by Brian Cain
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Canberra was in chaos, most of the airport was a crime scene, air traffic in and out was subject to on board searches before alighting and tarmac bag searches. Parliament was in session but had been postponed so the Prime Minister could prepare a statement. It was now 11.30 am Thursday 30th September 2010.
Bevan Stanwell studied the papers in front of him on his desk. Ben Porter Minister for Defence and Graham Chatswood Defence Secretary were also present on the opposite side of the bulky oval Blackwood desk in the caucus room in Parliament House. They shuffled papers as they read a bundle of reports from different departments. Stanwell looked up, took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes.
"Ben can you tell me how an Israeli wanted in six countries by Interpol and his own government was staying in a motel in Canberra and found at the Canberra airport; burnt to a cinder in the middle of the biggest civil fire on record for the area?" Chatswood spoke first.
"Well I'm convinced Stanton has something to do with this."
"How an earth can you come up with that Graham," replied Porter. "Stanton was observed on his motor cruiser on the coast of Hawks Nest early this morning."
"Where is the report on that, I don't have it here. If that's the case then of course I'm wrong," replied Chatswood.
"I was informed just before the meeting by phone, he's been there all night fishing and surfing the internet is the official statement from ASIO," said Porter.
"Blood in the light plane terminal car park not far from the accident, do we have any more on this?" enquired Stanwell.
"There was also a large rock in the vehicle that appears to be from a garden bed in the same area. The body also had its knees shot out but no bullet fragments appear to be in the wounds. It’s really early days but I think this was no accident. This man was murdered. Marshall Tucker is on the surveillance monitor in the light air terminal around the time of the accident but he cannot be found this morning. We need more time," said Porter. Stanwell stopped chewing the end of his glasses to speak.
"I’ll have to make up some bullshit story to stall the press. I have a report here of air traffic low around the Kowen Forest around this time. Do we have any more on that?" asked Stanwell.
"I checked that out with air traffic control, things were sketchy to say the least and they have ruled this out. No definite radar logging, just some lights over that way. Could have been someone out spotlight shooting or four wheel driving, we don't really know," replied Porter.
"I want the police officer in charge of these operation’s reports on my desk every morning," demanded Stanwell. Porter interjected.
"Em… perhaps I should check the information so anything relevant is given to you. You are busy Bevan," said Porter.
"No! I haven't worked out how I'm going to explain to allied government officials how an Israeli crook got into the country and is in the middle of this," barked Stanwell. "I want this man backtracked to find out how he managed to gain access to the country. For all we know half of Al Qaeda may be walking up Anzac Parade as we speak. If this man could do it someone else can. Now the reports on my desk every morning, unmolested in any way," demanded Stanwell. "As for the comment about Stanton being involved, I wish he was. Find Tucker, he must know something. Porter you contact Stanton and tell him we require his services."
"You know we can’t do that Bevan, Stanton won’t accept any work from us since there was a slight mix up with one of his family. We sent some operatives to look after him just recently, he busted them and told them to go home or he'd shoot them. Stanton's gone fishing - he's had enough and just wants to be left alone by the looks," said Chapman.
"Ah… that reminds me, have you got anything on that cock-up yet Porter? That's a lead you were pursuing, surely you can find who was after Jodi Simpson."
Porter adjusted his tie. "No Bevan, we are stretched and with all this business could take a while," he replied.
"Let the AFP take care of this Ben, I want Tucker or some relevant leads by tomorrow morning, surely that's not too much to ask."
"No, I’ll delegate and regroup. Graham can you gather all the latest about the airport saga and see me in my office in an hour? I’ll have the Feds there for a briefing to map out a plan."