by Di Morrissey
Chris felt quite deflated by Greg’s declaration. He had been sure that Greg could tell him something that would give his book some spice and make it more attractive to a publisher. Instead, he had nothing to show for the trip.
‘I think that our little mall and our protests are only small fry to International Industries anyway. You know that they have gone into the States in a big way, don’t you? I believe that Alan Carmichael aims to build shopping malls all over the US. The company must have deep pockets,’ said Greg.
‘Or know where to access the big money for the large-scale plans he has in mind,’ added Carla.
‘It all sounds very ambitious,’ said Chris. ‘That certainly seems to be a major expansion of Alan Carmichael’s business.’
‘It’s the lack of consultation that’s got the community riled up,’ said Carla, who was obviously not put off by Greg’s admission that the town council’s decision to back the building of the mall probably had not been corrupt. ‘Someone needs to do a bit of digging to see if there’s anything untoward about how the zoning got changed.’
‘Maybe you’re right,’ said Chris, without any real enthusiasm. If a member of the town council who was actually opposed to the building of the mall thought that everything was above board, he doubted there was much of a story to chase.
‘We were hoping you might have a bit of a go. You’re the investigative reporter,’ said Carla.
Chris flung himself back in his seat, lifting his arms. ‘Hey, no way. I’m out of that business.’
‘But aren’t you writing about Carmichael and those other fellows your mother knew?’ persisted Carla.
Chris hesitated. ‘It’s not that sort of story. I mean, I’m not sure that there is a story here at all, but I’ll talk to my agent about it.’
After leaving the coffee shop, Chris checked his watch. His appointment with Evan wasn’t until later that afternoon, so he decided that he had time to call Georgia.
‘I promise I won’t be a pest of an author and bother you all the time, but I met a former councillor from the Victorian town where Alan Carmichael has his development for a mall,’ said Chris. And he outlined what Greg and Carla had said.
‘Mmm. Does your mother’s friend Carla actually know anything, or is she just hot under the collar about the development?’
‘The latter, I think,’ said Chris.
‘Well, it wouldn’t be the first time a mega business deal was connected with murky goings-on. Unfortunately, this sounds like bit of a dead end. All the same, maybe you could look at some of Carmichael’s other developments and see if you can find a pattern. Keep me in the loop and let me know if you find anything.’
As soon as Georgia had hung up, Chris regretted not saying something more to her. He had rung her on a pretty lame excuse just so he could talk with her, and he had said virtually nothing. She had gone out of her way to see him at Neverend and had shown such concern about Megan, Chris wondered if there was a chance she was interested in him as more than just a client. But then again, Mac had said she was intensely interested in all her clients, so he probably wasn’t so special after all. Nevertheless, Chris thought about their time together in Neverend and how much she had seemed to enjoy his company – almost as much as he had enjoyed hers. If he could just make his book really attention-grabbing, then perhaps he could persuade her to visit Neverend again.
*
Dr Evan Llewellyn had agreed to meet Chris at his rooms at the hospital where he was a leading consultant. As he was ushered into Evan’s office, Chris liked him immediately. The doctor rose and came around his desk, hand outstretched. His jacket was rumpled and his tie askew, and his big smile and friendly eyes met Chris’s as he shook his hand. If he were my doctor I’d want to hug him, Chris thought.
‘I was so thrilled to see your mother again. Susan was always friendly and great company and nothing has changed even after all these years. Please sit down, Chris.’
‘She has very special and happy memories of her time with you all,’ said Chris.
‘Well, at least until Jimmy’s tragic death; I suppose you know all about that. It’s little wonder she went home early.’
‘I only recently found out about all that. That was a part of her life she never liked to talk about,’ said Chris, pulling up a chair and taking out his notebook and a pen.
‘They were terrible times for the people of Indonesia. Sadly we still see similar events happening in other countries today where groups want the power and the profit for themselves at the expense of the poor and the decent who just want to do the best for their families. Water?’
