Last Known Contact

by Phillipa Nefri Clark

Ben’s stomach churned. He sat on the top step leading into the apartment block near the pier, waiting for Andy and the real estate agent.

  When Ellie didn’t answer her phone earlier, and he couldn’t find her at work or home, his mind had gone into overdrive. Then, he remembered he still had the link to her location on the map app and breathed a sigh of pure relief when it showed him she was at the carpark.

  Jack was lucky he wasn’t here right now. It was time the man stopped running Ellie’s life, even though she still couldn’t see it. Sell the damned business but do it with her full knowledge. He must be scared of her response, to not tell her until the last minute.

  Andy’s car drew up out the front, followed by a second car. Probably another dead end but unless she was mistaken about the balcony, Ellie might have seen someone who could help them. He pushed aside his other concerns about her and stood.

  The other driver approached Ben with an extended hand. “Norm Piper. My company handles this building.”

  “Detective Ben Rossi. Appreciate you meeting us on short notice.”

  Andy joined them, talking on his phone. Did he ever not have it in his hand? Ben gestured for Norm to lead them into the building. Inside there was no reception desk or even much of a foyer. The single elevator took its time coming down.

  “What exactly do you expect to find in the apartment, if I may ask?” Norm tapped on the elevator button for the third time. “The owners have asked why the building has been visited by police so often recently.”

  “There was a report of someone standing on the balcony.”

  “Today?”

  “Yesterday.”

  The doors opened. It was even slower going up.

  “Well that is simply impossible, Detective Rossi! As you saw, one must have a key card to enter, or use the intercom to request entry. And the same for each apartment.”

  “How can you be certain someone hasn’t called another resident and been let in, then broken into this one?” Andy had hung up his call when they stepped into the elevator and now slid it into a pocket.

  Norm sniffed. “We are particular about our residents. I’m quite sure nobody would do the wrong thing.”

  With a loud ding, the doors opened on the top floor. At the far end of a narrow and dim hallway, Norm slid a key card into the door and pushed it open.

  “Thanks, we’ll take it from here.” Andy let Ben in first, closing the door on Norm’s look of outrage.

  “How to make friends…” Ben grinned. “Get that phone out please and take some happy snaps. Everything you can find.”

  The apartment consisted of a kitchen, dining room, and living room rolled into one space, two bedrooms, and one bathroom. Nothing special considering the position of the place. There were some furnishings. Three stools under the kitchen counter. Refrigerator. A bed with a bare mattress. A small table out on the balcony, and inside the sliding door to it, a fourth stool.

  “Odd place to leave a stool.” Ben sat on it. He had a perfect view of the pier and Sea Angel. The churning increased in his gut. “Andy, there’s fingerprints on the glass.”

  “Good. Gives us a reason to get Homicide up here.”

  “Really.”

  Ben found gloves in his pocket and slid one on to open the sliding door. Out here, there was no barrier to viewing the carpark near the pier. On the floor was a cigarette butt. “Refilled your supply of evidence bags?”

  “Why? Oh, man.” Andy took photos, then collected the butt. “Dirty habit. Might be time for someone to give them up.”

  “I agree we need some help here, so let’s leave everything else as we found it.” Ben closed them back inside. “What’s that sound? Who leaves a refrigerator on?”

  “Hope there’s beer in there.” Andy waited with his phone as Ben swung the door open. A dozen unopened bottles of water lined the top shelf. “Branded. Now I like this person because they want us to catch them.”

  “Clean Living Gym.” Ben read the label. “That’s in North Melbourne.”

  “So, not only do we have fingerprints, but this. And the butt. Does this guy want to be arrested?” Andy rolled his eyes.

  “Might just be a trespasser, who smokes and goes to a gym—at least that one?”

  “You ponder the mystery and I’ll call it in.”

  “No, hang on.” Ben returned to the sliding door. “If someone was onboard Sea Angel right now, I’d be able to see them. And with binoculars, I’d be able to identify them and read their lips. Might be worth seeing if the reverse is true. Fancy a stakeout?”

