Works By Australian Authors
The Girl In The Lagoon by Joan Lane
Chapter 2
Abbey Day did not arrive at work on Tuesday morning her
dressed in a track suit when she heard a vehicle coming up
her drive.
She moved to the window, smiled and then walked over to her
front door.
"Come on in". She said as the man got out of the car and
stepped onto the narrow verandah.
" Evening Abbey".
"Hi, is everything O.K.?"
"Yes". He stepped inside.
"Good. Do you want a drink, lemonade, coffee?"
"Thanks, I'll have a lemonade ". He followed her into the
small kitchen and watched her prepare the drink.
Abbey carried the tall glasses, tinkling with ice cubes,
into the front room. She sat down inviting him to do the
same.
Her visitor stayed for some time and as it was getting dark
Abbey asked if he would like to have a meal with her.
"I was on my way up to the Ridge, it's going to be a
beautiful night would you like to come? We could make a camp
fire and cook some sausages " .
The girl hesitated a moment but then said "That sounds
great, I wasn't doing anything special tonight".
"Do you get lonely up here by yourself?"
"Not really, I like my own company".
"Would you like some of my company Abbey?" The man said
moving to sit close to her, his face intent.
"Well if we go up to the ridge I will have your company
won't I?" She laughed and stood, she went to the next room
to a small freezer. "I'll get out some sausages. What will
we take to drink? "
"I've got a bottle of wine in the car"
"Good. I'll cut up some salad vegs. Have you got a lantern
or something?"
"Yes I brought all that".
The first part of Abbey's evening was very pleasant, the
view from the mountain ridge was magnificent in the early
moonlight. Her companion was good company and the evening
stillness was complimented by soft music coming from the
small battery radio her friend had brought.
She felt completely at ease and quite sleepy as the hours
passed. It had begun to get cooler and they spread a travel
rug over their legs.
A while later as Abbey was about to suggest they go down her
companion opened a flask of coffee. He poured the steaming
liquid into two plastic mugs.
It tasted a bit tart but as neither of them had remembered
to bring sugar Abbey gave it little thought.
She didn't notice that the man didn't drink his.
****
The bright sunlight creeping through a tear in the old blind
brought Abbey to a sitting position. Where am I? Her head
throbbed. There was no noise except early morning birds
outside.
She was laying on an old single iron bed the picnic rug over
her. She tried to remember how she got here. she remembered
feeling sick, being helped down the mountain track to the
car. she remembered a voice, a mans voice, repeating over
and over-- I love you Abbey, you must know that, you must
have seen it, I love you Abbey let me love you Abbey -- The
girl shivered remembering his voice, his hands.
She looked around where was he, what was this place.
She must have slept again for when she woke the sun had
gone, she heard a door creaking open. she sat up her mouth
was dry and sore.
"I'm here Abbey, I'm back. Sorry I've been so long" His
tone bright and friendly.
" What time is it?" She croaked.
" Almost midday, I've brought you some food".
She looked at him, his image came and went in irregular
flashes He sat on an old stool by the bed
"Why am I here what happened?"
"What happened, - er- you had a fall. I carried you down".
He passed her a glass of milk.
She gulped it down avidly.
Her head was still fuzzy, his words came in and out like a
broken communication line.
"I must go home".
"Oh not yet, you're not well enough yet. I love you Abbey".
There it was again.
"I love you more than anything, anyone in the whole world".
"You do-o". She swayed and fell back onto the bed.
The man straightened her out put the rug over her again,
placed a cushion under her head, then moved back into one
corner of the room and sat looking at her.
The room was in an old cabin in the mountain range it was
owned by a family in the city and because they never came up
here any more one of the Real Estate Agents had it on his
books to be Leased. It was usually rented by hikers or
mountain climbers or even fishermen who took a boat up to
the early reaches of the river which wound down to the
plains and pasture lands below Colbreeth. The present Leasee
had had it for over six months now.
*****
Abbey stirred, her bladder screaming for relief, she shook
herself awake and carefully put her two feet onto the floor.
She didn't see the sleeping figure in the corner of the
room.
She staggered out , the half moon giving some light she
found herself in a living-room-kichen. She looked for
another door it was on the back wall, on tiptoe she walked
unsteadily to it.
It led onto a small porch, frowning and looking about she
saw what she wanted. A tiny outbuilding stood a few feet
away it had a broken and rickety trellis surrounding three
sides of it.
She had to steel herself not to think about cobwebs and
spiders as she approached. She left the door open.
While she sat she tried to put the jagged pieces together
but nothing would fit. What had happened, why was she here,
why did she feel so sick.
When she came out she looked around unsure of what to do.
she sat on the edge of the wooden porch. Her head in her
hands, she heard a movement behind her, she turned abruptly
to see a tall shadowy -figure above, it swooped her up and
carried her back into the house.
Her protesting struggle was ineffectual.
"You shouldn't be out here in the cold you'll get a chill".
He muttered gruffly. He placed her on the bed again went
out, Abbey heard a key turn in the door.
Tears came to her eyes fear overcoming her for the first
time
"Let me out of here at once". She called desolately, the
last words were lost as she lapsed back into slumber.
She woke again to the rays of sun entering the room. she
felt cold she tugged the rug about her and as she did so she
found she had on only her underwear
She screamed and heard no reply
"Let me out of here. Where are my clothes. You can't do
this, are you mad?" Her voice was streaky and thin.
No reply came.
"He's gone again damn him" She got up and hammered on the
door, her small fist making little impression or sound
either.
Then she heard footsteps ,the old wooden floor seemed to
bounce as he walked. He must be at the other side of the
door now the steps had stopped, her breathing was heavy as
she waited.
He laughed "Your clothes are out here. you won't run away
without your gear will you". He laughed again, opening the
door a foot or two. "If I let you out will you be good?"
