THE GREATEST BETRAYAL: A romantic thriller with a shocking twist, page 13
‘You can be assured, Mac,’ the psychologist said, ‘it’s being taken very seriously.’
The psychologist went on to speak to Mac about the need to accept that he’d been emotionally affected by his kidnap. Indeed, he wouldn’t be human if he hadn’t been. She encouraged him that in the short term he should talk this through, if not with her, then with another counsellor back in Sydney.
Mac agreed.
She cocked her head towards the glass-panel office wall. ‘Ah, the inspector. I know that look, I think perhaps he has some news for you.’
The inspector was waiting to talk to Mac after the session, taking him through to another office. ‘We have the results of our test,’ he said, motioning for Mac to take a seat. ‘Just to reconfirm, Mac, you haven’t been a recreational drug user in the past?’
‘No.’
‘During your time in the house, were you unusually tired? Unmotivated?’
‘I did push-ups and ran on the spot in the garden but apart from that, I obviously couldn’t have the same level of activity I’m used to. So yeah, I started getting lethargic, I was restless and got tired, bored easily. Why?’
‘We found traces of various substances in your system, Mac. One of them was a mild sedative that would have made you tired, even a little disinterested, without you probably being aware of it. And it would have worked in conjunction with very small doses of another drug to keep you from boiling over, becoming violent due to anger, perhaps creating an unrealistic feeling of comfort or relaxation at times.’
‘What other drug?’ Mac asked.
‘Ketamine,’ said the inspector.
FORTY-FOUR
Two months prior, TPA had advised staff and media that Captain Callan McKenzie was on extended leave, holidaying overseas. In his capacity as marketing manager, Martin thought it best to hold back on revealing the facts, including the news the airline had stood Mac down from his position. As their PR consultant, Liz agreed. They could fine-tune their strategy on this once Mac had been in contact and future arrangements had been negotiated.
With Sally Markham by her side as co-presenter, Liz was wrapping up a presentation to Martin and the TPA board. Since announcing her pregnancy, Liz had been training Sally to take over more and more of the daily management. This presentation was for the next phase of the Window On The World campaign.
For this cycle, the creative focus was on three new staff members – a pilot, an engineer, and a hostess – featuring each of them individually, and as an ensemble across print, digital and broadcast media spots. For this stage of the campaign, there was more emphasis on the quality of service and the diversity of flight destinations.
Afterwards, Liz and Sally made their way to Martin’s office. He joined them there a few minutes later.
‘It’s been well received,’ he told them as he strode in and eased himself into the chair at his desk.
‘I’m relieved,’ Liz said.
‘Actually, they’re happy the advertising focus this time around is less reliant on one individual. As we all know, no one expected the sudden media attention that fell on Mac.’
Sally playfully punched Liz on the shoulder. ‘Told you they’d love it, worrywart. Although I’m not certain the media might not find another bandwagon to jump on.’
Liz and Martin shot her a look.
‘What do you mean?’ Liz said.
‘The engineer guy is kind of hunky in a tradie sort of way.’
‘Down, girl.’
‘I could do that,’ Sally said with a mischievous squint.
Martin grinned, wagging his finger at Sally. ‘Keep it clean, ladies.’
The landline on Martin’s desk rang. ‘Give me a minute, girls,’ he said as he picked it up.
‘Martin,’ his secretary said, ‘I have a call from overseas. It’s a reporter but he says this is an urgent, personal matter.’
‘What’s his name?’
‘He wouldn’t say. Do you want me to get rid of him?’
Martin’s instincts were telling him otherwise. ‘Put him through. I’ll handle it.’
A moment later a voice he didn’t immediately recognize came on the line. ‘Mr de Courcey?’
‘Speaking.’
‘I’m calling from Jakarta. It’s Carl Vickerson–’
‘Vickerson?’ Martin saw Liz’s shoulders stiffen and she sat up straighter in her chair at the mention of Vickerson’s name.
‘I’ve got Callan McKenzie with me,’ Vickerson said. ‘He’s been the victim of a crime here in Indonesia. He’s coming home soon, and wants to speak with yourself and his girlfriend, Liz Carter, but given the length of time he’s been gone, rather than just make a call himself out of the blue, we thought it best if I gave you some pre-warning. I’ve been trying to phone Miss Carter–’
‘You’re the one who wrote that ridiculous so-called exposé on Mac,’ Martin said, barely containing his disgust. ‘So, what the hell are you up to this time?’
‘Mac was held against his will, cut off from all contact. It’s a long story, Mr de Courcey, but he reached out to me for help. The point is, I simply wanted to let you know he is okay, he is free, and he will be on his way home and getting in touch.’
‘Martin, what’s happening…?’ Liz said.
Beside her, Sally also sat rigidly, eyes on Martin.
‘Put Mac on the phone,’ Martin said.
There was some discussion at the other end, Martin could just make out the muted voices, then for the first time in almost six months he heard the voice of his old friend.
‘Martin?’
‘Mac, thank God, I’ve been trying to get in touch with you. We all have. What’s going on? What are you doing there with Vickerson?’
Martin listened as Mac gave him a brief, bare-bones rundown on how he’d been held captive then escaped.
