Works By Australian Authors
The Girl In The Lagoon by Joan Lane
Chapter 1
Abbey Day did not arrive at work on Tuesday morning her
supervisor noted the absence but thought little of it
assuming the girl had taken ill and failed to ring in.
When Abbey did not arrive the following day Daine Forrest
shook her head and frowned.
"This was most unlike Abbey" She said to her 2 I C.
Theresa Derwent looked up from her cluttered desk and said
"Yes I noticed she is away again, it's a bit odd, she
usually rings in if she's sick. Last time she had laryngitis
and I could hardly hear her but she rang anyway "
Daine Forrest sat a moment in thought "Perhaps her car has
broken down she lives out of town doesn't she?"
"Yes but she could have rung."
"One of us had better speak with Simone Flinders, I think
they're friends, she might know what's going on"
"Do you want me to go down to the 'assembly room'? Theresa
offered.
Mrs Forrest nodded and the telephone ringing put an end to
the discussion.
Later in the day Theresa found time to walk across the paved
courtyard from the admin. building to one of the assembly
rooms to find Simone.
Drayton and Doyle had been manufacturing plastic ware here
for the past eight years and the plant was now quite large.
It comprised of a series of large buildings housing offices,
manufacturing areas and assembly sections along with
delivery of raw materials and the dispatch of finished
product at the other end.
Upon entering the barn -like room she passed stacks of
plastic chairs, they had a new smell about them, piles of
legs and flat tabletops along the walls. There was a lot of
noise, clatter and voices intermingled.
She found Simone at a high bench fitting two plastic parts
one into the other.
Theresa spoke over the noise.
Simone stopped and looked at her "No Mrs Derwent I didn't
even know she wasn't in. I saw her Saturday, we played a
game of squash, she must have taken sick since then".
Perhaps someone had better ring her, do you want me t...."
"Mrs Forrest will do it Simone, we just thought you might
know if she had gone out of town for the long weekend or
something". Theresa interrupted her.
Simone shook her head "What about Mrs Day, she would know?"
"Perhaps, but we didn't want to alarm dear old Mrs Day
needlessly".
"I wonder if I should drive out there after work? Simone
suggested.
"I'll see what the boss says first". She gave the girl a
smile and turned away.
Simone stood still a moment and watched the wide glass door
swing to and fro after the woman's figure. As she returned
to her work her mind wandered. She saw in her minds eye,
Abbey in her squash gear last Saturday and she heard her
laughter as they played.
Simone was taller and thinner than Abbey so had the
advantage of a longer reach and a little more pace on the
court. What had happened? If it had been personal surely she
would have rung me.
Simone was bewildered.
* * * * * *
"Mrs Day I don't want to worry you but I am concerned"
Daine Forrest pressed the speaker button and turned her
chair to face Theresa.
The voice crackled a little as it was relayed and amplified
"---I can't understand it, she was here only a few days ago,
she comes over regularly you know, even more often since Bob
died--"
"Yes I'm sorry I'm sure we'll catch up with her". After a
few more words she put down the phone.
"I wish I hadn't done that but I figured Abbey could be
there, I thought that maybe Mrs Day had taken ill and Abbey
had simply forgotten to ring".
They sat in silence for a few moments.
"Simone saw her Saturday you said ?" "Yes"
"Damn, where is she Theresa? She's never done this before".
"Should someone go out there?"
"I suppose that's the next thing to do. Do you know where
she lives?"
"Yes. I've been out there once or twice, I- well I think I'd
like to have someone go with me".
"Of course, perhaps we should get one of the men, who knows
the roads and tracks out that side of town"
"What about Ken Taylor, he works with Abbey?"
Mrs Forrest nodded "I'll ring through to 'dispatch' he's
probably down there at this hour ". She looked at her watch.
******
Twenty minutes later Theresa and Ken sat in silence in the
front seat of his old Ford Ute. He was speeding up a narrow
corrugated gravel road in the lower levels of the mountain
range that ran behind the town.
"Sorry she's s bit rough Theresa, I'm thinking of trading
her in for one of those smooth riding jobs they advertise on
TV, but I've got to save a few more dollars first"
Theresa smiled as she bounced again a couple of times.
"Don't worry, we're not out here for a joy ride anyway".
"No by gosh we're not at that, I hope this little lass is
all right, she's a bonny wee girl".
Theresa smiled at his idiom, his Scottish ancestry often
emerged in Ken's speech. She understood because her family
often used phrases or terms that were derived from the Irish
vernacular even though they were several generations
removed.
Suddenly Ken put on his brakes, sending dust and gravel
flying to the four winds, Theresa grabbed the dashboard.
"That's it, I remember that old tree, it marks the turn off
to the lane ".
"I'm glad you came Ken I'd have missed it" Theresa said
breathlessly.
The lane was even more narrow, virtually only two wheel
tracks indicating it's direction. Shortly a small cottage
came into view.
Two large dogs came bounding out of the trees toward the
truck.
"There are her two pups".
"Pups you say, they are as tall as the car door Ken. Will
they bite?"
"I don't know I'll get out first, it sounds a friendly bark
to me".
He stopped the ute in front of the small red brick cottage.
The front door and windows were closed.
As he got out the dogs only jumped on him and barked, so
Theresa ventured from the vehicle.
"Where's your mistress?" Theresa said to them as they ran to
Ken and back to her.
She patted one of the sandy brown Afghans who looked
delighted to see someone, perhaps they were hungry too.
Ken knocked loudly on the front door.
Theresa stood beside him and tried to keep calm she felt
uneasy and apprehensive for some reason she couldn't
explain.
"Lets go around the back".
She followed him and they found the back door unlocked, they
cautiously stepped in calling out to Abbey as they went.
There was no sign of the girl, a uniform worn at Drayton and
Doyle was thrown across a kitchen chair, a few dishes lay in
the sink and a coffee cup was on the table. They went into
the lounge there were two glasses on the low table in front
of the fireplace.
"I wonder if her car is here, you have a look around and
I'll see if it's in the shed". His broad shoulders filled
the door as he left the room. "That's strange the kitchen
light is on".
Theresa put her head into the room, the long fluorescent
globe on the ceiling was not easily noticed in the daylight.
She walked through the rooms again. The small cottage was
sparsely furnished, some ash was in the fireplace, and the
bed was unmade. She walked slowly outside.
"The car's there, where the hell is she? Ken called. "I'm
worried Ken, I think we'll have to go to the Police." "I'm
beginning to think about that too".
"The dogs look hungry".
"I'll see if there's some dry food in the shed before we
go". He turned back to retrace his steps and Theresa got
into the Ute.
She waited, her mind conjuring up all sorts of unpleasant
scenarios.
" We'll stop at the station on the way back". The man said
as he returned and climbed into the truck.
"Should we speak to Mrs Forrest first?"
"Na-y I don't think so lass, what good would that do".
Ken Taylor had been employed by D and D from it's opening
day he was the unofficial father of the place although he
still had several years before retiring. His title was
Senior Foreman.
He was responsible for the delivery section and the dispatch
section. He worked at one end of operations and Abbey at
the other. She took telephone orders, and kept records of
dispatches and the like. Between either end of the line
there were the teams of workers who made the parts, wrapped
and sealed or packaged the goods .
Ken felt no need to clear anything with Mrs Forrest. She
was Staff Supervisor and in Ken's books no higher or lower
on the company ladder than he was.
She had seen fit to call him in on this so he would do what
he considered practical. He considered this was a matter
for the Police now.
******
However the local senior Sergeant on duty did not seem
concerned with Ken's concern. He explained in fine detail
the legal aspects of the situation , which boiled down to
the fact that it was too early for the police to list Abbey
as a missing person.
"If she played squash with her friend last Saturday, she has
probably taken off to spend the rest of the holiday weekend
with a friend in the city or somewhere and hasn't got back
yet". He suggested .
"And not told anyone?" Ken remarked gruffly "Not told work".
Theresa intoned.
"Some people forget".
"Miss Abbey is in her twenties not her eighties Sergeant".
Ken replied frowning.
"She wasn't due for holidays anyway why would she do that".
Theresa added. She's not that sort of girl at all, she not
irresponsible like that".
"Well if she's not back in a day or two let us know". The
police officer turned away and sat at his desk again.
"Aren't you going to do something about it now?" Ken
exclaimed unable to comprehend this man's attitude.
"We have to establish she is a missing person before we can
take any action Sir. You are presently assuming she is
missing".
Ken banged an open hand on the counter, turned his back and
stamped out of the small police office .
Theresa stood a moment and then followed. She caught him at
the Ute thumping one tyre with the toe of a cracked boot.
"What are we going to do now?"
"I wan' tell ye what I'd leek tee do Miss but first I'll go
an' see Mrs F.- as you said". He climbed into the truck and
angrily thrust in the ignition key and gear lever and grated
off to the plant.
******
After listening to their account Mrs Forrest put her hand on
the telephone "I think I had better get onto one of the
Directors. Theresa could you ring Mrs Day again, she has a
son, I'm not sure where he lives I think we should contact
him. Mrs Day is too old to cope with this alone. Gone to the
city indeed what a load of broken beans that is". She was
making no attempt to keep calm. Her blue eyes flashed
angrily and her smooth fluffy hair tossed about as she shook
her head in disgust.
Theresa and Ken excused themselves and returned to the days
routine.
Daine Forrest spent a considerable time on the telephone
during that afternoon.
* * * * * *
Simone Flinders was summoned to her Supervisors office early
in her morning. She had heard a little of what had been
happening over recent days but it was all second hand. The
sight of a young uniformed police woman and an older man
whose uniform bore more insignia, seated in Mrs Forrest's
office told her that Abbey must still be missing.
"This is Detective Sergeant Briggs and Constable Frost,
Simone, this is Miss Flinders officers".
"Sit down Miss". Was the only acknowledgment beyond a nod of
the head that Briggs extended, and that more in the tone of
an order than an invitation.
Simone sat on the edge of a chair and looked nervously from
Mrs Forrest to Briggs.
The young officer moved and stood behind her somewhere.
Briggs was a thin balding man in his forties, he had very
few laugh lines around his mouth. She felt cold eyes
assessing her. She coughed.
"Now Miss Flinders I have been given to understand that you
had a game of something with Miss Abbey Day last Saturday is
this correct? "Yes, we had a game of squash". "What time of
day was this then?" "In the afternoon, probably around 2
o'clock". "Probably, don't you know?" He barked. "I didn't
take much notice". "Didn't you set a time to meet, book the
court or something?" "Ye-s, 1-30". "You met at 1-30 or you
booked the court for that time?"
