The Codebreakers

by Alli Sinclair

  ‘Being shot at last week in New Guinea can’t be easy to get over,’ she said.

  ‘It’s not like we haven’t been targeted before.’ He rested his hands on the wheel. ‘I’m just feeling overwhelmed. We work so hard yet sometimes it doesn’t feel like enough. People are still dying. Our country is still under threat. It’s wearing me down.’

  ‘I can understand that.’ The long hours at Central Bureau and the constant worry about getting something wrong or missing an important piece of information was always there, hovering in the background. And every day the news reports came in about more death, more casualties, more bombings, more pain.

  ‘Perhaps you need a break,’ she said.

  ‘I can’t. Not while this war is on. I just need to keep going, find a way to get through it.’

  ‘Have you told Maude how you’re feeling?’

  ‘I have. She doesn’t really understand, but she tries.’ He sat up straight, a small smile on his lips. ‘She’s getting really good at French. I have no idea what she’s saying, but I enjoy the sound of it. They don’t call it the language of love for nothing.’

  ‘Ew!’ laughed Ellie, letting Louis change the subject. He’ll talk more when he’s ready. ‘She’s still doing night classes?’

  ‘Twice a week,’ he said. ‘I don’t mind, it keeps her busy when I’m not around.’

  ‘I’m so glad you two got past that initial hiccup. It was hard seeing you so unhappy.’

  ‘Yeah.’

  He started the engine and they passed Hotel Corones with its majestic verandah wrapping around the large building.

  ‘I thought Charleville Airport would be bigger or at least have a proper runway,’ she said.

  ‘We didn’t land at the airport.’

  ‘Huh?’

  ‘Where we landed is makeshift.’

  ‘Where’s the real airport?’

  ‘It’s being used for something else.’ Louis kept his eyes trained on the road in front of him.

  ‘What?’

  He shrugged. ‘All I know is that’s where I had to land.’

  In the distance clouds of dust on the crest of a hill signalled a vehicle driving towards them. As it drew closer, Ellie recognised the distinct design and colours of a US Army jeep.

  Her eyes followed the vehicle until it was out of sight. She turned to Louis. ‘What’s the US Army doing out here?’

  ‘Don’t know.’ Louis reached for her hand and squeezed it. ‘Have you enjoyed your day?’

  ‘Yes. Immensely.’

  ‘Good. Harry would be pleased.’

  ‘Thank you.’

  He messed up her hair. ‘That’s what friends are for.’

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  Ellie walked through the cemetery in Toowong, her arm entwined with Lillian’s. The short trip to Charleville two weeks ago had reignited Ellie’s love for flying and she’d revelled in the freedom of being in the air, breaking the chains of secrets suffocating her on the ground. Yet she’d come down quickly, reminded of one’s mortality, when Lillian’s aunt had passed away.

  ‘Thank you for coming with me.’ Lillian sniffed and dabbed her eyes with her handkerchief.

  ‘I’m happy to,’ said Ellie. ‘Your Aunt Mildred sounds like she was a fun person.’

  ‘She was.’ Lillian brightened a little. ‘She was the best storyteller I know. And she could sing really well but she’d only do it after a couple of shandies.’

  ‘I wish I’d met her.’

  ‘Too bad you didn’t get that chance.’ Lillian stopped and looked around. ‘I know she’s here … ah, over near that big tree.’

  Ellie followed Lillian, who quietly made her way to a recently dug grave without a headstone. Lillian placed the freshly picked daisies on the dirt. ‘I can’t believe it’s been a week since we buried her.’

  ‘Time goes way too fast.’

  Lillian nodded slowly. ‘Happy birthday, Auntie Mildred. I wish you’d made it to your eightieth.’

  ‘May you rest in peace,’ said Ellie, touched that Lillian had asked her to accompany her to the cemetery.

  Lillian kneeled beside the grave and Ellie stood nearby, content to be the silent sentinel. Her gaze travelled from one headstone to another, taking in the history of those buried. To Ellie, cemeteries were a place where fond memories and love congregated. There was sadness and heartache, of course, but there was something about cemeteries that stirred a desire to make the most of the time she had on this earth. To bring happiness and joy to others, to help those who needed it most, to make each day count.

