Last Known Contact

by Phillipa Nefri Clark

  “I didn’t get a chance to have a gap year, or backpack around Europe. So, I took some time to work with disadvantaged communities in Africa, and in Australia. And when I returned, those experiences helped me set up the Bannerman Foundation.”

  “And then you married the man who took your position at Jack’s right hand within a few months of returning.”

  What was Teresa driving at? She didn’t seem bothered that Ellie didn’t answer, turning to smile at the camera.

  “After this short break, please join me as I speak with Ellie Connor, daughter of missing gazillionaire Jack Bannerman.”

  The moment the red camera light dimmed, Ellie was on her feet.

  “Sit down, dear.”

  “This isn’t what we agreed. My personal life has nothing to do with Dad disappearing!”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Of course, I am.”

  “Have some water. Sit down and this will finish before you know it. No more off script questions.”

  An assistant hurried to Teresa’s side and she turned her chair away from Ellie. How could anything from Ellie’s life impact on Dad to the point of him vanishing? Obviously, the media had nothing better to do than reach for answers. Ellie sat, wiping the palms of her hands on her pants. A make-up artist dabbed powder on her forehead and freshened her lipstick.

  “Ready?”

  Ellie forced the frown away and made her face neutral as the camera light turned to red.

  “Thank you for joining us again. I’m with Ellie Connor, talking about the shocking disappearance of her father, Jack. I imagine this is a very distressing time?”

  “Yes. Not knowing where Dad is, what might have happened to him, feels unreal.”

  “But at least you’ve had good…friends around to support you. Like Paul Dekeles, head of security for Jack. Taking you to a nice restaurant, such a good man. Although, where was he when Jack disappeared?”

  “We met to discuss a plan of action to find Dad.”

  “But he was there when you were stalked in a dark, frightening laneway.”

  “None of this is relevant to finding Dad.” And none of these questions had been provided for Ellie to see before they started.

  “Well then, what is relevant? The fact that your estranged husband was photographed feeding dessert to your stepmother. Is it relevant that Dennis has said he wants to be CEO?”

  Ellie pushed her seat back.

  “And Ellie, is it relevant that your husband—Dennis Connor—is about to be arrested in connection with the alleged murder of a missing fisherman?”

  As Ellie gasped, Teresa stared at her through cold eyes. “Care to comment?”

  In the middle of an early lunch at his desk, eyes on the monitors for entertainment, Paul frowned as Ben Rossi and his offsider came through the front doors and to reception. They flashed their badges and a moment later one of the receptionists led them to an elevator and tapped the reader with a card.

  He was on his feet in a second, grabbing his jacket as he rushed to the stairs. Three floors up, he burst through the fire door just as the elevator opened. Everyone on the floor turned to look at him as he gasped for air.

  As soon as the police stepped out, all eyes moved to them. Dennis came out of his office to meet them, offering his hand to Ben Rossi. They spoke for a moment, Dennis recoiling, just out of Paul’s earshot. He followed them as they went into Dennis’ office.

  “What’s going on? You can’t just front up here with no notice.” Paul stopped inside the doorway.

  “Get out, Dekeles. And shut the door.” Dennis gestured for Ben and Andy to take seats on his sofa.

  “Dennis, I think you need me here. As a witness.” No way was he missing out on this. “Campbell’s out and the others aren’t senior enough.” He shut himself in with them, standing against the door.

  Despite another glare, Dennis didn’t argue. He sat opposite the other men. “Okay, you have my full attention. Have you found Jack?”

  Ben Rossi shook his head. “No. Do you own any weapons, Dennis?”

  “What?”

  “Rifles. Handguns?”

  “Yes. I have a revolver, why?”

  “Where is that firearm now?”

  “In a safe.”

  Paul recognized the twitch above his left eye. He’d seen it before when Dennis was agitated.

  “We need the exact location.” Ben’s voice gave away irritation at the responses.

  “Why. Tell my why first.”

  Andy took over. “Mr Connor, if you’d prefer, we can discuss this at the station.”

