side in the water.
‘Fuck. She’s come down in the river.’ Adrenaline spiked through him but he focused on taking the chopper lower.
‘It’s all right.’ David pointed. ‘Look, Ellie’s on top of the chopper. She’s okay.’
As the helicopter flew across the water, Ellie lifted her hand and waved to them. The world seemed to go by in slow motion as Kane dipped the bird to the east and brought it down as close to the edge of the river as he could. He shut everything down and gestured for David to wait until it was clear to get out. David tore the headset off and pointed to the building which was set back in a cleared space at the edge of the forest.
‘I’m going to find Gina.’
‘Wait. We don’t know where the guy from the car is. He’ll have heard us coming. He’s had plenty of time to hide while we landed.’
David ignored him. ‘I’m going. Just watch my back.’ He picked up a large lump of timber, and ran off past the SUV in the direction of the hut.
Kane stepped down from the helicopter and ran towards the water. ‘I’m coming,’ he called to Ellie.
‘No.’ Ellie screamed and put her hands over her face. She was sitting up now and even from a distance he could see the blood on her neck and her shirt front.
Kane stopped and looked past the helicopter. An enormous crocodile walked clumsily along the sandbank, its tail moving side to side, and then slid into the water.
His heart was pounding as he took a step back. Ellie dropped her hands from her face. There was blood on her fingers. ‘You’re bleeding.’
‘I’m okay. Go with David. Find Gina.’
‘But what happened? Where’s the guy from the car?’
Ellie shook her head and all he wanted to do was hold her in his arms. ‘He’s gone.’ She pointed into the water.
‘Hang on. I’ll come straight back.’ Kane walked stealthily towards the front of the hut, his eyes scanning the long grass as he moved closer. Stepping onto the front landing, he avoided the gaps in the timber where the floor had rotted away. He was about to try the front door when David’s shout reached him.
‘Kane, quick, around the back. It’s all clear.’
He vaulted over the low railing and ran along the side of the hut and up the back steps.
‘She’s here. Gina’s here.’ David was standing by the back door, supporting a woman in his arms. She wore a long pink bathrobe. She was bending forward; her long dark hair covering her face. ‘The baby’s coming.’
David’s wife clutched at his arm. ‘The contractions are about five minutes apart. There’s one building now.’ She doubled up with a moan. ‘David, I’m scared, it’s too early. It’s different this time. The pain is worse.’
David stared at Kane, his mouth set. ‘How many passengers can you take?’
‘Only one.’
*
Ellie lay with her eyes closed. She tried to open them but they wouldn’t open. She tried to talk but no words would come out. It must be a dream; she slipped back into the dark and floated painlessly for a few more seconds. Her head ached and when she tried to move, her limbs wouldn’t cooperate. The sound of running water surrounded her. Finally she forced her eyes open and pushed herself up, holding her head until the vertigo passed. She was on the helicopter in the river. There was a tender spot at the back of her head, but her fingers came away clean this time; the bleeding had stopped.
She looked over the side. The downed chopper had settled into the mud and the water was getting higher. The helicopter slipped a little further and she grabbed for the skids as the left side dipped a few centimetres.
Keeping completely still, she examined the water between her and the three large crocodiles on the far bank. The river was flowing swiftly but it wasn’t as deep as she’d thought. It was clear and she could see the stones that formed the causeway only about half a metre below the surface. Maybe she could try to get to the bank. But her legs refused to move. There was no way she would get in that water and strike out for the shore.
She turned to look at the other bank but the pain the movement caused was unbearable. The scene in front of her wavered as though she was looking at it through water.
Her hands began to tremble. She was in trouble whatever she did. The need to escape, to get away from here, overtook her, but she couldn’t move.
*
Kane ran the short distance from the hut towards the river. Even though he was moving quickly, his legs felt as though he was running through sand. He gritted his teeth and focused on the present, refusing to let his brain take over and put him back in the desert. Ellie needed him; he had to get to her. He looked down at the ground and concentrated on his breathing.
This is Australia and I’m in Kakadu. No sand, just hard red dirt. Gradually, the feeling eased and the solidness of the hard-packed earth beneath his feet calmed him. Strength filled him; he could do it.
Kane ran past the SUV and came to a sudden halt. The vehicle had a large metal hook attached to the bull bar on the front. He ran to the back of the car and flung the door open, and spotted the quick access toolbox in the spare wheel compartment.
Please.
He grabbed the snatch strap, ran to the helicopter and threw it in. Back at the edge of the water, he cupped his hands to his mouth. ‘Ellie!’
His call disturbed a flock of cockatoos in a tree above the helicopter. They squawked raucously as they lifted off and flew over him to a large dead tree on the other side of the river.
‘Grab the rope when I drop it to you.’ He pointed to the helicopter and relief flooded through him when she gave him the thumbs up. After securing the strap to the skids, he looked across to the hut. There’d been no time to tell David his idea once he spotted the snatch strap, but this wouldn’t take long.
Seconds later, the chopper lifted with the rope stretched out beneath the skids as he gained height.
Holding it in a hover was the easy part. Judging the right distance so Ellie could grab the nylon webbing was harder. He shoved the door open and leaned over.
‘Shit.’ He was too low and about ten metres too far into the river. The snatch strap was in the water.
Using his hands and feet, he manoeuvred the bird until he was directly above her, and held it in a hover for the second time. He held his breath as Ellie grabbed for the strap as it swung past her head.
