Scorpio's Lot (19 page)

‘Mrs Samson, how did you come to
know Ruth Evans?’

‘We met around ten years ago at
the Pedley Jazz and Blues Festival and struck up a friendship which we’ve kept
ever since. We both have a love of music and this particular weekend became our
annual event to enjoy the local and interstate talent. Ruth loved the place.
She told me that one day she would leave the city and settle down here. She
often visited throughout the year and always called in to see me.’ Marge now
became emotional, realising there would be no more festivals to share together.
The morning’s drama was beginning to sink in.

The detective, sympathising with
her trauma, paused for a moment and then asked, ‘I gather you’ve lived in
Pedley for sometime now?’

‘Yes, nearly twenty years and
always ...’ Marge stopped short when the persistent ring from Forbes’s mobile
phone began its annoying intrusion.

‘Forbes speaking.’

‘Detective, this is Helen O’Neill.
I need to speak to you regarding my daughter Brigit. Would it be convenient to
come to the police station now?’

‘Certainly Mrs O’Neill, we’ll see
you shortly.’

Before he could resume his
discussion with Marge Samson, Darren Burke entered the office to advise him
that forensics had arrived at the caravan park.

‘Mrs Samson,’ Forbes said to
Marge, ‘I’m sorry, but that will have to do for now. We’ll contact you again
when required, but for now I’ll arrange for someone to drive you home. Thank
you for your time today.’

~ * ~

Within
ten minutes Helen O’Neill had arrived at the station and Marsh brought her into
Forbes’ office.

Forbes came straight to the
point. ‘Mrs O’Neill, we’ve been very concerned about your recent whereabouts,
and indeed Brigit’s for that matter.’

‘I have a great deal to tell you,
particularly with what’s happened over the past couple of days.’

‘Very well, from the beginning
please.’

Helen explained that the drama
had started the night Tom Harrison called to inform them that Brigit’s life was
possibly in danger and that they should leave the house as a precaution. The
threat would come from a local drug syndicate, he said. She reiterated the
events at the house and how they were forced to flee in Tom’s car to escape
their abduction, in addition to the chase and eventual assault. She then
briefed the detective about Brigit distributing marijuana amongst the younger
fraternity.

‘I thought as much. She denied
having any involvement with drugs,’ interrupted Forbes. ‘Could you identify
either of these two men?’

‘No.’ Helen continued, stating
that Tom eventually drove them to his caravan park to the safety of the
numerous van sites. She explained the transfer from B8 to C7, the presence of
the organisation and the forced entry into their first site, most likely the
result of information from an informant.

‘The murder of Ruth Evans was the
last straw, so Tom decided it would be best if he brought Brigit here,’ she
continued.

‘Did he now. But Mrs O’Neill, we
haven’t seen Mr Harrison or Brigit-’

‘What! They were to come here
after they dropped me off. Something must be wrong.’

‘And that’s what I’m afraid of.
We received a message from emergency regarding their chase through the streets,
supposedly by this same drug syndicate. A patrol car was sent out to
investigate but they reported no sighting.’

‘Oh no ... but you’ve got to find
them!’

Ignoring her emotional outburst,
Forbes continued with his grilling. ‘Was there mention of some other place they
may go to?’

‘No, of course not.’

‘Given the circumstances, why
weren’t the police alerted?’

‘But you were alerted by the
emergency service, didn’t you say?’

‘Mrs O’Neill, I’m referring to
last night.’

‘Our priority last night was to
remain hidden, with every intention of contacting the police this morning.’

‘That is an unacceptable excuse,
ma’am.’

‘We survived -’

‘Yes, you may have, but others
weren’t so fortunate. Consider yourself lucky to be alive,’ said an annoyed
Forbes.

‘Detective, you’ve overlooked one
thing. If it weren’t for Tom it’s highly probable Brigit would now be in the
hands of the syndicate, or worse still, murdered.’

‘On the assumption they’re still
on the run and that Harrison takes Brigit to some unknown destination, he may
have made a fatal error of judgment. At some point Brigit must surface. She can’t
be hidden indefinitely. This organisation will lay in wait and seize the
opportunity when it presents itself. At this point in time the police don’t
know of this destination and that worries me. I believe the time has come to
have another word with Emily Harrison. She may be able to shed some light on
this.’

‘I still maintain every effort
was made to arrive at the station. I can only conclude these people prevented
this from happening,’ Helen insisted.

‘Mrs O’Neill, don’t get me wrong.
I commend Harrison for his protection and bravery, but unfortunately he’s not
looking at the bigger picture. He may have already and unknowingly given
opportunity to the syndicate ahead of the police. He’s been very foolish with
this shortsighted decision.’

‘Your comments are both premature
and rather harsh to say the least. Tom and Brigit may have had no choice but to
take the safest option available. As I said before, perhaps they couldn’t reach
the police station or even return to the caravan park for very good reason.
Detective Forbes, I’m more concerned for their wellbeing than what they should
or should not have done. I have also come here today to ask for your
protection. Having experienced their malicious attacks, it’s a very difficult
time for me at the moment.’

