2014 Year of the Horse

by Liliane Parkinson

  Soon the evacuation of nonresidents began. George heard he was on the list to be bussed out to Palmerston North Airport, then flown to Auckland, and from there back to the States. Pania too learnt that she would be moving temporarily to Auckland. There was no talk of redundancy.

  Insurance assessors had wandered up the street making notes and filling out forms, taking photographs and speaking with owners. Pania’s house would need extensive renovations before she would be able to live in it again but she was glad to be alive and knew that it was a miracle. In a micro-moment of time, everything had changed, not just in her life or in her street but around the world.

  Much of the city had been destroyed, hotels, apartments and office blocks once sitting proudly along the fault line had buckled and swayed under the successive waves only to collapse. The luxurious suites of those premier hotels had housed dignitaries from the wealthiest and most influential nations. Many probably never woke. Rooms that had been spacious and roomy folded into nothing more than a small pile of dust and rubble. Smashed glass, twisted steel, broken concrete and snapped beams remained the only indication something else had once stood there.

  Delegates from the world’s wealthiest nations were dragged out of the rubble and few survived. Poorer delegates allocated to low-rise, decentralised accommodation fared better. Wesley’s African delegation was badly shaken, their high hopes shattered but they all survived.

  Those delegates who survived the disaster returned home with a new understanding of what was important and a new determination to fight for justice and equality. They had seen death close at hand and their chance survival had taught them new lessons. Wealth and privilege were no protection against the forces of nature and a rich man corpse was the same as a poor man’s.

  CHAPTER 73

  Edith hugged George. It was time for him to leave them. She hoped that they would meet again one day and she was convinced that Pania shared her hope.

  “Come back and visit us George. You’re part of our whãnau now. You’ve walked in our shoes. Both Rex and I are so glad we had the opportunity to get to know you. Thank you for everything you have done here.”

  Rex shook his hand firmly.

  “Things won’t ever be the same but do come again. You’ve been a wonderful support for all of us.”

  “You’re welcome Rex, and Edith, it has been an honour for me. Thank you for your kindness and hospitality. I don’t know how Pania would have survived without your help. I couldn’t do it on my own and my respect for the work of CD volunteers has grown enormously. It has been an awesome privilege to have been involved. I promise one day I will be back to visit. I won’t say good bye instead I’ll say see you later!”

  When the army truck arrived to drive George across the Rimutakas to link with the waiting bus, he took Pania in his arms and hugged her tightly. He cleared his throat, his voice sounded gruff.

  “Goodbye Pania. I hope things go well for you in Auckland. Send me an email when you’re back at work, please, and keep in touch. I’m really sorry about your house but so glad I saw it as it was. I’ll really miss you. You know that don’t you? I wish …” He cleared his throat and added, “The world’s not that big and I promise that we’ll see each other again once things are back to normal.”

  She answered, smiling brightly her eyes fixed on his.

  “I’ll send you an email when I’m settled. Goodbye George and thank you for saving my life. I’ll miss you too.”

  Pania was sure George was going to say something more but after hesitating he released her, smiled tentatively then turned, climbed aboard and found his seat. He waved down at her and blew her a kiss. Pania stood and watched the vehicle until it disappeared around the corner. She felt gutted. That was it; she was on her own again. Time to get on with life, but she missed him already. It was a good thing, she told herself, that she had heaps to do before she escaped to Auckland.

  CHAPTER 74

  It was as well Jennifer left Rarangi quickly. Those slow to realise their danger had been swept away and were declared missing, presumed drowned. It was weeks before they were all accounted for. The sea did not want to give up its victim’s bodies easily.

  About a week later Jennifer and Em returned to a damp house and a section covered in stones. Windows on the seaward side were shattered and floorboards covered in debris but at least their house had withstood the big wave better than some of those along the main road. There they had taken the brunt of the Tsunami and few were left standing. Rarangi Beach Road had been buried in sand and stones and there was no vehicle access to Jennifer’s house. The only way in was via Port Underwood Rd and they had had to walk the final stretch to the house. Jennifer set to work to make the house habitable. She pulled up carpets and threw out sodden and damaged furniture. It was a depressing smelly job. Builders from Blenheim were busy. The screaming whine of their circular saws outdid the screeching gulls and the rapid staccato beat of hammers lent urgency to their efforts. Residential homes had priority over holiday houses and she was grateful when they arrived to re-jib the rooms most damaged by the seawater. When things were liveable she and Em moved back in and she started to paint.

  Her experiences were expressed in stunning artworks, paintings full of power. In the gallery they were often sold as soon as they were displayed and she was commissioned to create several works which the Forum committee presented to surviving delegates.

  It was much later, when the police started making enquiries about strangers visiting the area before the tsunami, that Jennifer remembered the riddle of the third car. She’d written the extra registration number on their arrival form. It had survived the wave, safe in her tin box and so she provided them with a copy. They commended her for being so observant and thanked her for the evidence. Their investigation into the demolition of the Cook Strait Cable at Whites Bay was aided by a series of unique circumstances.

