by Di Morrissey
‘Sean took out some patents, then found there was such a dark underbelly of individuals, big pharmaceutical companies, all kinds of businesses that could see a way to make a buck rather than trying to save the planet . . . Well, he threw the proverbial spanner in the works by telling everyone he could about his research.’
‘Yes, Dan mentioned that. Good for him!’
‘It’s earned him the label of being a bit of a nutty professor. But the fact that massive chemical companies, mining people, drug companies, agriculture, food people, you name it, spy on him, hack him, break into his lab, nobble his students . . .’ Carmen sighed and leaned back. ‘Well, he must be on the right track, eh?’
‘Really? Yet he seems so happy,’ said Jessica.
‘That’s his way of dealing with things, I suppose. He’s strong in himself. But I don’t really know; he’s my step-cousin and I don’t know his side of the family in Canada that well. I tend to deal with things in my life, though of far less import, in a different manner. Sean sails into the gale full of optimism and confidence. I retreat to the island.’
‘He must like staying over there with you,’ said Jessica.
‘He does. While I’ve never seen him down or dispirited, he comes when he says his batteries need a bit of a recharge. I guess we all need that special place, don’t we?’
‘Yes. I’m so grateful to Sally and her family. I find that at Arcadia. As they do. Though we have our own sacred spots. Toby likes the top of the hill where he’s planted his trees for the truffles. He likes that open view. Sally and I had our own secret spot in their forest when we were kids. Her grandmother had her special place . . . and this trip, I’ve found sitting by the creek and in the forest, well . . . healing.’
‘Wounds do heal. Music does it for me,’ said Carmen quietly.
They both sat in contemplative silence for a while. Jessica didn’t pry but wondered what had happened in Carmen’s life. She knew well that sometimes you had someone in your life, be it friend, family member, colleague or acquaintance, and thought you knew them well, and then one day you found out you never knew anything about them at all.
*
Jessica was getting dressed for the talk when her phone rang. It was Dan.
‘Hi. Hope you’ve recovered from the day! The Distinguished One can be a bit overwhelming.’
‘Ha! Carmen said the same thing,’ Jessica replied with a chuckle. ‘I’m fine. I have my second wind, thanks to a strong coffee.’
‘Would you like me to pick you and Carmen up? The talk’s on at the Sandy Bay campus of the uni. And there are drinks afterwards. Sorry, I should have mentioned that earlier. Sean had some media to do this afternoon, so I’ve been driving him around.’
‘Thank you. Boy, you must have had a big day. Are you his minder as well?’
‘No, no. We overlap in some areas, and besides, Sean is amazing company. That mind and mouth never stop!’
‘Nice of you to think of us, Dan. Let me just go and check with Carmen.’
Carmen was dressed in a floor-length embroidered coat over black leggings and a long top with a dramatic necklace. She was tying a silk scarf turban-style around her head when Jessica walked into the kitchen.
‘Wow, how great do you look! Dan is on the phone – he’s offered to drive us there.’
‘Sweet of him. Yes, please, a lift would be good. I’ll be fine getting home as I’m meeting someone afterwards . . .’ she said with a smile. ‘Tell Dan we’ll see him in, say, forty-five minutes?’
*
There was quite a crowd milling at the entrance to the Stanley Burbury Theatre.
‘We’ll find you inside, thanks, Dan,’ said Carmen as she and Jessica got out and Dan drove off to park the car.
‘There’s Sally and Toby,’ said Jessica, waving.
‘I’ll see you inside, Jessica. I can see a few friends I want to catch up with. You have the spare key? Our paths might diverge this evening.’
‘I do. Thanks, Carmen.’
‘See you anon. Enjoy!’
Jessica grinned. ‘Yes, see you in the morning.’ She caught up with Sally and Toby and they walked over to the theatre.
Jessica spotted Sean immediately, hearing his booming laughter as he talked to a group in the foyer. In contrast to his sweater and jeans of the morning, he was dressed in a midnight-blue velvet jacket, a loosely knotted red silk tie and a brocade waistcoat teamed with dark pants and polished boots. His wild hair had been somewhat slicked back but not entirely tamed. He waved to Jessica but continued talking.