‘Yes, please. Did you find it traumatic when you were there? Did you expect the place to be as unsettled as it was?’ asked Chris.
‘We did a couple of crash courses before we started our work, but we were woefully unprepared. The poverty, the Indonesian way of life, their culture and the continuing political upheaval was all a bit of a surprise to us. But there were also the good things about the encounter, such as the warmth and hospitality of the people and the knowledge that, as undertrained as we were, we were helping improve lives. It was a worthwhile experience. You may not know it, but I still do a lot of work in emerging countries improving health standards where I can.’
‘Yes, Evan, I’ve read about the wonderful things you’ve been doing. I do find it quite intriguing how successful you, Mark, Alan and David have been in your careers. And I know from when I spoke to you on the phone for the magazine article that you think your time in Indonesia contributed to your success.’
‘I always wanted to be a doctor, but that period of my life in Indonesia made me view the world from a slightly different perspective. I think it made me realise how privileged we are to live in Australia. It also made me aware that one person can make a difference. It saddens me today that many Australians take the great advantages this land offers for granted and are not prepared to share our good fortune with people from other countries who do not have it.’ He shook his head and took a sip of water. ‘I’m also saddened that there isn’t a greater closeness between Indonesia and Australia. I thought by now everyone in our country would be studying Indonesian, that there would be a huge two-way exchange of ideas and that Australians would have a better knowledge of the multi-faceted culture of the islands of Indonesia instead of seeing the place just as a cheap holiday destination or a valuable source of raw materials. And the powers that be think money and aid will fix any problems and have little respect for the country.’ He lifted his hands. ‘Oh dear, I seem to have got a bit carried away, but I do think that we have gone backwards in our attitude to Indonesia. That seems to me to be a great pity. I was told by my parents always to be nice to our neighbours, especially the ones right next door.’ He grinned apologetically.
Chris consulted his notes. ‘Evan, I’m not entirely sure where I want this book to go. I think I want to use it to inspire other Australians to try to make a difference as well. David and Mark are very willing to help me, but Alan definitely wants nothing to do with my project, even though I have assured him that I would not be writing anything defamatory.’
‘That’s a shame about Alan. He’s done exceptionally well for himself, hasn’t he?’ said Evan.
‘Do you know that he is going to expand his construction business into the States?’ quizzed Chris. ‘Is that correct? I’ve heard a couple of negative things about his business dealings. David thinks he might have sailed a bit close to the wind at times.’
Evan raised an eyebrow. ‘Really? Well, I suppose that’s big business for you. Personally, I think that the fact he gave up a year of his life to work in Indonesia for a pittance would indicate a good heart. And a few years ago he gave me a very generous donation for my overseas work, and I think he said he’s done the same for Mark.’
‘I see,’ said Chris thoughtfully. ‘There was something else I wanted to ask you, Evan. When I
wrote the magazine article, it wasn’t very long, so I didn’t really bother looking for Norma, as I felt I had enough information without her. Now that I’m expanding the article into a book, I really want to find her. Do you know what became of her? None of the others do.’
‘No, I don’t either, but I think you’re right to talk with her if you can find her. She had quite a different temperament from your mother. Very straightforward to the point of bluntness about what she thought.’
Chris laughed. ‘That’s what everyone tells me. I hope I can find her, she sounds like a valuable resource. By the way, you may not know this, but Jimmy’s brother’s Thomas Fairfax Anderson. You lot were certainly moving in exalted circles, even if you didn’t know it.’
‘Really? I had no idea. So Jimmy’s brother’s one of the top financial bods in the US. I’m amazed. Puts me in my place,’ said Evan, clearly impressed.
‘I think your place is pretty important, too,’ Chris replied.
They talked a while longer until Evan’s phone rang.
The doctor answered it and after listening for a moment said, ‘I’ll be there shortly.’
Chris gathered up his notes. ‘Thank you for giving me your time. I’m very grateful for these extra insights, and it’s been an honour to meet you.’
