Deadly Trust

by J J Cooper

  ‘You mean keep an eye on me for you.’

  ‘No. I’ll have a couple of agents do that.’

  ‘I don’t–’

  ‘You can always rest up here if you want.’

  Jay raised himself from his chair. His knees felt stiff and he let out a yawn. ‘I’ll head back to Byron. Sea water will do my cuts some good.’

  ‘Thought so. Don’t go back into your shell, though. I don’t want another year of fobbing off your visitors.’

  Jay didn’t respond. He hadn’t really thought about his future and didn’t want to commit to a timeframe before moving on. And he knew his father would realise it as well.

  ‘Come on, son. Grab a coffee and my men will give you a lift home.’

  Ed placed his hand on Jay’s good shoulder and guided him out of the room. They navigated a small hallway and entered a sparsely furnished living area. Jay imagined some intelligence analyst many years ago gathering information on typical farmhouses and the specific contents of a farming couple’s living room. Probably spent months and thousands of dollars on the research. Maybe even a fact-finding tour. The result stood before him. Faded floral curtains pulled across bulletproof glass. Box television with a hidden camera sitting on a second-hand stand. Three-seater couch probably picked up at a garage sale along with the two faded rocking chairs.

  The police chiefs stood in a gaggle by a worn bookcase. The Defence and Army Chief leaned close together, sipping hot drinks and whispering. Jay doubted they were coffee drinkers. Soldiers drank coffee, officers sipped tea. Max was nowhere to be seen. They all stopped their conversations as they noticed Jay standing in front of his father.

  The Defence Chief approached. ‘Ed, we need to talk.’

  ‘We will as soon as you send him on his way, as I asked.’ Ed nodded towards the Army Chief.

  Jay stepped aside and headed towards the kitchen as his father and the Defence Chief commenced a political debate. He pushed through a set of swinging doors and spied a kettle on the stove. As he started making himself a coffee, he heard the creak of hinges on the swinging doors and boots on the linoleum floor. The boots made a distinctive sound. Parade boots do that. Manufactured with small bits of metal on the sole to echo the noise of precision movement of troops on a parade ground. Officers tended to wear them whenever in formal uniform, and off the parade ground. Probably liked the attention of others knowing they were in the room. Jay had noticed the Chief of Defence didn’t have his parade boots on, only the Army Chief.

  ‘Another cup of tea, mate?’ Jay didn’t turn from his task, and he knew addressing the Army Chief as mate would cause a reaction.

  ‘I’m not your mate. You obviously haven’t been taught manners. I see your discipline has worn off as well.’

  Jay turned. The Army Chief stood at arm’s length. He was around the same height as Jay, but only half as wide across the shoulders. Jay could see from the droop of his jacket across his shoulders that he wore shoulder pads: no doubt to try to boost his diminutive physique.

  ‘Screw you and your manners. What do you want, Tiger?’

  The Army Chief clenched his jaw.

  Jay gave a smile.

  ‘Stay away from my troops. If I ever see or hear of you going near my troops, I’ll have my MPs lock you up and throw away the key. Your father and his cronies won’t be able to get you out in a hurry either.’

  ‘You’ve already sent maybe a company size group of men after me. Three are dead, one missing a couple of fingers. A clear indication that your troops are poorly trained. Can’t eliminate a civilian on orders. Reflects badly all of the way up the chain. And it’s obviously a true reflection on your ability to lead, equip, train, and prepare your troops. You keep sending them and I’ll make sure the message gets back to you personally.’

  The Army Chief stepped forward, fire in his eyes. He poked a finger in Jay’s chest. ‘Don’t ever threaten me...’

  Jay raised his good hand and wrapped it around the Army Chief’s finger. He bent it and twisted hard. Jay felt the crack as it gave under the pressure. Jay pushed down and the Army Chief dropped to his knees a moment before he let out a shrill cry. Jay kept the pressure going down until the Army Chief was on his side on the floor. He placed his boot over the wrist and turned back towards the stove.