"Good?" Her voice broke. She got off the bed wrapping the
rug about her.
"Yes, if you're not I'll have to put you on a leash".
Abbey swayed and put a hand on the wall for support, he was
mad he had to be.
He opened the door fully he looked down at her and smiled.
"I had a lovely big red setter once I used to keep her on a
leash".
"I am not a dog. you can't do this". She followed him into
the next room .
"Want something to eat?"
"No I want to go home NOW" She said . She was feeling better
she would argue her way out of this. she knew this man he
wasn't at all bad why would he do her any harm.
"I want you to stay here with me".
"I'll stay for a while then". If she humoured him she would
be all right He was like unstable gelignite, if handled the
wrong way it he would blow-up. She was sure of that.
"I'm cold".
"Here put this on". He took a duffle jacket from a peg on
the wall by the door. It was too big but it covered her, it
came down to her thighs. She felt less vulnerable.
She sat at the table "What are you going to eat?" I'm making
bacon and fried bread. You like that?"
"Yes I'll have some then. you live up here?"
"No, you know where I live"
"I mean when you're not at home"
"Yes, I suppose I do"
He was uncertain.
The silence was broken by a light plane flying overhead.
"Some more lads off to launch their gliders" Abbey said
"Crazy people, one of them will kill himself one day, those
things go down as soon as the wind drops".
"Er- yes I suppose they do. Where did you learn to cook?"
"Ah-h now that's my secret, that's a surprise for you, Yes?"
He turned to look at her
"Yes it is"
"I'm full of surprises".
That's the understatement of the year the girl thought."
Have you got a comb or brush around somewhere?"
"There's a bathroom of a kind through there". He nodded to a
door at the opposite end of the cabin and returned to his
cooking.
Abbey found her own handbag hanging on a hook there. She
took out a comb and stretched up to see in the small mirror.
She must try and keep him talking, keep him calm and to do
that she had to keep calm.
'Keep things normal, keep your cool' She whispered softly to
herself before going back.
He was mixing two milk drinks and there were two plates of
food on the table.
He sat down opposite her and gazed at her across the narrow
table leaning forward he said earnestly.
" This is how it should be Abbey, this is how I want our
days to start for the rest of our lives". His eyes fixed on
hers intently.
"Er" She drew back at a loss for something to reply, she
lowered her eyes to the food.
"Well I'm not ready for domestic bliss just yet. I'm too
busy enjoying my youth". She tried to laugh but it collapsed
into a choking cough. They ate in silence for a few minutes.
"Is it because I have a wife?"
"No, - well yes but..."
"Then I'll get rid of her".
"You'll what?" Abbey choked on a mouthful of food, and
stared at him in dismay.
"Have you taken leave of your senses man?"
"No if she's stopping me from having you..."
"She's not".
"You would stay up here with me if she wasn't down there".
"No I wouldn't". He said nothing.
Abbey had lost her appetite but she drank the mug full of
hot chocolate. She hoped he would not hear her heart
pounding against her ribs. If he thought she was afraid of
him he might be worse. She began to feel hot then dizzy. She
pushed back her chair and stood, the ceiling rotated several
fast circles and the floor came up to meet her face. Her
night fell in mid morning that day.
This time when she woke she remained silent, she listened,
she heard the radio. It was dark outside. She realized now
what was happening this time he wouldn't trick her into
drinking anything. He had left the door open , he sat in
front of the fireplace.
She could see his figure in shadow, she wondered if he was
asleep. The duffle coat was gone, she would need something
else and some shoes. She looked about the room peering into
the half-light, she spotted a tall cabinet in one corner.
Easing herself slowly off the bed and trying to ignore the
throbbing headache she crept across to it. The door was
stiff, she feared it would squeak. She tugged it open half
an inch at a time.
There were clothes in it, she smiled in the dimness. She
found some trousers a thick shirt and a jacket and pulled
them on.
She looked out into the other room he was still and silent,
perhaps he was sleeping.
She looked for something for her feet. old Gym boots smelly
and too large but they would protect her feet, she had no
idea how far she had to go.
She checked the window, if she could go that way she would
avoid having to pass him. No, it was stuck firmly.
She'd have to risk it, she crept out into the next room.
Stepping as lightly as possible she made her way. she chose
the back door and was out before he stirred.
She took a moment to get her bearings and run round to the
front hoping there would be a lane or drive going past. she
was thankful that the moon had risen early. She saw his car
hesitated and then dismissed the thought and ran. she
headed along the track trying to keep the wheel marks in
sight through the tall shadows of the bush. An owl hooted
somewhere above her and she gasped in fear before realizing
what it was. There were some cloud about and it was cold .
She ran until she was out of breath then she walked. She
didn't take time to sit and rest.
Just as she was beginning to think she was safe she heard a
car motor. She pushed herself through some scrub at the side
of the track and waited.
It was him, he had followed her, but could she still elude
him in the bush.
He drove past, quite slowly, the car bouncing about on the
irregular surface.
Abbey stepped back onto the track and began to run again.
The noise of the car had faded now.
She continued to run. she was hot and dizzy now it was days
since she had eaten anything substantial. Her chest hurt
she had a stitch and she felt like sitting in a heap and
crying her eyes dry.
Around the next bend she almost fell into his arms. "Oh no".
She gasped.
"Why did you go?"
"How did you know I was back here, you went past me?"
"That's a trick I learned overseas Abbey, it's helped me out
of a hole more than once". He grinned at her.
She struggled momentarily but he was stronger, bigger, older
and very determined.
He pinioned her arms behind her back and hustled her forward
to his car.
He pushed her into the rear seat. As she tried to open one
of the doors he said "That catch has been broken for
months".
Abbey reached for the other one, she found there was no
handle for either window or door on the interior of the car.
she threw herself into a heap on the long back seat and
punched the leather with a clenched fist.
