The Road Back: A Novel

by Di Morrissey

  As he drove on in the deteriorating conditions, he thought he might have to pull over, but when he tried the wipers again, he found that they would at least work on intermittent speed. He decided to press on. He briefly looked into the rear-vision mirror again and caught another glimpse of the dark car still behind him, its headlights on low beam. The driver was clearly getting impatient with Chris’s reduced speed, for the car had edged closer to the van.

  ‘Calm down, mate,’ said Chris. ‘There’s a place where I can pull over in just a minute. I’ll get out of your way then.’

  But suddenly the car shot out from behind the van and drew level with Chris, who eased up sharply to let the car get past.

  ‘You’re nuts!’ yelled Chris angrily. ‘You can’t overtake here. If something is coming the other way, you’re dead meat.’

  Then to his horror Chris realised the car wasn’t trying to overtake him, but was staying beside him and nudging closer to the van.

  ‘Hey, you stupid bastard . . .’

  Chris glanced across at the car in disbelief. He couldn’t see the driver through the car’s tinted windows, but he suddenly realised that it looked like the same car that had been outside Susan’s house the previous week and had intimidated him and Megan the day before.

  As the blue car and the van rounded the next bend, side by side, there was the frantic honking of a horn. A gravel truck was slowly climbing the mountain road in the opposite direction and the blue car was right in its path. Chris braked, struggling to control the van on the slippery road, and the blue car squeezed between the van and the truck and roared off into the distance. Chris drove on slowly, sweating and shaking.

  Was that just a crazy driver in a hurry, or had it been a deliberate attempt to push him off the road and into the ravine that ran alongside it?

  Chris drove on. The windscreen wipers were now barely coping as the rain got heavier. He concentrated on the difficult road, very relieved that he was nearly at the bottom of the mountain. He made a routine glance into his rear-vision mirror to see what was behind him and was astonished to see that he was again being followed by the blue car. He realised at once that the car had simply pulled over into one of the tourist lookouts at the side of the road and waited there for Chris to drive past. The blue car was rapidly gaining on him and Chris knew that if it again tried to push against the van on the slippery road, he might well lose control and he and the van would go over the edge. He decided to try to outpace the blue car. He floored the accelerator, but the blue car stayed right on his tail. The workhorse van was proving to be no match for the more powerful engine of the blue car, but Chris was on very familiar terms with the road and he knew that in less than three kilometres there was a side road where he could turn off. He just had to stay in front of the blue car until then.

  The two vehicles thundered down the mountainside, the blue car continually trying to draw level with Chris. Cars coming the other way blew their horns in alarm and pulled over to the side of the narrow road to avoid being hit.

  This idiot will kill someone, Chris thought angrily. Most likely me.

  The road began to level out, but the blue car did not let up. Chris knew that the small side road was approaching. As late as he dared, he shifted down his gears and did a hard left onto the narrow road, which was almost hidden beneath an archway of trees. The blue car, taken by surprise by Chris’s actions, shot past the turn-off and disappeared into the distance. Chris pulled the van up in front of the small general store that stood a few metres away. He was shaking as he rolled down his window to gulp breaths of cool, damp air. There was no doubt now in his mind. The driver in the blue car had been trying to push him off the mountain.

  He got out of the van and leaned against the door for a minute until he got his breathing under control. Then he went into the store and pulled a bottle of water from the refrigerated cabinet and, holding it in trembling hands, drank it down.

  Ten minutes later he got back into the van and drove the rest of the way into Neverend. He kept glancing in his rear-vision mirror, but the blue car didn’t reappear.

  Chris parked the van in Shaun’s shed in town and grabbed his jacket, then walked slowly home, oblivious to the showery weather. He was deeply concerned. He knew now, beyond any shadow of doubt, that he was being targeted by someone. And he was also sure that the loose wheel nuts which had caused Shaun’s accident had been meant for him. Moreover, it was not just he who had been targeted. Susan’s house and Megan had also been watched. What was he to do?

