Remote Rescue by George Ivanoff Page A

‘Remember that time we drove across the Pilbara in WA? Two flat tyres. And it was hotter than this. But we made it.’
    â€˜Yeah,’ agreed Burt, sheepishly, ‘I guess you’re right.’ He gave his wife’s hand a littlesqueeze. ‘I’m glad I’ve got you to keep me focused.’
    And that’s when they noticed Sam peering out at them through the partly open window. Sam saw their expressions change. She could tell they were concerned about upsetting her. Well, they needn’t worry , she thought. I can look after myself.
    â€˜Sorry,’ said Burt with a little shrug.
    Sam got out of the car, determined to do something, to not be a burden. ‘I’ll help with the gear.’ She looked back in. ‘Em, you stay in there.’ Then she slammed the door shut.
    â€˜Oh, you don’t have –’ began Burt, but Sam cut him off.
    â€˜It’s okay. It’s our gear and the sooner we get the tyre changed the sooner we can go after Dad.’ Sam went round to the back ofthe car and lifted up the hatchback. ‘I’ve helped Dad change a tyre before. I know what I’m doing.’
    â€˜Actually,’ said Gwen, ‘I could take you and your sister ahead in the Land Rover. I’m sure Burt can change the tyre on his own. And that way you can still get to the airport not long after your dad.’
    Sam started to unpack the boot. ‘It’s okay,’ she said. ‘They can’t take us all in the RFDS plane anyway. Daws will go in the plane. We’re going to have to wait at the airport … until someone figures out what to do with us kids.’
    â€˜Oh.’ Gwen looked sideways at her husband and pointedly raised her eyebrows. He jumped forward and started helping Sam unload.
    â€˜At least this way I’m doing something useful,’ muttered Sam.
    She knew that unpacking the car and helping with the tyre would keep her mind busy – and stop her from thinking about all the things she’d done wrong.
    â€˜How about I ring ahead to the airport,’ said Gwen. ‘I’ll let them know what’s happened. Otherwise your brother might worry. Then I’ll get some cold drinks from the esky.’
    â€˜Thanks,’ said Sam without looking up.

    â€˜I think we should stop,’ Dawson blurted out.
    â€˜What?’ Jen glanced sideways at him.
    â€˜I’ve been watching,’ continued Dawson. ‘They’re definitely not behind us anymore. It’s been ages since that rise. The road’s been flat ever since. I can see pretty far back. And they’re not there. We need to stop.’
    â€˜I don’t think we should,’ said Jen. ‘It’s more important to get your dad to hospital.’
    â€˜But just before you said his injuries weren’t serious.’
    â€˜I didn’t say that.’ Jen was looking worried now. ‘I said it wasn’t life-threatening . There is a difference. What your dad has is a serious injury and he still needs to get to a hospital as soon as possible.’
    â€˜But what if something’s happened?’ insisted Dawson.
    â€˜Well, how about we give them a ring,’suggested Jen. ‘We’ve got a satellite phone here.’
    â€˜Oh,’ said Dawson. ‘Do you know Burt’s number?’
    â€˜No,’ said Jen. ‘I thought you’d have it. Or your sister’s.’
    â€˜My sister doesn’t have a phone. And I never thought to get his number. We’ve got to stop. It’s bad enough that Dad’s hurt. What if something’s happened to them?’ Dawson’s voice had risen again and he was speaking so fast his words were running together.
    â€˜Calm down, Dawson,’ said Jen, her voice even and gentle. ‘We need to think this through logically. We’re not far from the airport now. It would make more sense to keep going and get your dad onto the plane,which will be ready and