Page 56 of Lost In Kakadu

“Fine. I won’t bother with the toilet.” Tossing it off his shoulder, it fell with a dull thud.

Frustration washed over her. “I’m sorry. Please. I need it.” She couldn’t believe she was begging. “I need the toilet.”

“Say pretty please.”

She frowned, confused.

“Say pretty please.” Putting his hands on his hips, he cocked his head at her.

“You want me to say pretty please?”

“Yes.”

Grrr, he’s enjoying this.“Pretty please,” she mumbled.

“Well, only because you asked so nicely.”

“You’re impossible.” She grinned.

He laughed. “Actually, it’s you that’s impossible.”

He walked toward her and held out a hand. “Come on, help me find that sheet of tin we used yesterday. I tossed it into the trees.”

His rough hand was nothing like Spencer’s manicured hands, and yet somehow Mackenzie’s palm felt softer in her grip.

They chose an area just beyond the tree line, and working together they constructed the toilet, which Mackenzie cocooned in another parachute for privacy.

They celebrated their teamwork with baked beans anda cup of coffee.

It surprised her how much she enjoyed the work.

But was it the work she enjoyed?

Or was it working with Mackenzie?

The answer was both, and it was equally confusing and wonderful.

ChapterTwenty-Three

Charlie opened his eyes and heard laughter. It was completely out of place with the view above him. The undercarriage looked like it had been brutalised by the claws of an angry devil. Jagged striations ran the entire length of the plane carcass.

Shivering from the cold he searched for something to cover himself. He found a shirt which he draped over his waist. The smell of coffee was good, and he licked his cracked lips. “I could use some of that.” His voice was a hoarse whisper, but Mackenzie still appeared next to him in seconds.

“Well, hello, sleepy head.” Mackenzie crouched at his side.

“That coffee smells good.”

“Doesn’t taste that good.” Abigail scrunched up her nose.

“I’ll take my chances. It’ll warm me up.”

“But it’s like a sauna here. Are you cold?” Mackenzie frowned.

Charlie nodded.

Mackenzie turned to Abigail. “See if you can find something to cover him with and I’ll make a coffee.”

Charlie was so weak; it was like an invisible force was pressing him into the ground. He resisted the desire to go back to sleep, not entirely sure he’d wake up again. Relieved his letters were still next to him, he contemplated writing, but dark thoughts overshadowed his mind.

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