The Innimincka Affair

by Robert Chalmers

  "Well, it looks like you may have things under control Cooper. Messy, but under control. I have to hand it to you." He turned aside and spoke to the team commander.

  "Can you get a couple of ambulances here asap?" He looked at the man in the car. "Get your medic to attend to that one in the car now please. We don't want to lose him. There will be enough paperwork as it is.” He looked without compassion at the person in the back of the car. The man’s face was as white as a sheet, and he wasn’t looking good at all.

  Charles looked at Cooper and Rebecca, Kali peeping out from behind them both. He was scratching his chin, obviously trying to piece the situation together.

  “I’m not too sure I should start asking questions at this stage.” He said aloud. “However… firstly. Whose gun is that?” He pointed at the silver Colt in Coopers left hand. Cooper lifted his chin toward the man in the back seat of the car, now being attended to by the medics. They had cut off his trouser leg, exposing the mess that had been his knee. He wouldn’t walk properly on that leg again, if indeed he didn’t lose it below the knee. Cooper looked at him without a flicker of sympathy, while the mans eyes burned into Cooper like a demon. ‘Tough.’ Thought Cooper, ‘but he had it coming.’

  Rebecca had surfaced again, and was struggling to regain her composure. She had been very badly frightened by the experience, and had been sure that her life had been hanging in the balance until the opportunity had presented itself to grab the gun.

  “Charles,” she said. “I’m sorry, but when I grabbed the gun in his hand, it was momentarily pointing away from me, and it… just went off. The bullet smashed into his leg and must have bounced off something and flew upwards smashing the door glass. He dropped the gun then and I grabbed it up and pulled the hammer back just like they do in the movies.” She looked at her hands, one hand looking very red and with scorch marks near the thumb joint. “My hand is burnt!” She said in surprise. “And… my ears hurt. I am having trouble hearing anything.” Cooper smiled and held her close again. She might be tough in the courtroom, but was obviously not used to dealing at the sharp end of rough crimes. A medic came over and took a look at her hands. He put some antiseptic on the scorch marks but otherwise she seemed ok. “You will be ok in a while Miss. It’s just scorch marks from the gun going off while you had your hand wrapped around it. Your hearing will return fine in an hour or so.” The medic looked at Charles.

  “Boss, do I write this up?” He said, with a non-committal expression on his face.

  “Don’t worry about the paperwork until we debrief back at the office.” Was Charles’ reply. He looked again at Cooper and the two women.

  “Cooper and Kali, I’d really appreciate it if you both escorted Rebecca home. To her home - not the office. I will meet you there later.” He signalled his driver, who had arrived in the office limo along with the ambulance. “William, take these people to Rebecca’s address please, then return to the office. We should be finished here by the time you get there.”

  Rebecca, Cooper and Kali climbed into the limo, and the driver whisked them up the ramp and out into the traffic. Rebecca was laying back in the seat, her head against the soft leather headrest. Kali sat in the little single seat just in front of her, with Cooper next to Rebecca, holding her hand. The car wound its way through the traffic, William the driver was very experienced with city traffic. He knew where Rebecca lived, her apartment was not far from Hyde Park and he knew the area well. Kali turned around in her little seat, it was one of those little fold down things that were attached to the side panels especially for secretaries and others who needed to be in the vehicle with who ever was in the rear seat. She tapped on the dividing glass, and William slid the panel back.

  “Yes Miss Kali?” He asked.

  “Please pull over and drop me off here William. I would prefer to find my own way from here.” Kali was feeling like an intruder, and although she was worried about her friend she also knew Rebecca well, and knew she was strong enough to get over any shock from the recent events. Rebecca needed to be left alone with Cooper. The car cruised to a halt outside of a well known coffee house. “How is this Kali?” Asked William.

