A Lost Lady

By Drew Lindsay

It’s just another one of those ‘easy’ VIP security assignments for ex detective Ben Hood. This job couldn’t possibly land him in the crocodile infested Daintree Rainforest in Far North Queensland, attempting to rescue the kidnapped wife of a member of the Australian Federal Parliament, or get him tangled up with Islamic terrorists trying to launch a horrific attack inside Parliament House. It just couldn’t happen...not to Ben Hood!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Drew Lindsay
• Release date: Jan 11, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301993802

Drew Lindsay

Drew Lindsay is a dynamic Australian Novelist and Writer. He has travelled extensively throughout Australia and the world. His background includes working as a Policeman and detective, then managing his own private investigation business as well as working in Fraud Investigation Management positions within the insurance industry.Drew is a PADI Divemaster and holds a private pilot's license. He has a great love of entertaining others with his vivid imagination. His novels allow the reader to escape into worlds of romance, excitement, humour and fast paced adventure. Drew lives in northern New South Wales with his wife.

Book preview

Chapter One

‘With respect; this is now becoming a rather serious issue sir.’

‘Only if it gets out. To date we’ve contained it, as we did the other incidents.’

‘If she doesn’t turn up within the next couple of days, you may have a problem explaining the absence of your wife Mr. Ashton.’

The Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs threw his pen onto the huge mahogany desk and sat back in a leather chair that had cost the Australian taxpayers almost as much as a small automatic car. Sir Phillip Ashton ran the fingers of both hands through what was left of his receding silver hairline. ‘How many of our specially formed VIP Federal security team are working on this Tammy?’

‘Four. Peta Hartley is heading up the squad. She’s very good.’

‘Is that so?’

‘She is a very tenacious Detective Inspector. Twelve years experience with two degrees in policing.’

‘Two degrees,’ said Phillip Ashton.

‘She is highly respected in the Australian Federal Police.’

‘Then why hasn’t she located my wife?’

‘I understand she and her team have worked around the clock on this.’

‘She’s never been gone for this long before.’

‘Does the Prime Minister know?’ asked Tammy Cheng.

‘Not yet. He’s still trying to get his head around the latest boat people fiasco and one or two no confidence issues. He doesn’t need my domestic crisis to choke on right at the start of the Christmas break.’

‘We’ll have to tell him eventually. This could involve a security breach.’

Phillip Ashton twirled his gold plated pen around on the desk. ‘Lara doesn’t know that much about anything.’

‘With the greatest respect sir,’ said Tammy Cheng. ‘You have been married to her for almost four years. She may have overheard quite a lot during that time.’

‘I do not discuss parliamentary affairs with my wife. I do not discuss parliamentary affairs with others in the presence of my wife.’

‘You have a meeting scheduled with Peta Hartley at 4 pm.’

‘Not another damn meeting!’

‘Your wife has been missing without a trace, for almost a week. Inspector Hartley wants to progress the matter to a higher level of security status. The story about her holidaying with friends in Perth isn’t going to wash for much longer.’

‘She’s gone missing before. Have they checked the usual places she goes?’

‘Yes sir.’

‘If I didn’t care so much about her; I’d just call it quits and move on. She’s been acting very oddly since her mother died.’

‘She was extremely close to her mother I understand,’ said Tammy. ‘She’ll settle down eventually.’

‘We’ve had the best psychological help money can buy. I’m sorry to be discussing such a personal issue with you Tammy, but her behaviour is extremely upsetting.’

‘I understand completely sir. I’m sure they will find her shortly.’

Sir Phillip Ashton glanced up at his stunning personal secretary. His innermost thoughts were always in turmoil when he looked at her. She was around five feet eight inches tall with a voluptuous, athletic body that no formal attire ever invented, could hide. Daily attendance at the gym kept her in perfect physical condition. She had immaculately styled, shoulder length white blond hair, deep brown eyes, pouting lips, a flawless complexion almost totally devoid of makeup. Tammy Cheng was 38, divorced from a Chinese diplomat some years ago. She was fanatical about keeping her private life, absolutely private. She drove Phillip Ashton wild. He would never in his wildest dreams, have attempted to move on her sexually. In truth, he was quite intimidated by her and that confused him totally because he alone, made the decision to employ her as his personal assistant. ‘Peta gives me the creeps. I think she’s had a boob job by the way. Police aren’t supposed to get boob jobs, are they?’

‘Only the girls,’ said Tammy.

‘Very funny. I do hope she knows what she’s doing.’

‘She’s not like the girl next door,’ said Tammy, shifting slightly in her chair.

‘She has a negative personality.’

‘She got bashed and shot by her former husband sir.’

‘Didn’t he like her cooking?’

‘From what I can gather, he didn’t like the fact that she was not only academically smarter than him, but also tougher than him. That’s why he hit her from behind and shot her in the back.’

‘Good heavens!’

‘You have an appointment with the PM tomorrow morning at 10 am. Peta would like to see you in the Parliament House internal courtyard following that meeting, which I understand will be around 11.30 am. She will wait for you.

‘Would she like me to bring sandwiches and fly repellent?’