  Ellie’s eyes fell on a plaque with the emblem of the Royal Australian Air Force.

  Donald John Walker

  6th January 1920 to 18th August 1943

  Born to serve. Killed in France.

  Had Donald Walker joined the RAAF thinking he would change the world? Did he fear for his safety every day or did he fight with courage knowing there was every chance he could die? Did he experience the same worries as Harry?

  Suddenly tired, Ellie leaned against the tree.

  ‘Ellie?’ Lillian stood. ‘What’s She looked at the nearby plaque. ‘I’m sure Harry’s safe.’

  ‘How can we be sure? It’s hell over there, and look,’ she gestured towards Donald’s grave, ‘this poor man will never live the life he’s dreamed about.’

  ‘There’s too many that don’t get that chance.’ Lillian looked at her aunt’s grave. ‘At least Auntie Mildred led a full life.’

  ‘Oh, Lillian, I’m so sorry. This isn’t about me.’ She reached for her friend’s hand. ‘Tell me more about this wonderful aunt of yours.’

  They walked hand in hand to the edge of the cemetery while Lillian regaled Ellie with stories about her aunt. It was nice to learn more about her friend, although a kernel of homesickness grew within Ellie. As soon as she could, she’d go and visit her parents.

  As they crossed the road an elderly lady stepped out of the front door of a doctor’s surgery, a tall, scruffy man helping her down the steps. His threadbare trousers and mismatched jacket looked out of place, although the man clearly doted on the old lady, who looked up at him with adoring eyes.

  Ellie gasped, grabbed Lillian’s arm and dragged her around the corner.

  ‘Hey!’ Lillian shook her arm free.

  ‘Shh …’ Ellie’s heart bashed against her chest.

  ‘What’s got into you?’

  ‘It’s him,’ Ellie whispered.

  ‘Who?’

  ‘Nigel Porter.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘Shh!’

  ‘What should we do?’ Lillian stared at her with wide eyes.

  Ellie rubbed her temple.

  ‘Are you sure it’s him? Didn’t you say he had brown hair?’

  ‘He must have dyed it and it’s grown a lot. He used to be well dressed but he’s a mess now.’

  ‘Wouldn’t you be if you were on the run from the law? But why would he still be here? If it were me, I’d be long gone.’

  ‘His mother,’ said Ellie.

  ‘Huh? You think the old lady is his mother?’

  ‘It would make sense, wouldn’t it? If he’s the only person in her life, he’s not going to desert her. She would be his Achilles heel. And maybe she’s too sick to travel.’

  ‘She did look frail.’

  Ellie chanced a look around the corner, making sure she remained hidden. ‘They’re heading in the direction of the cemetery.’

  ‘Should we follow them?’

  Pain shot through her chest and she gently pressed on the scar. ‘He’s more dangerous than Viv.’

  ‘He won’t be in front of his mother, if that’s who she is.’ Lillian’s confidence almost convinced Ellie this was a good idea. Lillian stepped onto the street.

  ‘No,’ said Ellie. ‘Wait! Let me think.’

  If authorities were looking for a well-dressed man with brown hair then the bloke she’d seen today didn’t fit the bill. And they wouldn’t have expected a fugitive to
be walking the streets with his elderly mother. In a way, his cover was brilliant.

  ‘Should we call the police?’ asked Lillian.

  ‘Remember what Commanding Officer Buckley said after what happened with Viv? We have to go straight to him if we find out anything.’ No way would Ellie risk the wrath of CO Buckley again. If she messed up this time, she would not get off with a simple warning. Jail would be her future.

  ‘This is going to come as a surprise to Central Bureau after all this time,’ said Ellie. ‘What’s it been? A year since Viv was arrested?’

  ‘About that.’

  Ellie checked her watch. ‘We need to make a call.’

  A week had passed since Ellie and Lillian had burst through the gates of Nyrambla, frightened, angry and relieved to have helped catch Nigel Porter. Commanding Officer Buckley had taken charge as soon as he’d received Ellie’s call, but since then, neither she nor Lillian had heard a thing. Now they sat on the couch opposite the Rottweilers, who didn’t bother concealing their curiosity. Or was it judgement?

