by Di Morrissey
‘My God, Sami. That’s quite a big nutshell. No one knows she’s there, yet?’
‘No. If people just knew her story, no one would send her away, lock her up in those awful places. She isn’t any threat. What would we do if – ’
‘Now, Sami, hold it. Try, hard as it is, to put passion to one side. You know the laws, whether we agree with them or not, we are obliged to observe them. The minute she is brought to the attention of the authorities she will have to go through the same process as other refugees.’
‘But Harlan, she has lost everyone, her parents, sisters, husband, two little girls – like Lizzie! What would you do? She has nothing to go back to, and here she is being useful. She loves the desert. She understands it. She’s educated and trying to hold herself together.’
‘So, that explains what Rosie has been so curious about: where the artistic innovation was coming from.’
‘Yes, Leila has taught them. It’s a kind of cultural exchange. I think that in retelling her stories she feels she is keeping her family alive in her heart. She’s given me her most precious possession, her only possession, her carpet bag.’ Sami paused, feeling again the enormity of Leila’s gesture. ‘She is so happy out there. Why can’t they let some of the refugee people settle in places like the ones they’ve come from?’
Harlan looked reflective. ‘You’re not the first to suggest that – to settle refugees in the east Kimberley.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘There was a plan in the late 1930s to let in European Jewish refugees escaping from the Third Reich and settle them up here in the Kimberley. A mob called the Freeland League was behind the idea.’
‘What happened?’
‘There was the usual debate, though it didn’t last long, or get that much of a hearing. On one hand it was thought it would help populate the empty north, be a sort of international good deed. On the other, objections were raised about the dangers of alien colonies and the limitations of settlement in the northwest.’
‘That’s amazing. Nothing new under the sun, eh?’
‘It would be nice if we never had the problem of refugees. But so many of us are displaced, in a sense. Take Farouz – his family came from Afghanistan as camel men; Bobby’s Chinese ancestors came out to the goldfields; some of Ross’ family came from the islands; the Japanese divers who were part of our community, then because of the war were interned even though they were married to local women. And Aborigines fighting for land rights and so on; it’s hard to be more displaced than that.’
‘Harlan, stop!’ Sami clapped her hands over her ears. ‘I don’t want to hear any more. Please, I’m only concerned about Leila.’
Harlan spoke calmly, placating her. ‘Sami. I’ll make enquiries, I’ll see what I can do. If there is the slightest chance of extenuating circumstances we’ll squeeze through.’
‘You mustn’t tell anyone where she is.’
‘Let me get a notebook. Then you can tell me all she told you about how she got here.’ Harlan rose. ‘Don’t expect too much, Sami.’
‘Harlan, if anyone can help I know you will. This is really, really important to me. I promised Leila I’d go back with a solution.’
‘I’ll make some phone calls in the morning. Tonight, after I’ve got all the information down, you should put it to one side. Settle into your room. We’re so happy you and your mum will stay with us.’
When Sami had told Harlan every detail she could remember about Leila’s journey from Afghanistan to Australia, she went in to see Biddy. She felt she needed a complete distraction to ease her thoughts. The old lady was sitting in a chair, very straight backed, her hands in her lap, a light shawl around her shoulders.
‘Biddy, I thought you’d be in bed. How are you?’
‘I bin waiting.’
‘Oh, sorry, I was talking to Harlan. I’m hoping he can help a friend of mine.’
Biddy shook her head. ‘Mebbe. Some things you can’t fix. You gotta know that’s what bin meant for you. I know this.’
Sami sat on the edge of the bed and looked at her. ‘Biddy, that’s a rather fatalistic approach to life. I mean, you can’t always stand by and just accept things. You have to fight, to try to change things.’
‘Change y’rself first, girl. You going on a trip. On a boat?’
Sami blinked, she had no such plans. Then she remembered her mother mentioning that Tim was sailing up the coast. ‘My mother suggested something . . . I’m not sure. Going from the pearl farm, the Star Two, up the Sound somewhere.’
‘Near my country. You take Biddy.’
