Detective Billie McCoy sat relaxed behind the wheel of her BMW Sports enjoying the drive to the country town of Crookwell. Listening to the radio, she admired the scenic countryside. The rolling hills were more enhanced by the beautiful afternoon. It was nice to be out of the city. The conference in Canberra she’d attended had been exactly what she’d expected – long and monotonous. Since turning off the main highway, the road had become windier. Snaking up and around hills, it offered an impressive vista of green valleys beyond each bend. 

     Bree Marshall came to mind, the reason she was side-tracking on her way home to Sydney. She’d met Bree about a month ago under threatening circumstances. Bree’s stepmother, Stella Williams, the owner of a high-class brothel, had been involved in dangerous undertakings with a guy called Matt Jensen, a ruthless pimp intent on taking over her business. Stella had coerced Billie into helping her by using an uncompromising means of persuasion – in short, blackmail. Surprisingly, she’d offered the detective important information for her cooperation, giving her the opportunity to save her close friend, Casey Reynolds. Billie had no idea Casey was involved with Jensen, or in danger. Without Stella’s tipoff, Casey wouldn’t have made it. In the end, the two parties helped each other bring an end to Jensen’s brutal bullying. Drawn closer to Bree during it all, a friendship developed between them, particularly after the girl saved her life. Billie had taken up Bree’s offer to call into Crookwell for a break following the tedious conference she’d attended. Bree was visiting friends and was keen for the detective to call in. Billie had finished earlier than expected in Canberra so now could surprise Bree a day earlier. 

      Her thoughts drifted to Casey and her two other best friends, Sarah Jones and Jane Walker. They were like sisters to her and she was missing them even after a week away. They’d want to know what she was up to and when to expect her home. Billie used the hands-free function to call Sarah. She picked up almost immediately. 

      “Hi, Billie, how are things going?”

      “Good. The conference finished early so I’m on my way to visit Bree.”

      “Finished early? Are you sure you weren’t bored and snuck out without telling anyone,” she teased.

      “Ha, cute. Mind you, I did think about it.”

      “I’m not surprised. That’s good for Bree. She’ll like that. She was pretty excited you were calling in to catch up with her. Does she know you’re arriving a day early?”

      “Nope. I thought I’d surprise her.”

      “Even better. How were your last few days in Canberra? Any better than when we spoke to you?”

      “Can’t say it improved. I’m glad it’s behind me.” She’d called the girls three days ago to fill them in on how the conference was going.

      “Yep, those kinds of conferences sure can be boring. So how long are you staying with Bree?”

      “A couple of days I guess.”

      “Nice. I’m sure a couple of days in the country will help you wind down.”

      Billie chuckled. “You forget, I’m already wound down. Every day for the last week has been long and slow.”

      “True, but it will do you good to wind down with a friend. I have no doubt Bree will spoil you so make the most of it.”

      “Hmm, maybe I’ll extend it out to a week.” 

      “Why not. The longer we can keep you away from the bad guys, the better. Maybe I should ring Bree and tell her to keep you there.”

      “Sounds like you have it all worked out.”

      “If only. Clean country fresh air won’t do you any harm, that’s for sure, and while you’re not at work, you’re away from all the dangers it comes with.”

      Billie smiled. She appreciated Sarah’s concern for her welfare. “I don’t think Dave would agree to that.”

      “Don’t worry about that. I can handle Dave.”

      “Ha, that you can.” Lieutenant Dave Edwards was Billie’s boss, and she was well aware her three friends had him wrapped around their little fingers. They got away with so much more than any of his employees, only because he knew how close they were to Billie. He’d developed a soft spot for them and supported them all the way when it came to keeping her in line. The call began dropping out as the corners became more frequent. “Sarah, I think I’m going to lose you in the hills here. I’ll call you when I’m on my way home.”

      “Okay, no worries. Say hi to Bree for me.”

      “I will.”

      “Remember to take it easy, and don’t wear her out.”

      “And why the hell not?”

      Sarah chuckled. “Good point. Okay, go for it. Have fun. Bye.”

      “See you.”

      The Bluetooth hung up with a quiet click. The radio returned. Billie focused on the road as she climbed the rising hills. An approaching vehicle caught her attention when it appeared around a bend ahead. Travelling way too fast, it misjudged the corner and skidded across to her side of the road. Billie stiffened in the seat.

      “Uh-oh,” she breathed, tightening her concentration. Believing she was facing an erratic driver, in an instant she changed her mind. The driver seemed to have lost control. The Range Rover swerved dangerously from one side of the road to the other. With little time to respond, Billie found it hard to get out of its way. No matter which way she turned, the four-wheel drive seemed to be in her path. 

