Black Mountain (2 page)

Crossing to the window she drew back the curtains. The lights were just coming on but she could still see across the river and the city below to the mountains in the distance. It was a romantic setting and she sighed with regret as she stood watching, imagining how it should have been with Jackson standing alongside her, his arm around her waist as they stood admiring the view.

Sure, they could still do it tomorrow night, but she wanted them to have time together to appreciate each other slowly, doing these simple things before leaping into bed. Now, it would be tomorrow night before he arrived and, apart from cutting their weekend short, they would not have extra time to spend together in the lead up to becoming lovers.

Turning back into the room she unpacked and hung her clothes in the closet, then freshened up in the bathroom and left to meet Tim and Gai in the lobby.

‘So, what do you girls feel like for dinner?' Tim asked them.

‘I haven't given it much thought,' Elly replied, turning to Gai. ‘How about you?'

‘Me neither, so why don't we just go for a wander and see what we find?'Gai replied.

‘Good idea,' Tim agreed, and positioning himself in the middle he guided them out into the street.

They headed to the Eagle Street Pier, and as they stepped onto the pier they stopped, and Elly sucked in a quick breath, awed by the glittering sight before them. One side of the pier was lined with buildings while the other was open to the Brisbane River. The view of the city skyline opposite was breathtaking. There was the Storey Bridge, outlined with sparkling blue lights, and just behind that the diamond studded windows and flashing neon signs of the city's towers and skyscrapers. The velvety blackness of the night sky, its stars dimmed by the brilliance below, contrasted with the dazzling lights across the dark waters, and Elly thought it was as close to fairyland as she was ever likely to get. She would make sure to bring Jackson here when he arrived.

They meandered along the pier, Gai and Tim hand in hand and Elly beside them, feeling the odd one out, and checking out each restaurant as they passed—should they have Japanese or Italian—when the tantalising aroma of wood smoke and grilling meat drifted from the doorway of ‘Pony' and drew them in.

After a drink at the long curving bar, from where they could watch the chefs working at the open coal pit where the meat turned on the rotisserie above the charcoal grill, they were shown to a table by the panoramic windows.

As they started on their meal, Elly was conscious of the empty chair at their table for four, and while she enjoyed her friends' company, she couldn't help feeling like a third leg. She knew they were feeling sorry for her, and she was unhappy to be spoiling their pleasure.

It had been a long day—she had worked until late afternoon before leaving for the airport—so she determined she would not have a late night.

Chapter 2

Early next morning the sun streaming into her room woke Elly. She had left the curtains open in order to enjoy the sight from her window, and now she slipped from the bed and looked out. It was a beautiful sunny day and as she looked out over the picture-postcard view her normal optimism returned, and she resolved that she would enjoy herself today. It wasn't Jackson's fault he was a day late, and she had his arrival tonight to look forward to. Humming to herself she showered, letting the warm water streaming over her body rejuvenate her. As she was coming out of the bathroom, rubbing her hair with a towel, her phone rang.

Jackson's voice came over the line.

‘Gee, Elly, I'm so sorry about all this. I wouldn't have had it happen for all the world, but there wasn't anything I could do. One of the pilots came down with the 'flu and I was the only one available to take his place for the Fiji flight. I didn't even have time to call you, I was racing to make it. As it was we were late taking off.'

He sounded so contrite that Elly didn't have the heart to complain. ‘It's quite all right. I do understand. I know it's all part of your job.'

‘You're very sweet and understanding. I had such big plans for us, but I'll make it up to you when I get there, I promise.'

Elly's heart lifted. ‘I'm looking forward to seeing you. Where are you now? Still in Fiji?'

‘Yes. They're just servicing everything and then we'll be off, back to Brisbane. Now tell me, is everything okay there? Is your room okay?'

‘Yes, Jackson, it's a lovely room and the view is amazing.'

‘Cool. Look, honey, I've got to go now. See you tonight.'

‘I'm looking forward to it. Goodbye.'

As the call ended Elly felt a tingle of anticipation. They would still have tonight and tomorrow and a lot could happen in twenty-four hours.

