Fatal Mistake

by Karen M. Davis

  ‘Oh Rex . . .’ Lexie touched his knee in a comforting fashion.

  ‘It was sad to watch Clive’s old house go up in smoke like that, but . . .’ Rex shrugged his large shoulders. ‘I think he would be okay with the sacrifice under the circumstances.’

  Lexie nodded. ‘I’m sure he would.’

  ‘I took off before the fire brigade arrived; drove Croft’s X-Trail all the way back to Sydney – sticking to the speed limit and hoping like hell I didn’t get pulled over. No licence, no ID, not my car.’ He smirked. ‘That could have been hard to explain.’

  ‘Where is the car now?’

  ‘At the bottom of the Cooks River. I’m driving Kate’s old bomb of a Laser.’

  ‘You planned all this out, didn’t you? You faked your own death.’

  Rex finished his scotch, feeling any residual tension melt away like smoke. It was over. Sitting here with Lexie, he felt safe, relieved and hopeful.

  ‘Somewhat. I had options: plans A, B, and C. A was to do everything by the book. As it turned out, I used C. Croft said it was only a matter of time before another bikie came looking for me. When Max doesn’t show up, his mates may suspect foul play. But what are they going to do, call the police? And they can’t seek vengeance on a dead man. Or someone who no longer exists. I figured if I was going to survive, Rex Donaldson had to die.’

  ‘Wow. You have been through so much and through no fault of your own. They wanted me.’ She shook her head slowly. ‘You are amazing, brilliant – and brave as hell. I’m sorry you got dragged into my nightmare.’

  ‘Don’t even go there, Lexie,’ Rex said. ‘You are as much to blame as I am; which is not at all. Max Croft and Amitt Vincent are vile criminals. None of this is our fault.’

  Lexie agreed, yet Rex sensed she wore a burden of misplaced culpability that only time would ease.

  He was about to change the subject when Lexie asked, ‘Does your family know you’re okay?’

  Rex nodded. ‘They do. You are the only other person who knows I’m alive.’

  ‘You know I will never say a word.’ Lexie looked thoughtful for a moment. ‘Are you going to tell Ron Barrington? He was distraught when we heard you were dead. You’re great friends – you can trust him, can’t you?’

  Rex ran his large hand over his bald head. ‘What I’ve done is not exactly legal, Lexie. I came to you because I trust you, and I wanted to make sure you were safe and warn you someone else was out there looking for you. But we don’t have to worry about that now. Besides, I had nowhere else to go.’ He laughed. ‘Ron is a friend, but he is also a high-ranking cop. It would put him in a very compromising position. So no, he doesn’t need to know.’

  Lexie nodded. She understood. ‘What are you going to do, where are you going to go?’

  ‘Kate will get the insurance money from the Ferndale property and whatever payout the cops provide. Plus we have my superannuation. We’ll be able to live quite well, even though it wasn’t the way I’d thought my life would pan out. I’m going to disappear, take time to smell the roses . . .’

  ‘Rex, you’ve lost your job, your identity, and your way of life.’ Lexie’s bruised expression almost broke him.

  He masked his sadness for Lexie’s sake and forced a cheerful tone. ‘I will miss being a cop, but I’ve had enough excitement to last me ten lifetimes. I’m over dealing with low-life scumbags. I’m ready for a new beginning, a new chapter.’ If he said that enough, he might eventually convince himself. ‘I’m alive, so I really can’t complain.’ Raising his eyebrows, Rex gave her a wink. ‘It’s certainly better than the alternative.’

  Reaching for the bottle of scotch on the table between them, he poured a splash into Lexie’s glass and much more into his own. Raising it, he proposed a toast. ‘Here’s to a long, healthy and extremely boring life.’

  Laughing, Lexie chinked her glass against his. ‘Cheers to that.’ She took a small sip and again pulled a sour face. ‘There is no chance I will ever get addicted to this stuff. It tastes like metho.’

  ‘And you know how methylated spirits taste?’

  Lexie gave him a contemptuous glare.

  ‘Can I ask a favour?’ Rex asked, putting on a serious voice.

  Lexie’s head snapped up once again, concerned. ‘Of course, anything.’