‘We’ll catch him later,’ she said to Sally.
‘Good roll-up,’ commented Toby, looking around at the crowd.
As they settled in their seats, Sally nudged Jessica and pointed to Carmen a few rows in front, talking to a tall man with salt-and-pepper hair and a neat beard.
‘He looks rather professorial,’ she whispered.
‘So handsome! Good for Carmen.’
The lights dimmed and a young woman placed a small carafe of water on the lectern as a stately, white-haired lady walked onto the stage.
Just then someone sat in the empty seat beside Jessica. It was Dan.
‘Hi,’ he whispered.
‘Hi. Who’s that doing the introduction?’
‘Director of the School of Environmental Science. Very impressive lady, Doris Pyke. Big philanthropist,’ he whispered back.
For the next fifty-five minutes, the audience sat mesmerised while Sean Hyland spoke. He projected a few PowerPoint slides onto the screen behind him, but the audience hung on his words, which were punctuated by Sean’s now familiar laughs, gesticulations and sometimes dramatic sighs, as he talked of many things without glancing at a single note.
Like a brilliant, cheerful spider at the centre of everyone’s attention, Sean spun a silken word thread of ideas, of observations, of history, of science, of nightmares and dreams and of facts; a web that linked together what has been, what is occurring, and what might be and what will be, in a frightening and believable scenario.
‘Everything on this planet is interconnected. And we are the masters of our own extinction,’ he said.
Sean reminded them that Aboriginal occupation of more than sixty thousand years had kept the continent intact, but it had taken barely a generation for white settlers to begin the extinguishment of Aboriginal people, wildlife and flora, environmental destruction that continues today, faster than in any other country in the world.
‘Trees . . . now the old-growth forests that remain are the saviours for us all. Nothing can replace an ancient tree. These forests, and our mangrove forests on the coast, are Australia’s lifeblood for air and water. Cut down the forests and we will be left with rising temperatures, drought, fires, insect epidemics, more carbon dioxide in the overheated atmosphere, and clouds will lose their ability to make rain. Lose the rainforests, and we lose life. Trees are climate stabilisers, but worldwide they are dying at unprecedented rates.’ He paused in the shocked silence. And then lifted a finger . . . ‘But if we keep the forests alive, we preserve another saviour, and that is . . . the forest fungi! New soil, new life!’
Sean swept into an overview of the mycelium network, and details of the various mushrooms with their powerful properties for the enrichment of soil, plants and humans. He ended on a philosophical and heartfelt note that touched the audience, who gave him a rousing cheer and a standing ovation.
‘Makes you want to go out and march in the streets, doesn’t it?’ Dan said in Jessica’s ear.
She nodded. ‘Certainly does. It all seems so bleeding obvious. For over thirty years, he said, we’ve known about global warming . . . and so little has been done!’
‘Politicians have their priorities all wrong,’ said Dan.
Toby leaned over. ‘Wow, that was fantastic. And we’ve got mushrooms and old-growth forest all
over Arcadia!’
‘Let’s head for the reception.’ Sally linked her arm in Toby’s. ‘It’s been ages since we didn’t have to rush home to the babysitter.’
‘We can all go in my car,’ Dan suggested.
‘Where exactly are we going?’ said Jessica.
‘Professor Pyke’s house; it’s a lovely old place in Battery Point which overlooks the waterfront.’
‘Ooh, I can’t wait to see it,’ said Sally.
Dan drove up the circular driveway to the Pyke residence, where two young uni students were working as valets, parking the cars. On the floodlit portico, two more students were ticking off names on the guest list, and directing guests to the cloakroom. From there guests were ushered down the hallway to the reception room.
‘How many people are here?’ wondered Sally.
‘About sixty, I think,’ said Dan.
‘More speeches?’ asked Toby.
‘Maybe just one. Professor Pyke will want to thank Sean and I think she’s giving him some award. There’s food coming round.’ Dan pointed to wait staff carrying trays.
