by Kim Kane
I’m okay – I’m really just there for a purpose, and Jaime fits in everywhere and nowhere. You can’t fit in when you stand up and sing on chairs. There’s nothing but capital D drama in her life and she thrives on it. For Jaime there’s just no difference between terrorism and toe jam, pregnancy and paper cuts, dandruff and death.
Still, she’ll be all right. It’s Cleo I worry about. She just seems so tiny at Ashbourne – she stands there alone in the playground, holding onto her grotty camera case looking around like a frightened spider monkey. Because Cleo’s pretty low on the autism spectrum she doesn’t get a teacher’s aide, but while the other Year 2s link arms or play chasey, Cleo spends a lot of time taking photos.
Sorry to go on. Blame it on this endless rain.
x CCB
PS Another poem . . .
Autism
People expect the autistic child to be genius.
To count,
To calculate.
Adults think Rain Man
Children think Mockingbird
They both think that unusual equates to brilliance.
Must.
To compensate.
Or so they hope.
Yet most autistic kids are just normal.
Normal kids who walk naked and sort pegs.
Normal kids with the courage to feel.
STATEMENT
Name:
Victoria Jane PLUM
Occupation:
Liaison Officer, Singtel Optus Pty Ltd
Address:
C/– Level 16, 114 Wilson Road, Chatswood NSW 2067
Optus Ref:
14/07/21872
STATES:
1.My full name is Victoria Jane PLUM and I am 38 years of age.
2.I am employed as Liaison Officer with Singtel Optus Pty Ltd.
3.Set out in a table at 4 below is a copy of the calls associated with service number 0403 654 789. The details are as follows:
Account Number:
Pre paid
User Name:
Miss Hallie Gabrielle Knight
User address:
12 Pine Avenue Malvern
First registered:
22 December
Currently active:
Yes
4.
STATEMENT
Name:Terrence BARNES
STATES:
My name is Terrence BARNES and I am 19 years old. I am making this statement at Prahran Police Station on 13th May. I live at 17/47 Station Street, Ashburton.
I have been unemployed since quitting my apprenticeship a month ago as an offset printer at JDT Printing in Ringwood East. On the night of Sunday 17th April I was hanging out at home watching movies when my phone rang at about 8.45pm. It was a girl called Hallie. I did not know Hallie and had never spoken to her before. She said she got my number from a schoolfriend. I make fake Proof of Age ID cards a bit on the side to help with rent and bills. Hallie said she wanted to organise a fake ID as a present for her sister’s birthday. We talked for a couple of minutes. I gave Hallie my email address and she said she would send a photo of her sister in the next couple of days and agreed to pay $50 when she picked up the ID. I never heard from her again after that night.
I hereby acknowledge that this statement is true and correct and I make it in the belief that a person making a false statement in the circumstances is liable to the penalties of perjury.
Terrence BARNES
Acknowledgement made and signature witnessed by me at 10.17am on 13th May at Prahan Police Station.
PJ DAVIS
Acting Detective Sergeant 29902
From: Alice King [email protected]
Sunday 8 May 2:51 PM
Hi there Celia Belinda Beasley
Sorry I’ve been slack with getting back to you but I’ve been crazy with ideas up here and completely obsessed with the notion of Nunderpants going global. I might have even got them into an on-line store along with another addition to the NUN IS MORE range of intimate apparel – THE NUNDERBRA. Seriously – we had to work up a business case for a marketing task in Economics. I will possibly have to steal a prototype though – from the convent. I reckon Sister Mary Bernadette should have some good Nundergarments for me to use as samples, even if they might be a bit . . . HOLY. Then . . . Europe, CC, and you can come with me.
Might even sneak into the convent tonight. And it’s not that I’m into revenge or anything, but when Leilah finds out that Nunderpants are going global it will KILL her!
xx
From: Celia Beasley [email protected]
Monday 9 May 7.43 PM
Oh Alice, I’ve had such a shocker of an afternoon.
I had a screen test and it turned out to be a film clip for Booty Girls’ new song, ‘Give It’, and the other girls were hugging each other and whooping when they told us. To make the first cut, all we had to do was go in a line and shake our bottoms like we were having crazy fun – and it was fun, even if I was on the crazier side of fun.
Then the producer sent us into the change room for costumes and I sat there looking at the coathanger and there were a few skinny bits of fabric on it. So I waited and waited and then some girls started parading around with red-fringed bras and emerald-green undies that didn’t even cover their bums and, in fact, wedged right up them, and I realised that that was it. That was the costume and I nearly died, Alice. I nearly died – right there in Studio 3B.
I wanted to leave on my prickly grey school tights, but Mum was pulling at my clothes and telling me to hurry up because all the other girls were ready and she kept saying, ‘Don’t be ridiculous, Celia!’ and the room was really cold and the mirror lights were shining really brightly and I thought I was going to faint. I put on the undies and the bra and the bra was so baggy you could look straight down it, even when Mum did the straps as tight as she could, so I put my school jumper on over the top and sat on the floor and pulled the jumper down over my knees.
