by Jay Darby
Williams’ grey eyebrows arched. “I noticed that too, but why would a mining company want to brand girls with its’ logo?”
“Suppose…” Porter frowned. “Van was stolen from where?”
“Their warehouse near the airport, reported by the night manager. He checked out okay, but let’s face it, anyone can make a false report over the phone these days.”
“I’ve said it for years, it’s a fraudsters’ paradise…Hope you plan to interview more staff at Kennard Atkins? Are you gunna check out their bosses, see what business they’re doing?”
“Detectives will meet with executives from their CBD office this afternoon. But I’m not expecting much to come of it. It’s a massive company with thousands of employees. And you ever known kidnappers to use their own vehicles? On multiple occasions? I’ve no doubt the van was stolen…”
Porter cocked his head. “Maybe…I’ll head out tomorrow, speak with workers from the warehouse. Has anyone viewed their surveillance footage? Anyone checked to see if the reported stolen time is legit? Have analysts gone over all reports of stolen vehicles in the past few months, checked to see if there’s a pattern in MO, with the type of vans being stolen?”
Williams sighed. “It’s all been covered, Port. And I’m sorry, but you’re off this job. Completely.”
“What? I know these cases inside out, much better than the fools at missing persons.”
“Call came from the top, it’s out of my hands.”
“From who?”
“Delaney wants you out of the media spotlight, gone from the city if possible. Says it’s too damaging for the force. And dangerous for you, with the death threats and other dramas you’re having…”
“Too damaging? And you agree? You’re only protecting the Force, don’t give a fuck what’s best for me…”
“Bullshit…And right now, are you well enough to know what that is?”
Porter ignored the question, because Williams was right. “Mate, every night when trying to sleep, I see Nadia and Eddy’s faces. If I’m gunna forgive myself for what happened to ‘em, need to find these bastards and put ‘em away. Can’t you give me a chance to do it?”
“I spoke with forensics guys regarding Nadia this morning…Nothing came from DNA or other tests. We’ve got no suspects, with fuck all hope of finding any.”
“Be less hope, if you send me away?”
“Listen, I’ve tried to keep you here, but for the immediate future, you can’t work in the city. Delaney’s adamant, and gives you two options.”
“Fuck Delaney. You blokes are all the same...”
“You know that’s not true, I’m only the messenger…”
Porter massaged his forehead with stiff fingers. “The options are?”
“He wants you off work until after Betts’ first court appearance. Special leave with full pay.”
“They’ve refused his bail for a reason, hoping the riots will die down. Could be a month until he’s in court…”
“Best you take the paid leave then...Delaney will suspend you otherwise.”
“He can’t suspend me…Haven’t been charged, criminal or internally. And can’t force me to take leave. Not unless Diedre Sharpe says I’m gunna neck myself, and she won’t…”
“Told Delaney you’d say that, and you’re right, we can’t force you off work.” Williams pressed a button on his desk phone and spoke to his assistant. “If he’s here, send him in.”
Porter stared at him. “And?”
“Wait, someone’s joining us...”
Three knocks on the door. Williams told the visitor to come in and take a seat.
Porter turned to the man who’d sat next to him. He squinted, because he looked familiar. “Who are you?”
Williams cleared his throat. “Port, meet Lionel Roberts. Knew you wouldn’t want time off, so I answered a request from the Attorney Generals’ department. Lionel’s proposal is your second option…”
Porter huffed at Williams, then glared at Lionel.
Lionel shifted in the seat and offered a hand.
Porter ignored it. “Roberts? The bloke who’s been calling for my head in the papers?” His face tingled, hotter. “That’s where I’ve seen you, on the tele…At that Hyde Park rally? Calling me a kiddy killer, trying to throw me in with Betts…You’re that Lionel Roberts?”
Lionel withdrew his hand and turned to Williams. “You said he’d know I was coming.”
Williams opened his mouth to speak.
Porter leaned forward and raised a hand to cut him off, then stared at Lionel. “Ignorant bastard, don’t you fucking talk like I’m not here…Tugger Walford says you’re switched on, but you’re the last bloke I wanna see right now, so you can’t be too smart…What the hell you doing here?”