‘Of course, Mrs O’Neill. I’ll
appoint someone to keep an eye on your house for a while. I want you to understand
that Brigit is no ordinary target. She has some inside knowledge of their
operation and they will make every attempt to locate her. Harrison’s life is
also in jeopardy because the syndicate will assume Brigit has raised some
delicate issues during the course of their conversations. It has some striking
similarities to the Jake Reynolds incident, although I can’t help but think
that in Jake’s case he most likely threatened to expose their highly guarded
secret.’

‘Yes, I understand that. If only
Brigit hadn’t got mixed up in this drug business,’ said Helen gravely.

Paul Marsh joined the discussion.
‘I’m intrigued about your comment earlier about a possible informant. What
makes you think this?’

‘Only two other people had
knowledge of us staying at the caravan park - Emily Harrison and James
Slattery. Surely neither of them would have said anything and yet our presence
was known by someone. Only Emily knew we were transferred to C7 and of course
nothing happened. James - or person X - was not aware of the relocation so I
understood when Tom advised us to trust no one from now on. He also warned me
against using the landline at home in case it’s tapped.’

‘Mrs O’Neill,’ Forbes said, ‘the
next time you receive a phone call from Brigit or Tom you’re to contact us
immediately. It’s vital we find out where they are. This circus has gone on
long enough and I don’t want to see this drug organisation a step ahead of the
police. For your daughter’s safety alone, you must keep us informed at all
times. Do I make my point clear?’

‘Certainly.’

‘That will conclude our interview
today. We appreciate you coming forward with this information.’

Marsh then escorted Helen back to
the station foyer, leaving Forbes to ponder over these new developments.

~ * ~

Forbes
and Marsh entered the Harrisons’ living room and explained to Emily the reason
behind their sudden and unannounced visit.

‘Mrs Harrison, let me come
straight to the point,’ Forbes said. ‘We’re faced with two scenarios. Either
they’ve met with foul play or your husband has taken Brigit to an unknown
destination. Have you heard from him?’

‘I received a text message only
minutes ago and please believe me when I say my intention was to phone you
shortly. They couldn’t make it to the police station this morning because these
people blocked the way. They were chased around the streets and fortunately
were able to make their escape into the countryside. Tom explained he was
taking Brigit to Hamish O’Connor’s farm near Ashworth and would return in two
or three days.’ Emily was clearly upset by this news.

‘And who is Hamish O’Connor?’

‘A friend.’

‘Do you have his address?’

‘Yes, just give me a moment.’

Emily returned with a rather worn
and slightly torn business card and put it in Forbes’ outstretched arm.

‘It’s an old card Tom’s kept for
years. The address is still current but the phone number was changed many years
ago and unfortunately Tom never got around to updating the card.’

The detective read the address
out loud and Marsh wrote the contents into his notebook: The Grange, 56
Somerville Road North, Peterswood. Phone 4267 3541.

Passing the card back to Emily,
Forbes said, ‘We should be able to come up with the current number from the
phone company. Now Mrs Harrison, do you have any idea of the dangers that may
be facing Brigit and Tom, and indeed Hamish O’Connor?’

‘Tom told me of the narrow escape
last night. If it weren’t for switching van sites Brigit and Helen would either
be murdered now or held captive by this drug syndicate. Detective Forbes, I’m
extremely worried after what’s happened to poor Ruth.’

‘Let me explain. Your husband’s
actions are honourable but very foolish. Until I saw this business card we had
no knowledge of their whereabouts. Hopefully the drug syndicate is equally
ignorant but I’m not so sure. Their organisation is most likely a large and
powerful network with ears and eyes everywhere, and for Tom and Brigit to
totally disappear without their knowledge is somewhat unlikely.’

‘Yes, you’re probably right,’
Emily replied gravely.

‘Furthermore, your husband’s
actions have now forced me to send two of my men to Peterswood, which I can ill
afford right at this moment.’

‘My husband’s immediate thought
would be for Brigit’s safety and he would not realise the full consequences of
his actions,’ said Emily, defending Tom’s decision.

‘Although unintentional, it’s
possible he could be leading the syndicate straight to Hamish O’Connor’s place
and if true, that’s of big concern given that they have a head start on the
police. So you’ll understand when I say your cooperation is required in this
serious matter. What I need from you now is your husband’s mobile number so at
least they can be pre-warned before the police arrive at Peterswood.’

Emily, with a tear in her eye,
gave Forbes Tom’s number. The emotional stress had surfaced and the realisation
that her husband’s life was now in real danger had become too much.

Without hesitation, Forbes dialed
the number. ‘Tom Harrison, this is Detective Sergeant Forbes calling to warn
you that your lives may be in danger. Please listen to me very carefully.
Firstly, check to see if the drug syndicate is following you and forewarn your
friend Hamish O’Connor about the seriousness of the matter. Secondly, we’re
sending two policemen to Peterswood for your protection and return. There is
also a massive storm brewing and heading your way. I need you to -’

The phone went dead before the
detective could finish. He redialed the number and waited. Nothing. Another
attempt proved useless.