‘Biddy, I’d love to but that’s a long trip.’ Biddy looked so frail, but Sami saw a very determined and stubborn set to the old woman’s face.
‘Got to go one time. You get Rosie.’ She turned her head away from Sami and stared out the window.
Sami found Rosie. ‘Biddy has some idea about sailing up the coast with me. On a trip I hadn’t even thought of doing. Mum made some comment about it on the phone. Have you guys set this up? How would Biddy know?’
Rosie raised her eyebrow. ‘Need you ask?’ But she was silent for a moment or two, biting her lip. ‘It’s important for her. I haven’t spoken to your mum but I thought this might be coming. We’ll have to take her.’
‘Rosie, it’s too hard for you to get away. And Harlan.’ Sami was wondering how she could fob off the old lady, who so often lived in the past. Then she recalled Biddy’s face. ‘She does seem determined to go.’
‘It’s her duty,’ said Rosie. ‘She’ll need a bit of help walking but she’s tough enough to make the trip.’
‘Then I’ll take her.’ The words were out before Sami had time to think. And it hit her that this was something she had to do, her duty.
Rosie didn’t argue. ‘How are you going?’
‘Mum said Tim was taking the boat. I guess she or Dave will go along. Can we get Biddy up there and on and off the boat? God, I don’t want anything to happen to her.’
‘It won’t. Speak to your mother. You’re heading up there the day after tomorrow, aren’t you? So take Biddy with you. She’d love to see her former mission again. I’ll send out word to the family to look after her. We’ll send provisions, blankets and whatever they need.’
Lily was initially taken aback at the news, but she quickly came to see it as a special opportunity for Sami. She explained what the trip was all about for Biddy. ‘It’s the traditional women’s camp where I go each year. You’ll need a dinghy to get ashore, but the lugger has one. Lordy, how are you going to manage that? We’d better talk to Tim about it as he’ll be skipper.’
‘Aren’t you coming?’
‘I can’t, the investors are due here soon and we’re getting ready to harvest. Tim’s going to look at a new location, see if it’s workable as a farm. We have the Lacepedes but we want to suggest another possibility to the Japanese. Here, I’ll put Tim on, he’s met Biddy.’ Lily briefly filled him in and handed him the phone.
‘Sami, this’ll be a bit of a challenge but we’ll manage. It was good of you to offer to take her. It’s important to the old people.’
‘I’m trying to visualise getting Biddy off the Georgiana into a dinghy. Perhaps it’s all too hard.’
‘You can’t pull out now. Leave the logistics to me. I know the place your mother is talking about. We can drop Biddy there then I’ll head around towards Sunday Island and we can pick her up on the way back.’
‘I think I’d better stay with her. I feel kind of responsible.’
‘Whatever you want. We’ll play it by ear. I’m ready to leave any day so just get up here. Let your mum know. See you.’
He abruptly handed the phone to Lily. Sami was a bit irked, Tim was so self-confident all the time. And her mother thought the sun shone out of him.
Sami found Rosie with Biddy who was looking pleased with herself. ‘I’ll start packing her things tonight,’ said Rosie. ‘Then I’ll pick up some supplies downtown tomorrow when I leave the ga
llery. The first thing is to send out word to the women up there. They only go to the camp for special occasions, so I need to make sure they’ll be there.’ Rosie straightened up and looked worried. ‘You’re sure, Biddy? You sure you want to go now? Not in a month or two when it’s warmer?’
The old woman shook her head. ‘Now. Sami gonna take me.’ She shot Sami a sharp look.
‘Don’t worry, Biddy, we’re going,’ said Sami with a smile, thinking what an old manipulator she was.
‘Okay.’ Rosie put her hand on Sami’s shoulder. ‘I’ve hung Leila’s carpet in the gallery, is that all right?’ As Sami nodded, she said quietly, ‘I feel these two are linked through you – Biddy and Leila. Interesting.’
‘They couldn’t be more different,’ said Sami.
‘They’re women on a journey,’ commented Rosie as she left the room.