  “This is all your fault, you doddering old fool!” Dennis bellowed the words from one end of the boardroom table to the other, where Campbell sat. “Now she knows, she’ll interfere.”

  “Stop shouting. Ellie had to know at some point.” Campbell had a plate of goodies from the table Mark prepared and was holding a pastry like it was glass.

  “But why today? Why cancel our meeting?”

  “Delayed, Dennis. And if you want to point fingers, go look in a mirror.” He bit into the morsel with a sigh of pleasure.

  Dennis glared at Campbell, then loosened his tie. Sweat poured down his face and his chest was tight. He wasn’t having a heart attack, but between Rossi and Campbell it was a wonder he hadn’t keeled over yet.

  He stalked to the selection of spirits and red wine and poured a whiskey. Then he poured a second glass and carried both to where Campbell sat, dropping one in front of him.

  “Thank you. This is a particularly decent selection so perhaps your Mark could be utilized a bit more in this regard.”

  “Why?” Dennis pulled a chair out and sat. “You believe Jack won’t return so Joni is redundant?”

  “Not at all. Joni is highly skilled in areas she is under-utilized in. Would be a win-win for everyone. Cheers.”

  Not ready to calm down yet, Dennis pushed his glass around the table between his hands. “Why, Campbell? What good did it do upsetting Ellie?”

  “She knew something was being kept from her. Wind farms? Come on, Dennis, since when would Jack care enough to finance such a thing?”

  He had a point. Dennis picked up his glass and swallowed the contents. He reached across and took a slice of cheese. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to yell.”

  “Been a bad day.”

  “Bloody police who think they know me.”

  “At least they know enough to believe you haven’t had anything to do with Jack disappearing.” Campbell finished his whiskey.

  “Things are getting out of control.”

  “What things, Dennis?” Ellie stood just inside the door. She looked exhausted, ready to collapse, but the fire he’d seen before was in her eyes. He got to his feet.

  “Join us? Come on, I’ll get you a drink.”

  He poured a glass of red wine, threw some cheese and crackers on a plate, and hoped she’d listen, rather than berate him. She’d sat beside Campbell, her skin pinker than usual.

  “Have you been in the sun today?” Campbell asked.

  “Kind of. What happened at the meeting?”

  Dennis set the plate and glass in front of her, then refilled his own glass. “Didn’t happen. With everything going on today, Campbell thought it best to delay things.”

  “But you have the right to sign those papers, Dennis. Why wouldn’t you?” Ellie’s eyes bored into his. “Sell, make a huge profit for stakeholders. Or even take on the role for them with a pay rise?”

  He shook his head. “It isn’t my call. Come on, Ellie, do you think I like Jack’s decision?”

  “I don’t understand.”

  Campbell picked up another pastry. “Neither of us supported the sale. Jack was frustrated with us but he had the right to sell without anyone’s approval.”

  “And he was going ahead.”

  “Yes. He wanted you home to go through a final checklist about the Foundation.” Dennis collected the whiskey bottle and splashed more into his and Campbell’s glasses. “He had set his mind on making this happen an
d needed your help.”

  “Mine? What, packing his office up?” Ellie took a mouthful of wine, her expression serious.

  “No. Helping train someone to take over from you. There were no jobs offered to existing personnel, not me, Campbell, or even you, Ellie. The potential new owners have their own people and your role was just about handing over.” Dennis said.

  “I don’t believe you.”

  “Of course not. But Jack isn’t here to tell you himself. Either you believe or not, it is the truth.”

  “Campbell?” Ellie looked unsure.

  “It is the truth. And while I’m happy to retire now, nobody else will be. Anyway, I must get going so I’ll ask Mark to come down and clean up.” He pushed what was left of his plate of goodies between Dennis and Ellie. “Might as well enjoy before everything changes.”

  Dennis finished his whiskey as Campbell left, closing the doors in his wake.

  “So, you and Campbell were the only ones who knew about this?”

