A Killer Among Us

by Rhys Stalba-Smith

  No no, you’re kidding, Charlie said.

  Given how busy we are it would be considerate of you if—

  This isn’t happening, Charlie said. You can’t do this to me, not again. Not after last time. You can’t.

  We have mate, Roger said. This is done.

  Charlie was looking between the two men. He couldn’t believe it. He was swearing every word he could think of inside. Screaming at Ethan. He wanted to get the phone in his pocket and call the number that Ethan used. To show them who it was really doing this. To prove to them that he was innocent.

  Don’t make me call security Charlie, Carl said.

  Fuck you, he replied. Both of you.

  Fuck right off, now, Roger said. He stood. The menace in Roger came forth. The leer of his face, his bulbed and red nose. He stared down Charlie.

  Charlie ignored everyone staring at him as he left. The main line out of the office went directly through the middle. Again the phones rang unanswered. Charlie kept his head down, ignoring the flickering next to him. Sarah stalking along. He passed Stacey and saw the elevator was full. Continued on to the stairs. Heard someone call but ignored it. He burst through the door to the stairs and took them two at a time descending. Sarah was besides him, still saying nothing. He wasn’t being forgiven for what he did. All these years he’d wondered that, had him helping her been the right thing? Helping Jesse Mullins had been it, but Sarah? He’d only given her time.

  A call echoed down the stairs. Someone calling for him to stop. Again Charlie ignored it and kept going, getting to the bottom. He burst out into the lobby and stopped short. A crowd gathering around the elevators and stairs. Journalists turning to the door slamming open. They set upon him. Cameras flashing, people yelling, grabbing at him. Are you the PK Killer? How long have you been storing bodies? You’ve been busy for the last ten years! Does your wife know? Do you feel any remorse?…

  Charlie was grabbed from behind, dragged backwards towards the stairwell. Yelling at his ear. Ralph opening the door and pulling him through. You’re a bloody idiot, he said, walking him away. Why’d you think I kept calling out?

  Sorry, Charlie said. And thanks. He allowed himself to be guided. Ralph directed him through to the fire escape, through the door and into the back alley.

  You’re sure an interesting fella Charlie, Ralph said.

  It’s not something I enjoy, he replied.

  Ralph smiled, they were walking in the alley now. There was a car parked at the end. Ralph took out his keys and gestured for them to hop in.

  Why should I trust you? Charlie asked.

  Ralph shrugged. You shouldn’t. You shouldn’t trust anyone at this moment. But I know Carl and Roger. I know who Roger rubs shoulders with. He unlocked his side of the car, sat in and unlocked the passenger door.

  Charlie stood there, wondering what to do. Sarah was watching him from the sidewalk by the road. People streaming by. Not noticing him or looking. He wondered how long that would last? He wondered how much peace he would get this time? He sat into the car.

  Good choice, Ralph said. I don’t think you should head home just yet anyway.

  No I saw, Charlie replied. They’ve already attacked my wife as she left.

  We are parasites sometimes.

  Ralph said nothing. He started the car and shifted into gear. He took the car forward and they drove behind the building, took another alleyway to the opposite side of the city block and came out on a one way road. He pulled into a gap behind a van and turned on the radio.

  It’s shit, he began. You know it’s fixed?

  Of course I do. I’m not the PK Killer, Charlie said.

  Ralph nodded. You could be. But I don’t think so. Whoever is doing this is prepared, this is a full time thing for them. It’s a lot of work to do what they did. Twenty bodies into a warehouse, alongside mannequins? Shit.

  Charlie didn’t reply, he was watching the people on the streets. The friendliness seemed to have been sucked out of the world. People were hunched, looking down. The street vendors were reserved. People didn’t want to interact with one another. They stopped at a light.

  So what’s the truth? Ralph asked.

  Charlie didn’t reply.

  Good answer too. The reason you’re the scapegoat is cause the police have nothing. Roger isn’t the only one with connections. My older brother is a lieutenant above Davidson. Yes, I know he’s been watching you. He’s Carl and Roger’s cronie. The people began to cross. They shuffled in all directions at the four-way crossing. I think this is a ploy to buy time. When they panic like this, it’s either a fuck up or deliberate. With Davidson heading the investigation, you’d be lucky to have any honesty in it.

