by Fiona Tarr
‘Yes. Although I don’t teach Gemma. I’m rarely in the class room these days.’ Mr Jacobs indicated the piles of paperwork neatly arranged on his desk and Liz saw the large filing cabinets that sat either side of his bookcases. She couldn’t help but think what her own desk would look like with that much paperwork. It wasn’t a pretty picture, no matter how she imagined it.
‘Can I ask how Gemma’s mum can afford tuition here?’
‘That is probably a question to pose to Mrs Richardson.’
‘So, she isn’t on a scholarship?’
‘No.’ Liz nodded. She realised Gemma’s dad must have been the money, but decided not to push for answers. It wasn’t necessarily relevant yet.
‘Can I get a list of her teachers? I’d like to speak with them.’
‘I can give you a list of names, but I’m afraid, due to privacy regulations I can’t give you any contact details. It might be best if I organise a meeting with them, but shouldn’t this be something the Police are handling?’
‘The Police are yet to escalate this from a Missing Persons case. At this stage, Gemma is just another runaway, but I’ve taken her case. I think there could be more to it. I’d never underestimate a mother’s instinct and Mrs Richardson believes something is wrong.’
Liz watched the Principal closely. Reading people was her business and she was good at it. Her recent work in helping detective Cunningham find Becca’s killer proved her occupation as a high-class escort could easily spill over to criminal detective work. Well she thought it could, maybe Jack would argue the point.
The Principal seemed relaxed, the questions not bothering him at all. ‘I’m sure her mother is very pleased to have you on board. I’ll get Linda to email you a list of names. I’ll set up an early staff meeting with them tomorrow.’ He rose from his seat and moved toward the door. ‘If there is anything else I can help you with, please just ring the office. I’ll make sure Linda knows to put your call through if I’m available.’
Liz rose from the seat, collected her briefcase, missing her Prada back-pack which could easily be slung over her shoulder and moved to the door, which Mr Jacobs now held open.
‘Thank you for your time.’ Liz was just about to move out of the office when she thought of something. ‘Do you have many students go missing Mr Jacobs? I’ve never brought up a teenage daughter but I’m fairly certain, they don’t run away from home without good reason.’
Liz thought about her own daughter, an adult now, but raised by adoptive parents, a decision Liz was beginning to regret, but her own childhood had spurred her on to make the choice all those years ago.
‘It’s not common, although we’ve had a few more than usual this year. Mostly teenage girls who have seemed unsettled. You know, missing classes, a few stayed away from home or school for an extended time, that type of thing. We’ve put it down to the increase in social media bullying.’
‘Really? I’ve never understood the concept to be honest. I guess unfriending or switching off the phone aren’t options for teenage girls. Sad really.’
‘It’s a new phenomenon. I’m sure we’ll combat it with education.’
‘Thanks again for your time Mr Jacobs. I’ll wait to hear from you about that meeting.’
Liz walked down the hall as the Principal closed his door, fully this time. She remembered a time when leaving the door ajar would have never happened, when a woman alone with a man in his office was commonplace, but times had changed, just not enough to stop young girls from going missing.
As she got to the counter, Liz waited to gain the receptionist’s attention. She stood with her back to Liz as she used the photocopier and filed paperwork. Liz wondered if she was ignoring her or just really focussed on her work.
‘Mr Jacobs said you’d be able to help me with a list of teachers for Gemma Richardson.’ Liz put her briefcase down and waited at the counter for Linda to turn around. The snooty look on her face said she’d been ignoring her on purpose.
There was hostility in the stare and Liz puzzled over it. The woman was young, pretty and obviously a little infatuated with her boss, but why the daggers were being thrown at Liz she wasn’t quite sure.
Then it dawned on her. The girl was jealous. She smiled politely as she waited for the receptionist to respond.
‘I’ll check.’ She turned and clicked a button on her computer screen. ‘Yes, he’s sent a message through. I have your card. I’ll send the list through in the next hour or so.’
