Whitsunday Dawn

by Annie Seaton

  Liv threw the phone down and closed her eyes. She laid her head back on the soft cushioned padding behind her.

  ‘Bravo.’ Fynn stood in the galley, unmoving, his eyes fixed on her. ‘I couldn’t help but overhear. In fact, I could hear you up on deck.’ He put the pizza box and a bottle of red wine on the sink before he came across to the table.

  Liv bit her lip and looked down; her hands were shaking. He sat beside her and his voice was soft and kind. ‘Well, darlin’, after a conversation like that, how can I help?’

  ‘First up, you can pour me a wine.’ Liv blinked away the moisture that was stinging her eyes. It wasn’t grief, but anger, a cold anger that she knew had settled in her for a long time to come. She lifted her chin and firmed her voice. ‘Then, you can accept my apology.’

  Warm hands held her shoulders, and then Fynn lifted her chin with one finger so she was looking at him. ‘No need for any apology.’

  ‘Yes, there is. I accused you unfairly.’

  ‘No, you didn’t. I heard most of what you said. Not many people would be brave enough to take Andrew Sheridan on.’

  The lack of food, the bilious attack and the conversation with her father overwhelmed Liv in a crashing wave of reaction. Her lips trembled and she shivered as he held her gaze.

  ‘Can you just hold me, please?’ Liv closed her eyes as Fynn pulled her close and she rested her cheek against the comforting firmness of his chest.

  * * *

  Liv was slim but her soft curves pressed against Fynn as he held her close. He’d been right about her moral core. The things she’d said to her father—that bastard Andrew Sheridan—had been on the mark. The two guys who had been with her at the meeting this morning had walked out on her, even though she was obviously unwell. He’d known as soon as they’d stopped her presentation that she was in trouble.

  He wondered what the problem was. Something stank about the whole thing, but Greg was on it and would find something, he had no doubt of that.

  When Earlando Bay had appeared on the screen, those attending the meeting had been silent for a moment before all hell had broken loose. And then that pointy-faced guy with the slick hair had pulled the power cord out and turned on Liv.

  Her strength in standing up to her father on the phone surprised him. Honesty was good but after some of the things Greg had unearthed about Andrew Sheridan, Fynn wondered how wise it would be having him as an enemy.

  Daughter or not.

  She was still and quiet in his arms, and he stared across the top of her head to the lights blinking out on the harbour wall. Her breathing was slow and deep and she didn’t say anything. Liv was Sheridan’s daughter, and she’d quit his company as Fynn had stood in the galley with a box of pizza. Her words had been blunt and brave, and she’d not held back. He wondered what was in this folder that seemed to have caused the problem.

  Eventually, she stirred in his arms and pulled back, dropping her arms to her sides. Her cheeks were flushed, but it was better than the earlier pallor.

  Liv dropped her chin and her arms crept around to hug herself. ‘I’m sorry. I guess I’m a bit fragile from being sick.’ She kept looking down and didn’t meet his eyes.

  ‘There’s no need to be embarrassed. You’ve had a pretty big day. And then not being well topped it all off.’ He put his hand out and gently took her chin and she looked up. ‘And then to have a conversation like that at the end of a day like you had, I’m impressed that you’re still standing.’

  She lifted her head higher and her eyes flashed. ‘If you could have heard what he was saying …’

  ‘Tell me as much as you want but first, I’ve got a lovely supreme pizza from the best pizzeria on the Queensland coast.’

  ‘You know, I think it might have been the seasick tablets that I took before I left Hamilton Island this morning. I think I’d rather have chanced seasickness than ending up like I did.’

  Fynn was pleased when her eyes brightened and her lips tilted upwards. Her smile was shaky, but it was a smile.

  His gut tightened, and he stood and reached over to pick up the pizza box from the bench, shaking his head. ‘Trust me, darlin’. Seasickness is not pretty. Now, are you up for pizza, or will I eat it all?’

  CHAPTER

  15

  Liv was starving, and there wasn’t much conversation as she and Fynn made quick work of the pizza. Apart from a lingering tiredness and thirst, the awful sickness that had hit her this morning had disappeared. Yet despite the tiredness, in another way she was full of energy. In between eating, she stood and roamed around the cabin as she talked to Fynn.