  Charlie was only half listening. He was watching a man who’d stopped halfway in the road, people crossing all around him. He was staring at Charlie. He began to feel uncomfortable. Hoping the light would change soon.

  Hey, the man called. People turned and looked at him. He was walking towards them. Pointing. Hey.

  Shit, Ralph said. He checked his mirror to reverse, but another car was already behind them. They were trying to cross King William at lunch hour.

  The man was telling other people now, gathering a crowd. Hey, he called again. You’re that Charlie Gardner fella. The mob was growing, now ten people. Soon they surrounded the car, all looking in.

  Charlie felt vulnerable. Why wasn’t the light changing? This fucking light. Just change.

  Gonna kill me killer, a woman said. Fucking sexist pig. Yeah, fuck’n kill her dickhead, another man. They began hitting at the car, kicking Ralph’s bodywork. You fuck’n pussy. Get out here and face us.

  A plastic cup of soda exploded on the windscreen.

  The light changed and Ralph began revving his engine, inching forward. The people barely moved, continued their screaming. Their kicks becoming harder. Someone began bashing at the rear windshield. Ralph inched further into the cross section, but the people were following, trying to stop them. The rear windshield broke and turned into a web of glass. Ralph swore and revved the engine hard, turned into a small gap. The people parted, allowing him to accelerate and get away. They slotted into a gap ahead of a bus then Ralph took them to another side street. They’d crossed the main road and were now free of traffic.

  Sorry about this, Charlie said. I’ll pay for your rear windshield.

  You’ve got bigger things to worry about than a windshield, Ralph replied. Don’t worry. Ralph took their car along a route that avoided all lights as they left the city centre. They got into the uni district, then housing, finally got to the west terrace highway and were then moving along. You can’t head home yet, Ralph said.

  I live the other way anyway, Charlie said. He felt the worst he’d ever felt. He wanted to call Eve and tell her everything would be alright. But he knew that’d be a lie. He didn’t want to tell her everything would be alright, he just wanted to ask if she was alright. How was she and the girls? He’d seen her and Gary on the tv. A bitter note in him then, wondering if she’d called Gary or he’d rocked up? Probably knew what was gonna happen while they slept. Allowed himself to be the proper fucking knight in armour there. Could’ve called them. Fucking–

  I’m taking you to a little pub. Just off the trainline. It’s tiny. No one will ask you any questions. I know the owner, Ralph said. He turned the car off the highway and onto a slip road for South Road. They merged and headed along for a few minutes, then he turned off into suburbia.

  They came to a halt outside what looked like a forgotten leather bag. The exterior of the pub looked like it had been the same for at least thirty years. Do people even go here? Charlie asked.

  Not really, Ralph said. My old man opened it back before they rezoned the area. So as long as it’s open and operating, they can’t rezone him. He’s been in the courts for years. Ralph smiled. But he’s no bullshit. He won’t care who you are.

  I can’t thank you enough, Charlie said. Your help is so appreciated.

  We al
l get stiffed sometimes. It’s worse when you got people doing it deliberately, Ralph pulled into the tiny car park out back. Killed the engine.

  They entered the pub, yet Charlie felt this was a generous word for it. The room that was the entirety of the thing was about six by five metres. The bar occupied a third of the space. There was an old man in the corner, pint in hand watching the classic footy match.

  Pies and the Cats, Ralph said. Fifty bucks on the Cats.

  The old man turned, raised his eyebrow. Always had to be different, didn’t ya Eddie.

  Ralph turned to Charlie, smiling the only way a parent can make one. My real name is Edward Cole. Ralph’s me nickname.

  Bloody threw up at the drop of a hat, you did as a kid. The old man sidled up to them and shook hands with Ralph. Smiling up at him. How ya doin’ son?

  Orright, Ralph replied.

  How’s the bloodsucker business?

  Ralph nodded towards Charlie. Should probably ask this fella, he said.

  Ralph’s dad turned to Charlie, stuck a hand out. Frank, he said.

  Charlie, Charlie replied. Shaking the hand.

  Work with me boy?

  I do. Or did.

