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Gina shivered but she didn’t resist when Heather took her arm gently and pulled her up to a sitting position.

‘Where are we?’ Heather had turned the headlights off and it was pitch dark. Only the noises of the bush broke the silence. Fear slithered through Gina, like a cold rush in her blood; no matter what she said, she wasn’t sure if Heather was telling the truth. Anyone who would sedate and kidnap someone was not a good person.

Heather took Gina’s tied hands in her own. ‘Don’t worry. Please, you have to trust me. You’re safe and it will keep him happy. When it’s all over, I’ll come and get you and take you back to your children. I promise.’

‘Is this where you live?’ Gina looked around. It was dark and there were no lights, no sign of any habitation.

‘God, no. It’s a fishing shack that Dad uses sometimes. I can’t take you to our place because then Dad would know what I’ve done. He’d kill me.’ For the first time, a glimmer of humour came into Heather’s voice. ‘As soon as he votes, I’ll come and take you back. I promise.’

‘Votes? But that’s not till Monday.’ Gina’s voice broke.

‘I have to go home now. I’ll come back tomorrow with something for your dinner.’

Home? Where was home? After she’d regained consciousness, they had been in the car for only a short time but Gina had no idea how long she’d been out to it.

‘I can’t stay here by myself.’ Horror at being left alone set her shaking again. ‘Why can’t you stay with me?’

‘Because I’ve got Dad’s car, and he’ll wonder where I am. I’ll get you a blanket. There’s some biscuits in the fridge and lots of water. You’ll be fine.’

‘Are you going to untie my hands?’ The conversation was almost surreal, but unless she was misreading Heather’s intent, there was no malice in her actions.

‘Yes, when we get inside. As long as you promise that you won’t try anything. I don’t want to frighten you, but don’t go outside. The shack is close to the river and it’s a gathering place for crocodiles . . . and there are snakes around too.

Heather held a small torch that lit their way through the long grass. Holding Gina’s arm, she led her up two steps onto a wooden porch before pushing open the door. The musty smell was cloying and Gina gagged again. Heather led her over to a low bed and she sat down as Heather disappeared through a door. Gina’s back was aching from being in the back of the car. When Heather returned, she held a bottle of cold water. She put it on the floor beside them and stared at Gina in the torchlight.

‘If I untie your hands, will you promise not to try anything?’ Her dark eyes were serious as she held Gina’s gaze.

Gina stared at her. She would do anything to get away from here, even if it meant driving that car herself. Her intent must have been clear. Heather sighed and turned around. She picked up the water bottle and unscrewed the lid before placing it in Gina’s hands.

‘Thank you.’ The bottle was cold in her hands as she drank and the water soothed her throat.

‘Lie down, and put your hands on your stomach.’ Heather pulled something from her pocket. Gina’s blood chilled as she tried to see what was in her hand.

‘It’s all right. I just have to take your photo and send it to him.’

The door closed and Gina was left alone. The sound of a vehicle driving away was the only sound in the still of the night. She lay on her back and worked at the tie around her wrists until the muscles in her forearms burned with the effort. She wasn’t going to risk standing unless she could use her hands to support herself; her head was still woozy from whatever it was Heather had given her. The last thing she wanted to do was fall and injure the baby.

Oh Dio, what if the drug has hurt the baby?

She lay still and waited for the baby to kick, but there was no movement. She pressed her hands onto her stomach and waited. In her haziness, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt it.

‘Come on, little one, wake up. Kick your mama. Please.’ She pressed again. Tears seeped from her eyes as she held her breath and waited for the familiar strong thrust against the walls of her womb. Waiting for what seemed forever.

But there was nothing.

A sob tore from her throat and Gina gave in and let go of the scream that had been building in her chest. ‘Help me, somebody help me.’

The mournful cry of a night bird was the only reply.

Chapter 29

Friday night

Fairweather Residence, Darwin

Russell sat back in his leather recliner and sipped a glass of the finest shiraz. The sharp blackberry taste settled on his tongue as he rolled the liquid in his mouth. It had been a satisfying end to a successful day.

David Johnson had hightailed it to Kakadu, and as far as Russell could ascertain from his contact at police headquarters, there had been no report of a kidnapping.