Crocodile Whisperers

By Keith K. Millheim

The Blue Ring Assassin introduced Zoe Waringi—daughter of an Aboriginal mother and an Irish/Australian father. An expert on venomous sea life, she became a vigilante and assassin, eliminating people who escaped the law. She now returns but questions her job when she is contracted to terminate a Tokyo oyabun, the leader of the Inagawa-kai yakuza.

Due to her hesitation, Zoe is now the target of her employer, a Jewish group called Der Finder with ties to the Mossad. The top Der Finder assassin in the United States is known as “The Invisible Man,” and he has never failed a contract. An airplane crash in the Florida Everglades involving Werner Kline changes everything, though, as The Invisible Man goes to Australia to hunt Zoe.

Werner’s sister, Beth Kline, is a good-hearted rebel-with-a-cause, an avid eviromentalist with a strong connection to nature is drawn to Broome, Western Australia, where she meets an Aboriginal mystic and a maverick priest. Beth demonstrates the ability to communicate with deadly saltwater crocs, becoming known as a crocodile whisperer. She never expected the consequences of this incredible skill or her newfound connection to Zoe Waringi.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Feb 10, 2022
• ISBN: 9781663222244

Keith K. Millheim

Keith Millheim, PhD was a world recognized petroleum engineer, inventor, innovator, university director in Austria and Oklahoma. He was also an adventurer. He lived and worked in the U.S., Australia, Dubai, Austria, the UK, and worked in Egypt, Iran, West Africa, Algeria, Canada, Timor, Papua/New Guinea, Brazil, Argentina, and Venezuela. Millheim owned and operated gold mines in Western Australia, lived amongst the aborigines in Australia and the jungles of New Guinea. He studied martial arts, was an expert scuba diver and outdoorsman.

Book preview

Copyright © 2022 Keith K. Millheim.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

iUniverse

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.iuniverse.com

844-349-9409

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

ISBN: 978-1-6632-2223-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6632-3220-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6632-2224-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021923710

iUniverse rev. date: 02/09/2022

CONTENTS

Dedication

Continuing Characters From The Blue Ring Assassin

Map of Australia

Map of the Kimberly Region

Map of the Land of the Pikuwa

Part 1: Zoe Waringi

Chapter 1: Sir Malcolm Bridges

Chapter 2: Time for Truth

Chapter 3: New Challenge

Chapter 4: Kokona

Chapter 5: Zoe and Jiro

Part 2: The Klines

Chapter 6: Sawgrass and Mangroves

Chapter 7: Gideon ‘Charlie’ Kline

Chapter 8: Recovery

Chapter 9: The Invisible Man

Chapter 10: The Lotus Blossom

Chapter 11: The Detective

Part 3: Beth Kline

Chapter 12: The Ocean Warrior

Chapter 13: Back to the Pier

Chapter 14: Bill’s Croc Farm

Chapter 15: S.T. Francis

Chapter 16: The Junkyard King

Chapter 17: Hulk

Chapter 18: The Managing Director

Chapter 19: The Malgin

Part 4: War and the Great One

Chapter 20: The Hunt Begins

Chapter 21: RPG-7

Chapter 22: Bullets

Chapter 23: Three Spears

Chapter 24: Safe Passage

Chapter 25: To the Caves

Chapter 26: New Ally

Chapter 27: Face to Face

Chapter 28: Consequences

Chapter 29: Decisions

Chapter 30: Unexpected Travels

Chapter 31: Eli

Part 5: New Beginnings

Chapter 32: The American

Chapter 33: The Reunion

Chapter 34: Neverland

Chapter 35: New Challenges

Chapter 36: Finding Beth

Chapter 37: Alpha Two

Chapter 38: Complications

Chapter 39: Surprises

Chapter 40: Second Chances

Chapter 41: Reunions

Part 6: Beaches

Chapter 42: Archie and Ava

Chapter 43: More Surprises

Chapter 44: What Happens Next?

