Page 3 of Quinn

“My feelings exactly.” I agreed. “Connor’s girls are treated well and make good money, but being on film, their names in lights, will be a big draw card. They won’t know the hell they’ve entered into until it’s too late.”

“So I’ll ask again, how do you propose we stop him?” Connor lifted an eyebrow.

We all remained silent for a moment, thinking. Then, I had an idea.

“Let him come here.”

“What? Are you loco?” Jake was confused.

“No, hear me out. If we wait for him to come here, he’ll be on our territory. Between us and Bonello we have pretty much everyone in authority on our payrolls. They’re loyal to us, and I have no doubt they’ll give us anything they find out.”

Connor nodded. “Makes sense so far.”

“Moresby is more densely populated, he can hide there, but here, he’ll be more exposed. This is our ground; we know it like the backs of our hands. We can finish him once and for all and make sure the girls are safe.”

“What if he gets to my girls and boys?”

Connor had both males and females working at Zaras to ensure he catered to both straight and alternate lifestyle choices.

“Be honest with them. Explain about Tate Palmer and warn about how they’ll be treated if they accept any offer put to them. They’re loyal to you Connor, I doubt any would be lured by him if they know the truth.”

“I’ll arrange a staff meeting first thing tomorrow.” Connor settled back in his chair. “How do we deal with Tate?”

“Give him some of his own medicine, but make sure he stays alive so he’s aware of crocodiles tearing him apart.” Connor and Jake grinned at my suggestion.

“You have an evil streak, little brother.”

“Only when it comes to those who deserve to suffer.”

My brother nodded. “We’ll eliminate the bastard and his crew and send those girls back home where they belong.”

“Thanks, Connor.”

“You on for Moresby tomorrow?”

“All arranged. Logan and Daly will drop us off at around one and our meeting is scheduled for seven at The Oyster Bar as you and Eddie suggested. The place is frequented by businessmen from both Australia and New Zealand so we shouldn’t be of any interest. Waigi and Mala will take a table a few over from where we sit. Close enough if needed but not close enough to arouse suspicion from the men I’m meeting.”

“Remember what we spoke about. Don’t waiver from your demands because if you do, they’ll swoop in like vultures and you won’t know which way is up. They’ll treat you as if you’re inferior because of your age, show them you’re not to be messed with, and remember, if they try and screw you over, walk away. We can always try with someone else.”

“I won’t back down. We’re presenting a good deal, Connor. If they can’t accept it, I won’t hesitate to tell them we’re not interested.”

“Good man.”

“Good luck tomorrow, Quinn.” Jake pushed up from the chair. “Now, can I get back to Nat?”

I shook my head and followed him out.

***

Present day

Earlier in the morning

I settled in a seat at the front of the aircraft. Mala and Waigi chose to sit near the small room we used for private discussions at the rear. I’d asked them once why they always chose to sit up back and Mala had quipped, “you never hear about planes backing into a mountain, Boss.” Waigi had agreed wholeheartedly with the statement. I’d laughed and tried to explain their logic didn’t make a lick of sense because if the aircraft ran into a mountain, nothing and no one was likely to survive regardless of where they were seated. They didn’t argue, but still chose to sit towards the back. It brought a smile to my face every time they headed along the aisle.

The intercom crackled and Daly instructed us to fasten our seatbelts in readiness for take-off. The flight from Popondetta to Moresby would take a little over half an hour. Logan often grumbled, by the time you get airborne, it’s time to come down.

After speeding along the short runway, the plane lifted into the air and I watched through the window as the ground below fell away. As Logan and Daly propelled the aircraft forward, the mountains of the Owen Stanley Ranges came into view. A few patches of stubborn snow on the highest peaks sparkled in the morning sun.