by Ian W Taylor
*
Jake was looking for a seat at the back of the church but Lizzie grabbed him by the arm and made him sit next to her and Bill in the front row. Every seat in the church was soon taken and a number had to stand at the rear. The service started with a choir of aboriginal women singing “Abide with Me” as the young Minister walked to the pulpit. Jake was deeply moved by the service that followed, which at different times, was both joyous and sad. Lizzie gave the eulogy in a heartfelt account of Barry’s life and the work he had done for his community. Two of his grandchildren read prayers and his daughter spoke with passion about his love of his family, community and the land. Elsie was too upset to get up and speak. Many of the congregation were quietly sobbing during the service. When the service was completed, Barry’s four grandsons carried the coffin to the graveyard adjoining the church grounds followed by the rest of the congregation. The coffin was lowered into the ground and each member of the congregation walked past the grave and showed their respect by throwing a twig of rosemary onto the coffin.
The whole congregation then moved onto the Memorial Hall where they were provided with sandwiches and drinks. It was the first time that Jake had a chance to talk to Bill and filled him in about the latest developments on the Chinese terrorists. Bill was relieved that his role in hunting down the terrorists was to be hushed up. Jake then passed to him the rumour that Helen Kwang had mentioned to him about Barry having some sensitive documents about the purchase of the land for the Jabiru mine.
Bill responded, “Yeah, I’ve heard the rumour, and I asked Elsie about it but she has no knowledge of any document that Barry might have hidden. Although she did say that their place had been done over a few weeks ago but nothing appeared to be missing.”
“Have you searched the house for it?” asked Jake.
“Yeah, I’ve been through his office and checked his computer. I’m not sure what we’re looking for though. I’ve had a quick search of the rest of the house but it’s not in any of the obvious places.”
“Would Elsie mind if I had a look for it?”
“No, of course not. Everyone’s going to be here for a while. The house will be empty of people for the next couple of hours so it will be a good time to search it. Let’s go!”
They left together and got in their vehicles. Jake followed Bill to Elsie’s house. It was an old three bedroom weatherboard home but well-kept and recently painted. Bill pulled out the key for the door but the door was unlocked.
