‘No, I’m free.’

‘It’s just a courtesy call, really, to let you know that the White Winter Station subdivision was approved at a special council meeting last night.’

Flowers frowned. ‘How come it was a special meeting?’

‘Oh, that’s not unusual. We hold them from time to time to clear the backlog. I remember you asking about community opposition, so I wanted to let you know it all went very smoothly.’

‘I appreciate you letting me know, Mhanda.’

‘No problem, Detective. Have a good day.’

‘You too.’

Flowers took a sip of his coffee then returned to the tearoom to tell the others.

‘Wow, talk about good news followed by bad,’ said Sterling. ‘Isn’t it preferable to hear the bad news first? What an emotional twenty-four hours for that family.’

Flowers nodded. ‘The sale can be settled now, and the Lorrimers will get their money.’

‘Not that it will be much use to Heidi in prison,’ said Sterling.

‘It’ll still be there when she gets out,’ said Flowers.

They quietened, nodding to a group of uniformed officers who came into the tearoom.

‘What about that insurance policy, Sarge?’ Flowers said, leaning forward once the officers had passed by. ‘Will Heidi get a third share in that too?’

Ryder shook his head. ‘She’s entitled to the inheritance from her parents, which is her share of the property, but the insurance money will be paid to the company, and she can’t share in that. It would be profiting from the proceeds of crime.’

‘Right,’ said Flowers. ‘I imagine Owen Temple’s celebrating, and the Buchanans. It looks like their dream is going to come true.’

‘Provided Temple keeps his word to Lewis Buchanan,’ said Ryder.

Sterling sighed. ‘I’ve never worked on a case like this before, with so much family history involved.’

Flowers caught Sterling’s eye. ‘This one’s been pretty unique.’

‘I agree,’ said Ryder with a tap on the arm of his chair. ‘So, as of now, you’re both off duty for the next couple of days.’

Flowers watched as Sterling’s face lit up. ‘Thanks, Sarge, I could really do with a break.’

‘I know.’

‘Yeah, thanks, Sarge. We need to pick up Sterling’s car and the rest of her gear from Khancoban.’ Flowers looked at Sterling. ‘Maybe we should do that tomorrow.’

‘That sounds like a good plan,’ Ryder said. ‘And tonight, you’re having dinner with us at the Golden Wattle, Sterling, to celebrate the excellent work you’ve done on this case. It’s important for morale that we celebrate our wins.’

‘That sounds amazing, Sarge, I’m looking forward to it already,’ Sterling said. ‘I’ve been eating pub grub for the last eight weeks.’

Ryder pushed back his chair. ‘Okay, I’m off to have a late lunch with Benson. He can’t make it tonight—he’ll be with his family.’