The Silent Country

by Di Morrissey

  ‘Which is why he expects us to do the right thing,’ said Andy.

  ‘Yes.’ Veronica stood up. ‘Is he prepared to tell his story on camera?’

  ‘I assume so. Once he knows we’re running with it.’

  ‘So who’s going to tell him? I think I should,’ said Veronica, answering her own question.

  *

  Tom followed Veronica into the editing suite, closed the door and put down the camera. ‘That’s been the most painful interview that I’ve ever had to do. What a decent bloke, though. I think he comes across well, despite the terrible facts.’

  ‘He was certainly honest. Didn’t try to make excuses, fudge or hide anything. And because he was so straightforward, his integrity shines through and you can’t help feeling sympathy for him,’ said Veronica.

  ‘It’s going to shock people,’ said Andy. ‘Especially Cardwell. And poor old Colin. Are you going to tell them ahead of time?’

  ‘No. But the legal people are sending the DVD of the show to Cardwell. That’ll get him to remove the injunction,’ said Veronica. ‘I’ll send a copy to Marta, too. Now all we have to do is to shoot my wrap-up of this final segment. I’ll have to think about how to do it,’ said Veronica. ‘I’ll get a coffee.’

  In the end she decided to just tell it as it happened. She sat on a seat in the garden outside the Network Eleven studios and explained how once they’d identified the young William Rowe on the film that Topov had shot a day or so before he died, they’d asked Mr Rowe for an interview.

  Veronica looked into the camera lens. ‘Mr Rowe had no hesitation in explaining in full the details of what had happened fifty years ago – as you have seen. Even though he is the owner of this network, he asked for no favours, nor did he put Our Country under any kind of pressure. However, by revealing a young man’s weakness and fallibility he has shown that even a kind man, a philanthropic icon, can be flawed, as good men often can be. Because he does not want to place the judges in a difficult position, Mr Rowe has declined his nomination for Australian of the Year. But I still believe him to be a decent and caring man who, while ignorant of the results of his actions so long ago, has dedicated his life to helping others.’

  Tom turned off the camera. ‘Nicely put.’

  Veronica stood up and unclipped her microphone. ‘Maybe, but the media will still have a field day with this, especially the opposition TV networks. I’m going home, Tom.’

  ‘You’ve earned a stiff drink. Is Jamie still around?’

  ‘Yes. Thank goodness. But he’s going back to Darwin in a few days.’

  ‘Bummer. He’s a nice guy.’

  Veronica nodded. Suddenly she felt tired, overwhelmed, depressed and sad. She needed Jamie.

  Walking in the door she suddenly saw that her little place was now as she’d always wanted it to be – a home. Even though Jamie wasn’t back yet, his boots were on the little patio, his bush hat was by the door, his notes and books on the coffee table and his clothes in her wardrobe.

  ‘I was going to take you out to dinner,’ said Jamie as he came in and found Veronica in casual clothes, her feet up, sitting in silence, sipping a glass of wine.

  ‘I’m not up for going out. I feel terrible.’

  ‘Are you feeling sick?’ He was immediately concerned.

  ‘In a way. Sick in my heart and sick to death of the media. Especially TV. It’s shallow, sensational and voracious. It eats your time, talent and energy.’

  ‘Okay. Let me get myself a beer and you can tell me what’s happened.’

  He got a glass, poured himself a drink and sat beside her. ‘Go for it.’

  She told him about William Rowe and he looked at her in astonishment.

  ‘Well, you wanted a dramatic ending. You’ve got your final piece of the puzzle. But not how you wanted it, huh?’

  ‘I feel bad about Rowe because I think this story is going to destroy a good man. Maybe some others couldn’t or wouldn’t have gone all the way with this. But the ethics of journalism are strong in me and I have to tell the truth and the whole story.’

  ‘That’s who you are, Veronica.’

  ‘Yeah. A good journo, but at a cost. And suddenly I hate myself, hate my job. I don’t want to have to make decisions like this. I’m tired of peeling away the layers of people, exposing people’s motives, histories, souls.’

  Jamie was a bit nonplussed. ‘I thought you loved your job, you’re making a big career move and you work with people you like and admire and they think the world of you. Promotion awaits. I wouldn’t be throwing that away easily.’