‘Thank you, Linda. I’d really like to find Gemma as soon as possible.’ She picked up her briefcase ready to leave but couldn’t help herself. ‘He’s a very attractive man, isn’t he? Is he married?’ Liz had no interest in the Principal at all, but Linda’s reaction was priceless.
Her eyes narrowed, she puffed out her chest with a deep breath and obviously composed herself for the answer. ‘No,’ through gritted teeth, ‘he isn’t married.’
3
Liz called a taxi and waited outside the administration building. She was checking her emails when the taxi pulled up. True to her word, a list of six teachers came through to her Fox Investigations email account, together with a meeting time for the next morning.
‘Where to?’ the driver asked as Liz opened the door and hopped in the back seat.
‘Police Headquarters in Angus Street thanks.’
The driver raised an eyebrow which Liz caught in the rear vision mirror but he said nothing.
Liz dialled Max’s number. ‘Hey. Are you still with Jack?’
‘Yep. Just catching a bite to eat.’
‘Pub or sushi?’
‘Sushi.’ Max didn’t sound enthusiastic. ‘Tried to convince him to grab a steak at the pub but it is too early for a beer in any case.’
‘I thought it was never too early for you Max,’ Liz teased, but Max wasn’t buying in. ‘I’ve picked up a list of Gemma’s teachers and I’d like to run it by Jack. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.’
‘I’m heading back to work soon.’ Jack must have heard Liz speaking, as he called into the phone.
‘Can I come to the office then?’ There was a moment of silence as the two men had a discussion, the phone receiver covered, the voices muffled.
‘Jack said just email it through and he’ll take a look.’ Max offered before hanging up.
Liz stared at the blank screen of her smartphone and frowned. ‘What the hell was that all about?’ she said aloud.
Max and Jack had been partners for nearly twelve years. She’d only just met Jack at the beginning of the year when Becca, her closest friend and one of her agency’s girls had been murdered, but the real surprise had come when she’d caught up with Max again.
They had a history and it wasn’t a pretty, sweet or lovely one. Now, they were working together which was just plain weird but so far, it was going okay. She’d expected Max’s relationship with Jack to be a great asset in her new private investigation venture, but she’d also hoped it would allow her to keep seeing Jack.
It seemed that maybe she was wrong. Was she willing to give up that easily? Why did she want to see Jack anyway? She’d been a single, high-class escort and Madam for over twenty years. She didn’t need Jack’s approval. But she did like his company.
She resisted the urge to pout and decided she’d follow another lead instead. ‘Change of plans. Just drop me off at the car rental agency in Glenelg.’
They had just reached the end of Brighton Road and it was only two blocks away.
‘No worries lady.’ The driver must have been disappointed that his big-ticket ride to the city had suddenly turned into a few dollars up the road.
They pulled up outside the parking lot full of white rental cars and she handed him her credit card. ‘Throw another twenty on as a tip. Sorry to muck you around.’
He smiled, ‘Thanks. I really appreciate it. Since the ride-share companies jumped into the market with no regulations and no security cameras, it’s been pretty hard making a dollar.’
‘I can imagine. I’d never use one though. Single female. I’d be nuts to jump in with just any guy. Like you said, no security cameras, no regulations, it’s a huge risk. Don’t worry. They’ll have to toe the line soon and then the playing field will be fair again.’
The driver handed back the card and the receipt. ‘I hope so.’
Liz jumped out and gave the driver a quick smile before heading in to hire a car.
****
‘What was that all about?’ Max asked Jack as he put his phone back in his jeans pocket.
It felt strange to Jack, seeing his old partner out of the old suit. Max had worn the same suit for years, the button stretching over his spreading midriff.
He was kind of jealous though. Wearing suits in the Adelaide summer was never fun, but now autumn was in full swing, his jacket didn’t go astray.