Humming happily she stood by the window for a few moments, enjoying the view again, then continued dressing. It was as she was brushing her hair that her phone rang again. This time it was Gai, calling to see if she was ready for breakfast, and they arranged to meet in the hotel breakfast room in ten minutes.

Over a leisurely breakfast they decided a walk was in order, to explore the city's attractions, and to walk off the big meal.

It was late morning when Elly's phone rang again, just as she and Gai were wandering the South Bank, where they had spent a couple of happy hours browsing and buying some bits and pieces, while Tim had gone off by himself to visit the Science Museum.

It was Jackson again.

‘Elly, I'm afraid I've got some bad news. There's been a holdup here. Some trouble with the engine, and it's taking forever to fix it.'

Elly's heart plummeted. ‘Oh no!'

‘Yes, but I'll still be there,' Jackson assured her. ‘I just don't know when. I'm hoping I'll be in time for dinner but I'm not sure, so don't wait for me. You go ahead and enjoy yourself with Gai and Tim. I'll ring later when I know more. I'm sorry but I've got to go now. Bye.' And with that he was gone.

Elly took a deep breath as she stared at the silent phone in her hand. ‘I can't believe this!'

‘What's the matter?' Gai asked anxiously.

‘Jackson's plane is held up. Engine trouble.'

‘Oh no!'

‘Oh yes.'

‘So when will he be here?'

‘He doesn't know, he'll ring again later.'

‘This is terrible.'

Elly grimaced. ‘So much for a romantic weekend away.'

‘What are you going to do?'

‘What can I do?' She shrugged. ‘Wait for his call and hope he arrives tonight, I suppose. And I had such high hopes for this weekend …' Her voice trailed off.

Gai raised her brow. ‘So this was going to be the weekend when it all happened, was it? You weren't going to waste that gorgeous big bed and the romantic setting?'

Elly shrugged. ‘Something like that,' she said with a wry smile.

She didn't mind Gai knowing her thoughts, they'd been sharing confidences since their school days, and knew most things about each other.

Gai rolled her eyes. ‘Wouldn't you know it? Just when you'd decided to take the plunge.'

Biting her lip Elly touched Gai's arm. ‘Anyway, come on. We won't let it spoil the rest of the day. Let's go back to that jewellery shop. I think I'll buy that enamel necklace I was admiring.'

‘Good idea. At least the day won't be wasted.'

By mid-afternoon there had been no call from Jackson and Elly couldn't help becoming even more anxious as time passed. If he was still hanging around waiting for work on the plane to be finished there was no way he would be here until late at night, but why hadn't he rung to tell her? And if it had been finished and he was on his way surely he would have called before he left? Finally she decided to ring him but she received the message that his phone was out of range or switched off.

After dinner that night, when Jackson still hadn't arrived or called, they crossed the road to the casino, where Elly wandered disconsolately among the tables while Tim, who fancied himself an astute player, headed to the blackjack table, and Gai played the pokies.

After she had watched the roulette for a while and placed a few bets, none of which won, Elly headed to the bar and ordered a glass of wine. As she sat sipping Gai slid on to the stool next to her.

‘Heard anything?' she asked.

‘No.' Elly shook her head. ‘Not a word. I can't understand it.'

‘I wouldn't have thought he'd be the sort to just stand you up.'

‘This was all his idea. Why would he arrange it and then not come? No, I can only think there's been another delay with the aircraft. But I can't understand why he hasn't rung again.'

Gai shrugged. ‘Beats me. Maybe he's had an accident.'

Elly chewed her lip—Gai was voicing her own thoughts. ‘I'm beginning to think maybe he has. But I don't know how to find out.'

‘Is there someone you can ring? Does he live with family?'

‘No. They're all back in Canada.'

‘But you must know someone else who knows him in Cairns?'

‘No. I've never met any of his friends.'

Gai frowned. ‘You do know where he lives, don't you? Have you ever been to his place?'

‘No. He said it's just a hole-in-the-wall, somewhere in Abbott Street. He doesn't spend much time there, just in between flights.'

