The Codebreakers

by Alli Sinclair

  ‘Anything to help,’ she said.

  ‘This is a tough job and you’re a marvellous asset to our organisation. I know you understand the importance of keeping what we do secret and I am fully aware how difficult that is at times.’

  ‘It’s what we need to do.’ Did he think she’d leaked something? If so, why? ‘I haven’t said anything to anyone.’

  He sipped his tea. ‘I’m not saying you have. What I am saying, however, is that the longer this war goes on, the harder it is to keep up our facade and it can take its toll on relationships within our organisation. I may not be privy to the conversations you and the other women have, but lately I’ve sensed some unease among you. Some of the women haven’t been getting along?’

  ‘We’re doing fine,’ she said then realised he wouldn’t stop digging until he unearthed something. ‘Occasionally there’s a hiccup but we always sort it out.’

  He took another sip. ‘If you see anyone not coping, please let me know.’

  Ellie gave a curt nod. Had Lieutenant Andrews been spying on them? Had word got back to him about Viv’s antics? Or was it something else?

  Rather than take the truck home to Chermside after her shift, Ellie had opted to walk. It would take some time, but the fresh air was too enticing to pass up.

  The conversation with Lieutenant Andrews had been odd—up until now he hadn’t seemed to care whether the women were friends as long as the work got done. So what had he been digging for?

  She passed neat houses with trimmed lawns and hedges, and an array of colourful flowers. Kids played with hoops and sticks in the street, just like she’d done as a child. How long had it been since she’d seen her parents? Two years? The last few letters from her mother had insisted Ellie return to Longreach for a visit—preferably with Harry in tow—but it was nigh impossible. A week ago the Japanese had executed ninety-six American POWs on Wake Island, a coral atoll west of Hawaii. Since then, communications between Japanese units had heated up and the inevitability of another battle had everyone on edge.

  The orange and red sky transformed to indigo, stars twinkled above, and the full moon cast a delicate glow across the quiet weatherboard houses. She inhaled deeply, the floral scents calming her mind.

  Up ahead, just near the gully that lead to the barracks, a black car was parked in the ditch. Ellie drew closer. Her heart beat faster.

  The occupant of the car rested his arm on the window, cigarette dangling from his hand.

  Ellie crossed to the other side of the road and kept her head down.

  ‘Hey. Miss.’

  Ignore him. Keep walking.

  ‘Miss!’ He yelled louder. ‘You know Vivian Jones?’

  Ellie turned to the man in the car and instantly recognised him as Viv’s ‘friend’. She gauged the distance between herself and the barracks. Was she close enough for them to hear if she screamed? ‘Why do you ask?’

  ‘She was supposed to meet me, but she hasn’t shown.’

  ‘It’s quite late, you know.’ Ellie glanced at the barracks once more.

  He flicked the cigarette and got out of the car. ‘Does she always say she’ll do something then back out?’

  ‘I don’t know her well enough—’

  ‘You live with her. Work with her.’ He stepped forward, his face inches from hers. ‘I remember you.’

  Ellie clenched her fist behind her back.

  He jutted his chin in the direction of the barracks. ‘I know what you girls do.’

  ‘She’s in the barracks sick.’ Better to give him this than acknowledge his last statement.

  The rev of the truck leaving the barracks bounced off the trees. Bright lights shone on Ellie and the man, giving Bert, the supply truck driver, a good look at them. Bert waved and Ellie returned the gesture with as much casualness as she could muster.

  ‘If I’m not at the barracks on time they’ll come looking for me.’ He didn’t need to know there was no curfew. She took off as fast as she could, entered the barracks and crossed the yard to the hut.

  Vivian Jones had some serious explaining to do.

  Viv hadn’t taken too kindly to Ellie shaking her awake then dragging her to the deserted rec hut. She now sat on a wooden stool, arms wrapped tightly across her torso, her face pale.

  ‘Your supposed beau was waiting outside for you. He said he knows what we do. What exactly does that mean?’ It took all Ellie’s might not to yell.

  Viv held her head in her hands. She looked up, her eyes glassy. ‘I’m a bad person.’

  ‘What have you done?’ This time Ellie softened her tone. She’d catch more flies with honey.