She sat up looking about they had not turned back, he had
driven on the way she had been running.
"Where are we going?"
"To your place, you might want some things, lipstick, a
nightie, a toothbrush".
"What? "
"You'll be staying with me for a while". He was calm and
cheerful, he whistled to himself as they drove down the
range.
When they got to her place as he opened the door she broke
away and ran.
She heard him swear but kept running. The dogs were barking
in their enclosure. She wished they were out maybe one of
them would have attacked him. she ran away from the cottage
the moon had gone behind a cloud and she couldn't see where
she was going. She tumbled a couple of times and then went
down with a thud, she felt a sharp pain in one leg and cried
out.
She saw his shadow over her and tried to stand she struggled
and he hit her, she toppled backwards and lay still.
The man bent over her shaking her and calling her name. When
there was no response he stood up and still as stone he
looked at the immobile figure on the ground . Tears ran down
his face as he trod back to his car. He drove frantically.
He knew where he'd go. He knew who would help him, even
perhaps bring his Abbey back. He drove desperately.
******
Consciousness came back to Abbey slowly, she hurt all over,
head throbbing, one ankle smarting, pains shooting up one
arm. she scrambled to her feet. she was down by the Lagoon
she must get back to her cottage, she could ring someone.
Where was he now?. She stumbled back up the track, there was
a light on in her cottage but his car wasn't there. She
tripped up the steps and pushed open the door. She was
greeted with a barrage of abuse. "Where the hell have you
been?" She stared open mouthed. "Don't you know the risks I
take coming up here and then you're off with someone else. I
saw those two glasses in there, I heard his car. I waited
all damn day. Where the hell were you? Look at you, you look
like a harlot"
Abbeys head reeled, she turned and ran out again. The dogs
still yapped and barked . This time she was caught up with
very smartly. In the struggle she smelt the alcohol on his
breath, she tried to reason with him her words coming out in
snatches and gasps, then she fainted.
The man staggered as he carried her inert body. As he neared
the cottage he heard the dogs and went in that direction he
stopped and threw his human burden into the water tank by
the dogs enclosure.
"That'll cool down your ardour you little bitch. How dare
you double time me. What do you think I am some sort of
fool. No one double times me". He sat down on a log gasping
for breath .
The cold water revived Abbey and she thrashed about trying
to get out of the tank. Although it had no top on it the
sides were slippery and wet and too smooth for her to grip
she gasped
"Get me out of here, help me get me out".
"Why should I ?" He laughed. "Stay in there for a while
it'll cool you down".
The dogs were barking furiously now and her voice was lost
in the noise. She gurgled and gasped for air as she tried to
stand but the tank was almost full from the recent rain and
she was too short.
Her scream split the calm autumn night as she surfaced for
the last time.
The dogs fell silent.
The man lit a cigarette and sat on the log smoking, his body
swaying to and fro unsteadily.
Eventually he stirred and went to the tank 'I'd better let
her out of there, damn woman he mumbled as he went to the
tank .
He reached in to drag her out but his hand found nothing. He
stood on a brick work around the tank and leaned over
further. Still there was nothing. 'Where the hell is she?'.
The dogs started again
"Shut up you mangy mongrels".
He leant over the edge of the tank wall his body denting the
top rim. she was definitely not in there.
He went back to the cottage, she wasn't there either.
The alcoholic haze began to clear he gasped and ran back to
the tank. Again unable to find her he shrugged his
shoulders and turned away.
Most water tanks are made in two shapes one is a squat tank
wide and low the other is an upright tank taller and more
narrow.
If Abbeys tank had been of that the first design she would
never have drowned in it. This moonlight murderer would have
been able to reach to the bottom and find her body, perhaps
revive her.
Instead of that he shrugged his shoulders and went to the
back of the long green house. He had fallen into the habit
of parking his car round there to prevent it being noticed
by any visitor
who may drive into the place unannounced.
He drove back to town still wondering where the hell his
young friend was.
******
The two men sat opposite one and other their voices low
there was a wife asleep in the next room. Mervyn Briggs
looked at his brother, the man sat hunched, head bent, tears
were on his cheeks. His story came out in disjointed
phrases. When Mervyn heard it all, he cursed he took his
brother roughly by one elbow and steered him out of the
house.
"You bloody fool". He said as he reversed the 4 wheel drive
into the street and headed out of town. "Yes I am, I've lost
my darling little Abbey ". "Will you shut up, don't ever say
her name, no one must know about this".
They reached the place by the lagoon and with the aid of
Mervyn's torch they found the place where Malcolm thought he
had left her.
"But she was here."
"She's damn well not here now".
"She couldn't have got up, I couldn't rouse her".
"No, well she's roused herself it seems. We'd better get up
to the cottage, I'll have to sort this out. I only hope she
understands. You're a fool Malcolm".
"Yes I know". The man had lost all focus.
The two men went to the cottage, the dogs again barking and
jumping frantically about in the pen. When they found Abbey
was not there they were about to go back to the lagoon area
when Mervyn said "Do those dogs know you, would they
attack?"
"No" "Go and let them out".
His brother looked at him a moment then shrugged his
shoulders and did as he asked.
The two hounds bounded about and began to follow them but
after a short distance they went back.
"I thought they may led us to her".
They looked around the area again and then Mervyn said
"We'll have to leave it until daylight. It's possible she
wandered off in the wrong direction, if she had a head
injury.
I'll take you home and you be out here again at daybreak you
understand ". He warned Malcolm as they drove back into the
town. "And don't say a word to anyone if I'm putting my
neck on the chopping block for you, you keep that blabbering
mouth shut". He glared at his brother as they parted.
"I will, I will".
* * * * * *
It was just after dark the following evening that a motor
vehicle drove slowly up the track to Abbey's cottage. It's
wide wheels making little sound and it's motor running
smoothly, if the driver could have put a blanket over it to
silence it further he would have.