‘11.30 am sir. Just bring the fly repellent.’

Phillip Ashton eyed his assistant carefully. ‘Will you be there?’

‘No. I’m not invited.’

‘You are my PA. Why are you not invited?’

‘I have no idea. It could be highly sensitive.’

‘You know just about everything there is to know about me.’

Tammy rose and walked to the office door. ‘I only know what is required so that I can efficiently and effectively do my job.’

‘And you do a wonderful job Tammy. You know about Lara and my problems with her wandering off from time to time. I appreciate your discretion in those matters.’

‘I’m actually leaving for the day,’ said Tammy. ‘We discussed this yesterday.’

‘Of course that’s alright. A date no doubt?’

‘No.’

‘Oh.’

She closed the door and walked down the hallway to the main entrance. Phillip Ashton could imagine watching her as she walked away along the hall. Tammy had this amazing way of moving. He forced his mind onto other matters.

****

Chapter Two

Detective Inspector Peta Hartley was in no mood for games. She was also in no mood to have to put up with the diplomatic crap that was often associated with dealing with some Members of Parliament and especially overseas Diplomats. Her team of investigators consisted of two very experienced federal policemen and one female investigator who remained in the team mainly for strip searching female suspects and offenders, and keeping the team paperwork in order. Peta however, had no time for paperwork, other than when she was studying or preparing university assignments. She was 37 years old, about 5 feet 10 inches tall, with an athletic body, impressively large breasts, jet black hair which cascaded around her shoulders and half way down her back. Her eyes were piercing, almost electric blue. She had pure white skin, full lips and high cheekbones. Her academic achievements were as impressive as her physical fitness, the result of hours of martial arts training. She began this fanatical training after being bashed and shot by her ex-husband. The physical scars had healed with time. The emotional scars were as raw as the day a man she thought she could trust, took her within an inch of losing her life. Unfortunately, all men now posed some kind of threat to Peta; most hardly worth bothering about, others to be watched more carefully. The two tough men in her VIP Federal Police unit feared her, although none would have openly admitted this. She set the rules and gave orders. They carried them out, generally with little discussion.

Phillip Ashton was mindful of his powerful position within the Australian Government. He was also mindful of the state of vulnerability this placed him in, both professionally and personally. There were a lot of crackpots and idiots out there. He had almost been the victim of several rather determined physical attacks; such attacks prevented usually by Peta Hartley and her team. For this reason he tolerated her presence, as intimidating as it was. He knew little about her other than the fact that she was a hardnosed bitch, totally secretive and without an ounce of fear or even respect for him or his position.

‘I need to do your house again,’ said Peta. ‘We may have missed something.’

‘Your people were crawling through every room for two days,’ said Phillip. ‘What could you have possibly missed?’

‘Something.’ Her voice was firm.

‘Alright,’ said Phillip reluctantly. ‘When would you like access?’

‘Tomorrow morning at 8 am. We’ll be there all day.’

‘I’m afraid I’m tied up most of the day, but I’ll have Tammy Cheng assist you.’

Peta nodded. ‘You’ve read my report. We’ve covered phone, credit cards, clothing, relatives, friends, medications, letters, underwear, makeup. We’ve been through all this shit before when she went missing.’

‘You’ve been very thorough.’

‘So what have I missed?’

Phillip Ashton stopped walking and turned to look at the stunning woman beside him. ‘I have no idea. You know of her propensity to wander off from time to time.’

They were both the same height, so her eyes were level with his. He wanted to turn away but forced himself not to be intimidated. ‘Sometimes people just drop off the face of the earth and are never seen or heard from again. It doesn’t happen that often and almost never in high society or political circles. One notable exception comes to mind but he wandered into the ocean with a bloody spear gun and flippers.’

‘What are you trying to say?’

‘This sudden disappearance of your wife is irregular to say the least. Something is missing here.’

‘Yes, my bloody wife!’

Peta began walking towards the opposite end of the Parliamentary courtyard. Phillip quickly caught up with her. He noted her tight black jeans and revealing black shirt. He was about to make a comment concerning what he considered to be inappropriate attire for Parliament House, but thought the better of it.

‘Did she ever start acting oddly or perhaps suddenly changing her appearance just before she vanished?’

‘You have asked me this before.’

‘Did her sexual behaviour alter in any way?’

‘I think you are getting far too personal Ms. Hartley.’

‘Do you want me to find your wife?’

‘Of course I do!’

‘Then I need to know every tiny detail. That is why I want your house and her car done again.’

‘I didn’t notice her changing in any way prior to her disappearance. She has mood swings, as you know, but we are very much in love, notwithstanding our age differences.’

‘Yes, whatever.’

‘I beg your pardon?’

‘Nothing. I’m not much of an expert on love. I am however, a security expert and I’m almost ready to ask for permission to circulate your wife nationally. Her disappearance this time has some differences.’

‘I know. You have already explained the differences. I am also worried that she didn’t take her car,’ said Phillip Ashton,’ although she left the car behind on the last occasion she disappeared.’

‘It’s not just the car. It’s her clothing, credit cards, everything.’

‘She didn’t use her credit card the last time.’