  As a direct result of the disruptions caused by the earthquake, the cars had languished in the rental yard uncontaminated by other drivers. A detailed forensic examination recovered finger prints, hair, soil and traces of explosive matter. Four people were later arrested. The fifth member of the Whites Bay assault team fared better. Neither his phone nor SIM card was ever found. He was the only one of the five left in the South Island that night and he flew out to Auckland on the first flight the next morning to vanish into the early morning crowd. By then the focus was on Wellington and the devastating news reports dribbling out.

  Not all the saboteurs followed their instructions to the letter. The leader of the Otaki assault team did not destroy his phone. Instead assuming he was untraceable, he loaded a new SIM card and used the phone regularly. The police, meticulously searching for clues, had identified the source of each confirming text received by Brady and tracked this phone despite the new SIM and apprehended its user. It was a success for technology. His arrest exposed the others and they were all arrested and charged with the destruction of the Otaki Bridge. One of those arrested had worked for Denny. Once this was known the police quickly detained the other members of the blast unit and so like dominos one team after another was exposed. The fifth member of the Whites Bay assault team was identified and brought to trial. It was a limited victory because Denny’s unit was small and involved in only a few of the events of interest.

  Gradually, piece by piece, answers were uncovered. Links between Change Makers, The Chosen Way and ESAP were eventually exposed as facts were ferreted out and theories put forward. Only a few ever fully understood what really happened in the hours before the earthquake. The attacks so carefully planned and executed which would normally have attracted front-page exposure, passed by unreported. They were certainly unnoticed by the public who were still concentrating on recovery. When investigators finally unravelled the clues, the breadth and detail of the attacks shocked them.

  None of the saboteurs could be directly linked to Change Makers or the other entities which Brady and Wesley managed. They were hired hands, merce
naries operating under contract. Not all those responsible were traced; some fled the country before their roles were uncovered; others died in the earthquake. Sleeper agents outside of New Zealand were suspected but never identified and Brady’s suicide complicated the investigation and raised more questions.

  Fernando came to investigators attention and a warrant was issued for his arrest but he’d left the country before the quake and his involvement was suspected rather than proven. His arrest would have assisted investigations but his trail dried up in Santiago. It was another dead-end. Interpol kept the files open.

  It soon became apparent that Change Makers was deeply in debt. The trust had multiple accounts with local banks and finance houses. These were massively in overdraft and with no means of repayment the organisation was put into statutory liquidation. The trustees were aghast, totally unaware of what had been done in their names. Starved of resources and finance, one by one the clubs closed. The shockwaves spread out affecting the most vulnerable.

  Investigating the outstanding borrowings guaranteed by Change Makers led police to look more closely at the networks they worked with. It was a painstakingly slow process and information was uncovered only after diligent and thorough investigations. They arrested and interviewed many suspects but the cell structure, under which they had worked, protected and isolated them. Occasionally they struck lucky with a frightened suspect, who succumbed and named a few names. Despite this, few links could be found between those detained and the crimes committed. Eventually most were released and the charges dropped. Sometimes other charges were laid unrelated to the pre-quake activities but uncovered as part of the investigations. In particular police were able to crack down on gangs and their drug related networks reducing both their influence in the community and their powerbase. It was a small satisfaction.

  CHAPTER 75

  A year later many countries took time to remember their dead and Pania was part of a large contingent of New Zealanders who attended the commemoration services in Washington. George too made the journey and they stood together caught up in painful memories. The Mãori rituals set this event apart from all others which George had witnessed here.

  As the darkness lightened, the karakia echoed in the still air. Around them families and friends of those affected gathered to remember the tragedy and honour the dead. They had assembled before dawn to commemorate this first anniversary and the unveiling of a specially commissioned sculpture. As the words rose and fell, they relived the horror and panic of that night. The plaintive incantations tumbled over and shattered into them. Then it was over as abruptly as it began. They felt a deep stillness settle on them as the memorial was unveiled and in that perfect silence they observed the first rays strike the sculpture. An inner glow began to transform the jagged dark tower into one of light, movement and colour. It appeared to sway and turn as a slight breeze stirred.

  No-one moved, no-one spoke, all watched spellbound as night fled and a new day was born.

  It was a highly emotional moment for Pania. The painful memories rushed back yet she also felt a wave of pride as the Mãori chants echoed; pride in her heritage and in her neighbours’ courage.

  After the service they walked to a nearby café. As they entered Pania breathed in the sweet aroma of freshly roasted beans. The barista greeted George warmly and looked inquisitively at Pania.

  “Hey George - where you been man? Haven’t seen you around. You got yourself a sweetheart?” He grinned at them. George grinned back.

  “I’ve been away. Have you missed me? May I introduce this lovely lady? She’s come all the way from New Zealand to sample some of your wonderful coffee.”

