by Mark Stewart
“I DON’T understand why the two bushrangers didn’t murder you before they left the bank,” mumbled the police officer. “It just doesn’t add up.”
“I’m glad they forgot,” said Amelia.
“It’s quite embarrassing not hearing the robbery, seeing how I’m budding for a promotion.”
“After walking into the station for the first time, I can see why you didn’t know.”
“I hope the big brass will understand.”
“I’m sure they will,” declared Amelia. “If you arrest the robbers your reputation won’t be tarnished.”
“It’s a bit late now. The bushrangers are gone.”
Amelia shook her head. “The longer you wait, the harder it will be to catch them.”
“I can’t leave now. If the big boys arrive and find me gone, I might be overlooked, for the promotion.”
“I’m certain they’ll understand.”
“They sent me a message yesterday saying I must be here. No exceptions. The moment they leave, I’ll go and find them. While I’m waiting, I’ll write a complete report on the robbery. Hopefully, the big boys will be impressed by my thoroughness.” The lawman studied Amelia’s face willing her to agree with him. “By the way, I’m Police Officer Adam Stapleton.”
“Pleased to officially meet you,” said Amelia.
Stapleton looked a little sheepish, continuing his conversation. “I owe you an apology for not believing the story about a robbery in progress. I didn’t mean to give you a hard time. I’ve worked hard to have the station ready. I wanted today to be memorable. If the new police station works in this town, the government has hinted they might implement the idea to have a police station in every town in Victoria based on the new style.”
Amelia patted his shoulder. “I reckon this day could be written in the history books. I’m certain the government will easily see the prototype station outshines the old style.”
“Hopefully, you’re right.”
“Not hearing the gunshots could have happened to anyone,” suggested Amelia.
“Yes, I suppose you’re correct. To make amends of the fact I will stop at nothing to find the missing money and gold. I’m positive it won’t be too hard to trace.” Stapleton viewed the body of Masters. He shook his head. “There’s one for the books. What sort of men would leave their friend behind?”
“Cold-blooded murderers,” snarled Tom, announcing his presence.
He’d come out of his hiding place and walked up behind Amelia. She turned, hugging him tight about his neck.
“I promise I’ll never tell a soul about what I’m about to do.” She kissed Tom square on the lips and grinned at his shocked reddening face. He quickly back stepped away from her sudden friendliness.
Stapleton walked across the room to shake Tom’s hand.
“You did a brave thing; getting the girl out of the bank to raise the alarm. You might have been shot.”
“The thought never left my mind,” whimpered Tom.
Stapleton slapped him on the shoulder before walking over to the corner of the bank. Hovering over the old deceased couple, the clerk, the police officer, and Masters, he stared directly at the five murdered victims in turn. He shook his head before scooting off to the washroom. He came back carrying small towels, placing one gently over each of the corpse’s heads.
“Covering the faces of the victims doesn’t help much seeing how I witnessed the murders,” mentioned Amelia.
“I know. I feel it’s my duty,” advised Stapleton.
“Thanks for your concern.”
“Now I’ve given you some time to settle your nerves after such a horrific experience I need to ask you to think back to each of the robber’s descriptions.”
“I’ve already told you everything I know,” Amelia scolded.
“I’d like to commend you on the detailed descriptions of the two men you gave. Is there anything else you noticed? For example; did either of the men limp? Or did one of them have a scar on their face? Anything extra you can remember will be a bonus.”
“The taller man boasting a short beard used a silver colt .45. The horse with a long mane rearing up on its hind legs on either side of the handle was engraved in gold.”
“The gun sound rare. When I find the gun, I’ll know I’ve found the right man.”
“I need to say a slight correction in my statement,” hinted Amelia.
Stapleton lifted his head, his pencil poised in the air.
“The bushranger carried two identical silver guns. They matched his gun belt.”
“The information you’ve just given is certainly worth investigating further. There’s been a report of a recent train robbery. Three men fitting your decription stole two guns and a gun belt. I know the name of the young lady who owns the guns. She relayed in detail the robbery to the train station employee. He passed the story onto me. He also added something about a rare blue diamond ring.”
CHAPTER TEN
