Force of Nature

by Jane Harper

  Alice Russell’s backpack lay abandoned behind a tree. It was ten metres from the track, concealed amid thick scrub, and it was unopened. Almost, Falk thought, as though its owner had placed it down, stepped away and never returned.

  Sergeant King had crouched over the pack for a long while, moving around it methodically, as if performing a choreographed dance. Then with a sigh, he had stood, sealed off the area, chosen his search team and cleared the site.

  Falk and Carmen hadn’t argued. They found themselves heading back to the North Road the same way they had come, following the police markers and a pair of searchers who had been relieved from their shifts. They walked in silent single file, hesitating once, then again at various splits in the trail. Falk felt glad once more for the markings in the trees.

  As he followed Carmen, he thought about the backpack. Lying there, alone, undisturbed, a man-made aberration on the landscape. It hadn’t looked like it had been rifled through, and he wondered what to make of that. The contents were probably of limited monetary value, but out here, where weatherproof clothing could mean the difference between life or death, worth was measured differently. Falk knew in his gut that Alice Russell would not have abandoned her backpack willingly and the realisation sent a chill through him that had nothing to do with the weather.

  Find the belongings or shelter, the body’s always next. The words of the service station attendant kept running through his mind. He pictured the guy, behind the counter each time they had stopped at the service station before. Not that morning, though. The body’s always next. Falk sighed.

  ‘What are you thinking?’ Carmen said in a low voice.

  ‘Just that it doesn’t look good. Not if she had no equipment in conditions like this.’

  ‘I know. I reckon they’ll find her soon.’ Carmen looked at the bushland, hanging thick and heavy on both sides. ‘If she’s out there to find.’

  They walked until the trees grew further apart and the daylight seemed a little brighter. Another twist and turn and they emerged, back on the North Road. Searchers and officers were huddled by the roadside, talking in low voices as the news about the backpack spread fast. Falk looked around. There was no sign of Ian Chase now and the Executive Adventures minibus had disappeared. The wind whistled along the open stretch of road and Falk pulled his jacket around him more tightly. He turned to one of the officers organising the returned searchers.

  ‘Did you see Ian Chase leave?’

  The officer looked up, distracted. ‘No. Sorry. I didn’t realise he was gone. You could try to call him if it’s urgent. There’s a rangers’ hut with an emergency landline connection about ten minutes’ drive that way.’ He pointed down the road.

  Falk shook his head. ‘It’s okay. Thanks.’

  He followed Carmen to their car and she climbed behind the wheel.

  ‘Back to the lodge?’ she said.

  ‘I suppose so.’

  She pulled away, the activity at the site growing smaller in the rear-view mirror until they turned a corner and it disappeared entirely. Cathedral walls of greenery towered over them on either side as they drove. There was no hint of the frenzy underway deep within. The bushland kept its secrets well.

  ‘That cabin was pretty well hidden, but it wasn’t unknown,’ Falk said, finally.

  ‘Sorry?’ Carmen was watching the road.

  ‘I was thinking of something Bree McKenzie said earlier. That prisoner with the tip-off knew about the cabin. So that’s one person at the very least. Who’s to say someone else hadn’t discovered it as well?’

  ‘Who are you thinking of? Our absent Executive Adventures friend?’

  ‘Maybe. For one. He spends a fair bit of time out there by himself.’ Falk thought about the throngs of searchers and officers and park workers at the search site. ‘But I suppose a lot of people do.’

  They pulled into the lodge carpark and got their bags out of the boot. A ranger they’d seen before was behind the reception desk.

  ‘All happening up there, I hear?’ He looked from Falk to Carmen in hope of an update, but they just nodded. It was not their news to spread.

  The door leading to the kitchen area was ajar and through the gap Falk could see Margot Russell. She was sitting at a table and crying silently, one hand over her eyes, her shoulders heaving. She was between Jill Bailey and a woman with the distinctive look of a community social worker. Lauren hovered behind them.