  ‘What is–?’ The Federal Police Chief was the first through the door and no doubt stopped his question at the sight in front of him. Jay heard the others bursting in. He continued with his coffee. He released the Army Chief’s wrist to take a couple of steps towards the bulky refrigerator. As he opened the door he stole a glance at the others. He noticed his father trying hard not to laugh.

  The kettle started to whistle. Jay grabbed the milk and turned to the others. ‘Anyone need a top-up?’ He reached over and pulled the kettle from the stove.

  The Army Chief slowly raised himself to his knees and then struggled to his feet. He cupped his wrist in his other hand, his index finger bent back at a sickening angle. He caught his breath long enough to say, ‘You’ll pay for that, Ryan.’

  THIRTY

  Manoeuvring a powerful machine like a ’57 Chevy around suburban streets was a test at the best of times. With stiff knees and a bullet wound to the shoulder, it became a matter of patience and perseverance. Jay’s escorts had dropped him off at his father’s house. Less than ten minutes later, he was wrestling to coordinate the least painful way to drive his prized possession.

  During the trip to his father’s house, Jay had time to reflect on what set the series of events into motion; in particular, the bus crash and the injuries suffered by the girls. He decided to pay a visit to the hospital where Brooke was being treated. Bill had provided him with an update of her condition over the phone. Medical staff had been able to reattach her ear and the prospects were good for her recovery – albeit a very long one. Her leg was in traction and it would be a long time before she hit the netball courts again. Jay was keen to see her and pass on his wishes for a speedy recovery. He didn’t want to come off as an egotistical accidental hero. He just wanted to give his best and be on his way back to the beach.

  As Jay rarely used the mobile phone that he left permanently in his car, it took a moment to register that it was ringing. Fortunately, he’d just pulled into a parking spot at the hospital and managed to answer it before it rang out.

  ‘What’s up, Dad?’ he said.

  ‘Ha. Knew I would catch you out. Finally, you’ve answered without saying “speak”. About time,’ Bill said.

  ‘Had I known it was you, I wouldn’t have answered it at all,’ Jay said with a smile.

  ‘Better be joking, boy. After all I’ve done for you.’

  ‘Yeah, yeah. Let’s not get carried away, Bill. I assume the call is important enough for Dad to give you my mobile number.’

  ‘It is. I could have got your number from my own contacts, though. Just so you know.’

  Jay didn’t doubt it. He gave a shake of the head and let Bill continue.

  ‘Anyway, some important developments I thought you may like to know about.’

  ‘Told Dad I’m out. Going home to rest for a while. I’ll read all about it sometime, I’m sure.’

  ‘You may change your mind when you hear this.’

  ‘Don’t tell me then.’

  ‘Your friends may still be alive.’

  That got Jay’s interest. ‘Shit! I told you not to tell me. Now you’d better explain.’

  ‘Thought you may see it my way. Your three “apparently” dead buddies: all of the stories were fabricated. We knew about Simpson’s story being falsified by Toni. But she was also the military source for the other two as well.’

  ‘You’ve found them?’

  ‘No. But we know they’re not officially dead. Can you believe none of their families and friends saw the media reports and called it in as being false? Guess it’s true.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘Print media is diving in the popularity stakes.’

  ‘Okay.
So what else do you have?’

  ‘That not enough for you to get your arse back here and help out?’

  ‘Not really. You’d be able to track them better than me.’

  ‘What if I was to say I also have some dirt on your mate Underwood?’

  Shit! Jay gritted his teeth and knew Bill was hooking him straight back into the operation. ‘I need to rest, Bill.’

  ‘Plenty of time for that when you’re dead. Which, I might add, has almost happened on several occasions in recent times.’

  Jay mouthed a silent curse. And with a sigh said, ‘What about Underwood?’

  ‘Plenty of dirt. I’m heading home at the moment. I’ll meet you at your dad’s and I’ll fill you in.’

  Jay shook his head, knowing he could never just escape the momentary madness that he found himself in. Maybe a brief visit to Brooke will put it into a better perspective and give him the motivation to continue. ‘Fair enough. I’ll be there in an hour or so.’

