by Ray Smithies
‘Which is only the weekend after next. And this incriminating evidence you speak of - did you hear what it is they intend passing on?’
‘Documents of some kind, but I got no idea what they are.’
‘In case you don’t know, this person called the Keeper is in fact the national head of their operation. Did you by any chance hear who the Keeper intends passing the documents to?’
‘Someone called the Piedpiper. I’ve heard this name on the street from time to time and wondered who he might be, but I’ve never asked in case it gets me into trouble.’
‘Did they speak of a rendezvous point somewhere in Pedley and perhaps the day this transaction will be carried out?’
‘I’m sorry, I don’t know. For all I know it could be someone’s house or even at the festival itself.’ Danny was disappointed he couldn’t be more precise.
‘No need to apologise, Danny. What you’ve told me is an enormous help because it will assist us in our preparations leading up to the carnival.’
‘I’m scared, Paul. I went to a lot of trouble to get here without being followed.’
‘Do you suspect Broadbent is involved with what you overheard tonight?’
‘I don’t think so because their meeting could’ve taken place anywhere. This one called Charlie has to be Ferret’s source of supply. He probably knew his pusher worked at Broadbent so he decided to tell him there about the situation.’
‘I guess you have a point. Ferret’s place of employment seems a logical choice if the circumstances allow for such a discussion.’
‘I think it’s just a coincidence. Mr Bradbury is a good boss who treats his staff with respect. He’s not the type to be mixed up in somethin’ like this.’
‘Did you hear any further discussion?’
‘Charlie told Ferret he had someone waitin’ in his car outside and they had some business to attend to later tonight.’
‘What sort of business?’
‘Somethin’ about a warnin’ to stay clear of the syndicate’s operations.’
‘Any idea who that might be?’
‘No idea, Paul.’
‘Tell me, how did you manage to get out of the buildin’ without being detected?’ asked Marsh, dropping a ‘g’. He had been listening to Danny for too long.
‘That was a stroke of luck. Charlie took a look at the wine collection in the cellar, which allowed me to slip away. At first I didn’t think they would budge because Ferret was whingin’ his tits off that he wanted to close shop and leave, but in the end Charlie got his way.’
‘Thanks, Danny. And remember, if there’s a hint of trouble phone me immediately.’
~ * ~
An unexpected knock at the front door prompted me to rise from my club chair to greet this unknown caller, but Emily intervened to save me the trouble after lifting Pebbles the Persian cat from her lap. I was still being pampered by my wife, who was under instructions from Doctor Young to make sure I was getting plenty of rest.
‘Tom, sit down. It’s only Martha with some homemade dishes she’s cooked for us while you’re convalescing. She offered to ease my burden, knowing I still had the park to run while you’re recovering.’
Emily opened the front door and a delicious aroma wafted inside. The plate had probably come directly from the oven itself. ‘Thank you, Martha,’ I heard Emily say. ‘It’s a bit like Meals-on-Wheels delivering our gourmet order. Do come in for a while. I’m sure Tom would like to see you.’
‘Good evening, Emily,’ Martha said. ‘I see Sam has been busy cleaning up your front garden. It now looks more presentable.’
‘Yes, I’m very happy to see that garden bed finally getting some attention.’
‘Hello, Tom,’ Martha said, coming into the room. ‘How are you feeling after all that turmoil yesterday?’
‘Steady progress, Martha. I should be back to my routine the day after tomorrow. Thank you so much for the food, which I’ll try shortly.’
‘It’s been a harrowing experience for us all. I can’t recall Pedley ever being subjected to such violence, not even during my teaching years.’
‘Yes, and let’s hope the authorities catch these culprits before more blood is spilt,’ I said. ‘I think this town has had more than its fair share. I can’t help but worry about poor Brigit in the hands of those fiends.’
‘Very unfortunate. We can only hope she’s found very soon and unharmed. I guess the next step for the police is to obtain testimonies from all the people aboard the boat.’
‘Yes, and that’ll be a time-consuming exercise. Forbes has asked me to call into the police station tomorrow morning to give a statement. Apparently he intends to conduct all the interviews with the Molly Bloom passengers throughout the day.’
‘All this mournful talk is depressing,’ Emily said, changing the subject. ‘On a lighter note, the Pedley Festival commences Saturday week. Do you plan on going, Martha?’
Emily sat stroking Pebbles, who responded with the constant purring that annoyed the hell out of me. Nothing had changed over the years - I still preferred the company of dogs and Em would always be devoted to cats.
‘Most certainly. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. All that colour and atmosphere. You’d swear you were in some South American country that weekend. It’ll also give the locals an opportunity to put all the recent dramas to one side for a short time.’
‘Yes, that’s a good point,’ I said, ‘but hopefully it won’t put a dampener on the carnival.’
‘I caught up with Marge Samson the other day and -’ Emily was suddenly cut short by another knock on the front door.
