Читать книгу Lady E - Jeanette Walker - Страница 7

AS THE PLANE SWOOPED low Jillian scanned the familiar scene. The small island could be fully seen from the air, like two circles. One smaller (the island) drawn inside the other (the outer reef). Their edges nearly touching on the western side, making the circles a long way apart on the eastern side.

On the western edge of the island where the outer reef was close to the shore, sat a lighthouse. Beside it, her Aunt Norma’s house was situated.

When the plane turned to line up on the central runway extending north-south through low vegetation, her attention was drawn to the awe-inspiring highlight of Lady Elliot – the beach on the eastern side of the island. No matter how many times she had flown above Lady Elliot she never tired of the view.

Encircled by an expanse of coral reefs, iridescent in the sunlight was a shallow lagoon the size of a football field. Calm turquoise water churned into white bubbles before turning deep blue as it flowed from the sheltered lagoon into deeper water at the outer reef.

Close to the southern end of the runway, the new buildings of the Eco Friendly Resort included a large restaurant and entertaining area. A sparkling pool surrounded by palm trees nestled among the main buildings. Jillian never understood why people would prefer a pool full of chlorine when pristine water lapping onto an incredibly white beach was so accessible.

Set beside the pool and extending to the edge of the lagoon, the accommodation area contained both single and two-story rooms. Windows from each room opened wide so all guests could enjoy water views while hearing the nearby surging sea and babbling birdlife.

New owners had recently taken over, but Jillian knew the resort well. She had been employed there as a waitress during her last holiday on the island.

A slight bump was felt as the plane touched down on the landing strip, speeding past assorted outbuildings then quickly slowing before it taxied to a stop next to the resort reception area.

The pilot, who had introduced himself as Brad at Hervey Bay airport, undid his seat belt and opened the door. Jillian blushed slightly when he caught her gazing at him while he turned around and shifted the seats, allowing passengers easier access to the door.

He helped an older couple out onto steps and then made sure they were both safely on the ground before turning to help Jillian alight. While they waited for Brad to open the luggage compartment, Jillian chatted to the couple about the island.

They told her they were only staying two nights as they were concerned about an unseasonal cyclone that was slowly forming a few hundred miles north-east of Lady Elliot. Weather predictors were forecasting the cyclone would head in a southerly direction, so they felt they should be back on the mainland well before it played havoc with plane transport.

Jillian admitted she’d been so thoroughly absorbed during the past few days that she hadn’t heard any news broadcasts, either on the television or radio.

It didn’t really worry her as so many cyclones formed each season off the coast of Australia and usually just fizzled out after a few days. This one was forming very late in the season and until it was really in their area, she put all thought of it out of her head.

Brad handed Jillian her small bag then some smaller luggage to the lady, who told Jillian her name was Naomi.

Another really large case with wheels was given to Naomi’s husband Jim, who struggled to get it moving in the required direction on the uneven ground. Brad paused to help, making sure the case safely reached the paved reception entrance.

Jillian called goodbye to Naomi and Jim, and said she may see them later that day.

Brad had unloaded the two remaining large cases and walked off carrying them toward the reception area.

“Oh! Just a minute Brad,” Jillian called to him. “I’ll take my case as I’m not going to the resort.”

He turned around curiously and said “What do you mean?”

“I’m going to my Aunt Norma’s near the lighthouse.”

“Is she expecting you?” Brad said with surprise. “She never mentioned you to me a week ago when she made her booking for today’s flight back to Hervey Bay.”

“Going today?” Jillian said with a frown on her face. “I didn’t think she was going until Sunday. And no … she doesn’t know I’m coming. I’m going to surprise her. She was to be away for a few days and I thought I’d visit with her then house sit while she’s gone. Guess I’ll just have a few extra days on my own before she returns,” she said with a chuckle.

Brad frowned, then quickly smiled. “Well, good on you. I’ve arranged with Norma to meet me when I start the engines. When I’m ready to leave I’ll bring your case over there for you and collect Norma’s at the same time. I’ve some extra things to take care of here today so tell Norma I may be a little longer than usual.”

Her face lit up as she smiled at him and said, “That’s very nice of you. Then I’ll see you shortly.” She placed a sun hat she’d been holding on her head, then turning, walked away up a well-worn sand track through the scrub.

Brad watched until she disappeared from view around the first bend in the track, then let out a low whistle and turned back to the task at hand.

He often brought in female passengers who were good looking or well built, but it was not often that he brought in one that had both qualities.

Jillian’s short dark hair, bobbed to nearly an early Egyptian style, emphasized her long neck, and her skin had a golden tan which today was enhanced by a bright apricot sleeveless top worn over comfortable blue shorts. Brad had been given a terrific view of her slender legs as she’d climbed aboard the aircraft, then again when getting out. Her top had drooped down as she bent forward to climb out and he’d received a real eyeful of her breasts held in place by a very sexy lace bra.

Once the new guests were registered, he had urgent matters to take care of in the bar of the lounge before rounding up his only return passenger.

Air traffic control had already been advised he’d be approximately one hour late arriving back from Lady Elliot today. With all immediate plans in place, he would certainly fit a few more minutes with Jillian into his agenda.

Pulling his phone from his pocket, he quickly rang through to his usual contact.

“Change of plans,” he quietly said as he scanned his surroundings for anyone within hearing distance. “We’ll have to take out the garbage as soon as this cyclone has passed. The old girl’s niece has shown up on the island and intends staying a few weeks. It’ll only take a few days before word gets around that she’s not on the mainland and wheels start turning.”

Brad listened to his phone before continuing.

“Yes, I’ll pick up extra garbage when I’m at the base today. We might get one more load in before the storm hits and we’ll be ready to move once it blows over. We always knew it was going to be a relatively short-term operation and this’ll just bring that end forward.”

“Yep, right.” Brad nodded. “I’ll leave it up to you to organize everything your end and I’ll move things along here. A supply plane is due here later today. If you can get more goods on it, then another lot on my flight tomorrow morning, that might be it.”

Brad disconnected and hurried back to reception.