  ‘It’s strange being in the house after all this time working in the garage,’ whispered Lillian. ‘It’s a lot more comfortable in here.’

  Ellie nodded.

  The door clicked open and the commanding officer crooked a finger at Ellie and Lillian. They entered and sat on the chairs in front of Commanding Officer Buckley’s big desk. He sat heavily and clasped his hands in front of him.

  ‘First of all, I would like to thank you on behalf of Central Bureau for finding Nigel Porter.’ He cleared his throat. ‘Also known as Tony Green.’

  ‘So that’s his real name?’ asked Lillian.

  ‘Actually, his name at birth is Antonio Piero Rossi.’

  ‘He’s Italian?’ Ellie’s mouth dropped open.

  ‘Second generation Australian,’ he said.

  ‘So that’s why he doesn’t have an accent,’ said Ellie.

  ‘His mother is Australian and she married an Italian immigrant. Needless to say, what I’m about to tell you stays within these walls. As you’ve both helped us in a monumental way and you did what was required’—he nodded in Ellie’s direction—‘you deserve to know the full story.’ He settled against his chair. ‘Rossi has been working in the mines up north and returns to Brisbane regularly to look after his elderly mother.

  ‘When his Italian father, who had been in Australia for thirty years, was sent to an internment camp when war broke out, Rossi changed his name, as did his mother. His father died in the camp and Rossi blamed the Australian government. He and his mother moved so no one would recognise them and they wouldn’t be accused of being fascists. However, he was recruited by fifth-column activists and used Viv to gain information on Central Bureau.’

  Ellie had heard about the fifth column, where sympathisers inside a country gathered information to disseminate to the enemy. Would Antonio Piero Rossi have done this if his father hadn’t been sent to an internment camp? Discovering she’d been close to such a person was frightening and made her realise how much danger she and Lillian had brushed against.

  Ellie leaned forward. ‘So, when his cover as a salesman was blown, he made up a new one as an investigative journalist to throw Viv off?’

  ‘Yes,’ said the commanding officer. ‘We’re endeavouring to find out how deep this went. Rest assured, we will get to the bottom of it.’

  ‘I’m glad,’ said Lillian.

  ‘It appears the cipher office are very good at tracking down persons of interest.’ He placed his hands on his desk and stood, signalling the conversation was over.

  Ellie got up but Lillian didn’t move. ‘May I ask something, Commanding Officer Buckley?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Are we the only female unit of Central Bureau?’

  Ellie bristled, wishing Lillian hadn’t pushed the envelope. They’d been lucky enough to get any information.

  ‘There are others, yes,’ said the commanding officer. ‘The women work across a range of jobs, including the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force. Before your unit moved in, they worked in the garage.’

  ‘Why did they move?’ asked Lillian.

  ‘The IBMs they worked on were too noisy because of the cooling fans. Neighbours started asking too many questions so they moved to the vacant Ascot Fire Station.’

  ‘Oh,’ said Ellie. She wanted to ask what the machines were used for but she wasn’t game.

  ‘And there are other female units scattered across the country. However, that’s all I will say.’

  ‘I understand,’ said Lillian.

  He looked at Ellie then Lillian. ‘I wish to extend my gratitude for your courage and astute thinking that led to capturing this traitor.’

  Lillian beamed and Ellie said, ‘Thank you.’

  ‘Your unit has impressed me and I appreciate having women work for us. As you are aware, we cannot publicly recognise your service. However, I shall take this opportunity to say you are greatly valued and perform a very important role within Central Bureau.’

  PART THREE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  Brisbane—March 1945

  Ellie strolled past Ascot Racecourse on her lunch break, her body and mind exhausted. She’d spent the night tossing and turning, dreams about Harry invading her sleep. It had been six months since he’d left for Europe and as the war dragged on, she feared she’d forget what it was like to feel safe in his arms, to feel his warmth, to hear his voice.

  ‘Good morning, Ellie!’ Leonard gave a cheerful wave.

  ‘Leonard! I haven’t seen you for ages!’ She ran over and gave the American GI a hug then she quickly stepped back. ‘Sorry. I hope I don’t get you in trouble.’

