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By Root 1520 0

activities. A slick, superficial explanation of their reason for being in Broome only added to the mystery. There was a Viennese pearl buyer who said he also bought gold and precious stones for ‘private clients’, a Japanese businessman who was accompanied by a very young, very pretty kimono-clad Japanese girl who spoke no English but giggled and remained attentively close by his side. There were several other businessmen and a slightly built Malay man who wore a lot of jewellery. The few European women present were plainly dressed when compared to Amy, who shone at centre stage like a music hall queen. While by no means classy or distinctive themselves, the women eyed Amy with some distaste. The men favoured her openly with appreciative stares.

‘Who owns this place?’ Amy asked Gunther in a low voice after they had been served several drinks.

‘He calls himself a trader. Antoine Dollinger, known as Captain Dolly. He buys and sells … anything. A very useful man to know.’ Gunther winked.

‘You know him well?’

‘Well enough. I’ve had various business dealings with him. I’m hoping to close a transaction that will make me a large sum of money.’ The smile hadn’t left Gunther’s face.

‘And I don’t suppose you’re going to give me any clues about this … big deal?’

‘Curiosity killed the cat. Why are you so interested? Ladies are just supposed to look pretty and not ask questions about men’s business.’

‘Some of us can be pretty and clever,’ she teased.

He studied her for a moment. ‘Yes, but you’re rare birds.’

‘I might be thinking about business opportunities, too. I’m looking forward to chatting to Captain Dolly.’

‘You talk to me if you have any clever ideas. I’ll look after your interests.’

‘Will you indeed? Business or personal?’

‘That is up to you, my dear. I’m full of surprises. You could do worse than throw your lot in with me. It’s a hard, cold world out there, only the strong—and the clever—survive.’

‘I know that, believe me. But I’ve managed quite well. Up till now. As I said, I’m seeking opportunities. I don’t plan to hang about Broome forever.’

‘And Captain Tyndall? What do you plan to do with him?’

‘He looks after himself.’

‘Perhaps that’s the problem, eh? You need an interest of your own.’

‘I was thinking of a money-making interest.’ She lifted his hand from her waist. Amy still hadn’t decided if Gunther was as clever as he tried to appear. She’d seen his type before, always about to make the big killing, always talking but still waiting for the fortune due to come their way. Yet for some reason, her antenna was registering positive, telling her this man was about to strike his mother lode. She still wondered why he fascinated her so. Despite his ugliness, he exuded a power that was sexually attractive.

Gunther expounded his business philosophy a little further. ‘You want to make money, you have to take risks. Bend the rules. Live dangerously. Might not suit your way of doing things.’

‘I wouldn’t say that.’ They exchanged a frank look that spoke volumes more than the conversational jousting.

‘Maybe what you’re looking for might come along sooner than you think. When it does, you have to up anchor and sail where the wind takes you.’

‘That’s how I’ve lived my life,’ said Amy softly.

Gunther instantly recognised he’d met one of his own. One of those who took in order to win and didn’t mind the consequences.

The evening passed too quickly for Amy. She felt heady from the wines and port and from the snatches of conversation between Gunther and the other men she’d come to realise were all connected in a loose network devoted to illegal but profitable dealings. She decided that she wanted to be part of it in some way, for she saw the paths of this company led to exotic places, wealth lavishly spent on indulgent pastimes and lifestyle, with a dash of danger and excitement thrown in.

On the way home, Gunther and Amy discussed the party in detail, Amy questioning him about what he knew of some of the other guests and of their host, the rough diamond, Captain Dolly. It appeared to be a social exchange after an