He was concerned about the dogs too, they came bounding out
to meet him.
He parked some distance down the track
He was pale and tense. He had spent the day in a frenzy of
anxiety. Several thoughts chasing themselves like blind
mice around his brain. He had to be sure, he hoped, even
prayed he was wrong.
He went straight to the water tank the dogs bounded about
him. He let them jump on him refraining from yelling them to
order.
He turned on the tap of the tank, the water flowed swiftly
into the low narrow trough which extended in the dog pen.
It soon filled and overflowed.
He paid no heed to the water pouring its way down past the
enclosure fence and by the garage wall into the scrub . He
paced about smoking one cigarette after another. Then
taking a deep breath he climbed onto the brick base of the
tank and peered over. He took a torch out of his pocket, he
stiffened and leaned forward. He stumbled down and threw
himself against the garage wall, he punched it relentlessly.
The dogs were nowhere in sight, they were enjoying their
long freedom. They were usually penned while Abbey was at
work but they had had all day to play this day.
The desperate figure walked to his vehicle and brought it
up.
He wrenched away the downpipe which ran from the garage roof
to the tank, then pushed the tank over.
He loaded it and its grizzly contents onto the tray of his
vehicle, and tied it firmly.
He drove out of the place just as the first rays of
moonlight came through the clouds.
******
"Don't bloody lie to me you idiot" Mervyn Briggs shouted at
his brother.
"I didn't, I swear I never put her in any tank, I never put
her in that lagoon either".
Mervyn Briggs looked at his brother in disgust.
"Why the hell lie to me? You told me most of it in the first
place, why back track now, why hide half of it?"
Malcolm broke down again.
"Oh shut up".
"All right then, I'll a take the blame. I probably killed
her she must have been hurt badly and wandered off, she's
fallen into the lagoon or blacked out or something. Go you
might as well charge me". He raised red-rimmed eyes to look
at his brother. The pristine uniform reminding him of the
his precarious position.
" You know I won't do that"..
Mervyn Briggs sat down . What a wreck his brother looked.
His hands were unsteady, his eyes haunted, his face as white
as a bed sheet beneath the growth of at least three days.
That damn war how many normal Australian boys had been
ruined by it.
Damn America, they use every country they associate with.
Damn our government heads too for that matter. All the
hullabaloo and hogwash and then they came out without
winning anything. Thousands of men still paying the price.
He remembered his brother before he went away. Young,
carefree daring, a dark bright eyed boy with the world in
his hands.
The same boy came home from the Vietnam conflict a
disillusioned aging man. The years multiplied by
participating in atrocities, battles, raids and dubious
strategy .
Mervyn had from then on felt obliged to stand behind him.
Doreen Emery a local girl married Malcolm before any of them
knew the long term damage he had suffered. A plain looking
sensible girl she had been loyal through the years.
The fact that Malcolm would never father a child was also
not discovered until later.
Doreen had been most patient tolerating his moods and verbal
abuse and irresponsibility. Every penny went out as quickly
as he earned it. Then he began quitting jobs one after the
other for one petty reason or another. Now Doreen worked
and handled the money, paying the monthly accounts and
generally looking after them both.
He knew she had taken Counselling, probably referred by the
GP and he thought she still attended discussion groups on
occasions.
"You know what we have to do Mal don't you?" Mervyn said now
his tone milder.
"What will we have to do?" His voice flat and dull. "We'll
have to get that damn tank out of there".
"Why? "
"Because it will confuse things, that's why. I'm trying to
save your neck here man, now I want you to be ready about 10
this evening, you'd better met me at the Pub".
"We're going out there? "
"Yes . Once the city lads get up here they may put on a
night watch and we won't be able to get it out, so it's now
or never".
"Where we going to put it?"
"We'll take it to the tip. No one will think of looking
there it's too obvious".
"It'll be locked at night".
"So it will little brother, so it will. you just be there.
Right?"
" Yeah, O.K"
"And bring some rope to tie the confounded thing on my ute".
"Right. What will I tell Doreen?"
"Is she home tonight?" Mervyn stood up.
"Yes".
"Tell you're going to the Pub, which you are". He laughed,
jamming his cap onto his head.
Malcolm sat and listened to the Police car start and move on
and out of the street.
Why wouldn't his brother believe him.
"I'm not sure there is much more I can do for you, I've
uncovered all these facts, well we think they are the facts,
maybe I would be taking your money under false pretences if
I continue". Ben looked from Maggie to Martin and paused.
Martin put down his cup. "There's still a couple of things
I would like to know, he said slowly. "Such things as where
the hell is that tank, who took it out of the water and
why?"
"It may just be that the storm did wash it away into another
area of the lagoon, as Briggs says." Milly ventured.
"I don't think so Milly. There's another thing that concerns
me too and I've been meaning to ask you both about this. If
we take this evidence to the Coronial inquiry will it mean
that you Milly will have to be there and if so will this
have a detrimental effect on your position at Uni. or with
the relationship with Mrs Dawson and the other volunteers. I
wouldn't like you to be seen as a snitch."
"Which is what I am, eh?" She laughed "Yes Martin we all
have to be prepared for a bit of flack when we get into
these things."
"We come out smelling of roses or manure, depending on the
outcome of the case usually. " Ben added.
"I see. So you're not going to be kicked out of Uni or have
lots of black crosses on your resume ?" Martin said smiling
at her.
"No. "
"Well if you two know what you're doing and if you agree
Mother", he turned to Mrs Day. "I'd like you to stay on the
inquiry a bit longer. "
"Right, well this is the photo I took from Briggs place,
this is the photo that was in Abbey's house."
He passed one the Martin "Do you know who this is?"
"My it's blurry."
"Yes that's the problem, do you think it's Malcolm Briggs?"
"I don't know."
"Have you seen Briggs in recent years?"
