by Kim Kane
Anyway, she said it was all right to cry, but I said, ‘What if I never stop crying like Mum?’ And then she said, ‘Aha’, again and explained that sometimes when one person seems to be doing all the crying, it can cause another person to have no reaction at all because the crying person takes every bit of crying space for themselves. So then I asked if I cried a lot and claimed back some of the crying space, could it make Mum stop. And she said, ‘Maybe’. So later I cried in my dorm for as long as I could because mousy ol’ Daniele wasn’t there. Afterwards, in the kitchen, Siobhan O’Connor said something mean about my hair, and without even thinking I picked up my jaffle maker and threw it at her and lucky for her it missed. Unlucky for me though – it broke when it hit the floor. So I stomped off back to my dorm and slammed the door. I just totally snapped.
You should dump me, CC, really. I can’t guarantee I wouldn’t cry, but I definitely wouldn’t be offended. It’s just that I don’t want to think about death and killing and victims and sad people anymore. I’ve been pretending. I’m a pretender. Now I feel guilty, or at least more guilty than I already feel as a Catholic and, let’s face it, Catholics are bred for guilt.
Better go now. Sorry for being a dud crime enthusiast. You really are the best. Can’t wait to hang out. And can’t wait till they catch this creep so we’ll have nicer things to talk about – like op-shopping and nothing in the slightest bit blue.
Alice x
From: Celia Beasley [email protected]
Monday 6 June 9:37 PM
Oh, dear Alice
Everything you’re dealing with is pretty heavy right now, and I hate the thought of you up there all by yourself in Mildura. It sounds like you need a Gert lick. Can your dad take Gert up to see you? I’m sure that would help.
Don’t worry, you certainly aren’t getting dumped. As if you could shake me that easily! Anyway, it’s not like Avril and Mia have called – not even with the death of a girl at the same school – and apart from Bella, who is very nice in a big-dimpled-voice-like-melted-chocolate-way, there aren’t that many girls I talk to.
Everyone was talking about Adeline today and school’s in total meltdown. Four girls have left already. Their parents have pulled them out and sent them somewhere else – up to Mildura?!
This morning, we had a memorial assembly – it was lovely and exhausting. I think we needed it, actually; we’ve been in this big flabby sad limbo and we needed to tie up our grief. Everyone was staring at Carmella and trying not to. She used to be cute little chubby-cheeked Adeline’s sister and now she’s the sister of the dead girl.
All Adeline’s friends spoke and the whole school placed forget-me-nots in a giant pile at the front of the hall. They had a board with photos of Adeline, and the weird thing was that in the last photo, taken on the beach last holidays, she looked like an angel, she really did – sort of see-through and golden, even though she was still gap-toothed and covered in sand. I hope she’s peaceful now.
I called Dad tonight, because I was feeling upset. I just realised how quickly life can change; how people can go from having a sister to not having a sister – all in a Bakers Delight shift. I’m also sick of Mum saying it’s unnatural to be this obsessed by a crime. At least Dad understands. He says the crimes of a serial killer unravel like any good story, that they bond a community because we’re all up against the same peril and that as long as we’re safe, a bit of obsession is not such a bad thing. He’s wise like your Mrs Carmichael, my dad. Anyway, I’m still not sleeping properly and Mum said I have pits the colour of prunes under my eyes so she’s going to take me to Dr Reid.
Stay safe, Alice.
Your friend,
CCB x
PS Here’s another poem I wrote – another not-rhyming one. Proper literary mags like Voiceworks seem to prefer those.
Grazed
The car windows are wet with the breath of three girls,
Grey kilts cosy across their knees,
Bulleyes on their blazers where the crest should be.
Outside the streets are empty.
A spider’s web, slung across a basketball hoop, thickens
(as the weeks past).
There are no chip packets,
no happy squeals.
no grazed knees,
no cries at all.
THIS IS A VIDEO-RECORDED INTERVIEW BETWEEN DETECTIVE SENIOR CONSTABLE MAURICE BELL AND RODNEY JAMES WEAVER OF BRUNSWICK CONDUCTED AT THE ST KILDA ROAD POLICE STATION ON TUESDAY 7th JUNE. OTHER PERSONS PRESENT, MY CORROBORATOR, DETECTIVE SERGEANT BEN NEWMAN.
Q1Okay, Rodney, do you agree that the time by my watch is now 8.48am?
AYes, I do.
Q2Can you state your full name, address and date of birth for me?
ARodney James WEAVER. I live at 3 Donald Street, Brunswick. I’m 28 years old.
Q3All right. Rodney, I intend to interview you in relation to the disappearance of Hallie KNIGHT and Adeline TARANTO.
APoor kids. Horrible.
Q4As you are aware, we are interviewing a number of staff. Could you state your occupation, please?
AI’m a theatre tech. I’m working at Ashbourne’s on Sweeney Todd and Love Never Dies – the new Phantom – at the Princess Theatre.
