Indonesian Betrayal

By Veronica Scott

With her parents dead and brother missing, Lori O’Neill pursues an opportunity to work in Indonesia, where her brother disappeared.

Her promising future is soon overshadowed by a deadly hunt. Stepping off the plane at Jakarta Airport, she is thrown into a dangerous pursuit and showdown with the murderous man named Mohammed breathing down her neck. Veronica Scott’s richly crafted villain stops at nothing in his pursuit for power and world domination.

In Indonesian Betrayal, Veronica Scott has created a compelling story and likeable hero likely to raise interest for a sequel, or for the hero Lori O’Neill to appear in a new adventure.

• Language: English
• Publisher: ReadOnTime BV
• Release date: May 4, 2012
• ISBN: 9781921578625

Veronica Scott

Veronica has, over the years, moved from her birthplace in Melbourne, to Adelaide and then to Perth Western Australia. Her WW2 veteran father left when she was three years old and, at the same time, her mother was hospitalised for three years with tuberculosis. Fortunantely her maternal grandparents were able to look after her, however, the early years were a lonely time allowing a vivid imagination to develop.Due to marriage and children, the writing adventure was postponed until in her forties when she studied and began her first fiction novel "Indonesian Betrayal", although this book took many years to complete due to a marriage breakdown, breast cancer and long working hours.Now semi-retired "The Life and Death of Lily" has taken less time to finish and, hopefully, a third novel "Abandoned in Vietnam" will be published in 2018.Veronica continues to live with her third husband and two dogs in Perth. Her children Elena, Paul, son-in-law Jason and little grandson live close by.A former member of the Army Reserve, she is now a member of the Returned Services League, Legacy, Women's Royal Australian Army Corps Association in Western Australia, WRAACs Reunited, Women's Veterans Network and affiliate member of the Rats of Tobruk, together with being a member of the Australian Society of Authors, Fellowship of Australian Writers in Western Australia and Clan Hope of Craighall.Veronica researches, writes, edits and proofreads her novels. Signed paperback copies of her novels can be purchased via her website: www.veronicascottkillner.com

Book preview

PROLOGUE

PERTH

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

The afternoon temperature was at least forty degrees, but Lori O'Neill shivered, as she and her twin brother, Ian, listened to the funeral service for their father. She dabbed at her tears, slowly making their way down her cheeks, with one of her late mother's white lace handkerchiefs. She was aware of the dignitaries sitting to her left, but her mind kept recalling the Police Commissioner's visit a few days earlier.

‘What do you mean it was an accident? I don't believe it,’ she had yelled. ‘It wasn’t any accident. I know it wasn’t. I want to know who and why and I won't stop until I find out why my father died.’

‘We've investigated and we can't find any evidence to suggest it was anything but an accident. The file is being closed. Ian, talk to her. She must understand that there's nothing more we can do.’

‘I'll try, sir,’ Ian had answered, as he showed the Commissioner to the door. ‘Thankyou for coming.’

Lori returned to the present, as Ian leant over to tell her it was time to say their last goodbyes. Hand in hand, they approached their father for the final time and slid their hands along the length of the shiny brown coffin.

Lori leant over and whispered. ‘I'll not rest, Daddy. I'll find out what happened and someone will pay. Goodbye Daddy.’

Ian and Lori stood outside the chapel after the service. Lori struggled with her composure, as people shook her hand and expressed their condolences; their faces becoming a blur after the first few had passed.

‘Ian, let's go. I've had enough of being nice to people.’

‘Hang on, Sis, we can't leave yet. They have refreshments and we're supposed to be there.’

‘I'm leaving. You seem to forget that some of these people would know what happened to Dad,’ Lori answered, as she marched towards their car. Ian continued to greet people, before hurriedly following her.

They did not notice Captain Glen Nicholson observe them leave. He watched from the veranda of the chapel until they drove away, then he turned back to scan the faces of the mourners.

Later that day, Lori curled up on the couch in the living room of her late parents' house to watch the television news.

