Free Gone Tropical by Robena Grant Page A

home alone. She’d befriend the woman and learn what she could. She ran a hand over her head expecting to feel the spikiness. She’d awakened early and gone to the market down the street from Brian’s apartment. She’d told him she needed a change.
    “You okay to keep driving?” she asked running a hand over her hair again. It had turned out pretty good, soft and wispy, blown dry in a kind of pixie cut. She pulled down the visor and took another look in the tiny mirror.
    “Yeah, no worries,” Brian said. “Sorry about the radio. No reception out here.”
    Amy nodded.
    “So, want to explain about the black hair, and who you’re running from?” he asked.
    He was a nice guy, this Brian. He’d surprised her though. Smart as a whip and hadn’t asked too many questions last night, just been supportive and reassuring. When she’d gotten back from the market this morning, he’d already showered and dressed. She glanced over at his neatly pressed khaki walking shorts and clean pale blue collared T-shirt and hiking boots. He’d shaved off his weekend stubble and shampooed his hair. His eyes were nice, big and brown and soulful; he reminded her of Hugh Jackman. The whole biker thing was obviously a weekend attempt at being a bad boy. Even his speech had improved.
    “Do you have a girlfriend in Cairns, Brian?” she asked, trying to change the subject.
    “Nah. I was engaged once, but she took off.”
    Amy nodded.
    “What about you?”
    How open did she want to be? He was a stranger, but a nice man, and he had helped her, was still helping her. He seemed friendly enough and she needed to start trusting someone. She’d been alone too long. All men couldn’t be bad, could they? “I was married. He found someone else. He’s the one I told you about last night. The one I’m tracking.”
    “Think you’ll ever do it again, get married I mean?”
    “Doubt it.”
    “Yeah, shit happens,” he said softly. “But it’s hard to get over it. I notice you still wear your rings.”
    Amy glanced at her hand. “Oh, no, these are not my wedding rings, just part of my disguise.”
    It was silent for a while, conversation was difficult to maintain on the rough dirt road. They had to wait until they hit a smooth spot. Clouds of dust billowed up around the jeep. Amy stared out the dusty window; at least the shiny bright yellow color would be less noticeable. It was a huge leap of faith on her part, trusting a guy.
    “Honest Brian, I don’t know who is following me. But my instincts tell me it isn’t someone connected to Jake Turner.”
    “So, Jake is a decent bloke?”
    “Yeah. He’s a jackass, but he’s just doing what Daddy has asked him to do. What he’s being paid to do.”
    “You going to call him?”
    “When we get back to Cairns.”
    Brian went quiet for a minute. “What will you do if you find your ex?”
    “I’m not sure. Call the authorities. Maybe call Jake first.” The jeep took a slight curve and then a dip. “Ohhh.”
    Spread below was a magnificent valley bordered by dense tree-covered mountains that separated the inland from the coast. A river ran through the area, and dotted around the water’s edge was a clearing and several large buildings and cabins.
    “Bungumby,” Brian said waving one hand. “Bloody beautiful.”
    “Breathtaking.” Brian was comfortable to be with, like a brother, but not like any brother of hers. She glanced over at his profile, noticed the crease of concentration on his brow and wished he might find someone spectacular to share his life with. He deserved someone special.
    They pulled into the parking lot in front of the lodge and Amy was out of the car in a flash. “I’ll check on accommodations.” She winked at Brian. “Get my back, okay?”
    Brian nodded.
    “If you see the woman I described...”
    “Yeah, I know. Chat her up. I’m your Aussie cousin.” He laughed and followed her up the small pathway.
    Inside the lodge, Amy headed straight to reception.