I glanced at her with a puzzled look, wondering who would be calling so late on a week night. Looking at my watch, which signaled 9.15 pm, I decided to relieve Emily and answer the door myself.
When I opened the door two men wearing balaclavas instantly pushed their way through the entrance, knocking me over. With the front door slammed behind them and guns pointed at their three captives, they gestured at me to climb to my feet and join the two women in the corner.
‘Mr Tom Harrison, I presume,’ said Brad Morgan.
‘Yes, I am. What do you fucking bastards want?’
‘Come now, Mr Harrison. Such strong language indicates to me that your vocabulary range has limitations.’
‘Do what you want with me, but leave the women alone.’
‘Please don’t tell me you’re been practising those boring hero comeback lines again?’ Morgan tormented.
‘What do you want with us?’ I repeated.
‘Tut-tut. A little bit of patience goes a long way. Surely you wouldn’t deprive me of my light-hearted moments,’ said Morgan.
‘You’re a bigger jerk than I gave you credit for. I recognise your cynical tongue from yesterday. You’re the same bastard who was responsible for the murders on the Molly Bloom,’ I declared bitterly.
‘Your powers of deduction warrant international praise. Brad Morgan at your service, together with my able assistant Charlie. Perhaps to be nominated in a category of voice recognition to win the Nobel Prize is a consideration,’ Morgan retaliated.
‘You arrogant prick!’
‘That does it. Effective immediately, all recreation is hereby cancelled for current tenants,’ Morgan said, obviously waiting for me to counterattack.
‘What have you done with Brigit O’Neill?’
‘Oh, changing the subject are we? Then I must have scored a point. The O’Neill girl was unharmed the last time I checked.’
Morgan moved towards the two women in the corner while Charlie simply stood in the one spot with his gun aimed. He didn’t seem to fully understand his accomplice’s provocative game. Morgan ran his fingers through Emily’s long black hair, deliberately enticing me to make a lunge at him. I controlled my emotions, knowing full well my chances were zilch with Charlie’s gun pointed directly at me. Pebbles seemed unperturbed and lay quietly on Em’s lap as Morgan circled his prey.
‘My, you’re not
a bad catch for a caravan co-proprietor. Pity your husband is still alive. Why is it that the pretty ones always end up with the ugly and boring partners?’
I realised that Morgan was deliberately provoking me and testing my breaking point, but I couldn’t help myself. ‘Leave Emily alone, you sick bastard!’
‘It starts with e and ends in e and it’s called “excuse me”, if you don’t mind. This is our private conversation and you’re not invited,’ said Morgan. ‘Tell me, Emily, what do you see in this creep?’
Emily sat upon the couch trembling in fear and not knowing what would happen next. She ignored Morgan’s advances.
‘Cat got your tongue?’ he asked nonchalantly, and then roared with laughter. ‘I just love that line when there’s a pussy close by.’
Martha, sitting on the same couch and looking uncomfortable, had moved further away to avoid Morgan breathing down her neck. Morgan now started in on our frightened neighbour, who sat motionless.
‘And what are you staring at, old woman? Cat got your tongue as well, it would appear. You’re a sight for sore eyes, sitting there in your antique clothes. People like you should never be released into the public forum, otherwise we may have a stampede to contend with.’
‘Leave her alone, you pathetic coward!’ I snapped. ‘You’ve now got to take your contempt out on two defenceless women who both mean you no harm. What sort of low-life scum are you hiding behind that mask of yours.’
To my horror, Morgan suddenly pistol-whipped Martha Kellett on the side of the head, rendering the woman dazed and concussed. Emily screamed. Martha lay still, spreadeagled across the couch. Even Charlie’s body language appeared agitated.
I immediately went over to inspect Martha’s wound.
‘Stop right there and don’t touch the woman. She’ll be fine, and besides, it wasn’t one of my better swipes,’ said Morgan.
‘You won’t get away with this. Do you realise these premises are patrolled by the police? They could be here at any moment.’ I hoped this bluff would be sufficient warning for the men to depart.
‘Come now, Mr Harrison. You disappoint me. I would’ve expected a more intelligent outburst than these idle threats. Do not take me for being naive when I already know the police can only assist with random calls to these premises. Lack of resources, I heard on the grapevine, and besides, their last visit occurred five minutes before you kindly allowed us entry.’
There was yet another knock at the front porch. Charlie immediately retreated to the corner that would conveniently hide his presence upon the door being opened. Morgan gave me a quick instruction to play it cool and to get rid of this interfering caller or Emily would receive a bullet to the head. He then retreated to a nearby passageway where he stood waiting the outcome of this untimely visit.
I reached for the door handle, knowing Em’s life depended upon me playing out a convincing role at the doorstep.
‘Evening, Tom. I’m just checking to see if everything’s all right. Both Anne and I heard a scream coming from your house that sounded mighty like Emily.’