  ‘Can I hide out in your spare room for a day or two? A dead man really shouldn’t be seen walking the streets.’

  EPILOGUE

  It was the perfect spring evening for a wedding. Lyn and Jack Taylor’s garden looked magical, like something out of a fairytale. Paper lanterns decorated the trees surrounding the white marquee, which took centre stage on the lawn. Inside, fairy lights twinkled like stars. Chairs sheathed in white cloth and tied with silver ribbons sat around tables cloaked in sheer lace, and set with the finest silver cutlery. Candles flickered between red rose centrepieces and the delicious aroma of gourmet cooking drifted on a gentle breeze. Outside, a bright moon watched over the Tasman Sea, a short distance away.

  Lexie finally felt she could relax. She let out a long breath, reminding herself to sit back and enjoy the celebrations. There was no longer a dark shadow looming overhead, no evil entity biting at her heels. She was free. Picking up the champagne glass, she took a dainty sip, careful not to drink too much. She wanted a clear memory of this special day. The chatter, laughter and music faded to the kind of comforting white noise that could lull a baby to sleep. Surrounded by friends, family, and so much love, Lexie became reflective.

  It was eight months since the undercover job on Club Hellfire. The raid on Amitt Vincent’s home at Vaucluse resulted in the seizure of cocaine, ecstasy tablets and Ice. Numerous guests were charged with drug offences – including two well-known Eastern Suburbs identities. The brief of evidence was still being prepared for trial. It was a complex task, but their investigation was proficient and professional. The few that were left of the crime syndicate were, without a doubt, going away for a very long time.

  The search warrant on Club Hellfire exposed the operation of the brothel upstairs. One of the working girls – Krystal – revealed where Rocco’s collection of sex DVDs were kept, not only for his own enjoyment, but also as blackmail to discourage girls leaving his employ. Most had modelling or promotion-work day jobs and knew those DVDs could ruin their careers. Blackmail and operating an unlicensed brothel would have been added to Rocco’s list of charges if he’d lived.

  As suspected, Amitt Vincent was the owner of Club Hellfire. His criminal record rendered him unfit to hold a liquor licence, or to be involved in licensed premises at all, so he’d assembled front men like Rocco and Lucky to run the place and do his dirty work for him. Shelf companies and fake names ensured no paper trail would trace back to Vincent. When he went to gaol, he retained Teddy to oversee the running of the club on his behalf. Vincent held his son in contempt, but he also knew Teddy was terrified of him. Therefore, he could be trusted because he would not dare to do the wrong thing by his father.

  Vincent’s possessions had been acquired from the proceeds of crime and the Assets Confiscation Unit had frozen his assets pending the outcome of confiscation proceedings at court. He would most likely lose everything.

  Brad insisted on delivering the news of Teddy’s demise to Amitt Vincent in gaol. He’d had no idea his effeminate son was living life as a woman and his reaction on receiving the news was probably to be expected, but still hard to fathom. ‘He’s better off dead, then,’ Vincent said. However, he was genuinely upset for Rocco and his family. Some people had strange priorities.

  Lucky’s wife, Erika, squealed like a pig when interviewed by police. She exposed anyone and everyone in her efforts to exonerate herself. She denied knowledge of any drug dealing or prostitution. However, Erika proclaimed that Tiffany – in one of their recent heated arguments – admitted she had relocated Kelsey Leech’s body to a park near Club Hellfire so she had one up on Rocco, who had found the girl overdosed in one of the rooms upstairs. Tiffany blamed Lucky f
or purposely overdosing Leech so she could not expose their affair. But Lucky’s DNA was not found on Kelsey Leech’s body. Whereas Tiffany’s DNA was, confirming Erika’s claim.

  When questioned, and shown the DVD, Lucky denied knowledge of anything to do with Kelsey Leech’s death or the existence of the recording. He was furious about the breach of his privacy and asked to keep the disc. His request was denied. Whether Rocco had acquired the recording accidentally, or for specific unscrupulous reasons, would forever remain a mystery.

  Shadow was charged with the possession of the drugs found in the boot of his getaway car. He was pleading not guilty and refusing to be interviewed. However, phone records indicated contact with a known overseas drug supplier. The Federal Police were now investigating.