  ‘I thought he loved me.’

  Ellie grabbed the stash of whiskey Joy kept hidden behind the teabags and poured Viv a glass, then herself. ‘You need to start at the beginning. Don’t leave out anything.’

  ‘This will either cure me or kill me.’ Viv sculled the whiskey and placed the glass heavily on the wooden table. She took a deep breath.

  ‘Who is he?’ asked Ellie.

  ‘Nigel Porter. I met him in a café.’

  ‘When?’

  ‘About three months ago. He bumped into my chair when he was walking past. He apologised then we got chatting.’ Viv closed her eyes for a moment. ‘He was very sweet. Told me he worked in office supplies.’

  ‘For which company?’

  Viv shrugged. ‘I never asked. I wasn’t interested, to be honest. He could have shined shoes for all I care. Nigel was the first man in a long time who had liked me for who I am, spikes and all.’

  ‘You’re not that bad.’

  Viv gave a small smile. ‘You only tolerate me because you have to.’ She topped up her glass. ‘That’s beside the point. Or maybe it’s the whole point. If I’d been better at reading people I may not have been pulled into this awful mess. Others would have seen it coming from miles away.’

  ‘What happened?’

  Viv played with the glass. ‘He swept me off my feet.’

  ‘Okay.’ What more could she say?

  ‘I kept it quiet because I didn’t want to be pestered by you girls asking ridiculous questions like when we were getting married and all that rot.’

  ‘I understand.’ She certainly did. Living with a group of women had its advantages but sometimes it was hard work, especially when a new man was on the scene. Special memories weren’t special for long when a dozen women pulled them apart and analysed every single detail.

  ‘I fell for him. Hard. I thought he was the sun and the moon and all the stars put together.’ Viv gripped the glass. ‘I was so very, very wrong.’

  ‘I’m sorry.’

  Viv’s body tensed. ‘You know what? I shouldn’t be saying anything. The less you know the better.’

  ‘But—’

  ‘I can’t get you involved.’

  ‘I already am,’ said Ellie.

  ‘You still don’t know the details. It’s fine. Really. I’ll figure it out.’ Viv stood. ‘I need to get some sleep.’

  Ellie picked up the glasses and rinsed them, then put Joy’s bottle back. She’d replace the alcohol tomorrow. Viv left the rec hut and Ellie stood in the doorway. The words Nigel Porter had said repeated endlessly in her head.

  I know what you girls do.

  ‘Viv!’ Ellie whispered loudly but Viv kept walking.

  Ellie ran up to her and grabbed her arm. ‘If he knows what we do, what is he going to do with that information?’

  ‘I told you.’ Viv stepped back. ‘I’ll deal with it.’

  ‘No,’ Ellie said with force. ‘All of us in the unit are involved whether you like it or not, because his knowledge could affect everyone.’

  Viv looked at the starry sky then fixed her gaze on Ellie. ‘No.’

  ‘No, it won’t affect everyone? Because Nigel Porter didn’t have any qualms about approaching me. Who’s to say he won’t start hassling others? It could spin out of control very quickly.’ Ellie took a moment before speaking again. ‘Two heads can be b
etter than one.’

  Viv drew her lips in a tight line. She turned to walk to the hut, stopped, then faced Ellie. ‘I better not regret this.’

  ‘You won’t, I promise.’

  Viv breathed in and let it out slowly. ‘I trusted him. I really did. He talked me into having … relations with him, and afterwards, when I was at my most vulnerable, he gently extracted information.’ She shook her head. ‘I’m such a fool.’

  ‘I wouldn’t say that. It can happen to anyone.’ Ellie paused. ‘What does he know?’

  ‘He knows Central Bureau intercept the enemy’s code and we send and receive highly classified information with other Allied organisations.’

  ‘Oh, Viv.’ Ellie’s shoulders dropped. ‘You could go to jail for this.’

  ‘I know.’

  ‘And our country’s intelligence could be at stake.’

  ‘You think I’m not aware of this?’

  What a mess. Viv had been right to keep it to herself and now her pestering had put Ellie in hot water too.

  ‘You need to tell Commanding Officer Buckley,’ said Ellie.

  ‘I know.’