  Chris didn’t mention what had happened over dinner that night, but when it had all been cleared away, he glanced at his watch and said, ‘I’m going for a stroll. I’ll be back by eight, everyone.’ He stepped outside and, after checking the guesthouse and his car, walked down View Street towards the town. The street was deserted and he glanced back at the house, its lights shining a welcome cosiness.

  Anger welled up in him. How dare someone threaten his home, which should have been the safest place in the world? He walked past the Neverend Hotel and the shopping centre and approached the police station. He was relieved to see through the glass door that Sergeant Pete Pollard was on the evening shift.

  The sergeant waved when he spotted him and came over to let him in. ‘G’day, Chris. I’ve got the kettle on. Or do you want a soft drink? What can I do for you?’

  ‘Tea, coffee, either would be great.’ Chris took a deep breath. ‘Pete, I know how this is going to sound, but I think that my family and I are being targeted by someone.’

  ‘Take a seat and tell me what’s been going on.’

  As Pete made instant coffee, Chris gave him a brief run-down on what had happened to him that afternoon, and the previous incidents in which he had seen the blue car watching the house and then been followed and intimidated by it. Pete set a mug of coffee down in front of Chris and sipped his own. ‘So you don’t think that the car this afternoon was just being driven by idiots out to scare you?’

  ‘Well, they certainly scared me. But I don’t think it was a random action. I don’t think Frenchy’s crash was an accident, either. I should have been driving that van, not him.’

  ‘What sort of car was it, Chris?’

  ‘Some sort of Japanese car. I really didn’t take it in. Mazda, Toyota? Probably a Mazda. Pretty sure it was a hatchback, too. And I know you’ll ask me about the number plates, but I can’t help you there. I didn’t see them, and when I think about that, it’s because they were smeared with mud.’

  ‘So, mate, is there anyone you can think of who would want to frighten you and your family?’

  Chris sipped his coffee. ‘I don’t think so. I mean, most people I might have had problems with are overseas, and those problems were a long time ago. I can’t see anyone chasing me to Neverend to get me. Besides, I don’t think that anything I did or wrote was enough to have me killed. None of this makes sense.’

  ‘This book I hear you’re writing; would that make you any enemies?’

  ‘Pete, three of my subjects are more than happy to help me. I did initially get a letter from Alan Carmichael’s lawyer about defamation, but I got Duncan’s brother in Coffs to send one back to say that I would be going ahead with the book, but I wouldn’t be writing anything that was likely to offend him. I’ve heard nothing since.’

  Pete gave a low whistle. ‘Carmichael is a big name. You don’t do things by halves, my friend, but I can’t see him chasing you down the plateau road. And as you say, he’s the sort who uses lawyers when he doesn’t like something. Have you told your mother about all this?’

  ‘No, but I will. I’ll tell her to be on the lookout for dark blue cars,’ Chris said bitterly.

  ‘Well, I’ll make sure that we keep an eye on your house and we’ll watch out for dark blue cars as well, but I’m not sure we can do much more at this stage.’

  ‘You know, Pete, I don’t like the idea of being threatened in my own home town. It makes me angry to think that someone is trying to invade my
space,’ said Chris. ‘But thanks for your help. I’ll tell Mum that someone from the cop shop will be poking around the house regularly. Mind you, I’m not sure that Mum would be easily intimidated, but best we don’t take any chances. And thanks for the coffee, mate.’ He drained his mug and stood to leave.

  The sergeant opened the door and put his hand on Chris’s shoulder. ‘Take care, Chris.’

  As he walked back to the house, Chris felt comforted by Pete’s support and relieved that he had reported the events, but still uncertain about what his next move should be. It felt good to stretch his legs. The rain clouds had cleared and the sky was bright and clear, studded with a zillion stars. The Milky Way was a brush stroke across the velvety night canvas. This was the kind of sky you never saw in a city.

  On an impulse, he didn’t walk straight back to View Street but continued on the lower road, towards the river. The old white bridge spanned the silky silent water. How many times had he fished from this bridge, swum beneath it with his dog and his mates, or driven across it; a link with home and other places, always the beginning and end of a journey. Here, in the darkness, he had no sense of anyone watching him; no car in the shadows, no danger, no threats. All around him felt safe and peaceful. But for how long, he wondered. He had to make some decisions.