Then Costume brought out these silly white fur coats and Mum brought me one over, smiling, like she was right after all, and I put on the coat and it not only stank of mothballs, but they’d cut away the front panel where the buttons used to be so it flung wide open like window shutters on a gingerbread house. Then we had to parade out in a long line and shake our bums to the music and wave our arms above our heads and pout. The stupid director kept saying, ‘Come on, girls, vamp it up!’ and I just wanted to vamp it up right into my school trackies and out of there.
I wouldn’t talk to Mum the whole way home, I was so angry. It’s not right and I’m not doing it. Mum was furious and kept saying, ‘A million girls would give their eye teeth to work with Booty Girls. That clip will go international and, anyway, you’re nearly 16.’ It’s funny how it’s, ‘CC, you’re only 15’, when it’s 10.25pm and I want to stay up and watch the end of Midsummer, but it’s, ‘CC, you’re nearly 16’, when it comes to leaving wet bathers in my sports bag or shaking my booty in emerald-green knickers.
I really hate my mother, Alice. Hate her. I know I shouldn’t say that, but I do.
xCC
PS How did you know my middle name?
From: Alice King [email protected] Tuesday 10 May 8:14 PM
Dear CC
Listen up – DON’T DO THAT BOOTY GIRLS THING. It sounds tragic and you obviously don’t want to do it so – DON’T! OF COURSE your mum stuck her nam
e bang in the middle of yours! No offence, but she does sound a bit up herself as well as twisted. Whose mum would actually WANT their daughter to strut around looking Bargain Basement? Just say no, or tell a teacher at school or something, or your Dad. Whatever – do NOT do it.
In summary: Can’t believe your mum would WANT you to do a Booty Girls film clip. Can’t believe the police can’t find the creep who kidnapped Hallie Knight. Can’t believe Hallie Knight hasn’t given them any clues. Got to go. Computer time allotment has expired – can’t believe that either.
DON’T DO IT. DON’T GIVE IT.
STATEMENT
Name:Layton Keith BARNARD
STATES:
My full name is Layton Keith BARNARD and I was born on 24th July. I am making this statement at Thomastown Police Station on this the 10th day of May, at 4.00pm.
On the morning of Monday 2nd May, I was walking back from my girlfriend’s house at about 2.20am. Her name is Jo-Jo Kathryn MAJOR and she lives with her parents at 12 Brand Drive, Thomastown.
On the way home I was hungry so I stopped in at Maccas for takeaway. I then walked down Inglewood Drive. As I got up to the corner of Inglewood Drive and Macquarie Drive I saw a van pull into the driveway of the Watts Paper warehouse, which is at Unit 1, Lot 3 Macquarie Drive. It was a white HiAce van a bit beaten-up looking, with a bullbar. A person in a dark-bluey jacket and beanie got out and walked over to a skip. The person was carrying something, which looked like a roll of old carpet or something really heavy. I thought it was a bit weird so I just kind of hovered by the roller door of the lot over the road and finished my nuggets. Whatever the person had, they dropped in the skip and I heard a loud thud. I then wrote the van’s numberplate down on the inside of the fries’ box JKM 439. It sort of stuck out because it’s Jo-Jo’s initials.
The person then drove down Macquarie Drive past me without turning the van lights on. I think it was a man, but it could have been a woman, I guess. I didn’t see the person’s face, because the street was too dark. I went straight home.
I hereby acknowledge that this statement is true and correct and I make it in the belief that a person making a false statement in the circumstances is liable to the penalties of perjury.
Layton Keith BARNARD
Acknowledgement made and signature witnessed by me at 4.00pm on 10th May at Thomastown Police Station.
E LUERS
Senior Constable 28763
THIS IS A VIDEO-RECORDED INTERVIEW BETWEEN DETECTIVE SENIOR CONSTABLE MAURICE BELL AND AJAY MEHTA OF THOMASTOWN CONDUCTED AT THE ST KILDA ROAD POLICE STATION ON WEDNESDAY 11th MAY. OTHER PERSONS PRESENT, MY CORROBORATOR, ACTING DETECTIVE SERGEANT PETER DAVIS.
Q1Ajay, this is a taped interview. Do you agree that the time by my watch is now 10.13am?
AYes, sir.
Q2Can you state your full name, address and date of birth, please?
AMy name is Ajay MEHTA. I live at Unit 14, 4 Lowham Drive, Thomastown. I was born on 20 April. I am 28 years old.
Q3All right. Ajay, I intend to interview you in relation to your whereabouts on the evening of Sunday 1st May through to the morning of Monday 2nd May. Before continuing, I must inform you that you are not obliged to say or do anything, but anything you say or do may be given in evidence. Do you understand that?
AYes, sir.
Q4I must also inform you of the following rights. You may communicate with, or attempt to communicate with, a friend or relative to inform that person of your whereabouts. You have the right to communicate with, or attempt to communicate with, a legal practitioner. Do you understand these rights?
