The Republic of Oz

by Ian Wisby

  “It’s me. Are you coming in today?” It was Amanda’s assistant, Sherie.

  “Yeah, I’ll be there soon. Just getting ready…What’s up?”

  “The boss wants to see you,” said Sherie. Amanda’s eyes narrowed. She began to worry.

  “What does he want?”

  “I don’t know, just he wants you in soon.” Amanda let out a sigh and closed her eyes.

  “Okay…Fine, I’m on my way.” She hung up and closed the lid of her laptop. She thought for a moment, before standing up and collecting her bag from the side table. “I’m heading out now, sweetheart! Love you!” she called out.

  Of course, there was no response, just the sound of the shower running. She wondered if she should go in today. She didn’t want to leave Andy here by himself, especially in his current condition.

  But she had to follow this lead up. She wrote him a quick note and stuck it on the fridge before heading out the door.

  CHAPTER 13

  AMANDA SHAW KNEW she had to go into work. But it wasn’t where she was heading. She had to meet with this contact.

  He was a very valuable source of information. He was a whistleblower. He was in fact helping Amanda build a story that would bring down a major corporate business, one that was corrupt and powerful, and too dangerous to be kept in operation. Amanda was seeking to destroy them from the ground up.

  Whatever it took, she was prepared to do it. Amanda was driving her car into the city. She was to meet with her contact at a secret location.

  She found a parking spot and then headed into Sydney’s Hyde Park. There were a few people walking through the park. Most were walking their dogs while others were jogging before heading into work.

  Amanda made her way into the park. She arrived at a green park bench. The one where she was told to be at.

  Her contact was very secretive and cloak and dagger style, which was perfectly understandable. It’s likely this ‘corporation’ was behind the two murders. Amanda approached the bench.

  No one was around. There was, however, a man sitting on the far end of the bench. He was reading the newspaper, trying to be inconspicuous. Amanda sat down on the opposite side of him.

  She sat there waiting. Nothing was said between them.

  She proceeded to take out her phone and pretend to be checking her social media sites. “Were you followed?” a muffled voice finally spoke.

  “Of course not. I was careful. As usual,” Amanda replied. “What’s going on?”

  “You get those images?”

  “Yes. Is this BMC?” the man didn’t reply straight away. Amanda looked over and saw that he’d lowered his paper.

  “I can’t say for sure, but it’s certainly possible…They were both employees of BMC. It turns out they were also trying to blow the whistle on these guys.”

  “Shit. This is big Ken…Who were they?”

  “They were senior administration. One was Jennifer Sanders, a private secretary. The other was Ezra Wellington, he worked as a private security consultant. They knew a lot that could do some serious damage,” said Ken. “It appears that Ezra was working with Jennifer to bring these people down. Ezra contacted me and said he found out something horrible, that BMC were plotting something major to take place in Sydney.”

  “Bloody hell…So, you’re saying BMC murdered these guys to keep them from talking to the media?”

  “It looks that way. They would’ve used their professional guys. A hit squad if you will…There’s something else…I got the name of a witness to the murders.”

  “Son of a bitch…Where is this guy?”

  “He’s in a secure location. But he won’t come out until you can guarantee his protection.”

  “You know I can’t guarantee that. I’m a journalist, not a detective, Ken,” said Amanda.

  “Yes, but you have people in high places,” he replied. Amanda knew who he was talking about. Her mother.

  “I can’t take this to my mother, Ken. To start with, we’re not on talking terms. Secondly, I can’t guarantee she’ll be able to protect him either.”

  “Look, this guy is witness to two homicides, carried out by a hitman. These guys are serious, Amanda,” said Ken. Amanda let out a sigh of frustration.

  “Okay, look. I can’t guarantee success, but I’ll see what I can do. As long as I have assurances that this guy is willing to go on the record with everything,” said Amanda. Ken didn’t say anything at first. He then looked over at Amanda with a gentle nod.

