Page 40 of Rough Stock

‘Thanks.’ Amara tapped in an address. ‘Dane’s property got sold to a company…Everlight Energy Solutions.’

Izzy sucked in air, dragging her hands under the table, before going completely still. No one else seemed to notice the change, but Craig did.

‘I know that mob. They do solar farms, right? They’re applying for federal funding as they’re going national, with investors scrambling to get on board.’ Stone peered over Amara’s shoulder as she conducted a web search.

‘Stone’s right,’ said Amara.

‘Say that again, only louder.’ Stone leaned forward, cupping his ear.

Amara frowned at Stone, before returning her attention to the tablet’s screen. ‘It says they’re a solar farm company using renewable energy to sell to electricity companies. I can’t find much else. Just a few land purchases, nothing more.’

‘Stone, what do you know?’ Finn asked briskly.

‘That there’s big money to be made in renewable energy, especially solar farms. They’re quite profitable for initial investors, and those carbon-spewing companies who are in dire need of carbon credits. Especially now the government is drooling at the mouth to offer plenty of subsidies for any company that can provide clean renewable energy.’

‘How do you know?’ Amara’s look practically screaming,Oh really?

‘How do you not, Duchess? Don’t you watch the news or current affairs shows? Or do you spend all your time binge-watching horse auctions all night, when most people watch bad reality shows?’

Izzy shuffled uncomfortably in her seat.

Craig knew Izzy watched those shows when suffering brain fatigue. ‘What people watch in their own homes is their choice, Stone.’

His wife—yes,his wife—gave him a slight thank you smile.

‘When was the sale on Dane Carter’s property?’ Finn asked Amara.

‘Um…’ Amara tilted her head, biting on her lower lip. She then held up the tablet to Izzy. ‘I’m not familiar with this format.’

Izzy ran her finger down the names and numbers on the tablet’s screen. ‘Sale went through a week ago. They paid the mortgage and council rates the same day, giving Dane a profit of walk-away cash of one hundred thousand dollars. Isn’t that low for land of that quantity?’

Amara and Stone shrugged. Finn narrowed his eyes at Izzy, asking the intelligent questions.

‘Dane had nothing on there, not even sheds or fencing,’ replied Craig. ‘I don’t even think Dane had the phone or power connected. Just a well, and no bores.’

‘So, an axe-handle block of uncleared land?’ Finn asked. ‘I’m assuming that’d be perfect for a solar company to clear the land and create power, wouldn’t you say?’

Both Izzy and Stone nodded.

‘A solar farm, two electric ATVs, and a potential suspect. Well done, Craig. The constable and I will see if we can’t find this Dane Carter.’

‘We heard Dane went on holiday. If he’s just sold his land, and quit his job, he’d have no reason to hang around here.’

‘I’d still like to check around the pub for rumours.’

‘Good. You can give me a lift then, to pick up my chopper, Bossman.’ Stone checked his watch. ‘It’ll be happy hour in the front bar shortly. I’ll shout you a beer.’

‘If you do, talk to the publican. Stone knows her,’ said Craig.

‘I do. Samantha knows everything that goes on in this town. Her family started the place.’

‘And then Samantha can have a quiet word to her staff to keep an eye out,’ suggested Craig.

‘Thanks. You two work well together.’ Finn pointed at Stone and Craig. ‘Unless you want to come with us, Craig?’

‘Cold beer on a hot day?’ Craig licked his lips, suddenly thirsty. Plus hanging with Finn would be informative, he’d know the right questions to ask.

‘Craig needs his rest.’ There was a layer of protectiveness to Izzy’s voice as she stood from the table and held out Craig’s crutch. ‘He’s still recuperating from his injuries.’

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