Ever-ready Ted.(Story)(Short story)

I have always liked the thought of living in Darwin. The leisurely lifestyle, the tropical warmth, the fishing and the people have always appealed to me. So, the last time I was there, I filled a few hours stating into real estate agents' windows, comparing prices and wishfully thinking I could afford something at the top end of the market.

I was gazing through the plate-glass of a Cavanagh Street agency when a photograph of a property caught my attention. There it was: my dream! Beneath a photo of green trees and palms that seemed to press against the white sand and clear blue water of a tropical foreshore was written: "Absolute water frontage on Darwin harbour. This beautiful rainforest block has fantastic sea views and rises from an A1 quality beach. This is the best vacant land on the harbour. Ideal for a rural retreat and within five kilometres of the centre of Darwin. Call Colin."

I stood drooling at the photograph until I became aware someone was standing beside me. The figure was reflected in the window. Our eyes met in the glass and he beamed me a broad friendly smile. I turned towards him. He was in his mid-thirties; tallish but overweight. His complexion was pallid and his jowls had already given in to gravity. They bulged unhealthily over the collar of his immaculately ironed short-sleeved white shirt. His tie was that of a well-known private boys' school in one of Sydney's more salubrious suburbs. He indicated the photograph.

"It's not bad is it!"

"I don't know why anyone would want to sell it," I replied. "I've always wanted a place like that."

"It could be yours," he said, his expression suddenly serious.

"What price are they asking?"