‘Colonel William Harold O'Neill was laid to rest today at Karrakatta Cemetery, with full military honours. Present were representatives from Britain, the United States, New Zealand and Canada, Australia's Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition and many other politicians, together with top defence force personnel. As part of his eulogy the Prime Minister praised Colonel O'Neill's work. It was invaluable and he'll be sadly missed. The Colonel's vehicle had been pulled from the Swan River at Nedlands early last week. According to witnesses there was an explosion, and then the vehicle veered off the road and into the river just after midnight. The Police Commissioner announced at a press conference this morning that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the Colonel's death. The findings of the investigating team showed that two tyres burst simultaneously, causing the Colonel to lose control. This was an unfortunate, freak accident, which has claimed the life of one of our top terrorist experts.’

*****

Meanwhile, on the other side of Perth, in a cheap motel room, a young man was also watching the television news report. He got up and flicked the switch off, then looked at the full bottle of whisky sitting on the scratched, wooden coffee table and poured himself a glass of the strong liquid, swallowing it in one gulp. As he did so, his mind flashed back to events he would rather forget; the night Colonel O’Neill died and how he had been standing in the dark passage, his hands shaking and clammy, staring at the gap between the bottom of the door at the end of the passage and the wooden floor. The light came and went, as Colonel O’Neill moved around the room on the other side of the door.

David Hamilton had stepped quickly back into the alcove in the old brick building, as the heavy door was swung open to reveal a tall, well-built man who carried himself with ease in his military uniform. The light sparkled off the insignia, indicating his rank, on his epaulets as he turned to close the door. David held his breath and pressed his body against the wall, until he heard the doors of the elevator close.

He remained in the shadows until there was no sound, only silence, then moving from his hiding place he walked quickly along the passage to the office, opened the door and then, before securely closing it and switching on the light, he stopped to listen for any sound that people were still in the building.

He picked up the phone and dialled a number. His voice shook as he spoke to the person on the other end.

‘He knows something. He's been asking questions.’

‘Colonel O'Neill is a danger to our plans. You've got to get rid of him.’

‘I can't do that. I can't.’

‘You have to. Our work is in jeopardy. Do you think he would have told anyone?’

‘I don't think so. The building's empty. There's a dinner at Government House and a lot of the top personnel are there and everyone-else has the night off. Anyway, knowing him, he'll want to find out exactly what’s going on before reporting it.’

‘You’d better be right about that, but you still have to do it. We can't take any chances. Do it before dawn. Telephone me immediately after it's done and make sure he hasn't left any incriminating documents.’

The line went dead. The man on the other end was gone. David stood looking at the telephone then collapsed into a chair and held his head in his hands. ‘I didn't think it would come to this.’

His thoughts returned to the present, as he reached for the bottle again. Within an hour it lay on the worn, stained carpet beside the couch; empty. A loud snore vibrated around the room as he slept heavily.

*****

PART 1

*****

CHAPTER 1

SIX MONTHS LATER

‘I've done it, Sis. I've resigned. I finish next month,’ Ian called as he entered the house.

‘What do you mean?’ Lori asked, as she came out of the kitchen.

‘I'm giving up work. I'm tired of constructing bridges. I'm going to cross a few instead.’

‘Ian, you can't. You've worked so hard to get where you are.’

‘I have to get away. There's so much more to see out there. Come with me, Sis. There's nothing here for you now that mum and dad are gone. Come travelling with me?’

‘No, Ian, I can’t go. You're forgetting about Dad. We still don't know why he died and if he was murdered. I have to stay here and try to find out.’

‘Sis, you've harassed everyone, the police, defence force, politicians and the media. They’re all tired of you asking questions. If anyone were to find out anything the police would have, but even they haven't found evidence of murder. Leave it alone. Get on with your life. You've got to accept it was an accident.’

‘I'll never accept that. I know Dad was murdered. There's a cover-up and I intend to find out exactly what it is,’ Lori replied. ‘Your dinner’s ready.’

Ian did not say any more. He knew when to leave his sister alone.

Lori dumped his dinner plate on the wooden table in the dining room and returned to the kitchen. Am I the only one who needs to know the truth about Daddy’s death? So much has happened in a short time, she thought, as she stared at the calendar on the wall and at the thick red circle around the date on which their Dad had died. When Ian has gone, I’ll be alone. I’m thirty years old. My friends are married and have families to keep them busy. They’ve all stopped phoning to see how we are, but I don’t blame them. All I talk about are Mum and Dad and they keep telling me to get on with my life, but I can’t give up, she thought, as tears made their way down her cheeks.