  “As far as I’m aware. Why?” He couldn’t read her expression. The uncertainty was gone, replaced by something like disappointment. Or even anger? Either way, Jack deserved every bit of her wrath. She didn’t answer though, just finished her glass. Still reeling from Ben’s lies—or where they?—about a pre-nuptial contract, he made a decision.

  “Ellie?” It took effort, but he forced a caring smile. “Hey…this has got to be a shock. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier—even when you were in London.”

  “Why didn’t you?”

  “Jack made me promise. Both of us. And the lawyer brokering it is bound by confidentiality. The buyers insisted on this.”

  What are you thinking? And why aren’t you yelling at me?

  “I’ve made some mistakes lately. Moving out of the apartment without giving us a proper chance.”

  Ellie pushed her seat back and stood. “Oh, please. If anything, Dennis, you did me a favour, because now I see things lot more clearly.”

  He nodded. “I understand. I’ve hurt you and I’m sorry for that.”

  Without another word she grabbed her handbag and stalked out, startling Mark who was on the other side of the door, hand outstretched to open it. He glanced at Dennis but said nothing. Just as well.

  39

  When Trust Is Gone

  Ellie took the stairs down to Paul’s office, needing the physical activity and time to settle her thoughts. Dennis was an idiot if he believed she couldn’t see what he was doing. All of a sudden, he was regretting losing his marriage, conveniently on the day he discovered the woman he really wanted wasn’t worth the millions he expected.

  What bothered Ellie most was the revelation that only Dennis, Campbell, and Dad knew about the sale. Unless someone from the legal firm, or the buyers had shared the information, then who did? Who had phoned her to stop the sale and why on earth would they? Who was going to lose out by Bannerman Wealth Group changing hands?

  Partway between floors, Ellie stopped and leaned against the cool, concrete wall. She’d known Campbell all her life. Dad relied on him and called him his closest friend. To think he might betray the firm, or have some ulterior motive was ridiculous. She cast the idea away.

  Dennis? What good would it do him to tell a third party about this? He said he didn’t want the sale to go ahead, that his own job was at risk, so was he behind the earlier phone call? He knew how protective Ellie was of her brother, and he wasn’t above upsetting things to get what he wanted.

  But he was in an interrogation room with Ben when the call came.

  She sighed and continued down the stairs. To keep mulling this over would turn her into a paranoid woman afraid of her own shadow. And there were plenty of shadows on Paul’s floor. The overhead lights were off. She checked the time. After six. The office doors along the hallway were all closed.

  Paul’s office was ablaze with light and the door open. She tapped and he looked up from his phone with a startled expression which changed to one of welcome.

  “I’m sorry to surprise you.”

  “Ellie, come in. I didn’t hear you.” He tossed his phone into a drawer. “Sit, please. Want a drink?”

  “Thanks, but no. Just a quick visit to ask something.” She took the chair opposite him, eyes drawn to the monitors. One was flickering on and off. “I had to…run out, before.”

  “I gathered after I stuck my head into the boardroom and no Ellie.” Paul raised his arms behind his head, linking his fingers.

  “Yeah, sorry. Anyway, it is about Michael.”

  “Is he okay?”

  “Fine, thanks for asking. I was thinking about all the publicity Dad’s disappearance is getting and how Michael might be affected. You know…old fans, or media trying to see him again like they used to.”

  “Ambling Fields is well protected. Plenty of high-tech stuff and their own security team.”

  “I know. But I’m worried. Do you know anyone I could hire until Dad gets back? Someone able to do personal security up there?”

  “Sure. Couple of guys come to mind so would you like me to see who is free?” Paul dropped his arms and leaned them on the desk. “No point you being stressed about Michael. Who’d ever harm him?”

  “Thanks.” Paul’s response set her mind at ease.

  “Is Dennis back? Any updates?”

  “It surprised me you stood by him when the police arrived.”

  Paul shrugged. “Didn’t seem right, them fronting up without warning and marching him off. You mentioned the fisherman…Barlow? That he was shot.”

