by Ian Wisby
“Of course, it is. It has to look like John Bradley murdered the fiancé, and then killed himself,” said Karl, “is that so difficult to understand?” Mitch didn’t reply straight away and looked back at John who was still tied to the chair. “Mr. Clark?”
“Yes, Sir. I understand…It’ll be taken care of,” he said, and then hung up the phone. Mitch walked over to John who was shaking. He ripped off the tape from John’s mouth.
“Damn it, Mitch. You’re a son of a bitch,” he cursed. “You killed my daughter!”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Bradley. Your daughter was looking into things she wasn’t supposed to be,” he said, as he walked around the room.
“You didn’t have to kill her!”
“She was on the verge of discovering the truth about the people I work for. They weren’t prepared to let that truth be exposed,” said Mitch.
“The people you work for? They’re criminals Mitch!”
“See, that’s where you’re wrong. These people are masterminds. They see what this country really is…Pathetic,” he said.
“That still doesn’t justify murder,” said John.
“Unfortunately, your daughter inherited your determination…And that’s why you’ll have to be silenced, just as she was.”
“You’re never going to get away with this, Mitch. I’m a public figure. People will ask questions, and when the dust settles, all the blame will fall on you,” said John. Mitch didn’t say anything after that, he just stared at John.
“If it’s any consolation, Sir. Your daughter died quickly, and painless,” he said. He held a handgun and aimed it at John’s chest.
The gun had a suppressor to block the noise of the gunshot. Mitch held his hand on the trigger and prepared to fire.
CHAPTER 26
AFTER ABOUT FIVE minutes of shaking hands, and getting photos taken, she finally made her way up to the centre stage.
She was then greeted by the Premier of New South Wales. “Ladies and gentlemen…I’d like to welcome to the stage, the first President of the Republic of Australia, our very own Australian head of state…Charmaine Bradley!” said the Premier.
The crowds erupted with applause and continued shouting and whistling. Charmaine shook hands with the Premier, and she gave him a kiss on the cheek.
She stepped up to the podium and stood there for a few moments as the crowd continued to go wild. She could barely get a word in. At last, they all started to settle down. “Fellow Australians!” she said. Again, the crowd cheered and whistled. “Thank you all for coming out here on such a beautiful day,” she began. “I can’t begin to tell you how proud and honoured I am to be here today,” she added.
Joe Parsons was standing to the left of the stage and watched on as Charmaine spoke. “I was humbled, and certainly proud to be offered the opportunity to serve you, the Australian people, as your first head of state,” she said. “I couldn’t believe it when I heard the referendum to become a republic was a complete success…I was especially proud and privileged to give this speech on this day, January 26th, marking the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at Port Jackson, and the raising of the flag of Great Britain at Sydney Cove.”
The crowd was captivated by the President’s speech. “I would like to take this opportunity to show how grateful I am to be the first President of Australia…To be the first citizen to hold the highest office in all the land, and to be witness to the birth of a new era in history!” she shouted. More cheers and whistles were made. Joe knew that Charmaine was wrapping up her speech.
As he stood there listening, Joe felt his phone vibrating. He quickly took it out to answer the incoming call. “Joe Parsons!” he shouted, holding one finger against his ear.
It was quite loud trying to hear who was on the other end.
“Mr. Parsons, this is Detective Inspector Mick Greer, CIB,” said Mick.
“What’s going on, Mick?”
“I’m calling to alert you to a situation. We’ve just found evidence that suggests the President is the target for an assassination attempt,” he said. Joe’s eyes widened.
“Say that again, Mr. Greer?”
“I said, we found evidence there’s a bomb at your location. You need to evacuate the President, now!” said Mick.
“Mr. Greer, the President is on stage giving her speech, I can’t just drag her off,” he said.
“Sir, a bomb is about to go off. Dozens of lives are at stake, including yours, and the President. You need to get her out of there, now!” he shouted.
Joe stood there, and hesitated. He then looked back at Charmaine, who was standing there smiling and waving.
Charmaine Bradley was wrapping up her speech. The crowd was ecstatic as she spoke and kept waving their flags. Charmaine’s heart was pounding rapidly.
She stopped for a moment and let the crowd cheer. She had a big smile on her face. “And so, it is my greatest honour to be given this opportunity to serve you as Australia’s first President!” she said. “May God bless you all, and God bless the Republic of Australia!” she finished.
Everyone cheered again, and Charmaine started waving. The Prime Minister of Australia stepped forward and clapped his hands as he approached Charmaine.
The Australian national anthem began to play through the loud speakers. She turned, and they shook hands.
Just then, Charmaine turned. She was temporarily blinded by a brilliant flash of light. BOOM!
A massive bomb went off underneath the staging area. The bomb blast ripped through the stage, and most of the people that were on it, were knocked to the ground, covered in debris.
The explosion also took out a large portion of the main steps of the Opera House, and caused extensive damage to the windows.
Bodies lay on the ground, scarred and bloodied as a result of the blast. It was a horrific scene. People were screaming out in agony, as they attempted to crawl to safety, but they were trapped from the rubble.
