Last Known Contact

by Phillipa Nefri Clark

  Ah, she was in the kitchen. Ben followed her raised voice, pausing out of sight as she continued to bark commands at some unfortunate person.

  “They want to take this house from me. Do you know what that means? Huh? Do you? It means you’ll be out of jobs and out of a nice place to live. So, you say nothing, not to them or Princess Ellie.”

  There was a subdued ‘yes, ma’am’ in response.

  Princess Ellie. The wicked stepmother is showing her true colours.

  “Furthermore, as soon as these people leave, I want Mr Bannerman’s suite thoroughly cleaned. And I mean thoroughly.”

  “Why?” Ben stepped into view and Meredith jumped. Two women in black dresses and white aprons stood one side of a table facing her. They kept their eyes down.

  “Detective Rossi.” Meredith’s change of tone from cold anger to a welcoming purr was remarkable. Still in the bikini, she’d added a wrap which still left little to the imagination. “You two may go. Take a ten-minute break.”

  As the other women scurried for a door at the side of the kitchen, Meredith leaned her hip against the table. “Care for a drink?”

  “Why do you want Jack’s room cleaned?”

  “What a silly question. Surely he’ll be home soon and nothing is as welcoming as fresh linen and his favourite flowers.”

  “I’ve come to let you know Dennis is coming to the station for a formal interview. Please don’t enter the guest house or allow your staff to do so until we advise otherwise.”

  “Dennis? But he likes Jack. Surely you don’t think he’s responsible for my husband being missing?”

  “I’m going to need to speak with you also.”

  Meredith smiled, but her eyes hardened and Ben pitied her staff.

  “Anytime. Over a cocktail?”

  “Which is a conflict of interest.”

  “Doesn’t stop you spending time with Jack’s daughter.” Meredith straightened, and ran her fingers through her hair, turning to emphasize her figure as she did. “Nobody will confirm it, but I have a theory. About you.”

  “I’m going now. But I’ll be back to speak with you, and your staff. Telling them not to cooperate is morally and legally wrong, Mrs Bannerman.” Ben wanted to be out of this house. He knew the way to the front door.

  Meredith followed, her heels tapping on the timber floor. “So, I think you are the police person who broke her heart. And her Daddy’s. If I’m right, you arrested his only son. Poor Michael.”

  Ben stopped, hands clenching as he forced down the anger. Would nobody ever understand?

  “I am right.” She continued, catching up. “I must say little Miss Ellie has quite extraordinary taste in men. Dennis is fabulous but you, darling, you are spectacular.” Her hand reached out as though to touch him again.

  If he wasn’t so angry, he might have laughed. “What is his favourite?”

  Confused, Meredith dropped her hand. “Favourite what?”

  “Flower. Jack’s favourite flower, to welcome him home.”

  “For God sake. Fine. Lilies.”

  Andy tooted the car horn. “Back soon.” Ben promised, then opened the front door and shut it behind himself with slightly more force than required.

  34

  Truth Or Lies?

  Ellie didn’t make it to the house. Dennis returned her call from the police car as she exited Burnley Tunnel.

  “I didn’t hurt Jack. You need to know that.”

  “Dennis, I have no idea what to think. I saw the gun on Sea Angel. If you didn’t put it there, who did? Who else had access to it?”

  “Thing is, I changed the combination on the safe when I moved in. So, unless someone was looking over my shoulder, I have no answer.” His voice was strained.

  “Do you need a lawyer?”

  “Dunno. Do I, Ben? Ben shrugged so let’s hold off for now.”

  “Okay.”

  “Can we keep this quiet?”

  As she took an exit to turn her car around for the second time, Ellie couldn’t restrain a short, cynical laugh. “Not a chance. I was doing a live interview with Teresa Scarcella and she told me—on air—that you were about to be arrested. How the hell did she know?”

  “God. Why were you doing that?”

  “Why were you and Meredith out on a romantic date? Why did you move out without a word? And why didn’t you try to find Dad? Dennis, why didn’t you?”