  “Look, I don’t know what’s going on, but alright. My gun is secure in a safe in the guest house.”

  “Gentlemen, it is quite legal to own a licensed handgun. Dennis does regular practice with his, as does Jack. It is part of knowing how to protect yourself in a city where crime runs rampant.” Paul said.

  “This isn’t underbelly, Paul.” Ben didn’t even look at him, his eyes on Dennis. How rude.

  “He’s right though.” Dennis waved his hands around. “I’m up to date with all the requirements. I don’t like guns but Jack wanted me to have one. He likes all of his executives to have one.”

  “All of them?” Ben asked.

  Dennis shrugged.

  “When was the last time you saw the weapon?” Andy stood.

  “Huh? Probably when I moved into the guest house. So, it was the night after Jack vanished.”

  Ben got to his feet. “We’d like to see it.”

  “What on earth?” Dennis remained seated. “Why? And I want an answer or I’m not moving.”

  “Very well. You may recall we searched the yacht Sea Angel?”

  “Which you had no right to do.”

  “We had permission from her owner.”

  “Jack owns the yacht. So, you do know where he is?” Paul couldn’t help himself.

  “Jack doesn’t own the damned thing.” Dennis glanced at Paul. “Ellie does.”

  Paul felt his mouth drop open. Since when did she own Sea Angel? This wasn’t possible.

  “Mr Connor, when Ben was given permission to search, he discovered a gun hidden below deck. That gun has been identified as yours.”

  Dennis leaned back in his seat. “But…how?”

  “Look, that’s impossible.” Paul stepped forward. “It is either Dennis’ gun or not. If he says his is locked in a safe, then he should know. You’ve made a mistake.”

  Ben and Andy exchanged a glance. One Paul couldn’t read.

  “Dennis, we’re going to open the safe but it will be easier if you help us.” Ben moved toward the door and Paul stepped aside. “Are you coming?”

  With something like a moan, Dennis pushed himself upright, collected his phone and wallet from his desk, and shuffled after Ben.

  “I’ll come with you.” Paul addressed Dennis as he neared.

  “No, you stay and fill in Campbell. And Ellie. And I have no idea why you’re backing me.”

  “Jack trusts you. That simple.”

  The fear in Dennis’ eyes was something Paul had never seen. He waited until the elevator doors closed on the three men, then went looking for Joni. “Might pay to put the solicitor on notice. Just in case.”

  33

  Not What You Think

  Ellie ran out of the studios, trying to dial Dennis as she dodged around cars in the sprawling carpark. She stopped long enough to do it properly, then sprinted for her car as the phone rang.

  “You’ve reached Dennis Connor, CEO of Bannerman Wealth Group. Leave a message or call my secretary.”

  Far out, who includes their acting title on a voicemail? Ellie didn’t bother to leave a message. At her car she dug around in her handbag for keys.

  “Ellie! Wait, we’d like to ask some questions.”

  Not far behind, a reporter with a camera crew was hurrying her way.

  She fumbled, dropping the keys. No way was she talking to any more media. Ellie snatched the keys off from the ground, li
ps tight to hold back a scream at how Teresa Scarcella tricked her. She slid into the driver’s seat and had the motor started before they reached her. The cameraperson stopped in front of her and she nosed the car forward until they stepped aside. Freed up, Ellie accelerated.

  Before turning onto the main road, she pulled over and dialled the office, putting the phone onto Bluetooth. It rang for what seemed like ages before Mark picked up.

  “Mark, it is Ellie. I just heard something about Dennis and can’t reach his phone.”

  “He had a visit from some police officers and they’ve all gone somewhere.”

  “Somewhere? Where?”

  “I’ll transfer you to Paul, as he was in with them during a short conversation.”

  The phone went to the ridiculous music Dad insisted on having. Ellie took the turn-off to the office. Which police? And why? Nothing made sense.

  “Ellie? Where are you?”

  “On my way. What happened?”

  “Ben Rossi and his mate fronted up with no notice and insisted Dennis accompany them.”

