Flight of the Jabiru Read Online Free Page A

“That’s not true!”
    â€œThere’s no question that Lord Hornsby has been assaulted, and he claims you did it, Miss Penrose,” Sergeant Andrews said with strained patience. It was because Lord Hornsby was a former military officer that the sergeant believed him. Why would a man with his background say something like that if it wasn’t true? To be assaulted by a young woman of small stature would be humiliating for any man, let alone a former military man.
    â€œIt might look that way, but I’ve already told you, several times , that he stepped on a rake and it hit him in the face.” Lara’s voice was becoming louder in anger and dissatisfaction.
    â€œSo you’ve said.” The sergeant treated her to a disbelieving frown. He’d heard a lot of tall stories in his day but this was one for the books. That it was coming from such a pretty young woman made it all the more incredible. Even so, it was becoming evident that she had a temper.
    â€œI know it sounds unbelievable... but ... ”
    â€œYou’ll have your say in court, Miss Penrose, so save your explanations for the judge,” Sergeant Andrews insisted. “Until then, I suggest you say nothing more until you get advice from your solicitor.”
    â€œI shouldn’t need a solicitor,” Lara said, succumbing to tears. “I’m innocent!” She became aware that she was being scrutinized by a man and a woman sitting on chairs against a wall. She quickly summed them up as likely offenders waiting to be processed, and she was soon to join them! She’d never felt more humiliated.
    â€œSit here while I do paperwork in regards to the charges against you,” Constable Formby said to Lara, ushering her towards the only available chair. Unfortunately, it happened to be sandwiched between the man and woman.
    Lara panicked. “Can’t I wait somewhere else?” She lowered her voice. “Somewhere more private?” The situation was shameful enough, without being the object of conjecture.
    â€œWe don’t have any free offices.”
    â€œI don’t mind waiting in a passageway, or even a corner, as long as it’s out of sight. You can see I’m not a criminal and we’ll have this sorted out within the hour.”
    The man and woman looked mildly amused.
    â€œYou can wait in a cell if you’d prefer,” Constable Formby said unmoved.
    Lara considered her options. “Are there people in the cells?”
    â€œThat’s what the cells are for,” the constable said intolerantly.
    â€œAre they ... like these two?”
    â€œYes,” Constable Formby repeated. “This is a police station, Miss Penrose. The detainees are not usually the cream of society.”
    â€œI’ll wait here,” Lara said, embarrassed and defeated.
    Tugging on the hem of her jacket nervously, she tentatively sat down. She dried her tears, while pressing her elbows to her sides to avoid touching the man or woman. After a few moments she dared to glance nervously at the hard-looking woman alongside her, while trying to avoid eye contact with the man who was boldly looking at her legs.
    Lara tugged on the hem of her skirt to cover as much of her legs as possible while regarding the woman. She was wearing an ill-fitted black dress with a plunging neckline. It hung on her skeletal frame, the gaping neckline exposing too much of bosoms that resembled two fried eggs. When the woman glanced in her direction, Lara averted her gaze, giving her full attention to the floor in front of her. She couldn’t help noticing the woman’s shoes were so badly scuffed and worn that the leather on the heels, which might’ve once been red, was curled up the sides. An unpleasant smell was coming from the woman. It made her feel queasy. Although there were barely inches to move, she shuffled to the far side of her chair to escape the smell, and accidentally touched the man’s