Page 5 of Lost In Kakadu

“I think that was it.” Spencer chuckled, obviously relishing her expression.

Abigail tugged her seatbelt across her waist, and the men behind her resumed their idle banter as if everything was just fine. Another loud bang made her jump. Peering over Spencer’s shoulder, a cloud of black smoke was sliced by the rotating propeller as it picked up speed.

Dave said something in the cockpit, and the engine noise rose to a deafening roar. The cabin shuddered, and the aircraft accelerated along the tarmac.

Abigail dug her nails into the seat as the distant tree line rapidly approached. As she readied to scream, they gracefully lifted off the ground and just cleared the trees.

Spencer peered down his nose at her. “No vomit bags, I noticed, so go steady.”

Several minutes later, the intercom crackled to life. “Ladies and gentlemen. I hope you’re all settled back there. Let me give you a bit about my background. I purchased this little beauty from the Royal Flying Doctors Service in 2002. She’s saved many lives in her time, including mine. I personally oversaw her refurbishment, including the plush leather seats you’re enjoying, and that toilet back there. We’re scheduled to cross the southern border of Kakadu around four o’clock, so kick back and enjoy the ride. Oh, and by the way, today’s in-flight entertainment will be my bad jokes.” Thepilot cackled.

Abigail massaged moisturiser into her hands and glanced at Madonna. The reporter’s hair was a delicate blend of caramel and blonde, and her beige shoes perfectly matched her suit. Abigail would need to keep an eye on Spencer with this woman around.

Spencer settled back and closed his eyes. Even though his once-dark hair was now solid gun-metal grey, he was still very handsome for his age. His goatee was speckled with white, and a lifetime of laughter had produced a scattering of wrinkles.

Women of all ages threw themselves at him, and he was often there to catch them.

Several of her friends were having long-running affairs with him, she was certain of that. But despite it all, she was lucky.

She knew women who had divorced, and having witnessed the demise of their lives, there was no way she was going to be the ex-Mrs Mulholland.

The gentle hum of the plane eased her apprehension slightly, yet she couldn’t stop the unfounded trepidation crawling through her veins.

Chapter Two

Several hours into the flight, Madonna’s sharp voice cut into the silence. Abigail peered at her through tired eyes. The reporter looked over her shoulder toward the back of the plane and Abigail followed her gaze. Tom was snoring with his mouth wide open and his head on his shoulder.

“Tom,” Madonna hissed. “I said wake up.”

“What?” Tom grunted with his eyes fixed shut.

“It’s time to do the story. Get the camera ready.”

Tom stretched his arms over his head and snapped his elbow with a sickening crack. “I can’t believe you waited till I was asleep. You’re such a bitch.”

“Stop moaning. This is good light. Look at the sunshine through these windows.”

Swearing to himself, Tom gathered the camera from the cabin floor, removed the lens cap, and eased the heavy looking equipment onto his shoulder.

Madonna applied fresh lipstick and smoothed her hair. “Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen, could you please remain silent for a couple of minutes while I record this segment?”

Toni spun in her seat. “Cool! Are we going to be on TV?” She adjusted her T-shirt over perky breasts.

“That depends on the editor.” Madonna turned to the camera andsmiled. “You’re in for a special treat this week, folks. We’re on our way to Kakadu National Park for five fun-filled days of adventure. This exciting journey kicks off with a sightseeing trip with our guide and pilot, Dave.”

Dave waved over his shoulder.

“Kakadu is a cultural landscape that’s been shaped by the spiritual ancestors of the Aboriginal people since the Creation of Time. It covers an area of almost twenty thousand square kilometres, and during our short stay, we’ll see spectacular wildlife, monsoon rainforest, open savannah, mangroves, and high stone plateaus—just to name a few highlights. But first, I’m going to catch some sleep before we land at our remote runway in the middle of Australia’s world heritage listed park, Kakadu. See you soon!” She continued to smile into the camera for a further ten seconds. “That’s a wrap.”

Tom plonked the camera on the floor, folded his arms across his chest, stretched his legs into the aisle, and closed his eyes.

“Wow, that was great. Tell me, how hard is it to be a travel reporter?” Toni chewed on gum.

Tom huffed. “Can’t be too bloody hard.Shedoes it.”

Madonna glared at him. “Why do you have to be such a dickhead?” She rolled her eyes at Abigail, then lounged back in her chair and closed her eyes, signalling the end of the conversation.

Abigail nudged Spencer in the ribs. “Did you hear all that?” she whispered.

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