“Take a bite of that.” She watched in anticipation.

Scrumptious. Jack realised he was hungry. It was later than he’d realised, so dinner wasn’t far away.

“Does that thing in the sky have anything to do with the earthquake?” Sheila pulled limes from the tree and placed them into what was obviously a recyclable plastic bag. “I have the feeling it does. Something spiritual, supernatural, I believe. That’s right—I am an amber person, seeking spiritual connection.” She gave a soft smile.

As they left, Cath said she’d love to catch up with Sheila for a coffee and they could discuss the thing in the sky in detail. Sheila warmed to that idea.

Jack started the car. “What a lovely lady,” he said as they drove off.

“Maybe it has something to do with her digital detox. She’s not influenced by social media and the like. A nice, simple life,” Cath said.

“Yes, a nice, simple life, and weren’t those tomatoes off the planet?”

“They were, and you used appropriate words.” Cath stared out the car window.

“Any sign of Adventus?” The conspiracy was growing. “The media keep pushing this planet or thing in the sky into the background. They don’t seem to want to talk about it. I find that strange.”

Not far from Sheila’s, workmen were fitting a tarp onto the roof of a house. It must have been damaged in the earthquake. There was a For Sale sign out the front. That would be delayed somewhat.

“I think it’s good that they’re not plugging Adventus. Less panic,” Cath said.

Jack leant forward. “Is this our motel, up here on the right?”

“Believe so.” Cath rubbed her legs. “I can’t wait to get out of these clothes. We look like outsiders.”

They pulled into the motel parking lot. It was a cream coloured two-storey building with small balconies and surrounded by large palm trees with their fronds swaying in the light breeze. Jack hoped his unit was upstairs and had views over the water. He parked the car and turned to Cath.

“Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Wiley and the group he belongs to are trying to eliminate ‘amber people’ because those people are seeking a spiritual connection. The group somehow connects that to Christianity.”

“I’m thinking the same. A hate group wanting to use any excuse.”

They opened their doors and got out of the vehicle. Their feet crunched on the pebble surface as they headed towards reception.

Cath touched Jack’s arm.  “Jack.”

He turned to look at Cath and wondered what was coming. Surely, she wasn’t going to suggest they share a room? What would he say?

“You’re an amber person. We need to talk sometime.”

19 - A friendly town

They went for a stroll along the river. Jack was thankful he’d brought shorts and a cotton t-shirt and his feet were thankful to be set free and breathing in a pair of sandals. The breeze coming off the river gave him a feeling of wellbeing. Now he needed to top that off with some food, then hide from Cath to avoid a discussion about him being an amber person.

They found a fish and chip takeaway shop, studied the blackboard menu, ordered some crumbed coral trout and chips, and sat down at a table outside while they waited for their order.

Cath looked around. “Things get back to normal quickly. Perhaps not as many people out and about as normal, not that I’d know. Some areas would be hit worse than others—perhaps this area isn’t so bad.”

“Aftershocks are what’s on my mind.” Jack looked at the large tree shading the picnic table. “To be honest, I feel a bit uneasy just sitting here.”

“You’ll be right, mate.” Jack turned towards the voice, an older man with a weathered face and brown leathery skin sitting on a nearby concrete garden wall. “Apparently aftershocks can go on for years, so you’re best not worrying about things you have no control over. What ya reckon?”

“Sounds like good advice to me,” Jack said.

“Ninety-four,” a server called.

Cath checked their ticket and shook her head.

“It is good advice.” The man stood and held up a ticket. “That’s my number. People will be a bit twitchy but we’ve got to stay cool.” He gave a wink and wandered in to collect his order.

“One cool dude.” Cath had a smirk on her face.

The ground rumbled, and Jack’s heart rate increased. He looked at Cath and the tree. Should they flee? Cath looked peaceful. She gave him a smile and nodded towards the road. A large army truck thundered past. Had she seen it coming?

“Stay cool, Jack.”

“See ya.” Their leathery friend walked past with a lovely fish and chip smell leaking from his order. Jack licked his lips. Boy, was he hungry. Fish and chips always tasted better at the seaside. Something to do with the salt in the air, he was told.

Another man passed their leathery friend and paused in front of Jack and Cath. “Cath?”

Cath gave a nervous smile. She obviously didn’t recognise this man.

“Walter Melon.” He rubbed his beard. “Sorry. Keep forgetting people aren’t use to the beard.”

Cath laughed. A look of recognition. “Watermelon Man?”

He blushed. “Thanks, Cath. Haven’t been called that for a while.”

She turned to Jack. “I did police academy with this man, then we went our separate ways.”

Watermelon Man was tall with a small scar below his left eye. He wore a hi-visibility vest and dark blue work cargo pants. Must be involved with some of the recovery work going on. Jack stood up.

“Jack Kinnaird. Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you, Jack.” They shook hands. “You two here on pleasure or earthquake business?”

“Police business, Walt,” Cath said. “You still in the force?”

“Nope. Got out a couple of years ago. My last stint was with POLAIR. I got the air technology bug, and I’m now working as an aerodynamics consultant.”

“I seem to recall a background in aviation,” Cath said. “Sounds like you found your niche.”

“Yep, and it’s a great lifestyle here. More time with family and friends. Weekends free.” Some trigger went off in his head. “I seem to remember you were a churchgoer. Is that still the case?”

That was a strange topic to bring up, but weekend work did impact the churchgoers. Cath’s eyebrows moved upward a notch. She nodded.

“Just wanted to let you know I’m a churchgoer now.”

Lights flashed in the background. Walter turned towards a vehicle and waved.  “Phone ordered. I’ve got to get the food. A few hungry workers in the car.” He took his wallet from his pocket, pulled out a business card, and handed it to Cath. “Would love to catch up sometime. You here for long?”