  ‘If you tell Central Bureau it was a mistake they might be lenient on you for being honest. You can’t cover something like this up. Our country—and the men fighting for us—are in massive danger if this gets out.’

  Viv closed her eyes, as if summoning courage. ‘There’s something else.’

  ‘Yes?’

  ‘Nigel was lying to me all along. He doesn’t work in stationery. I found out he’s … he’s a journalist.’

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  By the time Ellie had woken up the next morning, Viv had already left the barracks. She’d left a note on Ellie’s nightstand saying she’d gone to Central Bureau to ‘make things right’, just like she’d promised the night before. The truck pulled into 21 Henry Street and Ellie alighted with the rest of the women and walked into the garage.

  Lieutenant Andrews waved Florry over to his desk. They got involved in a deep discussion then she made a beeline for Ellie.

  ‘I thought you said Viv had come in early,’ said Florry.

  ‘Yes, she’s up at the house seeing the commanding officer.’

  ‘Lieutenant Andrews just came from there and she’s not been on the grounds today.’

  ‘Oh no.’ Her chest constricted.

  ‘What do you mean “oh no”?’

  Ellie should never have trusted Viv. She bolted out of the garage and was quickly followed by Florry and Lieutenant Andrews. Ellie raced through the rabbit warren of corridors that led to Commanding Officer Buckley’s office and knocked on his door. Both Rottweilers jumped up from their desks and demanded she step back.

  ‘What?’ The commanding officer growled then opened the door. ‘Oh, it’s you.’

  Ellie didn’t hesitate and walked in.

  Lieutenant Andrews said, ‘I’m sorry. I couldn’t stop her—’

  ‘This better be important.’ Commanding Officer Buckley sat heavily on his chair. ‘Go on, then.’

  Ellie looked behind to Florry. ‘Can you please close the door.’

  Florry did so and at the same time she sent Ellie a ‘you better know what you’re doing’ look.

  ‘Well?’ The commanding officer made a show of shuffling papers.

  ‘Sergeant Vivian Jones may have accidentally leaked information to a journalist.’ She wished she didn’t have to say these words.

  Commanding Officer Buckley’s papers fell onto the desk. ‘Details.’

  Ellie took a deep breath and recounted everything Viv had told her. She didn’t dare look at Lieutenant Andrews or Florry. Her face burned, nausea swelled in her belly.

  ‘I’m sorry,’ Ellie said, ‘I should have left with her this morning, to make sure she actually came here.’

  ‘There’s no sense in lamenting about what should have been done. We must find Vivian Jones and Nigel Porter.’ The commanding officer looked at Ellie then Florry. ‘You worked and lived with her, surely you know where to start.’

  Ellie shook her head. ‘She kept to herself.’

  ‘That’s not helpful.’

  ‘I’m sorry,’ Ellie tried to keep the defensive tone out of her voice. After all, she’d messed up. ‘She talked about her life in Melbourne. And she grew up in Queenscliff in Victoria but hasn’t been in touch with her family in over ten years. Well, except for an aunt in Victoria Point. I remember Viv saying the aunt’s house has a yellow door.’

  The commanding officer picked up the phone. ‘Smith, get in here. Now.’

  One of the Rottweilers entered the office on a cloud of haste, notebook in hand. He didn’t make eye contact with anyone.

  ‘Sergeant O’Sullivan, you need to go over this again, word for word,’ the commanding officer said.

  Ellie launched into the events, making sure she covered every single detail. Guilt swirled within her and she wondered how she could have misjudged Viv so badly.

  When Ellie had finished, she asked, ‘Will you check Victoria Point?’

  ‘We’ve already been through her records and there is no aunt mentioned as next of kin. The only person listed is a cousin from Victoria. However, he’s recently deceased.’

  ‘But if her aunt lives nearby wouldn’t Viv have put her name down?’ asked Florry.

  ‘She wasn’t in Queensland when she enlisted,’ Ellie said.

  Florry nodded. ‘Good point.’

  ‘I daresay she’s left the city by now or at least is attempting to.’ The commanding officer turned to his secretary. ‘You know what to do.’

  Smith got up and left the room. ‘We’ll have MPs posted at every bus and train station and along the highways. Does she have access to a car?’