‘Hmm. Well that's not much use. I guess you're just going to have to wait until you hear from him.'

‘I guess so.' She drained her glass. ‘Look, I'm going to call it a night, but you and Tim stay here, I don't want to spoil your fun. I'll see you in the morning.'

Elly spent a restless night, trying to figure it out. If Jackson had just got cold feet, surely he would have said in his first phone call that he couldn't make it at all. Why keep stringing her along? Was he playing games with her? He didn't seem the type. Phone trouble? No, he could always find a phone if his mobile failed. What else? He'd had an accident? This was a possibility, and she wouldn't have heard. When she finally fell asleep it was to dream of planes falling from the sky.

Chapter 3

By morning there was still no word. Jackson's phone was still turned off and remained that way. And it was a worried Elly who boarded the plane for the flight home that afternoon, feeling sure there must have been an accident.

When they reached the arrivals hall in Cairns, Elly went straight to the Qantas desk to enquire if the plane from Fiji that had been delayed with engine trouble the previous day had arrived back safely yet, only to be told there had been no delay with the arrival from Fiji, it had landed right on time.

‘Oh!' Elly took a step back. ‘But I thought … but you did have a delay with a Fiji flight because of engine trouble, didn't you?'

The attendant shook his head. ‘No, not yesterday. Everything ran smoothly and all flights were on time, I'm pleased to say.'

Elly frowned. ‘Perhaps I'm getting the days mixed up. Perhaps it was Friday.'

‘Not from Fiji, no. In fact, we haven't had any serious delays since I've been on this shift, and that's the last four days.'

Elly hesitated, not wanting to make a fuss. ‘I was sure it was Fiji, but perhaps I'm wrong. Can you tell me if Captain Jackson Lee is back from his flight?'

The attendant frowned. ‘Jackson Lee? The name doesn't ring a bell. Wait a minute while I have a look.'

He tapped the keys on his computer, then shook his head.

‘Can't seem to find him. Let me try something else.' He tapped away again, and again shook his head. ‘Nope. I'm sorry, but there's no record here of a Jackson Lee. You sure he's a pilot?

‘Yes.'

‘Perhaps he's with some other airline.'

Feeling her cheeks grow warm at his curious look, Elly turned away. ‘Yes, I must be mistaken. But thanks for your help anyway.'

She hurried to the baggage carousel where Gai and Tim were waiting for her with the bags.

‘Well?' Gai asked with a worried frown. ‘What did you find out?'

‘Nothing,' Elly fumed. ‘Absolutely nothing. According to him there have been no flight delays. And he couldn't find any record of Jackson Lee in the computer.'

‘What?' Tim looked stunned. ‘That can't be right.'

Gai frowned. ‘Either that guy's wrong, or Jackson's been conning you.' She looked at Elly sharply. ‘You haven't given him any money, have you?'

‘No, of course not. And he never asked me for any.'

‘Hmm, then it's not that. But if he's been lying to you, why? And if he hasn't, where is he?'

Elly swallowed. ‘Tomorrow, if I haven't heard from him, I'll ring Qantas office and find out for sure if he's one of their pilots or not.'

Gai nodded. ‘Yes, you need to know. But for now we'll come inside with you when we drop you, just to be on the safe side.'

Tim and Gai followed Elly to the door of her apartment and watched while she turned the key in the lock and pushed the door back. It opened into a large living room decorated in cool blues and greens against a white background. A small kitchen adjoined and opposite the front door a short hall, with a closed door halfway along each side, led down to Elly's bedroom at the back, visible through the open door.

‘Anyone here?' Elly called out as they entered, feeling rather foolish. There was no response, but Tim was right behind her as she went from room to room.

‘Well, there's no-one here,' Tim said as they returned to the living room.

‘No … but …' Elly stopped as she came back into the room and looked around, narrowing her eyes as her gaze swept around. ‘Something's not right.'

Moving to a side table she picked up a digital photo frame that stood there. ‘This has been moved. It always stands back here.' She put it down in its correct place and looked around again, slowly. ‘Someone has been in here. Things have been moved. I can tell. Some things are not in exactly their usual place.'