Читать книгу Lady E - Jeanette Walker - Страница 3

THE WING OF THE CESSNA dipped to the left as it gained height. Jillian moved forward slightly in her seat, looking down over the ever-expanding township of Hervey Bay. Early morning sun reflected off the windows of homes spread out before her. The plane rocked slightly when it straightened to head north over the golden sands that stretched away to Point Vernon on the western end of the beach. Beyond that, the coastline faded into the distance as it also turned north towards Bundaberg and the tropical coast of Queensland beyond.

She never tired of watching this captivating scene.

On the beach below, high tide had enticed swimmers to enjoy an early morning dip. Soon the water would recede when the tide went out and a vast expanse of soft sand would be exposed.

As the beach disappeared from view, every imaginable shade of blue and green swirls indicated differing depths of the water below, until dark blue color confirmed they were now over deeper water. Beneath the plane the last of the small recreational fishing boats vanished from sight.

Out to the right side of the plane, Fraser Island, running further north than the mainland at this point, was clearly visible, appearing to hover above shimmering water. Toward the island, the sun shining on the water was intense.

Seated behind the pilot, Jillian could now examine the serpent tattoo on the back of his neck as it disappeared below his white collar. She had been very aware of his smiling blue eyes under blonde hair cut in the latest style – short back and sides, the top longer and swept to one side. If it wasn’t for her dislike of permanent body drawings, she had to admit she found him rather charming.

‘Maybe I’ve developed a weakness for a man in uniform,’ she thought to herself before screwing up her eyes against the sun glare.

Putting him out of her mind, she settled back in her seat to enjoy the 130km flight, allowing her thoughts to wander back over the past few days.