Fleeced by Hazel Edwards Page A

was amazed that he’d missed so much under his own camera eye.’ But didn’t that kea steal Gertrude’s nugget sandwich!’
    â€˜That’s why she chased that kea. And when she fell in the river, her watch insides got wet. And now she’s got away with the gold.’ ‘
    Christopher felt let down. After working out about the copy watches and the nuggets , Zoe said it was too late. No proof that Gertrude had nuggets on her. And she’d gone, using the excuse of a family emergency in the States because she knew they suspected her. She had probably already flown out of Auckland for the States.
    Unfortunately, it was time now for the other trekkers to fly home.
    Flight seers were taking off now the cloud had lifted. As the twins flew out of Milford Airfield, they flew back across the Track, and could see the mountains, the pass and the lodges.
    Amy checked the soggy map against the real places underneath. Most of the nuggets had been near the Pass.
    â€˜A kea’s eye view,’ said Stan wistfully. He was squashed in a seat with the overflowing Ms Tree who was holding his hand, firmly.

Chapter 12
Chase at Auckland Airport
    They didn’t expect to see Gertrude again, but ...
    Their parents were exchanging their New Zealand money at the airport Bureau du Change. The twins were waiting nearby.
    â€˜Look! ‘ Christopher pointed. A Maori carved doorway led out to the Auckland airport car park. The golden-brown archway was a gift to travellers from the Maori Queen and her people. Amy read the inscription aloud.
    Telling a story in pictures was like reading an old fashioned comic. That’s why Christopher was staring at the panel and didn’t notice when Gertrude hurried past struggling with her golf bag. She also had a carry-on bag and a laptop.
    Amy glanced across, just in time to see her.
    Gertrude’s still here! She’s heading for the International gateway! Chase her, Chris!’ yelled Amy despairingly. It wasn’t fair having an ankle like hers just now. A traveller cramming suitcases on the trundle, got in the way as Christopher took off.
    â€˜ I’ll catch her!’ called Christopher across his shoulder. He wasn’t sure what he’d do when he caught up to her. Seeing her was amazing luck, but she did have to fly out from some airport. And this was the biggest.
    â€˜Watch out!’ yelled Amy. Was that meant to be a clue? Christopher was panting hard as he ran. Did Gertrude have the nuggets in her sheep watch?
    Or in the golf club bag?
    At the International gate, Gertrude’s golf bag was already moving on the scanner belt. She turned and recognised Christopher. This time, she was NOT pleased to see him. Nervously her hand went to her chest. Officials checked her carry-on bags through and hurriedly she entered the security doorway.
    â€˜Wait!’ called Christopher. He wasn’t sure what to do. He had his passport in his bum bag and his ticket, so he could go through too. He threw his carry-bag onto the belt, just behind Gertrude’s bags.
    Then the alarms started.
    Beep. Beep. Beep.
    â€˜Probably just my keys, dear,’ Gertrude said soothingly to the guard who was running the security wand over her. ‘Always happens.’
    â€˜Beep. Beep. ‘ When the guard ‘wanded ‘ her, the alarm started near her chest.
    â€˜Anything metallic Madam?’ asked the security man.’ Buttons perhaps?’
    Christopher couldn’t tell if the sheep copy-watch was still pinned underneath, but the beeps were loud.
    Nuggets were metal. Wouldn’t they beep?
    The ‘wand’ went lower.
    Beep. Beep. Beep.
    â€˜Are my golf clubs all right? ‘ asked Gertrude anxiously. She pointed to them waiting ‘They are not outsized luggage. They have a seat ticket. I wouldn’t like to lose them. Golf is my great love. I’ve even bought a seat for my clubs.’
    The guard gave a quick look towards the golf