Detective Sergeant Ethan Cooper was almost at the Opera House. He suddenly put his foot on the brake, as he saw the thick, black plume of smoke rising from the Opera House grounds.
His eyes lit up with complete shock. He just couldn’t believe something like this had happened.
TWO DAYS LATER.
CHAPTER 27
ETHAN PARKED HIS car in the main garage of the AFP office in Sydney.
He was completely shocked by what had happened.
For the past hour or so, the bomb attack at the Opera House had circulated over every single form of media. He was frustrated at himself.
Mostly because he didn’t get to the site in time.
There was still no news on the President’s condition, and the bomber responsible was still at large.
Ethan sat in the front driver’s seat of his black Range Rover Sports. He’d pulled into a parking space in the underground garage of the AFP building.
He sat there for a moment, and was trying to collect himself after what had happened. He had the radio on and it was giving an update on the day’s events. “We can now confirm that at approximately 12PM today, a bomb exploded at the Opera House,” said the news broadcaster. “President Bradley was giving a live speech at the Sydney Opera House in collaboration with the Independence Day festival. The ceremony was to officially welcome the first day of the Republic of Australia,” he continued. “It is believed the President is in serious condition, and is currently undergoing surgery…Police have not yet disclosed whether the people behind this attack or anyone else involved has been arrested.”
At that, Ethan turned off the ignition. He hesitated before getting out and heading into the building.
Finally, he made it onto the main operations centre. There were not many people about, as it was quite late in the evening.
He could still hear the faint ringing of desk phones, and the clatter of fingers on a keyboard. As he walked slowly towards his office, he spotted Felicity Meyers at her desk.
She always work
ed late, and he knew that the boss was still in, because she never left the office until he did.
He walked over to her desk. She looked up and smiled, and removed her headset. “Hey, Ethan,” she spoke, softly.
“Hey…Are you okay?” he asked, but he already knew the answer to that. She shook her head.
“Not really. I can’t believe what happened,” she replied.
“Yeah, I know. It’s shit,” he replied. “The Boss still in?” Felicity nodded, and she looked over at his office.
“Yes. He’s on a conference call with the Superintendent,” she replied.
“Okay, thanks. I’ll make it brief,” he added. He started walking, but then paused. “Hey, Felicity…Good work today.” She smiled.
He then continued on and approached Mick Greer’s office.
He knocked twice and cautiously opened the door. As he went in, he saw Mick sitting at his desk. He ushered Ethan in, but he was still talking on the phone.
“Yes, alright. That’s correct…Thank you, Superintendent. I’ll keep you updated,” he said, and then put down the phone. “Ethan, thanks for coming back in.”
“It’s no problem, Boss. Any news on the President?” he asked, hopeful. The mood in the room suddenly changed.
“It’s not good, Ethan…The President didn’t make it…She’s dead,” said Mick. Ethan’s face suddenly turned white.
He had a sudden cramp in his gut. He hadn’t felt this way since the day his wife passed away two years ago. “Apparently, the extent of her injuries during the bomb blast were far greater than the surgeons thought. She died from the blood loss,” said Mick.
“Shit…” he cursed. It was followed by a deafening silence. “Any idea what sort of bomb it was?”
“The Bomb Analysis Unit have concluded that the blast was caused by an Improvised Explosive Device containing military-grade Semtex,” he explained. Ethan closed his eyes.
“Bloody hell…Somehow these guys managed to get their hands on Semtex,” said Ethan, and Mick nodded. There was a brief pause in the conversation.
“Yes, we’ve also determined that upwards of fifty people were killed in the blast, dozens more wounded. Most of the state Governors have been killed. The PM was severely injured,” he explained. Ethan couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “There’s one more thing…New South Wales Police found the body of John Bradley, the President’s husband…It appears he committed suicide,” said Mick.
“Jesus Christ. Both of them are dead?” Mick slowly nodded. There was a sudden pause in the room, and a shower of sadness struck over them.
“Police also found the body of another man. It’s believed he was the son in law of the Bradley’s…Detectives are still trying to put things together,” he explained.
“Son of a bitch…It’s been a rough day for the country,” he added., and Mick nodded.
“I’ve been informed that there is to be a funeral service tomorrow at eleven o’clock. The Commissioner wants us there,” said Mick. Ethan closed his eyes. He couldn’t believe this was happening.
“Fair enough,” he said. Then, his face turned to anger. “I’m going to find those people responsible, if it’s the last thing I do…Nothing you can do or say will stop me,” he said, with a serious expression on his face.
Mick didn’t say anything. He just nodded, and watched as Ethan stormed out.
* * *
There were simply no words to describe how the nation was feeling right now. Forty-eight-hours ago, there was a bomb attack at the Sydney Opera House.
It had been described as a national tragedy; the attack took place at the Sydney Opera House, moments after the President had finished her speech.
The entire population of Australia was in mourning over the tragic loss of Charmaine Bradley.
A black Range Rover with official government number plates pulled up to the main entrance of the Government House in Sydney. The House was the official residence of the Governor of the state of New South Wales.