******

Two weeks later Lori stood at the Perth International Airport saying goodbye to her brother.

‘Make sure you enjoy yourself,’ she said, as she kissed his freckled face. She bit her bottom lip to stop from crying. It was the first time they would be apart.

‘I will. You look after yourself too, Twindy.’ She smiled, as he called her by the nickname he'd given her as a toddler, but rarely used these days.

‘See you in a few months. I'll phone you every Sunday night,’ he said, as he hugged her and gave a final wink and cheeky grin, before turning and heading through the large automatic doors to Immigration.

Lori walked to the escalator. As she rode it to the ground floor the tears were building. I'm not going to cry but, once in her car, she sat and let the tears fall. Sometime later, she heard a loud roar and got out of her car to watch the big Qantas jet climb into the clear, blue sky. ‘Take care, Ian,’ she whispered. ‘I don’t have your courage to leave and make a new life for myself. I wish I did. I wish I could pack my belongings and fly away like you, but I can’t. Am I using Dad’s death as an excuse because I can’t leave everything I know and travel to the unknown? Am I too frightened to do it?’

******

At first everything had been fine. Ian phoned her regularly every Sunday night between eight and ten. Then four weeks ago his phone calls stopped. He had been in Singapore the last time she spoke to him and was planning to catch the ferry to Indonesia the next day. He had told her he would be home before Christmas. The Indonesian authorities had established he left the ferry in Batam, then nothing. The Australian government had done what they could, but the Indonesians were not helpful, so now Lori had lost another person in her life. I have to stop thinking about it. Ian wouldn't want me to go on mourning him.

Lori stopped ironing and looked at herself in the mirror on the wall of the lounge room and thought about her life. The last months I've been consumed with finding out about dad's death. Nothing else has mattered, but now I've lost Ian. He wanted me to travel with him. Why am I so stupid? I can't go on this way. I have to get on with my life. Everyone has been trying to tell me this.

Lori sat down, held her head in her hands and stared at the floor. Her tears wet the carpet between her feet as she sobbed and sobbed, at last putting the past to rest. She did not move from the chair until late. It was nearly dark outside and heavy rain was making a loud noise on the old iron roof. She moved across to close the curtains and noticed a vehicle turn its headlights on across the road and drive away. I've seen that car parked there before. It's been there several times over the last weeks. Every time I notice it, it leaves. It makes me nervous; she thought, as she went around the house locking the windows and doors and then went into the kitchen to prepare dinner.

As her dinner was cooking, she glanced through the newspaper. She stopped turning the pages as an advertisement for people to teach English in overseas countries caught her eye. They want teachers in Indonesia. I’m qualified to teach and I could look for Ian while I’m there. She quickly cut out the advertisement and put it under a magnet on the fridge. Ian was right, I do need to go away and this is the perfect opportunity.

The next day Lori left home early. She easily found the address she was looking for in the city and thirty minutes later she was back on the street. She felt exhilarated at finally making a decision to move on with her life. After she handed her application form to the receptionist, she was told she could get a posting in two to four weeks, as there was a shortage of people willing to undertake the work and there would be no problem with going to her preferred country.

Lori ventured into a café for a morning coffee. She was thinking of all the things she would have to organise before leaving Australia, so she didn’t notice a man walk up and stand beside her, until he spoke. Lori jumped at his words.

‘Well, well, Lori O’Neill, haven't seen you for ages. What have you been doing?’

Lori looked up quickly to stare at David Hamilton, an acquaintance from her university days. ‘David, this is a nice surprise.’

‘May I sit down?’

‘Of course, you startled me, as I was thinking and didn't notice you walk up.’

‘What's on this pretty lady's mind?’

Lori relaxed and, as David sat down, she began telling him of her plans, carefully leaving out about looking for Ian. He doesn’t need to know that, she thought, as she continued. ‘It's time I did something with my life.’

‘Yes. I heard about your dad. It's very sad. You've had a few tragedies, haven’t you?’

Lori looked at him and wondered what he was alluding to and how much he knew about her life? Does he know anything about Ian's disappearance? But Lori did not want to talk about her losses, so she quickly changed the subject.

‘That’s enough about me. What have you been doing, David?’