  “To the police station?”

  “No. They want to see his handgun.”

  “Why?”

  “Apparently they found a gun on…your yacht.”

  Why did that sound like an accusation?

  “And?”

  “And it belongs to Dennis.”

  Ellie’s foot touched the brake and she saw a car swerve behind her. She flicked the indicator and nosed into a side street.

  “Dennis? Where did they go?”

  “To the guest house. He said he has it locked up in the safe there.”

  “This isn’t happening, Paul. Dennis wouldn’t harm anyone.”

  “I told Ben Rossi that Dennis does the right thing with his firearm. He didn’t care.”

  “Since when are you looking out for Dennis?” Ellie did a U-turn.

  “Not nice, Ellie. He might annoy me but he is still your husband and acting CEO. As I told him, Jack trusts him and I don’t really care about anything else.”

  “Sorry. You both always seem to be at each other’s throats. Thank you. I’ll head there now.”

  “Jack’s house?”

  “Yes. This is going too far.”

  “But should you? I mean, Ellie, this is a police investigation so maybe leave them to do their job? We could use you here right now because this unsettled everyone.”

  “I will, I’ll be there soon, but there’re things going on you don’t know about.”

  The pause on the other end of the phone dragged out as Ellie turned onto the freeway. Her mind already was at the house. Meredith would be upset. The staff concerned. Dennis. Who knew? And Ben needed clear access to determine what was fact or fiction.

  “Paul, I saw the poor man who was in the water.”

  “The fisherman?”

  “I didn’t see much but it hurt to know his wife will never see him again. And for what? Who would shoot a man on his way to fish for dinner?”

  “Shoot?”

  Oh, crap.

  “I wasn’t meant to say that. Can you keep that to yourself for now? Please?”

  “You can trust me.”

  “Thanks. You’re such a good friend. I’ll phone soon, okay?”

  “Always here for you.”

  The connection ended and Ellie frowned. Had she said the wrong thing by calling him her friend? It didn’t matter though because somehow her husband was in deep trouble.

  “Where is your warrant?” Meredith was in the middle of the pathway between the house and guest house, arms crossed. She wore a bikini and high heeled sandals, dark sunglasses pushed back on her head. “You can’t simply appear and demand to search my home.”

  “Dennis Connor is your guest?” Ben asked. Dennis was right behind him, next to Andy.

  “You know he is.”

  “He has given us permission to search the safe in the guest house, so please step aside.”

  “But it isn’t his house! Dennis, why would you do such a thing and not even let me know?”

  “I’m proving my innocence, Meredith, so please do as they ask.”

  With an exaggerated sigh, she turned and walked ahead. “Innocence for what?” she asked over her shoulder.

  “Merry, they claim—”

  “That’s enough, thanks.” Andy put his hand on Dennis’ arm. “Mrs Bannerman will be apprised of the details in due course.”

  At the door to the guest house, Meredith swung around. “So, you waltz onto my property and won’t even say why? Fine. Knock yourselves out.”

  Ben was close to the end of his patience with the lot of them. Paul for putting up ridiculous barriers, Dennis for digging his heels in until almost forced to assist, and Meredith, who wasn’t going to be as easy to keep out of the way as he wanted. As Dennis unlocked the front door, Ben leaned down and spoke quietly to her.

  “We appreciate your cooperation, Mrs Bannerman, and I personally guarantee to bring you up to speed as soon as possible. This isn’t a full search, so be assured there will be no disruption of anything. We’ll be on our way soon.”

  She stared at him, eyebrows raised, then suddenly swayed toward him, her hand resting on his chest. “I’ll await your…personal update then.”

  If he didn’t need to keep her from putting up roadblocks later, he would have told her to remove her hand and step back. Instead, he nodded and politely moved away to follow Dennis and Andy, who’d already gone into the guest house. As he closed the door, he avoided looking at her, but could feel her eyes on him.

  “You can just tell her you have to do this. No need to play nice with her.” Dennis almost snarled.

  “Where is the safe?”