Jack shrugged. ‘I’m not sure. I just didn’t want to deal with Liz right now.’
‘Deal with Liz.’ Max laughed and Jack knew what was coming next. ‘I did warn you mate.’
‘I know. It’s complicated. When we were working on Becca’s murder, it made sense. We had a reason to see each other, but this is different.’
‘Different how? She used you then, she’s using you now. Liz has always been about making connections. About who will help her make the next rung on her success ladder.’ Jack studied Max as he scoffed down the deep fried Karaage chicken. Once again Max had managed to make a healthy meal as unhealthy as possible.
‘Maybe, maybe not. Why are you working with her then?’
‘You know why. It was either that or the unemployment line. Your dad was going to keep me in his pocket if I stayed on the force. That was bloody obvious. I’m done with the corruption. Liz is still looking for ways to nail his arse, but I’m guessing you are too.’
Jack nodded. ‘It won’t be easy but I’m going in eyes wide open now. He’ll slip up eventually.’
‘Or he’ll just retire stinking rich like all the other dirty high-flying bastards.’
‘What’s your gut say about this case you are on? Liz just killing time or is she on to something?’
‘You know Liz. Nose like a blood hound, temperament like a bull dog. She has a soft spot for lost girls and this one is most definitely lost.’
‘Lost, like run away, or lost like foul play?’ Jack pushed.
‘You want a chance to work with her again don’t you? Make it all about the case and play it safe. You’ll never know where you stand if you keep that up.’ Max shook his head, Jack scowled. ‘Alright. Girl was acting up. Strict Catholic home, Catholic school. She could just be looking for an alternative.’
‘But...’ Jack probed.
‘But, who knows? Liz has the list of teachers. Maybe something will pop there. Then there’s the commune.’
‘Commune?’ Jack finished his sushi and went to pay the bill, but Max stopped him with a gentle hand on his arm.
‘Expense account mate. Liz gave me a card.’ He pulled it out of his wallet and showed Jack. ‘Chuck it on this.’ He waved the platinum credit card in the air.
‘I don’t think that’s a good idea.’
‘Sure it is. You are running names. Doing her a favour. The least we can do is shout you lunch.’
‘Or it could be considered bribery. I’m not going down that rabbit hole Max. I’ll pay for mine, Liz can pay for yours.’
‘Suit yourself.’ Max followed Jack to the register, the rice paper Japanese writing peeling at the edges. They paid separately and Jack put his wallet back in his suit pocket.
‘Commune, you were saying.’ Jack reminded Max as they left the restaurant heading back to headquarters.
‘Yeah. Apparently, the girl has been staying on a commune, maybe to piss her mum off. Nothing upsets a strict Catholic mum like thinking her daughter is shacking up with strange men.’ Max smiled wickedly and Jack shook his head. Rough around the edges as always, he thought to himself.
‘Is she?’
‘Don’t know yet, that’s our next stop. In fact, since you shafted Liz, that’s likely where she is headed. You know you really shouldn’t piss her off.’
‘Where is the commune?’
‘Out near Woods Point somewhere in the boon docks.’
‘Did you check it out before letting her go out alone?’
‘Hell, I’m not sure she’s even going out there mate. We only interviewed the mother this morning, so no, I haven’t checked it out.’ Max was getting defensive and Jack realised it was none of his business, but Liz did have a habit of jumping in feet first.
‘Look. I don’t want to step on your toes but did you want to come back with me now then? We’ll run the school teachers and the commune and see if anything jumps out.’
‘Major Crimes a bit slow this week?’ Max grinned and Jack returned the smile.
‘We’ve always got something on the go, you know that, but this case has me curious.’
‘Sure it does.’
4
Liz was thankful she was making the drive in the middle of the day. The freeway would have been hectic at peak hour, but was a pretty cruisy hour and a half’s drive at this time of day.