  ‘Good lad. See you there.’ Bill hung up.

  Jay locked the Chevy and headed towards the hospital entrance. Despite the recent revelations, there was no emotional rollercoaster ride quite like a children’s hospital. Stories of inspiration overlapped heartbreak and sorrow at the end of every bed. Laughter and intermittent screaming mingled and flowed through the halls. Nurses and doctors, with permanent smiles and heavy bags under their eyes, busied themselves with harangued parents and ignored miscreant siblings. He navigated his way through a couple of reception counters and into the right ward. A white board behind a vacated nurses’ station indicated the bed Brooke was allocated and he made his way towards it.

  Visiting hours weren’t for another forty minutes, but Jay hadn’t been given any instructions by the nursing staff. Besides, it gave him enough time to drop in and be on his way before family members arrived.

  Jay paused outside a room that had four spaces for patient names. Only one had a name tag: Brooke. Good, he thought, more privacy. He walked through the open doors and headed for the far side of the room. The only bed with the privacy curtain pulled all the way around. He paused outside the curtain. Unusually quiet. No machines, television set, radio. Nothing. He hoped Brooke wasn’t asleep. He didn’t want to disturb her, but didn’t want to wait around and spend more time at a hospital. He had spent more than enough time in hospitals recently.

  The other three beds were neatly made, and more importantly, empty. He moved the end of the curtain and placed the stuffed koala he had purchased earlier in one hand and slowly pulled the curtain back with the other. A stolen glance at an empty bed. A bed fully made with no Brooke in sight. He pulled the curtain across and stepped beside the bed. An inner voice warned him of an imminent threat. A voice that had never let him down.

  Jay figured a normal person would have turned to identify the threat as they picked up on it. He also learned a long time ago that he wasn’t a normal person. In a spilt second, natural movement, he dropped to his knees and pivoted to face the threat. A swish of air passed above his head as he focused on his assailant.

  He pushed the palm of his good hand forward, aiming for the crotch. A closed fist had the potential to cripple in that region. Not yet. Not until he knew who he was up against. His adversary was quick, though. Very quick. He turned with his own momentum and stepped outside Jay’s thrust. The palm caught high on the assailant’s thigh. No damage.

  Jay caught a glint of something sharp as the assailant turned an object in his hand and thrust back down towards Jay’s neck. The stuffed koala took the brunt of the needle. Jay grasped the assailant’s wrist, released the koala, rose and launched a fist toward the neck. Usually, the blow would have halted the fight there and then. Maybe it was the injury to his arm, or Jay had met his match.

  The assailant stepped into the swing, dropped his shoulder and moved his head away from the blow. Jay barely made contact with skin. He had also left himself open for a counterattack. The blow to the rib cage was inevitable; the impact was what he wanted to reduce. Just before his ribs were crunched, Jay came down hard with his elbow onto his opponent’s neck. The simultaneous impact separated both men. Jay fell out through the curtain while the assailant fell onto the end of the hospital bed.

  A pause while both men caught their breath and sized each other up. A hint of recognition before Jay realised who he was up against: the man in the vehicle at Byron Bay. The one who had tried to push his car into the bus. The same man who had clipped the bus and caused it to roll, killing the driver and injuring all of the girls. The man who caused the devastation to the little girl Jay had come to visit. Rage built inside Jay, wiping away the pain of his injuries and the blow to his ribs. He clenched his fists and sized up his target. Average height, average build, very quick reflexes. He stood across from Jay, wiping a wisp of dark hair off his forehead.

  Jay followed the assailant’s look as he glanced towards the floor at the koala, which was at the assailant’s feet – eyes wide like an overdosed junkie. The koala’s grin took on a whole new menacing look with the needle sticking out of its chest. Two short steps and a boot to the face, Jay thought. Go for the stuffed toy, he willed.

  ‘You think I’m that stupid?’ The assailant spoke with an American accent and grinned as he stared back at Jay.

  Jay balanced, ready to pounce and said, ‘Coming after me again – I know you are.’

  The grin widened as the assailant reached inside his jacket.