  Back on the freeway toward the city, Ellie gripped the steering wheel, every muscle tense. The silence dragged. He’d messed up from the moment Dad vanished and if he really didn’t have a hand in it, Dennis had still failed to do his job.

  “It doesn’t matter now. I have to go.”

  “Wait, what doesn’t matter?”

  He’d gone. At least Ben had him and if there was anything to be discovered, he’d do it. What Ellie needed to do was put together this jigsaw puzzle and find all its missing pieces.

  From here, the view was every bit as good as he’d been told. On a perfect day like this, the horizon barely blurred where sea and sky met. The land around Port Phillip Bay expanded out, curving around the vast waterway until it disappeared from the reach of the human eye. Mornington Peninsula on the far side, and to Port Lonsdale should he follow the coastline to his right.

  He dared not go onto the balcony and be discovered. The apartment was for sale and there was a degree of risk in being here. Made the adrenaline run faster through his veins.

  Heightens the experience.

  And the experience was what he wanted now. No more dead-end job serving others. Soon he’d have it all. The future stretched ahead the way the ocean did from his vantage point.

  Below, the carpark near the pier hid little from this vantage point. As surrounded as it was with heavy bushes and trees, his view was unencumbered. Amongst the four cars there was a police unit. Forensics. He’d seen it drive in and watched with interest as three officers went over the area where Frank ran into him the other day.

  Fortuitous. A good word and accurate description of the moment Frank recognized him. Pity for the old guy, but exactly what was needed at the time.

  The police moved along the pier, checking the boards and sides. Only one yacht was tied up today. Sea Angel. The owners of the others must have got tired of being questioned. Would these police find anything else? He’d left nothing. Nothing he didn’t intend for them to find.

  His phone rang and he turned from the windows. “Yes.”

  “She’s arrived.”

  “Thanks. There’ll be a bonus for you.” He disconnected. Yeah, a bonus bullet. Nobody was getting between him and his dreams. Nobody.

  “Mark? Where is everyone?” Ellie stopped at reception on the executive floor. He was the only person in sight, even Joni wasn’t around. All the offices were empty.

  “Lunchtime.” Mark looked up from his keyboard. “Did you need a hand with something?”

  “No, but thanks. Just getting some things from my office then going to the boardroom. It is free, isn’t it?”

  Mark tapped on his screen. “Hm…yes. No meeting scheduled there until five today.”

  “Oh? What meeting?”

  “Mr Boyd and Mr Connor are meeting with Mr Van Doran, and Ms Langford.”

  “And they are from where?”

  He shook his head. “I only booked the room on Mr Connor’s instructions. And have a note here for it to be a private meeting.”

  Private about what?

  “Dennis may not be back though.”

  “Oh dear. Was he arrested? Is he being blamed for Mr Bannerman’s disappearance?” Mark jumped to his feet.

  “No, so calm down. He is simply helping the police with a line of enquiry. Why don’t you get yourself a coffee or something and I’ll hang around here.”

  “Are you certain? I’d love to run downstairs and get a juice.”

  “Go. I’m only going into my office.”

  Once Mark was in the elevator, Ellie tapped on his keyboard, but he’d locked his co
mputer. She’d have to ask Campbell about the meeting.

  She’d barely stepped foot in her office since coming back from London. A pile of folders filled her in-tray. Ellie stood at the window as the quiet of the room calmed her jangled nerves. Her phone kept beeping as messages came through and she switched it off.

  The reception phone rang and she picked it up on her desk. “Bannerman Wealth Group, how may I help?” She perched on the edge of the desk.

  “Stop the sale from happening.” The voice was male. And muffled.

  “Who is this? What sale?”

  “That’s for you to find out. Your daddy was keeping secrets from you.”

  “Okay, tell me who this is or I’ll hang up.”

  The man laughed. “I know where to find you. And your brother. Stop the sale.”

  “Wait—” Ellie dropped the phone and covered her mouth to prevent a cry from forming.

