The Fern Valley Conspiracy

Forestry is dangerous work. Accidents happen. But how many accidents are too many? The teachers at Fern Valley Area School are hiding something. The school Principal has disappeared, apparently taking a rest cure in a Meditation Centre. The management of the Meditation Centre has no knowledge of him. Policewoman Barbara van Buren's brother has gone walk-about. He has taken his surfing gear and has left the job unfinished. Kingi Waitai, a Maori leader, is beaten up for talking to Richard. Then Richard disappears. Police search under a fall of timber waiting to be loaded as Richard's wife Alex looks on in agony, praying for Richard to be saved.