The Heart of Deception

Chapter 28

Brisbane’s Domestic Departure Terminal was bustling on Friday afternoon. With the increased security measures in place, they’d had to arrive early. Michael helped Justin carry his luggage to the bookings desk, before the three of them found a table at one of the coffee shops.

“What’s up Justin?” asked Lauren, lightly touching one of his hands. “You look as if you’re expecting someone to jump out of the crowd at you. Are you okay?”

“Fine,” he mumbled, his eyes scanning the passers-by. “I’m always a little nervous before I fly.”

She glanced anxiously over at her father for support.

Michael grinned. “Hoping to catch a last glimpse of your assailant before you go, huh?”

“Something like that.” Justin grinned sheepishly, blushing a deep red.

Lauren shook her head sympathetically.

“Chances of that happening are slim,” she sighed, as her fingers reached out to touch his left eye, now swollen shut, and various shades of purple. “I’m sorry your stay ended like that. No one I know has ever been mugged before. You were very brave fighting him off though.”

“Fighting back is not always wise,” Michael grimaced. “You could have been killed. The best thing to do would be to just give the attacker what he wants. It’s much safer.”

The Englishman nodded then smartly changed the subject. Before long, calls for the Qantas flight to Sydney were being announced.

“Oh well,” smiled Justin, standing. “Time for the long trek home.”

His companions followed suit.

“When do you go through customs?” asked Lauren, looking a little perplexed. “I was expecting to see you off at the International Terminal.”

Justin nodded. “I arrived there. This time, I get to leave the country via Sydney. It was the only flight I could get on short notice. It seems many other British travellers who were here for the Christmas holidays, are making their way home too.”

Lauren linked arms with him as they headed to the allotted departure gate, with Michael walking along beside her. As they approached the gate, Lauren heard a voice calling out her name. She turned in time to see Kurt sprinting towards them.

“Lauren.” The urgency in his tone brought her to a stand still. He’d lost weight and looked ill. His face was grey, with lines of pain etched into his features. Her heart momentarily stopped, before taking off again at a mean rate of knots.

Something was wrong. Something must have happened. Helen! Was she ill? Had she had an accident? Or, was it Jessica? She shut her eyes tightly. She couldn’t stand it if anything had happened to Jessica.

Her voice died in her throat, as her eyes flickered open again to find him standing only an arms length away. His blue eyes, filled with emotions she couldn’t read, stared down into her worried brown ones.

“Don’t go.” His voice was tired and flat.

Don’t go? What was he talking about?

Justin’s hand closed over her upper arm, drawing her away. “Come on Darling. We’re going to be late.”

Darling? Late? What on earth was going on?

“Wait, Lauren, please. I’m...”

“Get lost Palmer. Can’t you see when your company is not wanted?”

Kurt threw himself at the Englishman, grabbing his tie with his left hand. “If you’re not careful Paige, I’ll finish what I started the other day. So, butt out,” he growled hoarsely, brandishing his fibreglass cast under Justin’s nose.