"I'm not sure, I was thinking about that the other day, I'm
not sure I know what the bastard looks like."
Ben continued ignoring Martins rising anger "We need to
establish if these were taken at the same time or were from
the same roll of film and if the processing was done here or
elsewhere. If so was the processing material alike or
totally different."
"But Briggs took this one of Abbey, someone else must have
taken the one of them both."
"If it is him." Reilly commented.
"And if so there are cameras on the market that allow
seconds for the subject to get into the picture, Pentax make
one for starters".
"I don't think Abbey would have been posing with Malcolm
Briggs." Maggie said defiantly. "I don't think this person
is Briggs, either one of them. "
"What did you say? "
"We might be blaming the wrong Briggs."
Three pairs of eyes rested on her face. "Mother what are you
suggesting?"
"Mervyn Briggs could be the married man, if she was seeing a
married man. "
No one spoke but looked from one to the other.
Ben was first to shake his head "No I don't think that
theory holds water Maggie."
"No-o I agree with Ben, Mother."
Milly said sympathetically "You really don't like that man
do you Mrs Day?"
"Mervyn the monster, Daine Forrest calls him." she laughed.
Ben gave a smothered cough and said briskly " Yes well in
any case we need to know who this person is. I'll be in the
city for the next day or two so don't worry if I don't
answer my phone."
"Don't you have a mobile yet Ben. " It was a dry remark
from Martin.
"No-o I don't need these new flimfan things to do my job."
Milly and Martin exchanged smiles.
"There is another line I want to follow up, apart from your
tank Martin, I'd like to have a look at the list of
volunteers who worked with Abbey, Milly could you get that?
" .
"Yep."
They continued to talk of the case for a couple of hours and
then the telephone disturbed them. Maggie answered it
Although they did not intentionally wish to listen they had
to pause in their conversation to allow her to hear The one
sided conversation they heard was -----
--"What?
--Really.
--You're joking aren't you?
--No of course you wouldn't. My goodness I wonder who would
do such a thing.
--Yes. Yes that's right.
--Mm-m - yes I'll do that.
--Yes bye for now Daine, thanks for ringing."
Maggie put the phone piece down and turned to the others.
Ben thought he discerned a smirk on her lips as she said
casually "That was Daine Forrest, it seems Briggs was
allowed out of hospital this afternoon and when he got home
he found someone had dug a grave in his front lawn."
"A what ?"
"They did what ?"
"What did you say ?" Then Milly giggled.
Ben glared at her.
Martin frowned.
Maggie hastily left the room offering to make another pot of
tea.
"Was it filled in Mrs D?" Milly called after her.
"Duno, the earth was piled up in front of the bedroom
window." Maggie answered from the kitchen. A heavy silence
hung in the room.
"I'll bet the other Briggs wasn't pleased with that either."
Martin said as he stood and followed his mother.
Ben imagined he heard tittering a minute or so later.
When the tray was brought in Mrs Day's face was sombre but
she said "I think it serves him right."
"Now Mother that's not very nice". Martin chided
half-heartedly.
"He wasn't nice to my lovely daughter and your sister, he
deserves all he gets. It seems there is no justice to be
found by the law in this land."
"But who's doing this?" Milly spoke to Ben. "Goodness
knows." Maggie remarked.
Martin about to add milk to his cup turned sharply to look
at his mother, something in her tone struck him as odd.
"How did Daine Forrest know about this Maggie? " Ben
grunted.
"Her husband was down at the hotel, he heard it there. Very
strange isn't it?" She looked up and met his eye squarely
not a twinkle in sight.
Ben took another biscuit he must be getting paranoia.
How could he possibly even think of this dear old soul
Organising a vendetta - of sorts. He gulped down his tea
turning his mind to other aspects of this ever baffling
case.
******
Martin had a small flat in a fashionable suburb just a few
minutes from the city centre. A large recreational park was
opposite the units and apartments on this busy road. It was
very necessary to have private car parking for it would be
foolish to leave ones car on this Commuter road. The units
in which he lived provided this.
He pulled into his designated square and took his briefcase
and jacket from the car. Pressing his ignition key holder to
set the alarm he strolled slowly over to the entry doors.
Martin enjoyed the city, the noise, the lifestyle, the
opportunity to do things and go places appealed to a young
man in his late twenties. He took time out to play squash
with his friends or go out to dinner occasionally. Over
recent months however he had had little time to think about
any of that. His whole being seemed to be concentrated on
one target, his body, soul and mind aimed in the one
direction.
The haunting dreams were occurring less often now, the
disturbing thoughts of what his sister may have endured
before her death were presenting themselves less frequently
in his waking moments. He was feeling tired and somewhat
dejectedly this evening.
The telephone was ringing as he entered his flat.
"Yes." He said briefly as he picked up the receiving piece.
"Martin, it's Ben".
"Hi, is everything all right?"
"Yes, I was wondering if you'd know that tank if you saw it
again?"
"We-ll I'm not sure I would, but Noel or Alan might . Did
you find it?" He added in surprise.
"I think I have, I went around to the tip this afternoon, on
the off chance, sure enough there are a couple of old tanks
thrown in a pile of hard garbage in one corner, away from
the rest of the stuff, don't ask me why. "
"They probably sell it to the scrap metal merchants on the
side." Martin remarked. "If it is the same tank will it
help?"
" I may be able to speak with one of the men who work there,
he may remember who brought it in or when."
"Hell that's a long shot, it was weeks ago."
"Yes I know but first we need to know if it's it, or be 90%
sure at least."
"I'll ring Alan, he won't be home from work yet I'll ring
you back tonight."
"Can you get them up here ?" "I can ask."
They spoke only a minute or so longer and disconnected.
Ben went to his coat took out his wallet and frowned he had
better go to the A.T.M. at the bank before he went across to
the hotel for his meal this evening.
