The Patsy

by Bruce Cooke

  Chapter 18

  Pipa stretched her arms above her head as she wore a satisfying smile. She leaned across the bed and lay her arm across Scott’s chest. He returned her smile and reached for her.

  “Sleep well?” he asked as he stroked her face.

  “I did wake around two. But that was very satisfying. How about you?”

  “Best night’s sleep I’ve ever had.”

  “How about showing me what you did last night. I’ve forgotten.”

  “Can’t have that,” he said, laughing. He began stroking her breasts, and she closed her eyes with a smile on her face.

  “Oh, yes,” she said as he progressed.

  “When we get back, we have to have a serious talk about where we are going.”

  “Shut up and don’t stop. We can talk later.”

  When he eventually entered her, she gave a little scream and met his thrusts with vigour.

  At last, they lay back in each other’s arms.

  “I have to admit, I’ve never felt like this before, even when I was with Greg.”

  “I’m glad you dumped him. If you hadn’t, we wouldn’t be together.”

  She leaned over him and twirled her fingers across his chest. “So we are together?”

  “You’re a hot-shot newspaper reporter, and I’m afraid you might get other interests once things are back to normal.”

  “Seriously, will you move to Canberra? I don’t want to lose you.”

  “You won’t unless you dump me, too.”

  “That would only happen if you strayed as Greg did.”

  “No chance there. It’s time we got dressed and flew out of here.”

  “Seeing we are pressed for time, perhaps we can share the shower together.”

  Scott grinned. “You always come up with great ideas.”

  They washed each other’s bodies, letting the warm water run over them. She noticed how he was beginning to become aware of her again, but she kissed him lightly.

  “Any more and I won’t be able to walk straight.”

  “Okay, you’re a hard woman, but I agree.”

  “You’re the one who is hard. Let’s get dressed and check out.”

  Half an hour later, they were dressed and had packed their small possessions. Scott checked them out, and they stepped out of the hotel to be greeted by a hot day.

  “I’ll try and find a taxi,” he said and saw a van approaching. It stopped in front of them, and the door opened for them to see Creswick smiling and pointing a gun at them.

  “Good morning, Peters, and you, Pipa. Get in.”

  Both were stunned but had no choice as the gun was waved in their faces. As soon as the door was closed, Greg drove off and headed for the desert.

  “You won’t get away with this,” said Pipa, frowning through her fear.

  “Of course, I will.” Creswick said little until they were ten Ks into the desert. No cars or soldiers were present, and Creswick ordered them to get out. They stood in front of him as Greg parked the car and joined them.

  “Now, first I want those files you got from El-Hasham.”

  “Which copy do you want?” said Scott, staring at him.

  “Copy? How many copies did you run off?”

  “Only three. I thought that would be enough.”

  “Bullshit. You haven’t had time. Where would these so-called copies be?”

  “In the post. I have one, one was sent to ASIO, and the other to the Director of the Federal Police. I’m sure they will be waiting for you when you get home.”

  “That’s utter crap,” Creswick said. “Pass me over the copy you have.”

  Scott nodded to Pipa, who reached into her pocket and produced the files. Creswick snatched them from her hand and read them as Greg held his gun on them.

  He seemed satisfied and turned to Greg. “It’s the files. Kill them.”

  “You mean murder them in cold blood?” Greg didn’t seem happy with the order.

  “Unless you want to spend the next twenty years in prison, this is the only way to go.”

  “I don’t think I can kill Pipa. We were close once.”

  “The bitch is being screwed by Peters. You mean nothing to her anymore.”

  “But murder. I’m a policeman.”

  “If you don’t, then I will.” Creswick pointed his gun at Scott, and Scott tensed himself for the shot to hit him.

  “Okay, I’ll do it,” said Greg, staring at Pipa. “Sorry, Pipa.” Then he turned to Creswick and fired three shots into him.

  Pipa stood with her mouth open. “You saved us?”

  “Yeah. I might be a cheating bastard, but I’m not a murderer. Looks as though I’m going to spend a few years in the clink.”

  “Not necessarily,” said Scott, looking at Creswick’s body.

  “What do you mean?” Greg asked.

  “You were brought here to arrest two desperate criminals on the orders of Creswick. Once you captured us, you were obliged to bring us back to face justice. Creswick ordered you to drive into the desert, but you were confused as to why. He ordered us to step out of the van and told you to kill us after he read the files I gave him. You were horrified and refused to do such an act. You read the files and could see we were entirely innocent. You tried to arrest Creswick, but he fired at you. You returned fire and shot him. Hell, you saved our lives and could come out of this as a hero.”

  He took in Scott’s words. “You think I can get away with it?”

  “You have two witnesses. But I suggest you don’t spend any more of the money for a few years. Perhaps an old aunt left it to you in her will or you had a big win at the races.”

  Greg began to smile. “Pipa, can we ever get back together?”

  “Sorry, Greg. I’m with who I want to be with. I love him.”

  Scott turned to her and nodded. “Likewise.”

  “I see. So how do we handle this?”