‘I've been in Canberra the last couple of years. I’ve been working in Government. Look, I'm in a bit of a hurry now, but I'll be in Perth for the next few weeks. Give me your phone number and I’ll call you. We can meet for a drink and celebrate your new job.’

‘That would be great, David. I’ll look forward to it,’ she said, as she wrote her number on a serviette.

David gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, held her hand for a couple of seconds and then left. Lori touched her cheek gently with her fingers, as she watched him walk quickly away.

*****

CHAPTER 2

Lori let her hair blow back from her face, as the white Porsche convertible sped along the deserted highway north of Perth. The morning was hot and promised to be a scorching day. The noise of the engine made it impossible to talk, as they made their way through the suburbs and onto the country highway. David must have a highly paid job to have a car like this, she thought. She glanced at him occasionally and asked where they were going.

‘What was that?’ He yelled, but didn't answer her question and Lori, tired of repeating herself, fell silent and watched the countryside flash by.

‘Damn, knew I'd miss the turn-off,’ David yelled startling Lori, as he jammed on the brakes. The wheels screeched on the bitumen, as he stopped and pulled the car to the side of the road. Lori instinctively looked behind her, feeling relieved that there were no vehicles following, which could have crashed into them. David reversed the car a few metres and turned onto a dirt track, which was concealed by a clump of trees.

‘I wouldn't have seen it either,’ she answered, as she looked ahead to where she could see the track winding up the hill, then turning her head, she watched the sand, dry from the summer heat and no rain, rising up in the air behind them. Her throat was parched, her eyes watered and she started sneezing. The highway, cutting straight through the countryside and on which an occasional vehicle raced along, was left far below. This is a strange place for the drive in the country I was promised, but maybe he has to call in to see someone.

They suddenly emerged from the trees and bushes to see an old asbestos house built on a flat piece of ground, which had been dug out of the side of the hill and which had been completely hidden from their approach. Perhaps he's thinking of buying the property, she thought, as she looked at the rusted iron roof and the gutters falling off. There was a very new, shiny vehicle and an old one parked to one side of the house.

‘Looks a bit out of place, doesn’t it?’ She asked as she indicated the newer car.

‘Mm,’ David answered with a worried look in his eyes, as he parked his car behind the pale blue Mercedes.

A torn curtain at one of the cracked and dirty front windows moved slightly, as someone watched their approach. Lori felt uneasy in the unnerving silence. I don't want to be here. There's something about this place that frightens me.

David did not speak as he got out of the car. He walked towards the broken wooden steps at the front of the house with Lori following. He's obviously not too concerned about me the way he's marching forward. She climbed the steps hesitantly. The top one was completely missing. As she stepped carefully across to the veranda she heard the boards creak, as they bore her weight and some of the wood crumbled away to reveal white ants enjoying a meal. She cringed at the sight of them. An old wire door hung from one hinge and paint was peeling from the front door, but it easily swung open as David put his hand on it.

‘Come in, come in. About time you arrived,’ an impatient voice was heard from a room, which ran off the passage, at the front of the house.

The house was dirty and smelt musty. She felt David's arm on her waist, as they walked in and she wasted no time in moving away, giving him a nasty look as she did so. He ignored me all the way here and now he wants to be familiar.

As her eyes became used to the dim light filtering in from outside, Lori could see two men in the room. Their eyes were on Lori. I’m nervous, she thought, as she gazed about. Spider webs hung from every corner and a shiver ran through her body, as she wondered where the creatures were during the day. She imagined the place at night with the horrible things spinning webs. The floor had been quickly swept and the rubbish, amongst which she could see empty beer cans and used condoms, had been pushed into the corners. There was a sickly smell in the air and Lori felt nauseous. What am I doing here? I could be attacked and left for dead. No-body would know. David's voice brought her back to reality, as he began introducing her.

‘Lori, this is Colonel Battersby.’ She looked into the grey eyes of a tall, solidly built man. His handshake was strong and warm. ‘Hello, Miss O'Neill.’

The other person was Glen Nicholson. He didn’t bother to offer his hand, just nodded his head. Arrogant bastard, Lori thought, but his blue eyes were direct, as he held her gaze. His skin was tanned and his forehead bore the deep frown lines of a person who had spent a lot of time outdoors. She guessed he was a few years older than David and her.

