Hirsch said gently, ‘And?’

‘And let’s just say Daryl hasn’t made the wisest friendship choice.’

True, but as far as Hirsch could tell, there were no other boys Daryl’s age in the town. He told her about spotting the ute, half-concealed on a side track, and earlier spotting Daryl Cobb and Adam Flann nearby. ‘Walking back to town along the side of the highway.’

Another silence. When it grew uncomfortable Nan said, ‘People say you’re fair.’

Hirsch said nothing.

‘Please don’t charge them with anything.’

He sat back. ‘Of course, it’s always possible they didn’t take it.’

She shook her head. ‘We both know it was them.’

‘It’s theft, Nan,’ Hirsch said. ‘And driving an unregistered, unroadworthy vehicle. And if Daryl was at the wheel it’s driving without a licence.’

With some heat, Nan Washburn said, ‘But no harm done, and it would have been Adam’s idea, and think what a court appearance would do to Daryl, not to mention his poor mother or Laura.’

Hirsch folded his arms. ‘What do you suggest?’

Nan gave him a half-humorous grin. ‘A stern talking-to?’ She warmed to the theme. ‘Neither of those boys has had a proper father-figure in his life. They’d listen to you.’

Hirsch wasn’t so sure. He said, ‘First, was there anything of value in the ute?’

‘Maybe they were just joyriding, not stealing.’

‘Nan, listen to me. Was there cash in the glove box? Or tools, a mobile phone, prescription painkillers?’

‘Nothing like that.’

‘Any kind of firearm?’

‘No.’

Good. If the boys had removed anything from the ute, they’d have hidden it in the grass, and Hirsh didn’t fancy poking about. This weather brought out the snakes. ‘Copper tubing?’

‘Oh.’ A look of mild amazement, a memory returning. ‘Actually, yes, left over from when I had the laundry done.’

But would those boys know the copper was worth a few dollars? Had they even looked under the tonneau cover? Hirsch said, ‘Will this affect your relationship with Daryl? And his sister?’

‘Laura’s lovely. She’s not involved, and no way am I tarring her with anything. She thinks both boys are idiots, anyway. As for Daryl, the only useful mothering he gets is from his little sister. And me, to a lesser extent. I’ll talk to him. It’ll be okay.’

‘Adam?’

‘Adam I want nothing to do with. But I suppose the police can’t take it up with one boy and not the other—how about you deal with him and I’ll deal with Daryl?’

‘No, I don’t think so,’ Hirsch said. ‘We need something…stronger. More formal.’