Page 71 of Taking the Heat

Contestants and crew milled around, uneasy at the frightening turn of events. I honed in on the person responsible.

‘You,’ I seethed, trapping Dante against the rail where he stood smirking.

‘Me? I don’t know what you’re talking about.’

‘You’re fucking lucky, mate. If they had unhooked her cord, she could have died!’ I had never felt such rage, raking through me, cold and white. ‘If they’ve got you on film, I’ll make sure you’re charged.’

‘My foot-a! She slipped!’ He waved his hands and increased his accent, doing a perfect imitation of a confused foreigner. ‘You’ve got nothing. Besides …’

He leaned in close and whispered vile words in my ear. ‘The black bitch had it coming for interrupting us.’

Logic left me and a violent hatred took hold. ‘How many strikes do you have left, Dante? I have two, and I would gladly use one of them to mess your face up right now.’

He drew back slightly, his eyes wide. I raised my fist, but Chris stepped in between us.

‘Chris, move.’

‘No, babe. He’s not worth it.’ Chris’ kind eyes tried to calm me.

‘You don’t know what he’s done!’ I cried. I tried to step around him, but he steered me away.

‘Do you think I don’t want to beat him stupid for what he almost did to you? Do you think it doesn’t tear me up every minute of every day that he got away with hurting you? But not every problem can be solved with fists, babe.’ Chris’ face was ripping in two, torn by conflicting emotion. ‘Dante will get his, eventually. It’s how karma works. Don’t risk your prize on him.’

‘Talk me through some breathing,’ I said, my chest tight, my wrath too close to the surface for me to think. ‘Please.’

He smiled shallowly. ‘Of course. Breathe in for five …’

Twenty minutes later, I stood on the edge of the bungy platform, feeling strong. Putting everything else out of my head, I told the bungy guy, ‘Don’t count me down. I’ll jump when I’m ready.’

As silence blanketed the bridge, I swan dove off.

***

Knocking on Jen’s cabin door, I heard her call, ‘Come in! It is open.’

‘Jen, are you okay?’ I exclaimed, rushing to her, tucked up in bed.

With grace, she nodded. ‘The doctor explained that I passed out from shock, but my neck might be sore for a little while. They have given me some delightful medicine so I can relax. I feel quite good …’ Her beautiful face clouded. ‘Except for letting down my people. To go through all of that and not have anything to show for it, is very disappointing.’

‘You do have something to show for it.’ I laid an iPad on the sheet. ‘Check your bank account.’

‘I don’t understand …’ She logged in and studied the screen. ‘There is fifty thousand dollars here!’

‘I jumped and got a key. I don’t want more cash, and I don’t need another name. I’ve arranged to donate my win to you.’

Black eyes filling with heavy tears, Jen shook her head. Pushing the tablet into my hands, she said, ‘No … Tara, my friend, it is too much.’

‘Jen, I’m not taking no for an answer.’ I struggled to explain. ‘I’m here for my sister—one person. You’re here for your whole city. You could affect thousands.’ I squeezed her fingers. ‘Keep the money.’

She hugged me fiercely as she cried, ‘Oh, Tara! You are very wonderful!’

‘I don’t know about that, but I know this is the right thing to do.’

‘Unlike the producers. They told me you accused Dante of pushing the rope over, but he said it was an accident. He is still here, that dirty pile of warthog dung.’ She looked so fierce, I was glad it wasn’t me who she hated.

I stroked her hair, trying to brush away her anger. ‘He’s a dick; don’t worry about him. You’re fine and that’s what matters.’

‘Thank you, my sister. Now, you must go, or you will miss the boat party,’ she said, waving me away.

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