Page 79 of Between Two Shores

“Oh, how terrible. And they convinced this boy to do their dirty work? I’m glad you’ve caught them.”

“Only because you sent your American contacts to interrogate the locals.”

She gave a small laugh. “They were meant to coax the information out of people, so I don’t think they would’ve demanded anything. I guess the military uniform scared the boy. But they were touring for the day. Thank goodness they changed after talking to the general store staff and not before.”

“The boy panicked and told the directors the military were scouring the island and collecting evidence. That’s why the developers backed out. They offered to pay the teen to collect all the bait immediately. He refused the money and told them he had to do it to clear his conscience.”

“That’ll work in the boy’s favor, that he refused to take more money and showed remorse.”

“For sure. So, your boss will be very happy with you.”

Beth walked around her desk. “Ugh. About that. I’m not working for the local paper anymore.”

“Well, this is bigger than Fremantle news. I’d imagine it would be of national interest. Over four hundred and sixteen dead Quokkas is a significant number since there’s a minimal population of them. Approach the West Australian and The National.”

Her pulse quickened as she picked up a pencil. “When’s the court hearing?”

A shovel of papers sounded through the speaker. “The court case is on the thirtieth. We have enough evidence, but expect it to be a drawn out process.”

She flipped a page of her notepad. “Have you issued a press release yet?”

Lachlan appeared and tapped on the glass door.

She pointed her pencil at her phone, then waved him inside.

Sergeant Andrews continued, “Our media liaison officer is working on the statement. But I wanted to honor your work and let you know before the press release date next week. I’ll send some documents that you can forward with your submission to the papers, to validate your article.”

Lachlan crept to the corner of the room and studied her selection of books in the shelves.

“Sergeant Andrews, thank you so much.”

Lachlan swung to face her and raised his brows.

“Thank you, thank you. I’ll get onto it straight away.”

“I’ll send the email now. Good day to you, Bethany.”

“Fabulous. Bye now.”

She threw her phone and pencil onto her desk, ran and lunged herself at Lachlan like a torpedo. She swung her arms around his neck. “I love you!” And smacked a kiss on his cheek.

Lachlan stumbled back, wide eyes.

Drats. She didn’t want to be the first one to say it. “And Wally. I love you and Wally.” She bounced on her toes.

His brow furrowed. “Wally? What are you talking about?”

She squeezed his cheeks and when he grimaced, she let go. Too much.

“You’re heroes!” Beth pitter-patted her palms in front of her chest and let out a little squeal. “You and Wally scared the heck out of a teenager on the island that day. He’s had nightmares ever since and finally confessed. He played a part in poisoning the wildlife.”

Lachlan blinked.

“The Quokkas!” She grabbed his hands and swung them side to side. “And you got the name of the builders. All the information I submitted lines up with the boy’s statement.”

He let go of her hands and flashed an amused smile. “Great. So you’re going to become a big name reporter?”

She waved her hand and scoffed. “Nah. I’ll use a pen name. Especially for this. A tad dangerous. I don’t care about fame. I’m just glad they caught the men who did it. Justice has been served.” She high-fived Lachlan and he laughed.

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