  Megan was his priority. He didn’t want to alarm her by suggesting that the Baxters were being targeted, but he wanted her out of Neverend for the time being. School holidays started the following week. He’d send Megan to her mother. Jill had wanted Megan to go over to the west for quite some time, so that would work out well. He couldn’t move his mother, so he would have to alert her. He was sure she would take it in her stride, maybe even decide that now was the right time to go away with David. He would also tell Georgia what was going on. He felt the need to share his concerns with her. He turned and walked towards home.

  Megan and the cat were curled up beside Susan, riveted to the flickering TV screen. Chris didn’t want to talk about all that had happened, so he poured himself a Scotch, something he rarely did, and went into the study and rang Georgia.

  She listened quietly, letting out a shocked expulsion of breath when he finished.

  ‘Dear God, Chris, that’s really serious. Have you any idea who would do something like that? Who’s got it in for you?’

  ‘Quite frankly, I’m at a loss about that, but I know it was no subtle hint. I was almost pushed off the road. It’s some kind of miracle I wasn’t killed, and you know, if I had been, everyone would just think it was an accident that happened in the wet on a slippery mountain road. But now I’m more concerned for Megan and my mother.’ And he told her that he had decided to send Megan to Perth for the holidays.

  ‘That’s a good idea. I don’t suppose there is anything I can do, but if you think of something, just give me a shout.’

  ‘Thanks for that. It’s good to know you’re in my corner. Someone to talk to so that I don’t have to worry Mum too much. ’Night, Georgia, talk soon.’

  *

  ‘Do I have to go to Perth?’ wailed Megan the next morning when Chris told her of his decision.

  ‘Of course you do,’ said Susan briskly. Chris had explained to her late the previous evening about the incidents with the blue car and she was in total agreement that Megan should be sent away for the time being. ‘Your mother misses you. I bet she’ll plan some fantastic things to do. Perth is beautiful. Isn’t that right, Chris?’

  ‘A lovely city, and Freo, Fremantle, is great fun.’

  ‘I’ll miss Squire. You know I don’t want to leave him. And what about my friends? We have heaps planned for these holidays. And you said Georgia might come up to visit soon and I want to see her.’

  Chris smiled to himself. Six months ago, Megan had hated the thought of living in Neverend. Now he couldn’t get her out of the place.

  ‘Mollie will ride Squire for you and I’ll check on him and take him carrots,’ said Chris. ‘And your friends will still be here when you get back, and you can see Georgia another time. Your mother wants to see you, so over to Perth you go.’

  Megan shrugged and shuffled off to her room where, no doubt, Chris thought, she would tell her friends about her unreasonable parents.

  ‘Do you want to drive my car?’ Susan asked as soon as Megan had gone.

  ‘Thanks, Mum, but if they’re watching me, they’ll spot that soon enough. Anyway, I hope they’ve gone by now. Perhaps they think they’ve made their point. I just wish I knew what it was.’

  Chris didn’t want to feel he had to keep looking over his shoulder, so he had no intention of changing his routine, although he was thankful that he had no immediate reason to drive up to the plateau. He debated over whether to worry Shaun by telling him about the various incidents, or say nothing on the presumption that nothing more would happen. But in reality, Chris was concerned that another vehicle might be sabotaged, so he decided that he had little choice other than to confide in his friend.

  The screen door banged behind him as he entered Shaun’s house and called out a greeting.

  ‘In here, mate. Watching the footy.’

  ‘Don’t get up. How’re you going, Frenchy?’ Chris grinned at Shaun, who had his foot up on a cushion and a folding table beside him with a can of beer, peanuts and the crossword.

  ‘Help yourself to something from the fridge. The missus is out shopping. Everything go all right today? Get everything delivered?’

  ‘Sure did. Needed to get the windscreen wipers fixed first. A light beer sounds good, you ready for another lager?’

  ‘Why not? I’m not going anywhere.’

