‘Sophie, I understand that, more than you’d know at the moment.’ She paused, wondering how to start. ‘I live in Barker now, and there have been reports of a drone being flown over farms. I just happened to drive past when you and your friends were pulled over by the police, and I’ve put two and two together. I also know from your LinkedIn profile that you’re an active member of Voices for Animals. I wondered if I could talk to you about what your objective is? As a journalist, I like to get the facts from all sides of a story so I can report fairly.’

‘What would you like to know?’

‘What are you trying to achieve? What is your main objective?’

‘The main objective is for people to understand what goes on behind the farm gate. We’re putting the drone up in drought-affected areas to make sure the stock are being fed properly, that they have water and aren’t sick or weak. As an environmental scientist, I also have an interest in how the land is looking throughout the drought, but primarily we just want to know that the animals are okay.’

‘That’s a great objective. And you do this with the use of a drone?’

‘We’re not breaking any laws. It’s legal for us to stand on the road and put it up. If we’re on the public road verge, we’re still able to fly it over private property. And we also make sure we don’t get any people in the footage.’

‘So you don’t feel as if that’s trespassing in a different way?’

‘Not if it’s for the betterment of animals’ lives.’

‘Okay. Look, I’d like to write a really balanced story about this. Would I be able to contact you again for comment?’

‘Any time.’

Zara put down the phone and smiled. Contact made and a distraction had.

CHAPTER 20

Chapter 20

I hate the sound of that wind, thought Zara as she sat alone at the kitchen table clasping a lukewarm cup of coffee in her palms. It feels like it’s here to pick up Will’s spirit and take him away.

Her mum didn’t want to leave Will’s side tonight. Four days on from when Will had first come down with the infection, James had indicated it could be any time from now on. Lynda was dozing in a chair next to his bed. Zara had let Trixie in for company and the dog was sleeping under the kitchen table.