At first, Martin didn’t respond. None of this sounded real.
‘Martin?’ Mac said.
‘Mac, the HR people here received an email from you stating you were taking extended leave. Liz received a text saying–’ he paused, searching for the right words but wasn’t sure there were any ‘–you weren’t coming home, you were staying with Sari.’
‘What?’ Mac said. ‘Christ…’
Liz was motioning to Martin to hand the phone to her, but he instinctively felt it was best to hold back. At this point anyway. He could see Liz was on edge and he knew how much she’d been hurt. And now she was a married woman. Mac was sounding desperate, not like himself at all; the story he told made little sense, and Martin didn’t like the simple fact that Carl Vickerson was involved.
‘Mac, I’ll pass all this on to Liz. Get in touch when you’re back, we need to talk, a lot has changed here, okay?’
‘What’s changed?’
Martin saw Liz mouthing the words “Tell him”.
He took a deep breath. ‘Mac…’
‘Yes?’
‘I’m sorry to have to break it like this…’
‘Break what?’
‘Liz is married.’ Martin wondered whether to add that Liz was pregnant but stopped short. One thing at a time…
‘Married?’
‘Yes.’
There was a long silence.
‘Mac, just call me as soon as you’re back in Sydney. Okay?’
Still no response
‘Mac…’
His voice was a croak. ‘Yeah.’
‘Call me the moment you’re at the airport. I’ll pick you up. Okay?’
‘Okay…’
Martin ended the call. He felt Liz and Sally’s eyes boring into him.
‘Liz,’ he said, ‘something’s not right…’
FORTY-FIVE
Martin was at the gate when the passengers off Flight 416 from Jakarta came through. His first shock was Mac’s appearance, his gaunt cheeks and hollow expression, although Mac’s eyes lit up when he saw his old friend and mentor.
They shook hands then embraced. ‘So damn good to see you,’ Martin said.
‘You bet.’
‘I’ve kept the rent up on your apartment,’ Martin told him as they made their way across the concourse towards the parking station. ‘But you’re staying with me the first few nights at least. You’re going to need plenty of relaxation by the look of it.’
‘No need, Martin, the last thing I want is to be any further burden.’
Martin flashed him a warm grin. ‘You couldn’t be a burden on me if you put your heart and soul into it. You’re staying with me, no argument. Now, what about your luggage?’
Mac spread his arms. ‘What you see is what you get.’
‘At least you were able to get a passport arranged,’ Martin said.
They reached the car. ‘I’ve discussed your situation with the TPA brass,’ Martin said, as they got in and adjusted their seat belts. ‘I’ve arranged for the Indonesian police to send some correspondence, verifying the report of your abduction, and we’ll set up a meeting with the chief. There’ll be no problem reinstating you.’
They exited the parking station, Mac looking out on the familiar airport roads and freeway exits that surrounded Kingsford Smith International.
‘I’m not sure what my immediate plans are,’ Mac said.
‘I understand, there’ll be plenty of time to–’
‘You said Liz was married,’ Mac said.
‘Yes.’
‘Who did she marry?’
‘One of her clients. Raf Vetrani.’
‘The Big Bear convenience stores guy?’
‘Yes.’
‘She thought he was charming but arrogant. Full of it.’
‘I’m sorry, Mac… I know it must all come as a hell of a shock. She received that text, supposedly from you.’
‘It broke her heart.’
‘It rocked her, Mac, and it took her a while to bounce back but you know Liz–’
‘It didn’t seem to take her very long at all. Just a few months.’
‘It’s not for me to say.’ Martin adopted a diplomatic tone. ‘I thought maybe it was a rebound thing, you know, but I guess they clicked and–’
‘I need to find out who sent that text.’
‘The Indonesians are investigating?’ Martin asked.
‘They’re not making much progress. Vickerson doesn’t think they believe me. They think I’m a bit of a nutcase.’
‘How did Vickerson get involved?’ Martin pulled into the driveway of his Bondi Beach home.
‘After I escaped the house where I was being held, I sought out people who might have known Sari.’
‘An underground network?’
‘Yes. And they’d had dealings with Vickerson. They contacted him.’
‘Mac, can you trust him?’
‘No one can trust Vickerson,’ Mac said, ‘but his contacts, journalistic and otherwise, have been a lot more help than the police or our embassy.’
They had arrived at Martin’s. They walked up the drive and through the front door.
‘Has he had much success?’ Martin asked.
‘We found the house I was kept in. It’s been resold and renovated, no evidence left behind of any kind. But Vickerson has traced the name of the company that owned and has now sold it.’
‘And?’
‘Just a shell company. No traces of any actual business taking place. And the director, Johnny Makawi, is a man that doesn’t appear to exist. There are no other records on him and his contact details are fake.’
‘I’m… stunned,’ Martin said. He flopped down on the living room couch. ‘And I’m bushed, and you must be jetlagged. I’ll arrange some food in a moment. First, sit. Catch your breath.’
Mac remained standing. ‘When was the wedding?’
‘They eloped. Just a few weeks ago. And, Mac, there’s something else–’
‘I need to see her,’ Mac said.
