‘You told me the less you knew about me the better. I’m Jack.’

‘Cocky little smart arse.’

He held out his hands. ‘I’m not trying to be smart, I’m just telling you. I’m Jack, a bloke who’s on the same page as you. Trying to make change.’

‘I thought there was something about you.’ Crumbs threw a punch but Jack saw it coming and dodged. That seemed to infuriate Crumbs, who yelled, ‘I’ll ask you once more—who the fuck are you?’

Jack didn’t see he had any choice now.

‘I’m Senior Constable Jack Higgins from the South Australian Po—’

Crumbs let out a roar and charged at Jack, who ducked out of the way again. Blue came at him from the other side and managed to get him in a headlock and drag him to the chair. He held him down, strong hands on his shoulders, and Crumbs bent down to stare into his eyes. ‘You’re a fucking copper.’

‘What the fuck are we going to do about that?’ asked Tonka.

‘Well, that’s a good question,’ said Crumbs. ‘What do you think we should do about you, Jack?’

Jack stared back at him. ‘I think you’re in enough trouble as it is. So how about we talk about this?’

Blue ran his hands down Jack’s arms to check him for weapons and drew out the pen from the coat sleeve. He looked at it then handed it to Crumbs.

‘What’s this? Looks like an interesting pen.’

Jack stayed silent. Tonka looked over. ‘I’ve seen one of them before. On the internet. Throw it over here.’

Jack just shook his head and watched helplessly as Tonka pulled the pen apart to expose the camera and recording device.

‘Well, what have we here?’ asked Crumbs. ‘Gathering evidence, are you?’ He threw it on the ground and stomped on it.

‘That’s what policemen do,’ said Jack as he heard the insides of the device crack.

Crumbs nodded at Tonka, who stepped forward and smashed his fist into Jack’s face.

‘Tie him to the chair,’ Crumbs instructed.

Tonka went outside and came back with a handful of cable ties. It took only a minute to ensure Jack wouldn’t be going anywhere quickly.

Fear was coursing through him, but Jack didn’t let it show. He had to try to talk them down. ‘You fellas are in a bit of trouble. We’d be better off talking about this.’

‘That’s what you think.’

‘That’s what I know. If you untie me, we can work out a deal.’

‘Like hell. You’re staying where you are.’ Crumbs stared into Jack’s face again and said, ‘Mate, no one knows where you are. You’re the one who should be worried, and after seeing what I did to those pigs, do you think I’ve got any qualms about burying you?’