  Jay reacted with lightning speed. He leapt forward and crashed into the assailant as the weapon drew across his chest. Momentum carried them onto the hospital bed. Jay kept his weight on and pushed down while he reached for the weapon. He got a grip and was surprised when he felt no resistance pulling the pistol away. In fact, he felt no movement at all under his weight. He hesitated, lifted his head and stole a look. No faking, he was sure. Not with a needle sticking out of the side of the assailant’s neck. It confused Jay. In the concerted effort of the attack, he’d not seen any movement or any insertion of the needle.

  Then that same inner voice warned him of an entirely new threat. He rolled off the bed, taking the gun with him. He hit the floor and rolled again. No gun shots, no commotion. He sat bolt upright and looked over the barrel of the pistol. A movement slightly to the left found his target.

  ‘Bet you didn’t think you’d run into me again,’ Toni said.

  THIRTY-ONE

  Jay kept the weapon trained on Toni. She’d dyed her hair brown and had given it a trim. He hated to admit it, but she looked sensational in a nurse’s uniform: bobby socks and all.

  ‘Not sure whether to thank you or shoot you,’ Jay said. ‘Mind explaining what the fuck happened here and who the hell you are?’

  Toni looked towards the assailant sprawled across the hospital bed. ‘He’s the bad guy. I’m on your team. If we don’t get out of here now, more of the bad guys come running in. Simple as that. I’ll explain it all later.’

  Jay rose to his feet, but kept the weapon pointed at his target. ‘Where’s Brooke?’

  ‘She’s fine. A couple of rooms over. You passed her on the way in here. I changed the names on the board to get you here alone. Then I saw him set up camp and maintained a distance until you turned up.’ She looked towards the door. ‘We really need to get out of here.’

  ‘What about him?’ Jay indicated towards the bed with the weapon then lowered it down by his side. Something told him the threat had dissipated.

  ‘He’s got answers we need. He’s coming with us. Wait here.’

  Before Jay could respond, Toni had darted for the door and made a hasty exit.

  Again, Jay wondered how Toni had managed to get the needle into the assailant’s neck. The stuffed koala was still on the floor beside the bed but there was no needle. Still had the junkie look, though. He picked it up, started to smile before stopping himself. Who the hell was she?

  Less than thirty seconds later, Toni shot back through the door pushing a wheelchair. She threw a set of ov
eralls at Jay, which he caught and held out front. The size seemed right, but the insignia all wrong: Queensland Ambulance Service paramedic badges adorned the overalls.

  ‘You’re kidding? I’m supposed to walk out of a hospital as an ambulance officer?’

  ‘Why not? Ever stopped to actually look at one? Or were you usually looking at the patient they’re attending to?’

  Good point. Made sense. And probably the only option at the moment, Jay thought. Get out of the danger, figure out what was going on, regroup and refocus. So much for a quick visit and a well-earned rest. He pulled on the overalls and placed the pistol in the side pocket.

  After depositing the unconscious assailant in the wheelchair, Jay started wheeling him towards the door, while Toni grabbed a clipboard from the end of another bed.

  ‘Where to?’ he asked.

  ‘Elevators. Same way you came in. I have a vehicle waiting for us in the emergency drop-off zone.’

  Jay paused at the door and turned back towards Toni. ‘Why don’t you lead? I’ve had enough surprises of late.’

  Toni gave a shrug and led the way.

  Six hospital workers passed them on the way to the elevators. Not one of them stopped and queried why they were escorting an unconscious male adult around the children’s ward. Not one of them paid Jay any sort of attention, just as Toni had predicted. They all looked at the patient and then to her; noticed the uniform, gave a smile and said hello. Nothing more.

  The charade continued until they entered the elevator. They managed to have it to themselves, until just after Jay hit the ground floor button.

  A woman’s voice called, ‘Hold the door, please.’

  Jay didn’t want to, but held his hand out to the closing doors. The sensors worked and they stayed open.

  A dark-skinned woman in her fifties shuffled in. Her name tag said Dr Amelia Singh. She smiled and said, ‘Thank you.’