FORTY-SIX
Mac had longed for this moment for over six months. Now it was finally here, he was dreading it.
It was not the reunion he could ever have possibly imagined.
Martin had spoken with Liz and she’d agreed to meet with Mac, suggesting he come to her new home, in Chatswood, at 11 a.m. She would be there alone in the morning for their meeting, and would head off to work later.
It was one of those days made dull by heavy, dark clouds. The door opened and there she was, achingly beautiful, more so than he remembered. He sensed the awkwardness between them, something that had never been there before. It was to be expected, and was just one of a multitude of regrets that consumed Mac.
‘Hello, Mac.’
‘Hi.’
‘Come on in.’ Her eyes were wide with curiosity, he noted, while her face was a cast of disappointment. An unusual blend, but then of course nothing was remotely normal about this situation.
Mac followed her through the front alcove and into the main living area. He glanced about. ‘Quite the place.’
‘Yes.’
An awkward pause. Mac had rehearsed many times what he was going to say but now he found himself speechless, trying to recall just one of the words he’d planned. He hated this. He realised, in that moment, he wasn’t the same person. And neither was Liz.
‘Let me show you the house,’ Liz said.
They walked through the kitchen and out onto the covered rear patio. They were silent, at first. A light rain had begun to fall.
Presently, as they looked out on the garden, Liz said, ‘After I received the text saying you weren’t coming back, I expected to take it easy for a while. But then, suddenly, things began to escalate at the speed of light with Raf. Sometimes I think that man is going through life like a whirlwind. He does everything at warp speed.’
‘You know I didn’t send that text?’
‘Martin told me.’
‘I’m so sorry this happened, Liz,’ Mac said, ‘but at the same time I’m genuinely pleased you’ve found happiness. You deserve it. And Martin spilled your big news. You’re pregnant.’
‘Yes.’
‘Then congratulations are in order.’
He wanted to shout out, “I love you, I don’t want to lose you, this should never have happened.” But how could he? Everything had changed so quickly. Liz had believed he’d left her. She fell in love and married another man. She was pregnant with another man’s baby. She’d moved on, swept up – in her own words – by the whirlwind that was Raf Vetrani.
‘Do you have any idea who locked you up like that?’ Liz asked.
‘Vickerson suspects it was either rebel activity, opposed to Sari’s group, or unsanctioned police action, with the intent of drawing out Sari and her network.’
‘Is there any evidence of that?’
‘No.’
‘And there was no contact between your abductors with Sari or her people, no ransom demands, no traps laid to catch her?’
‘If there was, I wouldn’t know about it. And it seems I was being drugged, apparently to keep me docile and easy to handle.’
‘My God. And you believed you were being held the whole time by Indonesian authorities?’
‘Yes.’
Liz motioned to the outdoor seating. ‘Let’s sit.’
They pulled up the wicker chairs and Mac hoped the awkwardness between them would ease. It didn’t. There was a distance.
His heart ached for this woman.
‘So, what do the Indonesian police have to say about all this?’
‘They’re vague. Their investigations have gone round in circles. Truth is, they don’t seem to believe me.’
The comment took Liz by surprise and Mac saw her body straighten. ‘What? Why would you lie?’
‘They had their psychologist talk to me before I left for Sydney. She raised the possibility I’d been suffering from a traumatic event. I could have been fantasizing as well as suffering severe memory loss.’
‘What about the drugs? Surely they don’t think–?’
‘That I took them? That I’m an addict? They haven’t said that, but I’m certain they consider it a possibility.’
‘But you have proof of what happened to you.’
He spread his hands helplessly. ‘Actually, I don’t have anything.’
‘But I have your text messages.’
‘They don’t prove anything one way or another. As far as the police are concerned, I could have sent those texts myself while in a state of acute stress.’
‘What about the text you originally received from Sari?’
‘I don’t have the phone.’
‘But I saw it,’ Liz said, reminding him.
‘Still doesn’t prove a damn thing. Even if I did receive a message from her, doesn’t discount me having this so-called potential psychotic breakdown when I arrived over there.’
‘But you don’t believe that’s what happened to you?’
‘No. I know it didn’t.’
Liz reached out, took his hand in hers. ‘I’m so sorry you’ve been put through all this, Mac.’
‘I know.’
‘I wish there was something, anything, Raf and I could do to help.’
‘Thanks. But this is something I have to deal with myself, and I’ve got support. Martin, and–’
‘Vickerson?’
‘Yeah.’
‘I thought he was the enemy, after that article…’
‘I don’t know what he is,’ Mac said truthfully, ‘but right now he seems as mystified and as determined to find answers as I am.’
‘I guess, to him, it’s another news story.’
Mac shrugged. ‘I think that’s what everything is to Vickerson,’ he said. ‘Anyway, I’ve taken up enough of your time. I just wanted to see you. Set the record straight.’
‘It’s straightened,’ she said with a gentle smile.
Liz walked with Mac to the front door.
‘So much has happened. For both of us,’ she said. ‘But, Mac, if things had been… different…’
‘They weren’t.’ He gave her a departing peck on the cheek, lingering close to her a moment more than perhaps he should have.