  Falk turned away. They could speak to Margot later, now clearly wasn’t the time. Through the lodge’s large front window, he saw movement in the carpark. A dark head – no, two. Bree and Beth coming from the direction of the accommodation block. They were arguing. Falk couldn’t hear the words, but he saw them stop long enough to let a van drive by. The lettering on the side panel was distinctive. Executive Adventures. Ian Chase was back, from wherever he’d been. He nudged Carmen, who turned to look.

  The ranger behind the desk had finished checking them in and handed over two keys. ‘Same ones as last time,’ he said.

  ‘Thanks.’ Falk took them and turned to leave, distracted as he and Carmen watched Chase climb out of his van. They were nearly out the door when the ranger behind the desk called out.

  ‘Hey. Wait.’ He was holding a phone receiver, his brow furrowed. ‘You guys are police, right? Call for you.’

  Falk glanced at Carmen who shrugged, surprised. They walked back to the desk where Falk took the receiver and said his name. The voice on the other end was tinny and faint, but recognisable. Sergeant King.

  ‘Can you hear me?’ King’s words were rushed.

  ‘Barely.’

  ‘Shit. I’m still up near the site. On the rangers’ hut landline, reception’s always crap –’ He cut out. ‘Is that better?’

  ‘Not really.’

  ‘Never mind. Look, I’m on my way back. Are there any state officers there with you?’

  ‘No.’ They were the only ones in the reception area and the carpark was mostly deserted. Most officers must still be up at the site. ‘Just us.’

  ‘Okay. Mate, I need –’ Static. Nothing.

  ‘Wait. I lost you there.’

  ‘Jesus. Hear me now?’

  ‘Yeah.’

  ‘We’ve found her.’

  There was a rattle of white noise. Falk breathed in and breathed out.

  ‘You get that?’ King’s voice was quiet.

  ‘Yes. I got that. Alive?’ Falk knew the answer before he asked the question. Next to him, Carmen stood frozen.

  ‘No.’

  The word still came like a punch to the chest.

  ‘Listen.’ King’s voice was fading in and out. ‘We’re driving back now, quick as we can, but I need a favour. Who else is there?’

  Falk looked around. Carmen. The ranger behind the desk. Margot Russell and her social worker in the kitchen with Jill and Lauren. The twins in the carpark. Ian Chase locking up his van and walking away. He relayed the list to King. ‘Why?’

  More static. Then King’s faraway voice. ‘When we found her body, we found something else too.’

  Day 4: Sunday Morning

  The moon dipped behind a cloud, casting Alice Russell into shadow as she disappeared around the side of the cabin.

  Across the clearing, the watcher stepped out from behind the wall of eucalyptus trees, fumbling with a trouser zip. The faint whiff of urine, hot against the cold ground. What time was it? Nearly 4.30 am, the wristwatch’s glowing figures reported. A swift glance at the cabin showed no movement there.

  ‘Shit.’

  The watcher wavered, then ducked around the side of the cabin. The clouds parted and the long grass glowed silver and empty. The wall of trees was still. Alice was already out of sight.

  Chapter 25

  Two backpacks lay on the ground by the rear wheels of a rental car. The car boot was wide open, and the twins w
ere arguing in low voices, their heads close. The wind caught and lifted their hair, mingling the dark strands. They turned their heads in unison, the argument shrivelling to nothing as Falk and Carmen approached.

  ‘Sorry, ladies.’ Carmen kept her voice neutral. ‘We need you to come back inside the lodge.’

  ‘Why?’ Beth looked from one to the other, an odd expression on her face. Surprise, perhaps. Something else, maybe.

  ‘Sergeant King wants to speak to you.’

  ‘But why?’ Beth said again.

  Bree stood silently next to her sister, her wide-eyed gaze darting from face to face. She held her bandaged arm against her chest. Her other hand rested on the open car door.

  ‘Bree’s got an appointment,’ Beth said. ‘We were told we could leave.’

  ‘I understand that, but you’re being asked to stay. For now, at least. Come on.’ Carmen turned towards the lodge. ‘You can bring your bags.’

  Falk watched the twins exchange a glance he couldn’t read, then reluctantly pick up their backpacks. It seemed to take Bree a long time to shut the car door and walk away. They trudged over to the lodge. As they passed the kitchen window, Falk could see Jill and Lauren staring out. He avoided making eye contact.

