By nightfall, Audrey was exhausted. She had only managed to grab a couple of hours sleep at Joan’s before she had to leave. She had been busy cleaning the cabins preparing for a full house for the next three nights. She had all weekend to plan her trip across the country with Joan. First she had to deal with the man in the tent at the Hihi reserve. He had pitched his tent close to her boundary line. It was hidden from the road and from the shore. She had not seen him all afternoon at Tiromoana. She guessed he did most of his snooping at night.
Her cell phone rang and she flicked it open. It was Joan.
“Hi Audrey, just checking we are still on for Monday. I have just arranged the rental van for a three p.m. pickup. Shall we meet at my place at three thirty?“
“Absolutely. Three thirty sounds perfect.”
“You sound tired. Are you OK? I’m sorry I kept you up so late last night. Hopefully you can get some sleep tonight.” Joan sympathized.
“That’s the plan. I just have to tie up some loose ends first. Talk later, luv ya”
She hung up the phone and wished she could just collapse on the bed but she had a job to do. Picking up her bag she donned her hooded sweatshirt and set out into the night.
C H A P T E R 7 5
Detective Wiley was on the phone with Bromley. They had progressed no further with the Slater case. Mike Slater was now an inmate at the Kaikoe prison along with the others. Bromley felt they had eliminated the cocaine threat to New Zealand. Even if the remainder of the coke was shipped off shore he doubted they would attempt to reintroduce the drug with all their guys locked away. “You sound like a dog with a bone,” he told Wiley. “The drugs are gone and the guys are locked up. We have done a thorough search of the whole area up here. Not a sniff of cocaine has been located. I am suggesting to the Super that we close the case and work on prosecuting the guys we have already charged.”
Wiley realized he was defeated. He had heard from Jones that nothing was unusual at Tiromoana. No sign of any drug dealings on Audrey Wetherby’s computer or in her office. Also nothing he could find on her grounds. He would tell Jones to pack up his gear and return to Auckland. No use beating a dead horse. The King Cobras wouldn’t be pleased. It looked as though the drugs had gone for good. He wouldn’t be traveling around the world anytime soon. He left three messages for Jones to return his call. Where the fuck is he?
PI Jones was nowhere near his phone. He was floating in the bay with a belly full of whisky and a red rope tied around his neck.
C H A P T E R 7 6
It was ten o’clock Monday morning when Audrey checked out her last guest. It was time to collect the bags from the water tank and load up the car. She was running late. It was a four-hour drive to Joan’s house. She would need to boogie if she was going to make it in time. Her first stop was at a storage unit in Whangarei. It was only a block from the Whangarei Paradise and half way between Hihi and the North Shore.
She was looking forward to the road trip with Joan. This was the first time in her life she had trusted anyone so unconditionally. Audrey was wearing a black bob wig and dressed to kill in tight black jeans, leather jacket and high-heeled boots. Her disguise was for the benefit of any surveillance cameras at the drop off locations.
As she pulled into the storage unit yard she noticed surveillance cameras at the entrance. She kept her head down and proceeded towards her numbered unit. With the first load securely locked behind the metal sliding door and the key tucked in her back pocket she called Joan to say she was on her way. Joan sounded a little quiet “Are you OK?” Audrey asked.
“Yes, it has just been a busy day,” she replied. “It will be good to get on the road.”
“See you soon. Love you.” Audrey headed out onto the main highway towards Auckland.
Joan looked at her packed bag in the corner of her office. Staci was at the bar talking to the staff. Staci said she was going to announce their engagement when Joan returned from her trip. “It is going to make headlines in the gay community,” she said excitedly. “I can’t wait to start planning the wedding, can you? I hope the media gives us a break. I can see the headlines now “Murdered Madam’s Daughter Marries Drug Trafficker’s Wife. Holy Shit!” She laughs. “Damn them! I don’t care. It is going to be the best day of my life.”