As she drove the car through the tunnels that took at least twenty minutes off the trip, she couldn’t help but wonder how a seventeen-year-old girl, without a car or driver’s licence managed to find her way into a commune this far out of town. It was going to be her first question when she got there.
Gemma’s mum said the Police had visited the commune and found no reason for alarm. She hadn’t been there at the time, so they had canvased the school, her friends and the neighbours, but so far, no one had anything of interest to report, so there was no further action the Police could take.
Nationally, thousands of people were reported missing each year and more than half were found within a day. For those missing over a week, a large percentage was still found within the year, but a small percentage—and Liz hoped Gemma wasn’t amongst them—was never found.
As she drove, she thought about her meeting with Mrs Richardson. Max had taken Gemma’s computer with him during his search of the girl’s room and Liz still needed to drop it off to Scott, her IT guy, but the girl’s phone had been missing.
Would she run away without her computer? Possibly, if the commune didn’t allow electronic devices, but why keep her phone?
She pulled up to the commune’s entrance where an old stone farmhouse stood lonely and isolated at the end of the track, not a tree in sight. Limestone walls framed the farm gate which was new, with rectangular galvanised steel.
This land was tough – the stones likely scraped from the red sandy soil over a hundred years earlier. If it weren’t for the water piped in from the Murray River, the little town of Woods Point wouldn’t exist. It was like a desert out here, especially in Autumn. Not even a blade of grass had survived the hot summer sun.
Liz got out of her car to open the gate, navigating the rocky track in her heels wasn’t easy, even in the pumps. She realised she should have gone home and changed before heading out, but she had been too pissed off with Jack fobbing her off to think straight. The case had taken over her thoughts and practicality had gone out the window.
She went to the post and picked up the chain to open the gate, but it was padlocked. A sigh of frustration escaped but Liz returned to her car, drove it carefully out of the driveway and onto the side of the road to park. Cursing herself for having hired a buzz box, she realised a four-wheel drive might have been more appropriate given the terrain.
Fishing her mobile out of the briefcase she wondered where she was going to put it. Her outfit had no pockets, something she needed to rectify. Leaving the phone on the front seat, she locked the car, took the key and shoved it inside her bra, leaving both hands free to climb the gate.
She looked around to make sure there was no-one passing by who would notice the crazy woman with the pencil skirt, trying to break into the barren farm. She took off her shoes and tossed
them over the gate, hoicked up her skirt to reveal her underwear and began climbing. She pushed her foot into a hole, the wire digging into the bottom of her foot, but she persevered. She swung one leg over and tried to place her foot in another rectangle. She failed to find a footing and after a precarious dangle at the top, she landed heavily, rolling her ankle on the rough driveway before landing on her butt.
The temptation to look around and see if anyone was watching couldn’t be overcome. Thankfully, the paddock was still empty except for the saltbush and limestone. Liz stood up and tested her ankle, before collecting her shoes and tip-toeing down the rough track. She dared not put any weight on her heel, the rocky track was precarious enough and she didn’t want to land on her butt again.
Summer was over, but out here, the temperature was always at least three degrees hotter than Adelaide. No sea breeze to cool the day, just the sun belting down. Liz was sweating by the time she reached the house, her fully lined skirt not helping. It seemed deserted from the front but as she drew closer, she could see there were cars parked down the side and out the back.
Making her way to the front door, she began to question where she should knock. The front porch was dilapidated with rotten timbers that might give way at any moment. Instead, Liz turned and walked around to the back of the building.
As she moved past the parked cars, the sound of voices drifted towards her. She followed the noise to an old outbuilding with a rusted tin roof and missing windows. The smell of weed hung in the air and acoustic guitar music grew louder as she approached.
She didn’t know whether to knock or just walk in, but the choice wasn’t hers in the end. A firm hand grabbed her shoulder and swung her around.
‘You are trespassing.’ The hand dropped away, offering no further threat. The voice was quiet, almost polite.