  Chris brought the beers back from the kitchen and gave one to Shaun.

  ‘When do you see the doctor again?’ asked Chris as he twisted the top from the bottle and sat down.

  ‘Tomorrow, but I’m doing really fine. I’m just making the most of the time off while I can,’ Shaun grinned. ‘What’re you up to?’

  ‘I have a few things on the agenda. I was hoping to get a couple of days off next week. Do a swap with someone. I need to do a bit on this book. I seem to be falling behind. I’m thinking of talking Georgia into coming up, as well.’

  ‘No worries. I’ll be back driving by then, so we won’t be a driver down. We’ll work around you. Make up for all those extra shifts you’ve done while I’ve been laid up. Is this Georgia girl getting serious? Or is it work?’

  ‘Bit of both, I guess. If she came up we could talk about my book, or go out to Jean Hay’s place so that Georgia can take more photos of it. She thinks it’s very photogenic. But mate, I have to talk to you seriously.’

  ‘What’s up?’ Seeing Chris’s concerned expression, Shaun leaned forward. ‘Anything I can do?’

  ‘You’ve done more than enough for me, mate. I feel really badly because I think your accident was due to me.’

  ‘Whaddya mean? Don’t tell me you changed those damned tyres and didn’t tighten the bolts? I don’t believe it.’

  Chris shook his head. ‘No, no. But I’m convinced that those nuts were loosened deliberately in an attempt to hurt me. I was expected to drive that van, you were collateral damage. And that’s not all,’ he said. He went on to describe the events involving the blue car.

  ‘So are you telling me that someone is trying to kill you? Have you any idea who? Chris, the whole thing sounds crazy. Things like this don’t happen in Neverend. But then, I guess I do have a few cuts and bruises to show that maybe they do.’

  ‘Look, Frenchy, if you think I’m a danger to the business, and you want to let me go, then just say so. I would understand.’

  ‘Don’t be stupid. What sort of mate do you take me for? Talked to Pete Pollard yet?’

  ‘Yep. He said he’d keep an eye on the house.’

  ‘Good bloke, that. We might have to beef up security at work. We don’t have much. There’s a man in Coffs who has security dogs. Could get him to bring them over to patrol the yard for a bit, to protect the vans. I think a couple o
f Dobermans would make intruders think twice. What are you going to do about Megan and your mother?’ asked Shaun.

  ‘Mum said she’d be fine and I’m sending Megan over to Jill’s in Perth for the holidays.’

  ‘That’s a good move. Look, Chris, it’s a bit of a worry that all this has happened to you, but if we all take sensible precautions and keep our eyes open, things will work out,’ said Shaun.

  Chris stood up and put his hand on Shaun’s shoulder. ‘You’re a good friend. I really appreciate what you’ve done to help me. The last thing I want is to make trouble for you. And I’m sorry you had this prang that was meant for me.’

  Shaun rearranged his leg on the cushion and smiled. ‘Ah, it’s given me a good excuse to bludge for a couple of days. Do me a favour and get me another beer on your way out.’

  Chris chuckled. ‘Sure thing. See you soon.’

  ‘Say hi to that Georgia for me!’ He called as Chris let himself out. Shaun looked concerned as he picked up his beer.

  *

  After dinner that evening, Chris’s mobile rang.

  ‘G’day, kid. Mac here.’

  ‘Hi, Mac, gosh it’s good to hear your voice,’ said Chris as he walked into his study.

  ‘Chris, Georgie filled me in on what’s going on. Serious stuff. I didn’t call straight away; did a bit of homework. I think you’re going to be shocked by what I’ve found out.’

  ‘How so?’

  ‘Well, Georgia mentioned to me that you’ve had a bit of trouble with Alan Carmichael over this book of yours. Now, it’s well known in some circles that the man is less than forthcoming about his business interests. Then I remembered a journo I used to know a few years ago. He had a good nose for any corruption going on in the building industry. Anyway, he was investigating one of Carmichael’s shopping centres in Queensland – that is, until he was killed in a hit-and-run accident on the Gold Coast. The police never found the driver of the car that hit him.’