‘What can I do for you fellas?’ Dave said. ‘Pretty unusual to get a visit from the AFP out in a quiet country town like Barker.’ He sat and crossed his legs, ready to listen.

‘We’re here to intercept a package that will be arriving at the post office today. I’m only letting you know out of courtesy that we’re in town. Although we’d appreciate your assistance in “doing the door” when we go in to take control of the package.’

Dave was quiet for a moment. ‘Whose door?’

‘We won’t tell you anything more until the parcel has been delivered.’

Frowning, Dave steepled his fingers as he looked at the men. ‘That doesn’t sound very friendly.’

‘It’s not a negotiation point. We can’t compromise this transaction—it’s integral to a larger operation,’ Jerry said, as he leaned forward. ‘Detective, we require your assistance. You’ll have to trust us until the procedure is finished.’

Dave narrowed his eyes and thought about his answer. ‘It’s the local show today. I’d hope that if you’re chasing someone, they won’t be a local. But if they are, it would be better if I knew who the person of interest is. You forget, Jerry, that my partner and I will probably know this person. We’ve both been in this town a long time. We have local knowledge that might assist you.’

Jerry shook his head before Dave had finished speaking and kept it moving until there was silence. ‘No. No, we’re not forgetting. What you need to understand is we haven’t worked with either of you before. Both you and Senior Constable Higgins come with high recommendations, and we understand you’re both competent and dedicated to the police force. But you’re also very entrenched in Barker. This is a small town and the walls have ears.’ He looked out towards where Joan sat, then leaned back and shook his head. ‘No go.’

‘Have you got a time frame? I’m going to need to talk to Jack. Let him know what’s going on. He’s out taking a statement from a burglary victim.’

Jerry glanced at his watch. ‘At zero eleven hundred.’

The office door banged shut as Jack Higgins’ voice filtered through from reception.

‘Perfect timing,’ Dave said.

‘That bloody wind!’ Jack could be heard declaring to Joan. ‘It’s straight off the snow. Pity it hasn’t got any rain in it. Whose car’s out the front?’

There was a muffled answer from Joan and silence from Jack. Dave could imagine the mimed conversation as Joan tried to tell Jack who was in the office. Maybe she’d even written him a note saying who it was. He almost grinned as he envisaged the look of surprise on Jack’s face when he worked out the car belonged to Feds.