‘Seems like a few uni students are making some pocket money tonight,’ said Jessica.
‘Come out onto the terrace. The view’s worth seeing,’ said Dan.
‘How beautiful,’ said Sally as they stepped through the open doors.
‘You come here often?’ Toby said to him.
‘Yes, I’m involved in the Bookend Trust, which Professor Pyke supports.’
‘What’s that?’ asked Jessica as they moved along the stone terrace dotted with comfortable settees and chairs and tables; standing gas heaters were set up along the walls. Candles in tall glass holders and low lamps gave a soft glow to the setting.
‘I’ll tell you all about it later. I think the Bookend Trust is something you might be interested in,’ said Dan.
‘I see a bar, what can I get you all?’ asked Toby, spotting a long table covered with a white cloth, an ice bucket, glasses and bottles of water and wine.
‘Just water for me. I’ll help you. Jess?’ said Dan.
‘A white wine, please.’
‘Toby, if there’s something exotic, surprise me.’ Sally smiled. ‘I wonder if a photo would come out. I love the lights from the boats.’ She got out her phone and moved to the edge of the terrace.
Settled with their drinks, Dan leaned towards Sally and Toby. ‘Okay, guys, I have some news from my friend at the Botanical Gardens; I saw him when he was waiting to go into Sean’s talk and he told me the main details. I’ll need to catch up with him during the week to find out more, but I think it could tie in with a few things.’
‘About the truffles?’ said Toby.
‘Possibly. I’m wondering now if the truffle theft was opportunistic. Not what they went for in the first place, as you suggested the other day, Sally. I was actually talking to my friend about Shelter Bay, as he knew the place, and when I mentioned Seawinds, he said he knew the family. Well, not personally, but he knows of the family.’
‘The Broadbents?’ said Sally.
‘Yes. My friend told me the woman we met is the mother of Gordon Broadbent. She was married to a John Broadbent, who had a brother called Thomas, or Tommy.’
Sally and Jessica exchanged startled glances.
‘Sally, Thomas Broadbent! The man from the cave!’ Jessica exclaimed.
‘You’re right!’ said Sally. ‘What else can you tell us about the Broadbents, Dan?’
‘Gordon is now running Seawinds, which is quietly producing some sort of substance from unusual fungi. It’s all a bit secret.’
‘Intriguing,’ said Sally.
‘Yes, but keep going . . . I want to know how all these pieces fit together,’ Toby said.
‘Well, John and Tommy’s aunt was called Hilda. Hilda Broadbent.’ He paused. ‘Recognise that name?’
‘Mmm, the name’s familiar but I can’t remember why. Who was she?’ Sally said.
‘Hilda Broadbent married Stephen Holland – your grandfather, Sally. The Broadbent family had owned Arcadia as well as Seawinds. Apparently there was some argy-bargy with the family over Hilda leaving Arcadia in its entirety to Holland in her will.’
Sally was staring at Dan, wide-eyed. ‘That’s incredible,’ she said. ‘I didn’t know any of that. I’ve only heard the name of my grandfather’s first wife once or twice, and only her first name. That’s not surprising, I guess, when you consider that he died so long before I was born and Mum doesn’t speak about him much; she mainly talks about her mother.’
‘I’m sure your mum will know more,’ said Toby.
‘Yes, I’ll ask her,’ said Sally. ‘It’s strange that I never wondered about who my grandfather was married to before my grandmother. Of course, he didn’t have any children with his first wife.’
‘What else do we know about the son, Gordon? How old would he be now?’ asked Toby.
‘Not sure, but probably in his sixties. Sally, could you check with your mother, see if she knows anything about him?’ said Dan.
‘I will, but I don’t think she would. She’s never mentioned any family connection up north. And Stella’s family came from Victoria,’ said Sally.
‘But the Broadbent family are, or were, obviously closely connected to Arcadia,’ said Jessica. ‘This is starting to answer a lot of questions,’ she added.
‘Do you think that because the property was once in their family they might believe they still have the right to sneak around and steal from us?’ exclaimed Sally.
‘It’s okay, Sal,’ said Toby gently. ‘We don’t know it was them at all.’
