Dot raised her blue concoction in the air. “Here’s to good friends.” Natalie and Faye chorused after her.

Natalie sipped the mojito she’d become rather fond of. While she savoured it she pondered what to do once Dot and Faye had left. Nothing appealed. So much of the last four days had been fun because of their company. She was going to miss them.

Laura sat in another cafe in a different town, down the highway away from home towards Adelaide, and watched out the window for Paul to arrive. The tailing had been all finished by lunchtime, thank goodness, so when she’d got Paul’s text asking if she’d like to meet for a late coffee here, she’d jumped at the chance. Outside the day was bleak. Sleety rain had fallen on and off and the temperature had barely risen higher than the overnight low. Thankfully the coffee shop was warm, although if Paul didn’t hurry up the flat white she’d ordered him would be cold.

Just as she thought it she saw his car pull up out the front. He’d been here during the afternoon for a principals’ meeting. It was a longer drive but she didn’t mind where they met.

He pushed open the door, looked around and smiled as she waved to catch his attention, even though at this hour on such a miserable day she was the only one occupying a table. She took in his smart appearance. Today he was wearing dark pants, a checked jacket and a woollen scarf that revealed a tie beneath as he tugged it away from his neck and sat down.

“Sorry I’m late,” he said. “These departmental meetings always drag on.”

“I got your coffee.”

“It was meant to be my shout.”

“Next time,” she said and he smiled.

“Thanks for coming down here to meet me.”

“I don’t mind. It’s nice for a change.” Laura glanced around at the industrial-look decor. The cafe had changed hands and had a makeover since the last time she’d been here.

“It’s just that there are some parts of my life I like to keep private. I find that hard living where I do. I feel very…” He scratched his ear. “Visible.”

Laura grinned. “That’s the country for you. Everybody knows your business even if you don’t.” She liked the idea that he considered their meeting private.

“Speaking of which, is your mum’s friend okay?”

“Her friend?”

“The one she’s gone to visit?”

“Oh, Aunty Brenda.”

“She’s your aunty?”

“Mum’s close friend, and I’m sure she’s fine, why?”

“Your mum sounded a bit…stressed when she rang to tell me she was going and I haven’t heard from her. It all seemed a bit sudden and I thought perhaps something was wrong.”