Page 28 of Lost In Kakadu

His stomach was angry, twisting knots, demanding to be fed, but he couldn’t stand the concept of baked beans for yet another meal. A large sheet of metal dangling from the plane flashed in the sun and an idea formed in his mind.

With renewed energy he walked to the wing, sneaking a glance at Abigail who looked peaceful in her sleep. The metal was the size of a coffee table, yet it clung to the wreckage by a mere ten centimetres. It was more than a match for any gadgets on the multi tool.

This was going to require brute strength.

Gripping the large sheet and clenching his jaw, he forced it to twist over and over. The battle against the metal was exhausting and he felt like he’d competed in a wrestling match when it finally released with a hollow rumble.

He dragged the sheet to the fire and tossed it onto the flames. The white paint burned off with a crackle, sending black smoke out the sides. Once he scrubbed off the last of the paint, he smiled at the result.

Like a new teppanyaki hotplate.

He scooped a handful of flour into the middle with a sprinkle of sugar and worked in a small amount of water to form smooth dough that he flattened out with his palm.

The tin popped as the dough sizzled. He flipped it over with his fingers, wincing at the heat. When it was ready, the brown crust glided off the metal and he juggled the hot slice between his fingers. The crisp outer layer cracked as he bit into it and he closed his eyes, moaning with pleasure.

“What’re you eating?” Abigail looked like she’d just woken up, with squinting eyes, matted hair and little creases on her cheek from sleeping on her side.

Mackenzie gulped down the mouthful. “I made bread.”

“You said we couldn’t eat without discussing it and now I find you sneaking food.”

“I wasn’t sneaking, I was experimenting. Would you like some?” He handed the slice toward her knowing the smell of fresh bread would be too enticing to resist. He grinned as she reached for it and took a bite.

“This is good.” She seemed surprised.

“I know.”

She broke off a piece and chewed. “I wondered what all that noise was about. You woke me.”

“Sorry about that. I tried to be quiet.”

“How did you know what to do?”

“I’m a chef.”

“Oh.” She raised an eyebrow. “You didn’t tell me that.”

He shrugged. “You didn’t ask.” They’d been together for a couple of days and yet they didn’t know anything about each other.

She nodded at him. “This whole situation has me acting a little strange.”

Several comments came to mind, but Mackenzie remained silent.

“I’m usually surrounded by lots of people and …”

“And?”

“And, my friends are different.”

“Nothing like me. Right?”

She didn’t respond.

“Come on, you can say it. You’re uncomfortable because I love a man.”

“No.” Her hand went to her chest. “It’s not that.”

“Yes, it is. You’ve been prancing around me like I have leprosy. Why don’t you just admit it?”

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