  They stood in an open plan living area, separated by a counter from the kitchen. Windows across the front looked toward a pool. The main house was behind trees and shrubs.

  “Bedroom.” Dennis didn’t move.

  “Let’s go.” Andy gestured for Dennis to lead the way and after a moment, he grunted and stormed through an open door.

  Beyond this was a short hallway leading to the main bedroom. Dennis went straight to a hanging mirror and lifted it down. The small safe in the wall had a combination lock. “I suppose you want me to unlock it?”

  Ben moved to Dennis’ side. “First, what do you expect to see in there?”

  “Everything? The gun of course, in its case. Bullets in a separate box. Personal papers.”

  “Such as?”

  “Personal. Letters I’ve kept. A couple of achievements from school. That kind of thing.”

  “Anything else?”

  “Two watches. My wedding ring and don’t give me that look. I might not consider myself married now but the ring is worth a lot.”

  “Open it, Connor.”

  Dennis tapped away and the door swung partly open.

  “Step back. But keep your eyes on the inside so we are all in agreement about the contents. Andy, can you take photos?”

  Phone camera ready, Dennis in the right position, Ben put gloves on. He opened the door to its full width. “Gun case is here. Andy please.”

  Andy took a series of photos and then one by one, Ben removed the items, placing them on the end of the bed.

  “It has to be there.” Dennis muttered.

  “Large yellow envelope with what feels like documents inside.” Ben would look later. “Rolex watch. Seiko watch. Jewellery box with…” he opened it, “gold wedding ring with diamonds. Or at least, that is my impression.”

  “They are. Open the gun case.”

  Ben glanced at Dennis, at the urgency in his voice. Sweat poured down his face, even the bald part of his head glistened.

  “Box.” Ben looked inside. “Bullets. Full complement.”

  From the corner of his eye he saw Dennis’s body relax. Did he really believe it was in there?

  “And keys with a key card. Looks like the one Ellie uses at her apartment. Duplicate?” Now he faced Dennis, holding the card up. “You’re not
going to use this, are you?”

  “I have every right. Half my gear is there and I’d never go there unless Ellie knew first. Don’t want to arrive and her think we’re together again.”

  “How thoughtful. Where’s your gun, Dennis?”

  “In there! Exactly where I put it when I moved in. Here, let me see.” He pushed past Ben, who stopped him with a hand on the shoulder. “Let go. I want to see.”

  “Then use your eyes. But you’re not touching the safe right now.”

  Dennis’ eyes flickered around the safe as Ben took out the gun case.

  “It’s light.”

  It was a hard cover in the shape of a handgun. Before he opened it, Ben knew it was empty. He let Dennis look as he unclipped it.

  Dennis paled from his skull down. “But…I…it was there.”

  Andy reached for handcuffs but Ben shook his head. “Dennis, we’re going to go to the station with you. At this point it is for a formal interview.”

  “What? I haven’t done anything wrong. And my gun was there. I swear it was. Someone’s done this to me. Set me up. Paul Dekeles most likely.”

  “And we will discuss a number of possibilities during the interview. Andy, would you gather the contents of the safe to bring, please?”

  “Do I have to come with you? I’ve told the truth.” Dennis’ legs buckled and he sank onto the bed. “Jack’s my boss. My father-in-law. I’d never hurt him.”

  Ben gave him a minute to gather himself, helping Andy slip the items into evidence bags. Good thing Andy acted as though he was already in Homicide and carried an endless supply of the things. He left the safe open.

  “Time to go. Please accompany Andy while I have a word with Mrs Bannerman.”

  “Why? Are you telling her I killed Jack? Because I didn’t. Man, I didn’t even see him after the board meeting.” His voice rose.

  “Yet, your gun was found on the yacht where you arranged to meet him. I’ll be along shortly.”

  Ben stalked out, not wanting to hear another whining word from the man. He followed a path which skirted the pool. A large covered area led to the part of the house he’d been in with Ellie in the games room. Where was Meredith?

  “You will not say a word to them, do you understand?”