  ‘But it’s all more of the same from here on in. I don’t want to be the best known face in the country or whatever. And, yes, Andy will retire at some stage and I could be offered his job. But doing this program has made me look at things differently, rethink a few things.’

  ‘You’ve become very involved emotionally in this story. You’ve sort of lived it,’ he said quietly. ‘My mother would probably tell you to go away, clear your head, get things into perspective. She does that when she goes to the farm and rides one of her horses for miles.’

  Veronica was silent a moment. And then it was as if a light switch just flicked on. She turned to look at the man whom she now knew she loved more than she thought it possible to love anyone.

  ‘Jamie, you know what? I have the rest of my life waiting for me,’ she said. ‘And I don’t know why I’m hanging around Sydney working long hours, under pressure, being pushed into a work role I’m not happy about and having to make terrible decisions like I did today.’

  ‘So what do you want? Really want?’ asked Jamie softly.

  Veronica answered slowly, thinking aloud and enunciating her wishes for the first time. ‘I want to feel happy. And that means being loved and loving someone back. Waking up every morning and looking forward to sharing the day with that person. To feel I’m doing something that’s worthwhile and be in a place that makes me feel good. Calm. Contented. You know, when I looked at the footage we shot at that fabulous home of Marta’s at Lake Como and then I looked at Brolga Springs, riding, swimming at the waterfall or just being in that extraordinary landscape, I thought, nah, I don’t want Marta’s life.’

  ‘Sounds like you want my life,’ said Jamie casually. ‘Maybe you’d better move to Darwin.’

  They looked at each other, the enormity of his casual remark sinking in.

  ‘And? Do what?’ she asked.

  ‘Be with me. And Billy. Give yourself some space for a while. Decide how permanent you want it to be.’ He glanced away, his long lashes covering the deep longing she suddenly glimpsed in his eyes. ‘You’d find work. If that’s what you want. Maybe not as a big TV star . . .’

  ‘Been there, done that,’ she said softly as she leaned towards his outstretched arms.

  He held her tightly, resting his chin on top of her head. ‘I love you, Veronica. I don’t know how things will work out for us, but I’d like to give it a try, if you want to.’

  She lifted her face to kiss him. ‘I certainly do. I love you too. Seems a good place to start.’

  ‘Welcome back,’ said Andy as Veronica drifted into the office after seeing Jamie off at the airport. ‘You must be feeling sad, eh?’

  ‘Not really. Taking two days off was great. We went to Melbourne. I finally got to see my sister and her family in their new house.’

  ‘And they got to see Jamie,’ said Andy.

  ‘They did. It’s been a while since I’ve seen Sue stuck for something to say,’ smiled Veronica. ‘Now I’m wondering if you’ll be stuck for words. I have some news.’

  ‘Why do I think that it’s not good news for me? I think I know what’s coming. Jamie? You and Jamie?’ He gave her a quizzical look.

  Veronica nodded. ‘I love him, Andy. I’m going to Darwin and we’ll see how it goes.’

  ‘Hell’s bells! Veronica, Jamie might be special, but Darwin! What’ll you do with yourself? And what’ll we do? Everyone who’s seen the show says it’s go
ing to be huge and so are you. It’s a big kick-off, not just because of the sensational story, but because of you. The whole country is going to love you, going to want to know what you’ll do next. You’ve hit your straps, Veronica.’

  ‘I feel awful about walking out on the show. But it’s not what I want, Andy. And I’m not deluding myself that my job will be here waiting if I’ve made a mistake. I’m cutting the ties and making a new start. I also know the show will need a new front person and I’ve put you in a terrible position.’

  ‘We’ll have to stagger along without you. Reinvent the format, though I liked the idea of following one of the crew. You were perfect.’ Andy tried to put a positive spin on things as he saw how wretched she was feeling. ‘I hope this decision isn’t based solely on a tough call and putting Rowe on camera.’

  ‘That’s only part of the reason. This has been building up. And I know that Jamie and I are inevitable.’

  ‘I see. You’ll be hard to replace. Publicity can run with the love-story angle to explain your disappearance,’ said Andy.

  ‘More promotion for the show, eh?’ She laughed. ‘Andy, there is someone else you could try,’ she said. ‘What about Tom? He’s very personable and a good talker.’

  ‘He’s used to being behind the camera, not in front, just like you,’ began Andy. ‘Hmm. Maybe it could work. We’ll try him out. But so long as you’re sure about this move. It’s a big step. What did your parents say?’

