The afternoon sun set over Leongatha Airport in a country town at the foothills of the Strzelecki Mountains in the state of Victoria informing the office workers, mechanics and air traffic controllers it was time to go home. As the day shift left the single runway public airport the night shift security crew came on. Steven was the senior officer in his fifties he was grateful for the work but preoccupied by dreams of early retirement he and his wife held down four jobs between them. He was the one with the responsibility of showing Dalton the new guy around the facility. He stood in front of the six foot one inch young man whose uniform was too small for his athletic body and sighed. “Hi my name is Steven and you can put your bag in your locker.” He directed the confident young man.

“Hi my name is Conrad and No can do,” Said Dalton, “It has all my Nicorette products in it, patches, gum, spray, lozenges I will have an anxiety attack if I don't have them with me.”

Steven shrugged his middle aged shoulders smoking was not his vice if it had been cupcakes that was different he would have insisted they be shared. The black satchel stayed around the sturdy young man's shoulders. Once they had paroled the grounds Steven led Dalton back to the security/break room, “We parole every two hours.” He reached for a kettle and some instant coffee. Dalton shook his head, “No no no,” He reached into his bag and bought out a packet of boutique instant espresso, “Nothing but the best.”

Steven re washed the coffee mugs in anticipation Dalton made the coffee and then produced a packet of assorted Danish pastries from his bag. “You relax,” He told Steven, “I can parole the grounds.” With his mouth full and a stupid grin on his face Steven nodded but Dalton did not parole the grounds he headed straight for the runway and stood in the shadows. Fifteen minutes later a small jet plane landed stopping near the gates, one passenger disembarked followed by an air steward and a pilot, they walked out the gate together. Domestic planes have locks on their doors but commercial planes do not due to the fact you have to be highly trained to fly them so all systems were good to go.

Dalton ran to and boarded the unmanned Cessna Citation CJI. He locked the door from the inside entered the cockpit sat in the pilot’s seat and fired up the engines. He taxied up the runway got clearance and accelerated to approximately 50 knots or 90 km/h a young woman came screaming out of the toilet, Dalton coolly pulled back on the joy stick starting a 917 mpm rate of climb sending the plane into the night sky. As the woman rushed at him he forcibly pushed her away and she fell into the co-pilots seat. “If you want to crash and burn tell me now so I can eject myself from certain death.” He looked her directly in the eyes the woman shrank as the engines roared toward a cruising speed of 440km/h.

Fifteen minutes into the trip the young woman asked, “Are you kidnapping me?”

“No I didn't even know you were on the plane.” Dalton answered.

“Then what are you doing because I know this is not your plane.” Her voice restrained hysteria.

“No it is the banks plane and I am repossessing it from a deadbeat millionaire.” Dalton was slightly cross at the assumption he was a dishonest man. “Is that alright with you?”

“That makes sense,” The woman nodded. “He told me he was a producer but in reality he was a sleaze.”

“Was it smart locking yourself in the toilet?” Dalton looked at her pretty silhouette.

“You've obviously never been a woman.” She did not smile. Dalton did, “I'm Dalton, what's your name?”

“I'm Bailey and I'm tired.” She groaned.

“I'm not coming on to you.” Dalton remarked. “But you will need a lift from the paddock I'm about to land on because it's on private property.”

She looked at his masculine profile, “It's been a long day I've been talking to industry people with big demands for hours without anything to eat. I'm tired and grumpy”

“I can stop at a drive thru on the way home.” He offered.

“Thanks.” She gently smiled. They flew for another twenty minutes before he put on his pilot voice, “You’d better buckle in I'm about to land, it will take about five minutes to sort out the paperwork then another ten minutes before we hit a town I just remembered I have some chocolate chip cookies in my bag.” He pointed to the bag behind him. Bailey jumped out of her seat and attacked the cookies she retrieved from the bag while putting on her seatbelt.

The plane landed smoothly thanks to Dalton's skill the runway was badly lit he checked his paperwork was in order before handed it to a man standing in the shadows of runway lights. Bailey wanted to stay in the plane until all the paperwork was done but Dalton thought that was unprofessional he enticed her off the plane with the promise of a packet of chips in the Mazda 3 he had hired so he could drive to the next town. She placed a briefcase by her feet and opened the bag of salt and vinegar chips. Dalton concluded his business and got a nice 3% cheque of a 4 million dollar plane. He practically skipped back to the car. The Mazda sped off into the night, Dalton put on the radio trying to tune it Bailey gently suggested, “Let me do that while you watch the road.”

