Take Out

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LIST OF SHORTENED FORMS USED IN THIS NOVELAFPAustralian Federal PoliceAPBall points bulletinCCCCorruption and Crime CommissionCODcause of deathDCPDepartment for Child ProtectionEEGelectroencephalogramET tubeendotracheal tubeGBHgrievous bodily harmICUintensive care unitID cardidentity cardMCISMajor Crash Investigation SquadOICofficer in chargePDQpaint data queryRANRoyal Australian NavySCSSerious Crime SquadSOCOscene of crimes officerUNIFEMUnited Nations Development Fund for WomenUWAThe University of Western AustraliaWACAWestern Australian Cricket AssociationWAPOLWestern Australian PoliceTable A

PROLOGUE

Mai and the other planters follow the farmer and his ‘mechanical buffalo’ as it chug chugs along, ploughing the ground into soupy mud. They separate the tied bundles of rice seedlings and then plant them individually into the furrows. It is back-breaking work, but neighbour helps neighbour. Soon a carpet of dazzling green will cover the paddies. The rice shoots will grow, the weather will dry the seeds and after the harvest there will be much celebrating in the village.

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