Lionel’s eyes pleaded with Williams, hands fidgeted in his lap.
“Port, calm down,” Williams demanded. “This was my idea.”
Porter slouched in the chair and slowed his breathing, still. Then in an instant he sat upright, the veins at his temples throbbed. “Calm down? Bloody hell, my girls have been scared shitless ‘cos of this turd and his henchmen. Had hoons at our door, threats day and night. And you expect me to calm down?”
“Okay, I fucked up. Again…” Williams said, his tone impatient. “Lionel has an offer to make. Can you hear him out?”
Porter folded his arms.
Lionel faced him. “I understand that you’re angry. Tugger, whom I respect greatly, changed my opinion of you. I apologize...”
Porter blew air at the ceiling, his lips vibrated like those of an exhausted trumpeter.
“You’ve been nominated for secondment to an investigation team I’ll be managing,” Lionel said. “I was uncertain, considering your involvement in the shooting, but Mr Williams spoke highly of your skills and convinced me you’re the man for the job.”
Porter grunted. “You’re a bloody human rights lawyer... Reckon you’d know sweet fuck all about investigation management?”
“We will look into violations against Koori children in far-western townships. Two federal police officers, and you, if you agree.”
“Violations by who?”
“That differs from town to town...Some are police officers, government social workers, medical staff. But sadly, most offenders are Koori men, living in the same communities as the victims.”
Porter scowled at Williams. “Investigating cops? Can’t be serious? Half the force’s labeled me a dog, and now you want me locking up more? Nah, no way.”
“Port, the investigation’s a prelude to an inquiry Lionel’s hoping to get before parliament. You’ll be taking statements, interviewing witnesses…Won’t be locking up cops. This way you keep working.” Williams glanced to Lionel.
“I know you mourned Nadia’s death, that you care about kids,” Lionel told Porter.
“You’ve focused on the city up till now. Why shift to the outback?”
“I’m hoping for a swift, positive result out there. That will put pressure back on politicians, and hopefully force the government to resume Azelia and give these missing girls the attention they deserve. Consider this a chance to make a difference, in more ways than one…”
Porter sat back to ponder his options. He prided himself on being a hard worker, and work was what he wanted to do. “When would I go, and for how long?”
“We fly out tomorrow morning to Crooked River. It’s sixteen-hundred kilometers to the north-west, via Broken Hill. A three-month secondment, at this stage.”
Porter pictured Jane in her wedding dress, saw her sparkling eyes and radiant smile. She’d been hesitant to part for two weeks, let alone twelve. But she’d have to understand, if he were seconded without a choice? He could fly back to Sydney for visits. Maybe a break would do them good, and give him time to get his head sorted before they spent the rest of their lives together?
But the dread of investigating other cops, and the rotten stigma attached to it, nagged him. “Dunno if I can go,” he told Lionel. “I�
�m getting married...”
“When?”
“Four months from now.”
“As I said, the initial investigation phase is only three months. But if it’s extended beyond that, I can’t guarantee time off.”
“Can I think about it?”
“Afraid not, another guy’s on standby. I need to know now.”
Porter sighed. Jane had waited long enough, and he couldn’t let her down. And other things played on his mind and urged him to reject Lionel. Could he cope with such a challenging investigation in his current state? How would his dependence on alcohol sit with his workmates, those he’d have to live with?
He chose the wedding as his best excuse and resigned himself to weeks of boredom on the farm. “Nah, can’t go, have made a promise to a great girl.” He turned to Williams. “Will take a month’s leave, then come back and nail the bastards who took our girls.”
Lionel straightened in the chair. “Our girls?” He said to Porter. “You just referred to them as, ‘our girls’...”
Porter looked at him with disdain, as though he’d just farted. “So?”
“I’ve never met a cop with your passion. I want you on my team.”
“And the wedding?”
“You’ll get time off if needed, and I’ll put that in writing. We’ll be staying in a large house, so there’s room for your fiance to visit if she wants.”