      And then disaster struck. The Rover’s front left wheel suddenly broke away and bounded down the hill ahead of it. The four-wheel drive dropped onto its axle and skidded into a spin. Sparks sprayed out from the empty wheel hub as it scraped across the bitumen. Billie jumped on the brakes and turned the wheel sharply in an attempt to dodge the lost tyre rolling straight at her. Somehow she missed it. In doing so, it sent her car into a skid across the road – back into the path of the Rover coming at her almost sideways. With both vehicles advancing in a direct hit, it seemed Lady Luck would have the final say. 

      Acting on instinct, Billie slammed the accelerator to the floor. The BMW obediently responded and surged forward. Her plan half worked. Narrowly missing the full brunt of the collision, Billie somehow slipped past the Rover’s bullbar. The vehicle shot by her in a blur – the front side, the passenger door, the rear door. She was almost clear, and then her luck ran out. The corner of the Rover’s back end clipped the boot of hers. Added with her sudden acceleration and the power of the impact, the BMW shot sideways in a wild spin. Before Billie had a chance to gain control, the drop-off along the road’s edge cut short anything she might have been thinking. Plunging down the embankment, the car ploughed through the thin saplings and slammed into a gum tree with a loud crash. The airbags exploded to life at the moment of impact, pinning her to the seat to keep her safe. A little dazed, Billie rested her head on the headrest and closed her eyes, taking a moment to gather her senses and settle the dizziness hounding her. She became aware of the throbbing on the side of her forehead. Tenderly she fingered it. She then recalled hitting the window somewhere during her out of control spin before the bags activated. What a pity they hadn’t activated earlier.

      Her door was yanked open. An anxious voice blurting a string of rushed apologetic concerns followed. “Are you all right? I am so sorry. My brakes were sloppy and then my wheel fell off and I couldn’t do anything. I can’t believe this has happened. I just lost control and you were there. I am so sorry, so sorry. I tried to avoid you but my steering was out and without brakes, I couldn’t do anything. Where does it hurt? Let me see.”  

     Billie glanced at the guy standing in the doorway leaning in over her. Unable to settle the dizziness, she closed her eyes. “It’s okay, I’m fine,” she answered thinly. 

      “Please believe me, I am so sorry. Nothing like this has ever happened to me before. I can’t explain it. Have you bumped your head? Please, let me take a look.”

      Billie looked at him but didn’t object when he brushed back her fringe to examine the lump on her forehead. 

      “You have a bit of a bruise. It must be sore.” He dropped his hand. “This is all my fault. I’m so so sorry.”

      “It’s not that bad.”

      “Can you get out? Come on, I’ll help you.” He pushed on the airbag to allow room for Billie to squeeze out from behind it. As soon as she sat up off the seat, her head started spinning. Taking control of it, she managed to clamber out. The stranger kept a firm grip on her arm for added support. The instant he released her, she fell against the car. He took hold of her again and steadied her. Billie lowered her head and tenderly touched the bruise. She closed her eyes to deal with another bout of dizziness.

      “I’ve got you. Take your time. You’ve taken a nasty whack.”

      “I’m okay. Just give me a minute.”

      “You don’t look okay. Maybe you should sit back down. I mean, if you’re not up to it. We don’t have to rush this.”

      “No, thanks, it’s fine.” She opened her eyes. The dizziness had at last settled. She looked up. With her vision back on track, Billie took the time to study the guy in front of her. Tall, with a trim build, he came across as fit without being muscle-bound. His tidy short dark hair was parted down one side. Clean shaven, he had an almost boyish face, boyish yet handsome – very. He could easily have been a model with his playboy looks. Expensive and tasteful clothes set off his striking appearance. 

      “I’m feeling better, thanks. It’s just a bump on the head,” she said with a growing confidence. The guy fell silent, watching her with a fixed look. Breaking from his scrutinising gaze, Billie glanced around to see where she’d ended up. Her car was about five metres below road level. Thankfully the tree had stopped her going any further down the steep embankment. It could’ve been a lot worse. When Billie realised the stranger wasn’t carrying on with his long-winded concerns, she turned to him. He stood like a statue, staring wide eyed at her. “Something wrong?”

      “What?” Her question snapped him out of his daze. “No. Nothing. Forgive me for staring. It’s just that I’ve never seen anyone with such blue eyes before, or anyone who looks so . . . stunning. Your gorgeous blonde hair is so soft. I love the style of it, and your… Oh, I’m sorry. I’m babbling on.” He gave a nervous laugh. “I’m finding it hard to register. Here I am, out in the middle of nowhere, talking to a beautiful woman. I mean, I’m not used to talking to girls at all . . . I mean women . . . period . . . let alone someone like yourself,” he sheepishly finished.