Joan was guilt-ridden. I love them both but in different ways. She was also very aware that she could have her cake and eat it too. She had seven days before Staci would tell the world about their engagement. By then the coke would be in storage units across the country and she would have the keys. The question would be, who would have the other key.
C H A P T E R 7 7
Detective Bromley opened an email from forensics and was perplexed. The coke found on the boat was saturated with fresh water not salt water as was expected. There were traces of salt water but the water found on the surface of the bags was definitely clean fresh water or rainwater. It had not rained for the past two weeks so the bags could not have been exposed to water unless they were kept somewhere in a water storage unit or fresh flowing stream.
Bromley immediately thought of the water tanks on his uncle’s and Audrey’s properties. Did the drug traffickers hide the drugs in one of those tanks? If so, why did the dogs not find them? There was also a small stream down by the Hihi waterfront. There was only one way to find out. He headed off up Highway Ten towards the Hihi turnoff.
The ‘No Vacancy’ sign swung in the afternoon breeze. The wooden gate was bolted closed. Bromley called Audrey’s phone, “Tiromoana Cabin retreat,” he heard. “We are closed until next Monday, 17th. If you would like to make a booking please leave your name and phone number or check availability on our website.” Where has she gone? He turned into the next driveway and found his uncle on the tractor mowing the lawns.
His uncle immediately turned off the motor when he saw his nephew approaching. “What a nice surprise,” he said. “What brings you up this way?”
“Found some interesting information today. It would seem that the cocaine we found on the boat was kept in fresh water before we found it. Which is rather strange as the original one-kilo pack was saturated in salt water, which confirms Ben Williams story about the coke being dropped off on Audrey’s beach.
I have a theory that the coke may have been hidden in one of the water tanks or in the stream at the bottom of the hill. Can I check out your tanks?”
“Of course. Let’s go and look,” said Bruce loving the intrigue.
With no sign of any drugs in his three tanks they headed over to Audrey’s place via the adjoining track. “Don’t you need a warrant to search her property?” Bruce asked.
“I don’t think she would mind if we have a quick look,” said the detective. “I have tried calling her but she is away for a week. I don’t have her cell number, do you?”
“No. But I think I should be the one to check out the tanks, that way you are not officially responsible.” Said Bruce.
“Good idea.”
Bruce grabbed his torch and they headed off to Audrey’s three tanks. She had two green plastic tanks near the cabins and a large concrete tank on the other side of the property. Both plastic tanks were full to the brim with fresh water. They made their way over to the concrete tank and were surprised to find a ladder nearby in the bushes. “I guess she keeps it here so she can check on the water level,” Bruce surmised.
“Guess so.” Said the Detective as he held the ladder for Bruce who opened the lid and peered inside. “It’s empty.” He said. Not a drop. That’s really bloody odd. At this time of the year I would expect all three tanks to be full. Audrey uses this tank for water storage during the summer months. It shouldn’t be empty. She will run out of water with just the smaller tanks to provide water to all the cabins during the holidays.”
Bruce used the ladder to climb down into the empty tank. There were no signs of any drugs but he did find a piece of rope lying on the bottom. He picked it up and climbed out of the tank.”
“What did you find?” as
ked the detective seeing his uncle holding a small piece of thick red rope.”
“Nothing, only this.” He said handing the rope to him. “What do you think?” Why would a piece of rope be sitting on the bottom of the tank?”
“It looks a little like the rope we found around Serrano’s body in the bay. I will hand it over to forensics to see if they can find a match.”
“Wow. So the drugs could have been hidden in Audrey’s tank. Who do you think put them there? Where are they now? Do you think we found all of the drugs in the boat or is there a stash hidden somewhere? What are you going to do?” Bruce was full of questions.
“First I need to find Audrey and ask her some questions. I need to know who could have had access to her tank. Was the tank full when she last checked it? Did she notice that the tank had been emptied? I don’t suppose you know where she has gone?” He asked his uncle.
“I have no idea.” Bruce said as they made their way back to his property.