‘I am aware of that, but she withdrew a large amount of cash from her bank account. She didn’t do that on this occasion.’

Phillip Ashton was silent.

‘Could she have met up with someone?

‘She doesn’t socialise all that much. I don’t know who she could have met with and just vanished. I hope you are not suggesting that she is having an affair.’

‘You would be surprised how regularly this happens, Mr. Ashton. To date we’ve handled this low key because of your political position and her history of taking unexpected holidays without telling you.’

‘We don’t need a huge public scandal. I just want my wife back.’

‘I’m doing my best.’ Peta walked towards the security doors leading from the Parliamentary courtyard.

One candle flame illuminated her exposed throat and breasts. Otherwise, the room was dark. She knew the candle was burning so they could keep an eye on her. Grotesque shadows moved against the walls. A soft wind rustled the thick canopy of trees high above. It was now comfortably warm even in the blackness of night. During the day, even under the thick canopy of jungle, the heat had been almost unbearable. Lara’s hands were handcuffed in front of her as she lay on the bed. Her feet were bound with nylon cord.

Salty tears ran from her eyes and into the corners of her mouth. She lifted up her handcuffed wrists and wiped the tears away with her fingers. The side of her forehead was bruised from a blow she had received several days before. She had no idea where she was. The people, who came and went around her, wore cloth masks on their faces. She was not allowed to get off her bed other than to eat and go to the toilet, which was a bucket beside the bed. She had attempted on one occasion to hop to a shuttered window, but a male had entered the room, bashed her across the back of the head and thrown her violently back onto the bed. No one spoke to her. No one answered her questions. They refused to clothe her. Her toilet bucket was changed for a fresh container, once a day.

She was unable to take her antidepressant medication because it had been left behind. Normally she would have felt dreadful withdrawal symptoms. These however, had been replaced with fear. She felt they would kill her eventually but she didn’t know when. She wished that one of them would just explain what was happening. In her normal life, everyone explained everything to her. These people wouldn’t make a sound in her presence.

She wished they would just get it over with, whatever they were going to do. She was about to completely fall apart. What confused her most was that she hadn’t already completely fallen apart.

****

Chapter Three

‘The Super is on his way over,’ said Detective Sergeant Adam Young. Peta Hartley moved backwards out of the white BMW sedan and stood up. She ripped off her rubber gloves and pushed them into the pocket of her overalls. ‘What’s he want?’

‘Results.’

‘Well he’s getting the same as before. Zip.’

‘He doesn’t want zip. He wants to know what happened to Lara Ashton.’

‘Well she’s not in her damn car; that’s for sure!’

‘He’s going to talk to you about bringing in an outsider.’

‘What?’

‘He knows someone who he thinks may be able to help.’

‘What’s he doing discussing using outside resources with you? I run this bloody unit!’

‘Yes, and he runs you,’ said Adam Young, wishing he had used different wording for what in fact was entirely true.

‘I don’t want anyone from the outside tramping all over this case. This woman goes missing all the time for God sake!’

‘You will have to argue that with the boss,’ said Adam. ‘I told him you would spew.’

‘Who does he want to bring in?’

‘I have no idea.’

‘He had better bloody well clear this with me,’ said Peta, slapping her hand on the roof of the BMW.’

‘I’m sure you will be given due warning.’

Peta glared at him. ‘When does the big knob arrive?’

‘He just left the Edmond Barton Building. He’s been in talks with Phillip Ashton.’

‘I’m bloody sure he has!’

‘We’ve done the best we can Peta. Unless they circulate her publicly, we don’t have a hope in hell of finding her.’

‘Has immigration run her again?’

‘Yep. Her passport and all her normal forms of identification including her driver’s license are here at the house.’

‘I know that, damn it; but she could have found another way to get out of the country. It’s not hard if you know someone with a private plane or a big yacht.’

A grey limousine pulled up in the driveway to the Red Hill residence of the Minister for Foreign Affairs. A plain clothes policeman alighted from the front of the vehicle and opened the rear passenger door. Superintendent Roger Heise, Chief of the Federal Police, stepped out and without hesitation, approached Peta Hartley. He was a tall, lanky man who towered over Peta. He had thick grey hair and a fair complexion. His steely blue eyes almost matched Peta’s in intensity. ‘Hello Peta,’

‘Sir.’

‘I see you are up to your neck digging for clues?’

‘Of course.’

‘And?’

‘And once again, bugger all.’

‘Straight to the point as usual,’ said the Superintendent.

‘She didn’t have any real motive to take off, other than the fact that she had done it before and is a bit emotional in the head. Their relationship seems to be as normal as any other in this screwed up town.’

Roger laughed. ‘You will land in hot water one day with your bluntness young lady.’

‘Too late Roger. I’ve already been in hot water.’

‘I want to bring in an outsider.’

‘So I heard.’

Superintendent Heise glanced at Adam Young and then back at Peta. ‘He’s an ex detective; very experienced and quite unorthodox. Unorthodox to the point of being a worry, but has this way of blundering through things and getting them resolved. I often wonder if it’s good luck rather than good management. He saved a lot of red faces at a very high government level in the Northern Territory last