  Frank smiled. They’re bastards aren’t they? Always asking too many questions.

  Well if you’d asked more questions Mum wouldn’t have left, Ralph said, a smile on his face.

  Say shit like that too, Frank replied. He limped behind the bar and took two pint glasses, starting filling them with a dark beer. He was chewing his dentures, moving them around his mouth. Yeah but see, your mum was gonna leave anyway. Questions or no, four boys is too much for some. Bloody drive me crazy.

  They accepted their drinks and Frank limped back out from behind the bar, sat down at his stall again. Put the tv on mute. Finished his beer, thought about getting up then, didn’t. Would ya? he asked Ralph, holding the glass up to him. Ralph took the glass and went over to the bar. Frank now turned to Charlie. You’re not here cause me boy is finally bringing a partner home, so what’s up?

  He just needs to lay low for a bit, Ralph said, while pouring a beer.

  No worries, Frank replied. Nothing lower than here. Plus, you get free piss. He accepted his drink from his son. So you’re a journalist now?

  Now? Charlie asked.

  Well I’m not a retard—

  Dad, you can’t say that.

  Well I’m not senile then. Frank smiled. But I remember you, seems Adelaide is a tiny bucket. You were that boy that made the mistake in the prison. Had his shaver in his pocket, prisoner took it. He took a drink. Tell ya tha truth I think you got strung up. Fuck, I left more than the shaver out with the boys running about. You had that special girl if I remember correctly? Course you put your bloody razor in your pocket. Enough work taking care of one kid. Let alone a bunch. He nodded at Ralph.

  Yeah, seems everyone remembers me, Charlie said. It’s my thing I guess.

  Yeah well, people generally have fuck all in their lives. So they stick like flies to shit when something exciting happens. Just think of it as ‘at least you got something exciting in your life’. Plenny don’t.

  I wish I had some quiet sometimes, Charlie said. Everything is so loud sometimes.

  Oath, Frank said. This’un never stops. Work work work.

  Not true, Ralph said.

  When did you last come to Sundee dinner? When was the last time you saw Samuel that wasn’t for some lead or nosey parker business?

  Ralph looked away. Didn’t say anything. You know that’s not why I don’t come, he said.

  Yeah, I know why you don’t come, Frank said. He too looked away and drank his beer. Watched the footy.

  Ralph downed his drink, stood up. At that I better get back to the office. Only here to drop Charlie off.

  Too right, Frank replied. See ya then.

  I’ll come round soon, Ralph said.

  Yep, Frank said. Glued to the tv now. See ya.

  Ralph nodded to Charlie, an awkward action that said sorry but you’re welcome too. Charlie nodded back and held up his drink as thanks. Ralph scooped his keys off the table and made for the door. Oh Charlie, he said. Wait until sun down until you return. You’ll have a better chance of sneaking in then. They’ll be a few hanging around, but you’ll be right. And if you need anything more, he opened his wallet and took out a card, coming over to them. Just call me alright.

  Thanks Ralph, he said. For all of it. Charlie took the card and slid it into his pocket.

  Ralph nodded, looking past at his father. His gaze staying a while on the wall just beneath the tv, then left.

  Charlie turned back to the tv, the two of them watching the tv in silence. Ralph’s father’s arms were crossed, he was chewing his dentures.

  Careful, he said. He’ll make ya his next book.

  Huh?

  Him, he gestured with his head. You’ll be his next project.

  Me? Charlie said. In what way?

  Frank sighed, turned to Charlie, drank his beer. It’s how he’s always been. He’s a good boy Eddie, but he is an annoying prick too. Doesn’t fuck’n stop. He’s relentless. It’s why he’s good at his job.

  Charlie nodded again, feeling as if he were one of those dogs you stuck on your car dashboard. What do you mean book though? he said. He’s never said anything.

  Course he hasn’t. It’s not their way. Bloodsucking bastards. He’ll take notes, do his research. You won’t know jack. Then they’ll be a fucking book out about it, and all you can do is lump it. It’s how he’s made his living.

  Ralph does sports though, Charlie said. His glass felt heavy in his hand. He gripped it tighter.