‘Righto, Biddy. You really sure you want to do this? You might be a bit uncomfortable at times.’
‘I’m goin’.’
‘Okay. But I don’t want any trouble from you.’ Sami waggled her finger playfully at her.
‘We’ll see,’ sniffed the old woman and closed her eyes.
In Perth Ross had arranged to meet Pauline for coffee before going into Agtron Mining to do his presentation to the chief executive, Mrs Nan O’May.
‘Are you nervous?’
‘Petrified,’ he confessed as they sat at an outdoor cafe. ‘I did a rehearsal with Sami the other day, but as a cop I was more into asking questions, not making speeches. You know what I mean? And I’m already uncomfortable about being back in a big city. Skyscrapers aren’t a patch on trees.’
‘What about your son? Where would he prefer to live?’
‘I think he enjoys both, he’s only twelve. When he gets to be a teenager he might want to hang out with his mum in the bright lights. What about you?’
‘I’m a Broome baby,’ smiled Pauline. ‘I like occasional city hits and I’d love to travel overseas more.’
‘You’re too young to limit yourself to Broome. Anyway from what people are saying, you’re destined for the international stage.’
‘That’s nice of them. Now tell me about this Palmer plan for the Kimberley kids.’
Her warm personality relaxed Ross and he leaned forward to explain the scheme.
She was impressed and gave a little clap when he finished. ‘I think some personal experiences have given your presentation a special edge.’
‘Well, my Aboriginal family came from Broome, I know what it is to be an outsider. Yet I made a good career in the police force. I have a son and I want to see him get ahead in life but also know his country and his people. Kids need someone to respect them, listen to them and give them a chance. They won’t get anywhere without tools and skills.’ He sat back, suddenly embarrassed. ‘Oh, do I sound like I’m on a soap box?’
‘No, that was great. You go in there and tell her and the board, just like that. Speak from the heart. You were terrific. It’s a great idea and you’re just the person to run it. Absolutely!’
‘I feel so much better after that bit of rehearsal. Right. I have my notes, statistics and heart on my sleeve.’ He stood up. ‘So when are you coming back home?’
‘Lily has asked me up to the farm. I’d like to be there during harvest.’
‘You still a bit freaked by the . . . incident?’ he asked gently.
‘Yeah. I just don’t want to go back into my shop, the idea gives me the creeps. I feel I have to look over my shoulder, and I’ll never stay in there at night.’
‘That’s very natural. I’ve seen people trying to cope with going back to the scene of a rape or a murder. It’s hard. You were lucky. How about I come with you? Walk you through it. I think it would help.’
‘Ross, thanks, I would like that. I’ll head up to see Lily and when I’m back in Broome I’ll call you. That is, if you haven’t moved to the community.’
‘Oh, I’ll keep my little bolthole in Broome. You know, I think you’re an innocent pawn in a bit of a strange game. So I doubt it’ll happen again.’
‘Really? Who was it? Why? What were they after?’
‘The stuff they took was incidental – too tempting. Probably a hired hand who was after something special you had. Think back, what was in the safe?’
‘Some unset pearls and diamonds. Some papers. Oh, and that sun thing of Bobby’s, but that wasn’t of any real value.’
‘Is it still in the safe?’
‘I don’t know. I went to the hospital. I’d have to get Bertrand to check.’
‘I’d be interested to know. It might help the detective. Okay, I’d better go, don’t want to be late.’
‘Good luck. Let me know how it goes. In fact, do you want to have dinner later?’
‘Hey, I’d like that. I’ll call your mobile and plan where to meet.’
Pauline watched him go then decided to phone Lily and make arrangements to go up to Star Two. Her mind was buzzing with ideas and she felt like her old self again.