  “You have it.” Amanda smiled, and she knew this story would make her the most famous journalist in Australia. But once she published this story, she knew it would also make her the most wanted person.

  Amanda Shaw was followed. A dark-coloured vehicle, possibly with fake number plates, was parked just up from Amanda’s car.

  There were two men inside and were shielded by the dark tinted windows. One of the men had a large camera.

  He was snapping photos of Amanda Shaw talking with Ken. He then took several more of her getting into her car.

  He turned to his partner in the driver’s seat and nodded. He started up the car and began to follow Amanda.

  After meeting with her contact, Amanda Shaw drove across town. She finally arrived at her office.

  The Sydney Gazette was busy as usual. Her fellow colleagues were already hard at work writing on their next best story.

  Phones were ringing off the hook, and fingernails could be heard tapping away at keyboards.

  Amanda bravely walked down the centre of the main office. She headed towards her boss’s office, the Editor-in-Chief.

  He was currently talking on the phone and she gently knocked on the glass door. He looked up to signal her to come in. “Yes, of course. I’ll make sure it’s done today. Alright. Talk later.” He hung up. “Glad you could make it, Shaw,” he said, bluntly.

  “Look, boss. I’m sorry I’m late. I had a meeting with a contact of mine. I’ve got a major lead on this story.”

  “That’s what you’ve been saying for the past two months, but yet you’ve dragged up nothing of significance,” he said.

  “Brian, don’t be like this. My contact is risking his life to get me this information…He’s got a witness to a double homicide carried out by a hitman employed by this corporation,” she explained.

  She then showed Brian the images she received on the email. He looked at them but didn’t seem impressed.

  “All I see is two dead bodies…Where’s the story Amanda?”

  “Look, these BODIES, were employees of BMC. They were murdered because they were on the verge of going public with the story…the story your denying me,” she said. Brian paused for a moment and looked down at the pictures again.

  “So, you’re saying that this corporation, Birchall McClelland, were behind these murders?” he asked. Amanda didn’t reply straight away.

  “It’s highly possible, yes…These guys are criminals…My contact said they are corrupt and extremely powerful…He said they’re likely financing a terrorist organisation,”

  “That’s a pretty radical accusation, Shaw,” said Brian.

  “I know. But this guy, Ken, is solid. He assured me the witness is prepared to come forward and testify against these people,” she replied. “Please, Brian…Give me one more chance…I’m on the verge of breaking through with this story…As soon as this guy talks, BMC are going down.” Brian wasn’t sure about this.

  He knew that Amanda was taking a bit risk with this. But he also knew she was a good journalist, and even if he’d said no, she would just go behind his back.

  “Okay fine. I’m giving you twenty-four-hours to get this guy to come forward. After that, I’m pulling the plug, understand?” he said. Amanda didn’t reply straight away.

  “Understood.” She then turned and headed to the door. Before she left, Brian called out to her.

  “Listen, Shaw…Be careful,” he said. She smiled.

  “I will.” Then she headed back to her desk. Ama
nda was excited. Now that she’d gotten approval from the Editor-in-Chief, she could go into journalistic mode and craft the perfect story.

  First, she had to find a way to get the witness to come forward and testify. She sat down at her desk and continued to write up what she already had.

  It was going to be a front page news story, so it had to be engaging. She sat there at her computer.

  She looked up to see one of the TV screens was showing a news report on the republican referendum. It was also showing a live interview with Charmaine Bradley, Amanda’s mother, and her thoughts on being selected to be the nation’s first female President.

  Just then, she was startled. Her phone was ringing. She hesitated for a moment before answering it. “Amanda Shaw?” she answered.

  “Hey, Mandy. How’s my number one daughter?” it was her father, John Bradley. She smiled when she heard his voice.

  “Hey Dad. I’m doing great, just at work.”

  “I see…Look, I won’t keep you. I just wanted to see how you were doing. Your mother is worried about you,” said John.