Chapter 45: New Plans

Chapter 46: What Happens in the Roebuck Stays in the Roebuck

Chapter 47: Sydney

Part 7: Cloudy Skies

Chapter 48: Surprise Reunion

Chapter 49: Beware of the Water

Chapter 50: New Rules

Chapter 51: The Nude Beach

Chapter 52: Tears and Celebrations

Chapter 53: The Malgin and Der Finder

Chapter 54: The Wedding

Chapter 55: Harmony Park

Acknowledgements

The Author

The Blue Ring Assassin introduced Zoe Waringi—daughter of an Aboriginal mother and an Irish/Australian father. An expert on venomous sea life, she became a vigilante and assassin, eliminating people who escaped the law. She now returns but questions her job when she is contracted to terminate a Tokyo oyabun, the leader of the Inagawa-kai yakuza.

Due to her hesitation, Zoe is now the target of her employer, a Jewish group called Der Finder with ties to the Mossad. The top Der Finder assassin in the United States is known as The Invisible Man, and he has never failed a contract. An airplane crash in the Florida Everglades involving Werner Kline changes everything, though, as The Invisible Man goes to Australia to hunt Zoe.

Werner’s sister, Beth Kline, is a good-hearted rebel-with-a-cause, an avid environmentalist with a strong connection to nature is drawn to Broome, Western Australia, where she meets an Aboriginal mystic and a maverick priest. Beth demonstrates the ability to communicate with deadly saltwater crocs, becoming known as a crocodile whisperer. She never expected the consequences of this incredible skill or her newfound connection to Zoe Waringi.

DEDICATION

Writing is a lonely endeavor, somewhat isolating the writer from his loved ones for periods of time. It takes a lot of patience to accept this isolation of which my wife has endured for many years. She always believed that I was a talented writer and storyteller. If it wasn’t for her encouragement and help I doubt I could have maintained my dream to write stories such as the Crocodile Whisperers. She deserves much of the credit for the completion of the book. For that, I can only express my loving gratitude. The Crocodile Whisperers I wrote, but she owns.

Zoe opened her eyes and looked up to see the three-quarter moon and a sky full of stars. She was on her back, half-in the water and half-out. She felt the grit of the sand and realized she was on a beach. She didn’t notice a soul and wanted to prop herself up to look around, but she didn’t have the strength. She pinched her arm and mumbled. I’m still alive. She heard a familiar sound in her head and knew it was the giant croc—the Great One. She noticed its head and red eyes slightly above the water not far from her.

CONTINUING CHARACTERS FROM THE BLUE RING ASSASSIN

Zoe Waringi Quinn, a young woman of mixed heritage—her mother Bardi Aboriginal and her father an Irish Australian. She is a PhD professor of marine biology with a specialty in venomous sea life. She is also an assassin for Der Finder, a Jewish assassination organization.

Dr. Drew Quinn, a university professor at UNSW and Zoe’s father who was killed by a hit and run driver.

Bill Gidgiwarra, a Ungarinyin Aboriginal who knows the kadaitcha ways to dream travel, use his eyes to hurt or kill people, and can communicate with the crocodiles. He is considered the most known Aboriginal in Australia for championing the ban on hunting the saltwater crocodile. He also owns Bill’s Croc Farm in Broome, Western Australia.

Susie Ma, a PhD marine biologist and expert gung fu martial artist. She is Zoe’s best friend and lover.

Dr. Ma, a wealthy businessman in Hong Kong and a master of the ancient gung fu chi, the deadliest of martial arts. He is Susie Ma’s grandfather.

Samuel Gidgiwarra, a Ungarinyin kadaitcha man and Bill Gidgiwarra’s father. He lives in the hidden Kambara Quasha Caves and is blind.

The Great One, a forty-five-foot saltwater crocodile that has lived for thousands of years in Kambara Quasha and communicates with Bill, Samuel, and Zoe.

Saul Alpert, a Sydney homicide detective who was after Zoe for a series of vigilante assassinations. Via his Jewish connections he recruited Zoe to join Der Finder.

John Phillip Haloz, an Austrian who is the contract coordinator for Der Finder.

Lana Kerwitz, a member of the Der Finder inner circle and customer liaison who handles all of the assassination contracts.

George Wolfe, an ex-MI6 operative who worked for Allen Drond, a Perth businessman as his second in command and head of security. He is Suzie Ma’s love interest and eventual husband.