Q5Okay, Mr WEAVER, we just need to ask you a few questions in relation to your work at Ashbourne School for Girls. How long have you worked there?
AOh look, probably three weeks on this one. I was brought in for Sweeney Todd this time, but I’ve done a couple of other side projects for them too – big band concert, valedictory and then odd jobs like sorting out their lights. Great equipment just lying around in a heap. These private school kids don’t know how cushy they have it – not that I was any different!
Q6And before this job?
AWell Love Never Dies has been going for a while, but I also worked on a few other projects like the Play School concert just before Christmas and then a few little gigs for some schools – Melbourne Boys’ College, CLC, Barrington Hall.
Q7I see. When was the last time you worked for Barrington Hall?
AA few months ago now – end of March? I did their school play, My Fair Lady.
Q8Could you describe your car to us?
AI have the van, my work van. It’s a mustard Volkswagen Transporter and it’s ancient.
Q9I see. And the van is your only car? You don’t own or have access to another car such as a silver Subaru Forrester?
ANope, just the one. Just the van. I’d upgrade it if I could afford to!
Q10Okay, so do you think you could tell us what you were doing on the weekend of 28th–29th May?
AThat was a few weeks back. Can I check my diary?
Q11Sure.
[Suspect gets out phone]
AI had a booking. Was working for the Indie Igloofest.
Pause
It’s a new winter music festival out Bright way – foot of the snowfields. I was working out of town on it all weekend.
Q12All weekend?
AYep. Thursday night until Sunday night. Came home early Monday morning.
Q13I see.
AI do festival work for a bit of extra coin. Pays well, but it’s pretty fun, too.
Q14Is there anyone who can vouch for your whereabouts?
AOf course, but look, this is ridiculous. I thought I was providing information for the missing schoolgirls. Routine information from all staff.
Q15Rodney, I have asked whether there is anyone who can vouch for your whereabouts and I expect you to provide details. Do I need to point out that you are being interviewed in relation to a murder investigation? You are the only person to have worked at both schools Hallie KNIGHT and Adeline TARANTO were taken from at the very time they disappeared.
AI want a lawyer.
This is a record of court outcomes, including matters where a charge has been dismissed or discharged. Unlawful use or disclosure of this information could lead to prosecution.
VICTORIA POLICE CRIMINAL HISTORY REPORT
NAME:WEAVER, RODNEY JAMES
DoB: 1983Age 28Sex: Male
Date of print out: 6 June
Court
Date of offence
Offence
Count
Result
Melbourne Children’s Court
15/7
RIDING BICYCLE ON FOOTPATH
1
Guilty. Without conviction fined $200.
Melbourne Children’s Court
13/1
THEFT FROM SHOP (SHOPPING TROLLEY)
1
Guilty. Without conviction adjourned to 10.00am on 11 December 1998 at MELBOURNE CHILDREN’S COURT the defendant is released upon entering a Good Behaviour Bond in the amount of $100. The defendant is to be of good behavior during the period of the Good Behaviour Bond.
Prahran
Magistrates Court
18/5
TRAVEL WITHOUT VALID TICKET-PTC
1
Guilty. Without conviction, fined $100.00.
------------------End of Report ------------------
STATEMENT
7 June
Name:Frederick Andrew CRAWFORD
STATES:
My full name is Frederick Andrew CRAWFORD. I am 47 years old. I am a music producer, who produces independent music festivals in regional areas. One of these annual festivals is the Indie Igloofest – based on the Montreal winter music festival.
Rodney James WEAVER is a lighting technician, who has consulted for me in the past on several festivals including ‘Indie Igloo’. He provides lighting technician services. Rodney is a diligent and competent technician.
This year ‘Indie Igloo’ ran over the weekend of the 28th and 29th May but it’s set up on the Friday. I booked Rodney to run one of the marquees in February. On Wednesday 25th May, Rodney called to say that he unfortunately had another booking and would be unable to attend the festival this year. He was very apologetic. He arranged to send his friend, Andrew COHEN, instead. Andrew COHEN was a diligent and competent technician. I did not see Rodney WEAVER at the festival.
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.
Frederick Andrew CRAWFORD
Acknowledgment made and signature witnessed by me at 10.27am on 7th June at Prahran Police Station, Melbourne.
M BELL
Detective Senior Constable 29861
From: Alice King [email protected]
Tuesday 7 June 6:16 PM
Hi CC
How’s Constable Plod and his ship of fools? Any progression?
I had to go and see Mrs Carmichael again today, which was actually pretty cool. Not just because of her non-nun status, but also because seeing Mrs Carmichael means I get out of other things – like Sister Mary Bernadette’s ordination mass – Yippeeee! I mean, it’s bad enough that she’s ruining her life but who wants to sit around and watch? So I told Mrs Carmichael that churchy things do nothing but remind me of Johnny’s funeral and she agreed I shouldn’t have to go. I HEART Mrs Carmichael! Anyway, she signed me out, then gave me this hand-out about the four stages of grief. I hope I don’t get tested on it later, but it was quite interesting – all about the stages a person goes through, like if someone dies – shock, denial, anger and acceptance. Mrs Carmichael says I’ve been pretty much in the shock and denial stage for months, which is why I didn’t feel anything and that now, because of throwing the jaffle maker at Siobhan and all, it’s obvious that I’ve hit the anger phase.