“O.K but only rock and roll cause I like it.” Dalton was chuffed. She kept pushing buttons even when he told her he liked the song by the time they pulled up to the drive thru of a popular take away restaurant he was so frustration he nearly broke the radio turning it off. They ordered and parked in the car park giving Dalton time to de-stress from the repossession and lying to Steven. Inbetween bites Dalton took of the work shirt that was one size to small and put on a soft wool jumper that he had packed in his satchel. He pinched some of Baileys fries when she wasn't looking. “What's in the briefcase?” He asked.

“Don't know.” She replied vaguely, “I got it from under the seat on the plane I thought it was yours.”

Dalton picked it up off the floor and held it to his ear, “It's not ticking.” He shook it, “No trinkets.” He opened it and groaned, “Just boring papers.”

“How do you know?” Bailey took the case from him, “You haven't even looked at them.” She dug her hand in and pulled out some photos, Dalton started the car stopping at the car park exit, “Which way?” He asked.

Bailey was engrossed in the photos. “Do you want a lift home or not?” He asked again this time gruffly. Bailey screamed making Dalton hit the accelerator the car jerked out into oncoming traffic. Again Dalton remained calm and reacted without emotion flooring the accelerator and swerving to avoid the charging cars. Once he regained control of the situation he yelled, “What is it with you? Have you got a death wish?”

“I'm sorry I just got a shock.” She held the photo in front of his face. He swerved, swore and grabbed the photo. “You've seen the internet right? There's nothing that shocking anymore.” He said.

“Unless it's snapshot of a public figure in a compromising situation.” She giggled he stopped the car on the side of the road to examine the photos, “It's just a man and woman being kinky.” He flicked the photo back at her.

“Two women.” She teased.

“That's a woman?” He sounded surprised.

Bailey gave him a dirty look, “She is the one of biggest Madam in the country suspected of dealing on an international level. She started as a bikie's old lady and ended up with her own crime syndicate.”

“And you know this because?” Dalton was suspicious.

“The other woman is the ex-editor of Golly magazine for teenage girls.” Bailey lowered her voice.

Dalton laughed, “You mean the one in the school uniform.” Bailey giggled too and nodded.

Dalton stopped laughing, “How do you know these things?” But before she could answer something smashed into the back of the Mazda.

Bailey did not scream which Dalton found interesting instead she put her knees up to her chest in an upright foetal position, he accelerated doing a 360 burn out gaining a chance to check out the other car when he saw the type of car it was he swore under his breath an Audi. Never mind Mazda's are low to the ground and can corner tight and fast. Dalton avoided straight runs because the Audi motor could out power the Mazda in a heartbeat so he ran the small street gauntlet. He was just a few turns away from being trapped when he caught a glimpse of the fluorescent bonnet design of a hidden highway cop car thankfully his brain went immediately into survival mode. The plan was to wait to the last minute to turn into a driveway the Audi would over shoot them straight into the arms of the waiting police force. He turned the cars lights off checked the rear view mirror and saw the predatory headlights getting closer, he timed it to the last split second before turning into a block of flats car park immediately switching off the engine to idle into a parking bay.

As predicted the pursuit vehicle shot past into the awaiting sirens of the local law enforcement. Dalton looked at Bailey who had not moved at all, “Are we ok?” She spoke as a chipmunk.

“Mm I think I'll get you home now.” He turned the car on put it in reverse and backed into an immovable object. This made Bailey move she unfurled herself just as a masculine hand ripped open the door and grabbed her. She was lifted out of the car and held by the throat, Dalton cautiously got out too. “Stay cool or my partner snaps her neck.” A menacing voice spoke from the shadows. Dalton nodded. “That was a smooth move pity we weren't the car right behind you.” This voice belonged to a Bogan.

“Yeah Mazda's corner like butter.” Dalton kept cool.

The deeper male voice interrupted, “If you've finished bonding grab all the bags, open the boot and get in the car.” Dalton hesitated, “You mean me?” “My partner’s hands are full.” Bailey gasped for air making Dalton's skin crawl he obeyed. “Now you get into the boot.” The voice in charge growled.

Dalton hesitated Bailey squealed in pain so he got into the boot. He listened to the noises as they travelled South West for what seemed like hours.