  “Pleased to meet you ma-am. Any friend of George here is welcome. You’ve sure come a long way for your caffeine fix but you’ll not regret it I guarantee. Coffees for two?”

  George nodded and led the way to a window table. She followed taken aback at this new George. He glowed with health and high spirits. His stride was purposeful and his back straight. For once he was not wearing grey. She noticed that they were being discreetly observed over the top of newspapers. George smiled at the watching eyes as he passed. They settled in the window seat.

  “It’s great to see you Pania. You’re looking wonderful.”

  She blushed at his compliments. She’d made a special effort and knew she looked her best.

  “Thanks George – you’re looking pretty good yourself. I haven’t seen that suit before. Is it new? And a new tie too? I like your choice of colours.”

  “Yes well, the old suit was getting tired and I felt like a change from depressing grey. Glad you like the tie ... you don’t think it’s too loud?”

  ”No I think it suits you.”

  “Thanks for all the news you sent me. I was very pleased to hear that Rex and Edith got some recognition for their selfless dedication. They thoroughly deserved it. They’re an amazing couple… I was really interested in your investigation. It’s hard to grasp the extent of the attacks that Brady planned. I still can’t believe he managed to organise it all in total secrecy!”

  “Our investigators feel the same way. I’m frustrated that we had no real warning, not one decent lead. Just think what might have happened, if the quake hadn’t ... Their sabotage made everything so much worse. What bugs us most is that those most responsible have escaped arrest. They should be brought to account.”

  “You heard that Brady took justice into his own hands before he could be arrested? I’ve come to realise that he was always a bully but in the end he proved to be … I guess he just couldn’t face the consequences. I can understand how he must have felt when he realised he had nowhere to turn. I wonder if he was sorry for what he’d done?” George fell silent remembering how he’d felt that morning in the hotel. Would he have considered suicide if Brady hadn’t turned up, he asked himself? He couldn’t answer the question. He just didn’t know how he might have acted. Perhaps he would have taken Wesley’s way out. “Wesley’s still out there, somewhere. One day we might find him. At least we’ve been able to follow his initial steps although where he finally went to is mostly guess work. Still he must be continually watching over his shoulder knowing that he is being hunted. What an existence!”

  Pania nodded in agreement. She stared out into the street automatically checking faces.

  “Interpol hasn’t given up and if we get any further leads we’ll definitely pursue them. It’s a little known fact but Kiwis have long memories.” She grinned at him, then her face became serious, a frown line forming between her eyebrows. “I’m still astounded at the sheer scope of Wesley’s vision and Brady’s planning, utterly shocked that they almost carried it off. What a sad life; all that charisma, that deluded genius ... wasted!”

  George put his hand gently over Pania’s, capturing her full attention and nervously cleared his throat.

  “I’ve really missed my visits to New Zealand, missed seeing you waiting for me, missed you. I know we both went through a terrible time together but I feel I’m now much closer to you than I was before the earthquake. Do you feel the same way?”

  “I’ve missed your visits too, b-“

  George butted in not wanting to hear what she might say next.

  “You know almost everything about me … more than any other woman ever has. You know all my dark secrets.”

  He paused. Pania felt the heat flow from his hand into hers. He was speaking from his heart and she waited for him to continue.

  “I’d love to spend lots more time with you.” She saw his clear eyes fill with warm affection, then he rushed on. “There’s a vacancy at the UN. You have the experience and the qualifications and I could support your application; if you were interested that is? It would mean we could live in the same city and well who knows what the future might bring? I’d really like that you know, the opportunity to spend more time with you. What do you think?”

  ###

  Appendix

  UN Millennium Goals

  (S
ource UNDP)

  1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

  Halve the proportion of people living in extreme poverty by 2015. Halve the proportion of people who suffer from hunger by 2015.

  2. Achieve universal primary education

  Ensure that by 2015, children everywhere, boys and girls alike, will be able to complete a full course of primary schooling.

  3. Promote gender equality and empower women

  Eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education, preferably by 2005, and in all levels of education no later than 2015.

  4. Reduce child mortality.

  Reduce by two-thirds the under-5 mortality rate by 2015.

  5. Improve maternal health

  Reduce by three-quarters the maternal mortality ratio by 2015

  6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases

  By 2015 halt and begin to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS By 2015 halt and begin to reverse the incidence of malaria and other major diseases.

  7. Ensure environmental sustainability

  Integrate the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programs and reverse the loss of environmental resources.

  Halve by 2015 the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation.

  By 2015 achieve a significant improvement in the lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers.

  8. Create a global partnership for development with targets for aid, trade and debt relief

  Develop further an open, rule-based, predictable non discriminatory trading and financial system

  Address the special needs both of the least developed countries and of landlocked and small island developing countries.

  Deal comprehensively with the debt problems of developing countries through national and international measures in order to make debt sustainable

  In cooperation with developing countries, develop and implement strategies for decent and productive work for youth