Tilda shook her head in a way that convinced Nick that she knew a heap more about languages than the rest of them put together.
‘It’s not Greek. Not quite, anyway.’ She drew a deep breath and studied Cal for a moment then said, ‘I’ll put you in the cottage tonight. We usually rent it out to holidaymakers, but bookings are pretty light on this time of year. You can all have hot showers, some decent food and a good night’s sleep. But this is for one night only, understand? And in exchange, I want the truth. Otherwise, I call the police. Fair enough?’
Nick hesitated, then he nodded. ‘Fair enough.’
‘Right. Good. Let’s get some breakfast. Are croissants okay?’
‘Um...yes. Fine. Thank you.’
‘Come on, Maddy. I’ll need an extra set of hands.’
Tilda and Maddy got out of the car and disappeared into the bakery.
Nick relaxed and said in Korelian, ‘Are you two hungry?’
Artemis stared. ‘That was a negotiation over food? You made it seem like it was something way more serious.’
‘Food is serious. I got us beds for the night too.’
She flopped back with a groan. ‘God, I can’t wait to get a proper sleep. I’m so tired.’
‘We don’t have anything to bargain with,’ Cal said. ‘What did you offer?’
‘The truth,’ Nick replied.
Artemis straightened. ‘Really? Isn’t that a bit...risky?’
‘It’s all I’ve got. Unfortunately, certain details are going to get lost in translation.’
Cal chuckled then winced. ‘Ow.’
Artemis peered out at the mist-shrouded mountains and tucked her fringe behind her ears. The skin on her knuckles was broken. ‘We could be anywhere,’ she murmured. ‘How will we get back home?’
Careful not to rearrange the blanket too much, Nick prised the map out of his boot, unwound the oilskin cover, and ran his fingers across the parchment. The corners were a little damp, but the writing was still legible, and the red song gate markings winked up at him like gold dust in the dirt.
‘Don’t worry,’ he said. ‘I’ll find a way.’
Thanks to:
My fellow QWC/Hachette Manuscript Development Program writers Inga Simpson, Susan Johnson, Pamela Cook, Nicola Alter, Ross Davies, Nicole Cody, Carolyn Daniels, and Fiona Balint, who gave early support and feedback, and who ate, drank and laughed with me during our apprenticeship at the Queensland Writers Centre. You helped me keep sight of that 2% mercury while wading through all the lead.
The Queensland Writers Centre and Hachette Australia, who invited me to participate in their 2011 Manuscript Development Program. This gave me the jumpstart I needed to get Nick’s story off the ground.
Isabella Lesslie, for her generosity and expertise during the drafting stages.
Jordi Kerr, who helped mould the final draft into a polished product.
Those early readers, too numerous to list, but you know who you are. Thank you.
The Circus: Stuart, who has encouraged and supported me from day dot; Robyn, who provided design advice and assistance, and plenty of much-needed reality-checks; and Hamish and Zoë, who don’t really understand why I do this but nevertheless support my crazy choice of career.
My gorgeous little tribe of boys, Josh, Julian and Archie – you light up my life.
And Chris, my wonderful partner, who has stood by me every step of the way.
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Lightning Tracks Page 30