Sean Evans, a member of George Wolfe’s Wolfpack. A electronics and pyrotechnics expert. Been with Wolfe since his days in the British Commandos.

John Atwater, another Wolfpack member. A master sniper and physically menacing.

Kevin Barley, another Wolfpack member. An arms expert and talented photographer.

Alpha Six: a Malgin who can enter the dream world at will and was the first Malgin to encounter Zoe.

Joanna Gidgiwarra, Samuel’s wife and Bill’s mother who was kidnapped years ago and was saved by the Koki-koki tribe located in the New Guinea highlands. She is now their leader.

Mary Waringi Quinn, Bill’s ex-wife and Zoe’s mother. She was captured in New Guinea by a lowland tribe and saved by the Koki-koki. She is the heir apparent to Joanna as head of the Koki- koki.

Mu, a Koki-koki old man who is also a dream traveler and meets Zoe in dreamtime.

Professor Ming, an ancient Chinese master of the kau cim future sticks. He is also Dr. Ma’s confident and longtime friend.

Gale Hudson, an administrative assistant for the UNSW Marine Science Department and close friend of Zoe and Suzie.

Clark Wardlow, a Sydney parks administrator who knows Zoe.

Ira Bloom, the leader of Mossad’s black ops and assassination division. A colleague of George Wolfe from the days when Wolfe was in MI6.

Hans Bicker, an internal affairs detective for the Sydney police.

Map of Australia

Diagram Description automatically generated with medium confidence

Map of the Kimberly Region

Diagram Description automatically generated

Map of the Land of the Pikuwa

Diagram Description automatically generated

PART 1

70904.png

ZOE WARINGI

70906.png

CHAPTER 1

SIR MALCOLM BRIDGES

Sydney, Australia September 1986

Zoe Waringi Quinn opened her eyes, sat up in bed with the aftertaste of a dream where someone close to her had died, but the face and body was nothing more than a dark shadow. The dream haunted her until she finally slept.

The next morning, she struggled through breakfast, eating a slice of toast and a poached egg. She was fixated on trying to remember last night’s dream, but more she concentrated the more it kept slipping away.

She got up and went to outdoor patio forty-three floors high, overlooking the Sydney Harbor and the opera house. She felt melancholy, laying on her chaise lounge under the cloudy Sydney skies, wondering what life would be like if her father was still alive. She stared across the North Harbor, watching a ferry making its way to the harbor terminal. The telephone handset rang. She debated whether to answer, not wanting to break her silent vigil.

Zoe dear, are you ready for another contract?

Oh, fuck, Haloz is the last person I want to talk to today.

John Paul Haloz was the assassin coordinator for Der Finder who recruited her to work for them. I’ve a hot one for us.

Fuck, Haloz, it’s the anniversary of my father’s death. Call me tomorrow; just let me get drunk and mourn.

I’m sorry, Zoe, really I am—

Haloz, you don’t know how to feel sorry.

That’s not fair. Wasn’t it I who discovered you?

She sighed, "True. Tell me the details.

She listened, clicked off and put the receiver on the side table, poured a full glass of Shiraz and let her mind drift.

66045.png

Her life had changed the day she learned her father was killed by a-hit-and-run driver, who was an Australian Senator for New South Wales. A witness saw it all. Senator Scott was pulled over and was obviously drunk according to the arresting officer. The witness disappeared, Scott’s vehicle was mysteriously repaired, and he hadn’t been tested for alcohol. The jury acquitted the Senator. Zoe did not. She was the jury, judge, and executioner.

Angry and disillusioned at the criminal justice system, it had been the beginning of her vigilantism. After Scott, there was a pimp with a history of abuse who enticed young girls into prostitution. A few of the girls were found dead, but he never was charged. He felt the bite of the blue-ringed octopus venom. Then there were the father and son rapists who hid behind their wealth and status in Sydney. Both seemingly died of heart attacks, the medical examiner cited, not knowing they’d both been injected with the blue-ringed octopi’s venom.

A Sydney detective, Saul Alpert suspected her but had no conclusive evidence. What convinced him were the deaths of two police officers who were involved in the shooting of a young Aboriginal man who happened to be her PhD student. Instead of arresting Zoe he related his suspicions to a close friend and rabbi. The rabbi had a connection with a secret Jewish assassination organization called Der Finder and convinced Saul to confront Zoe and to recruit her.