Daine Forrest listened to the routine questions and Simone's
answers with only half an ear. The session lasted over
fifteen minutes,---
--what time did the game finish? --where did you go
afterwards ?-was she meeting somebody ? --did she live at
home ? --did she have a boy friend or defacto ? --and and,
until the inspector ended it with, "You can go back to your
work now ,if we want to know any more we'll contact you".
Briggs turned to Mrs Forrest and said "I hope you are
satisfied, that is the pattern of our interviews, I'm sure
you'll not want to sit in on every one of them".
"Very well then, but they are my, well the company employees
and I am responsible for them. If one of their workmates is
missing, killed, murdered or raped I don't want you blurting
it out as though it were some summer sale announcement. Some
of these girls are very young and not accustomed to ...."
"I think you've made your point, in any case Miss Day will
probably arrived back here at work in a day or two, all this
fuss will have been for nothing". He stood up and led the
younger officer through the door, jabbing his cap into place
on his elongated head.
'Mervyn the Monster', Daine mumbled, and then chided herself
for it.
* * * * * *
The following weekend brought storms, gale force winds and a
deluge of rain.
The company opened for work on Monday as usual but it wasn't
a usual day, there was a dark cloud of apprehension hanging
in every workroom and office, everyone's mind were on the
missing girl. There was both fear and bewilderment drifting
like a smoke cloud preceding a fire on a summer day.
Martin Day was now up with his mother and several family
members cousins, uncles or aunts had arrived. They had done
an amateur search of the surrounding areas over the weekend,
between the heavy downpours, but there was no trace of
Abbey.
The Police finally listed her as a missing person. An
official search was started.
"I can't understand why they haven't called in the Police
divers". Daine Forrest said as she stood with some of the
company staff on the edge of the muddy lagoon below Abbey's
cottage.
"Ken said it's very deep at one end but tapers off to swamp
and mud further over" Theresa remarked.
"Her brother said he has some friends from the city who
would come up and dive but he doesn't want to interfere in a
Police job" Someone else said.
I don't know what that Briggs is bloody well doing" One of
the men added.
"I think she might have gone for a walk up into the range
and fallen, perhaps the dogs came on home without her".
"It's a strange business."
"I wonder if they've spoken to the boy friend yet". "I
didn't know she had one, who is he?'
Further conversation was curtailed as a Police vehicle drove
up, one of the two officers directed them all to go back
down the track.
"These damn inquisitive bods, they ought to get out and give
a hand or stay right away". The other officer remarked.
They got out of their vehicle and prepared to join the
search. "Is the boss going to call in the divers?" One said.
"Na-y, he says it's a waste of time, it's too shallow to
drown a pup" .
"He'll have to contact the city boys if she doesn't show up
tomorrow won't he ?"
"I doubt it, there's no body, it's not a murder case".
The two young men now rigged up in searchers gear strode off
into the scrub.
******
Mrs Day sat glumly on the low old couch, the log fire
crackled and flared and voices carried to her from the
adjoining rooms. Occasionally one was raised in anger or
impatience, but she chose to ignore them.
While it was very good of them all to come up it was also
very exhausting. She 'knew' now that Abbey was dead and she
wept silent tears for the little girl she had lost.
She 'saw' Abbey in her cot, in her high chair, her first day
at school, later at her fist dance her graduation from
university in the city. she 'saw' her long waved hair caught
back in a pony tail, swept up in a chignon or flowing loose
and free. she felt her soft warm brown eyes and heard her
gentle husky voice. She sobbed she would never again see her
girl smile, hold her close in a hug or feel her sincere
kiss. Abbey was gone forever.
She was angry then, angry at the person who took her
daughter from her, angry at the Police for not finding her
body and angry with herself because she should have been
able to protect her, her little girl, from this madman.
And why? Why would anyone do this? Who would want to kill a
lovely young woman......
Martin found her, tears seeping slowly down her cheeks. He
comforted her, then they cried together.
The house had fallen silent the family had gone to bed. It
was late.
"She's gone you know Martin".
"Yes, I think that might be so Mum".
"Can they find her body? I want to say goodbye to her. We
need to do that at least, don't we?"
"We do, and we will Mum". He said resolutely making a silent
vow to find his sister.
They sat in embrace rocking slowly together and staring into
the fading fire.
Mrs Day fell asleep in her sons arms.
After a while he lay her along the couch and covered her.
Then he lay down on the fire rug with a cushion under his
head and tried to get some sleep himself.
Tomorrow his two mates would come up, they would go into the
lagoon with him to make sure she was not there. But where
else could she be? 'Damn the Police, we're not going to wait
forever' he muttered as he lapsed into a fretful doze.
* * * * * *
It was mid-afternoon, Noel and Allan and Martin had been
diving in the lagoon for some hours without finding
anything, not a shoe a sock, a hat or cap.
Martin heard a call from somewhere, he paused, he heard it
again. He surfaced and saw Allan waving an arm. He moved
across to him.
Martin I think I've found something I don't think you had
better come down. Where's Noel?"
"I'm not sure" He answered looking about.
The water beside them erupted and Noel's head and shoulders
appeared.
"You got something?"
"You come with me, Martin you stay up here". Allan responded
as he dived.
Noel followed him.
Martin hesitated then he too dived into the murky water.
It was difficult to see with all the shadow, silt and
brambles under the trees. There was also what appeared to be
an old tank out of shape and dented, from it a human arm
protruded.
Martin's stomach heaved, he surfaced and gasped in the fresh
air. the world spun the sky and water met in a wild
shattering eclipse, he was at a loss what to do.
Then Allan and Noel came up. They took him by the elbows and
guided him to the bank.
"We think it may be your sister but it could be anyone, so
try and keep calm mate" Noel said.
"I'm going to ring the Cops". Allan added. He scrambled up
the bank, took off some of his dive gear and sprinted out of
sight.
"Did you see her face?" Martin gasped.
"Yes, but we don't know her- it could be anyone Marty".
"No it's her ". The boy said resignedly. "I thought she must
have been in there. Why the hell didn't they look?' He
raised tormented eyes to his friend.
"I don't know why. Maybe they intended too, eventually".
They sat in silence and waited. Martin shivered.
Noel went up to their 4 wheel drive and came back with a
flask. He poured out a swig of hot liquid and gave it to
Martin. Neither of them said a word.
Some time later the Police and ambulance men herded them
into the background and began their work.
"I'd better go and tell Mother ". Martin said. "Not yet mate
not yet".
But the postponement was to no avail. When the men brought
the dripping crushed body from the water Martin pushed
through and
looked at her.
There was no doubt. His mother had been right his little
sister was gone.
His legs buckled at the knees and someone led him away.
******
"Certainly not, she had no reason to do that". Martin
retorted indignantly in response to Det Sgt Brigg's query
about the possibility of suicide.
"If she did that, why was she in the tank?"
"Yes, well, as I've told you, we found no tank".
"That's because you didn't go down for it that day. We had a
hell of a downpour, it probably washed away to another area.
you should have brought it up that day". Martin admonished.
The Detective stared at him coldly for a moment and then
turned away.
"When can we bury my sister Officer?" "In a few days".
"Will you tell us the results of the Autopsy or will that be
kept filed away in some .....
"No". The lawman interrupted, turning back to the young man
"We'll tell you what is found but I suggest you use your
discretion about how much you tell whom. Remember your
mother is not a young woman".
"I'll worry about my mother, you just find this bastard who
killed my sister -- and when you do keep him well out of my
reach or there could be another bloody murder in this town".
He stood up and turned to the door.
"Is that all?"
"Yes you can go". Briggs waited for the slam of the door and
he sighed.
******
"Come in Mr Day, what can I do for you" Ben Brady stood and
extended a hand across his desk. He looked at the young man
entering his office and saw a clean tidy fellow of 30 or so.
Large blue eyes troubled and apprehensive.
"I need someone to do some investigating for me you were
recommended". Martin took his hand and looked closely at
Brady
a tall powerful fellow in his fifties Martin suspected, his
dark brown eyes were large and alert.
"Oh?"
He pointed to the chair facing the desk and Martin sat .
"My sister was killed some recently and the Police have as
good as closed the file ".
"I see. You'd better tell me something about this Mr Day".
"My name is Martin".
"Mine's Ben". He picked up a pen and rolled it about in his
fingers.
Martin related the details and he listened in silence making
an odd note on a thick yellow memo pad in front of him. His
dark eyebrows rose a couple of times.
"Well, I see". He said slowly when the young man finished.
"And you believe they haven't really tried to find the
killer?" "I do and I'm mighty irate about it".
"Yes, I got that impression".
"My dear old Mum is fretting herself to death. Dad died a
couple of years back and now this".
"Oh dear, what a cross". This local police station didn't
they call in the city boys when the body was finally found?"
"Yes, there were two men up there for a couple of days and
then they left".
"How many Police officers are at that station?" "I'm not
sure, three or four I think?"
"The Death certificate ,did it show drowning as the cause?"
"Yes".
"Mm-m, well Martin I'm not free to begin working on this
immediately. But yes I believe I may be able to tie up some
of the loose ends. I wouldn't promise to be able to produce
the killer for you of course, this is real life not a TV
series".
YOU working on another case?" "Yews" "When would you be
free?" "That depends it shouldn't be too long". "Well then,
what if I contact you again in a few days if you can't do it
for us we might have to get someone else, this thing has
been in limbo too long now" "That's fair enough, give me a
few days if I can see that I will be tied up for a while,
I'll give you a ring ". "Right. Now the last thing we have
to talk about is your fee". Martin said as he wrote down a
phone number and passed it across the desk.
******
It was some days later, Ben Brady sat at a small table in
his Motel room in Colbreeth. A small light formed a circle
on a blank piece of paper before him.
He sat for a moment reviewing his day. It had been a three
hour plus trip up from Sydney. He found the town of was set
in the lower level of a mountain range and overlooking rich
pasture and cropping lands.
The population was officially over 10 thousand but it had
the air of a small town about it.
It had the usual hotels, a library sporting ovals and
courts, several banks, strips shopping running down the main
street. There was also shopping centre complex set a little
way out of the main town.
It was autumn, the trees were just beginning to loose their
beautiful leaves.
Martin would not be up here until the weekend so tomorrow he
would begin .
He began his work sheet.
OFFICERS NAMES--- he hand printed this in bold letter
Inspector,----------------Detective
Sergeant------------Senior Sergeant -----------Constable
------------and--------------
He wrote one word - Right
He left a large space then wrote
Work mates ????????
He continued leaving large blank spaces on the page
Boy friends????
ex boy friends?????
family???
religion or cults???
what did she "do" -- outside of work
why was she living out of town on her own
where is this tank why the delay for the search why the
animosity why didn't the dogs protect her who is gaining
from this
???was the investigating officer guilty himself or was
someone else pulling the strings ???was he protecting
someone else ??if so who and why
FLIP SIDE was the killing to hurt someone else was it a
revenge killing ---a jealousy crime
The small radio emitted soft music as he sat in thought.