He continuously flexed his muscles to stimulate circulation so when he was let out of the boot he could physically react if needed. The first thing he saw when he was finally freed was Bailey who looked scared but alright the two men shoved their captives into a basement elevator. They travelled 20 stories up evaluating each other in those few travelling minutes. Dalton stood taller than the two kidnappers but not wider, they had the physique of island rugby players. Bailey was as tall as their captives wearing diamante studded heels a dress that was small and black with a long flowing Jersey Indigo jacket. The elevator doors opened to reveal a large open planned apartment, it had been expertly designed in muted tones with splashes of blood red accents not homely. Party glasses were everywhere odours of leftover food and pot smoke drenched the air. The enormous woman that stood in the middle of the room was the dominatrix in the photos.

Dalton and Bailey were presented to the hardened gangster her jaw dropped. “Bailey.” They all turned to stare at the slender young woman.

“Hi Tagean.” Bailey weakly smiled.

“What the?” Tagean's eyes found the briefcase and ripped it from her employee’s hands. “Is this yours?” She waved it in Baileys face.

“No I found it on the plane of a pervert.” Answered Bailey sarcastically.

“That makes sense, let's sit.” Tagean sat in the biggest armchair in the room. Dalton was pushed onto the couch and Bailey sat down willingly. “I heard about your Grandad sorry.” The madam's condolences were sincere.

“We all knew he'd rip off the wrong person one day.” Bailey said sadly.

“Yeah still the guy must have been a tourist to mess with your family.” Tagean took a drink of champagne.

“Admittedly the jerk didn't last long.” Bailey’s voice was now cold.

“I feel the same way, some weasel has been trying to blackmail my friend,” Tagean punched her fists together. “And all I want is to find the pecker head. You don't know his name, do you?” She glared at Bailey.

“He told me George Lucas.” She answered. “But I think he lied.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

“So who's your army buddy?” Tagean asked according to Dalton's appearance he had a convenient buzz cut he could grow his hair to change his look whenever he wanted.

“Who?” Bailey yawned.

“Me!” Dalton raised his voice in-sighting one bodyguard to step forward.

“Oh yeah you're Dean, right?” She looked into his sapphire blue eyes, he shook his head. “Dylan, Drake, Diane.”

“DALTON, me Dalton.” He pounded his chest.

The gangsters snickered.

“No he's the,” Bailey was going to explain what he did for a living when she was interrupted, “Don't tell them you rejected me it still might work out.” He winked at the room. Everyone looked at Bailey and nodded acknowledgement she was a stunner.

“Ok well I don't want to get between you two so,” Tagean paused, no one responded, “I'll take my photos and call it a night. BUT if you do run into the slime ball call me.” One of the bodyguards escorted them to the elevator.

The two escapees travelled down in silence until the doors open, “Now what do we do?” Bailey whined.

“I'm going home.” Dalton was adamant.

“Derrr. How?” Her expression mirrored her exhaustion before he could answer back sarcastically a Holden Astra pulled up beside them, “Need a lift?” The man behind the wheel asked and as quick as a flash Bailey hopped into the back seat Dalton groaned and followed her.

“Hi you can drop me at the nearest train station.” Bailey ordered.

Dalton's mouth fell open, “Are you serious?”

“Yes, it's the only way I can tell where I am I know every train line in this city.” She bragged.

“Oh yeah and this kind stranger just happened to be in an abandoned car park waiting to do a good deed.” His voice contained enough rage to warn the other male he was willing to fight.

“Stop! I'm here to ask for your help.” The middle aged man said. “Let's go get a drink and I'll tell you all about it.”

“I don't drink. It's not professional” Said Bailey. “Too many calories.”

“I need one.” Dalton clenched his fists. “As long as it is in a public place with lots of people.”

The driver took them to a bar at the local casino a back room in a heritage building now being used as a hotel. People didn't stay long in this seedy hotel either way gambling or sex they were leaving with less money than they came in with the duration of their visit determined how much. Lighting was soft and hazy designed to hide any imperfections. The mystery man got two beers and a sparkling water bringing them over to the plush armchairs that Bailey and Dalton decided to sit on instead of running they were just too tired. He was a slender man in a cheap suit, slicked back hair, sharp dark eyes, pencil thin moustache and an olive complexion.

“I am Kaso a private investigator.” He paused for effect. Dalton took a long drink of his beer while Bailey tried to get comfortable in her chair her eyes half shut so Kaso kept going, “I was supposed to find Madam T's blackmailer which I did but you got the briefcase before me.”

“It was an accident.” Dalton remarked defensively taking another long drink. “I need another.” He held up his empty glass. Kaso went back to the bar and got two new beers while Dalton finished the one he left on the table. He sat down again, “Where's my beer?” He asked Dalton pointed to Bailey and shook his head so Kaso continued, “Are you a new investigation agency?” Bailey's head rested on the chair's arm, “No I'm a model who wants to be an actress.” She pointed at Dalton who was concentrating on drinking his beer. “And he's a repo man.”