  “Ugh, I’d like to believe that…I saw the news, she must be thrilled.”

  “Yes, we are…Are you coming to the Australia Day ceremony?” he asked, cautiously. Amanda just closed her eyes and let out a sigh.

  “I’m not sure yet Dad. I’ll see how I go. I may have to work that day.”

  “Come on, Mandy. No one works on Australia Day…Just come over for a bit. It would mean so much to your mother,” he replied. There was a beeping noise on Amanda’s phone.

  “Look, I’m sorry Dad. I’m getting another call. I’ll call you later, okay?” she said.

  “Okay sweetheart. I love you.”

  “I love you too, Dad.” She then pressed the button on her phone. The other call was connected. “Hello?”

  “It’s me, Ken…The witness is prepared to come forward with the story.” Amanda’s eyes suddenly lit up.

  “That’s great, Ken…Is he going to testify?”

  “Yes, he will. But he wants to meet with you first. Are you free?”

  “Of course, I’d be happy to. But why does he want to meet with me now?” she asked, as she got up to get herself ready.

  “He wants to make sure that you’re credible.”

  “Oh, come on, Ken. Surely, you’d put in a good word for me?” she replied, with sarcasm.

  “This is serious, Amanda. We’re not messing around, and we’re certainly not going to wait. We will go to another paper…I’m sure the Herald would love to get their hands on this.”

  “No! Don’t be stupid!” she said. “I’m on my way now. Where shall I meet you?” she asked. She pressed the button on the elevator to go down.

  “There’s a parking garage a block from your office. Meet him there.”

  “How will I know where he is?” asked Amanda. There was a brief pause on the other end. The elevator doors opened, and Amanda stepped in.

  “He’ll contact you once you get there,” said Ken. Suddenly, the call disconnected.

  “But…hello?” Amanda had no idea what she was getting into. Her heart was racing the whole time she rode the elevator.

  CHAPTER 14

  LATER, AMANDA MADE her way over to the parking garage. It was a multi-storey building and many of Amanda’s colleagues used the garage as it was close by and relatively cheap.

  She made her way into the building. It was quiet and there were the distant sound of tires screeching. As Amanda wandered around in circles, waiting for the instructions, she tapped her shoe on the ground.

  She also took out her packet of cigarettes and lit one up.

  She was trying to quit smoking, but she struggled with it, and needed one desperately. She was stressed, which was not surprising.

  She stood there smoking her cigarette.

  Just then, her mobile phone started ringing. He looked at the screen and saw that it was an unknown number. She hesitated before answering it. “Hello?”

  “Is this Shaw?” a muffled voice answered.

  “Yes. This is Amanda Shaw,” she replied. There was another brief pause.

  “Head to the third floor. Look for a silver Ford.” The call disconnected. At that, Amanda headed the elevator. It took her up to the third floor. The elevator doors opened, and she stepped out.

  There were only about six or so vehicles parked on that level. She looked around. She spotted the silver Ford parked at the far end of the level.

  Her heart was racing even more now, and she had no idea what to expect. As she got closer to the car, one of the vehicle’s doors opened.

  A man stepped out. He was wearing casual clothes and had a cap on his head. “Are you Shaw?” asked the man. Amanda slowly nodded.

  “Yes. Amanda Shaw, Sydney Gazette. And you are?”

  “A dead man walking,” he replied, as he looked around cautiously.

  “It’s okay, I wasn’t follow…My contact said you’re willing to come forward and testify against BMC. I need to know who you are?” she said. The man let out a sigh. “Ron Kasper. I’m an Acquisitions Officer with BMC.”

  “What is it that you know about the company that is so detrimental?” she asked. She got out her note pad in preparation to write.

  “These guys are criminals. They’ve killed thousands of innocent people,” said Ron. “In 2014, BMC were attempting to build a military operations bunker in East Timor. However, the land they were attempting to purchase was underneath a village. A village with over two thousand East Timorese,” said Ron. Amanda was vigorously scribbling notes. She was also recording the conversation on her phone.