The House itself was a Gothic Revival two-storey building, with crenellated battlements, turrets, highly detailed interiors, extensive cellars, as well as a porte-cochere at the main entrance.
The Government House was located in the central business district adjacent to the Botanical Gardens, overlooking Sydney Harbour, and just south of the Sydney Opera House.
Joseph Parsons sat in the back seat of the black Range Rover.
The car pulled up and Joe’s driver got out. He opened the door, allowing him to climb out. Joe was here to see the Governor of New South Wales.
Since there was no official office of the Vice President of Australia, the person to succeed the President of Australia would be the longest-serving state Governor.
Joe was led into the main entrance of the residence. It was in fact his first time in the Governor’s residence, and he was certainly impressed by its decor.
Joe stood there in the main hallway, waiting. There was a lot going through his mind, mostly about what was happening with Charmaine.
Just then, a woman approached him.
She was wearing business attire, and high-heels that clapped on the wooden floorboards as she walked. She smiled somberly as she approached him. “Mr. Parsons?”
“Yes, I’m Joseph Parson. The President’s Official Secretary. I’m here to see the Governor,” he said, as they shook hands.
“Certainly, the Governor is in his study. This way please,” she said. She then escorted Joe up a set of spiral stairs, that were carpeted, and the railings were hand-crafted.
Finally, they made it to the second floor. After walking down a long corridor, they arrived at a large wooden door.
It was thick, and also carved. The woman knocked firmly, twice, and then went in. “Your Excellency, Joe Parsons to see you,” she said, as she showed him in.
“Ah, yes. Thank you Sophie. Come in, Joe. Thanks for coming,” said the Governor.
“Thank you for seeing me, Your Excellency,” Joe replied.
“Please, don’t worry about the pleasantries, call me Brendan,” he said. Brendan King was the Governor. “So, I assume you’re here about the President?” he asked. Joe slowly nodded.
“Yes Sir…It’s unfortunate, but Charmaine passed away during her surgery.”
“What the bloody hell happened?” he demanded.
“It appears she was severely injured in the explosion. Doctors tried everything they could, but she lost too much blood,” said Joe. The room fell silent after that.
“What’s being done about this?” he demanded. His tone changed suddenly.
“The AFP are conducting an investigation as we speak,” said Joe.
“Well, that’s a good start. We still need to find out who was responsible for this terrorist attack,” he said, and Joe nodded.
“Yes, Sir. The AFP is working on that,” said Joe. “However, there is another pressing concern.”
“And what’s that?” the Governor looked at him, oddly.
“With the President gone, we need someone to assume the office of the President.”
“Isn’t it a little bit premature to be replacing her?” Joe shook his head.
“No. With respect, Your Excellency…We can’t have the office of the President vacant. It’ll be politically disastrous,” Joe explained. There was a sudden pause in the room.
“So, who’s next in line to the Presidency?” he asked.
“Well, upon discussions of the new Constitution, there were no such provisions made for a Vice President. It’s not like the U.S. political system and we invoke the 25th amendment,” he explained. “However, as you’re aware, there was an official agreement put in place that should the President be unfit, or unable to fulfill the office of the President, the longest-serving state Governor shall be immediately sworn into office,” said Joe. The Governor didn’t know how to respond to that. “And, if memory serves me correctly, you’re the longest serving Governor.” Brendan let out a sigh, and slowly stood up.
“Are y
ou saying, I’m about to become this nation’s second President?” he asked. Joe nodded.
“Yes Sir, and you will remain President for the duration of the five-year term,” he said. Again, the office fell silent.
Brendan didn’t know what to say. There was so much going through his mind right now. Of course, he was thinking about Charmaine, and hoped she pulled through.
“How exactly would this work?” he asked, breaking the silence.
“I can contact the Chief Justice and he’ll come here and swear you in within the hour,” said Joe. Brendan just stood there, not knowing what to say or do.
CHAPTER 28
ETHAN COOPER WAS angry.
He was angry because of what happened earlier today. He couldn’t believe that someone killed dozens of people as well as the nation’s first President.
Ethan sat in the front passenger seat of his silver Holden. He was parked in the underground parking garage of the Australian Federal Police building in Sydney.
While he sat there, he was listening to the radio. It was stating that Charmaine Bradley had died during her surgery at Sydney Hospital. The presenter was also stating that Australia had a new President.
New South Wales Governor Brendan King had been sworn in as Australia’s second President. The new President had also given a statement to the nation expressing his outrage.
Ethan was determined to bring those responsible to justice.
As he sat there listening, he sniffed and wiped away a single tear from his face.
Just then, his Smartphone started ringing. He checked the screen to see who the caller ID was. It was Felicity Meyers. “Hey, what’s up?” he sobbed.
“I just wanted to make sure you were okay?” she asked. “You seemed upset when you stormed out of Mick’s office.”
“Yeah, I know. I was just pissed off about this whole bloody thing,” he replied.
“It’s shit…Look, the other reason I called. The guy you interrogated, Mark Hauser. He’s awake from surgery,” said Felicity. Ethan’s eyes lit up with excitement.