Evan shook Chris’s hand. ‘Any time, Chris. If I can be of more help, just shout. And do give my warm regards to Susan. Tell her to make sure she’s at the next reunion, won’t you?’
When Chris arrived at Tullamarine Airport, he called his mother to let her know that the plane was on time and he’d be home in a couple of hours.
‘You have had the nicest men in your life. Evan was absolutely lovely. He was so warm and told me a lot about himself, and he said he’s willing to let me see his own notes and for me to speak to whomever I like about his career. He’s happy to be an open book, just like Mark and David.’
‘Pity about Alan,’ laughed Susan. ‘Maybe he’ll come around. Did Evan know anything about Norma?’
‘No, but like everyone else he thinks she would not have given up midwifery.’
‘And what about Carla and her friend, did you see them?’
‘Yes, that was interesting, but very inconclusive. Carla has a conspiracy theory about the council rezoning land to enable the Victorian development to go ahead, but her friend Greg thinks that his fellow councillors were just dazzled by International Industries and so gave the company everything it wanted.’
‘I don’t think Alan would do anything illegal. Big companies can’t expose themselves by breaking the law. Wouldn’t be worth their while,’ said Susan.
‘Oh, Mum, I think that’s pretty naïve. Big business has power and influence and they will use it to further their profits. Some of them are prepared to break the law to get what they want. I’m not saying that Alan is behaving in this way, but I might just have a look at some more of his developments. Is Megs there?’
‘Not home yet. Netball practice.’
‘Give her my love. I’ll see her soon.’
*
Chris was standing in the bookshop at the airport when his phone rang. He was surprised to hear Alex’s voice.
‘Mate, bad news. It’s Frenchy, he’s had a bit of an accident in the van down on the river flats. Ran into a ditch on the side of one of those gravel roads. Just as well he wasn’t on the plateau road, otherwise it could have been more serious.’
‘That’s awful. How bad is he?’
‘Pretty bruised and he’s got a couple of cracked ribs. They had to take him to Coffs for x-rays, but I gather there’s nothing too serious. He was lucky, by all accounts. Karen is with him at the hospital, and we have the kids at our place. Police have had a quick look at the van. Said it was unroadworthy.’
Chris was aghast. ‘That’s bullshit! Frenchy treats his vans almost better than he treats his kids. They’re his livelihood, so they’re always in tip-top condition.’ Chris lowered his voice. ‘Listen, I’m in Melbourne, about to board my flight home. I’ll be home in a couple of hours, so if I can do anything tonight, just let me know.’
‘He’ll be fine. I just thought you’d want to know.’
‘Yes. Thanks, Alex.’
Chris hung up, feeling quite shaken and even guilty. He should have been driving that van, but when he’d taken the day off to fly down to Melbourne Shaun had taken over his deliveries. He was puzzled about the van, too. He knew that there would be nothing wrong with it, no matter what the police said. Shaun must have been travelling too fast along the gravelled surface of the road and skidded on a bend. Easy enough to do. He’d go and see the police tomorrow after he’d visited Shaun and try to find out exactly what had happened.
Chris strolled down Neverend’s leafy main street just as the café, coffee shop and patisserie were all opening up. He ordered a croissant and an espresso and sat in the crisp morning air with his newspaper as the sun began to filter through the camphor laurel tree that sheltered the table. Neverend might not be as trendy as Melbourne, but as Chris sipped his coffee and read the paper while the sun warmed his back, he felt happy to be there. He exchanged greetings with other locals he knew who were also enjoying this morning ritual, then he rang Shaun.
‘Still a bit bruised and battered, mate, but glad to be home. Should be back at work by next week, right as rain. Thanks for ringing,’ said Shaun, ebullient as ever.
After he’d finished his coffee, Chris headed to the nearby police station to ask about Shaun’s van. The station was housed in its original building constructed more than a century ago. Chris went round to the side door and stepped into the foyer.