  “Easy,” Scott said. “Once you saw the files, you knew I was innocent and Creswick was the crook.”

  “What about Pallister?”

  “That problem will have to be faced once we get home. He could be arrested.”

  “He will say I was involved,” Greg said.

  “Of course, he will, but that will be a ruse to take the blame away from him. His name is on the files. Yours is not.”

  “Then we had better get back to Kabul and tell them about what happened,” Greg said.

  “Good idea. Better give me a hand to dump Creswick in the back of the van.”

  * * * *

  Pallister was at his desk when the phone rang.

  “It’s an overseas call, sir,” said his secretary.

  He smiled and looked at her. “This will be a private call, Denise. Can you leave the office?”

  “Of course, sir.” She stood up and walked out, closing the door behind her.

  He picked up the phone and answered. “Creswick, is it done?”

  “This is Mahomed El-Hasham here. Something has happened.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “That Australian Peters was here, and he got the files about the transaction. He will take it to the authorities.”

  “What’s happened to Creswick and Halpin?” Pallister asked.

  “Creswick is dead, apparently shot by Halpin, but that’s the story. Halpin is with this Peters and the woman. They are on their way back to Australia with the evidence. You had better be prepared.”

  “Shit,” he said loudly. “I can’t believe this.”

  “It looks as though everything that could have gone wrong has gone wrong. I suggest you take your money and disappear before you’re arrested.”

  “Okay.” Pallister hung up the phone. He sat staring into space with his thoughts. There was no choice now. He called Denise into the office. “Denise, I have to be out for the day. If anyone asks, you don’t know where I’ve gone. Understood?”

  “Yes, sir,” she said. “Shall I cancel your appointments for the day?”

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nbsp; “Yes,” he said savagely. He stood up and left the office as quickly as he could. It may not have worked, but he would see that this Peters wasn’t around to see his win.

  * * * *

  Pipa, Scott, and Greg arrived back in Canberra.

  Scott turned to Greg. “If I were you, I would report to your big boss that Creswick was involved in the murder of the cleric. You went to Afghanistan with him to apprehend me, but when you found out the truth, you tried to arrest Creswick. He pulled out a gun and tried to kill you. You returned fire and killed him. They can verify this by contacting Pipa at the newspaper.”

  “What about Pallister?”

  “By now, I expect he has learned about the plot going wrong and has disappeared. You could show up as a hero who solved this case.”

  “Jesus, I hope you’re right. Don’t want to spend twenty years in prison.”

  “Pipa will write her story and contact ASIO and the Federal Police. Don’t spend any of the money for a few years.”

  * * * *

  They left him to follow up with the commissioner of the Federal Police. He went straight to the office and made an appointment marked urgent. He was admitted straight away.

  “This better be good, Halpin,” said the commissioner.

  “It is, sir. I’ve uncovered a plot by some of the Federal Police to cover up the assassination of the Muslim cleric.”

  “You mean our men are involved?”

  “Only two, sir,” Greg said.

  “Better explain.”

  Greg began to give him the tale of when he found out about Creswick and Pallister. Their involvement with the money and what happened in Afghanistan.

  “My God, this will be the biggest scandal we have ever encountered.”

  “Maybe, sir, but it will look good that we discovered the plot and arrested Pallister. Pipa Barret of the Canberra Chronicle has all the evidence. I think she is going to make it available to ASIO and to you.”

  The commissioner turned to his phone. “Alice, get my car ready in five minutes.”

  “Yes, sir. Where do you want to go?”

  “To the Canberra Chronicle. I want this kept quiet.”

  Twenty minutes later, he and Greg arrived at the newspaper. Pipa was at her desk and looked up to see the commissioner and Greg arrive.

  “Are you Pipa Barret?” the commissioner demanded, a scowl bigger than the Sydney Harbor Bridge on his face.

  “Yes, Commissioner. I presume this is about the plot to kill the cleric.”

  “Absolutely. I want to talk to you and your editor now.”

  He and Greg were taken into Fred’s office where the conversation took place.

  “My officer Greg Halpin tells me you have proof of a conspiracy about the murder of the Muslim cleric.”

  “We have,” said Fred. “Show him the files, Pipa.”

  She handed them over, and he sat and read them through.

  “I have to say, sir, that Detective Halpin saved our lives when he found out about the plot. If it wasn’t for him, I would be dead,” Pipa said.

  The commissioner almost ignored her comment. “It says five million dollars were sent to bogus companies headed by Roger Pallister.”

  “Yes, it seems Ohma Abas wanted this cleric dead, but it would damage him if he actually killed the man,” Fred said. “He wanted the Americans to be blamed. Even though he was killed in Australia. He would claim that Australia was in a conspiracy with the US.”

  The commissioner turned to Fred. “I want to make a phone call, and you can both listen in.” He dialled, pressed the speaker, and waited. “This is Commissioner Harris. I want Assistant Director Roger Pallister arrested and taken into custody. I mean now.”

  Pipa told him how Scott was framed by Creswick, along with the fingerprints. How he was expected to be killed, and the whole mess would be blamed on him. How Scott came to her and told her his version of the killing. How she believed him, and together they went to Afghanistan to get the proof.