  “Fine thanks William. If Charles wants me, he knows how to contact me.” She replied. With little more than a flicker of her fingers she left the car and went directly into the coffee lounge. She realised she badly needed a coffee, and something to eat. She had not had anything to eat all day and was starving. The limo eased back out into the traffic, which easily gave way to it. The flag staff on the front, with a small pennant fluttering from it told everyone else on the road that this was an official vehicle, and people knew to give way to it. Cooper noticed, and thought aloud to himself. “Courteous lot these British.” Rebecca just smiled. She was rallying quickly, but was enjoying the attentions of Cooper here by her side, and thought that there was no reason why she shouldn’t continue to do so for as long as possible. She gave a small sigh. ‘If only things could be this way forever.’ She thought.

  Chapter 16

  Here she was back home in London, and with her big strong Australian by her side, and she was the one discharging huge pistols at strangers. She giggled at the incongruity of it all. She put her hand to her mouth, surprised at the giggle, and she could see the look on Coopers face. He too was surprised. Concern and surprise chasing each other across his open, handsome face. She reached up and stroked his jaw. His stubbly whiskers felt like sandpaper, but nicer. Shaving in the shower was tricky. Cooper cupped her hand in his, holding it to his cheek.

  “Are you all right Rebecca?” He asked with worry in his voice. “I hope that the shock won’t affect you badly in any way.” He looked down at her abdomen then back into her eyes. She saw the look and blushed slightly. ‘So he is worried’ she thought.

  “I’ll be fine Cooper. I recognise the shock for what it is, but other than that I’m unharmed. Thanks.” She kept her hand in his though, and closed her eyes. The peace of the quiet air conditioning sounds almost lulled her to sleep. All too soon the car arrived at the kerbside of her apartment tower. William looked around at the passing pedestrians, just as a precaution. He didn't really expect anyone would be on watch. The person who had snatched Rebecca in the hotel had seemed to be acting on his own, although undoubtedly had something to do with New World. He stepped from the car and held the door open for Rebecca and Cooper to alight. Cooper helped Rebecca out, keeping his hand on her upper arm to support her. She was still as pale as a ghost, and his concern was obvious. William waited until they were inside the building, and the huge glass doors had closed behind them before departing.

  Rebecca was in a quandary. On the one hand she thought that she really didn't want Cooper in her life. She was sure he had turned up out of some idea of duty to her and the unborn child. Yet here he was, still helping her and showing all the signs of a real father to be, concerned for his woman and child. By the same token, she didn't want to feel obliged to marry Cooper just because they had conceived a child together. Her thoughts whirled around in her mind. That she loved him was in no doubt, but could she take the time out to have a child and marry, with a husband and family that would surely intrude dramatically on her current life style? What would he do in this huge bustling city. He would be like a fish out of water here in London. There was no doubt that he could find suitable work, but would that keep a man happy who was used to being in the wide open spaces doing just as he pleased. No nine to five man this one. Rebecca looked up at Cooper as the lift doors opened, and smiled. He was very special and she knew it. She would be crazy to let him go. Even crazier if she actually forced him away. She made up her mind on the spot. Time was of the essence, and as she didn't think Cooper was going anywhere anyway, regardless of what she wanted, she was happy that the decision was made. She really started to relax. The lift doors opened and she fumbled in her grip for her keys. Cooper hung back a little, uncertain as to whether he should come in with her. Her apartment door was right in front of them.
>
  "Umm, Rebecca, do you want me to come in with you? Perhaps you need to get some rest rather than talk. I've no doubt Charles will be in touch soon enough to sort it all out." He leaned in and opened the door for her and stepped back to allow her access. The colour was back in her face he noticed, but she still had a far away look in her eyes, and seemed to be only half hearing what he was saying.

  "Rebecca, I think I will sit with you a while. You don't look at all ready to be on your own. Come." He entered the apartment, holding her gently by the hand to lead her in. She was looking at him intently, and it was he thought, a little unsettling. She hadn't said a word so far. Cooper looked about him, the apartment was beautiful. Spacious, and bright, the weak afternoon sun streaming in through the wide windows. It would be dark soon he thought. There was a long settee in a well type area by the windows, and he guided Rebecca to it and sat her down. He piled cushions up near her so she could relax back on them if she wished, and lifted a coffee table into place by the settee within easy reach of her. She was following his actions with her eyes, but still seemed content to remain silent. 'Well that's ok.' He thought. 'Hell of a thing having a Colt 45 go off in your hand.' He smiled at Rebecca and went to find the kitchen and the coffee. It didn't take long, and soon he had a couple of steaming cups on the low table, with some sugar cubes and milk in a small jug that he had found in the 'fridge.

