by Ian W Taylor
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
MONDAY AFTERNOON - DALY WATERS
Jake entered his cabin, limping slightly after a walk around the town. He was looking forward to seeing Bill who was due to return that evening after his visit to Jabiru for Barry’s funeral. He showered and dressed and sat outside his cabin till he saw Bill’s truck pull up outside his office. He wandered over as Bill climbed out of the truck and wrapped his arm around his shoulder as they went into the office. Jake could see Bill was drained from the events over the last few days. Bill pulled out two beers from the fridge, tossed one to Jake and they sat outside watching the orange sun go down. Bill took a long pull from the can and started talking about the funeral and the many visitors Elsie had calling on her to pay their respects. Lizzie had stayed behind in Jabiru to help Elsie clean up Barry’s affairs.
Bill had talked to Sergeant Barker at the Jabiru Police Station and to date the NT Police had found no clue as to the identity of the driver of the hit-run vehicle that had killed Barry Buckstone. The good news was that the NT Police had found Blakey in Alice Springs and he was being interrogated.
Jake told Bill about what he had found out about the information contained in the memory stick he had found under Barry’s house. Bill listened attentively.
“Jake, everyone in Jabiru is upset over Barry’s death. The town is at flashpoint. Unless Barry’s killer is found soon there is going to be another riot. If we can find out who is behind this we just might be able to prevent some more bloodshed.”
“Yeah, I understand. But I don’t think we have enough information to convince the police yet.”
“I know some of the local police are corrupt so it would be risky to go to them.”
“I could talk to the AFP Commissioner when I go to Canberra tomorrow. I’m sure he’ll be receptive,” suggested Jake.
Bill nodded his head in agreement and stood up. “Let’s go and get something to eat Jake. I’m tired and need an early night.”
Jake followed Bill to the pub and they found a table. Shoni appeared from the kitchen wearing an apron, gave them one of her bright smiles and came over to kiss them both. After a brief chat, she continued clearing tables. Bill and Jake bought some beers and lined up for the BBQ smorgasbord. They both somehow got through the mountain of meat and fish served up to them and settled back to watch the entertainment provided by a bush band.
After a time, Bill got up and said he was off to bed while Jake sipped his beer waiting for Shoni to finish her shift. Eventually she came out of the kitchen removing her apron and took Jake by the hand to walk to his cabin. They talked for a while, showered together and went to bed. They made love passionately promising to meet again but not knowing when they would next see each other.
TUESDAY MORNING - DALY WATERS
After saying good bye to a tearful Shoni, Jake packed the car and walked over to Bill’s office. He retrieved the documents from the safe and stashed them in his briefcase. After a few awkward moments, Bill hugged Jake and told him how much he had enjoyed spending time with him after such a long absence. Jake returned the hug and promised to call him after he arrived in Canberra. He climbed into the Toyota and set off for Darwin. This time the drive seemed never-ending but eventually he arrived at the airport terminal, returned the rental vehicle and checked in for his flight to Canberra via Sydney.