The volcanic ash cloud from Chile sweeping across southern Australia had already disrupted air travel and any moment all flights out of Melbourne’s Tullamarine would be grounded. His instincts were always spot on and Nic didn’t intend being one of those passengers caught up in the chaos. In line at the airline’s business check-in, he speed-dialled Reception at the airport hotel, heard Kerry’s familiar, but somewhat distracted voice on the other end and smiled. ‘Hey, babe. It’s Nic.’ ‘Nic, hi.’ ‘How’s it going there?’ ‘Hectic.’ ‘I bet. Reckon I’m going to need that reservation after all.’ ‘You’re not the only one. There’s a waiting list a mile long.’ ‘Ah, but they don’t know the receptionist like I do.’ He grinned. ‘Connections, Kerry babe.’ ‘Are everything. Right.’ He could hear the clatter of her fingers flying over her keyboard. ‘So … that’s for one guest?’ ‘Depends …’ He deepened his voice and drawled, ‘What time do you get off?’ The muffled cough was laced with friendly amusement.
