by Bruce Cooke
“Hell, then he had the murder weapon,” Pipa said.
“Yeah, it’s beginning to fit. Some crazy ex-soldier, who served in Afghanistan and didn’t like Muslims, assassinated him while he was on the dais. As soon as the crowd began to invade the stage, I tried to protect him. I heard a shot and saw him fall. Then there were forty people all standing around. Creswick came to me and told me to disappear. He said he would be in contact soon.”
“And he didn’t ring?”
“No, I went straight home and slept the night in Mansfield. Got up next morning and turned on the TV. That’s when I saw you being interviewed. Nothing was said to implicate me except they found a gun and were checking it out for fingerprints. I decided to go into town, buy a paper, and have a coffee. Things started to fall into place, so I drove back to my garage. When I saw cop cars and armed police running into my home, I realised I was a patsy for something more sinister.”
“It sounds like a Hemingway story.”
“So you don’t believe me. It was worth a try. Sorry to have bothered you. I must be going.” He rose from his chair and placed his coffee mug on the table.
“Wait,” she said as he was about to leave. “I didn’t say you were lying. I thought it strange that an experienced soldier would leave the murder weapon behind with his fingerprints on it.”
He hesitated. “So you do believe me?”
“Call me crazy, but yes. I don’t think the police will.”
“All I can do now is ask you to investigate. Look up Creswick and a man named Ralph Pettigrew.”
“Who’s he?”
“The officer I mentioned. He could be in cahoots with Creswick. I wouldn’t surprise me if he was the one who gunned the cleric down.”
Pipa paused. “You think he would see this as a chance to get back at you?”
“Yeah, why else would Creswick hire him?”
“It all fits. Okay, I believe you. Where are you staying?”
“Haven’t found anywhere yet. Can’t show my face around.”
“I could offer you a bed here, but my boyfriend comes here and often stays the night. He might shoot you on sight.”
“Him and every other cop on the beat.”
Pipa picked up a sheet of paper and wrote an address on it. “This is the apartment of a friend of mine who is overseas at the moment. She will be away for twelve months and asked me to keep an eye on her flat.” She reached into her purse and handed him a key. “Stay there until you hear from me.”
He frowned. “You know, of course, you can get into a lot of trouble harbouring a criminal.”
“I know, but I’m an investigating reporter and I think there is a big story here.”
Scott frowned again. “Don’t let on what you are doing. If these people know about it, then you could be in danger, too.”
“Why do you care?” Pipa asked.
“Apart from being very beautiful, you’re a first-class reporter. I know there are dangers associated with it and don’t want to be responsible for you being hurt.”
“So you can bullshit as well as other men.”
“No bullshit intended. Thanks for helping.”
“Okay, if the phone rings, let it ring out,” Pipa instructed. “When it rings again, it will be me.”
He took the key and address. “What about your boyfriend?”
“I can handle him. He won’t know.”
“You don’t have to do this, but I’m grateful.”
“So you should be. Are you armed?”
“Still got the other gun he gave me and the one you handled. I haven’t fired it, if that’s what you’re asking.”
She offered him her hand. “I’ll see what I can do. I think the fridge has food in it, but if not, I’ll bring some. I have to tell you, I will research your background. I don’t take anything for granted in a case like this.”
“Thank you again. I’d better go.”
“Make sure no one sees you.”
He nodded and let himself out. Pipa sat down, thinking about her next step.
Chapter 6
Pipa made a few notes as to her next step. She was seriously investigating Scott’s background before she was a hundred percent sure he was telling the truth. She rang Greg and waited.
“Hi, gorgeous, what’s happening?”
“I have to tell you I will be away for a couple of days to do some research. I’ll ring you when I get back.”
“You mean I’ll have to be a virgin for two whole days.”
“Funny,” she said, smiling. “Watch some porno.”
He laughed. “Okay. I’ll see you when you get back.”
She hung up and drove to Mansfield some four hours away. When she arrived, she tried to find people who knew Scott. She was surprised at how many she found. Most had the same message: good bloke, honest, friendly, but a loner. Then she went to his garage to find it all locked up. The locals couldn’t believe he was a sadistic killer. It just wasn’t him. She couldn’t see the point of delving further here, so she decided to drive back home. At least Greg will be happy.
He had a key to her place, so she would give him a ring as soon as she arrived home. She smiled when she saw his car parked outside, so she opened the door and went in. Strangely, he was nowhere to be seen. She headed for her bedroom to take off her coat and freshen up. The sounds made her pause. She had made the same sounds herself in the throngs of a passionate lovemaking. A heavy frown spread over her face when she slowly opened the door and gasped.
Some girl was sitting naked on Greg, who was in a similar state of undress. The girl threw her head to the ceiling in her pleasure, then turned her head to see Pipa staring at them.
“Greg,” she said, startled.
“Keep going, sweetheart, almost there.”