‘Listen, we should go in soon, Professor Pyke will be saying a few words,’ said Dan. ‘But just quickly, there’s more to tell you.’
‘Like what?’ said Sally as they finished their drinks.
‘I spoke to Denyse at the Seed Centre. She got a lead on your grandmother’s painting. She’s quite excited.’
‘Why is that?’ asked Jessica.
‘The fungi in the picture were easier to identify. But the little flower is rare, a previously unknown mycotrophic which means it derives its nutrients from a fungus. When I saw it I didn’t realise it was that plant; the photos Mollie sent of the painting were a little out of focus. But Denyse was able to blow the images up and work out what it was. It’s a Thismia, commonly known as a Fairy Lantern because they grow underground and only pop up when in flower. And this one, presumably growing at Arcadia, has a never-before-seen colour. Unless your grandmother took some artistic licence, this is a realistic reference for us that we haven’t had before.’ Dan stood up.
‘Were the dried flowers we found useful in identifying it?’ Sally asked.
‘The colour has gone from them, but they could be useful in other ways. Denyse said she’s still working on them.’
‘Is it still growing there?’ Jessica asked Sally. She couldn’t remember seeing any when they were last there.
‘I don’t know,’ said Sally. ‘To be honest, I’m more concerned about looking into the connection between the Broadbents and our family, and Arcadia.’
Toby put his arm around Sally. ‘Cuppa tea and a good chat with your mum might get a few more answers.’
As they moved towards the doors, Sally turned to Jessica and lowered her voice. ‘I keep thinking about Stella’s notebook, that horrible drawing . . . What if the Broadbents had something to do with that?’
*
It seemed perfectly natural at the end of the evening that Sally and Toby grab a waiting taxi, while Dan drove Jessica back to Carmen’s, as it was on his way.
‘Sally seemed a bit perturbed at the news about the Broadbents. Strange that she didn’t know more about them,’ said Dan as they drove.
‘Not really. Mollie’s mother married a lonely widower who didn’t talk much about his younger y
ears, from what I can gather,’ Jess said.
‘I’ve discovered that in-laws and relatives often have a habit of sticking their nose into things, especially if they smell money,’ said Dan grimly. ‘My sister’s husband had a loose cannon of a relative turn up and cause trouble for a bit.’
‘Ooh, that sounds nasty. Do you have many sisters and brothers?’
‘An older brother and a younger sister. I’m the middle one. I’m lucky as I get to roam, particularly in my work, while the others keep an eye on the folks. Not that they need it. My parents are addicted to cruises.’
Jessica laughed. ‘Lucky them. My parents are happy, healthy . . . Touch wood they stay like that. I often think Mollie must be lonely. She rarely leaves Arcadia, Sally says.’ She yawned. ‘It was an amazing evening. Dan, thank you for taking me up to see King’s Holly, introducing me to Sean, and the hike today and everything tonight . . . it’s all taken me completely by surprise. In fact, my whole time back here in Tassie has been incredible. I ran away feeling shattered, but coming to my best friend, and to the place I’ve always known as a second home, was the best thing I could have done. And now all of that stuff, that baggage I ran from, doesn’t mean a thing.’
Dan nodded, smiling. ‘Sitting in a forest will do that. Having good friends around helps too.’ He pulled up outside Carmen’s place. ‘All looks dark; Carmen must be in bed already, or still out and about. I didn’t see her at the Pykes’ place.’
‘No, I think she has a date.’
‘Go, Carmen!’
For a split second Jessica thought about inviting him in, but it wasn’t her home. ‘Thanks again, Dan.’
‘Let me get the door.’ He walked around and opened Jessica’s car door.
‘Thanks for all you’re doing for Sally, too,’ said Jessica. ‘I’ll call you tomorrow.’
‘I’ll look forward to it.’ He leaned over and kissed her lightly. ‘Sleep well.’
Jessica found the key in her bag and opened the front door, then turned and saw Dan standing by his car, arms folded, waiting till she was safely inside.
It was a nice feeling. She latched the door behind her with a smile.