He'd better speak to Martin about his fee too, his bank
balance was getting low again.
When Ben pushed through the swing doors the place was
buzzing. He usually came into the bar first, had a couple of
drinks and then went through into the Bistro. Tonight as Ben
sat sipping his drink he faced the crowded bar. He glimpsed
the Briggs brothers in earnest conversation at one end. He
wished he had a bionic ear. If he could hear what they were
saying he'd be hallway home. two other familiar figures
caught his eye. Ken Taylor and Dr Oxley were seated a few
tables from the bar, talking animatedly, occasionally one or
other leaned across the table to say something more quietly.
Because Ben was late in he had sat near the door, Officer
Briggs went out without looking right or left so didn't see
the Investigator. Malcolm however after another drink came
out the same way . When he saw Ben he turned ,approached the
table, he leaned over it menacingly.
"You Brady are a parasite, you just keep your bleeding nose
out of local folks bars, you hear me, if you don't I'll deal
with you." His voice low and threatening, his breath heavy
with alcoholic fumes. He thumped his fist on the small
table and glared at Ben. The little round table shuddered
and vibrated under the mans pounding.
Ben leaned back in his chair but returned Briggs glare. "I
don't know what you're on about fella, what's your problem?"
Briggs picked him up by the shirt collar and held him face
to face. " There will be another bloody murder if you keep
goin' round asking questions."
People were looking now.
Brady tried to pull out of the grip but kept his cool.
Someone nearby stood up.
"Hey mate settle down. That guy's a visitor in town put him
down."
"Come on Briggsie , let it go." Another voice. Ben couldn't
see the body belonging to the voice.
Malcolm turned to them and back to Ben, then pushed him back
in his seat and stamped out.
Ben straightened his clothing and turned to the men at the
other table. "Thanks. I don't know what he's so riled up
about I'm sure."
"Aa-h take no notice, he gets fired up every now and then,
he'll cool down later". The man sat down again.
"Doreen'll give him a hard time when he gets home." The
second man said.
"Na-y-, she's all right, she's put up with old Mat for years
now. She's a tough old turkey is our Doreen. " He remarked
with a grin. They nodded to Ben and returned to their
drinks.
Brady hesitated should he get into a conversation and try
and find out more about Briggs. But that would draw
suspicion he must endeavour to remain anonymous.
No doubt Briggs, Mervyn would have by now informed Malcolm
that he had been to the Police station. He wondered again
just how deeply in was the Det. Sergeant himself. He had put
Maggie off when she had suggested the idea but he too had
his doubts about the lawman. Was he just covering for his
brother or was there a deeper furrow in this field. He was
a married man, he had thwarted the Police inquiry, he'd put
off the search for days.
The younger Briggs was certainly getting mighty nervous
anyway whichever was the case.
Ben finished his drink, he thought about ordering a stiff
whisky but pushed back his chair and went into the Bistro
instead.
Colbreeth wasn't a big town and country folk chatter a lot,
if Ben but knew it almost everyone knew who he was. Even if
they hadn't seen him they knew of him and why he was here.
The two men who had come to his aid were no exception, but
they wouldn't have been any help to him had he asked them
anything. Their loyalty lay with Mal Briggs they'd fought
with him and knew of his periodic episodes of irrational
behaviour. They could understand it.
******
"Thanks Theresa and could you tell Michael that Ben is in
Unit 5 it's the last one on the right. Perhaps he should
ring first Ben maybe out, he spends some time across at the
hotel in the evenings." Maggie Day hung up.
She sat down in her favourite chair by the window and
watched the half-moon suspended, it hung so peacefully in
the sky. she sighed. Although it was virtually only late
afternoon it was clearly visible, as waiting for the sun to
set. Remote and untouchable, as a fledgling Ballerina,
waiting in the wings for the curtain to rise, thus revealing
her true beauty and prowess. The drifting cotton clouds were
the moon's curtain.
Perhaps things were on the improve though, Michael Derwent
would keep the tank in his work-shed until they needed it.-
if they needed it. It may all be a waste of time.
Maggie sat still, her mind a long way from this scene in
Colbreeth, a long way from the present time and
surroundings.
* * * * * *
Ben was in as the phone rang. He spoke to Michael for a few
minutes, then took his pen and note pad outside. He was
quite comfortable at the small motel, although never truly
comfortable away from his own place, his won familiar rooms
and favourite belongings, but this wasn't bad. The young
couple who managed the motel -no doubt for a big company-
were affable and obliging.
Because Ben had asked that there be no daily room service
they left clean linen, coffee and milk on a mini-trolley
outside his door regularly. There was a good size fridge
provided and a small mini oven-grill as well as the standard
electric jug. Obviously the room was fitted out for the
longer staying guest. Company Reps, insurance or real estate
agents and the like, he presumed. There were two rows of 5
units they were separated by two driveways and a garden
strip. Because his unit was the last of the line he had a
nice view, from his side window, of a small but tidy garden
which ran to the boundary fence. There was an outdoor garden
setting there. He noticed the unit directly opposite also
had one and there were several other sets about . One up on
the front lawn near Reception, a couple in the garden strip
which divided the driveways. Ben sometimes took the
opportunity to avail himself of the spot of sun and fresh
air, the environment was conducive to thinking. Here he
would sit pen poised or in his mouth and toss everything
over and about like a Chinese dish in a wok. Sometimes he
arrived at his solutions in this manner.
Right now he had to bring his notes up to date. He would
photocopy them tomorrow and send them off. He did not wish
to lose any, he would ask his friend to send back a copy of
the missing pages perhaps that would point him in another
direction.
Someone took only certain pages for a reason. There could be
a clue there. He sat for some time occasionally
straightening up and gazing off at nothing for a moment or
sitting still as a statue, except for the thin fingers that
repeatedly rolled the pen about.