  “I shouldn’t have said anything. And it is all I know…apart from how awful I feel for him and his wife. Who would do such a thing?”

  “Probably in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

  “But at the pier?”

  “Shouldn’t have been there. Plenty of no trespassing and no fishing signs.”

  “He may have had permission, Paul. Dad might have known him.”

  “But Jack’s not here to ask.”

  The monitor which had been flickering suddenly turned to black.

  “What is going on with the screens, Paul? There’s been a few playing up.”

  Paul got up and played with the back of the monitor, which came back on. “Long story, El. Basically, when I wanted to upgrade a while back, Jack was reluctant to spend money on it. In the end he did, but not as much as I needed. You know, we’ve had new tenants who wanted more and I could only make the money stretch so far.”

  “But Dad is big on security.”

  “He said he had pressure from other parts of the business. Increased staffing costs for the executives, for one. And some deal which fell through. He lost some money on it.”

  None of this made sense. Probably Dad didn’t realise how old the equipment was getting. This was something she could look into.

  “Dinner?” Instead of returning to his seat, Paul perched on the corner of the desk near Ellie. “There’s a new little spot at Brighton. You’ll like it.”

  She smiled. “Sounds lovely but I have a ton of work to do upstairs. I was there earlier and unless I take care of at least one tray of files tonight, I won’t catch up.”

  “I can order in. Help you.”

  “And again, sounds lovely but no. I’ll work through and eat once I’m home. Finally did some shopping.” She stood, finding herself closer to him than she expected.

  His arms shot around her shoulders, pulling Ellie against him in a hug. She froze. He squeezed her close, as though unaware of her stiff body.

  “Paul, let go please.” Her voice was muffled against his jacket and her arms were pinned at her sides so she couldn’t push herself away. “Paul.”

  This time he released her. “Oh, sorry, didn’t mean to stop you breathing.” He laughed.

  He actually laughed.

  Ellie stepped away. “You can’t do that.”

  Paul looked confused. “We’re friends. Wanted to make you feel cared about.”

  “But this is a work
place, so I’d appreciate you keeping it professional.”

  “Sure. Of course, I hadn’t meant to cross the boundaries. Not here.”

  “Paul. Not anywhere. You can’t just grab me like that.”

  He walked around his desk to his seat, dropping into it with a thud.

  “Will you let me know once you’ve spoken to the security people you mentioned?” Ellie wanted to go. This wasn’t a comfortable place and the way he now stared at her made her stomach knot. Her clothes smelt of cigarette smoke.

  “Sure.”

  “Paul, I—”

  “You made your point. I said I’d find out.”

  With a nod, Ellie left the office. She was sure if she glanced back, he’d be watching her. He was lucky she’d known him long enough to believe his motives but would mention to human resources it was time to send out a reminder to all staff about the standard of behaviour Dad demanded. Dad, and the law.

  40

  What Love Is Worth

  He still couldn’t believe the gun wasn’t there. Dennis had the safe open and its contents on the bed. At least, what Ben let him bring back. Bullets and the gun case remained at the police station, but after a cursory glance, the yellow envelope was returned, as well as the watches, his wedding ring, and keys.

  “Make sure you tell Ellie you have this.” Ben had handed the key card back. “Or I will.”

  Who did Ben Rossi think he was? Access to the apartment was his as long as he kept this.

  Dennis tossed everything into the safe and locked it.

  Before he’d left the office, he’d called Meredith and arranged to have dinner by the pool tonight. Brenda was cooking something special and then all the staff would leave for a night off. Time to sort a few things out.

  Back in the kitchen, he plugged his phone in to charge and poured a whiskey. This went with him to the bathroom, where he stripped and shaved. A long, hot shower washed away the stench of the interrogation room and accusations.

  Dressed in a white linen shirt and chinos, Dennis knew he looked good. He finished the last dribble of whiskey and decided against another when he checked the time. No being late for this date.