Martin had recommended this Motel because it was reasonably
priced and clean. Also because there was a hotel across the
road and the food there was good. Nice boy Martin, anyone
under 30 was a boy to Ben he was pushing 60 and had been in
this game for too many years to recall.
He looked again at his list and wrote heavily MARTIN
'No not unless my judgement is failing in my old age' and he
scrawled out the name.
One of these years he would get out of this occupation he'd
find himself a little cottage beside a mountain stream. Oh
dear. His mind went back to Abbey Day, tomorrow he'd begin
to fill in some of these spaces that glowed up from the
circle of light in front of him. He stood, stretched and
yawned.
* * * * * *
The following evening Brady sat again at the small table and
wrote untidily.
ABBEY, came directly from Sydney Uni. to work at D and D,
got on well with workmates, played squash and netball,
worked as a volunteer in the Community Services Protection
Scheme--state government. He grunted 'it's is going to be
hard to find the connection here'.
--no involvement with sects, religion or cults --no
de-facto-no family drama
Boy friend ? rumoured but not located ex boy friends ---
several girl grew up here, anyway it depends on the term
boyfriend
Mrs Day says the clothes she had on were not hers VERY
STRANGE he added and underlined it
--Who took the tank from the lagoon and why?
?Dogs knew the person
It was at night
* * * * * *
Martin came up to Colbreeth the following weekend, he went
straight to the Motel.
"All I have and that is little, is I'm sure Abbey was either
murdered or abducted at night and I think it was someone she
knew because otherwise the dogs would have protected her".
"Oh I'm not so sure about that, they're pretty friendly to
anyone". Martin remarked doubtfully
"But if their mistress was being attacked?" Ben argued. "Yes
I see what you mean. why at night?"
"Ken Taylor said the kitchen light was on when he went up
there days later".
"So he did, I'd forgotten about that".
"That's one of the most difficult aspects of the case, we're
not sure when she did die. We're not even sure when she was
abducted or went missing because of the long weekend. It
could have been anytime between Saturday late afternoon and
the Wednesday when Taylor and Mrs Derwent went up there".
Martin only nodded a frown creasing his brow.
"This business about the clothes your mother couldn't be
mistaken could she, they couldn't be some clothes that she
hadn't seen before I suppose?
"They were too big for her Ben".
"It's most puzzling, it's almost as though she was out
somewhere and got wet or something and borrowed someone's
things".
"But why would she do that?".
"I wish I knew. Sexless clothes too".
"Pardon?" The young man look at him sharply.
"Well, jeans, a tee shirt and jacket they could be worn by
male or female".
"Yes I suppose so". Martin could only agree.
"I want to establish who the boy friend is. He hasn't come
forward, no one seems to know who he is , I find that odd".
"So do we, Mother and I didn't know she was seeing anyone".
"There were no men's belongings in her cottage ?"
"No, we didn't notice any when Mother tidied up".
"Mm-m must have been a married fellow I reckon, he's got a
fright and kept low".
"Maybe".
"Has to be. I'm having trouble with this volunteer thing I
won't be able to get access to any information there and
there could be so many odd bods".
"Very odd from what I've heard, some of these people are
queer if you ask me".
"Queer?"
"No, not that sort of queer, more peculiar type queer".
"Ah, exactly, this is why we should think about this, the
killer could be one of these people she was counselling ".
Martin shrugged "I don't know, I spoke to the woman in
charge in there but I met with a dead end".
"It seems though that the staff go out to visit these
clients for want of a better word, anywhere at any time.
"It's crazy some of the people are most irrational, I was
always warning her about the possibility of one of them
going berserk".
"Did they go out alone?"
"The volunteers you mean, officially no, they went in twos
but if the call was very urgent and there was no one
available to go with them they went anyway".
"I don't know much about this Organisation what is it
exactly?" Brady asked.
It's very similar to the old Lifeline organisation but now
it government funded, to some degree anyway. People who are
disturbed, depressed, have been bashed by a spouse, are
morbid or suicidal, ring up the base and talk and then they
either come in to the rooms or someone goes out". Martin
explained.
"Good grief, what an occupation".
"It wasn't her occupation".
"No, well I'd hardly call it a hobby either"
"No I guess you're right".
"How long had she been doing this?"
"Must be close to two years".
"Good grief".
"I'm told it's normally quite safe. There's nothing that
indicates her death had anything to do with the voluntary
work is there?" -
"No, but I'll bet the police wrote it off as the action of
some crank".
Martin looked at him steadily "Do you think so?"
"It explains why they have done so little to find who killed
her".
"I don't think they believe she was killed, they have pushed
this suicide theory all along".
"The Coroner will decide that, finally though. Do you
believe she did?"
"Of course not".
"If you are thinking of the tank that could have happened by
chance if she jumped into the lagoon".
"You wouldn't jump in there, it's too shallow and why would
you wear someone else's clothes to commit suicide?"
"Yes, true, and where were her own clothes?".
"Can I tell you my theory". Martin needed to put his
thoughts into words and he had not been able to talk to
anyone about this. "Go ahead". Brady nodded.
"She was attacked at the cottage her clothes removed and she
was knocked out and put into the water".
Ben stared a minute at him but when he realized there was no
more he said quietly " Martin why would the killer change
her clothes?"
"I don't know" The young man answered lamely.
" If she was physically abused there would have been
bruising".
"There was".
"Was there?" Ben raised an eyebrow and turned to his notes
and added a line.
"They said it was caused by the buffeting from branches and
tree-trunks in the water".
"I see". I hesitate to go on, but you've probably been
thinking about this anyway, if she was sexually abused that
should have shown up too".
"It didn't. But it was days later of course. The other thing
I was thinking, maybe she was up into the mountains and had
on this clothing for warmth ".
"Again why, if she was with this boy friend they could have
been his but why did she have them on".
"I can't fathom that either".
They sat in silence a minute.
Suddenly Martin said "What if she stole the clothes, what if
they belonged to the person who abducted her, maybe she
escaped and fled, maybe he caught her again".
"That does make sense, no it doesn't how would she steal his
clothes?"
"Maybe he wasn't wearing those clothes, maybe she was held
captive in a house or shack where there were some clothes in
a closet or ....".
"A Fisherman's cabin, that type of thing you mean? I suppose
that does make sense".
"Yes but where and who held her? Was it in town in an
ordinary house or up in the mountains".
"It had to be somewhere not too distant from the lagoon
Martin".
"Yes I expect so".
"You're a local, you were a local, think of isolated cabins,
farm houses, even boats that could be moored on the river
further north. This is a sound idea. I'll work on that
before I follow any other line I think". Ben grinned and
slapped the young man on the shoulder.
******
Mervyn Briggs and Ben Brady didn't get along from the first
word. Briggs had no tolerance of investigation officers of
any sort, be they insurance investigators, government or
other even armed security men riled him immensely. Brady was
at a disadvantage to begin with.
Briggs on the other hand had read very badly in the prelim.
notes which Brady had on this case and he was somewhat
biased himself.
It was Briggs firm opinion that the 'Lagoon case' as it had
been tagged should have been closed weeks ago.
"You are not entitled to see any police files, they are
strictly confidential and are to be seen only by the Police
officers involved in the case. This applies to all Police
inquiries. I would have thought you would have known that.
You are licensed I take it?"
Brady took out a small folder from his jacket pocket and
opened it to allow the man to see his credentials.
"You're wasting your time coming to see me".
"I appreciate that officially you can't help but I thought
you might be agreeable to give me an odd piece of
information or two I need it to go on with my
investigations. Such things as whether the girl died in the
water or before and if she had been beaten up and if she was
pregnant these things are pertinent to a thorough...."
"Look Bradley or Bridley or whatever your name is, I have no
intention of telling you anything. If you want to go ahead
and extract money from this grieving family that is outside
my control but by damn there is no way I will aid or abet
you".
Brady said nothing for a moment and then quietly "O.K. then
information not on Police file. What sort of family are
they, are they likely to be hysterical over this event and
is there any history of violence in the family itself?"
It was Briggs turn to hesitate. "I really don't know, I
figure she jumped in there herself I suppose the boy could
have bashed her and dumped her in there is certainly no
reason to arrest anyone for this there never was from the
start. Yes I do think they are hysterical about it' Putting
a city PI like yourself on indicates that".
"Either of the kids in trouble with the law at all? Yes I
know it's privileged info ".
"Not here anyway, they both went off down to the city to a
University when they finished at the local school. Goodness
knows what they got up to down there. The boy stayed there
and worked and the girl came home. The old man died a year
or so ago. If you ask me she was mad to get into the CSPS,
that's the community service protection scheme , she was a
volunteer there, now I have got work to do so you'd better
be off". He stood up.
"Was it heart?'
"Was what, oh the old man, no cancer I think".
"There's a lot of that about lately. They moneyed?" "Not
really, a bit above average I'd say"
Brady stood " Thanks for your time". He refrained from
slamming the door.
******
The Day home was one of several old but well cared for
timber places either side of Sampson St. The street was wide
and lined with tall liquid amber trees, now bearing brown,
gold and yellow foliage. The house had no front fence but a
large garden dotted with evergreen and deciduous trees and
shrubs. A garden bed ran along the front verandah
baseboards.
Brady parked his car and loped up the few front steps.
"Mrs Day I don't want to disturb you". Ben apologised as the
door opened.
"Oh it's all right Mr Brady I'm not doing anything special,
I could do with the company ". She moved one hand inviting
him in.
"I don't suppose you have any news yet?"
"No, nothing significant I'm afraid".
Ben followed her into the house.
"Sit down do". She lowered herself slowly into an armchair.
Maggies front room was cluttered. Cushions on arm chairs,
protective linen squares on the backs of chairs and couch,
small tables beside the chairs and the couch which ran along
beneath the front windows. The fine lace curtains billowed
softly now in the autumn breeze. A long and very old
sideboard (more commonly now called a buffet) ran along
another wall. On it were many ornaments, family
photographs, a branch of silver candle holders and two
matching small lamps.
Bookcases filled the space remaining.
Ben could see no television set or stereogram.
He learned later her TV was in the sunroom at the rear of
the house.
As he sat down he noticed the kitchen adjoined this room two
opaque glass doors stood open. Their doorstops were two
large old milk cans without lids, now brightly painted and
holding dried flowers.
Ben eyes betrayed his amusement as he looked back to her. "I
haven't seen a genuine log fire for years". He remarked.
"It's my little bit of luxury, wood is expensive but Martin
says I can afford it".
"Martin looks after your book work then?"
