but I’m still weak. So, has the Survivor thing been on the news over there?’
‘Just a bit,’ Kerry said. ‘It’s still the top story, even today.’
‘Oh, and you’ll never guess who we’re staying with.’
Kerry laughed. ‘Better tell me then.’
‘They didn’t want us going back to Brisbane in case we were recognised by Survivors collecting money in the street, so they flew us all up to Townsville. We’re staying with Amy Collins and her brother John.’
‘Cool,’ Kerry said. ‘I haven’t seen Amy since she retired from CHERUB. How’s she doing these days?’
‘Seems good, but she’s at university and I think they’re short of money. Amy’s gone bohemian: you know, beads in her hair and grubby jeans. She’s got this hippy boyfriend who’s like thirty-five, or something.’
‘Jealous, are we?’
‘You know I only have eyes for you, Kerry.’
‘Riiiiight,’ she sneered. ‘That reminds me, I think Gabrielle wants to kick your arse.’
‘Eh?’
‘Me and the girls got gossiping the other day and I might have let it slip that you said you only asked her out because you were drunk.’
James tutted. ‘Nice one, Kerry.’
‘So, when are you coming home?’
‘We’re staying out here for another couple of weeks, having a rest and a bit of a holiday. The doctor who examined us says we’re really run-down from living with the Survivors. They eat bad food and you only get six or seven hours’ sleep a night. My skin’s disgusting: I’ve got about twenty zits on my back.’
‘Eww,’ Kerry said. ‘I hope they’re gone by the time I see you.’
‘I wish you were here with us. I missed you every day.’
‘I missed you, James. I’m really looking forward to us being back together again.’
James giggled. ‘I’m looking forward to getting my hand up your top.’
‘Maybe I won’t be wearing a top.’
James’ eyeballs practically sprung out on stalks. ‘Are you serious?’
‘Might be,’ Kerry teased. ‘I’ve picked up loads of tricks from the guys I cheated on you with while you were away.’
‘Same here,’ James grinned. ‘This mission’s just been one hot religious babe after another.’
‘Anyway James, it’s great hearing from you, but it’s one in the morning and I’m helping Miss Takada coach some red shirts in the dojo at half-six. I’d better get to sleep.’
‘Right,’ James said. ‘I’ll call you again tomorrow, OK?’
‘Cool,’ Kerry said, as she blew a couple of kisses into the phone. ‘Have a good rest. Can’t wait to see you.’
‘Speak tomorrow,’ James said, blowing a few back before hitting the end call button.
He strolled through to the kitchen, imagining Kerry taking her top off and hoping that she wasn’t kidding. Amy stood at the counter mixing a giant bowl of salad.
‘Do you think this will be enough for everyone?’ she asked.
James smirked. ‘I think you could feed a small army with all that.’
‘You seem to be getting on well with Kerry these days.’
‘Yeah,’ James said. ‘I always miss her when I’m away. It’s a pity it never works as well when we’re both on the same continent.’
Amy grinned. ‘She’s worth the effort, James. I’ve always said you two complement each other.’
‘So, do you need a hand with anything here?’
‘Nah, I reckon it’s covered,’ Amy shrugged. ‘My brother John’s setting the barbecue up outside, and John Jones is supposed to be stopping off at the grog shop to pick up some booze.’
James noticed a car moving up the driveway outside. ‘That’s Dana and Chloe.’
He strolled out on to the drive with Amy and helped Dana out of the back of the car. Once she was standing on her crutches, James gave her a hug.
‘So, how you feeling?’ James asked. ‘I’m glad you made it in one piece.’
Dana smiled. ‘Minus the tip of my middle toe.’
‘Look on the bright side,’ James grinned. ‘You’ve shaved ten per cent off the time it takes to cut your toenails.’
‘Every cloud eh, James?’
‘Sorry I couldn’t visit you in the hospital with the others, but the doctor said it was best if I stayed away while I was sick.’
‘But you’re OK now?’ Dana asked, as she stepped towards the back door.
‘Pretty much.’
‘Lauren said your face was a real picture when the light came on in that sewer. Says you threatened to quit CHERUB and everything.’
James tutted. ‘She’s gonna tell everyone on campus. I’m never gonna hear the end of it.’
‘So you’re not quitting?’
James shook his head. ‘You know what missions are like: you don’t exactly enjoy it while you’re there, but as soon as you’ve recovered, you’re itching for another one.’
*
An hour later, the house was full of barbecue smells