“I’ll leave her a message and ask her to contact me. Hopefully she will be picking up her messages.” The detective waved goodbye and headed off down the hill to the Hihi waterfront. Might as well check out the stream too.
He parked his car and walked up and down the stream bank. He followed the stream until it ran into the salty Hihi Bay. Finding nothing he sat on an old pohutukawa tree branch and gazed out into the still waters of Doubtless Bay.
If Detective Jimmy Bromley had looked a little further out to sea he would have spotted PI Jones bobbing in the salty still water. But he didn’t and, by the time he had returned to the station in Mangonui, the body had slowly sunk into the ocean’s deepest depths.
C H A P T E R 7 8
Audrey and Joan felt like Thelma and Louise driving across the country committing one of the biggest drug crimes ever known, at least the biggest drug crime in New Zealand. They had seventy-nine kilos of cocaine to be distributed from Whangarei to Invercargill. In all ten cities they would visit a Bunnings Warehouse and purchase a Sandleford Fort Digital Safe. Each galvanized steel safe would hold seven kilos of cocaine. One safe would be locked away in each individual storage unit until they had set up their final distribution network. Then they would divide the kilo bags into small saleable packs.
Audrey had successfully achieved the first drop-off at Whangarei. Within three days the women made it to Wellington without a hitch and boarded the inter-island ferry across Cook Straight and began their journey from Nelson to Dunedin.
Their trip had been uneventful as far as the law was concerned. Audrey thought it one of the best holidays she had ever had. She felt they were compatible in every way. They loved the same food, the same wine, the same books and the sex was something Audrey had never experienced before. It was so sweet, yet passionate and exciting.
The constant messages from Detective Bromley were becoming irritating and they had both agreed to ignore him until the trip was over. “What can he possibly want?” Audrey wondered. Joan didn’t know and didn’t care. She just knew that their trip was coming to an end and she had a major decision to make.
On their last night they celebrated with champagne and fresh crayfish. Audrey toasted to their future of wealth, love and happiness. Joan was lost in the moment and couldn’t even think about what would happen when she returned home to Staci. She had not worn her black diamond ring since she left Auckland. She knew that time was running out.
With all the cocaine safely stashed in storage units and nine Paradise locations visited, it was time to drop off the rental car and head for the airport. Joan’s Aunt Rose was ecstatic to hear that she was getting married. “Of course I will come to the wedding,” she said excitedly. “Just tell me when.” At Audrey’s suggestion they had both booked individual return flights at separate times.
Audrey posted pictures of herself and her school friends on Facebook. “Having a wonderful time,” she wrote. She was disguise free during those visits.
Audrey caught a taxi to Joan’s house and picked up her Rav 4. Audrey knew she would miss Joan as she headed north to Hihi.
Upon her return home, Joan slipped on her black diamond engagement ring and called Staci. “I’m back sweetheart. I missed you so much. How is the Paradise? I’m on my way.” She hung up and sighed. This is it!
C H A P T E R 7 9
Audrey unlocked her gate and drove towards her cottage. It was dusk and the last of the sun was setting over the horizon. The sky was shades of orange and red. Red sky at night, shepherd’s delight. The sheep came running up to the fence. “Hi my little sheepies,” she said as she opened the gate to let them into a fresh paddock.
The property looked deserted. She knew that tomorrow morning she would be busy welcoming a new influx of guests. She made her way over to the cabins to check everything was in order, carrying bottles of wine and welcome notes. It seemed strange being back at Tiromoana. The past week had shown her a new way of life. Audrey was careful not to intrude on Joan’s business and waited in the hotel during her visits to each Paradise location. They had talked about using the money from the drugs to purchase the Paradise giving them complete control over the cocaine sales and distribution. Audrey knew they would make great partners. She would handle the cocaine side of the business and Joan the parlors. It was doubtful that they could get their hands on future shipments of cocaine under the circumstances so this would be a one-time deal. With over twenty million dollars worth of coke safely stored away they would have enough money to last their lifetimes. Audrey would continue on with the Tiromoana Resort and Joan with the Paradise. They would need to keep everything the same and above board to prevent any suspicion falling upon them.