      Billie smiled, ignoring the long-winded compliment. “Well, you certainly have a way about getting their attention.” 

      He seemed to relax a little. “Oh, don’t say that. I feel bad enough as it is.”

      “I’m sorry. So how about you? Are you all right?”

      “Me? Fine, I’m fine.” He grinned, and then it slowly faded as his piercing gaze tightened on hers. He drifted into a stunned silence . . . again.

      “Well,” Billie hesitantly said. She turned away and looked towards the front of her car where it was butted up against the tree. “I’m guessing you came off better than I did.”  

      Snapping out of his gawk, his attention shot to the damage. “Now don’t go worrying about the car. I’ll pay for the damage, seeing as it was my fault to begin with.”

      “You don’t have to do that. It is insured.” She pushed off the door and stepped around to the front for a better inspection. The tree had smashed in the corner, taking out the headlight. She wondered if it was repairable. The stranger stepped in beside her, barely showing any interest in the damage. 

      “I insist. It’s the least I can do.”  

      Billie looked at him, acknowledging the eagerness in his voice and attitude. Not in the mood for a disagreement, she shrugged. “We can talk about it later, okay?”

      “No. I’ve made up my mind. This is on me. By the way, I’m Brett White.” He held out a hand. Casting it a look, she shook it. 

      “Billie McCoy.”  

      “Hey, that’s nice.” He smiled. When he failed to release her hand after the shake, Billie slowly pulled free. Suddenly realising what he’d done, Brett blurted a nervous laugh. “Sorry. Ha, I can’t even explain my actions. I’m not usually like this, honest. I guess I got carried away.”  

      Billie nodded and looked around. They were in the middle of nowhere on a quiet road. She’d hardly passed anyone on the way and as yet, no one had come by. Didn’t anyone use this road?

      “How far is it into town from here?”

      “Probably about ten minutes – by car. I’m about five minutes back the way you came. I was on my way home. Huh, so close and yet so far.” Shooting her an encouraging smile, Brett pulled out his mobile phone. “Thank goodness for technology.” 

      Billie smiled. “Oh yeah.”

      Brett rang the police and the tow truck, giving them brief details of the accident and their whereabouts. “They’ll be here as soon as they can,” he informed her, pocketing the phone.

      “Good. Maybe we should check out your car’s damage.”  

      “Yeah, I guess.”

      They climbed the embankment. Billie showed little effects from her knock on the head. The Range Rover was up the road a little, parked close to the high bank on the other side facing in the opposite direction to which Brett had been travelling. He’d used the road’s incline to pull up the out of control car. At least he’d managed to stay on the bitumen. Walking to the crippled Rover, Billie looked it over. It was quite new, and top of the range. One word sprang to mind – expensive. She crouched with Brett and examined the badly dented front corner that had taken the brunt of the load. Billie then focused on the wheel hub. The wheel studs all looked fine. Then why had the wheel worked its way off? She stood and walked to the back wheel. The nuts turned easily in her fingers. It was only a matter of time before this wheel would have done the same as the front. 

      “What is it?” Brett asked, looking over her shoulder.

      Billie glanced up at him. “Did you know these nuts were loose?”

      “Loose? Well no, I mean I never check them. I leave all the mechanics to the experts.”

      “Have you had any work done on it recently?”

      “No. It’s brand new. I’ve only had it for a few months. It didn’t need any.”

      “Hmm.” She stood. “The loosened nuts explains why you lost your wheel. The corners would simply have added more pressure to it.” She walked around to the driver’s side. Squeezing in between the rover and the sloping bank, she examined the wheel nuts on both wheels. 

      “Well?” Brett asked, watching her. “Are they loose as well?”

      “No, not one. It’s interesting how the wheels you are more likely to notice are okay.”

      Brett frowned. “Are you saying someone deliberately did this?”

      She looked at him, thinking. “Do you have any enemies?”

      “What?” He stared in astonishment. 

      “Do you know anyone who’d want to hurt you, to sabotage your car?” Billie asked, ignoring his sceptical look. “To me it looks as if someone has deliberately loosened your wheel nuts.”

      He shrugged, confused. “I don’t know. Maybe. I didn’t think I had enemies who’d want me hurt, or worse. I mean, there are always people who don’t like you, but to go this far… I’m amazed.”

      She shuffled out from the narrow gap and stood with Brett at the back of the Rover. “Did I hear you say your brakes were sluggish?”

      “Yeah, they were. I had my foot to the floor pumping them to work.”

