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Madeline pressed the remote to unlock the doors and they climbed in.
    Quigley broke the silence. ‘Did you bring it?’
    â€˜If you mean the book, yes. It’s in my handbag. But why would you want that on the very day of your release? It seems so … so bizarre.’
    â€˜Head for Timber Creek,’ Quigley barked, not answering. Deciding not to pursue the subject, Madeline started the car and then drove to the end of the long driveway. Instead of turning right, which would have taken them on their normal route, Quigley snapped, ‘Take the Midland Highway.’
    Cringing from his blunt instructions and offensive manner she managed to stammer, ‘B-but that’s not the way home. It’d be quicker going through the mountains.’
    â€˜I’m not going home,’ he said in the same brusque way, ‘so just do as I say.’
    â€˜You mean you’re not coming back to Cray Bay?’
    â€˜That’s correct. And I’d appreciate it if there were no more questions. Just drive.’
    Madeline’s heart leaped. She couldn’t believe it. He wasn’t coming home.
    Trying hard not to smile lest he see her, she gripped the steering wheel with renewed hope and pointed the car towards the long straight road before her.

Chapter Twenty
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    L eaving the grey walls and wire netting behind, Quigley sighed with relief. Prison had been a living Hell. The other inmates as well most of the prison officers, were well below his elite standards. Uncouth, the lot of them, certainly well below his superior status.
    It had one redeeming feature though; he’d made a deal with Hector Grimshaw. He remembered broaching the subject with Hector one afternoon in the prison exercise yard.
    â€˜I have an idea that you and your sister might like to hear.’
    â€˜Evelyn’s in Hutchinson, the women’s lockup. You know that,’ Hector replied in his usual surly manner.
    Quigley flicked an imaginary speck of dirt from the lapel of his shirt; then lowering his voice, he said, ‘I suggest we leave her out of it for now. If you are au fait with the idea I’m about to relate to you, then we’ll contact her in due course.’
    â€˜What’re you saying? What’s with the ofay business? Talk English, will ya!’
    Quigley glanced around. There was a group of inmates a short distance away sitting on some stone steps, talking and laughing among themselves. Other prisoners, watched by several officers, were either standing or walking around in groups. He grabbed Hector’s sleeve and led him to a far corner of the yard near the chain-wire fence. Keeping his voice low, he said, ‘I have, in my care, a document that will lead its owner to a small fortune.’ Seeing Hector’s look of disdain, he quickly added, ‘And before you ask, I’m of the opinion that the document is absolutely genuine.’
    â€˜Where is it then? Show me.’
    â€˜As I’ve said, it’s in my care, not actually on my person. However, it can easily be obtained.’
    Hector spat on the ground, barely missing Quigley’s shoes. ‘Humph. Where is it then, this so-called answer to our prayers that can be so easily obtained ?’
    Quigley took his time answering. ‘It’s a clue, a puzzle if you like, that shows the way to a hidden treasure.’
    Hector laughed. ‘So, you reckon you’ve got a treasure map? Ha! Pull the other one, why don’t you!’ He spat once again and then turned to walk away.
    Quigley grabbed him by the shoulder and spun him around. ‘Listen to me! I can understand your skepticism, but believe me, all I’ve told you is the truth. What I have is genuine!’ He pushed his face close to Hector’s. ‘You’re to be released tomorrow and I’ll be free of this place shortly after and when that happens, I propose we meet to discuss this matter further … at your sister’s and your home