"More or less, although dear old Mr Bolley is my taxman,
accountant, solicitor, you'd probably call him my general
manager in today's language". Her tired eyes brightened a
little and a weak smile flashed for a second across a
grieving face.
"Mrs Day can you tell me why Abbey chose to live out of town
on her own as she did?"
"Abbey loved the bush, she wanted to have dogs and birds and
space around her, she found she could have all of those out
there". The woman spoke slowly and he saw pain in her eyes.
"Did she buy the place recently?"
"A year or so ago".
"Do you mind me asking how could a girl of her age afford
it".
"Oh Bob left her a portion of his estate and he helped her
set up out there before he died. They got on well they
understood each other".
" I see -- and Martin did he get on well with Dad too?"
"Yes".
"And did Dad give him a kickstart too?"
"Why are you asking me all this Mr Brady?" The automatic
answers had stopped.
" Well I've got a large jig-saw puzzle to assemble Mrs Day
and I've got to find all the pieces, even those that I don't
know exist".
The woman looked at him steadily a moment then said "Bob
left Martin shares in this property and he inherits it
solely when I pass on".
"I see".
"That fill in some irregular pieces for you?"
"Ye.s". He nodded satisfied now . He went on "I know this is
an imposition but I need to look through Abbeys belongings,
may I have the key to the cottage?"
Ben watched the woman, she appeared frail and tired, dark
rings beneath her eyes told him she had been having little
sleep . She's probably not eating properly either he thought
to himself as he met her soft blue eyes.
Maggie Day wasn't as frail in spirit as she appeared
however. It had been her suggestion to Martin that they find
an Investigator to see what could be uncovered about the
death of her daughter.
Right now she was 'low' as she would term it but normally
she was bright, energetic and spontaneous.
Victoria Margaret Day had early in her life learned to cope
with adversity.
She hesitated only a moment before agreeing to Ben's
request.
She stood slowly again then walked to a small corner stand-
and took out a key ring.
"Let me know if there is anything helpful there I could have
missed something, my profession is housewife and mother I
have done that well but this is another world for me Mr
Brady".
"I suppose the Police have been through ?"
"Yes. Martin went up there with them one day". Her voice had
lapsed into the absent tone again.
Ben stood and bade her goodbye.
******
"Mrs Dawson I'm Ben Brady" He put his head into a small
cubicle that appeared to be the office in the CSPS building.
"Yes" The woman said raising hazel eyes to see who was
disturbing her this time.
"I want to talk to you confidentially ". He stepped in.
"Most people do".
"This is not personal, it's about Miss Abbey Day, she used
to be a volunteer with your service I believe". He held out
his I.D.
"I see". She hesitated a minute, then "Yes she was, sit
down, what do you want to know? " .
"I understand she was working with some of your most
desperate er- cases ? "
"Ye-s, you could say that. "
"I know this is out of order but could I go through her
appointment book or could you give me a list of names?
Probably the regular ones back to say six months before...."
"My goodness Mr Brady I'd be hung, drawn and quartered if I
did that " .
Mm-mm, your distant bosses would be horrified if an
Investigator got his hands on private information eh?"
"Exactly".
"There's no way we can get around this I suppose?"
For a flashing moment he had a vision of having to creep
into the office in the dark of night to search the files
himself.
"Even if there were I don't have that information any
longer, Abbey's files are in the city, she's not a volunteer
here any more".
"Of course, how stupid of me". He stood. "She would be a
loss to you I guess". He remarked casually.
She's a great loss to everyone Mr Brady, she was a lovely
young woman, very conscientious and sincere".
Ben thought he detected a tear in her eyes.
He bade her good afternoon and left.
"Are you sure you want to do this Milly?"
"No, but I want to earn some extra dollars so I'll do it".
Brady nodded and smiled, Milly Munro was a good recruit, she
had come in on jobs with him before . She was a Uni student
and often took short term jobs to supplement her allowance.
She was willing and reliable, undercover work suited her
well. A small dark girl with a pixie nose she seemed to be
able to fall into her surroundings inconspicuously. She
could often pick up vital information for him. He was sure
she could now fit into the volunteer team at CSPS. The
organisation and others like them are always desperately
short of staff.
He was gambling on his judgement that Mrs Dawson would not
suspect anything was amiss.
"But before you go up to Colbreeth there's one thing I'd
like you to do down here". He said.
"Right, but first what's my cover story ?" The girl asked.
"You're an Aerobics teacher and you've had a major operation
and you can't do anything physical for several weeks, so
you've taken the opportunity to take a break from the city".
"And I'm visiting sick people?"
"O K, it's a bit weak, but- you tell me if you come up with
a better one".
******
Before Ben left the city to return to Colbreeth he made one
more business call to a colleague. They spent a short time
over a couple of drinks and Ben left his contact telephone
number on the table .
******
Milly must have been lurking nearby, for the moment he put
his key in the door late the next afternoon she appeared at
his elbow.
"Inside quick". He said. You're not meant to know me".
"Yes I suspected as much, now about this cover you
suggested". She said as she shut the door.
"Come up with a better one?" He threw off his jacket.
"Yes, it'll stand the strain because in part it's true".
She propped on the edge of the upright chair without waiting
to be asked and looked at him for an answer.
"So fire ahead" He put on the electric jug, I've have only
coffee " -
"That's fine, now I've read through your summary notes,
Simone Flinders and Ken Taylor I'm going to be a cousin or a
niece come up to visit, to fill in some time I'll join the
volunteer brigade. Which one of these do you trust
sufficiently to let in on our plan?" Her words tumbled one
on one excitedly.
"Er-,I don't know about that!"
"I'll be cheesed off at Uni, I feel like dropping out,
I've come up here to make up my mind. It's better believe me
Ben. I'll get to hear all sorts of local gossip too".
He nodded slowly "I don't think Simone would be mixed up in
any of it ".
"And Taylor? "
"No I doubt it, he was only called on to go out there when
she was missing".
"He is an older man, he is married".
"Ye-s". Ben paused coffee spoon in hand.
"Could he have been the boy friend they Couldn't find? " I
sure as hell hope not".
Perhaps if I talk to Simone myself".
"Oh and you've had all these years of experience of course".
Ben said flippantly.
"Well I'm learning I've worked with you and Lester a few
times".
"Hmph I wouldn't put too much faith in Ted Lester he
couldn't investigate a glass jar".
"Don't be nasty Ben Brady, rivalry jealousy doesn't become
you". If I'm going tg learn about this game I have to have
practical experience."
"So you going to tell me because your studying criminology
you're going to become a criminal too. What are you going to
do with this Uni degree when you get it.?"
"I might write a book. she laughed. "No I'm going to become
a consultant for the Police Dept".
"My goodness we do have high goals don't we".
" It's the only way to aim. Sometimes the higher targets are
easier to hit " .
He passed her a cup "Good for you, anyway I'm sure you'll
find an interesting job for yourself " .
"I'll come and work for you". She smiled.
"That would be for free more often than not, you'll need a
salary"
"Yep"
******
Ben spent most of the next morning in Abbey's cottage and in
the surrounding bushland and scrub. After a snack lunch he
picked up Milly.
Ken and Dorothy Taylor were both seated on their wide front
veranda as Ben and Milly drove up. They ushered them into
the house after the initial introductions.
It took Ben a few minutes to put forward their idea.
There was a pause the couple each looking at the other.
"I may not learn much but then again I can try". Milly put
in.
"And it's impossible to get any names in straight forward
procedures ". Ben looked at them a moment, this was the
stumbling block. They were upright honest people and would
not approve of subterfuge. Deceit was not a thing they
would practise. He was ready for a refusal.
"Why don't Milly and I go and have a look at your lovely
back garden while you two have a pow-wow about this". He
stood up.
Milly followed his lead and then Ken stood too. He led them
to the rear door.
"I've got a few vegetables in but Dorothy hogs most of it
for her annuals and bulbs". He gave a half-grin and let them
out .
Ben and Milly sauntered about and then sat on the wrought
iron seat under a peach tree and waited.
Dorothy put her head out the door in a while. "I'm boiling
the kettle, do you two like tea or coffee".
They knew they had an agreement, she was smiling.
* * * * * *
Several days passed.
Martin was getting uneasy. Was he wasting their money on
Brady, perhaps they should let him go. He would speak with
his mother .
He arrived up about mid-morning on Saturday he planned to
take Mrs Day out for a drive tomorrow, she'd been cooped up
in the house too long. All the family had long gone and her
days ran one into another. He spent most of his working day
worrying about her. Yet three and a half hours was too far
to commute each day.
Maggie Day understood this and never said a word to cause
his concern.
But he saw his mother failing, her eyes lacked their normal
lustre, she had become slow in movement and speech. He was
sure she was developing a stoop in recent weeks. The weight
of her sorrows physically weighing her down .
They sat at the kitchen table with lunch spread before them
when he broached the subject.
"I don't know if we're wasting our money Mother it's been
weeks now and we still know nothing".
"Well dear he's been up here a couple of times, always
apologises for disturbing me. As if I was one of the busiest
people in the world". She gave her son a thin smile. "He
asked me for the key of the cottage said he needed to have a
look through Abbey's belongings. I've taken all her private
things so it's not as if he's intruding". She looked at
Martin a question in her eyes, an unspoken 'did I do the
right thing'.
"Yes mother I figure we have to co-operate with him. I think
he's genuine enough.
"Perhaps we should give him some more time".
" I guess so". Martin muttered absently as buttered another
bread roll.
"He said something like- rural towns have closed shops, I
don't know what he meant."
"Probably no one will tell him much, about us or Abbey or
anything" .
"It's an uphill battle then".
"Yes I guess so" Martin agreed.
******
"Now how did you get this?" Ben's eyes widened as he looked
at the paper Milly passed him.
"Ben you don't ask questions like that, you of all people".
She grinned mischievously.
"So these are the names of the people seen through the CSPS
in the months prior to her death?"
"Yes the small initials off to one side indicate who was
counselling them, I've run a highlighter over those Abbey
was seeing"
"Great, you've done well my girl this could very well be the
breakthrough we need".
"Only if the murderer is one of those though eh?"
"Yes I expect so". He wasn't paying attention " Some of
these names are familiar" He looked up.
"Yes I noticed". Millie pointed to the name TAYLOR, I
checked it out there is no connection".
"No relation?"
"No".
"I think I had better double check that, no reflection on
your Competence" He added quickly. He suddenly had horrible
visions of Milly sitting in nest of spiders by being up at
the Taylor house day and night.
"There's' a Briggs and Dawson too".
"Good grief".
"But the names you are interested in are the two the police
questioned right? They are there, Downer and Ramsay".
"How do you know that? "
"Ben!"
"Are they both still here in the town".
"No, Downer has left, he has some folks interstate".