She turned off the cabin lights, locked the doors and made her way back to the office. As she approached, she realized she had forgotten to check the motion cameras and headed off into the darkening night to remove the memory cards.
Oh Fuck! What the hell? Audrey sat transfixed as the pictures began to emerge on the iPhoto screen. Photo after photo of Detective Bromley and Bruce Bromley searching her water tanks. The last set of photos revealed Bruce emerging from the concrete water tank with what looked like a piece of rope in his hand. Fuck. I must have dropped it when I removed the bags. Audrey racked her brain trying to think of what else they may have found in the tank. I’m sure I checked the tank before I climbed out. I must have dropped the rope when I was closing the lid. I am screwed. No wonder Detective Bromley left me so many messages to call him.
Audrey was always at her best in an emergency. She looked in the shed and found the coil of red rope she had used to tie the bags. It was also the red rope she had wrapped around Jose Serrano and PI Jones. She must dispose of it immediately before the Detective came snooping around. He didn’t have a warrant to search my tanks so he cannot use the piece of rope as evidence. But Audrey knew she couldn’t afford to have any suspicion falling on her regardless of its legal credibility. Once Pandora’s box was open it would be too late.
A sliver of moonlight was shining in the night sky. Audrey checked to see if the way was clear and then headed off down to Honeymoon Beach. With a headlight, hammer and nails she secured the rope to trees and pungas creating a handrail down the uneven bush track. When the job was completed she tested her handiwork and walked down the track using the rope for support. Brilliant! She knew that the safety feature was a perfect use of the rope. A rope that is readily available at local hardware stores. She was careful to cut off both ends and throw them into the bay. Before she left she muddied her hands and ran them over the rope as she climbed back up the track. She would purchase more rope next time she was in town. Now she would have a reason other than murder to possess the now infamous red rope.
When she reached the top of the ridge path and insight of her cottage she stood still in her tracks and turned off her headlight. Detective Bromley was at her front door. She had left the lights on and the door unlocked. She watched as he looked in the window. She held her breath. Not a good time to be talking t
o him. I wish he would just leave me alone. She heard him call her name. She didn’t dare move an inch. He turned and looked in her direction. It was dark. She was in a small clearing under the tall gum trees. She hoped he wouldn’t see her. She waited. Then she saw him turn and walk in the direction of the car park.
It seemed like forever before she heard his car leave down the gravel driveway towards the road. Thank God! I can’t cope with his questions tonight. Audrey returned the tools to the garden shed, replaced the empty memory cards in the motion cameras, ran a hot bath and soaked in the wonderful memories of her week with Joan. We have done it! We have actually done it. No one can get in our way now.
C H A P T E R 8 0
Staci checked both documents carefully before signing them and sealing them in an envelope. It was to be a surprise, an engagement present. She looked at her reflection in the full-length hallway mirror. Staci was a beautiful woman and her looks were her strength. To be successful in the sex industry, it was imperative to maintain a separation between consciousness and deed. Joan was the only person Staci had ever met who allowed her to partake freely in sexual pleasure both in mind and body. It isn’t that I hate having sex with strangers, be they men or women. But now I can choose with whom I want to have sex. I can stay in the industry I love and be free for the very first time in my life.
She heard the key in the door. She turned to face Joan. “I have been waiting for you,” she said walking to the fridge and removing a bottle of Tattinger. “Shall we?” She passed Joan a glass. “To your return.”
Joan joined Staci at the bar. The sunset streaked through the floor to ceiling lake house window. The lake was still. The miner birds were settling in the nearby trees. Their squawks pierced through the warm summer night. Their agitation reverberated with Joan as she knew what she was about to do.
The Murder Trail: The Audrey Murders - Book Three Page 13