Lori was still worried as to why they were here. Her instinct told her to be careful. Why is David involved with these men? It's obvious they were waiting for us; but why.

‘Well, let's get down to business,’ announced the Colonel. ‘David did you tell her?’

‘No, sir,’ David answered hesitantly, ‘I thought it was best left to you.’

‘Suppose so,’ returned the Colonel with a scowl on his face. He didn’t seem happy that David hadn’t explained anything to Lori.

She kept looking from one man to another, wondering what they were talking about. Glen was studying her, with a worried expression on his face

‘Enough of this rubbish,’ he said in a raised voice. ‘Do you really think this girl can find out any information for you? That is, if there’s anything to find out, which I doubt. Can't you see she's confused? Hasn't got any idea of the game she's being involved in and one which could get her killed.’

Lori's mouth dropped open. What were they talking about?

‘Shut up Glen,’ the Colonel said. ‘You're making an illogical assessment. There's no reason why she couldn't do it.’

This was enough for Lori. ‘Would someone please tell me what this is all about and not judge me without knowing me.’ This last statement was aimed at Glen, to whom she looked as she spoke. She then turned to face David. ‘David, what's going on?’ David looked away.

‘He brought her into this and now he doesn't have the guts to tell her,’ Glen said.

The Colonel stepped forward. ‘Guess I'd better explain to you, Miss O'Neill. We understand from David you're going to Indonesia very soon.’

‘That's right, but what's that got to do with any of you?’

‘Well, you see Miss O'Neill. As you'll be in Sumatra we thought you might be able to help us.’

‘Help you, you’re asking her to do something which you should be doing,’ Glen interrupted. ‘This Government should be investigating. You could get yourself killed if you do as they ask.’

Lori looked at them.

‘Don't be so dramatic, Glen,’ David said. ‘There'll be little danger. It's only a matter of looking around. He’s been seen in the area, so he’s not being held against his will.’

‘Bullshit,’ Glen said. ‘Why hasn’t he contacted her then? It’s unlike him. He has to be in some kind of trouble not to do that.’

Lori looked from one to the other in disbelief. She shook her head hoping this would all go away and she was back safely in her home. This has to be a bad dream.

The Colonel began again. ‘I'll explain Miss O'Neill. We've received information that your brother could be somewhere in the jungles of Sumatra. We don’t know what he’s doing there and, even though we’ve received reports that he’s been seen, he keeps disappearing. Our information comes from reliable sources, but we need to find out if it's true. When David told us you were travelling there, it presented us with the ideal opportunity. If we sent someone specially trained for the job then the Indonesian Government may wonder what we're up to but, as you’re travelling there to teach, you could look around for us and they wouldn’t suspect what you were doing. It would just appear that you're sightseeing in your spare time. What do you think, Miss O'Neill?’

‘You have to be kidding. I've never done anything like that before. I'm going there to help the students with their English. It’s a coincidence that it’s near where my brother disappeared. If you want information I suggest you find someone-else,’ Lori finished.

‘At least she's got sense. More than I can say for you two,’ Glen said. ‘This job is dangerous and you're thinking of recruiting an inexperienced girl. You're all mad.’

‘Glen shut up. It could take months to find the information we need. How could we have a person in the area for that long without a good reason? The authorities would get suspicious. She's the perfect solution. Nobody would ever suspect her,’ the Colonel said.

‘If the authorities are looking for him, they could connect the name and watch her and then she’ll be in danger,’ Glen replied, as he moved to the window and looked out.

Lori looked at the floor. I’ve never been so confused in my life.

‘Gentlemen,’ the Colonel said. ‘I'd like to talk to Miss O'Neill alone. Could you please leave for a few minutes?’

‘By the sound of her she knows what she's doing, more than I can say for you lot, so I doubt you'll have much chance of changing her mind,’ Glen said, as he left through the front door.’

Lori heard David answering, ‘I wouldn't bet on it. The Colonel's a good negotiator.’

Lori looked back at the Colonel after the others had left the room.

‘Miss O'Neill, I'm truly sorry to drag you into this business, but we know you want to find your brother, as much as we do. You’ve been annoying everyone with your questions and without any success.’