  Lucky and Johnny, the only two of the Sydney-based syndicate left, wore the charges of drug possession, cultivation, distribution and offences relating to running an illegal brothel. Both were refused bail and remanded to the same prison complex to await trial. Within days of their incarceration, Johnny apparently flew into a fit of rage over Lucky’s refusal to share their parents’ inheritance with him and his sister. In return, Lucky accused Johnny of having an affair with his wife and Johnny spitefully admitted to the betrayal. A punch-up ensued and prison guards were forced to intervene. Lucky didn’t really care about his wife, but the betrayal burned.

  Guards found Johnny hanging in his cell the next day. No one saw anything. It was ruled a suicide, but Lexie had her doubts. Lucky was one mean bastard.

  Erika came out of everything unscathed. She was living happily off Lucky’s money, and waited a whole two months after Johnny’s death before moving her new lover into the marital home she had shared with Lucky.

  Bernadette Kirk was charged with drug possession, consorting with criminals and stealing the portable police radio. She might receive a light sentence since this was her first offence, but it was hard to say. Her punishment would depend on the discretion of the magistrate. She’d been fired from the police force and rumour was Daddy had paid for a round-the-world holiday for Berni and TJ, in the hope travelling might make her grow up a bit. Nothing like being rewarded for bad behaviour.

  The overdose at Club on Elm in Byron Bay was deemed just that. The club was closed down. No doubt another would open in its place but at least they had done what they could for now. You could only fight one battle at a time.

  Amitt Vincent’s trial was over. Lexie had survived the ordeal much better than she’d anticipated. Josh and her parents supported her though it, accompanying her to court each day that she was required to give evidence. Lyn Taylor had surprised her. She only broke down once, when Lexie had been forced to relive the terrors of the night the bikie had cut her throat and she’d had to discharge her weapon to protect her life. If looks could actually kill a person, Vincent would have dropped dead in the dock. Lexie smiled at the thought. When the guilty verdict was read out on all charges – murder, attempted murder and conspiracy to murder a police officer – Lexie didn’t think she had ever seen her mother happier.

  No one other than Rex and herself would ever know what happened to the other hitman that Amitt Vincent had sent to kill them. Max Croft had simply disappeared off the face of the earth. And Lexie was not surprised that the charred body found inside the burnt farmhouse to this day remained unidentified.

  The drug trials and inquest into Tiffany’s and Rocco’s deaths would come next. Lexie wasn’t worried about that. It was just procedure.

  Lexie was back at Bondi Junction Detectives’ office and was once again partnered with Brad. Having seen a psychologist, he was a new and improved version of his old self. He’d lost weight and given up the smokes, and it seemed he’d harnessed his demons by early intervention of his PTSD symptoms. Lexie knew how hard it was to admit you needed help for such issues and was incredibly proud of him.

  Brad cleared his voice and tapped on the microphone. ‘Can I have everyone’s attention, please.’ Standing at the end of the wedding table, he looked very distinguished in his tuxedo. He almost looked like a proud father as his gaze travelled over the bridal party, his eyes settling finally on the bride and groom.

  Guests who were mingling returned to their seats and slowly the chatter faded to silence.

  ‘For those of you here who don’t know me, my name is Brad Sommers and I am your master of ceremonies this evening. I have had the privilege of working with both of these very fine people here before us . . .’

  While Brad said lovely things, Lexie glanced at Lyn and Jack Taylor, sitting at a front table with her Aunt Carol and other close friends. Her father looked the picture of health and her mother was stunning in an elegant blue and white dress. Sitting between them, Jayden looked incredibly cute in his tiny suit and tie – like a little Lincoln. It seemed her mother had accepted Jayden talking to ‘his daddy’, and had come to welcome the little messages her son sent through her grandson. Believing Lincoln was around, although unseen, had made a huge difference to Lyn’s life. She was calmer and happier than Lexie had seen her for a very long time. Today, Lexie could feel her brother everywhere. She noticed Jayden glancing her way. They exchanged smiles.

  ‘These two are made for each other,’ Brad was saying. ‘Please charge your glasses and be upstanding.’

