When they’re on the freeway and clear of Sydney, Harry tells Jenny about Bob Marshall’s offer of witness protection.
‘So I’d have to cut myself off from my family?’ she says. ‘My mother would never get to see her grandchild? No thanks. We can do better than that.’
He wonders if that’s true.
After an hour they turn off the highway and follow the road up past the Mardi Dam and into the Yarramalong Valley. At first the route is lined with hobby farms and smallholdings, but as they penetrate further, following the winding course of the Wyong River, woodlands close in around them. The sat nav tells Harry to take a small unmarked turning onto a narrow track. It climbs up the side of the valley and into a secluded hollow where a cottage lies tucked among the trees. A small dog comes bounding out onto the veranda as the car draws up, followed by a silver-haired woman wearing an apron. There is a smell of baking bread in the forest air. Beyond the house Harry catches sight of long-necked alpacas in a paddock.
Later, listening to the voices of the two women in the kitchen, Harry thinks Jenny will be happy here. Felecia has immediately settled in, lying on the fireside rug next to her new friend. Harry goes out to the car and brings in the suitcases, the dog’s harness, Jenny’s computer and a case of wine for Meri. He tries to persuade himself that this is a good idea.
Harry leaves late the following afternoon. He gives Jenny one of Ricsi’s mobile phones and offers the pistol to Meri, who looks startled. She says, ‘No, dear, I have a shotgun—for the foxes. I’ll stick to that. Don’t worry, I’ll use it if I have to.’