Pipa was furious. “And when you do, you can give me back my key, pick up your clothes, and don’t come back. Take this slut with you.”
His face said it all. “Pipa, you said it would be two nights.”
“I finished early. Now get out and never come back again.”
“Look, this doesn’t mean anything. It’s you I care about.”
“I can see how much you care, you bastard. I suppose you’ve been screwing her for a while?”
The girl looked down embarrassed. “We’re in love.”
“Then do your lovemaking somewhere else. Out, both of you.”
The girl hastily dressed and ran to the door.
Greg put on his clothes and smiled at Pipa. “I’ll give you a ring later, and we can sort this mess out.”
Pipa almost snarled t him. “It’s already sorted. Now get out and don’t bother ringing me or contacting me. I’ve been a fool to ever believe in you.”
Head down, he slunk out the door.
“Leave the key on the bench.”
She watched as he did that and then left the house.
That ends a perfect day. She sat down with tears in her eyes.
* * * *
Next day, Pipa went shopping. She soon filled a bag with groceries and headed to where Scott was hiding. She tapped on the door, and he opened it immediately.
“I see you found it.” She walked straight in and placed the bag of groceries on the kitchen table. She looked around and noted the place was not a mess. “Had the maid in?” she asked sarcastically.
“Old Army training. You brought some food.”
“Groceries. I suppose you have to eat.”
He showed his appreciation. “Thanks, very thoughtful.”
“Yeah, I did some research on you in Mansfield. It seems you’re popular there.”
That made him look brighter. “Does this mean you will help?”
“Maybe, there’s more work to do.”
“I gather you haven’t told your boyfriend about where I am.”
“Ex-boyfriend and no,” Pipa said.
“Oops, sorry. None of my business.”
“You’re right there, but it was a shock.”
“Y
ou mean he dumped you. He must be crazy.”
“Thanks for the compliment, but I dumped him. I came home and found him in my bed, humping a blonde. Both naked. I think he was doing that for a while. He doesn’t see it as a big deal.”
“Some blokes are assholes. You’re better off without him.”
“Out of sight, out of mind. Now about your case. I may be wrong, but this doesn’t sit right. I can understand the government not liking this cleric, but to have him assassinated goes against everything this country stands for.”
“I’ve been thinking the same thing. It may be just a rogue agent who took things into his own hands.”
She frowned. “I think there’s more to it than that. There are more people involved apart from this Creswick. It must have taken a bit of planning to set you up.”
“You think the CIA are possible suspects?” Scott asked.
“No, it’s someone else. The CIA could have taken him out any time.”
Her phone buzzed, and she looked at the caller. It was Greg, so she turned the call off and gave her attention back to Scott. Almost straight away, there was a text message.
We have to talk, Greg.
Pipa typed back. What part of don’t contact me do you not understand?
She resumed her conversation. “Look, I’m going to talk to my boss about this. I won’t say where you are, but he’s a good guy and is always looking for a sensational story.”
“Be careful. If the cops hear about it, you could be in trouble harbouring a criminal.”
“I know. Greg may be looking for revenge and a promotion.”
“Okay, talk to your boss, and I’ll try and think what else we should know.”
She smiled. He did relieve the hurt she felt and seemed respectful.
* * * *
Fred Scarla looked up when Pipa entered his office. “What’s happening? Have they caught this killer yet?”
She closed the door and sat down. “How would you like a story that will blow you away?”
He grinned. “You’re getting married.”
She smiled at his sense of humour. “That episode is over with. This is a huge cover-up by people in high places. If it comes out, heads will roll.”
He leaned back in his chair and touched his fingers. “Tell me more.”
“It’s about the assassination. Scott Peters is innocent. He was set up.”
That got his attention. “You’ve been talking to him?”
“Yes, he found me. I did some research on him, and something isn’t right.”
“Where is he now?”
“Can’t tell you that yet, but listen to what I have to say and make up your own mind.”
“Don’t I always?”
He sat back as she told him what she had found.
“So that’s how his fingerprints were on the gun?”
“Yes.” Pipa said. “Doesn’t it seem strange that a professional would be so careless as to leaving his weapon behind?”
“Unless he was an amateur.”
“This Creswick is no amateur. It took brains and effort to set this up and look for a stooge who had been in Afghanistan and had military experience.”
Fred nodded. “What you say makes sense. What do you want to do?”
“Have a chat with this Creswick while you use the resources of the paper to see if this cleric had any enemies back home.”
“What are you going to say to Creswick?”
“Just ask a few questions without being too obvious. How well does he know Peters and where did the weapon come from?”
Fred frowned at her words. “Be very careful. If he thinks you’re digging, he may see to it you have an accident if he’s involved as you say he is.”
“He will know what I’m like. I’ll try and make him think I’m on his side. Can you dig around?”
“I’ll get on it straight away.”
Back in her office, Pipa rang the Federal Police and asked to speak to Creswick.
“Who?”
“Colin Creswick. He works for you.”