  There was the sound of clothes rustling as everyone stood as instructed. All eyes were on the wedding table, the only ones who remained seated.

  Brad held his glass in the air, and the guests followed suit. ‘To the bride and groom: Dani and her Batman, Sean.’

  ‘To Dani and Sean,’ the guests chorused.

  They looked radiant, Lexie thought. Batman was so handsome, and Dani was striking in her slim-fitting wedding gown, which offset her smooth olive skin. Her dark hair was piled on top of her head with soft curls cascading down, framing her lovely face.

  Dani was like a second daughter to Lyn and Jack Taylor. She had been in their lives for ten years now and Lexie’s mother had insisted upon hosting Dani and Batman’s wedding in their back yard. Dani had been thrilled but reluctant, at first worried about the imposition. However, no one had a chance of changing Lyn’s mind when she decided on something.

  When her friends announced they were getting married so suddenly, Lexie had worried they were rushing in too soon. However, after Batman’s brush with death, they had explained they did not want to wait another day to be together. Lexie could honestly say she couldn’t be happier for them. Batman and Lexie had agreed to leave the past exactly there. Dani didn’t need to know her new husband had once been infatuated with her best friend. That wouldn’t go down well. Besides, everyone had to keep some secrets to themselves.

  Lexie sensed Josh watching her. As matron of honour, she was seated next to the bride, with Lurch, the best man, on the other side of Batman, while Josh was seated at a table with some of the crew from their office.

  Their gazes met and locked. Electricity jumped across the space between them. Josh was gorgeous; Lexie thought this almost every time she looked at him. With his dark hair cut short, his piercing green eyes and that smile, those dimples coming out in full force, she would never get tired of looking at him. And underneath that impressive suit was a body like a wild and beautiful country she wanted to explore forever. They had learnt and grown from their time apart and Lexie felt the connection between them had never been stronger. She was happier than she could ever remember.

  Josh winked at her, the way her brother once had: as though they had a secret. Which they did. Though now was not the time to share. Today was about Dani and Batman.

  Dani nudged Lexie’s arm. ‘You and Josh will be next, I’m hoping. I want our kids to grow up together.’

  Lexie laughed, not sure what to say to that.

  Josh got up and approached her. Lexie watched his progress as he zig-zagged around tables, unable to drag her eyes away from him. She felt a hand on her shoulder, knew instinctively no one was behind her and felt a deep contentment seep into he
r heart.

  Standing in front of the wedding table, Josh leant over to kiss her. He smelt divine. His lips were soft and tasted sweet, of champagne.

  ‘Are you enjoying the celebrations?’ he asked.

  ‘My mother has outdone herself with the organisation of this wedding,’ Lexie said. ‘She is an excellent wedding planner, don’t you think?’

  Josh raised his eyebrows. ‘Planning on getting married, are you?’

  Lexie shrugged. ‘Eventually, when I find the right guy.’

  Josh laughed and rubbed a hand across his forehead, feigning relief.

  Then Brad was back on the microphone announcing the bridal dance was about to commence and asking everyone to take their seats.

  ‘Save a dance for me,’ Josh whispered, then added in a much louder voice, ‘I think Brad Sommers likes the sound of his own voice just a little too much.’

  ‘I heard that, Harrison,’ Brad grunted.

  The music started. Batman and Dani took to the wooden platform that was the makeshift dance floor, and began to sway to Whitney Houston’s ‘I Will Always Love You’. Lexie felt herself being swept away by the moment. The universe finally had it right. All was well in her world. Life was good.

  No, better than that – it was exactly as it should be.

  • • •

  On the western coast of Australia, the man who had once been Rex Donaldson sat on the near-deserted beach of pale white sand and watched his one-year-old daughter, Sophie, squeal with delight as foam-capped waves lapped at her chubby little legs.

  Kate was waitressing not far away at one of the cafés along the promenade. She loved her new job and he was happy to have his wife work, enabling him to spend his days caring for Sophie, something he had sadly missed with Sandy, his first daughter. Although now, living in the same suburb, they were making up for lost time as they got to see each other, and his grandson, all the time. It was great to have his family around.