"Will You Listen?"

"Oh, I’m sorry Mr. Moran but he’s gone into Coffs Harbour this morning, yes he was earlier but now he’s gone…should be back…I’m sorry would you repeat that...are you sure…oh dear…oh no. Yes I will thank you Mr. Moran."

Miss Peeg hung up the phone and covered her eyes with her hand. Hando was gone…what this would mean for Mr. Roberts she didn’t know. She wrung her hands and got up and paced about her office. Where oh where would he have gone. She would have to call Mr. Roberts.

Miss Peeg called his cell phone and got the answering service, "Mr. Roberts would you call me please at your earliest convenience…it’s most important. Thank you sir."

This wouldn’t do, he was in court no doubt it would be hours before he was free. Something had to be done…something.

"Amanda dear, how’s Johnny today…that’s good, yes…I have a favor to ask…well would you…I mean could you possibly come to the office and watch the phones for me…I have to go out for awhile and Mr. Roberts is in court this morning….Well as soon as possible dear…now would be good…thank you…thank you very much."

Miss Peeg was on the ready when Amanda came rushing over, "Auntie what is it something wrong?"

"Something very wrong my dear…I’m going to try and find Hando…I have my phone if you need to call dear."

Miss Peeg was out the door before any questions could be asked and headed for her little mini. The first place she checked out was the cabin. Having never been there she merely followed the road on which she believed it to be…her instincts were right. The whole area was blocked by yellow crime scene tape but she noticed where it had been torn down. Hando’s car was gone.

She debated a moment and parked her car and headed to the cabin, the back door was open and she tip toed in it was in a shambles everything turned upside down and broken, carefully she walked back outside and to her car. She stopped once and turned around then got in her car and left. Driving back to the center of town she tried to remember everything he d said in conversation. Any clue as to where he might have gone. Lifting her chin she made her way to the main highway and drove to the beach areas.

Miss Peeg was really not dressed for this but she was determined, removing her shoes she walked down to the water’s edge and took a deep breath of sea air then she turned and began walking down the beach. She’d spotted his car in the fifth car park area she’d rode through he was here somewhere. The beach area was nearly deserted, only a few walkers along the water’s edge; she walked toward the rock formations that led into the sea.

Climbing through the openings and stepping in pools and up through another opening she spotted him looking out to sea. She leaned against the side of the rock to catch her breath. Smoothing her hair back and pinning it again she stepped through the opening and quietly as she could moved closer to him.

He turned quickly with a hard look on his face that quickly turned to surprise then back to the carefully constructed mask he usually wore.

"What are you doing here…how did you find me?"

"With some effort Hando, I want to talk to you if I may," Said Miss Peeg climbing the rock formation to sit by his side.

"I have nothing to say…to anybody." He said and turned his face back toward the sea.

"Well then perhaps you will listen…for I do have something to say Hando." Miss Peeg said settling in.