‘Hi, Jack. Thank you for your concern but everything is fine. My wife happened to see a mouse running across the living room, that’s all.’ I hoped he would buy my story and disappear.
Jack remained on the porch as if wanting to start up a conversation. I tried desperately to block his view of the living room but he peered over my shoulder.
‘If I’m not mistaken, that appears to be Martha Kellett lying on your couch. What’s going on here, Tom?’
Jack Flower, now approaching retirement age, was my nosey neighbour who constantly enquired about the operations of the caravan park. He generally made a nuisance of himself, but basically the man meant well despite his interfering ways. He pushed me to one side for a closer look. My charade at the doorstep had failed to deter him and he now stood at the entrance in full view of the concussed woman. I had tried to shut the door to prevent his entry but his bulky frame stood squarely in the way. His suspicions were now sufficiently aroused to investigate the matter more closely. Curiosity would be his undoing. He took three steps forward and then stopped upon sighting Emily. The barrel of Charlie’s pistol pushed hard up against his back. Not expecting some occurrence from behind, Jack turned in surprise to see a hooded man breathing down upon him. Charlie then conveniently closed the front door in seeing his accomplice return to the room. The intruders then gestured at both of us to stand by Emily and Martha.
It was Morgan who broke the silence. ‘What’s your name?’ he asked Jack.
‘Jack Flower.’
‘Ah, we have a surname with a difference,’ Morgan sniggered. ‘Are you the cooking or garden variety?’
‘Eh?’
‘Come now, either you’re the self-raising type or a lover of sun and soil. Which will it be?’ queried Morgan in his ridiculing way.
‘Its flower with a w not a u,’ Jack replied, puzzled with the assailant’s abstracted approach.
‘Now that wasn’t difficult. You’re a curious man by nature, Mr Flower. Otherwise you would have accepted Tom Harrison’s explanation and departed. Instead our little group has now grown to six.’
‘What in God’s name is going on here?’ Jack said, staring at the hooded man. ‘You bastards deserve to be castrated going around terrorising folk like this.’
‘If you don’t shut up, Blossom, I’ll instruct my accomplice to fumigate you!’ Morgan sneered.
‘How dare you taunt and mock us. You are nothing but a spineless piece of shit standing there with your gun and stupid hood,’ blazed Jack, clearly agitated by Morgan’s sarcastic manner.
I was becoming concerned with Jack’s provocative remarks. He didn’t understand that he was dealing with the heartless behaviour that Brad Morgan was capable of carrying out. I looked across to Martha, who appeared to be regaining her senses. I had a feeling she would be witness to further brutality.
‘This is your last warning, Petal, or you’ll become a floral arrangement. Do you understand me?’ Morgan was obviously starting to run out of patience.
‘You wouldn’t have the guts, you moron!’
Jack had now clearly crossed the line. Signaling a nod to his accomplice, Charlie withdrew a baton and with one swift lunge landed the weapon directly upon Jack Flower’s head. Through his own act of stupidity, my neighbour now lay writhing in pain from the vicious blow.
Morgan’s parting shot before the two men made their retreat was to say, ‘Mr Harrison, the purpose of our visit this evening is twofold. Effective immediately, you are to stop interfering with the syndicate’s operations and cease with your pursuit of Brigit O’Neill. Failure to comply with these instructions will result in a further visit, and I assure you, if a second social call is warranted, then your wife will be eliminated.’
~ * ~
T
hat’s the last of the preliminaries. The polygraph machine now awaits the arrival of the O’Neill girl,’ said the Piedpiper.
‘Are you sure this will work?’ queried Bradbury.
‘Not you too, Neville. I’ve been through all this with the Keeper, who still remains a sceptic.’
‘But I don’t understand how these machines work. Are you confident
of an outcome?’
‘Naturally, but let me briefly explain how it works. A lie detector simultaneously records a number of body responses as the subject is being questioned. It works on the theory that when a person lies it causes a certain amount of stress, which can be picked up by changes in several involuntary physiological reactions. By using a series of different sensors attached to Brigit O’Neill’s body, the polygraph will measure changes in her breathing, blood pressure, pulse and perspiration while being questioned. I’ve nominated you to conduct this test primarily to conceal my identity. I’ll be in the adjacent room with the one-way mirror, which will enable me to not only monitor her progress via the printout, but also to observe her body language - her response to the line of questioning you direct.’
<
br /> ‘Did you bring the list?’ asked Bradbury.
‘Here it is.’ The Piedpiper passed the papers. ‘Neville, I’ve compiled this series of questions for you. It’s mandatory they be read in the order as written, because as the enquirer you’ll ask a number of control questions which are specifically designed to set a pattern of definite true and false responses. Once this pattern is established then the actual questions are interspersed with filler enquiries. Over the course of this cross-examination a pattern in the questions develops which will ultimately tell us if she is lying.’
‘Just out of curiosity, do these lie detectors hold up in a court of law?’