The days were getting shorter now and the sun weaker toward
the end of the day. Soon he noticed the chill breeze, he
gathered his things and moved into his unit.
* * * * * *
The committee which had not given itself a name met again at
Maggie's place. They had talked about this and Dr Oxley had
suggested the Colbreeth Justice Committee, some of the
others around the table replied rudely that he was going
overboard, one said he'd been watching too much American TV
, another said that this was not a Ludlum novel and the last
loud objection had been this is the last years of the 20th
century in Australia not the last decade of 18th. in the
wild west of America.
Today Dr Oxley felt chirpy he would defy the mob, he tapped
his teaspoon on the table and said firmly "I now declare
this session of the Colbreeth Justice Committee open"
His words were met with derisive remarks and it took him a
few minutes to get everyone settled down enough to get to
the point of the meeting.
He looked around the table, Daine Forrest, Theresa Derwent
the Taylors, Mrs Bolley and Simone Flinders and Maggie were
now quiet and looking at him attentively.
"Apologies? I see we have some not with us today." He
exclaimed. "My neighbour is away." Maggie replied.
"That's Beth Healy." Oxley made a note on a large foolscap
pad.
"Dan Ferguson is working, D and D can't spare him this
morning." Daine Forrest said.
"Right then what have we got today?"
"Some satisfaction not much progress. "
"Yes I agree."
"We're making his life unpleasant but we haven't proven
anything."
"I think we should write out a confession and make him sign
it." Theresa said.
"I don't think we could go that far my dear." Oxley frowned.
"How would we make him sign it anyway?"
"Go around there ,two or three of us and give him a bad
time. He's probably pretty nervous by now, one more little
incident and he would crack."
"Theresa I hope Michael never crosses you his life won't be
worth living
She laughed "Neither would mine then I suppose but he's the
true and loyal type. "
"He'd better be."
There was laughter and some more idle banter and then they
all fell into a gloomy silence.
"There's one thing that's worrying me. "
"What's that?"
"What if Ben Brady is wrong, what if Briggs isn't the killer
at all." Daine Forrest looked at each of them in turn her
eyes wide and concerned.
"Malcolm you mean?" Maggie asked
"Yes."
"If only we could go to the Police with the information we
have. I must admit I've had the same thoughts as Daine."
Dorothy Taylor commented.
"I wonder if we could go across to Pemberdale. It's a pretty
big town providing they are not in Cohorts with Briggs they
might do something about this."
"Isn't there a District Inspector or something, someone over
Briggs?"
"Probably, but how do we find him, who is he, where is he?"
Briggs sure as hell isn't going to tell us". Ken Taylor
growled the reply. '
"How far is Pemberdale?" "About 150 Ks. "
"At least they may be impartial, at least they'd listen."
"Yes but if we have no proof."
"We have the clothes. Ben has found the tank and we have
that photo." Maggie said.
"What happened about that, did he find out who it was?"
"He's in the city at present, I'm hoping he'll know when he
comes back. There is one other thing I want to mention
today I've written a letter to the Commissioner of Police in
the city."
"Have you, do you know him?"
"Bob did, they used to be in the Reserve Army Corps
together, some years ago of course." She smiled, the memory
of their youth coming across her mind for a moment.
"Have you met him yourself?"
"Yes, once or twice at city functions he's a nice person,
was then. Of course he too could have changed his ways over
the years and of course the letter may never get to him. All
these men in high places have secretaries for their
secretaries, so it may get put in a no action basket
somewhere. If I don't hear back in a week or so I will
assume that's what happened, if so I may take a different
track."
They were all looking at Maggie now hope in their eyes. Her
voice was strong and decisive the broken woman of a few
weeks ago appeared to be gone. Anger and the need for
revenge had gradually taken over. Or was it simply justice
that Maggie was working for? "That's great Maggie now there
is one thing worrying me."
"Does Brady know about our committee Maggie? "
" I think he suspects something, he even suspects the
er-accidents but it doesn't matter."
"He won't interfere?"
"No, we're all working for the one end in this, aren't we?"
"Yes-s."
"And the clothes, you said he thought he may be able to find
out something from the labels."
"They told him very little it seems he did a round of the
shops here but they are such ordinary things that every
second shop has them.
"So we're still running around in circles then?"
"I'm afraid so. "
"Right, well now I want suggestions for the next week
operations". Oxley said as he took up his pen and cast a
glance at each one sitting at the table.
******
"How strict is Mrs Dawson, does she do some sort of check on
these people before she puts them on as volunteers Milly?"
Ben had bought takeaway food and they sat in his room the TV
was flashing news pictures but they were not paying
attention.
"You seemed to get on the volunteer list remarkably easily."
"I had a reference from 'uncle Ken' remember and I have my
Uni papers, and my own referees."
"I suppose so . How many volunteers are there?" Ben flicked
through the pile of papers beside him with one hand as he
ate with the other.
"I've taken out girls my own age, housewives and
grandmothers, there must be a dozen or so there. These
chairs new?"
"what? Oh yes, I put the hard word on the manager, told him
I needed a decent chair in here if I was to stay on a
while."
"So he put in two?"
"Yes, it's a bit cramped now but at least I haven't got to
prop on the bed or sit straight as a jackal in that upright
wooden."
"I guess he knows who you are by now."
"Yes I suppose. More fried rice?"
"Mm-m it's a funny town, quite large if you take it by
population but still has the small town air about it."
"Everyone knows everyone you mean? "
"Yes perhaps they do, although with our inquiries one would
say they didn't. "
One of the main sports is exchanging local gossip but by the
same token they won't divulge much to an outsider. This is
what is so frustrating I can't find out anything much at all
about Briggs."
"Malcolm? "
"Yes well both of them really."
"What about Mrs Days comment the other afternoon."
"She's just floundering for leads to end the nightmare,
Detective Sergeants don't kill young women Milly, not in
real life." He looked away and frowned.
