‘You gotta know what them boys are capable of. What their fathers, grandfathers and family done to blackfullas in this town. Especially the women.’ Her rheumy eyes watch me intently while she hits on all my fears. ‘We’re meat, girl. Meat to be used like any other native animal.’ She spits the words at me and I can’t help the flinch. ‘Bah. How can someone so weak face that?’

I look at her straight and say the only thing that matters: ‘Cos I need to find Laney.’

My voice shakes. It is my worst nightmare but I know the possibilities. We all do.

‘Mmm, then maybe you’ll find her, ay?’ She reaches out a frail hand and rests it under my chin, thumb pressing just under my lip. ‘Don’t fret, girl, wherever your sister is, your connection can bring her back. Our women been lived through worse. I did.’

I don’t realise tears are flowing down my face till she gently brushes them away. Her paper-thin skin feels like dry leaves.

‘How did you survive?’ I whisper.

‘Not well, bub. Not too well. But I lost my strength, them bastards ripped him from me doling out white justice. You gotta make sure to be that strength for her when you find her.’ She smiles at me and for some reason the sadness in it hurts. ‘You gotta make sure you end up back here with her or you may as well never have pulled her out. At least there she can believe in you, here, living.’

‘Do you remember where you was?’

‘You know where.’ I can see pity in her face.

‘They were parked on the other side of the property from the house.’ The old girl looks at me, lets me say it myself: ‘Near that mountain.’

A single nod of encouragement is all she gives me.

‘But Aunty, we’re not sposed to go there. Nan said so. All the old fullas say so, and Laney always listens to em.’

Another nod. ‘And maybe she did this time too. Maybe she got taken there, against her will.’

Goosebumps race everywhere reminding me of last night’s dream.

‘Aunty,’ I pause, not really sure I want to ask this, but I push the words out, ‘I thought I heard somethin outside the house. Do you know what it is?’

The old girl’s hand drops so fast my head falls forwards. Only then do I realise I’ve been leaning into her.

‘No. No! Not that. No, no, not again!’

And just like that she’s gone. Only this time I’ve seen the real person under that trauma. I am still scared but I don’t run this time. Grabbing her flailing hands I grip them tight, forcing her eyes back to mine.

‘No, it’s not. Me and Sam’ll make sure of it.’ I say it firmly with utter belief. There is no other option.