“You wouldn't be very popular.” Kaso sneered at Dalton.

“Neither will you be if you don't get me another drink.” Threatened Dalton.

“Do you think he needs a partner?” Kaso whispered.

“Don't know I only met him tonight.” Bailey whispers back. “I really want to go home.” Dalton was finishing his third beer and eyeing of Kaso's unfinished glass.

“I can do that after you tell me what you know.” Kaso negotiated.

“Another beer.” Dalton ordered aggressively this time Kaso bought a jug.

“We've told you everything we know.” She nearly cried. “Please take me home.”

“I'm not leaving before I finish my jug.” Dalton downed four glasses quickly, “Just a heads up I don't drink very often.” He stood up then promptly fell over the furniture. Kaso tried to help the big guy up instead ended up on the floor beside him this amused Dalton but not Bailey, “If you two don't get up I'm leaving.” An empty threat as she had seen several men salivate when they looked at her however she did smile flirtatiously at one of the bouncers who came to her rescue. He carried Dalton to Kaso's car Bailey helped him into the back seat gave the bouncer a bogus phone number before she got into the front seat. They got more beer from the drive thru to try and shut Dalton up instead he sang bad Karaoke loudly for the whole trip to Bailey's city apartment. Kaso then drove to his suburban unit leaving a sleeping Dalton in the car.

Next day Bailey was woken by a foreign ringtone she couldn't remember changing her settings but last night was unusual so anything was possible, “Hello.”

“Hi.” A male voice spoke, “It's me Dalton, from last night.”

Bailey’s brain was still half asleep she grunted in reply.

“You've got my phone.” He told her. “I need it to do my job.”

“Ok.” She mumbled then hung up. The phone rang again. She answered. “Hello.”

“I need my phone.” Dalton said again this time loudly.

“Who are you?” Bailey asked. She finally got the message when Dalton reminded her that he had her phone, she agreed to meet him in an hour at a city cafe. When she finally got there Dalton seemed fine eating a large breakfast she had ordered a coffee and a heated blueberry muffin. “If you wanted to see me again all you had to do was ask.” Joking to mask her suspicions.

Dalton smiled, “Maybe it was you who wanted to see me.” Even he didn't believe that, “You bought my phone right.”

“Oh,” She gently slapped her forehead then sat down, “I knew I forgot something.”

Dalton did not laugh, “I'll just keep your phone until I get mine.”

“Ew snappy.” She put his phone on the table he grabbed it and started scrolling messages. Her coffee and muffin came to the table this allowed her time to quickly analyse her new companion she looked at his unshaven face guessing his hair colour was sandy brown. His clothes were casual but clean the shade of blue he wore highlighted his eyes he either had fashion sense or someone shopped for him. She sipped her coffee. He was fit but not buff relaxed but alert in fact he was a walking contradiction.

After he finished with his phone he handed over hers and continued eating checking her out in between bites. Her soft black hair was tied up in a ponytail, in the daylight her hazel brown eyes had specks of green she wore jeans and a T-shirt with a well cut jacket. They sat in silence trying to think of something to say, “Did you sleep well last night all scrunched up in the back seat of such a small car.” Bailey thought this was a serious question of concern.

“I needed a time out ok,” Dalton was defensive, “I was kidnapped twice in one night. My neck was a little sore and my back needed to be cracked but at least that weird little guy left me alone.”

“I thought he was nice.” Bailey offered Dalton half her muffin, “I can't eat all this muffins are huge now.” He took the muffin and they both finished their coffees.

“Well this is goodbye.” Dalton acknowledged. “It was nice meeting you.” Someone grabbed his hand who was not Bailey.

“Act natural.” A familiar voice ordered them to remain seated, it was Kaso “I've got news.”

“I don't care.” Dalton threatened.

“Madam T is looking for you.” Kaso was expectant.

“Why?” Bailey was concerned.

“Her friend has been kidnapped and she is looking for someone to blame.” Kaso frowned. ”

“I thought you worked for her.” Dalton surmised. “And how did you find us?”

“I'm a detective.” The agitated man reminded them. “I work for the victim in all this, that's if she survives.” Kaso was crestfallen.

“You mean Miranda Nestler.” Bailey interjected Kaso was flabbergasted. “I know Madam T isn't looking for me” She was confident, Dalton nodded his head vigorously. “Or me.” He paused for a reaction and when none came he relaxed.