Zoe met with the contract coordinator for Der Finder, John Phillip Haloz. He convinced her to join them. Her first contract was to be the successful Perth businessman and entrepreneur, Allan Drond. At first Zoe was convinced that Drond was a bad guy, but after meeting him and doing further evaluation she realized he did not warrant being assassinated. She rescinded her acceptance to kill Drond which should have cost her life for reneging on the contract. But events transpired where the termination order was cancelled, and Der Finder declared the contract completed. They paid Zoe and gave her a second chance.

66047.png

Haloz called the next morning and elaborated on the contract. It was for a major player in an international sex trafficking ring, Sir Malcolm Bridges, a leader of a large merchant banking group. She first met him for a few minutes during the Mary Waringi art exhibition in Perth. Bridges seemed like a straight-up bloke with a charming smile. Haloz asked her to consider a contract to remove Bridges because he was an important player in a sex trafficking network for young women and girls.

At first, Zoe said, That’s bullshit; the man is rich and runs a multi-billion-dollar business. No way he’d be mixed up in sex trafficking.

Haloz said he had sent her a file on Sir Malcolm, and for her to study it before she made her decision.

Days later she received a special delivery box with files pertaining to Sir Malcolm, including photos of him entering a villa in Thailand. A note attached to the picture showed the villa was a place with young girls and women who were there for the pleasure of men. There were other pictures of well-dressed men entering and leaving the villa. She studied the photo of a young woman which matched a picture of a missing flight attendant for Pan Am Airlines.

On the surface it seemed Sir Malcolm was involved, but after she’d made that pre-judgement on Allan Drond, being a bad guy, she wanted to be more careful. Her new code meant she needed more concrete evidence that Sir Malcolm was a key player in the sex trafficking ring.

Zoe contacted Bill Gidgiwarra, her godfather and a Ungarinyin kadaitcha to help her do dreamtime spy work on Sir Malcolm. What surprised her was how quickly he responded and agreed. Bill said he wanted to learn the truth. He had known Sir Malcolm for years and couldn’t believe he was involved.

They made a schedule around Zoe’s uni obligations and Bill’s croc farm business. Day after day they dream traveled to visit Sir Malcolm who constantly traveled: one day in Melbourne, a week in Singapore, three days in Bangkok, a week in Kuala Lumpur and so on. There was nothing unusual or suspicious. There were business meetings, long lunches and dinners, and more business meetings. It had been over a month, and Zoe told Bill she was about to decline the Der Finder contract on Sir Malcolm.

Everything changed one night, while they were dream-snooping on Sir Malcolm. They entered an open area with leather chairs and couches, a large TV screen, and a well-stocked bar.

Zoe looked around. Where the fuck are we now?

Bill glanced out the porthole. Don’t know. But I think we’re on one big bloody boat. Probably a yacht. You know the rich and famous. Bill moved next to Zoe. Seems like Sir Malcolm and his guests aren’t dressed for business or dinner.

Sir Malcolm was with two mature men sitting in the yacht’s main cabin, having drinks. All three were dressed casually in white beach pants and flowered shirts. The door opened and an Asian woman entered followed by six young girls, two brown skinned, Asian-looking, one was more of a darker brown, and the other three were white, two with blond hair, and the other one with red hair.

Zoe turned to Bill. What the hell is this? Look, the girls are children.

Bill moved next to the Asian woman, closer to the girls. They all have make-up like grown-ups. They are dressed not nice for their age, short skirts, and little skimpy blouses—

Shush, Zoe said. I want to hear the conversation.

The Asian woman addressed Sir Malcolm. They are beautiful little ones, like you requested. All have their hymens intact—obviously virgins. We’ve schooled them in the various sex acts. We had our actors do sex in front of them. They should be in a good state for you. We’ve given them a mixture of drugs that should make them compliant for your needs.

A short, slightly plumpish man came off the couch and went to the girl with the red hair and kneeled. He smiled and gently moved his finger across her cheek. And who might you be, little one?

Emmy.

Where you from?

Ireland.