  ‘Maybe I should have ordered two pizzas.’ His eyes crinkled in a smile as he held up the bottle of wine, offering to top up her glass. Since he’d held her, Liv had relaxed and strangely felt more comfortable with him even though it was only three days since she had met him.

  She shook her head and put her hand over the glass. ‘No thanks. I’ll fall asleep again.’

  He grinned. ‘The way you’ve been up and down for the last half hour, it looks like you’ve already had your night’s sleep.’

  ‘Thanks for looking after me today.’ She pulled a face. ‘Anthony and that guy from Zenith must have taken off quickly.’

  ‘Like rats up a rafter.’ Fynn laughed. ‘They didn’t even wait for a taxi. Last I saw, they were walking around the boardwalk into town.’

  ‘Hopefully followed by an angry mob?’ she asked.

  ‘No. But looking decidedly pissed off. And while I was waiting for you to come out, they were arguing outside and it looked pretty nasty.’

  Liv sat down again. ‘I’d say it was because I was given access to a folder instead of to the file I needed. I downloaded the wrong presentation. Apparently, the new site at Earlando Bay is still confidential.’

  ‘Not anymore, it’s not. No wonder your father is so pissed off.’ Fynn leaned back and put his hands behind his head. ‘So, what are your plans now you don’t have a job?’

  ‘First off, I have to get back to my hotel room on Hamilton Island, and see about my flight back to Sydney. Do the water taxis leave from here or will I have to go back around to Port of Airlie?’

  He waved a dismissive hand. ‘Don’t worry about that. We’ll take you back over in the morning.’

  ‘Who’s we?’

  ‘Me and this lovely lady.’

  ‘Who?’ When Liv frowned, he grinned.

  ‘Footprint, my yacht.’

  ‘Thank you. I owe you big time.’

  ‘I actually meant what are your plans past the next few days.’ Fynn’s tone was more serious now.

  Liv shrugged. ‘I haven’t really had time to absorb all of the changes that have hit me today.’

  He stared at her for a moment and his eyes were intense. ‘Were you serious when you said you were going to fight the development? Using what you have to expose whatever they’re doing to get all these approvals through? We could use some help, and some inside knowledge would be very helpful if we’re going to beat this.’

  ‘We?’ she asked.

  ‘Greg, my journo mate, and I have been digging away at this together for almost a year now. And Byron is with us too. You knew he was on the regional council, didn’t you?’

  She nodded.

  ‘What do you mean digging?’

  ‘I hate to be the one to tell you, but Sheridan Corp has a pretty shaky track record.’ He reached for the wine bottle and topped up both their glasses.

  ‘I need to know what exactly is happening up here. Down in the office, I’m involved with the data analysis, predominantly the economic benefits, and I guess, I really missed the human element.’

  ‘You mean, like those who are pulling the strings?’

  She shook her head emphatically. ‘Yes, that’s a part of it. But what I meant is the real impact that the project would have on this area. You’d have to be blind Freddie not to see that. The waterways, the tourists, the whales … I guess just the absolute pristine nature o
f the place. I didn’t get that through facts and figures. The thought of a coal loader extending out into the sea from that bay, and coal ships travelling through the Passage—’ She cut herself off and shook her head again. ‘It’s just not right. So, tell me what you know.’

  ‘We know a lot of what’s happening, but getting reliable evidence is almost impossible. There’s corruption everywhere you turn. Money buys favours and silence, and a blind eye can be turned to legislation if the right palms are greased. Greg did an initial report in the Courier Mail over the weekend. He could only use the facts that he can prove but we know so much more that we can’t use yet.’

  ‘Greg Coutts? I read that article. He’s your journo friend?’

  ‘He is. He’s a good man. Honest and tenacious. Like me, he knows there’s a lot going on behind the scenes here. The level of corruption in the government sign off—well, just let me say, I’d find it hard to believe it if I hadn’t seen the evidence that Greg has gotten hold of.’

