‘Yeah, I did. You must know a lot about farming and what goes on then?’

‘I know a bit. Anyway, that’s what made me think there was more to this drone.’

‘I think you’re right. Can you give me the names and phone numbers of the people you mentioned to me today?’

Danny nodded. ‘You haven’t asked about the fourth one.’

‘Tell me about it,’ she encouraged.

‘Out at Murray Neilson’s farm. Buzzed his house, so whoever was flying it broke the law that time. The law says that you’ve got to respect people’s privacy and you’re not allowed to fly over people, like during sporting games and things, and—this one’s really important—you’ve got to keep a drone thirty metres away from people.’

‘So how did that break the law, do you think?’

‘I don’t think buzzing his house is respecting his privacy, is it?’

‘Good point.’ Zara put her bag back on her shoulder. ‘Can I grab those names and numbers, Danny?’

Chapter 11

As Dave drove out to Rowberry Glen, he kept glancing at the sky. Jack had told him this morning that he’d overheard some farmers talking about drones in the pub last night, and then Zara had turned up asking questions. She was perfectly entitled to do that, but he wished she hadn’t. Not for any reason other than he liked to investigate things on his own terms, without a reporter looking over his shoulder.

Jack had heard that Will had ‘gone all tech’ and so Dave thought it might be worthwhile having a chat. Maybe he knew something about this drone that was causing everyone grief. Anyway, as part of the community policing he was briefed to undertake, going to see Will wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. Perhaps the young bloke would be pleased for the distraction. Even so, Dave knew he would have to tread carefully.

He pulled up at the front gate and watched as it opened automatically. So great not to have to get out and open it, then again to shut it, he thought.

He was greeted by a round of barking kelpies, then walked down the path to find Lynda standing at the front door.

‘Hi, Dave, what brings you out? Kim was only here yesterday!’

‘She told me last night,’ Dave said with a grin. ‘She enjoyed catching up with you. Must be a bit hard trying to run the farm and be here for Will.’

‘A bit of girl time was exactly what I needed, but I didn’t know until I had it. I’m just on my way to do a stock run.’

‘Is Zara helping you out?’

‘On the farm? She will once she’s found her feet, but what we really need is a workman. Someone who’s going to be here for a while. Zara won’t stay after …’ She stopped and tried to smile, while starting to put her boots on. ‘Were you looking for Will or me?’

‘Whoever is in charge of the technology and security cameras.’