  "Rebecca, you don't have to talk at the moment, I understand you probably won't be feeling like it after recent events. However, before I leave - before you tell me to leave - I must tell you that I will leave very reluctantly. I will not go easily, nor quietly. This child is our child. Not just yours. I don't just have a duty to help raise it, I have a right. I have a right to love it's mother... I want to give the child everything, but the best thing I can give it is to love its mother. You Rebecca. I love you with all my heart." Cooper was kneeling on the floor by Rebecca's side, her hands in his by now as he looked intently at her. Suddenly he drew a breath. She was crying. Tears streaming down her face.

  "Oh my God!" He exclaimed. "What have I done. Rebecca, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. I should have waited; you are in no state to be listening to me running on."

  Rebecca put her arms around Coopers neck and drew him to her.

  "No Cooper my dearest. I could listen to you all day. I'm crying for happiness. I've just realised as we came home here how much I really do love you. I'm happy for you to have any part you like in the raising of our child."

  Cooper rested on his knees. He was a little stunned. He hadn't expected Rebecca to come right out with such a statement. Perhaps she was affected by events more than either of them thought. "Rebecca, hush my dear. I'll call a doctor for you. I think you may still be suffering from shock." He got to his feet and picked up the phone, suddenly realising that he had no idea how to get hold of a doctor. This was a disaster. How did he expect to help raise a child when he couldn't even call a doctor?

  "Rebecca, I'm sorry again... do you have a number for a doctor.?" Before he could answer, the phone in his hand rang and he automatically answered it.

  "Charles here. Is that Cooper. Good. I'm on my way over. Be there in five minutes. Don't leave the apartment."

  "Charles," Cooper interrupted. "Send or bring a doctor with you please. I'd like Rebecca checked over properly." Charles rang off and Cooper went back to kneel again by Rebecca. He searched her face for signs of trouble, but she seemed fine now. The tears had stopped, which was a good sign he thought.

  "Charles will be here shortly, and bringing a doctor to give you the once over." Cooper didn't know whether to smile or frown. Rebecca said,

  "It's ok. I'm ok. Really, I'm ok now. I don't need the doctor. Really."

  Cooper shook his head.

  "It's too late anyway now. Charles will have one on the way. I wonder what Charles wants anyway?"

  Rebecca struggled to sit up straight again.

  "Well. I did shoot a man in the leg. I don't know how I'm going to talk my way out of that one. Self defence I suppose." She shook her head and frowned in thought. Things just kept happening. Getting in the way between her and Cooper. She really needed to sit quietly with him and talk about what they were going to do. He obviously loved her, but how did he see his future role with her? Rebecca couldn't even guess. Was he seeing himself as the visiting father? The live in father? Well, that would mean marriage, and he hadn't even mentioned that option out loud. Did he want to get married? Did she want to get married? Truly. She loved him - she knew that, but did it necessarily mean marriage. That was a lifetime commitment. What of her career, and his for that matter?

  Cooper stood up and went to the wide windows overlooking the London skyline, thinking to himself as he watched the slowly changing light as the day moved on. He trusted his love for her, and her desire to know all of him. He knew that if he did nothing he was risking what they had each day he kept the secrets of his life inside. He knew that facing her he was facing himself, so he had to accept what he was and where he had come from, and what he was to become if he was to ever be fully accepted by her. It was a pity that Charles was going to be here so soon. That was to be expected though he thought, given the circumstances. There were questions to be answered and as Rebecca was a lawyer, no one would know it better than her. So much turned on his decision he almost couldn't face it, but he knew he had to. He had to be strong, and firm. Rebecca and the child needed him. Would need him. He didn't believe for one second in the seemingly new ideas that a woman could maintain a vibrant career and bring up a child on her own at the same time. She would need help, and a shoulder to lean on. The door chimes sounded just as Cooper was turning back to Rebecca, his mouth opening to say something. Rebecca was watching him in expectation, he could see it plainly in her face. With a hiss of frustration, he redirected himself to the door, spreading his hands in a 'what can we do' gesture that brought a fleeting smile to her face. Cooper swung the door open to see Charles standing there waiting to be welcomed in. A person Cooper took to be the doctor beside him.

