Secret Memories Read Free

unit block, switched off the motor, got out and locked up. He pushed the button on the lift for the fifth floor, the bell dinged when it arrived at the destination.
    His unit was cozy, two bedrooms, spacious living room and a kitchen. Although not large he loved it. He could sit on his balcony and both watch and listen to the waves as they crashed onto the shore. It had been a legacy from his Grandmother and he could still feel her spirit within. He often spoke to her out loud when he was troubled and he felt she had guided his decisions on more than one occasion. He needed her now.
    He changed, grabbed his laptop, a cola and stepped onto his balcony. He stood for a moment, watching the surfers battle the waves. He’d never learned to surf. His father was always too busy to teach him and Rick had been more interested in the law. He was now in his third year of legal studies, one day he wanted his own legal practice.
    He placed his drink on the balcony table and dialed a number from the sheet he’d been given earlier.
    “Adam Bertana,” came a voice down the line.
    “Mr. Bertana, my name is Rick Masters. I’m a friend of Lyndsay Richards.”
    “The girl who’s missing in Kuringai.”
    “Yes. I have the next couple of days off and was wondering if you could give me a hand with a search?” Rick crossed his fingers. He knew the park well but not as well as the local aborigines.
    There was silence from the other end of the phone. “Mr. Bertana?”
    “If we’re going to spend the next couple of days together you better call me Adam.”
    “You’ll help?”
    “Of course. I was checking my diary. I don’t have anything on until the weekend. I’d be happy to help you. Where do you want to meet me and what time?”
    “In the car park at the entrance to the America Bay track. 7am too early?”
    “Perfect. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    “Thanks, Adam.” Rick disconnected the phone. He was feeling much more positive now he had help.
    He flashed up his laptop and Googled walking tracks in the park. For the rest of the night he studied the terrain and made notes. He would be well prepared by the time he met Adam the following day.
    ***
    “You are obviously Adam,” Rick said as he stepped from his car and offered his hand to the tall Aborigine.
    “Yep, that’s me. Since we’re the only two here, you must be Rick.”
    “Got it in one.” Rick pulled on his backpack. He had food, water, several ropes and a first aid kit inside. Adam also picked his pack up from the ground and settled it onto his back. Rick suspected he was just as well equipped.
    The day was sunny and warmth was already clearing the mist of the morning as they stepped onto the bush track. They were surrounded by scribbly gum trees, wattle, acacias and a myriad of other plants as they slowly trudged north.
    Adam kept his eyes fixed on the ground and surrounding bush. “I doubt there will be any tracks after the storms but it doesn’t hurt to look.”
    “Do you know the park well?” Rick asked.
    “Better than most people but not as well as my ancestors. Sometimes I bring groups of kids through and show them the ancient carvings made by my people.”
    “I’ve seen the engravings of the woman with the whale and shark, also a goanna. You get a sense of presence of the ancient people when you stop there.”
    Adam glanced up at Rick. “Yes, as an aboriginal I feel it but it’s unusual for a white man to feel it.”
    They continued downhill scouring the landscape and calling Lyndsay’s name. Apart from lizards and other small critters scurrying about, there was nothing. They were approaching the bottom of the track but where it had once been was now gone. They stopped and took a long look around.
    “Landslide, big one too.” Adam said.
    Rick’s heart thumped against his ribs and his stomach did back flips. What if Lyndsay had been caught in the slide? Had she gone over the cliff edge, was she dead or was she lying injured somewhere?

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