Caught in the Rip — SPOILER ALERT: This is the penultimate chapter of Beach Walker. Melissa’s assessment of the media situation was sensible, comforting — and utterly wrong. I’d been wondering how long it would take the press bloodhounds to latch on to my trail as Leonard’s friend — only living friend, as far as…

In Deep — ‘What’s wrong, Grace?’ asked Melissa quietly. ‘You’re not your usual self at all.’ I attempted a smile, but it died on my lips. ‘Had some bad news about a friend,’ I muttered, pushing the cold lamb chop around my plate. ‘I’m worried for him.’ ‘Oh. Is that who you’ve been…

Follow the Money — Big, puzzled brown eyes in an old-man face. A moist mouth agape in constant wonder. Tight curls of black hair atop a round skull. ‘Welcome to the world, little man,’ I murmured as I cradled Billy against my breast. ‘I wonder what your life’s journey will be?’ He was off…

Digging — ‘Anyone with you?’ ‘Don’t be silly, Leonard. Of course not. It’s just me.’ ‘No other cars hanging around?’ I looked up and down the road. Passing traffic: a courier van, a car, nothing out of the ordinary. No parked vehicles, nobody loitering. ‘No. What’s this about?’ ‘I’ll be right down.’ …

Fame at Last — ‘Picked this up on the way here,’ I said, slapping the newspaper on Leonard’s kitchen table. He shot me a mute enquiry. ‘Page five. Recognise anyone?’ As the coffee pot began to steam and snort, he opened the paper, scanned the short article and photo. ‘Who the hell’s Dr Leonard…

All About Kelp — We needn’t have worried. With five minutes to spare, Leonard arrived, clutching an ancient leather briefcase and wearing a tweed jacket of comparable vintage, rather warm for the time of year but respectable. I’d never dreamed that he might possess such an article. Had it been Uncle Jimmy’s, I wondered? …

She’ll Be Right — Having accepted the challenge, Leonard seemed nonchalant about giving a talk at the Festival of the Sea in Barwon Heads. ‘Ah, she’ll be right,’ was his only comment, when I asked him about it. ‘Not the first paper I’ve given.’ Barwon Heads is more constrained by geography than its sister…

A Rib in the Pope’s Eye — ‘Forecast is good for snorkelling tomorrow. Twenty-three; light, variable wind; sea state calm. The sea breeze will kick in later in the day, of course … Feeling adventurous?’ enquired the voice on the phone. ‘Not particularly. Why do you ask?’ The darkened window mirrored my expression: a suspicious frown. ‘Thought…

Undercurrents and Sediments — We gazed across the back yard to where Lexy and Barty were munching on a fresh feed of hay, the rise and fall of their sleek flanks outlined in the crisp morning light. …