  "Come in Charles, come in. What's the bad news then?" He shook hand quickly as the doctor was introduced.

  Charles came over to the lounge where Rebecca was sitting. He was smiling broadly.

  "Rebecca my friend, how are you feeling? I do hope you are well." He looked at Cooper.

  "Rebecca, I could use a Scotch; what about you Cooper?" He looked back at a surprised Rebecca.

  "Yes, I know it's a tad early, but you do keep the finest blends I know, especially the one produced by our Canadian friends. Single malts get far too much press, and I can tell you your Canadian Club is perfect for a congratulatory toast in the late afternoon." Much against Coopers ideas of what was needed, Rebecca got up and soon had some glasses, ice and a decanter of Canadian Club whisky on the coffee table in front of them.

  Charles held up his glass, the ice cubes tinkling together.

  "Did I say toast? I did didn't I. I believe there will be a wedding soon?" His eyebrows raised to emphasise the question in his voice. He held his glass toward Rebecca who responded with hers, the soft clink soon joined by Coopers. While Charles and Cooper took appreciative sips of theirs, Rebecca sniffed appreciatively at hers and then just held the glass in her lap. Charles looked at her silently, then at Cooper.

  "Ahhh, I am right after all." He looked at Rebecca. "Truly. Congratulations." He smiled at Rebecca. "So I guess you will be taking some time off soon?" He added.

  Rebecca placed her untouched drink on the table in front of her.

  "Soon enough for that." She said with a smile, and a glance at Cooper.

  Charles jumped to his feet and gulped his drink down. "Nice whiskey that!" He said, turning for the door.

  "Oh, by the way, the reason I came by." He said. Rebecca went white and caught up Coopers strong hand in hers.

  "There will be no... repercussions - from the little fracas recently. You weren't even there. Of course Cooper is living there at the hotel, but he neither heard
nor saw a thing. Isn't that right Cooper?" Charles turned at the door, his eyebrow raised as he looked pointedly at Cooper.

  "Well, must go, we have some people to escort to the Russian embassy so their medical staff can take care of their own nationals. It seems one of them injured himself messing around with a gun. Nasty things. Guns that is." He sailed through the door smiling. A 'Ciao' floating back to them as the door closed.

  Rebecca looked at Cooper, now sitting beside her on the lounge. He was shaking his head and smiling. He looked again at Rebecca and rose to his feet.

  "I'll just wait here until the doctor has checked you over." Within minutes the doctor was on his way down to re-join Charles.

  "Rebecca," he said. "I should go back to my hotel and clean up a little. You will be ok here now; it seems that Charles has taken care of everything - although you did a pretty good job yourself. If it's ok I'd like to come back later this evening, we could maybe have a meal somewhere nice, and talk a little. What do you think?" Cooper was looking hopefully at Rebecca, his face open and happy. He had come to a decision and it was shining in his eyes.

  Rebecca handed him her set of door keys. She had been clutching them in her hand all this time.

  "Of course Cooper, I would like that. When ever you are ready, just come back and let yourself in. I need to freshen up, and rest a little as well." She lay her head back and closed her eyes for a moment. Moments later - it seemed like only moments, she slowly opened her eyes to a darkened room, only the faint light of the city glow penetrating the gloom. It took a moment before she realised she was in her own bed, the covers pulled up to her chin. The night stand clock glowed eight pm. She sat up, trying to clear the fog from her brain. She had no memory of coming to bed, no memory of undressing. The last thing she had done was ask Cooper to come back for dinner. Which must mean soon! She needed a shower. That would clear her mind, and bring her tired body back to life. She swung her legs off the bed and stood up, heading for the shower, only then realising that apart from her knickers she was naked. She blushed faintly at the thought of Cooper carefully undressing her and tucking her into her bed.