‘Because you’ve taught him. You understand farmers and you’ve taught him to do the same. He knows what goes on in the agricultural community, so he’ll be able to talk the language. You’ve been undercover so you’ll be able to guide him.’

‘Sure, for the farmers he can, but I’m not sure about the protesters.’

‘That’ll be his way in with the protesters,’ Steve said. ‘He’ll be able to convince them he can get them onto farms, because he knows the language of the agricultural industry.’

Dave was quiet. ‘When do you want him?’

‘Sooner rather than later. Get him to grow his hair and look like a hippie.’

Dave laughed. ‘I’ll see if I can convince him to get a nose ring.’

‘Plenty of them do.’ Steve sounded serious.

‘As do plenty of people who aren’t activists. All right, send me some details and leave it with me. If he says no, I’ll back him up, though, Steve.’

‘That’s fine.’

Dave put the phone down, pondering what he’d just heard. His phone buzzed.

Speak of the devil.

‘What’s up, Jack?’

‘Got the car. I saw them driving down the main street and watched them as they pulled in at Kim’s roadhouse, where she’s put in these new bowsers. Now they’re refuelling.’

‘Okay. What I need you to do is come back here. I’ll go and pick them up.’ Dave got up and started walking out of the office to his car.

‘What? I’ll grab them. I’m right here.’

‘Jack, listen to me. I need you to come back here. I’ve just got off the phone from Steve and there’s something much bigger at play here. Come back to the station now.’

‘Right. Do you want me to stay here and follow them in case you don’t get here in time?’

‘I’m getting in my car now. Come back here.’

‘Right.’

‘Can you run the plates?’

‘Already done it. The car’s registered to a Lee Jones from Victoria. No priors. No parking tickets. He’s clean.’ ‘Okay. Is there anyone else in the car?’

‘One woman, one male. Both still in the car, so I can’t see their height or features.’

‘When I bring them in, I need you to stay out of the way. I’ll tell you why when I get back.’

‘I’m pissed off.’

‘I know you are, but trust me.’

Dave pulled up in his unmarked four-wheel drive and watched as a long-haired man went in and paid for the fuel. He was wearing a dirty T-shirt and ripped jeans. Just as Jack had said, there were two others in the car—a young woman in the front and a young man in the back. Dave guessed they were in their twenties.