Don’t worry, though, CC, by the time I get back to Melbs I’ll definitely be out of the anger stage and probably well into full-blown acceptance, which is when I guess I’ll just go skipping down the corridor saying, ‘Ah well Johnny, ya win some, ya lose some, hey?’ Mrs Carmichael says that even though I’m throwing stuff and slamming doors, it’s super important that I express my anger – so I’m actually doing REALLY well and when it comes to processing my emotions I’m clearly getting As. Did I mention I LOVE Mrs Carmichael? I hope Mum’s people are just as good up there at Warburton. It feels good to know that since I haven’t quite graduated from the anger phase, I can still give Sister Catherine the finger or throw stuff at Siobhan O’Connor – gotta cram it in while it lasts.
Alice xx
From: Celia Beasley [email protected]
Wednesday 8 June 6:16 PM
Today after school, we drove up the drive and there, chalked on the bricks, was this:
YOUR NEXT CB
Who would write that? Why? What does it even mean? Cleo thinks it’s probably someone we know, but my friends can spell. I feel sick.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, this morning Grandma found Grandpa’s precious SLR camera cold and wet on the grass. Grandma was really cross because Grandpa loved that camera and she gave it to Cleo against her ‘better judgment’ when he died. Cleo grunted and waved and cried and then went and sorted pegs until she calmed down. It’s really strange, though, because Cleo’s careful with her cameras and she’s got that many. They’re always in her pouch or schoolbag.
Anyway, Mum ended up taking me to Dr Reid this afternoon. I explained that, every time I lie down, I feel like the trees are whispering warnings through the window, tapping and whispering, and leaving the bedroom light on doesn’t help at all. And that was before the chalking. Dr Reid prescribed tablets but I’m not going to take them. If I sleep something might happen, Alice, someone might come, and I’d be too groggy to do anything. I’m scared now, Alice, really scared. Everything feels slippery, like running in socks on tiles. I can’t get any grip.
x
From: Alice King [email protected]
Thursday 9 June 9:42 PM
I cracked a full shiver when I read what you found chalked in your driveway. WHO would do that? Are you sure it’s not just Jaime being incredibly annoying, and clearly retarded? God! Tess might be a lot of things (okay, mostly just slutty), but she’d NEVER go that far. It’s not even funny. Just very very mean.
So . . . I’ve decided to focus mostly on good news, even though there is still a serial killer on the loose, who specialises in girls like us. Mum has been improving each day. Dad says she’s pretty much stopped crying and if she keeps it up she’ll be coming home soon! And I’m not allowed to say anything to her yet, but when she does we’re going to have a proper family celebration lunch ’cause we missed out on the whole festive season last summer with Johnny. Next bit of good news is that I’ll be back for that weekend and at this stage it looks like it’ll be Friday 17 June – not long, CC! Third piece of good news is that YOU and I will be able to catch up and I was thinking on the Sunday we could go to the Camberwell market ’cause I’ve been sooooooo deprived of shopping and ever since my shock and denial have lifted, I’ve heaps of good ideas for sewing. So do you want to come? I hope you don’t mind if my parents are there. Mum’s been making noises about it and I probably don’t have the heart to tell her not to. Anyhow – her and Dad are actually good to have at the market – in a funding kind of way.
Final piece of good news – I’ve got my appe
tite back. For a while there, I was worried I might be anorexic which would go against everything I stand for. Seriously, anorexics are the most tedious people ever. Anyway, I can smell dinner wafting about right now and I am staaaarving! I’ll even wolf down the packet custard for dessert.
Remember to check out Sunday 19 June for the market.
Speak soon, xxx
PS Hey, I had an idea about your poems – like I said before, I used to make these cool dresses out of old tablecloths, so we could embroider some of your words on the front and round the hems – wherever. What do you think?
STATEMENT
Name:
Peter James DAVIS
Occupation:
Acting Detective Sergeant 29902
Address:
Homicide Squad
Level 9/412 St Kilda Road, Melbourne 3004
STATES:
1.On 8th June at 4.45pm I attended the premises of Mr Rodney WEAVER of 3 Donald Street, Brunswick, accompanied by Acting Detective Sargent Wayne NEWBURY.
2.A search warrant of Mr WEAVER’S residence had been granted by the Magistrates Court of Victoria.
3.We arrived at the suspect’s home at approximately 4.45pm and knocked on the door. There was no answer and the suspect’s car, known to be a mustard-coloured Volkswagen Transporter, was not in the driveway or in the street at the front of the house, giving a clear impression that nobody was home.