“Port, I’ll be glad to have you back once you’ve finished out there,” Williams said. “But c’mon, this is perfect for you right now.”
They both sold it well, but Porter realized he couldn’t work with Lionel. He’d caused too much pain. “I’ve gotta run the boxing program at the youth club. Can’t turn my back on those boys…”
Williams smiled. “I’ve spoken to Tugger. He’s happy to take over and has already lined up a young constable to help him. Don’t worry about that.”
“Nah, still not interested. Take the other bloke…”
Lionel’s black eyes fixed on Porter. “What if I told you we intend to pursue leads that have direct links to the missing girls?”
“I’d say you’re feeding me bullshit you reckon I wanna hear…” Porter scoffed. “Could you be further from the problem, out there in the middle of nowhere?” He held his palms up towards Williams, to suggest he end the meeting.
“No lies…” Lionel said. “I can’t explain how this investigation will lead to the missing girls, because I’m not sure myself. But it’s a feeling, a sense, that you’ll have to trust me on.”
Porter ran a hand through his hair, then scraped nails on scalp as he brought it back to the scar on his forehead. Was a bloke he’d wanted to punch in the head five minutes earlier, now asking for his trust? He whistled, high pitched, as the pressure valve in his chest popped. “Bloody hell, you have a feeling? That’s the best you can come up with? Don’t know why, Roberts, but I wanna believe you…” He turned to Williams. “One question, mate…”
Williams sat forward. “Sure.”
“Working with Roberts, I’d be way, way out bush. Wouldn’t have to come back for psych appointments with Deidre…Right?”
Williams laughed. “No, not even she could pull that off…”
The back of Porter’s neck tingled with hope. If Lionel’s investigation provided the tiniest link to the missing girls, he had to embrace it. And not having to face Deidre Sharpe again was a deal breaker, the chocolate mousse after a rump steak with vegies. He addressed Williams. “Not happy, mate, but I’ll go…”
“Fantastic,” Lionel said. He offered his hand. “Welcome to the team.”
Porter ignored it, dipped his head to Williams, and left the office. Lionel Roberts would have to earn his respect and forgiveness. Like most in the modern world, he expected it way too soon.
TWENTY ONE
KA2, the organization’s Chief of Staff, stood at the head of a marble table in a dank and candlelit meeting room. “I declare this August High Council meeting open. May the Gods protect our kingdom.”
“For the kingdom of Alba is great,” chanted the four men sat around the table. They wore purple robes. Ivory masks covered their nose and eyes.
“Might we fill our cups before we continue?” The thick-set Master of Espionage, KA9, sniggered. “Thirsty work this slave business…”
KA2 sat, then clapped his hands twice.
Two naked teenage girls came forward to fill each mans’ pewter cup with red wine. Task complete, their feet shuffled over smooth stone as they withdrew to shadows.
“Right, down to business,” KA2 said. “Our Supreme Leader, KA1, can’t be with us. The Secretary, KA6 gives his apologies but has supplied the latest financial report. Apologies also from KA3 and KA7. I realize that Tuesday nights aren’t ideal for meetings, so thank you for your attendance.”
KA5, Keeper of Slaves, groaned. “I agree, Tuesday nights are far from ideal. And can we not we hold these meetings in Sydney, closer to home? The drive up north in peak hour traffic is beyond tedious…”
“KA5, always complaining…” KA2 laughed as he said it. “These underground chambers have served your slave keepers and us well, while the deserted barracks above provides the perfect cover. And there are very few nosey cops here in Newcastle, whereas Sydney’s infested with them…”
KA5 bowed his head. “Right you are, Chairman.”
“Any urgent matters?” KA2 asked the group.
“Yes,” KA8, the Chief Abductor said. “A rather disturbing incident last night. The failed abduction…”
“Ah, yes.” KA2 sipped his wine. “Are we all aware of what happened in North Sydney?”
They nodded. KA2 gestured for KA8 to continue.
“I’m worried the Sydney abductions have become too risky,” KA8 said. “This afternoon we had detectives sniffing around and questioning our managers. Why do we continue using our own vans? It will eventually lead them to us…It’s crazy.”