She missed it. The wash from the rotors was ruffling the water and the strap swayed as it caught in the downdraft. Kane held his breath as it swung back towards her.
‘Good girl.’ On the second pass Ellie grabbed for it and held it. He watched as she wrapped the end of the strap around her waist and looped it over before she raised her arms, and held on. She put her head back and nodded as she held the now taut strap with both hands. It was a delicate dance of precision as his feet moved on the foot controls and his hand gripped the cyclic. He did it all by feel, not once taking his eyes off Ellie as she lifted from the roof of the submerged helicopter. Slowly and carefully, the bird responded to his deft movements as Ellie spun slowly above the water.
Seconds later, she was above the ground, well away from the water’s edge, and as he lowered the bird slowly, she slipped out of the strap onto the bank.
But his relief was short lived, as she crumpled to the ground.
*
Ellie opened her eyes to the sound of running feet. The ground was hard beneath her back and her head ached.
‘Ellie. Can you hear me?’
She put her hands to her face and stared up at Kane as he dropped to his knees beside her. Gentle hands ran over her body.
‘I’m okay. It’s only my head, but it’s not too bad.’
‘What happened?’
‘I clipped a tree on the way down.’ Ellie pushed herself up and clung to him. She pushed her face into his neck, and his warmth and the smell of his skin soothed her. Her lips trembled and she held him tightly as she fought for control.
‘He killed my father.’
‘Shh. It’s okay. You’re okay.’
‘It’s not fucking okay.’ She pulled her head back and her voice broke as it got louder. ‘He told me my eyes were like Dad’s as he put the noose around his neck.’
Ellie buried her face in his neck again and a sob escaped her lips.
‘I’ll help you find out what happened. I promise.’
She closed her eyes as Kane lifted her into his arms and began to walk towards the hut. ‘But first we have to help David. Gina is in labour.’
The door was open and he walked inside, putting her down gently on the floor beside a low bed where Gina lay.
David was beside Gina and he reached up and took Ellie’s hand. ‘You’re okay?’
‘I’m okay.’ She leaned down and spoke to Gina. ‘Are you?’
‘The pains have eased a bit.’ Gina reached out and touched her face. ‘How can I ever thank you, Ellie? And Kane, you, too.’
Kane frowned down at Ellie. ‘You shouldn’t be on your feet. I want you to rest while I take Gina to the medical centre in Jabiru. David, make sure she lies down. I know what she’s like.’
‘What am I like?’ A small smile crossed Ellie’s face.
‘You’re invincible,’ Kane said as he leaned in and kissed her.
Chapter 36
5.00 pm Sunday
Makowa Lodge
Ellie stood on the verandah outside her apartment, letting the late afternoon sun warm her bare limbs. The only after-effects from the events of yesterday morning were a dull headache and a greater fear of crocodiles. The medical centre had checked her over – luckily she’d needed no stitches – and told Kane to keep an eye on her.
She picked up the small trowel she’d brought out from beneath the kitchen sink. Her black gardening gloves were stiff and she flexed her fingers, watching as the dried soil fell to the wooden floorboards. Her herb seedlings had been ignored for the past few days and she leaned over the small pots, digging her gloved hand into the seed raising mix. The soft green shoots had withered and were now stiff and brown.
Ellie wasn’t aware she was crying until the first tear plopped with a splat onto the verandah beside the pots. She tipped her head back and closed her eyes and gave way to the tears that rolled down her cheeks as the grief welled into her throat. She cried silently for her father and the sad loneliness of his death. Her tears fell for Kane’s mother who had spent her las
t weeks alone and neglected.
Ellie cried because she knew Kane would leave and she would be alone again; there was no reason for him to stay here now. Her prickly shell would go up and protect her heart again; this time it would be twice as thick.
Maybe it was time for her to consider moving on. As much as she loved Kakadu, all it held were sad memories for her.
‘Is your head bothering you?’ As usual Kane’s movements were silent and she hadn’t heard his door close. He’d insisted on spending last night in her apartment in case she had concussion, and had kept a vigil by the bed as she’d slept. He’d left her only briefly to go and have a shower.
Ellie shook her head and sniffed as her nose began to run with the tears. She wiped her face with the back of her gloved hand. ‘My head’s fine. It’s just been a rough couple of days.’ She moved along to make room for Kane as he lowered himself next to her and he leaned back against the railing, his head close to hers.
‘It has.’ His arm went around her shoulders and she leaned into him, marvelling at the comfort that she drew from his presence. ‘But there’s some good news. Jock called just as I was getting in the shower. David called the lodge and asked him to get a message to us. They have a new little girl. She didn’t make an appearance till lunchtime today.’
Ellie closed her eyes again as his thumb brushed her cheek. ‘They’re both okay?’
‘Jock said Gina and the baby are doing well. They’ve called her Ellie. Nice name, hey?’ Kane’s deep voice was soft and Ellie let it wash over her. She could stay here forever; the afternoon sun warming her skin, Kane’s leg pressed against hers. Somewhere in the background the birdlife on the river created the usual cacophony of sound as the sun headed for the horizon.
‘Beautiful sky tonight.’ Kane’s breath brushed against her face. ‘Are you going to open your eyes and enjoy it with me?’
Ellie opened her eyes slowly. Kane’s cheek was close to hers. The sky behind him was brilliant orange and the narrow, horizontal clouds above the horizon were tinged with silver.
‘Kakadu sunsets are always beautiful.’ She looked at him from beneath her lashes. ‘Even more so in the other seasons. Banggerreng is my favourite.’