  Yeah now. But, phwah, Frank stopped to scratch his chin. Near the beginning of his career, he was an investigative journalist. Doing the big jobs. Dug up dirty laundry. Made a tidy packet either writing books or blackmailing.

  What? Charlie said. Almost spitting out his beer. Blackmail?

  Oh I don’t think he’d ever admit it, Frank said. He’s too good with his words. Why he was so hard to parent. Little brat could talk his way out of a hanging. He was smart and he knew it. Pissed him off that he wasn’t popular or understood.

  You ever said this to him? Charlie asked.

  Frank shook his head. Even if I did he’d think there was an ulterior motive. Just you be careful of me boy. I love him. But then, I’ve known him all his life. Stuck with him as it were. But you be careful. Frank drained his beer. Right, you bet on the dogs or horses?

  Uh no I don’t, Charlie said. He finished his beer, thinking he had to leave too.

  Hold up, Frank said. You’re right. Just sit tight. Don’t have to come. I’m just headed to the corner. Place a few bets. Know a fella up in Bandtacoota that breeds dogs for racing. Reckons he’s been able to slip meth into the dogs drinking water before a race. The bastards run like bloody billy-oh.

  Yeah right, Charlie said. He wasn’t sure what to make of the conversation since Ralph left. Frank’s casualness made it hard to know what was real talk and babble. Well do you want me to leave money on the counter, or wait till you’re back?

  Oh don’t worry bout that, he replied. Like Ralphy said, it’s free piss. I got hit by a bus at the bus stop a while ago. Reckon it gave me brain damage, least that’s what I told ‘em. Transit department paid a pretty price. It’s what keeps this place open. He looked around the small dinghy room with a look of pride.

  Charlie followed his gaze, realised that the photos covering the walls weren’t just random shots, but family ones. He saw a picture of the whole family, mum included. Then just the boys. Charlie guessed at Ralph’s younger brother, the chosen one. He disappeared at one point. But below the tv, where Ralph’s gaze had stayed, was a doctor’s degree.

  Right, don’t burn the place down, Frank said.

  Is this your home? Charlie asked.

  Frank took a coat from down behind the bar, swung it over his shoulders. Course it is. Where would I take a piss? He pulled a curtain aside, it lead into a ki
tchen and a house trailing off behind. If you need the loo at that, turn right in the kitchen. Little door with an outhouse on it. Hooroo, he said, disappearing quickly through the door.

  Suddenly Charlie felt very alone. He had the same feelings of a trap tightening around him. A low level anxiety buzzing at his throat. His pulse quickened and slowed. He finished the dregs of his beer and went for another one.

  He thought about Frank’s words. That his son would write a book about him. Potentially blackmail him. He breathed deeply and drank deeper, allowed the alcohol to calm him. He took the phone out. Pressed the buttons on it, trying to find a menu. He’d only ever received calls on it. Never had enough time to try figure it out. Play with it. This phone was more complicated though. Felt newer, like a gadget. All he wanted to do was call Eve, see if she was fine. But he had to find Eve at that. Would’ve she gone to her parents? Or was Gary playing knight saving the day by taking them to his apartment? If he could figure the phone out then maybe he could call.

  He put it away, frustrated. Then took it back out. He wasn’t sure what to do. He pressed more buttons, but nothing happened. He felt very stupid, a little bit buzzed if he were honest. Three pints in half an hour, was it?

  He stood from the stool, walked towards the curtain. Pulled it aside and looked at the toilet. He felt the small suspicion to search the house. If Ralph was going to try get him he might as well try back. Get his own ammunition. Or was this the paranoia talking? The feelings of the net closing in around him, that he was already constrained? For a long time he’d felt caged. As if a tiny cell were around his head, boxing him and controlling his thoughts and actions. He sometimes felt as if he could only see out between the bars.

  He sighed, let the curtain drop and turned around. Sarah was there.

  Fuck, he yelped, jumping back. You gonna say anything? But Sarah only stood there, staring at him. Been ten years since I seen you. Why now? Is it cause of everything? Charlie knew he was talking to himself. He didn’t believe in spirits or anything, knew it was purely his mind. Probably some chemical imbalance brought on by his current state of stress. But why? Why was she back?