There was a deep pause. “Just a moment, please, while I talk to my superior.”
A few moments later, another voice answered. “This is Roger Pallister. How can I help you?”
“This is Pipa Barret of the Canberra Chronicle. I would like to have a few words with Colin Creswick.”
“Concerning what?”
“Concerning the assassination of the Muslim cleric. I just want to clear up a few things concerning the incident. We want to see this killer brought to justice.”
“Of course as do we all. Mr Creswick is tied up for a few hours with work. Maybe you can meet him this afternoon here in the office.”
“Great, will three o’clock suit?”
“Yes, I’ll see he is available.”
After hanging up, Pipa looked at her phone.
Hmm, first they imply they don’t know who he is, then I talk to the big boss and he sets up a meeting. This could be interesting.
* * * *
As soon as she left, Pallister rang Creswick. “Get in here, we might have a problem.”
Creswick arrived quickly and sat down.
“There was a reporter on the phone who wants to have an interview with you. She said she has some questions to ask.”
Creswick frowned at this news. “You think she is suspicious?”
“Don’t know. She said she just wants to clear a few things up so this killer can be brought to justice quickly. She is Pipa Barrett, that hardnosed reporter from the Chronicle.”
“I’ve heard of her. She digs deeply into things that normally would be passed over.”
“Better talk to her. We can’t seem to be avoiding information. It might get her back up even more.”
* * * *
She arrived at three sharp and was shown into Creswick’s office. He stood and greeted her with a handshake. His smile reminded her of a used car salesman.
He offered her a seat. “Miss Barrett, I’ve read some of your stories. How can I help you?”
“I’m sure you have everything under control, Mr. Creswick, but there a few little things that didn’t sit well.”
“Of course, anything I can do to help you.”
Pipa took out her notepad and looked business-like. “Do you know where this man got the gun from?”
“No, not yet. He was military, so he may have sources.” Creswick seemed confident.
“What puzzles me is that he sounds like a professional, but why would he leave the gun behind with his fingerprints all over it?”
Creswick looked puzzled. “That occurred to us, too. We think he might have panicked in his hurry to get away. Maybe it was knocked out of his hand.”
“I see. I was told that he was hired by a private firm to protect the cleric. Can you confirm that?”
“So I heard, but you had better speak with the Federal Police detective in charge of the case. His name is Detective Greg Halpin.”
“I will. Judging by his service record, the man doesn’t seem the type to panic. It just seems strange.”
Creswick gave her a half-hearted grin. “Under pressure, people do all sorts of things. The evidence is strong.”
Pipa bit her lip. “Yes, it seems so. You have never met this Peters man at all?”
“No, I had no reason to see him. Anything else?” He seemed anxious to get rid of her.
“No, that’s all I need to know. Thank you for the help.”
He rose with his hand extended, and his fake smile returned. “Any time, Miss Barret.”
She put her notebook away and left Creswick’s office. Liar.
Chapter 7
Pipa returned to her office and spoke to Fred as soon as he arrived.
“How did it go?” he asked, touching the tips of his fingers while looking at her.
“He’s a liar and said he had never met Scott Peters. Why would he say that unless he wanted to hide meeting him?
“I think you’re right. I did some digging on
Creswick. Early in the year, he made a visit to Afghanistan under the cloak of investigating. It seems he met up with one of the Taliban leaders. Don’t know what was said, but it does make you think. It seems Khasib was at odds with some of the Taliban. He had enemies over there.”
“Who did Creswick meet and when?”
Fred leaned back. “I’ll give you the details when you get back.”
“Get back? Where am I going?”
“Your boyfriend is giving a press conference as to where they are in the investigating.”
She tightened her lips. “Ex-boyfriend. When?”
Fred looked at his watch. “You have twenty minutes to get there.”
“Shit, “said Pipa, looking at her watch. She rushed out of the office.
She arrived just as the meeting began. There were at least twenty journalists there, some from Sydney and some from Melbourne.
Greg came to the microphone, and everyone fell into silence.
“Good afternoon, everyone. My inspector has asked me to keep you up to date on where we are with the investigation. At the moment, we have been unable to find this killer Scott Peters. He seems to be hiding out quite well, but he will make a mistake soon. Then we pounce.”
Hands went up for questions and Pipa lifted her hand.
“Yes, Miss Barret.”
“Apart from the fingerprints, what other evidence do you have to make you think this man is guilty?”
“He was employed as part of the security for the cleric and had the perfect opportunity to kill him. Once the disturbance started, he had ample time to shoot him. He mysteriously disappeared after the shooting.”
“And do you know how the disturbance started?”
“We think it was planned from the start.”
“So there were others involved with this conspiracy,” Pipa said.
“That hasn’t been established yet, but the facts are obvious.”
“Detective, if you showed me a gun and I handled it then gave it back, my fingerprints would be on it. If the same gun was used to shoot this man and thrown on the floor, you would arrest me. Is that the way it works?”