  ‘Could you really use me?’ Her voice was soft as regret slammed through her. Regret that she’d been a part of this corruption that he talked about. It might have been unknowing, but she’d been too focused on trying to please Dad and get promoted. ‘I’m ashamed of myself, Fynn. I’ve been naïve, and I’ve been duped and used. I’m going to nail the bastard.’

  His eyes widened. ‘That’s your father you’re talking about.’

  ‘No. From now on, I’ll listen to my mother and my grandmother, they tried to tell me, but I was so ambitious and so sure I could measure up, I put up with the way he treated me. No more. He’s done it and I’m angry.’

  Fynn’s wide smile sent a fluttering feeling to Liv’s stomach. ‘So why leave? Why not stay now and help us?’

  She looked down at her work shirt with a grimace. ‘I’ve got two business outfits, a sarong, swimmers, and a couple of casual outfits with me.’

  ‘We have shops here.’

  His smile really should be declared illegal.

  Fynn was way too good-looking for her peace of mind. When he smiled his whole face lit up, and more importantly, he’d shown her he was a really nice guy along with the good looks. Kind and dependable.

  ‘Unless you have a reason to go home, and then you could turn around and come up a few days later?’

  Liv tucked her feet beneath her and picked up the wine glass. She looked over the rim at Fynn as she thought about what he’d suggested. There was no reason to go back to Sydney yet. She was well qualified; it wouldn’t take much to find another job and get immersed in another company. Her career was her security, and it was all she had in her life.

  Up until now.

  ‘You’re right, you know. I’ve got no reason to go south just yet. I’ve got nothing planned until I visit my grandmother at the end of the month, so all I really have to do is check out of the hotel and find an apartment.’ Anticipation filled her as her thoughts scurried around. The holiday she’d needed for a long time, in a beautiful location, and while she was here, she could try to make amends for what her father’s company was trying to do to the environment. ‘So what do you think? Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island? What would make the most sense?’ she asked.

  Fynn’s smile disappeared and he cleared his throat. ‘What about on the water? I’ve got a perfectly good spare cabin here, and if we’re going to be working together …’

  ‘Thank you, that’s a lovely gesture for someone you barely know, but who knows how long I’ll stay up here. The way I’m feeling now, I don’t ever want to go back to the city.’

  ‘Well then, I think the mainland is probably the best place to base yourself. Give me a minute.’ Fynn reached for his phone and punched in a number.

  ‘Hey, Byron. You busy, mate?’ He listened for a while. ‘Is anyone in Shingley Beach at the moment?’ He smiled at Liv and she fought back the warmth that settled in her belly. ‘No? That’s great. Close it off for a fortnight to start with.’ He nodded and disconnected.

  Liv frowned. ‘Shingley Beach? What’s that?’

  ‘Byron and I have an apartment there that we holiday let. You’re in luck. It’s empty at the moment. You have somewhere to stay, Ms Sheridan.’

  ‘I’ll pay, of course.’

  ‘Okay, but mate’s rates. I’ll be putting you to work, don’t you worry.’ He took her hand and his voice was serious. ‘And the first thing I want to see is this folder that your father is so damned upset about.’

  Liv nodded and determination filled her voice. ‘Why not start now?’

  Fynn was cautious. He was all too aware of the reach of those in Sheridan Corp.

  ‘Liv, I don’t want to worry you. But I do want you to be aware that you have to be careful. You’ve put yourself in the sights of the big boys now, and they’ve got a lot to lose. Do you mind if I talk to Greg first?’

  She yawned as he waited for her to answer. There were dark circles beneath her eyes, and her face was still pale. ‘I’m happy for you to do that.’

  ‘Are you okay to spend tonight on board? Byron said he’d get the apartment serviced tomorrow. By the time we sail back to Hamo and collect your luggage, and then come back to the mainland, it should be ready for you.’

  ‘I appreciate the offer. Thank you. And yes, call Greg.’

  ‘I’ve already told him about the meeting, and he’s looking at Earlando Bay, but I’d like to tell him you’re prepared to work with us. And about these files you’ve got. From what you said about your father’s reaction, whatever they are, it sounds like they could be crucial.’

