Eliza jumped off the tray of the Landcruiser, climbed back into the driver’s seat. She turned on the ignition.

She drove higher into the mountains, Madison handcuffed to the tray, pounding on the cab with her other hand, screaming for Eliza to let her go.

If a helicopter flew overhead now, they might see the white Landcruiser, through gaps in the eucalypt canopy. And the schoolgirl thrashing and trying to break free of the handcuffs in the tray. But the whole search party was still focused on Lake Mackenzie.

Only Eliza could hear Madison’s screams. She smiled as she drove towards the bluffs.

CHAPTER 50

CON

‘Monica’s done a runner,’ said Murphy, returning to the kitchen. ‘I had a look, and she’s taken Tom’s four-wheel drive.’

‘Can’t say I blame her,’ said Con. ‘She’s probably gone to join the search for Wren. Don’t worry, I called Gabby and she’ll —’

There was pounding on the front door.

‘Speak of the Kiwi.’

Gabriella marched in, chest swollen in outrage. She pointed a furious finger at Murphy. ‘You! Dickhead! Steal my car again and I’ll kill you!’

‘Alright, Gab,’ said Con. ‘Listen —’

‘Don’t you start!’ she said, turning her finger on Con. ‘You’re only inviting me back into the club now you’re off the case too. Don’t think I don’t know!’

Murphy stood at the window. ‘Sorry to interrupt your couple’s quarrel, but there’s a kid messing around with your car, Con . . .’

Con swore and ran out the door, Murphy and Gabriella close behind.

‘He’s jumped over that fence,’ said Murphy, pointing.

‘Just leave it,’ said Con. ‘We have other things to worry about.’

‘Look what he’s scratched into your car . . . Kundela . . .’

‘The Kundela Game!’ Gabriella crouched down, running her finger over the scratches. ‘This is the same as on my car . . . K-U-N . . .’ She swore. ‘It was Georgia’s brother, Carl Lenah.’

‘What’s the Kundela Game?’ said Murphy.

‘We need to find out,’ said Gabriella. She ran for the fence. ‘Catch him!’

Cursing, Con ran out onto the street, sprinting along the footpath, trying to cut off the fleeing vandal.

It was Gabriella who caught Carl Lenah, two blocks away, behind a green bus stop shelter. Con and Murphy quickly caught up.

Carl was a short but stocky lad, face as angry as a thunderstorm. He was wearing thongs, which had allowed Gabriella to catch up to him. She pushed him up against the wall of the bus shelter.

‘Stay away from me, pigs,’ said Carl.

‘He’s drunk,’ said Gabriella. ‘You can smell it on him.’

‘I’m not drunk. Piss off.’ He struggled against her.

She pushed his shoulders harder against the wall. ‘Tell us about the Kundela Game.’

‘Piss off,’ said Carl.

‘We need your help, Carl,’ said Con.

‘I’m not telling you shit.’