      “Sounds like they were tampered with too. You’re lucky you walked away from it. It could have turned out a lot worse. You should mention it to the police. I’d also keep a wary eye open, just in case whoever did this tries it again.”  

      He stared with a stunned look. “Yes, I will. Thank you. I can’t believe someone would stoop so low.” A frown hardened his features. “Hell, and I almost took you out because of it.”

      “I’m fine. Don’t worry about it.” She turned and leant against the tailgate. Her gaze drifted out across the bush while trying to understand why someone would want to get rid of this guy. He didn’t seem the type to have such dangerous enemies, yet they’d gone to a lot of trouble to make it look like an accident. He was lucky to be alive.

      “So, do you work, have a job?” Brett asked, interrupting her thoughts. “Wait, let me guess. You’re a model, aren’t you?”

      Billie raised her eyebrows in surprise. “A model? Why would you think that?” Huh. Funnily enough, she’d thought exactly the same thing about him.

      Brett smiled. “It’s a no brainer for me. You have the qualities a model needs: gorgeous looks, the perfect body, the right height. It all adds up.”

      Billie gave a quick smile. “Sorry to disappoint you but no. Far from it in fact. I’m a detective with the Sydney Police in a special undercover squad.”

      “An undercover detective? Come on,” he said in a dubious tone.

      “What, you don’t believe me?” 

      “I’m sorry but I’ve never seen a cop looking like you before.” 

      She’d heard that line so many times. It was probably one of the strongest reasons why she managed to be as successful as she was. Her looks greatly fooled a lot of people, throwing them into a sense of over-confidence and doubt against her ability, particularly her expertise in self-defence, which in turn strengthened her element of surprise and cunning. “I’m no different to anyone else.”

      “Well there I have to disagree with you. To me, you are very different. You’re like a beauty queen. You’re extremely attractive, smart, classy and have the perfect physique. I can only see you as a top model.” His smile broadened. “Not in the police force. You just don’t seem to fit in the detective category.”

      “Really.” His over the top assessment caught her out. “Hmm. I’m not sure whether that’s a compliment or not. I guess I’m not used to hearing such…” She shrugged. “I don’t know, flattering comments. A model is way down on my list of career opportunities.” She flashed a smile. “Man, I really am disappointing you, aren’t I?” 

      His smile instantly disappeared. An apologetic look crossed his features. “No, no, you are far from disappointing me. Please don’t think that. I’m just a little taken aback you’d have such an unusual occupation. It’s far from what I imagined you’d do, as you can see. I have no doubt you are good at your job. I have to say it must be quite interesting.” He’d slipped into his rambling again. “I bet you come across a lot of shady people with different criminal backgrounds.” He frowned with a thoughtful look. “They’d probably be fairly dangerous, wouldn’t they? I mean, you said you work undercover. That must be dangerous in itself, let alone the people you’re mixing with.”

      “At times it can be. There are a lot of seedy bad guys who will do anything to protect their investments and dealings.” 

      “Exactly my point. You don’t seem to fit with that scene.”

      “That’s probably why it works so well.”

      “Mm, you’re possibly right.” His smile returned. “A detective. That’s crazy, but impressive. Boy, I can’t believe fate has brought us together. We seem like such opposites.”

      “Fate?”

      “Sure. One minute I’m driving down the road minding my own business, and then all hell breaks loose which ends up with me meeting you. Nothing like this has ever happened to me before, I mean with the accident,” he quickly added. 

      Billie slowly nodded. “Yeah, well that makes two of us. I can’t say I’ve ever had to dodge a runaway tyre before.”  

      “Touché.” He smiled. 

      “How about you? What do you do?” 

      “Me? Oh, I’m pretty boring compared to you. You don’t really want to know about me.”

      “Of course I do. Try me.”

      He stared steadily and nodded. “My parents were killed when I was a boy and left me with an exceptionally substantial bank account. That’s one thing I never have to worry about. I live with my nanna who has looked after me ever since.” He gave a nervous chuckle. “That probably didn’t come out how it was supposed to. I don’t mean she literally looks after me. I was talking about when I was a kid. We simply live under the same roof these days. Huh, I probably look after her more now, not that she needs looking after. She’s very independent, believe me.” He hesitated a moment, as if assessing her reaction. Billie watched him, making no comment. A little stunned he lived with his grandmother and not in a place of his own, particularly when money wasn’t an issue, left her momentarily speechless. She wasn’t sure what to say. Brett picked up on it. He cleared his throat. 

      “You probably find that weird. I guess it is to an outsider but our house is plenty big enough for the two of us. We have our own space yet we’re together, if that makes any sense. She means the world to me and doesn’t cramp my lifestyle. Anyway, it works well.”