"He's the young kid? "
"Yes it seems he was devastated by Abbeys death and it was
decided to urge him to move on, resettle elsewhere".
"And this Ramsay?"
"Still on the books, only periodic consultations now".
"So if we write them off, that leaves us with five or so to
check on".
Yep. Which do you want me to do?"
"First of all, are things all right with you, are there any
problems up at the Taylors or has Mrs Dawson asked any curly
questions? "
"No probs. boss, everything's going smoothly. The Taylors
are nice, I'm quite enjoying myself actually".
"Good, perhaps that makes up for the small money I'm giving
you". "We'll have to pay the Taylors something soon won't
we, they're feeding me".
" I thought of that, I'd better go up and see them".
"How is Martin? "
"Martin Day? He's OK I think. Why?"
"I thought he seemed a nice guy". Milly said casually.
"So you've met him?"
"Dorothy Taylor introduced me, Martin and Mrs Day were in
the shopping centre the other day".
"Ah-h" .
******
Malcolm Frederick Briggs, Ben looked at the name several
times and then nodded his head slowly. He turned to his
telephone and dialled a number.
"Mrs Taylor how are you? It's Ben Brady". He paused for a
minute, "Not a lot of progress yet I'm afraid, I was
wondering if Milly was there just now? "
He waited "Thanks" He waited again.
"Hi, I was wondering if you could get down here later? He
paused again.
"Right I'll see you then".
He replaced the phone and leaned back in his chair and
pondered. He rolled the pen around in his fingers.
******
"This is the sticky part Milly, we think we're on the right
track, we think we know who and why the Police didn't do the
job thoroughly but how the hell do we prove it? "
"Let me see if he's still on the books. If he is I'll see if
I can get to visit him in place of his usual person".
"Mrs Dawson said the files were in the city".
"Abbey's file is in the city. The client files are all still
there " .
"Of course".
" I wonder if she was putting you off".
"Yes perhaps I was fooled but she seems a genuine
character".
"I think she is".
" You take care if you go out to his place. He could be the
killer you know".
"Yes, but he's not obsessed with me, as he was with Abbey".
"He is married, apparently lives on the other side of town
somewhere, his wife works". Ben was reading from some notes
in front of him.
"And that particular week she was out of town". Milly was
leaning over his shoulder .
"She has a sister in Mackon. Well well".
"If the girl was held there, at the house, wouldn't the
neighbours have heard something?" She queried.
"I'll have a look at the place, maybe there's a cellar. The
story is he's a returned Vietnam soldier and he can't hold
down a job".
"Oh dear "
"Yes, that's what I said too. And his brother was in charge
of the inquiry what a.... "
"Yes but what I can't fathom is why the city Detecs. didn't
pursue it". Milly cut across.
" I reckon Briggs, Mervyn, must have spun them a good yarn".
"I wonder if he removed the tank?'
"Or had it removed, but I can't for the life of me work out
what he'd do that for".
*******
"Martin, Mrs Day I'm reluctant to speak about this yet but I
guess you're growing impatient so I will bring you up to
date with what I have learnt so far. There is one thing I
want to say. When an Investigator finds out things there is
sometimes no way they can be proven. Therefore the situation
is one where no action can be taken. Do you understand my
drift?"
Martin and his mother exchanged glances and she said "No Ben
but if you've found out something we want to know, please go
ahead". She added the latter anxiously.
Ben told them the facts already uncovered. Neither of them
spoke for a moment ,then Martin said "This Milly girl who is
she?"
"She's an assistant I bring in from time to time, she can
often go where I can't".
"Where did you say she was staying?"
"At the Taylors".
They exchanged glances again "Didn't we.... "
"Yes you did, she wanted to meet you". Ben interposed.
"Well well". Maggie Day muttered.
"Is this usual, planting people with neighbours like this?
Martin demanded.
Ben shrugged and pulled a face " Yes and no, sometimes we
do, sometimes we don't".
"The Taylors agreed?" Maggie asked her voice indicating her
surprise.
"Yes, they think a lot of you".
"They must".
"Well Brady you've certainly dug up some info for us".
"You have confirmed a suspicion I had from the outset".
Maggie added. She stood up squaring her shoulders .
"Oh! You didn't say anything to me Mother".
"An old lady's imaginings Martin". She was at the front
window gazing off into the garden.
" I don't say these things ".
"But others would ,old Doc Oxley would give me something to
take and the population would mumble, --it's all been to
much for her, poor old dear--"
"Tell me about your suspicions Mrs Day".
"I believe that the Policeman who came up here to see me did
not want to find my daughter's body. I believe he didn't
want to find her killer either".
Ben and Martin looked at each other a moment.
"Now Mr Brady how do we go about getting this rotten man ? "
The woman asked in a determined tone.
"I'm not sure yet, as I said we have no proof. It's all
hypothetical and we have used foul means, we have planted a
stooge so to speak, the law will not look kindly on me to
start with, it may listen it won't act".
Victoria Margaret Day, nee O'Riley, turned and stared a long
moment at him.
" In any case we couldn't go to the local police " Martin
said flatly.
"Spot on Martin, you certainly couldn't, you'd get what
Abbey got, pushed into the nearest dam or lake".
"You think they'd go that far?" It was a question from Mrs
Day
"My word I do. They removed the tank didn't they? They are
working a major cover up here but unfortunately we haven't
got any evidence of value".
"You know I knew Doreen Briggs, slightly, she used to come
to the CWA meetings and functions, she's an inoffensive
woman, I remember she got a job somewhere in town .I wonder
if she knows her husband did this " .
"Probably not".
"She was away you said?"
"That week, yes."
"I wonder why".
" Her sister was sick " .
"Oh. I wonder if that's true".
"Mother now you sound like Ben, stop being a detective".
"Not until our girl is avenged son".
"Don't you go doing anything silly Mrs Day " Ben said in
alarm, looking swiftly to Martin.
"No she'll be sensible, she'll keep her counsel and let us
handle this - won't you mother? " Martin coached.
"Yes son of course I will". But she looked at neither Ben or
Martin.
"My dear old Dad used to say there are several ways to skin
a cat". She muttered and when one of the men asked her what
she had said she shrugged and put it off.
******
Maggie Day wasn't actually old, sometimes she felt very old
particularly lately, particularly since Bob went. Since his
death she had lost direction somewhat, no one to cook
breakfast or dinner for, no one to share a cup of coffee or
watch a TV program with, her time was her own and she seemed
to be squandering it, frittering it away like sugar from a
split bag.
Now in the early evening half light she sat on the old
timber seat in the garden, she remembered Bob building it,
he had asked what colour she wanted it painted. It was still
pale blue he had never changed that.
So Malcolm Briggs was the killer, it was he who took her
daughter away from her, Martin too, when she was gone Martin
would have no one. Well Mr Briggs you are not going to get
away with this. Your big brother will have to do a lot more
than he has to save your butt.-- oh dear, she was getting
crude in her old age, she mustn't say such things, what
would people think.
Ben was almost asleep when the phone rang. "What? Mrs Day
are you all right?" He sat up quickly.
"Of course I'm all right, tomorrow sometime when you have a
spare moment I want you to come up and see me".
"Why yes, sure".
"And don't bother to tell my dear son that we're having this
little meeting please".
"Oh, very well then. He's gone back to the city anyway
hasn't he?"
"I expect so, I'll see you tomorrow then. Thank you Ben ".
The line was dead before he replaced the receiver.
Wide awake again his mind went back to the case. Maggie Day
was a sweet old soul, she must have been quite an attractive
woman in her youth. She still carried some of that charm,
although he hadn't noticed it until yesterday.
I wonder what she is up to, he had an uneasy feeling about
this, he felt he was about to be propositioned for something
he would not want to be part of.
* * * * * *
It was late morning before he got up to the house, there
were several cars in the drive and garden. As he parked one
or two people emerged and went to their cars.
Mrs Day appeared on the porch saying goodbye to a couple
more and when he went up the steps two men stood at the
doorway. One was Ken Taylor the other man he had not seen
before.
"Good morning Ben, this in Dr Oxley".
The men shook hands Ben looked sharply at Mrs Day "Are you
ill?"
"No, not at all, we just had a cup of morning tea, we do
that every now and then don't we Ken?"
Taylor nodded his head gave Ben a grin and left.
The doctor followed a moment later. A short grey haired man
plump and red faced he waddled to his car.
"I thought the little jolly overweight country doctor had
long gone". Ben remarked
"Goodness don't let him hear you say that, he spent most of
his life in Practise in the city, he's only been up here
five years or so".
Ben smiled, in most towns you'd be an old identity by five
years . He followed Maggie into the house she was walking
briskly and she was smiling today. They sat down in the back
sunroom, a long glassed in room overlooking the garden.
As Ben sat his glance took in a long glass case on one wall.
In it were several well polished rifles and shot guns. He
turned to look at Mrs Day an question in his eyes.
"Oh, you are admiring Bob's collection? He had only a few,
some of his friends have double that number". She sat down.
"Were they all in a gun club or something? "
"Wel-l, they used to go duck shooting every season, until it
was made illegal in this state, and sometimes they'd go out
into the bush and shoot wild pig, but they weren't in a club
or anything. Well not that I know about but then of course
you men tend to keep some of your activities to yourselves
don't you ? " She smiled at him innocently.
Again he got the feeling this dear old soul, as he had
thought of her previously, was cooking something up.
"So you wanted to see me today? "
"Yes I did, but please excuse me a moment, how rude I am, I
am becoming very forgetful". She stood and walked in the
adjoining room, she turned on an electric kettle. " I'm sure
you'd like a nice cup of tea, it's almost lunch time I have
some nice sardine sandwiches made for lunch. You're not
allergic to fish are you?" She added the latter as an after
thought and looked at him carefully.
"No I'm not, that's very kind of you how did you know I'd be
here at lunch time?"
"I didn't. I always make up a plate of sandwiches about
mid-morning. I don't have anything to do at lunchtime then.
Sometimes I watch a midday movie you see". She added the
last in a conspirital whisper, as though letting him in a
secret.
He grinned and nodded. He got up and had a look at the guns
in the case while she was busy.
"I can open it for you if you'd like to feel them".
"No no, I have a great deal of respect for guns but they're
not something I wish to handle any more often than I have
to".
"Yes I expect you would have to have a licence or something,
in your job I mean".
"Yes, but I don't think one of these would fit in a shoulder
holster or my briefcase Mrs Day". He replied lightly.
"My name is Maggie, that is everyone calls me Maggie, you
may do so too if you wish -- Ben" She carried in a tray.
"Thank you" .
They sat in silence then each sipping or eating and Ben knew
he was being appraised, he hoped she didn't realize she was.