AYes.
Q5Are you an Australian citizen?
ANo, sir.
Q6Are you a permanent resident of Australia?
AYes.
Q7Are you of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent?
ANo, sir. I am of Indian origin.
Q8Whereabouts in India do you come from, Ajay?
AI am Gujarati, sir. From Gujarat.
Q9And, what is your occupation, please?
AI am a student, sir. I study Accounting at Victoria College. I also drive a taxi and deliver promotional materials for various companies. On Wednesdays, I work for the Australian Diamond Company, doing promotions.
Q10What sort of promotions?
AIn Bourke Street, sir. I walk up and down, wearing a sign. It is humble work, but they give me many hours.
Q11Okay, we are investigating the witness sighting of a white van registration number JKM 439. Do you own such a vehicle, Ajay?
AYes, sir. That is my van.
Q12How long have you owned this van?
AFor about 18 months, sir.
Q13And could you tell me, Ajay, what you were doing on the evening of Sunday 1st May?
AI was at home, sir. Studying. My exams are imminent and I have been studying very hard at present and working very long hours.
Q14Were you alone at the time, Ajay?
AOh yes, sir. I live alone, apart from some friends from India visiting from time to time.
Q15But there was nobody visiting on or around 1st May?
ANo, sir.
Q16Did you go out at all that evening, Ajay? Perhaps after midnight?
ANo. I had been at university all day in the library and arrived home around seven o’clock and stayed home. I worked until about midnight and then went to bed.
Q17Did you allow anyone else to use your vehicle on the evening of 1st May or the early morning of 2nd May?
ADefinitely not. The van is only insured if I am the driver. There is only one key.
Q18Are you aware of a Watts Paper warehouse in Inglewood Drive?
ANo, I am not. Sorry.
Q19A white van matching the description of your vehicle was seen in the driveway of those premises at approximately 2.30am on the morning of the 2nd May. Do you have anything to say about that?
ANo, sir. It would not be possible.
Q20A man was seen taking a heavy object from a van with registration number JKM 439 and depositing it in the industrial waste bin also located in the driveway of Watts Paper warehouse. Are you still insisting you were home at that time and that your car was parked in your driveway?
AAbsolutely, sir. One hundred per cent.
Q21And there is no one who can verify your version of events?
STATEMENT
Name:Roger ROGERS
STATES:
My full name is Roger ROGERS and I was born on 2nd May, 1955. I am making this statement at Thomastown Police Station on this the 11th day of May at 4.30pm. I live at Unit 12, 4 Lowham Drive, Thomastown. I work at Telstra as a line manager.
I have lived in my unit for about 15 years and I am the building caretaker. Ajay MEHTA lives above me in the block. I’d guesstimate he’s been there for about two years.
I remember I put in a complaint to Mr MEHTA a year or so ago because of the stink. He’s always burning that incense stuff and his food stinks too. My relationship with Mr MEHTA is normal. I don’t go up there for curry buffets or anything, but he seems okay. He just sticks to himself. He rents. There have been lots of people in that apartment.
On the morning of 2nd May, I am sure Mr MEHTA was not at home. That was the morning of my birthday and his dishwasher flooded late the night before and water was all gathering in the light fittings and pooling in the ceiling at my place. I called and called because I had water pouring down the walls and the bugger never answered the phone. I had to go up and hammer on the door but the lights were out and his van was gone. I didn’t catch up with Mr MEHTA until the Tuesday, and to be fair, he was apologetic – said he had study group but by then the whole place was already starting to stink of mould and I had to get the electrician out as the sockets were sho
t.
It’s not unusual for Mr MEHTA to be out like that. He comes and goes at all hours and takes off for days at a time – I’d say on most weekends. I also know for a fact that he was gone for pretty much the entire two weeks before my birthday because I’d already tried to have words with him. He’d forgotten to cancel the paper and there were heaps of the bloody things banked up in the hall – dating all the way back to the 15th April. That’s why I was so cheesed off. It’s fine to do what you want, as long as you keep common property tidy and leave a mobile number with the building caretaker – but the number he gave me just rang out.
I hereby acknowledge that this statement is true and correct and I make it in the belief that a person making a false statement in the circumstances is liable to the penalties of perjury.
Roger ROGERS
Acknowledgement made and signature witnessed by me at 4.30pm on 11th May at Thomastown Police Station.
E LUERS
Senior Constable 28763
From: Celia Beasley [email protected]
Wednesday 11 May 6:13 PM
Hi Alice
Did you hear they’ve taken someone in for questioning about Hallie? It was on the news. There was also footage of Hallie leaving the hospital. She was there with her parents cuddling her in a blanket. The press shoved a camera in her mum’s face and her dad cut in and thanked everyone who had prayed for Hallie’s return. Hallie was trying to smile, but seeing her try to smile was like watching Charlotte Hershaw (who’s in a wheelchair) try to get into the car. I just wanted to turn away.