  ‘She once said she was afraid of driving,’ said Ellie.

  ‘Good.’ The commanding officer picked up the phone then looked at Ellie. ‘Anything else?’

  ‘No.’ Ellie moved towards the door. Florry and Lieutenant Andrews had already left.

  ‘O’Sullivan.’

  ‘Yes?’ she turned to face him.

  ‘If we don’t find her, this is on you.’

  The bus trundled down the road towards Victoria Point. Ellie stared out the window, mesmerised by the pristine sand and deep blue water. After delivering the bad news to Commanding Officer Buckley earlier that morning, Ellie’s shift had felt like an eternity. The first second it was possible, Ellie and Florry had jumped on the bus to make the most of the remaining hours of daylight.

  Squeaking brakes signalled the next stop and Ellie stepped down and Florry followed.

  ‘Now what?’ asked Florry.

  ‘I’m not sure.’

  Florry shook her head. ‘Going off a hunch is crazy.’

  ‘But hunches can be right.’

  ‘The MPs and Central Bureau looked here hours ago and they came up empty-handed.’

  ‘Looking here is probably pointless but at least we’re doing something.’

  Florry squeezed her shoulder.

  ‘Do you think CO Buckley meant what he said about this being on me?’ asked Ellie.

  ‘I’m afraid so,’ Florry said. ‘If Viv’s charged with treason you could be charged with assisting her.’

  ‘But I didn’t!’ Ellie clutched her stomach.

  ‘What you didn’t do is tell someone senior right after you spoke with her. That way all this could have been avoided. Why didn’t you wake me up last night?’

  ‘I don’t know, I just … I thought Viv would do the right thing.’

  ‘Maybe she intended to but reality probably hit this morning and she got scared. Who wouldn’t?’

  Ellie had been unable to shake the cloud of guilt that had followed her all day. ‘I should have known she’d do something like this.’

  ‘She wasn’t the friendliest person but we had no reason to doubt her loyalty.’

  Ellie looked up and down the street. A couple of mothers pushed prams in the direction of Ellie and Florry.

 
‘I don’t know where to start,’ Ellie said. ‘Maybe this was a bad idea.’

  ‘You said her aunt had a yellow door, right? That’s not common.’

  ‘No,’ Ellie drew it out. She walked towards the women. ‘Excuse me.’

  ‘Yes?’ said the blonde one.

  ‘I’m just wondering if you know of a house with a yellow door in this neighbourhood.’

  The blonde one shook her head. The brunette said, ‘None as far as I know. Just the standard browns and blacks around here.’

  ‘You sure?’ Ellie asked.

  ‘Of course I’m sure,’ said the brunette. She looked at her friend. ‘Come on.’

  The women took off, their pace faster than before.

  ‘You’re a little intense,’ said Florry.

  ‘Well, I’m feeling very tense. Aren’t you?’

  ‘Yes, but if you want information it’s best to not make people feel like they’re being interrogated.’ Florry nodded to a gentleman in his sixties walking his dog. ‘Stay here.’

  Florry sauntered over to him, and started up a conversation that had him smiling. A short time later she waved goodbye and headed back to Ellie.

  ‘You best friends now?’

  ‘Very funny. No luck, I’m afraid.’ Florry looked to the heavens. ‘We might as well search for a needle in a haystack.’

  Ellie looked up the street that stretched for blocks. ‘I guess we have to go from house to house.’

  ‘There’s no other choice.’

  ‘I don’t think we should knock on doors,’ said Ellie.

  ‘Good idea. We need to be subtle.’

  ‘You do one side of the street while I do the other?’

  ‘Sure.’

  Ellie crossed the road and Florry stayed on the opposite side. They methodically combed the streets, looking for the elusive yellow door. It grew dark; Ellie’s feet ached and her stomach grumbled.

  Florry crossed the street to Ellie. ‘I hate to say it …’

  ‘We can’t give up.’

  ‘She’s likely long gone by now if she was even here.’

  ‘I’m not so sure about that,’ said Ellie.

  ‘Why?’ Florry held up her hand. ‘Don’t tell me, you have a hunch.’

  Ellie grinned.