Soon she stood and going to a corner cabinet took out a
cardboard box "Ben these are the clothes, these are our
evidence".
Ben put down his sandwich "What do you mean?"
"These are the things that my dear girl had on when they
brought her out of the water ".
"My gosh, I'd forgotten about that, in any case I thought
they'd still be with the police".
"No no. I was wondering did you find anything helpful in
the cottage? "
"No I couldn't find anything that would tie anyone in".
"Have a look at these then, she handed him another box.
He put it onto the low table, it contained papers,
photographs, cuttings, general keepsake items.
"Didn't the police take her personal belongings from the
cottage?"
"Ben the police didn't even bother to search for her for
days, one doesn't leave personal things lying in an empty
house when the owner is missing - does one". She met his
eyes and then returned to her task, serving the
refreshments.
"I don't, well I suppose not".
Damn, blast it, what a stupid idiot ". He muttered as he
went through the things.
"Who is an idiot?"
"Me Mrs Day, I am". "This photo who is this with her?"
"I'm not sure, it's very blurry".
"He is embracing her, is it an old boyfriend?".
" It doesn't look like anyone she went out with ,not anyone
I met anyway. Now to get back to why you're here. I want you
to come with me today, I intend to go and visit Malcolm
Briggs"
His head shot up his eyes widened and he let the photo slip
from his hands. " Mrs Day have you taken leave of your
senses? The man may be a murderer and you want to go and
call on him like some....."
He was at a loss for words he went on. "It's not an
afternoon tea and biscuit situation here Mam".
"Now now Ben, nothing ventured nothing gained. There won't
be any dramas. You'll be in the car". She soothed him.
"Have a cup of tea "
Ben sat gazing at her "How old are you Mrs Day?"
"Never you mind Ben Brady, it's extremely rude to ask a lady
her age. I would have thought you would know that . You
struck me as being a man who went to one of the good schools
of years ago. Then boys and girls were taught some of the
finer things in life. I'll tell I am not as old as I look,
you'd be surprised.".
"Tell me if I'm close, I'd say you would be coming up
seventy".
She laughed, a short humourless chuckle "Don't be silly, my
daughter was only 25".
"Yes but- "-
"You see everyone thinks I'm old and useless".
"No we don't".
"Everyone thinks anyone over 55 is old and useless these
days. Although I will admit I'm no longer 55 either ". She
walked to the cabinet and took a photo and passed it across.
Two people smiled back at him through a cracked glass.
That's Mr and Mrs Day on their third wedding anniversary,
the date's on the back".
The faded figures read 1960
"So you were, about 20 then?"
"23 actually. He was my first beau and we lived happily
ever after". She grinned at him the creases around her eyes
deepening.
"I'm surprised there weren't a dozen little Days then". Ben
said and apologised profusely a second later.
She chuckled again there may have been, but my accident put
a stop to that. I nearly said goodbye to Bob then but they
managed to keep me breathing and put some of the pieces back
together ",
"Oh I'm sorry to hear that".
"Don't be, it's a long time ago".
"And now you're thinking of going off on a one woman crusade
to avenge your daughter... "
"You just come along, you don't have to say a word, in fact
I want you to stay in the car"
"And if I don't go with you?"
"I'll go anyway".
"How did I know you would say that? But he found he was
grinning. " I wouldn't mind betting there is a lot of Irish
in you, you're such a stubborn woman".
"Yes you're right there Ben Brady and sure that's got an
overtone of the old country too or I'll be damned".
"Where is this cup of tea you talked about then, though a
shot of whisky is more what I need now".
"Coming up, but no whisky until after dark".
"What is that an old Irish legend too? "
"Yes, me father said if ye start tah drink tah early yah
drink tah much ".
He could only laugh.
"When are yah planning tah begin this tour o' foolishness
then?".
******
"Miss Munro I was wondering when you would be leaving. I
have to do the rosters for the next 8 weeks will you be here
that long do you think?"
Milly stood at the doorway of the cubicle Mrs Dawson called
an office.
"Possibly not, I'd better not outstay my welcome with uncle
Ken.
"It's a pity, you have been most helpful and our- er-
clients like you ".
"Yes, what happens about that, what happens if one of these
guys get fresh with us?"
"You must let me know, you haven't er- had any unpleasant
incidents have you?"
"No I had just wondered about it a couple of times".
"You let me know if any of them try anything on, anything at
all you understand Milly? "
"Sure". I'll bet poor Abbey told you but it didn't help her
a scrap. Milly thought but said only. "How long has the
Organisation been going Mrs D?"
"Several years now. We have helped a lot of people, it's
amazing how just talking about a situation can help sort
something out".
"What about their families?"
"Too many families make the situation worse rather than
better".
"They are too close? "
"Yes".
"It seems they can't be objective, they can't see the
persons problem" .
"Why do we go out to talk to them wouldn't it be better if
they came in here?"
"Yes it would but as you have seen only a small percentage
want to come in here".
"They feel more comfortable on their own ground?"
"Yes. What did you say you were studying at the university?"
"Behavioural science is one of the units and this has been
most helpful for me. I may have to do a paper in the
future".
"You'll go back then?"
" I think I will. I think I just needed a break. Uncle Ken
has been urging me to return to my studies " .
******
Mrs Forrest and Theresa Derwent were taking their coffee
break, they had not bothered to go to the canteen but sat
back from their desks in idleness for a few minutes.
"I saw Martin Day at the weekend. " Theresa said.
"Did you? I suppose he was home to check on poor Mrs Day".
"I heard that Martin had employed an Investigator Mrs F.".
"Oh and do you believe that?"
"Maybe he did he was angry".
"Have you spoken to Simone lately? "
"Yes she a had a visit from some girl from the city. She
said she was from some insurance company but Simone's sure
she wasn't".
Mrs Forrest looked across "Oh yes, what did this girl look
like? "
"I don't really know, wait a minute I remember Simone saying
she had gorgeous long red hair. Simone was bemoaning her own
at the time, she couldn't make up her mind which colour
rinse to get next payday".
"M-mm, I had a girl come to see me too. She also had longish
red hair, well auburn in today's terms of course but it's
the same thing".
Chestnut and canterberry-brown and black ebony, the list in
endless, it's too confusing. I just leave mine as it is".
"She was only a slip of a girl, she wouldn't be an
investigator, if it had been a man it would have made me
think twice". Mrs Forrest was speaking softly almost to
herself, disregarding Theresa's remarks on hair rinse
colours .
"Oh Mrs F today a girl can do any job a man can do".
"Yes which reminds me is the new girl coping with the job"?
Abbey's old job, yes she seems quite competent . Ken said
she's O.K. easy to get on with, that's about as much as
we'll get out of him".
"If you couldn't get on with Ken you'd have a problem".
"Oh, I've seen him show a bit of fire if you do the wrong
thing by him. I suppose he's entitled to be cranky at times
like any of us" .
Daine Forrest put down her mug "M-mm. By the look of that
clock over your head I'd better get back to it".
"Don't forget you have a meeting upstairs at 11". Theresa
reminded her. I just plod along here alone until you
return". She added flippantly.
******
"I can't see why you have left out Dawson, he may be some
relation to the Co-ordinator".
"Even if he is what of it?"
"Well how do we know he's not involved? "
"Now listen young lady I don't ask you to help me and then
leave all the footwork to you. Yes Dawson is a cousin. He's
being treated for depression over several years now. There
is no indication that he is anyway involved with the
murder".
"Why couldn't it be him? "
"For one thing the clothes wouldn't fit him".
"That's pretty weak".
"We can place him elsewhere at the time".
"DO we have a time? I thought it was any number of days.
Have you checked this out? "
"Now listen young lady... "
"Oh O.K. I'll concede, I just don't wont to go chasing up
the wrong lane that's all".
"Thanks".
"No offence meant"
" Thanks again"
******
They pulled into Briggs driveway and Ben turned off the
motor. The house was small but in fair repair. It was a
newish estate a little out of the town it appeared a lot of
blocks had been bought but were not yet built on . Some of
the natural bush and scrub had been left unfelled by the
developer. There were wattle and eucalypt trees and low
scrub along the roadway and in some of the blocks. It didn't
have the new raw look about as most new developments.
Maggie got out of the car and went up the steps to the front
door At first there was no response to her knocking but then
it opened.
Mrs Briggs stood in the frame, he presumed it was Mrs
Briggs. It was like the old silent movie he could see what
was happening but hear nothing. After a few moments Mrs
Briggs took the parcel from Maggie, she pulled out part of a
garment and nodded her head . Both women smiled and said a
few more words and Maggie returned to the car.
"Now she has the evidence, I can't see the point of what
you're doing here".
The woman smiled at him "There are other garments " .
He was backing the car out he paused "You didn't give her
them all?"
"Of course not".
Ben shook his head he should have known better than to think
she would do that. Then again he hardly knew this woman.
"Now that she has them how does that help us? It doesn't
mean they are his just because she took them".
"She said they were his".
"He'll say they're not".
"Maybe, maybe not, we'll see.. In any case it covered me for
the off chance she was at home. Now we're going to have to
find out when she isn't and when he is. "Stop here Ben".
He had travelled only a few hundred meters from the house.
"What for? "
" I want to wait here until he comes home, I want to see
what happens".
"Good grief woman". He couldn't argue with the logic so
said nothing further but settled himself as comfortably as
he could in the seat. He had no need to keep watch Maggie
was turned inside out watching the driveway. He could not
resist a smile.
It was not a long wait. The old rusted sedan rattled down
the road and turned noisily into the house. A heavy set
stooped man left the car.
"Now Ben I want you to get back there as close as you can
and see if you can hear anything. Hurry".
She urged him out of the car by word and action almost
pushing him off the seat "If they spot you tell them you're
at the wrong address, tell them you're looking for the Devon
family".
"What!"
"Quickly man quickly".
"Bloody hell woman".
He felt foolish. He hadn't ever been placed in this sort of
position before. He made his own decision who to watch and
who he listened in on. This case was getting out of hand.
It was bordering on the ridiculous.
He proceeded anyway, at a smart lope. He could hear voices
as he neared the house but could distinguish nothing. The
voices were raised and shortly the man emerged from the
house carrying the parcel . He threw it on to the seat of
his car.
Ben sprinted back. 'That crazy woman was right'.
"Now what" He puffed.
"What did you hear what did he do?"
"He went back to the car, I expect he's going out again he's
got the parcel on the car seat. " He gasped between puffs .
"Did he shout at her?"
" Yes "
"I knew he would. Lets wait now, he may take the parcel
somewhere we have to wait and see what he's up to".
"What he's up to".
Ben could hear Martin's voice berating him for allowing his
mother to become involved.
"I'll be the next murder victim". He moaned.
