Private Oz (Private 7)

I surveyed the gathering – Johnny, Mary, Darlene and Colette – the core of my life and my work.

“Thanks,” I said rather weakly. “Not sure why I deserve it …”

“I think we all deserve a pat on the back, actually,” Johnny said.

“It’s been one hell of a first week!” I replied. “So, how have things wound up?”

“Geoff Hewes was buried yesterday afternoon,” Mary began. “Pam Hewes is back home with her kids. I called in to see if there was anything … Of course it’ll take her months to recover fully.”

I nodded. “And what about Graham Parker?”

“Seventeen stitches and a very rock ’n’ roll scar. Micky’s fine. Spent a night in hospital after his party, but no permanent harm done. He’s rehearsing for a big tour. Out of gratitude, he’s helping Parker settle his gambling debts. Katia is being deported.”

“But what about the song you told me about? The one describing his own death. Why did he even write that?”

Johnny shrugged. “I think it was purely an artistic gesture. He felt helpless, controlled by ‘the suits’. He’s a sensitive guy, but that sensitivity had slipped into paranoia. His phenomenal drug intake couldn’t have helped!”

“And what about Hemi?”

“He’s up and running … well waddling.”

We all laughed.

“He’s mighty pissed though … as you would imagine!” Johnny added.

“I heard you bumped into Al Loretto’s boy, Jerry.”

“Yeah, I did. He was helpful in making me realize what a mess Parker had gotten himself into.”

“And you’ve heard nothing from his dad?”

“The cameras have gone again from the brothels, apparently. Loretto got his way in the end, of course.”

“And I reckon if the bouncer hadn’t got to Geoff Hewes first,” Mary commented, “Loretto wouldn’t have given him another chance.”

“They were lining up for the guy!”

“Word got out about the lovely Ken Boston,” Darlene commented. “He’s resigned.”

I raised an eyebrow. “What about the Ho family, Mary?”

“Dai was under observation in hospital. He was severely traumatized. His father has booked him in for plastic surgery. The police here are liaising with the Hong Kong authorities. They’re after the big boss, Fong Sum, but I’m pretty sure they’re wasting their time.”

“Untouchable?”

“For the moment. Ho is just relieved his son was saved. He now wants to have the case of his wife’s murder reopened. He’s convinced twelve years ago a bent cop was in the pocket of the Sydney Triads and buried evidence. He’s sure the Triads killed Jiao. He wants to prove it and to identify those involved.”

“Good luck to him!” I said leaning back in my chair. “Well, sounds like we’ve had a few positive results. Not bad for our first week!”

“And why shouldn’t we have?” Darlene asked.

I smiled. “Yeah, you’re right. Why shouldn’t we have?”

“Oh, there are these, though,” Johnny added and pushed a small pile of papers toward me across the conference table.

I glanced at the top one. The words: “Roads and Maritime Services” printed in the top right corner … speeding tickets.

I lifted my eyes and saw the entire team grinning at me.