  ‘They’re disappointed I’ll be so far away. But they like Jamie and I think they want to go up and check out his family. Mum doesn’t think I’m very maternal, but Billy is such a great kid, I can’t see a lot of problems in that department.’

  ‘What about finances? Work?’

  ‘I do need to get a job. To keep me interested and make me feel I’m contributing to the world. That’s a McIntosh thing. Actually, I’ve been thinking about that indigenous media school that Doris is involved with. Thought I could do something there. And I’m sure Doris will have umpteen other ideas. She and Alistair are thrilled, but not surprised, by our decision,’ added Veronica.

  ‘Well, that all sounds pretty good. I hope you keep me in the loop. It’s no idle threat that I could head up north next holidays.’

  Veronica was shocked at how easy it all was. She stored her belongings, rented her place. She had a farewell lunch at the network, dinner with her parents and got on a plane to Darwin.

  Jamie and Billy were waiting for her at the airport.

  Veronica looked at the red film of dust over her shoes. Why had she bothered to wear good shoes?

  She smiled at Jamie. ‘First time I’ve seen you in a tie.’

  He fiddled with his tie, slightly loosening the knot. ‘Take a good look, it doesn’t happen very often.’ He looked around. ‘But I must say everyone’s made an effort. Nice.’

  Veronica glanced at the small group. ‘Where the heck are Dougie and Reg? They should have been here thirty minutes ago.’

  ‘Yeah. Could be a problem. Maybe I should go back along the track. There’s no mobile reception out here. I hope there wasn’t a hold-up in Darwin. Maybe the plane was late.’

  ‘Yes, go and look for them. You could take Billy with you, he’s getting bored. I’m going to stand in the shade with Doris and Alistair,’ said Veronica.

  ‘Don’t be impatient, darling,’ said Jamie calmly.

  ‘I know. But after a couple of months of waiting, I want to close this final chapter.’

  Veronica leaned against the old wooden railing beside Doris in the sparse shade of a youthful eucalypt.

  Alistair was slowly pacing, his hands clasped behind his back, a panama hat pulled low to shade his face.

  ‘How are you feeling?’ Doris asked Veronica.

  ‘A bit impatient. I just want to get this over with and move on and see friends and catch up a bit,’ said Veronica.

  ‘No, I meant about the move up here. With Jamie.’

  ‘Oh, Doris, I couldn’t be happier,’ said Veronica, her eyes alight. She glanced down at the small diamond ring on her finger.

  Doris looked pleased. ‘It’s a joy to see you both together. You sure about taking on all us mob?’

  Veronica nodded, knowing this was lightly asked, but a serious question. ‘I am. I’m learning. I appreciate how it is with the whole big extended family and its obligations. It’s quite a package. I’m okay about it. When we have kids they’ll enjoy having a hundred relatives!’

  ‘They’ll all want to come to the wedding, so warn your parents,’ laughed Doris. She fanned herself. ‘It’s getting hot. Maybe I’ll join Alistair and take a twirl around the place. Pay my respects to the Johnses and other old friends.’

  Veronica watched Doris link her arm through her husband’s and walk slowly among the scattered gravestones. I couldn’t have wished for a better mother-in-law to be, she thought. In the three months since she’d moved to Darwin, each day had brought her closer into the fold of Jamie’s family. And when Jamie told Billy that Veronica was going to stay, the boy had held on and hugged her so tightly that Veronica had felt that her heart would burst.

  Darwin was feeling more and more like home. She’d had her things sent up and most of them fitted easily into Jamie’s house. She had done some volunteer work, enjoyed outings with Collette and made other new friends. Now that she had regular work at the Indigitel Media School, her days were busy. She’d recruited Dougie as a volunteer to help to train camera people and take students out on work experience. She was finding the stimulation of being with the students exhilarating and most of them had definite media talent and abilities.

  The air around her was faintly scented with gum blossom. The stillness, Veronica had once thought was lonely, she now found peaceful. She closed her eyes, enjoying the heat. Then she heard Jamie’s car returning, followed, she saw with relief, by Reg’s car.

  Veronica hurried to meet them all.

  ‘Sorry, Veronica, had to change a tyre, but we’re here at last,’ called Reg.