‘Well, it sounds as if people do know more than they have told me. I wasn’t told that Ian’s been seen. Why has this information been kept from me, Colonel?’ She asked, as she wandered over to the window and drew a line through the grime. She could see Glen leaning against the broken fence, as he lit a cigarette and stared off into the distance.

‘Miss O'Neill, until we received the information a couple of days ago, there had been no word of where your brother was. Even now we don’t know if it’s true. That’s why we need your help. The information we received is that he’s been seen in the area you’re going to and, if he sees you, we’re sure he’ll make contact.’

‘How do you know he’s hiding and what would he be hiding from? He was travelling around. He was a tourist for heaven’s sake, Colonel.’

‘I feel I can be honest with you, but I would like your word that what I'm about to tell you will not be repeated to anyone and I mean anyone.’

‘You have my word, Colonel.’

‘Thankyou, I was sure I could trust you. The information we received said he witnessed something over there, which has put him in danger. We don’t know what that is, but we believe it has to do with the security of this country.’

‘You say he’s seen something he shouldn’t have, so why would he risk coming to see me and putting me in danger. I know my brother and I know my presence wouldn’t bring him out of hiding if it would mean I’d come to harm. No, I’m sorry Colonel, but I don’t think your plan will work.’ She again turned to the window and watched Glen talking to David, with the Colonel standing next to her following her gaze.

‘There is something more, Miss O’Neill. I didn’t want to tell you this, but amongst the information we received there is mention that he’s helping the Indonesian military.’

Lori stared at him. ‘I don’t believe you. Ian wouldn’t do anything like that. He wouldn’t work against his own country. Anyway, how do you know it’s my brother? It could be someone who looks like him.’

‘The description fits him exactly, even down to the scar he bares on his back and this person appeared in Sumatra just after your brother was reported missing in Batam. There’s no doubt in our minds that it’s him.’

‘If it is Ian, you seem to know his movements, so why couldn’t the Indonesian authorities find him?’

‘They probably do know his whereabouts, but they don’t want to tell us. Perhaps, because he’s working for them and he may know information they don’t want us to find out.’

‘Ian would never be a traitor to his country.’

‘Who knows, Miss O’Neill, what motivates a person. People change. He may think he’s doing the right thing and, heaven knows, what the Indonesian authorities have told him.’

‘I’ll still never believe my brother would betray his own country. You could never convince me of that.’ But if anything had been capable of changing Lori’s mind this certainly was it. I have to find out if Ian is alive and, if so, why he’s in Sumatra and what he’s doing. I have to clear his name. ‘All right, Colonel, I’ll help you, but only because I want to find my brother and prove he’s not a traitor. I’d now like to talk to David, if you don’t mind,’ she said, with a harsh sound to her voice.

‘Certainly,’ the Colonel answered as he guided her through the door and out onto the veranda.

Lori watched the Colonel walk over to the two men to speak to them, aware of Glen watching her, as David walked back towards Lori and followed her to the rear of the house.

‘What are you going to do Lori?’ He asked, as they stopped beside a broken clothes hoist.

She gazed at the view from the back of the house. A broken fence and small bushes dotted the hill. Everything was dry, dirty and in need of repair. She suddenly swung round to face David. She was angry, very angry.

‘I can’t believe you could be so callous and conniving. You knew I was going to Indonesia. You knew information about Ian, but you didn’t tell me. You’re despicable. No mention to me as to why I was being brought here.’

‘I’m sorry, honey. I thought it was better that the Colonel explained. He’s better at that sort of thing, but don’t worry, you won’t be in any danger,’ he said, as he put his arm around Lori’s shoulders and kissed her head. ‘Would I send one of my favourite girls into danger?’

Lori pulled away from him. There was something about his touch that now made her feel sick.

‘Don’t touch me again. I told the Colonel I’d do it, but I’m not so sure it’ll be simple,’ she said angrily, as she marched back to the front of the house.

As she came up to the others, the Colonel was smiling, but not Glen. The Colonel had obviously told him of her decision. Glen looked her directly in the eyes with a worried frown on his face.

As the Colonel thanked Lori, Glen turned, walked to his car and drove off leaving a cloud of dust behind him.

‘Let’s get out of this place,’ she said to David, much preferring to have gone back to the city on her own, if