The girl made no reply for the moment but ate her food
absently. "Maybe not, well I expect we'd better get on with
this then,"
she put her empty containers into the bin and picked up the
bundle of papers. "What exactly are we looking for here.?"
"I'm just checking really, I want to confirm for myself that
I'm right about Briggs, also I still can't locate this boy
friend, Simone is sure she was seeing someone. "
He went through the papers slowly. It seemed Milly had
included all the male volunteers between 18 and 66.
"He must be fit, reaching out to help others at that age."
He commented as he added the paper to one pile.
"A retired sea captain or something I believe. Hey Ben
there's Lindsay Kellow." Milly looked up suddenly.
"Who's he?"
"He's 2 I C to Mrs Dawson, I think he's a Social Welfare
officer or something, I think they have a new title now
though.
If it wasn't a patient and it wasn't a volunteer that leaves
only Dawson and Kellow, unless of course you're going to
consider Mervyn Briggs as Maggie was suggesting the other
day. Or one of the other local police officers."
"Don't be silly. Does this Kellow live up here?"
"Yes."
"Married? "
"Yes."
"Happily?"
" I don't know."
"Hm-mm. How old is he?"
"About 30, something, I'd say."
"He's not here?" He flicked through the pages in front of
him. "No. He's not a volunteer, he and Mrs Dawson are paid
by the government, administration personnel."
"Been up here long?"
"I don't really know. I think I'll make a coffee, OK?"
"Good idea, I think better with a coffee mug in my hand.
What's the set up, does Dawson write up reports for the main
city office and that sort of thing ? "
"Probably. Kellow is part time, she's full time, that I know
at least."
"What does he do when he's not a CSPS?"
"I wouldn't know Ben."
"But you'd know where he lives, I think I'd better follow
this up. "
"This Fallon , Nathan is it?" He asked a few minutes later
his head bent again over the sheaf of papers.
"Yes. "
"Have you met him?"
" I've seen him."
"What's he like?"
"Biggish, fair."
"He's a lawyer."
"Is he?"
"He must have a practise up here, I wonder if Bolley knows
him."
"Bolley?"
"Mrs Days solicitor, finance manager, she called him."
"Ah-h. Lawyer embezzles all mothers cash, daughter finds
out lawyer drowns her." "Milly!" Ben said raising his head.
She stood with her back to the small bench and grinned
wickedly at him.
He grimaced and lowered his eyes. "Dennis Wickam, he's been
retrenched, he'd have a lot of spare time on his hands,
maybe she rebuffed him."
"I thought we were looking for a current boy friend, not a
lover scorned!"
"Yea-h if she ever had one - as such."
******
Ben stopped at the corner store near the motel for a bottle
of drink, he picked up the local newspaper. The front page
headline seemed to jump out at him --INJURED MAN'S TYRES
SLASHED, It seems run of bad luck is dogging Malcolm Briggs,
still recovering from an injury sustained from a wild chance
bullet in his street recently Briggs had his car tyres
slashed to ribbons overnight His brother Det. Sgt Mervyn
Briggs is making urgent inquiries into the matter. Anyone
who may have seen someone lurking about in that area late
yesterday should contact the Police Station-
Brady read the article again. He shook his head, not too
badly injured to have a go at me in the Pub he muttered.
There's some mighty murky water flowing down the river right
now though. It was clear that someone or several someones
were trying to intimidate Malcolm Briggs. He had been
singled out for 'treatment' by a vigilanty-like group he was
certain.
When he got back into his car he did a U turn and drove a
few blocks across town.
Maggie did you see this paper?"
"Today's? No I haven't. "
He had planted himself on the edge of one chair at her
invitation to sit but he was staring at her accusingly.
"Have a look at this. "
"My, my, oh dear." she mumbled as she read.
"Maggie what are you up to? "
"Me? " Innocent bright eyes gazed at him over the printed
sheet.
"Well you or your morning tea party friends . You're playing
with fire, you'll end up being severely burnt I'm telling
you."
"Ben Brady I did intend to offer you a cup of tea but after
that I won't. " Her chin was up again, her tone indignant.
"Never mind the tea, leave it alone Maggie, take my advice
as a friend if you won't any other way, leave it alone for
heavens sake."
"Mervyn Briggs may be very angry at this?" She said looking
at the paper again.
"He sure as hell will be and there will be dire consequences
so put a stop on it now, for everyone's sake."
She met his eyes again, they clouded uncertainly then she
smiled
"Ben Brady what do you think I am some village matriarch who
can tell all and sundry what to do when. This is a big town
I'm not responsible for the actions of everyone in it."
"No but I have a feeling you're responsible for some of them
and some of the things happening in it, you don't fool me
for one minute Maggie Day ,the helpless little old lady
image everyone has of you in not one percent accurate. I've
learned that over recent weeks."
"I'm not sure whether I should be insulted or feel
complimented, but in any case I want to ask you a question."
"What is that?"
"How did you and Milly get on with the volunteer list?"
Ben's lower jaw dropped ... 'how did she -- ah yes we
mentioned that up here didn't we--'
"We're still working on it."
"I probably know some of them, if you want information, I've
lived here quite a while, I know a lot of people, as you've
pointed out."
'Yes. " He answered. Thinking 'I'm sure you have a lot of
gossip to share with me but you also want those names,
you're as sharp as a tack Maggie Day'.
"I could make you a cup of coffee --if you're not still too
cross to drink it. " Again their eyes met in silent battle
and he gave in.
"Very well then, I suppose you're lonely, I suppose I should
take the time to brighten up your day a little." He
stretched out his legs and leaned back in the chair. It was
Maggie's turn to drop her lower jaw and then she laughed for
a moment, a soft tingling sound that he'd not heard before.
He'd never heard her laugh in all the weeks gone by .
******