  The elevator dinged. “I’m back, Mrs Connor.” Mark called.

  All the feeling left Ellie’s legs. She couldn’t move or speak. The dial tone taunted her from the phone on the floor. Stop the sale. Stop the sale.

  “Are you alright?”

  Ellie jumped. Mark was at the doorway.

  “Oh my, you look as though you’ve seen the metaphorical ghost!” He saw the phone and scooped it up. “Whatever is wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

  Unwell? There wasn’t a word for how she felt. But the circulation returned to her limbs and she managed to drop her hands and shake her head.

  “Shall I make coffee? Or a glass of water?”

  “Water, yes water please.” Ellie sank onto her chair as Mark ran out. She found paper and pen and wrote everything she remembered. His words, hers. His strange voice, his laugh. The time of the call. Was nothing going to stop this madness?

  “There you go.” Mark placed a glass in front of Ellie. “Do you want me to call someone?”

  “Thanks. But no, I’m fine. Just some news I wasn’t expecting.”

  Mark gave her an odd look. As though he didn’t believe her.

  Stop jumping at shadows.

  “When Campbell gets back, please let him know I need to see him.” She stood. “I’ll be in the boardroom.”

  The phone rang and Ellie stepped back. “I’ll let you get back to your station.”

  He nodded and disappeared but still Ellie felt uneasy. She sipped on the water. It tasted bitter. She tipped the remains into a potted plant in the corner. After gathering a notepad, she locked the door of the office.

  The minute she was in the boardroom she dialled Ambling Fields. As she waited to speak to Kerry, Ellie tossed her notepad onto the end of the long table. From behind Joni’s extra desk, she dragged out a wheeled whiteboard.

  “Mrs Connor, how may I help?”

  “Hi, Kerry. How is Michael?”

  “I was just with him, actually. He is in good health.”

  “But?”

  “Still withdrawn. Past experience tells me it might be a day or two until he settles down.”

  “Please let me know if there’s anything you need. Anything.”

  “Was that all?”

  “No. I need to ask about security. I understand some patients have private security available and wondered if our father made such facilities part of Michael’s package?”

  “Exactly why are you asking?”

  “Um…I guess with all the media attention on Dad’s disappearance, there might be some attempt to bring up Michael’s history—”

  “I saw your interview with that woman.”

  “And that is what made me think about security. They have no scruples and will do anything for a story.”

  “My advice is to avoid speaking with them, instead of putting yourself into such a risky position which might very well impact on your brother.” Kerry’s tone was judgmental and abrupt. “No, Jack Bannerman did not make provision for additional personal security. We do have secure premises, as you well know.”

  When this was all over, Ellie intended to make some changes. Michael needed a new assessment to see if there was any chance he could come away from residential care. At least some of the time. She’d asked in the past but the answer was always no. His level of need was too great to be managed at home.

  “I will speak to our head of security and arrange for him to call you, if that is suitable?” Somehow, Ellie kept her voice pleasant. “His name is Paul Dekeles and he will discuss your process to provide Michael with private security. Until we find Dad.”

  “Very well. I hope you do find him because he has much to explain.” Kerry disconnected the call.

  Ellie stared at the phone in her hand, mouth open. No filters there. She dialled Paul’s number, which went to voice mail.

  “Paul, I’d like to speak about some security issues if you can call back. Or in the next couple of hours I’m in the boardroom so can meet you there instead.”

  She’d probably end up with Campbell and Paul at the same time. Ellie left her phone on the table and turned the whiteboard to get better light. On its shelf were coloured markers, an eraser, magnetic pins, and a long ruler. Everything for a board meeting. Or a giant mind map. She picked up a marker.

  35

  Foundations Can Fall

  Through the partly open doors, Campbell watched Ellie for a moment or two. Marker in one hand and ruler in the other, she added lines and words to some kind of diagram. He knew her well enough to imagine she was putting everything she knew about Jack’s disappearance into some form of order. Not that there was any reason to believe she would solve what might be unsolvable.

