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‘My contacts in Asia are predicting some changes in the market over the next few weeks.’

‘Yes, I’m aware that the stock market is moving in response to the situation in China.’

‘It’s not my place to tell you what to do, David, but I’m sure you can see that it’s important to get this exploration licence through as a matter of urgency.’

‘I don’t see the connection.’ Johnson sipped his drink and frowned over the rim of the glass before he shook his head. ‘And the more discussions I have, the less inclined I am to support this project.’

‘That would be a grave mistake. You grew up at Ranger so you know how beneficial mining is for the Territory. It needs your support.’ Fairweather stared at him, jaw set and a pulse ticking in his cheek. ‘And I’ve given you a lot of support over the years – financial support.’

‘Please don’t treat me like a fool, Russell. Your generous support of the party gives you no more say than anyone else. I am considering my decision very carefully and I won’t rush it. You have been most generous in sharing your market knowledge and I am grateful for that.’ Johnson put his glass down and folded his arms. ‘I remain to be convinced that the impact on the environment will be balanced by economic gain. Coal seam mining is controversial and may not be the right direction for the Territory.’

Russell leaned forward and lowered his voice. ‘No.’

‘I beg your pardon?’ Johnson held his gaze steadily. ‘No, what?’

‘David, I believe you recently signed off on a seabed mining contract. Are you aware that was with one of my subsidiary companies? I’ve heard you have been trying to reverse that approval. Not a good look for the Chief Minister to make such an error of judgement. There are whispers that you were bribed. I would hate for the media to hear about that.’

‘That’s a lie.’

‘The media would love it.’ Russell sat back and watched the perspiration bead on the Chief Minister’s forehead.

‘Leak what you want.’ Johnson’s gaze was openly hostile now. ‘It will be just another accusation in the torrent of negativity against the party lately.’

‘I have more than a passing interest in this approval, David.’ Russell stared at him and disgust at Johnson’s ethical stance snaked through him. ‘The Chinese economy and the fall in the US dollar are losing this project – losing the Territory – a million dollars every day. The preliminary tests have indicated a massive seam of coal. The fracking must begin.’

‘Or losing you money?’ Johnson’s gaze was openly hostile now. ‘You assured me you had no pecuniary interest in this project.’

Anger rose in Russell’s throat and he narrowed his eyes. He was unused to people challenging him and he held his temper.

‘A naive assumption, David. But of course, no one would ever find any association between me and the project, so don’t waste your time looking.’

‘In hindsight, I’m not surprised.’ Johnson’s laugh was bitter. ‘But your gain or loss – or any threats you make against me – are irrelevant to my decision. Of course I can see the economic benefits, but we’re talking about coal seam gas mining at the edge of a World Heritage-listed national park. There’s a lot more investigation to be done before I – or the committees – will make a decision either way. One thing you may be certain of is that I will act appropriately and ethically.’

‘David, David.’ Fairweather shook his head and Johnson’s eyes narrowed at his tone. ‘It’s rather late for you to start playing the environmental card. Do you think I care about the opinions of a bunch of do-gooders beneath the sway of some rabid greenies?’ He put his glass down on the polished wooden table with a sharp click. ‘There are just two things you have to do.’

‘Two things?’

‘You will ensure that the boundary change is approved next week. And then it will be an easier matter for the drilling licence to be granted.’ Russell let a satisfied smile cross his face. The licence was merely a formality; drilling had already commenced but Johnson didn’t need to know that. One of the benefits of drilling in the wilderness; there was no one to snoop – or there hadn’t been until that Porter woman had flown over the site.

He continued. ‘It will be easy for you with your charismatic leadership, Chief Minister. I believe there are several other committee members working towards a suitable outcome too. Trust me, I will do whatever is necessary. I want this finalised in two weeks.’

‘Are you threatening me?’

‘Not yet. I am merely protecting your career. And trust me David, I will do whatever it takes to get what I want.’

‘Not yet? You need to be careful with what you’re saying, Russell.’ Johnson leaned forward, his mouth set in a straight line.

Fairweather finished the last swallow of his whisky, allowing himself a moment to appreciate its smoky burn. The man clearly needed a reminder of precisely where he stood in the scheme of things.

In short: under his foot.

He pulled out his iPhone and sent a text to Mick to send a driver. He’d heard enough.

‘I’m afraid that I have another appointment this evening. It’s been lovely to see you, David. Do give my best to Gina, won’t you? She’s almost due to have another child, I hear? And your other children, of course.’

Johnson’s eyes widened and followed Russell as he stood.

‘Do you know that I’ve been reading the most terrible things about childhood accidents in the papers recently? I do hope you look after yours very well, David.’