  Carmen cleared the handful of searchers from the lounge area and ushered the twins inside.

  Jill and Lauren had come out into the lobby now, their faces long with curiosity. Falk shut the door on them and turned to the twins.

  ‘Take a seat.’

  He and Carmen sat down side by side on the ancient couch. Bree hesitated, then curled up in a chair opposite. She was picking at her bandage again.

  Beth stayed standing. ‘Are you going to tell us what’s going on?’

  ‘Sergeant King will explain when he gets here.’

  ‘When will that be?’

  ‘He’s on his way.’

  Beth glanced out of the window. In the carpark, an off-duty searcher had his two-way radio to his ear. He listened and gave a shout, calling over two others who had been loading something into a car. He pointed at the radio. Word was spreading, Falk guessed.

  Beth looked at him. ‘They’ve found her. Haven’t they?’

  The floorboards creaked and settled in the silence.

  ‘Is she dead?’

  Falk still said nothing and Beth threw a sideways glance at her sister. Bree’s face was frozen.

  ‘Where? Near the cabin?’ Beth said. ‘It has to be. There hasn’t been enough time since they found it to search much further. So she was there the whole time?’

  ‘Sergeant King will –’

  ‘Yeah, I know. You said. But I’m asking you. Please.’ Beth swallowed. ‘We deserve to know.’

  Falk shook his head. ‘You’ll have to wait, I’m sorry.’

  Beth paced over to the closed door. She stopped in front of it and suddenly turned. ‘Why aren’t Lauren and Jill in here as well?’

  ‘Beth. Stop.’ Bree looked up at last, her fingers picking at her arm.

  ‘Why? It’s a fair question. Why is it just us in here?’

  ‘Seriously, Beth. Shut up,’ Bree said. ‘Wait until the sergeant gets here.’

  Falk could still hear King’s voice on the phone. Wavering in and out, but clear enough where it mattered.

  When we found her body, we found something else.

  What?

  Beth stood very still. She was staring at her sister.

  ‘Why is it just us?’ she said again.

  ‘Stop talking.’ Bree was stiff in her chair, her fingers still pulling at her bandage.

  Beth blinked. ‘Unless it’s not?’ Her eyes darted to Falk. ‘Not us, I mean. Not both of us.’

  Falk couldn’t help shoot a glance at Bree, with her grey and fraying bandage and, underneath, the infected bite wound.

  When we found her body, we found something else. King’s voice had been hard to hear.

  What?

  Hiding in a dead tree right next to her. Bloody big carpet python.

  At last, Bree met her twin’s eye. ‘Shut up, Beth. Don’t talk.’

  ‘But –’ Beth’s voice shook.

  ‘Are you deaf?’

  ‘But –’ Beth faltered. ‘What’s going on? Did you do something?’

  Bree stared at her. Her hand had stilled, the bandage forgotten for once. ‘Did I do something?’ She laughed, short and bitter. ‘Just don’t.’

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘You know what I mean.’

  ‘I don’t.’

  ‘Really? Okay, then. What I mean, Beth, is don’t stand there in front of the police and ask me what I did like you haven’t got a clue. If you really want to do that, then let’s talk about what you did.’

  ‘Me? I haven’t done anything.’

  ‘Seriously? You’re going to pretend –’

  ‘Bree,’ Falk started. ‘I’d strongly advise you to wait –’

  ‘Pretend you’re all innocent? Like you had nothing to do with it?’

  ‘Nothing to do with what?’

  ‘Jesus, Beth! Are you really doing this? You’re really pointing the finger at me? With them right here?’ Bree waved towards Falk and Carmen. ‘None of this would even have happened if it wasn’t for you.’

  ‘None of what would have happened?’

  ‘Hey –’ Falk’s and Carmen’s attempts to interject were drowned out. Bree was on her feet now, eye to eye with her twin.

  Beth stepped back. ‘Listen to what I’m saying, I have no idea what you’re talking about.’

  ‘Bullshit.’

  ‘No. I mean it.’