  His chest was heavy with the news he carried. It was time she knew the truth and it would hurt her so much. Jack’s decision was meant for Jack to explain. Not those he’d left behind, wherever it was he’d gone.

  Campbell tapped one door as he pushed it open. “May I join you?”

  Ellie spun around, eyes wide. “Oh. Sorry, yes.” Her mouth softened into a smile. “I was miles away.”

  As he drew closer, he read some of the words on the whiteboard.

  ‘Dad’ at the very top. Then his name, hers, Dennis, Meredith, Paul, Michael. Why Michael’s? This was at the very bottom, along with notes too small for his eyes. In the centre of the board, in red, the words ‘Last known contact’. Apart from Michael and Ellie’s names, the others had arrows pointing to the phrase.

  “Don’t take any of it literally, Campbell. I’m sorting, that’s all. You should’ve seen how much I’ve already erased, you know this is simply my way of putting this into a kind of perspective.”

  “I thought as much. You’ve always loved puzzles and mysteries, but when it comes to your own father, it must be incredibly difficult.”

  She nodded. “Would you join me at the table for a few minutes? I’d like to talk if you have time?” She sat at one side of the table and he chose the opposite side.

  “Campbell, today has been awful.” She crossed her arms on the table, leaning on them. “I saw the body of poor Frank Barlow. He wasn’t Dad, and for that I am so grateful, but he was someone’s husband. And Dennis is being interviewed about a missing gun. And a man phoned and threatened me. And Michael.”

  “They did what? Who would do this?”

  “I answered the reception line. There was a man on the other end who wouldn’t tell me who he was. He said I needed to stop the sale. That he knows where I live, and where Michael is.” Her eyes glistened although her voice was strong and steady. “And I know something is being kept from me, and I need you to tell me what it is.”

  The heaviness moved to his stomach like a stone and he closed his eyes. Who else even knew about Jack’s arrangement, let alone wanted it stopped? With a deep breath, he opened his eyes and held out a hand.

  “Child, I am so sorry someone threatened you. And you are correct. There is a secret.”

  Sudden panic flashed across Ellie’s face and she gulped, as though holding her emotions in with a steel vice. She took Campbell’s han
d.

  “I’ve known you for all of your life. Even while you were at university, I still saw you those couple of days a week you worked here. I never met Detective Rossi, but I knew a bit about him. He was such a friend to your brother.” Campbell said.

  “This isn’t about Ben.”

  “Yes and no. When you left for a year, Jack was shattered. He was already in a bad place after…after Michael’s—accident.”

  “It wasn’t an accident.”

  Ellie’s hold on Campbell’s hand was tight, almost painful as her long nails dug into his skin. She wasn’t aware, her eyes intent on his face.

  “Regardless, in Jack’s eyes he’d lost you both. Dennis came along and they hit it off. The skill set was right but you know all of that. You returned, created the amazing Foundation, and for the first time in years I saw Jack happy again. Like when he first married Gabi. The business grew and he even remarried.”

  “Why the history lesson?”

  “To give you some context. Your father came from nothing to build a fortune. Then effectively lost his son and he thought his daughter. His wife had long gone. With you back, it was as though he finally found some peace. Someone he loved actually came back to him. But Meredith wasn’t making life easy. She wanted more. More of his time, of her friends, of the things she thought he owed her.”

  “And the pre-nup meant she would never leave him. Are you saying he left her?” Ellie released his hand and leaned forward. “Is this about where he is now?”

  “No, no, I would have told you if I knew.” He sighed. “This is about the company. He lost heart. When you went to London, he found out Dennis was seeing Meredith and it kind of broke him. It wasn’t just about his feelings anymore. He wouldn’t confront your husband or fire him. Dennis has a solid contract.”

  Ellie’s lips parted but she said nothing. She clasped her hands together on the table and waited for him to continue.

  “Against my advice, Jack decided to sell.”

  “Sell? The house?”