Chapter 65
Sophie gazed out the window of Barb’s station wagon, marvelling at the endlessness of the flat brown land that stretched into the distance in every direction, dotted with scrubby trees and rusty farm equipment.
It was still early but the sky overhead was already impossibly blue.
She felt a sense of freedom, but the feeling was fleeting.
She looked at her Subaru, which Barry was towing in front. How much would a new tyre cost?
She’d been trying not to access her secret bank account in case Ryan managed to trace it.
Was that even possible? She didn’t know, but she suspected he’d find a way.
It felt safer to be using cash, but the stash of notes was dwindling.
It was only a matter of time before she would have to start leaving an electronic trail.
Barb slowed down as they reached the outskirts of Longreach.
‘Election day,’ she said, gesturing out the window at a council building where primary-coloured campaign posters lined the fence.
Sophie gave her a nod. ‘Have to remember to vote,’ she said, although she had no intention of it.
She thought of Carrinya and Ryan and Maddie Marshall, her chest tight. They must have found the ring by now. Had Ryan been charged? Was he in jail? There’d been nothing in the papers when she checked before they left Cunnamulla the previous day.
The car came to a stop in front of a cafe next door to Longreach Tyre Centre where a man with enormous biceps was unloading Sophie’s car.
Barb turned to the kids in the back. ‘Best milkshakes in town.
My shout.’
Sophie gave her a grateful smile.
‘G’day, Barb!’ the waitress said. ‘Anywhere you like.’
The kids went to a table while Sophie and Barb ordered at the counter.
‘Mum!’ Charlie exclaimed.
Sophie swung around to see him holding up a copy of the Courier-Mail, an image of Geoff Marshall on the cover. Then she realised Charlie was pointing to a smaller photo of Ryan. The headline read, NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN COLD CASE DEATH OF MP’S DAUGHTER.
She grabbed the paper from his hands, her eyes skittering across the text. New charges … Carrinya real estate agent … cold case … perjury … perverting the course of justice … refused bail …
Sophie felt eyes on her and looked up.
‘Someone you know?’ Barb said gently.