  “And you met this El-Hasham. He just handed over the files?”

  “No, Scott told him that Creswick thought he was being cheated, and he wanted proof that the right amount of money had been passed over. The money man was only too happy to verify the transaction had taken place. Then we had a harrowing time escaping the Taliban after Creswick called them in.”

  “And this was when Greg saved you?” the commissioner asked.

  “Yes, Creswick took the files and was about to kill both me and Scott. Greg stopped him, and he tried to kill Greg to hide the evidence. I think he was going to blame Greg for our deaths. Greg returned fire and fortunately hit Creswick.”

  “I gather you see this as a scoop to be put out to the public,” the commissioner said.

  “That’s what newspapers do,” said Fred sternly.

  “I want to ask you to hold off until we investigate this thoroughly. It could damage the authority of the Federal Police and the whole justice system of Australia.”

  “And then we can print it?”

  “Yes, you have my word.”

  Fred looked at Pipa, who nodded. “Okay. How long will this take?”

  “I don’t know, but we will be thorough.”

  “Just one thing,” said Pipa. “I don’t want to see Greg made into a scapegoat for being with Creswick. One patsy is more than enough.”

  “I can assure you he will be taken good care of. Maybe a promotion is in store.”

  Greg held in a smirk and looked at Pipa.

  “Okay, we have a deal,” said Fred, smiling. “We get the scoop first.”

  “Agreed. Where do we find Scott Peters?”

  “He went home to Mansfield in Victoria but will soon be back here in Canberra,” Pipa said.

  “Then tell him I wish to speak with him as soon as he arrives back.”

  “Just another thing. He will still be accused of being a cold-blooded killer. I would like the TV to say he has been proved one hundred percent innocent.”

  “Fine, as long as you don’t give any details of the case. Just say the police are happy he is innocent and are investigating further.”

  * * * *

  Scott returned home but kept out of sight of the locals. He turned on the TV and sat back, satisfied with what he heard.

  The announcer said, “Hot News. The man thought to be the killer of the Muslim cleric has been proved entirely innocent. Police are investigating the case but are satisfied he had nothing to do with the killing.”

  He smiled and knew he could now walk down the street without being harassed as a cold-blooded killer. Now he had to make plans to move to Canberra and find somewhere to live.

  He went shopping and was greeted by a few of the people he knew.

  “Scott, great news, buddy. We knew you were innocent.”

  Similar greetings were given, and he felt relaxed. Next step was to put up his garage for sale and pack. He kept in touch with Pipa and was surprised that no big story had hit the headlines. She told him the deal with the commissioner to hold off until the investigation was complete.

  “When are you coming here?” she asked carefully.

  “As soon as I can unload the garage. I already have a few interested, so it could be soon. There could be a ninety-day wait for the sale to be finalised.”

  There was a pause. “And where will you live?”

  “That could be a problem. Rental is hard to find in Canberra.”

  “I know. I have plenty of room at my place until you get settled.”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  “There is a problem,” Pipa said. “I only have one bed.”

  “Is it a queen size?”

  “No, it’s a king size.”

  “I like to sleep on the right-hand side as I’m left-handed.”

  “What’s that got to do with it?” Pipa asked.

  He laughed. “Think about it.”

  Pipa chuckled. “I can live with that.”

  “Great. See you soon.”

 
; “Scott, I meant what I said when Greg asked me to move back with him.”

  “I did, too. I love you.”

  “Then get your ass here as soon as you can.”

  Chapter 19

  Pallister left the office and went straight to his bank. He always planned ahead in case things went wrong. He transferred the money to an account in the Caymans, then went to a place he knew no one would know about. It was in Dalmeny, a small town outside Narooma on the coast. A quiet little hamlet where numerous holiday homes had been built. Some were expensive-looking places, and others more humble homes. His overlooked the ocean and was an ideal hideaway. Because he was seldom there, the locals didn’t know who he was. That suited him perfectly. He knew the police would be looking for him, so he produced some fake number plates and fitted them to his car. His fury held no bounds.

  This Peters and Barret would pay dearly for what they did. He watched the TV all day, noting the progress of the police. After a few days, other news took over, so he felt a little relaxed. He did know a few unsavoury characters and planned to bring them into his plans. Four million dollars, it would have been better if Halpin and Creswick hadn’t been paid, but he could see himself slipping away to another country with an alias. He regretted bringing that Greg Halpin into the scheme. He did need someone who would wash the whole thing over, and Creswick thought he would be ideal seeing he was always broke. It seemed he was too honest to do as asked. The money he paid would have helped his cause, but he had to be satisfied in the four million he still had. Best to sit low for another week or so and then take care of Peters and Barret.

  * * * *

  Pipa was a little frustrated Pallister had not yet been found. She was itching to get the story on the front page but had to wait as asked. She was about to prepare her evening meal when the doorbell rang. She frowned and opened the door to see Scott standing there. Alongside him was a suitcase.

  “Good evening, lady. I’m looking for some accommodation, and I heard you had a room to rent.”