      “Hey, if it works for you, that’s all that matters, right? Family means everything. You’re lucky you’re in a position to be able to do that.”

      “I know, and I know my nanna appreciates me being there.” 

      “I’m sure. You won’t believe it but I’m kind of in the same boat, or was. I lost my parents at an early age as well and then moved in with my grandfather.” 

      “What? Are you serious? That’s crazy. Wow, you really are very much like me.” His sudden thrilled expression melted into a sober look. “And let me add, I am sorry for your loss. It’s not easy losing parents.”

      “No, it’s not. That’s about where our similar backgrounds end though. It kind of went downhill after I moved in with my grandfather. The trauma of him losing his daughter and son-in-law broke him, enough to affect our relationship. We drifted apart over the following years. In the end, it became so bad I moved out as soon as I was old enough and haven’t seen him since.” 

      “You didn’t try to get in touch again?”

“Unfortunately he sold up and moved away. I had no idea where he went, and still don’t. I guess if he wants to contact me, he knows where I am.”

      “That’s terrible. I would never have believed you went through all that after looking at you now. I mean, you are so confident and have a positive outlook. You’re calm and outgoing and have a quality about you that I’ve never seen before. You’ve somehow dealt with your loss, pushed through the pain to become stronger for it, not that I’m saying it’s still not painful.”

      She shrugged. “I got through it with support from my friends and colleagues.”

      “You were lucky to have them. As horrible as it was for you, I can see you’ve gained more good out of it than bad.” 

      “Possibly.”

      He shook his head and smiled. “On a brighter note, it is uncanny how we have similar backgrounds, don’t you think?”

      “It is. You’re lucky to still have family around you so make the most of it.”

      “I know, and I do. I’d be lost without my nanna. I’m so sorry it didn’t work out for you, Billie, with your parents and with your grandfather.” 

      “Don’t be. I muddled through. Joining the police force after I left was all that kept me going. My dad was a cop as well.”

      “That’s nice you followed in his footsteps.”

      “Yeah. Anyway, now I have a great group of friends backing me and life is good.”

      “That’s great.” He grinned, and then it faded. “I have to admit, unlike you, I do have a few hang-ups that have remained with me since my parents’ fatal car accident.”

      “That’s understandable.”

      “I suppose. After that horrible day, I shut myself off to everyone. I didn’t want to be near anyone. Even now, I like to keep to myself. I find it hard to mingle with people, particularly strangers, which is why there are a few individuals around town who don’t seem to accept me because of it, you know, not genuinely.” An awkwardness strained his tone. “Sure I know just about everyone in the area but I’ve never really had any true friends, friends who I hang out with, and as you can see, I’m not all that good around girls . . . women,” he quickly corrected. “I’m shy and can’t seem to start or keep a conversation.”

      “Shy? That’s the last thing I would say about you,” the detective joked. He grinned and slapped his hands on his thighs with a touch of exuberance. 

      “That’s what I mean. I feel so different around you. I feel comfortable without having to prove myself. I don’t know what it is, but you make me feel so . . . relaxed. Meeting someone like you is very new to me, believe me.”  

      “I’m glad to hear it but isn’t it a little premature to say that? I mean, you don’t know all that much about me. You don’t know—”

      “It doesn’t matter,” he cut in. “I like what I see. You’ve hooked me.”

      “Ah huh.” Billie couldn’t quite put a finger on how deep his cryptic answer went. As innocent as it was, there was a definite affectionate intention behind it. If he noticed her subtle conclusion, he made no reaction to it.  

      Brett’s smile broadened. “Say, when we’re finished here, I’d really like you to meet my nanna, if that’s okay.”

      “That sounds nice but I do have to—”

      “Oh. If you have something planned, that’s fine. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be so pushy. I just know my nanna would love to meet you. I understand completely if you’re on a tight schedule.” He looked to where her car had gone over the embankment. “I guess I’ve messed that up for you.”  

      Billie shook her head. “Don’t blame yourself for that. Accidents happen.”

      “I know but it’s hard not to. I’ve ruined your car as well as your plans.”

      “A little, I guess. I’m actually staying in Crookwell with a friend for a couple of days so you haven’t thrown me out too much. I’m not on too tight a schedule so a few extra days won’t hurt.”

      “I’m glad to hear it. Coming home with me won’t put you out too much then.” Hopefulness widened his eyes. Billie gave a faint smile while considering his offer. 

      “How about we see how long we’re stuck here for first before we make any plans, okay?”

      “Sure.” A touch of disappointment laced his tone. Billie left it at that. Changing the subject, she questioned him about the town and surrounding area. Brett was happy to fill her in.