"Why do you say that? ". Mrs Day turned to look at him
quizzically.
"Martin will kill me next weekend".
"Hah" She said and turned away.
Ben was looking through his rear vision mirror and soon the
sedan was being backed out of the driveway.
"Dam he's gone the other way, I'll have to do a U turn".
As he followed the dirty car he began to think Maggie may be
right they seemed to be heading out of town.
After a couple more turns she exclaimed "This is the Tip
road Ben, he is going to get rid of it".
Ben kept his distance but they observed Brigs stop at the
Tip entrance. The gates were now closed for the night but
there was a large yellow open-topped container beside the
gate.
"He's going to use that dumpster, you'd better stop back
here Ben". She warned
They watched and saw the man leave the car and move to the
bin he threw the brown paper bundle into it. Returning to
his car he spun his tyres in the gravel and headed away.
Ben and Maggie slid down in the their seats as he sped past.
I'm glad it at was so late do you think he saw us".
"I doubt it. He would have stopped and dealt with us if he
had". Ben said.
Maggie was not sure whether he was joking or not. She said
nothing.
"Now that the evidence is gone what are we going to do?"
"We're going to get it out of there of course".
He turned to stare at her "you mean we came all the way out
here to watch this man throw away the parcel and now we're
going to retrieve it?"
"Yes, come on now start the car, lets get up there before
it's too dark to see what we're doing".
Ben swore under his breath but complied with her wishes.
Fortunately the large bin had been emptied late in the
afternoon, there was very little else in it.
Are we tampering with evidence he wondered as he turned the
car to go back to town.
"Thanks Ben". Maggie said smiling.
For some reason he felt better, he felt that all this
nonsense had been worthwhile.
He didn't go directly back to his motel but accepted a
lady's invitation to a home cooked meal and a nip or two of
Scotch.
******
"Hey"
Milly stopped and turned, Martin Day was striding through
the Saturday morning shoppers.
Lilly isn't it?" He said as he stopped in front of her.
"Yes".
"I'm Martin".
" I remember " .
"That's a start".
"How are you?"
"Not bad, we're getting along, it's Mum I worry about. But
anyway, how are you?.
"I'm not sure, I think I'm about to head off back to the
city".
"Oh, old Ben told you to leave it to him has he? "
She looked at him widening her pretty eyes innocently.
"Don't worry he told Mother and I you were working with
him".
"Oh, well then I hope you keep that bit of information to
yourselves. Mrs Dawson won't be at all pleased if she
thinks..."
"Yeh, he explained that too, could I thank you, it seems
you've been a big help to him".
"Yep. Well it's difficult to get access to police files and
CSPS files, even medical reports, poor dear, sometimes I
wonder why he bothers".
"We did have the Autopsy report ".
Which told him little. It would have been helpful to know if
the bruises were caused by logs and branches or whether they
- well anyway " .
"He seems to have managed to build up a pretty vivid
scenario thinking of it gives me nightmares".
"I'm sorry Martin I shouldn't have been talking about this".
"No no, it's O K".
" It's unfortunate that we can't prove any of it " .
"Milly have you got some time?"
"Yes-s, I suppose so".
"Would you have cup of coffee with me?"
Milly met his eyes, they were bright yet appealing. She
hesitated only a minute.
"All right Martin, do you know somewhere that's quiet?"
They were being jostled by passing shoppers pushing
trolleys, mothers dragging toddlers by one arm and pram or
stroller wheels
"While I've still got two ankles left". She added, smiling.
"Yes, I think I know just the place".
He led her out of the noise and hustle through the car park
to an adjacent building. This one incorporated a hotel, with
a bottle shop and T.A.B. couple of specialty shops, an
Australiana and a camera shop and a coffee lounge.
Only a few people were seated, they found a table off to one
side and sat down.
"Tell me Milly how did you get into this?"
"Well, I'm studying".
"Yes, what are you majoring in?"
"I hope to gain a degree in Criminology".
"Oh"
"Yes". She smiled. His reaction had been the same as most
people when she answered this question.
" Well that's why I work with Ben sometimes. It's good
experience to see how things are - are, uncovered I suppose"
"It's an odd career to select"
A middle aged lady wearing a brightly striped apron and
carrying an invoice-pad and pencil in hand came to the
table, they gave their order.
"I suppose it is, but I've always been interested in crimes,
law and the process of enforcement and such ,so I can study
something I'm interested in, makes studying less tedious".
She added lightly
"Yes I suppose so . I've had nothing to do with the law or
crime at all until now. I can't say I'm too impressed with
what goes on"
"I don't blame you. I think you did the right thing by
getting an Investigator. It will help to ease the pain for
your Mum too, even if we can't nail this sod".
"Yes, this is the ridiculous part of it, it makes me very
angry, here Ben and you put in weeks of work and it's all
for nothing".
The coffee was brought, they exchanged a few words with the
lady and she moved on.
"How has it been at work, are the people there good? You had
some time off?"
"I took a couple of weeks off, yes they've all been great,
they make allowance for my cranky moods". He gave her a half
smile and stirred his coffee.
"What do you do?".
"I work for a company known as Blimpsom, they make washing
machines and things. "
"What do you do there? I can't see you assembling parts or
painting the cabinets".
"No, I look after the electrical systems, buttons and
switches and cycles that sort of gear".
"So when my washer jumps missing a cycle I can blame you".
"Not on your life it was right when it left the factory".
Milly laughed and he relaxed her cheerfulness was
infectious. They spent an hour over the cup of coffee.
******
Ben and Milly drove out to the Briggs place after lunch she
had her file from CSPS and looked very official.
She left the car first and walked confidently to the front
door. In answer to her knock the door was opened by Malcolm
Briggs.
Ben watched the two talking for a minute and then they went
into the house.
He quickly jumped out of the car and sprinted up the
driveway the garage door was open. one end of the oblong
building was divided off into a room, it appeared to be a
combination office-den. It was obviously where Briggs spent
a good deal of time here . He must have felt the need to get
out of the house by himself. There was a fridge which had a
few bottles of beer and chair an old radio, a few books and
magazines lay about. An old chest of drawers stood in one
corner it was to this the Investigator went. The bottom
drawer had what he wanted. Photos, dozens of them family,
war, war friends, maybe these were girl friends, and here it
was, one of Abbey. He couldn't stay any longer Millie may
not be able to keep him talking. Finding nothing else he
hurried back to the car. He was barely seated when the front
door opened.
"How did you go?" He asked as she got into the drivers seat.
"He's an odd-bod all right. Did you find anything?"
"Bingo". he held out the photo".
"It is Abbey?"
"If it's not it's her double".
"So we're right he was obsessed with her".
"Is he the kind, you're the one who spoke with him?"
"It's hard to say he was polite but remote".
"Did you feel comfortable or uncomfortable with him?"
"Uncomfortable he kept looking at my legs. Do we know his
age? "
"He fought in Vietnam, that's late sixties into early
seventies so if he was around twenty then ,its the mid
nineties, now so that puts him in his forties".
"If only we could talk to the Dr we could find out if he's
psychotic".
" If the police would co-operate we could have found out if
he's been violent in the house. I wonder if Mrs Day knows
she said she knew the wife at some club or other".
"I think I may have an idea, I think I may be able to find
out if he's ever caused any scenes at the pub or the sports
club or....".
"I've done that, all I got in way of an answer is something
like, --yes but who isn't a bit agro when they drink too
much was all I got. Have a try anyway Milly you may do
better".
"I have heard he goes away for a week or so quite often,
perhaps that indicates things are not too good at home.
Where does she work? "
"At one of the local motels, as cleaner, kitchen hand, that
sort of thing".
"Mrs Taylor thinks she a bit slow, simple is the word she
used".
"She may be and if she is she may be quite unaware of what
he's done".
"I suppose we really should be saying if he's done it".
"Yes, I stand corrected, you are theoretically correct and
far be it from me to contradict those big books you study
night and day".
He gave her a bemused grin across the car.
******
It was Friday Ben took very little notice of Ambulances
rushing to and fro past the motel. It was not such a quiet
place as he imagined it would be when he first spoke to
Martin. This morning then he merely raised his head from his
task and thought sympathetic thoughts for the poor fellow
having this crisis in his life.
It was an hour or so later that Milly rang, she informed him
that Malcolm Briggs was in the hospital, someone had taken a
shot at him.
He put down the phone his mind twirling quickly ,a gyrator
gone wrong different thoughts were fighting each other for
supremacy. He sat down and took out a crushed packet of
cigarettes he had given up the habit of smoking some time
ago. Everyone in the medical world and on TV and in print
kept on advising people to Quit and propounding the dangers
of it. There were times he felt the need of the odd puff, to
help him think.
He wondered if Maggie had heard yet, Briggs would get little
sympathy from her no doubt. He might just drove around
there.
"What do you know. Well well" Maggie made a cup of tea as
they talked about it and later on she said she'd go and see
Briggs this evening. I might take him some flowers".
"You're going to do what? " Ben paused with tea cup in
midair
"Do you want a meal here before we go or later? "
"I think you're crazy".
"I know, and I know you thought that the other day too. Just
bear with me for a little while Ben, just humour a little
old lady".
Ben grunted a laugh "Little old lady you're fitting less
into that image day by day."
"You need not say a word just stand there. In fact I don't
want you saying anything"
"Maggie why do you want to do this?" "Never mind that, will
you come?"
"No".
"Very well". She walked to the door, You can go, I'll be
going out shortly I haven't time to chat". Her tone was both
commanding and derisive. She stood straight shouldered and
head tilted up.
Ben stayed seated -
"Go and get your dress on then or whatever it is you women
do, we'll go now and don't take all evening".
He couldn't resist the last to get himself back onto level
footing with her.
Maggies face broke into a delighted smile she shut the door
and hurried off.
Feisty old crone he thought to himself as he strummed his
fingers on the arm of the chair.
The old velveteen chair was scuffed and frayed but still
damn comfortable, he leaned back and closed his eyes
momentarily.
'How the hell did Briggs get shot? If he killed Abbey was
his protector now trying to get rid of him? Or have I been
totally wrong all this time Ben questioned himself.
His thoughts were interrupted by steps in the hall, Maggie
was back. she had chosen a soft green thing that hung sort
of crosswise on her, she had put on make-up and she looked
10 years younger.
His eyes must have betrayed his thoughts for she said. "
Don't stare Ben Brady, lets go".
He had to stop at a shopping complex on the way. she bought
flowers and chocolates. He was about to berate her then he
reminded himself it would be a waste of words so drove to
the hospital feigning not to notice the daintily wrapped
parcel.
Briggs was in a small private room . Ben had a fleeting
thought that this was odd, why was he alone and not in a
Ward, however his mind was diverted to the present. Briggs
was propped up on pillows one shoulder and arm bandaged he
also had a large sticking plaster on one side of his face.