‘Morning, Chris.’ The local police sergeant Pete Pollard greeted him from behind the station’s front counter. ‘You heard about the van?’
Pete was a burly local lad who had returned to Neverend after working for several years in the police force in other parts of the state. Chris had known him since schooldays and along with the rest of the community thought of the police officer as a thoroughly decent man.
‘Hi, Pete. Yes, do you know what happened?’ asked Chris.
Pete leaned across the front counter, twiddling a pen between his thick fingers. ‘Pretty straightforward. Whoever changed the tyres on that van did a poor job. Two of the wheels had loose nuts. No wonder the wheel almost came off. First rule when you change a tyre is to tighten the bolts.’
‘Well, of course, Pete, we’re not idiots! There’s no way Frenchy would have let that happen.’ Chris furiously tried to remember who had last changed the tyres. ‘That van went in for new tyres weeks back and I’ve been driving it ever since. Surely I would have noticed if the wheels had started shaking or wobbling ages before this happened?’
‘Possibly,’ said Pete, shrugging. ‘But all I can say is that those nuts were loose when the accident occurred and Shaun was damn lucky he wasn’t driving the van down the plateau road. Then the accident could have been fatal.’
Chris shivered. He couldn’t shake the guilt he felt knowing he should have been driving the van.
‘So what happens now? Can we drive it when the repairs have been made?’
Pete squinted at him. ‘You’re sure that neither you nor anyone who works for Shaun would have tampered with those wheels, Chris?’
‘I can’t speak for everyone, Pete, but I certainly didn’t touch them and I doubt anyone else would have. There was no reason for it at all.’
‘Then maybe the nuts weren’t replaced properly all those weeks ago and just took a long time to work loose.’
Chris nodded slowly in agreement. It wasn’t very likely, but there seemed to be no other explanation.
The vehicle was in one of the local repair shops and so Chris farewelled Pete and walked over to see the damage.
‘Pretty lucky, your boss. Not too much harm done, either to the van or to Frenchy, I hear,’ said the mechanic. ‘
Bit of work needed on the driver’s side where he careened into bushes and boulders at the edge of the road, but it shouldn’t take long. I’ll give you a ring when it’s right to drive. Insurance will cover most of the costs.’
‘Thanks,’ said Chris, folding his arms. Another wave of guilt swept over him. It should have been him behind the wheel. He’d talk to Shaun about hiring another van while this one was being repaired so that he could start back on the run immediately. He might have to do a couple of extra shifts to cover for Shaun’s absence, but that wouldn’t be a problem. It would make him feel better to do some extra shifts for Shaun. Chris stepped out of the shadows of the mechanic’s workshop and back into the sun.
*
Life quickly settled back into its routine. In his spare time between driving the courier van and writing a weekly column for the Coastal Star, Chris sorted through notes and printouts, shuffling the pages of the men’s lives like a deck of cards, trying to put together a coherent picture. Although there were still plenty of gaps, he saw that he had an interesting composite of three of the men, David, Evan and Mark. Unfortunately, there were a lot of blanks around Alan’s story and Chris wondered how he was ever going to fill them.
Nevertheless he enjoyed researching material he wouldn’t normally include in a journalistic article. The broad canvas of a book gave him the freedom to delve a lot deeper. He also found that his writing style was changing from succinct journalese to a more reflective and questioning prose.
Chris had begun to look at the men’s families to see if their parents had also been high achievers. He already knew that Mark had come from a wealthy background and that Evan had come from a family of doctors. David’s family had humbler origins, although it was clear that his parents had valued education very highly for, like David, all of his siblings had acquired university degrees in an era when tertiary education was not common. When he dug a bit deeper into Alan’s background he learned that Alan’s father had been quite entrepreneurial, but it appeared that he had been a risk taker. The business he’d built up in the 1950s and ’60s had done well, but he had gone into a venture in the early 1970s that had failed, bankrupting him. Alan had initially worked with his father, but after the bankruptcy he’d gone his own way, starting up his own construction company, which had done very well.