C h a p t e r E i g h t e e n
THERE WAS A NEW GATE ACROSS THE TRACK AT THE entrance to the Star Two pearl farm, but no sign informing visitors they were at the farm. Dale knew from his map that he was in the right place, so he opened the gate and drove through, then re-looped the security chain, noting that the fence on either side had some new posts and barbed wire. The new regime has upgraded border defences, he mused. No doubt part of Lily’s good housekeeping approach. He wondered if he should have let her know he was coming up but decided a surprise would be nicer. He took in the sparse coastal scrubland, the sand dunes and mangroves as he drove close to the bay, then made a sharp turn inland as the track went along the high bank of a creek. At the mouth of the creek he had his first glimpse of the farm. While it looked old and remote, there was a sense that some spring cleaning had been going on. Sheds were freshly painted and the open areas and shell-grit paths were swept clean, gear was neatly stacked and ropes were coiled. He didn’t imagine it looked like this when Dave ran the place on his own.
He parked under a shadecloth carport by a wooden arrow that signalled ‘Office’. Taking in the view of the bay, he had to admit it was spectacular, but not the place to stay for any length of time. Laid-back Broome seemed like a big city in comparison to this isolated spot. A few scattered accommodation buildings, some palm trees planted long ago, sheds and workshops – that was it. The lot. Well, thought Dale, Lily hadn’t got much of a bargain here, although he knew the real value of the venture lay beneath the turquoise waters. Still, he’d rather see where his money was going. Give me bricks and mortar any day, he concluded.
He passed dormitories with wetsuits hung over verandah rails, then a clothes line strung between the showers and laundry. A young woman was throwing towels on the line. ‘I’m heading for the office, am I?’ asked Dale.
‘You are. I don’t think anyone is there but. Lily’s taken a mob out on the Georgiana for a bit of a cruise. Said they’d be back after lunch.’
‘Bit of a cruise . . . doesn’t sound like hard work to me.’
The girl bristled. ‘She works as hard as anyone. All the bosses do. Can I help you?’
‘I’m a close friend of Lily’s. I’ll wait till she comes back. Is there anywhere I can get a cold beer?’
‘The canteen is over there. Soft drinks, tea and coffee only,’ she told him.
‘Tough life up here,’ said Dale.
‘You get used to it. See ya.’
With a can of chilled soft drink Dale decided to investigate the sound of hammering. He saw a fellow working on a new corrugated-iron roof, sparkling white and a bold contrast to the peeling paint and battered old walls of the building, which was incongruously signposted ‘Technical’. Another man standing by the ladder with a sheet of iron turned when he heard Dale call out ‘G’day’.
‘Well, hello, Bobby,’ said Dale in some surprise. ‘She got you helping out, eh?’ Shading his eyes he recognised Ross on the roof. They had brie
fly met in town once with Lily. ‘And you too, Ross. What’s going on, I didn’t know you were into the building game?’
‘Hey, Dale!’ called Ross cheerfully. ‘Just a bit of new roofing. Well within the range of skills I picked up as a first-year carpentry apprentice a million years ago.’
Dale nodded but just the same he felt put out. Why didn’t Lily ask him to get one of his boys to knock up a bit of roofing? Christ, it had been a while but he could probably do it himself with a little help. ‘Well, don’t let me stop progress,’ said Dale. ‘See you for a sundowner maybe.’
‘We’ll be ready for one for sure,’ called Ross. ‘Lily’s out on the lugger, she’ll be back a bit later this arvo.’
‘So I’ve heard. Thanks.’
Dale was directed to Lily’s cabin then, spotting the hammock, climbed in and dozed off. He was awakened by laughter and for a moment wondered where he was, then sat up and saw a group including Lily settling on her verandah. He glanced at his watch. It was four o’clock.
Lily was sitting on a cane lounge with Ted Palmer and Tim was pouring drinks when they saw Dale walk towards them, awkwardly running a hand through his untidy hair. Just then Ross and Bobby arrived, Bobby with a pretty Japanese girl beside him.
Lily rose and went to Dale with a welcoming smile. ‘I saw your car, and I spotted you dozing divinely, so let you be,’ she explained.
It maddened Dale that she didn’t see anything absurd about the situation, but he tried to look relaxed. ‘No worries.’ He gave her a peck on the cheek, and a half-hearted wave to the others.