“The fact that it’s crazy is why cops won’t suspect our employees of being involved. In all the abductions we’ve done, it’s only the second to go wrong,” KA2 said.
“We’ve been lucky…With increased media coverage, the public’s become more vigilant. They’re taking notice of suss looking guys in vans. We should suspend our operations in Sydney until things cool a bit.”
“I disagree,” said KA5. “We have countless orders for Koori girls we’ve yet to fulfill and Sydney’s the best place to find them.”
KA8 scoffed. “It’s not the only city with pretty young Koori girls. What about Brisbane? Perth? Adelaide?”
“Pretty, yes. In the same numbers? No.”
The Lord Adjudicator, KA4, stooped over the table. He addressed KA2, his voice calm. “I have to agree with KA8, Mr Chairman. My sources tell me police are searching for white vans with red logos. It’s the only lead they have, and they won’t let it go easily.”
“Not to mention a near disaster when Newcastle detectives asked to search the barracks last week,” KA8 said. “Lucky our high-ranking military friends convinced them that soldiers had already searched for the missing girl, and assured them this place is empty and abandoned. Our holding cells, the ceremonial cavern, this very meeting room…All would’ve been discovered.”
“I suggest we move into other cities and markets,” KA4 said. “Search for gems in, New Guinea, for example. They are not dissimilar in appearance to Koori girls, and our customers love a new, rare species…”
KA2 tilted his head to the side. “Wise words, Lord Adjudicator… KA5, you will shift operations away from Sydney. Inform those waiting on orders they’ll be filled as soon as possible. Suggest ‘alternative’ options, as KA4’s alluded to...”
“But Chairman,” KA5 protested, “the Supreme Leader wants all orders filled as soon as possible. Upcoming elections require maximum funding.”
KA2 huffed. “The risks in Sydney far outweigh the benefits, and I’ve seen the secretary’s financial report. We’ve enough money to buy crooked politicians and our seats
in parliament ten times over…KA5, you will do as this council instructs. KA1 will be informed of the reasons in due course…”
“Very well, Chairman. As the council wishes...”
“Any other urgent matters?” KA2 said. “No? Good…Well, this talk of federal elections leads us nicely into our first agenda item. “The pain in our collective arses. Greens’ Senator, Nick Galios.”
“Aye to that,” KA9 said. “If only the stupid wogs’ family had stayed in Greece where they belong…”
The others sniggered and drank.
“As you’re well aware, our sleepers in the Liberal party wait to fill vital positions in the new government,” KA2 said. “Millions will be spent to ensure it. From there, only one obstacle blocks our policies from becoming legislation.”
“Galios is that obstacle…” KA4 held his hands out. “But how to deal with him?”
“It’s not only within the Senate he’s making waves,” KA5 said.
KA2 turned to him. “That so?”
“Spoke with our contact at the Human Rights Commission…The Koori lawyer, Roberts, got his investigation approved on the back of support from Galios and the Greens. Rothwell’s obviously concerned about a media backlash.”
KA4 tut-tutted. “Be diabolical if it leads to an inquiry. Would place our sleepers, all our plans, and years of hard work in jeopardy.”
“Why did Sinclair support the investigation? Isn’t he on our payroll?” KA2 asked KA5.
“No, he’s not, and unfortunately cannot be corrupted. We tried to get at him, but Galios had beat us to it. Sinclair needs his preferences come the election.”
“Can’t we replace Sinclair?” KA9 said. “Like we did with Abercrombie when we got Moorecroft in…”
“No, too close to elections,” KA4 said. “On a positive, yesterdays’ dismissal of Kate Bonnetti from the Immigration portfolio got our man Sean Jenkins into the job. He’s now one step from Liberal party leadership.”
“Our man Jenkins, eh…” KA8 chuckled. “Hardly a political bone in his body, yet will soon become the Prime Minister of Australia. Amazing, the power of the dollar…”
“Indeed...” KA2 prodded the table with a thick finger. “Greed helped us achieve our objectives in ’68, and will again.”