  ‘That is bullshit, Beth! I can’t believe you’re actually doing this.’

  ‘Doing what?’

  ‘Trying to wash your own hands and drop me in it! In that case, why the hell should I even try to help you? Why shouldn’t I look after myself and tell the truth?’

  ‘The truth about what?’

  ‘That she was already dead!’ Bree’s eyes were wide, her dark hair swinging. ‘You know that! Alice was already dead when I found her.’

  Beth took another step back and looked at her twin. ‘Bree, I don’t –’

  Bree let loose a wail of frustration and spun around, her eyes pleading as they fell on Falk and Carmen.

  ‘It wasn’t how she’s making it sound. Don’t listen to her.’ Bree’s hand shook as she pointed at her sister. ‘Please. You have to make Sergeant King understand –’

  ‘Bree –’

  ‘Listen, Alice was already dead.’ Bree’s beautiful features were twisted and there were tears in her eyes. ‘I found her. On the path, early on Sunday morning. And I moved her. That’s when I got bitten. But that’s all I did. I didn’t hurt her, I swear. That’s the truth.’

  ‘Bree –’ Carmen tried this time, but Bree cut her off.

  ‘She was just slumped there. She wasn’t breathing. I didn’t know what to do. I was scared someone would come out and see her, so I grabbed her. I was only going to hide her in the bush until –’

  Bree stopped. She glanced back at her sister. Beth was gripping the back of a chair so hard that her knuckles glowed white.

  ‘Until I could speak to Beth. But then I tripped and I felt the snake near my arm.’

  ‘But why did you hide her, Bree?’ Beth had tears in her eyes.

  ‘Jesus. You know why.’

  ‘I don’t.’

  ‘Because –’ Bree’s face was flushed, two hot spots of colour on her cheeks. ‘Because –’ She couldn’t seem to finish her thought. She reached out a hand to her sister.

  ‘Because why?’

  ‘Because of you. I did it for you.’ She stretched, grabbing her sister’s arm this time. ‘You can’t get sent away again. It would kill Mum. She never told you, but it was so bad last t
ime. She got so much worse. It was horrible, watching her so sad, knowing it was my fault and –’

  ‘No. Bree, it was my fault I got sent away last time.’

  ‘No, it was my fault.’ Bree tightened her grip. ‘It wasn’t my neighbour who told the police you robbed me, it was me. I called them because I was so angry with you. I didn’t realise it would go that far.’

  ‘That wasn’t your fault.’

  ‘It was.’

  ‘No, that was my fault. But this –’ Beth stepped back, slipping her arm from her sister’s grasp. ‘This is so bad, Bree. Why would you do this?’

  ‘You know why.’ Bree reached out again, her fingertips snatching at thin air. ‘Of course you do. Because you’re my sister! We’re family.’

  ‘But you don’t trust me at all.’ Beth took another step back. ‘You honestly think I could do something like this?’

  Outside, Falk saw movement as a police car pulled up on the gravel. King climbed out.

  ‘But what else am I supposed to think? How am I supposed to trust you, after everything you’ve done?’ Bree was crying now, her face blotchy and flushed. ‘I can’t believe you’re standing there lying. Tell them! Please, Beth. For me. Tell them the truth!’

  ‘Bree –’ Beth stopped. She opened her mouth as though about to say something more, then closed it, and without another word, turned her back.

  Bree reached out, her good hand scrabbling and her cries echoing around the room as Sergeant King opened the lounge door.

  ‘You are a lying bitch! I hate you, Beth! I hate you for this! Tell them the truth!’ Bree was struggling to speak through her tears. ‘I did this for you.’

  With their faces twisted and angry with betrayal, Falk had never seen the twins look more alike.

  Day 4: Sunday Morning

  Alice Russell had stopped dead.

  She was just visible a short way ahead on the northbound trail, the moonlight pooling around her. The cabin was well out of sight now, tucked away behind the trees.

  Alice’s head was bowed, and her backpack was on the ground, leaning against a large rock. She had one hand pressed to her ear. Even from a distance, it was clear from the phone’s blue-white glow that her hand was shaking.