  “So, what happened?”

  “The villagers weren’t happy about the plan. BMC tried to pay them to relocate, but they still wouldn’t move. The land the village was on was sacred ground…So, BMC decided to take things to the next level…The entire village was murdered,” he explained.

  Amanda’s eyes lit up. She couldn’t believe what she was being told.

  “Jesus Christ…You’re saying that an Australian defence contractor authorized the execution of over two thousand innocent people of a foreign country?” she asked. Ron slowly nodded.

  “Yes. They were determined to build the facility, as it would give them a strategic advantage. They covered up the genocide by stating it was a natural disaster.”

  “I see…And what proof do you have that BMC were behind this?” she asked. This was the question she’d been waiting to get an answer.

  “Because I acquired the weapons that were used in the massacre,” said Ron. “I had no idea they were being used to commit genocide. I purchased the weapons on behalf of the company. That’s what I do,” he said.

  “I’ve got records of payments made by senior management and even records of the sign off of the weapons.”

  “So, there’s definitely a money trail…Where’s this evidence now?”

  “It’s safe…It’s on a disc drive in an encrypted folder.”

  “Okay…If we’re going to bring these people down, I need to know if you’re willing to repeat this in court?” she asked. Ron didn’t reply straight away. He looked around and then back at Amanda.

  “It has to be done properly. Once I go public with this information, I will become a target.”

  “I know. I have friends in the AFP. They’ll be able to provide you with protection,” she said.

  “Fine…Here’s the evidence. Guard it with your life,” he said. He then passed over a thin black USB device. Amanda took it. She held it in the palm of her hand and her heart dropped.

  Just then, Amanda looked up as she saw a dark-coloured vehicle come speeding towards them. It all happened within a split second. The front passenger window was down, and the vehicle stopped. A gun shot was fired, followed by a second.

  Amanda immediately dropped to the ground. She didn’t know if she reacted first, but she felt a hand grabbing her on the way down. More shots were fired. Glass shattered.

  Amanda couldn’t do any
thing but lay there and scream for help. She covered her head as glass covered her.

  Finally, the shots finished, and then Amanda heard the screeching sound of the car speeding off. Amanda was in a complete state of shock.

  Her hands were trembling, and her heart raced a million miles an hour. “Are you okay?” she quivered.

  She slowly looked up.

  There was blood and glass everywhere.

  Ron Kasper had been shot multiple times. “Oh God.” Amanda slowly crawled her entire body over to Ron. She pressed her fingers against his neck to check for a pulse. But there was none. Ron Kasper was dead. “Shit!” she cursed.

  She was in so much fright.

  She couldn’t move. It was as though her entire body was paralyzed. Finally, she found the courage to get to her feet.

  She felt her phone was vibrating and she quickly got it out to answer. “Hello?” she said in a terrified voice.

  “Hey, it’s just me. What’s wrong, are you okay?” it was Andrew Shaw, her husband. Amanda took a moment to compose herself.

  “No…I’m not okay. Something’s happened…I need to see you right now!” she yelled.

  “Jesus. Okay, ah. I’m still in town. I’ll be home in twenty minutes,” he replied.

  “Good. I’m in trouble. I need your help sweetheart. I’ll speak to you soon,” she said, and then hung up.

  After she disconnected the call, she dialed triple zero. “Yes, police. I need to report a shooting. A man has been shot. Get here as fast as you can!” she then hung up.

  Sometime later, Amanda returned to her apartment. She was still traumatized by what happened at the parking garage. It was approaching seven o’clock at night. No sign of her husband, Andrew.

  She was getting worried. She really needed to talk to him about all of this. She got out her smartphone to check for messages or calls, but there were none.

  Amanda found herself sitting at the kitchen bench. She was sipping a glass of red wine.

  At the same time, she was going over some of the evidence she got from Ron Kasper. She managed to decrypt the file, and the evidence was highly disturbing.