by Ian W Taylor
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
WEDNESDAY - JABIRU
The open area in front of the Uniting Church in Jabiru was already crowded with mourners when Jake parked the cruiser in a side street. The church was modern, the wooden walls were painted white and the roof was of corrugated iron. Its main feature was the beautiful stained glass window on the wall behind the altar. There was a large group of protesters holding up signs demanding justice for Barry as well as a few members of the press and photographers standing around in the street. A small police contingent was keeping them away from the church grounds.
Jake got out of the cruiser and searched for Lizzie and Bill. He spotted them in the middle of a large group and walked over giving Lizzie a big hug and put an arm around his father. Lizzie introduced him to Barry’s widow Elsie and a dozen or so adult family members. They were surrounded by numerous children dressed in their best clothes, bright-eyed but not really understanding what the occasion was all about. Jake recognised Lizzie’s grandson Gillie, who gave him a shy smile. Eventually they moved into the church and took their seats.
