Outback by Robin Stevenson

Author:Robin Stevenson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: JUV001000
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Published: 2011-05-04T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

The truck burns fast. Within a couple of minutes it is engulfed in flames. There is a column of black smoke a mile high, and an awful stomach-turning stench: burning rubber, melting plastic. The smell of all our supplies going up in smoke.

We watch in silence as the truck is reduced to a blackened, smoldering shell. Finally I turn to Mel.“Now what do we do?” It’s like some little kid part of me is still counting on him. He is the adult here. He must have some kind of backup plan.

Mel doesn’t answer. He just stands there, staring at what is left of the truck, with his shirt hanging loose over his khaki shorts and the bag he always carries still slung over his shoulder. “We’re so screwed,” Nat says hopelessly. “Mel, please tell me you have the sat phone in that bag.”

I’d forgotten about the sat phone. I hold my breath, waiting for his reply. We’re way out of range for a regular cell phone, but a satellite phone would mean we could call someone, let someone know where we are and that we need help. It would mean we might not be totally screwed after all.

“Ready to give up, are you? Can’t wait to get back to the city?” Mel turns on Nat furiously, his face red and sweaty, soot making a dark mustache above his upper lip. “You’re responsible for this,” he says. “Are you satisfied now?”

“Hey. Mel, that’s not fair.” I try to break in, but Mel talks right over me, his voice getting louder and his face redder.

“You arranged the jeep rental. You should’ve made sure that we had a decent fire extinguisher.” He steps toward her. “You deliberately sabotaged us. You’re trying to ruin my career.”

“How is this Nat’s fault?” I ask. “She didn’t start the fire. It just happened.”

“I’ve been checking the engine every morning,” Nat says. “You were the one who decided to drive off the track.” She gestures at the tracks leading back in the direction of our camp. “Right through all the spinifex.”

“Don’t try to change the subject!” Mel grabs her arm. “How much are they paying you?”

Nat tries to pull away, but he doesn’t let go. “What are you talking about?” she yells. “No one’s paying me anything! If I cared about the money, I’d hardly be working my butt off for you, Mel!”

“What is it then? Your career?” He sneers. “The Rizzards say they’d give you the credit for something? Put your name on one of their papers?”

“No!” She raises her voice angrily. “Why don’t you trust me, Mel?”

“Because you’ve made it clear you aren’t on my side.”

“There are no sides, Mel! We’re supposed to work together.”

Dried saliva is sticking in white flecks around Mel’s lips. “So that’s your excuse, is it? You’re giving them information because we’re all good buddies and we’re all working together. My dear girl”—his voice drips sarcasm—“there’s only room for one on the summit. Only one.”

I put my hand on Mel’s arm. “Let her go.

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