  ‘You don’t have to worry. And yes, I’m back in Brisbane, which I am very happy about. And you’—he gave a lopsided smile—‘look just as beautiful as ever.’

  Ellie laughed, glad she’d made friends with this charming American. ‘Any chance you’re free on Sunday?’

  ‘I’m afraid not. Why?’

  ‘Someone who is very dear to me would like to invite you for a home-cooked meal. I would have asked earlier but you left without a word!’ She placed her hand on her forehead like a damsel in distress.

  ‘Well, we can’t have you all melancholy now, can we? I would love nothing more than to pass up lunch in the mess tent for a home-cooked meal.’

  ‘Excellent! Here’s the address.’ She wrote it down on the small notepad she kept in her handbag. ‘When do you have a free Sunday?’

  ‘Not for a little while but I’ll let you know.’

  ‘Perfect,’ she said.

  ‘How’s Harry?’

  ‘He’s good.’

  ‘That doesn’t sound too confident,’ said Leonard.

  ‘I don’t hear from him often,’ she said. ‘But when I do, I read the letters so many times they fall apart.’

  ‘It’s tough being on the front line. I don’t envy him, or any of the boys,’ said Leonard. ‘I’m sure Harry writes when he can.’

  ‘Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t complaining. I just … miss him.’

  ‘I understand.’ A jeep pulled up and Leonard stood tall, an official air about him.

  ‘Have a great afternoon, Sergeant Cooper.’ Seeing Leonard was just what she’d needed to put a pep in her step.

  When she arrived at the garage, Lieutenant Andrews was waiting outside for her.

  ‘Commanding Officer Buckley would like to see you.’

  She tried to act calm, even though anxiety raced through her. The commanding officer was a busy man—why would he want to speak with her? Was it something to do with Antonio Rossi aka Nigel Porter?

  Lieutenant Andrews led her through the rabbit warren of corridors, men’s deep voices in hushed conversation floating from behind the partitions. She climbed the stairs to the room where the two men sat at desks either side of the commanding officer’s office.

  ‘Good morning,’ Ellie said. The Rottweilers looked up and stared at her
over their glasses. After all this time she still couldn’t get them to crack a smile.

  ‘Can you please inform Commanding Officer Buckley that Sergeant O’Sullivan is here?’ asked Lieutenant Andrews.

  The door clicked open and the commanding officer appeared, his large frame taking up much of the space. ‘Sergeant O’Sullivan.’

  Ellie walked into the office. Forcing one foot in front of the other she made it to the chair in front of the commanding officer’s desk. He motioned for her to take a seat and he sat down heavily on his. ‘We need you in another unit.’

  ‘Oh?’

  ‘Now that the Allies have taken Manila, MacArthur wants Central Bureau to have a stronger presence in the Philippines. They’ll be expanding from Hollandia.’

  ‘The women are going?’ she asked. Lillian will be thrilled.

  ‘No. The Australian War Cabinet has not changed its stance.’

  Ellie forced herself not to show her disappointment. He hadn’t said they were out of a job—yet. At least that was a silver lining.

  ‘The move to the Philippines is well underway but the flu has ripped through the men’s wireless section, leaving us short of operators. Andrews has told me you’re a fast learner and you’ve already proven we can trust you in volatile situations—Vivian Jones and Nigel Porter included.’

  Ellie nodded, relieved the whole incident was well and truly behind them.

  ‘And I’m impressed you hold your own with the Rottweilers.’ She must have appeared shocked because he laughed and said, ‘Nothing gets past me.’ He then stood and buzzed the intercom, ‘Right, Lieutenant Cox will get you started.’

  A woman working in one of the men’s units?

  ‘Sergeant O’Sullivan?’

  ‘Yes?’ She spun to find a broad-shouldered American lieutenant standing in the doorway. ‘Come with me, please.’

  Ellie turned to Commanding Officer Buckley. ‘Thank you for this opportunity.’

  ‘This is not a normal situation and I have done some swift negotiating to get you on board. Do not disappoint me.’

  ‘I won’t, sir, I promise.’ Ellie followed the lieutenant, who walked at a cracking pace.

  ‘Thank you for coming on board at short notice,’ he said.