  ‘Well, where on earth have we landed?’ Andy smiled at her, holding his coat by one finger over his shoulder, his tie loosened in the heat.

  ‘Andy! I can’t believe you’re here!’ She hugged him. ‘And, oh my goodness, Jim you’ve made it! And Colin, how lovely to see you.’

  Colin, dressed in a shirt with a silk tie, looked dapper if a little flushed. ‘What a trip. This takes me back! Veronica, congratulations. Thank you so much for including me in this event.’

  She gave him a hug. ‘We’re all pleased you’re here.’

  ‘The show, it was . . . Words fail me,’ said Colin. ‘I had no idea, none at all.’ He shook his head.

  ‘I think a couple of other people were surprised and relieved when they saw it, too, ’ said Andy. ‘You know Cardwell sent Veronica a nice note.’

  ‘But he doesn’t want to be part of any reunion,’ said Veronica. ‘He’s still a very private person.’

  ‘He certainly seemed to change over the years. I suppose money does that,’ said Colin. ‘I’m thrilled to be here. I never imagined I’d get to the outback again. I wish Marta had come.’

  ‘She sent a note too. Thanked us for the DVD of the program, said it brought back special and happy memories. She offered to make a donation or something. I said I’d let her know. She also sent a note to Doris and invited her and Alistair to Lake Como. They’re going to take her up on the offer. Should be a very interesting reunion.’

  Colin inhaled deeply and gazed around. ‘Well, at least some things don’t change.’

  ‘You’ll find Brolga Springs quite different, in many ways, but the old homestead is still over there. Rick and Vicki are putting on lunch for us,’ said Veronica.

  ‘Andy, Colin, come and meet my parents,’ said Jamie.

  ‘Andy, Doris will be pleased that you’ve agreed to be guest lecturer at Indigitel,’ said Veronica.

  ‘Yes, I’m looking forward to it,’ said Andy. ‘By the way, I come bearing gifts.’

>   ‘You didn’t have to do that,’ said Veronica. ‘You’re our guest.’

  ‘The gifts aren’t from me exactly. Big Bill thought you might find a set of editing computers for the school useful.’

  ‘You’re joking! How fantastic. Why has he done that?’

  ‘He’s a nice man. It’s a funny thing, but after he went to air about his involvement in Topov’s death, the ratings for the station climbed. It seems that his simple honesty had a very positive affect. When I told him I was coming here and, well, you know him. It’s a gracious gesture.’

  ‘It is. Wow, wait till I tell the students. Andy, could you make the presentation?’

  Veronica watched Jamie lead Andy and Colin towards Doris and Alistair as Billy skipped behind them. She turned to Reg. ‘Where is he?’

  ‘In the back. Get everyone sorted and we’ll start.’

  ‘Veronica, you sure you don’t want to shoot any of this?’ asked Dougie.

  ‘No, thanks. This is personal. I think we all feel the need to do this. You and Reg do the honours. I’ll join the others.’

  Slowly Veronica crossed to the other side of the old Brolga Springs cemetery where the small group waited for her, chatting animatedly.

  Jamie nudged Veronica. ‘Here he comes.’

  They turned and watched Reg and Dougie slowly come towards them. Reg had his didgeridoo under his arm while Dougie carried a small metal box. The group parted, forming a respectful semicircle around the small, freshly dug hole next to the simple headstone.

  As the haunting notes of the didgeridoo rang out across the cemetery, Dougie, helped by Jamie, knelt down and placed the box in the hole. Veronica stepped forward and gently placed Topov’s rusty old viewfinder and his belt buckle with the emblem, now polished, on top of it.

  Jamie picked up a shovel and threw the first sod of soil into the hole then passed it to Veronica. One by one they each threw in a shovel full of the red soil until the hole was filled. Dougie smoothed the dirt into place. Then they all looked at Veronica.

  She looked at the headstone, simply carved with the name Maxim Topov. Traveller and filmmaker. Peace at last.

  She leaned down and said quietly, ‘Well, Topov, I wish I’d met you properly. We don’t know much about you, where you came from or where your family rests, but I hope you are pleased that we found you and that your film will live on. You were right, Australia is wild and beautiful and precious. I hope in this silent country you will hear the rustle of leaves, the sigh of the breeze, the companionship of creatures, the footsteps of visitors and know you are not alone and not forgotten.’