"I thought he was shot only once".
"So did I".
Briggs opened his eyes at the sound of their whispers. He
jerked back in alarm when he realized he was looking at Mrs
Day. Ben made a mental note to ask her about this later, he
hadn't realized they knew each other.
"How are you Malcolm?" Maggie asked sweetly " I heard
someone took a pot shot at you. What a dreadful thing. I've
never heard of such a dreadful thing and here in our nice
crime free town too. It's too much really it is, first my
poor Abbey and now you it's just too much. you poor man here
I've brought you some lovely flowers and some chocolates.
I'm sure the nurses will let you have one tomorrow. She
crooned.
"Malcolm have you met our friend Mr Brady he's up from the
city for a while ".
"Evening Briggs". -
Briggs nodded in his direction but looked at once back to
Maggie.
"He's that big city detective everyone been gossiping about
you know. You're privileged aren't you, him coming out to
see you".
Briggs already white paled further and stared at Ben again
"Well come on Ben, Malcolm looks tired, perhaps we'd better
go we don't want to tire the poor man out. I'll come and
see you again tomorrow Malcolm do sleep well. Don't think
about that silly idiot running around out there murdering
all and sundry. I'm sure your big brother will eventually
get onto him I do hope they hang him when they do.
Goodnight now then".
Ben closed his mouth and turned to the door. Mrs Day went
through and he followed promptly. They had been in the room
only a few minutes. He took her elbow as they went up the
corridor and said in a stage whisper "You could be accused
of harassing a patient you know that? "
"Too bad. I'd do more than harass him if I got half a
chance". Maggie smiled up at her new friend and said "Now
would you like to have that evening meal with me or not?".
After a moments hesitation Brady grinned and said " I'm not
sure I'm game I might incur your wrath" .
As they came out of the swinging doors and walked to the car
Mrs Day called out and waved to a couple of people going in.
"Who's that?"
"Oh that's Daine Forrest and her hubby". "they have someone
in the hospital too? "
"I don't know really".
Before he started the car he faced Maggie across the seat
and said "Now Maggie what is all this about what have we
gained by coming down here? "
"That remains to be seen, ask me in a few days. Are we going
to my place now?"
No, I think we make a diversion, I think I'll take you to
the hotel for a drink or two, I could do with a long
Scotch".
Maggie was about to decline but changed her mind and said
nothing. She patted her hair into place and smiled in the
twilight of the car.
*******
"I don't have a rifle Officer and if I did I'd hardly go
around firing at local residents and risk my licence now
would I? "
Brady was irate. This pompous local big-wig had the nerve
to summon him down here to question him about the shooting.
He felt like adding 'it was only an arm injury it's a pity
the sniper wasn't more accurate', the more he saw of
Inspector Mervyn Briggs the less he liked him.
"I think it's a preposterous idea"
"You may very well think that ".
Ben searched his mind for where he had heard that phrase
before. "But it is my job to find out who is responsible for
crimes committed in this town ". Briggs said righteously
'You haven't done so well with the murder of an innocent
girl though' Ben clamped his mouth firmly refraining from
uttering the words .
"You haven't told me where you were late on the 16th".
Briggs went on.
"I'm not sure off hand, I will go back to my room and look
up my diary for you and let you know. Now you cannot.... "
"Yes go on then, but if you find anything in your
investigations for the Days you could let me know".
'Like hell you won't co-operate with me why should I make
any effort to help you' again he did not verbalise his
reply.
******
Ben stood motionless as he looked at the room, what a mess.
Everything was turned about, bed stripped, robe open,
drawers on the floor and his notes scattered.
He made no attempt to fix anything but went immediately to
the telephone.
Brigg was busy he left the report with the desk Sergeant.
He waited, expecting they'd put it to the bottom of the list
and he was prepared to wait half the day. Strangely enough
they were there in a short while.
After the men had taken fingerprints and photos he was
permitted to sort out his notes and begin to tidy up. As he
suspected several pages were missing.
In the normal procedure of an investigation the loss of
pages of notes is a gigantic setback. Every fact or
suspicion or interview all thoughts and facts are combined
in haphazard order but there to turn up as soon as the
investigator needs to remind himself of something or verify
something . This break and enter should have set back his
inquiries by days. However in this case it made little
difference. Ben was an experienced investigator and he knew
the value of scraps of information be it one line or one
word it was his practise for many years past to duplicate
his notes and send them off to a safe place. That safe place
he and one other person knew. He varied both person and
place, every now and then as an extra precaution.
He smiled now as he thought 'Well Joe whoever you are your
little scheme has fallen on its nose, you haven't cut off my
track at all - but I'll let you think you have'.
"Ben I've had that dreadful Briggs up here, he demanded to
see Bob's guns, he wanted to take them away, I refused, he
said he'll be back, he's gone to get a warrant or something.
What should I do?"
Maggie's words tumbled through the phone before he could say
more than hello
"My gosh. Wait I'll be up there in ten minutes. If he comes
back stall him. " He grabbed a couple of things and left the
room as it was .
"You'd better let me have a look at those guns before he
gets here". Ben said as he bounded into the house.
"Why?"
"To check if they've been fired recently " .
" I've done that".
"You've done it? Do you know how to... " He stared at her.
"Of course I do, I used to shoot with Ben from time to
time".
"You did? Good grief . Maggie you didn't? No of course you
wouldn't, what a stupid idea. Maggie someone may have taken
one of these guns shot Briggs brother and put it back in
here".
"Nonsense. How would they do that ,I would have heard them,
seen them, him " .
"What if you were asleep?"
"He was shot in the daytime
"But the gun could have been taken at night and returned
here".
"Don't be silly . I would have seen it was missing -- surely
I would have known if one was missing".
She gazed at him her eyes wide and fearful.
"Where's the key?" He realized the cabinet was locked.
She had the key in her hand and passed it over. He took out
each gun out singly and checked it over. He couldn't find
any trace that any had been fired lately. But he was not in
Forensic the Police no doubt would be far more thorough.
The sniper could and probably did clean it thoroughly after
use anyway.
Lets be sensible, he told himself suddenly, there are lots
of other guns in the town. The Police will have names and
addresses of owners who have licence. Those that did not
would not be checked anyway . What a maze this was becoming.
"Maggie how many of Bob's friends used to go away shooting,
have they all got guns now?"
"Yes I expect so . I don't know how many really 5 or 6 of
them most times but not always it would depend".
"Yes but there were regular ones weren't there? "
"Ye-s" .
"Can you give me their names?"
"Why? "
"I'd like to have a talk to them".
"You sound like Briggs, no I'm not going to bring Bobs
friends into this. You just tell me what I can and can't do
about this can he come up here and take the guns?"
"I think you should ring Mr Bolley about this, he'd be the
expert" .
"Wouldn't you know?"
"I can give you an opinion". Ben prevaricated
******
Martin slowed his car to turn into the driveway of his
mother's, house, he had left the city early and it was now
late morning.
He was taken aback to see several cars parked on the drive
or on the lawn. His heart lurched, was his mother ill, had
she been attacked. 'Oh no' his mind protested silently as
he parked on the roadside and walked toward the house.
There was no ambulance or police car so he breathed a little
easier as he went to the house.
Several people were seated at one end of the long side
verandah and as he came up they stood and began to disperse.
His mother came to greet him.
"What's going on Mother, are you all right?"
"Yes my dear of course, I spoke to you only last night".
They hugged and stayed in embrace a long minute
"Yes, but all these ... What are Daine Forrest the Taylors
and Theresa Derwent doing here and who is that chubby
fellow?"
He was whispering.
Maggie replied in the same tone. "Now son stop worrying, old
friends like to meet once in a while and share a cup of tea
and a hot scone. Saturday morning is a good time for
everyone. You should remember Dr Oxley".
"Oxley? He's put on a lot of weight".
"He eats well". His mother replied facetiously.
"It seems like it, now where we?"
"I'll just say goodbye and then I'll make a fresh pot of
coffee for you, go on in and get comfortable my dear".
Maggie turned her attention to her friends leaving and
Martin exchanged a few words of greeting with one or two
before entering the house. He was frowning.
"You've heard about Briggs? " Maggie said as she came back
and went through to the kitchen .
"Yes you told me last night".
"So I did, how forgetful of me, I keep forgetting things
lately I must be getting old".
"Nonsense you're looking better than you have in months " He
looked at his mother and was pleased to know he didn't have
to lie. Her eyes were brighter and her long hair was groomed
and styled into place high on her head.
"Ben's coming up about lunchtime".
"Yes" .
"I think he's bringing that young lass, he says we need a
round table conference".
"Oh".
******
Milly arrived first and was in conversation with Martin when
Ben drove up. Maggie was quick to meet his eyes as he
entered the room and sat down
"How are you Ben ?"
"Worried " .
"Why is that? "
"I can't say at the moment". He looked away and opened his
briefcase.
"Ben have you been into the hospital? Milly asked as she
turned to them.
"Yes I have, which brings me to a point I wanted to clarify
too...."
"I've just come from there the room is full of flowers and
chocolates, dozens of them Ben! " . She gazed at him waiting
for his reaction
"What?" He turned to Maggie but she was busy straightening
cushions, turning them over, patting them into place on the
long couch under the window. She might not have heard a word
they had said.
"Maggie what is going on?" He said gruffly. Martin looked
at him sharply
Maggie turned and with eyes wide replied "What do you mean
Ben?"
"Have you got everyone in this town lined up to take flowers
and chocolates to Malcolm Briggs?"
Martin turned to look at Maggie , Milly stared from one to
the other.
"I have an uneasy feeling that there is a small town
conspiracy going on here".
Conspiracy Ben?"
"Is this called killing with kindness or something is it? It
won't gain anything you know that. In fact it will probably
stir the other Briggs up and .... "
"He deserves to be stirred up if you ask my opinion. Anyway
who is for a cup of tea or would you rather something cold
Ben?"
He stared at her a moment, their eyes locked in silent
combat and then he shrugged and turned back to his briefcase
Martin was frowning "Would someone like to tell me what the
hell is going on?"
Milly replied "It seems some one stood across the road in
some trees and took a shot at Malcolm Briggs as he came out
to his car "
"I know about that I'm talking about flowers and chocolates
and these two and the silent war going on here".
Millie shrugged and turned to Ben.
"I found out why he had that bandage on his face too it
seems he injured it when he fell" .
"And how did you come by that bit of information? No don't
tell me I shouldn't ask? " He was cranky and irritable and
he knew it. He must pull himself up here or there would be
bad results.
" Oh I can divulge that source I simply spoke with one of
the nurses". She smiled smugly.
*******