  Liv took their plates across to the galley and ran the hot water as he dialled Greg’s number. As he waited for Greg to pick up, Fynn looked at her as she stood at the sink. She’d rolled up the sleeves of her corporate shirt and pulled it loose from the fitted skirt. He let his gaze linger; it was obvious that she looked after herself. Her calf muscles were toned and—

  Jesus. Fynn looked away. This was not the time to be thinking about Liv like that. Even if he’d been attracted to her from the first time her cool gaze had locked with his as he’d walked her along the street at Hamo.

  ‘Fynn.’ He turned his attention to Greg when his mate picked up the phone.

  ‘Hey, mate.’ As he answered, Liv came back over to the table and slid in beside him. Her eyes stayed on his face. ‘I’ve got something else for you. And I need some advice.’ Fynn smiled at Liv as she listened. ‘After the fiasco today, Liv Sheridan is leaving Sheridan Corp and wants to come on board with us.’

  ‘Christ, mate. Are you sure that’s a wise move? It’s not a set-up, is it?’ Greg’s voice was wary. ‘Or you’re thinking with your—’

  ‘No. I’m not.’ Fynn cut him off. ‘I’m going to put you on speakerphone now, so Liv can join the conversation. And yes, it’s the right thing to do.’ He held her gaze as he put his mobile onto speaker. ‘I trust Liv and she’s on board, one hundred percent.’

  Fynn listened as Greg outlined what he’d discovered since their earlier call. ‘There’s something going on that’s upset them. There’s been a flurry of calls to and from China all day.’

  Liv’s eyebrows rose, but Fynn shook his head. ‘Okay. Let me know if anything comes out of that.’ Greg had a contact in Sheridan Corp who kept him informed. Fynn suspected that Liv was naïve when it came to company espionage. There was no loyalty that couldn’t be brought down with the right incentive, or enough money. ‘There’s one thing you need to know, and it could be what’s got them buzzing. I’ll let Liv tell you.’

  He nodded at Liv and she spoke slowly. ‘Hi, Greg.’

  ‘Hello, Olivia.’

  ‘Liv, please.’ Her hand was shaking as she reached up and pushed her hair back. ‘I might know what’s caused that upset you talked about. My father’s PR guy, Rod Smythe, gave me the rights to some files two nights ago. By mistake, I know now. I wasn’t sure which one I was supposed to download so I downloaded the whole folder onto my computer.’

  Greg’s whistle was shrill. ‘
Could be interesting.’

  Liv glanced at Fynn and he shot her a smile. ‘And to put it not so politely, it appears the shit has hit the fan,’ she said.

  ‘Where’s the computer now? You’ve still got those files?’

  ‘Yes. It’s with us here on the boat,’ Fynn answered.

  ‘Great. Do they know you’re quitting?’

  ‘Yes. My father demanded I send the computer back now.’

  Greg spoke quickly. ‘Have you been online since the meeting, Liv?’

  Fynn looked at Liv and she shook her head. ‘No.’

  ‘Good. Now, listen carefully. Don’t log on to the internet. Your login to the company network is sure to be gone, but I’m sure they’ll still be able to log into the computer if it’s on a network. What you have to do is get that computer backed up before I get there. If those files are incriminating, they’ll be watching and waiting for you to go online.’ Liv’s eyes were wide as Greg lowered his voice. ‘Or more likely, they’ll come looking for it. I know what those bastards are like.’

  ‘They don’t know where I am.’ Her voice shook. Fynn reached over and squeezed her hand.

  ‘Take care.’ Greg’s voice was brisk. ‘I’ll fly up tomorrow.’

  Liv was quiet once the call ended. Fynn got up and filled the kettle. He held up a cup and she nodded.

  ‘Coffee, please. White, no sugar.’

  ‘It won’t keep you awake?’

  ‘If I have trouble sleeping tonight, I can guarantee it won’t be the coffee.’

  Fynn waited for the kettle to boil and once he’d poured two coffees, he gestured to the door with his head. ‘Let’s go up on deck. A bit of fresh air is what you need.’ He waited till Liv stood and then he followed her up to the deck, and once she was settled on the cushioned seat near the helm, he passed her the coffee mug.