How old are you, Emmy?

Thirteen.

Give me your hand.

She held it out and he kissed it. You want to have some fun with me?

She looked up at the man. Mmm-hmm.

The Asian woman spoke. Emmy, take your clothes off, so the nice man can see you. As she undressed, the woman said, See how compliant she is. Soon the girl was naked. Look at her, so innocent. Those budding breasts and sweet pussy. She turned to Sir Malcolm. All the girls can take a normal-sized penis. She scanned the men. None of you are too big, are you?

The short man said, No. I think I’m just right for this little beauty.

The other man nodded. No, I’m okay.

She continued. Of course, you’ll have to be gentle and use a lubricant. Two of the girls started their periods last month. She pointed to the white girls. Don’t worry if they get pregnant, we’ll take care of it. No need to use condoms.

She went to the dark-brown girl and led her to Sir Malcolm. This is Rose. She’s what the Americans call a mulatto. A mixture of black and white. She’s from the U.S. Special for you. She’s fifteen and a virgin like the others. Take your clothes off, Rose. When she did, the Asian woman said, Is she not exquisite? Turn, Rose. Let Sir Malcolm see your ass.

Sir Malcolm ran his hands over her naked body and butt as she silently stood.

We gave Rose a special education in what you like. I’m sure she’ll satisfy your needs.

Sir Malcolm gestured. Come sit on my lap.

Zoe said, Your Sir Malcolm and the other two blokes are sick pedophiles—fucking perverts.

Bill closed his eyes and shook his head. I never would’ve believed Sir Malcolm was like this until I saw it with my own eyes.

They watched as the two men left, each with two girls. Sir Malcolm stayed in the lounge area. Bill said he wanted to leave, but Zoe said no, After thirty minutes Zoe said she had seen enough. She was just about to take Bill’s hand to return to her body when she stopped.

What? asked Bill. Let’s go.

She pointed to his waist pouch. You have the black goo?

Always when I dream travel. Why?

You said you can make marks to make someone sick.

A slight grin appeared. Good thought, PhD woman.

Uh-huh. How sick can you make them?

Very, if I give them the super-whammy marks. In two or three days they will be so sick they will wish they were dead. Might last for up to a month with no cure.

Do it. Give them the super-whammy. I remember you said you can mark someone like a tracker signal.

I can if I can catch them asleep.

We can go back to our bodies, wait until early morning and return.

Good plan, but I don’t need you to make the marks now. I’ll take you home so you can get a good rest.

Fuck you, Bill. I’m coming with you.

"No, I don’t think so. I don’t need you learning any of the black kadaitcha stuff. You already know too much."

We’ll see about that. She grabbed his hand and moments later they were standing on the beach facing the boulder pile where the Great One resided.

That was bloody rude, snarled Bill.

Why? Because I think quicker than you and brought us here. I’m learning.

Bill moved forward and Zoe backed up. No, no. You better not grab me. I can visualize quicker than you, and I’ll bring us back here.

They heard a chuckle and noticed the head of the Great One, a giant crocodile, had surfaced. You two provide me with some good humor like two children. Bill, Zoe is right. She needs to learn your kadaitcha practices—

Bill shook his head. She knows too much now. I think it’s a bad idea.

Suddenly Samuel’s dream time body appeared next to Zoe. I agree with the Great One. Zoe needs to learn.

Bill threw his arms in the air and glared at Zoe. You think you’re so smart getting father and the Great One to suck up to you.

Zoe stuck her tongue out at him. "Ha, ha. That’s because they know I’m right. Why shouldn’t I learn the kadaitcha ways?—Because I’m a woman?"

No. Because you’re unpredictable. And because you don’t even know about your Aboriginal heritage.

Not fair, Bill. I can’t help it if I can do things that you can’t. But I get it about my heritage. Mom didn’t tell me, but I’m learning.

Bill. We must help Zoe. She’s part of our family. Don’t let your pride block you.

I agree, responded Samuel. For too many years my pride controlled me. Don’t let it control you.

Thanks, father. Don’t you think it’s a little late for confessing your pride problem.

Bill, it’s never too late to realize what holds you back.

Okay, okay. I’ll take Zoe with me to watch me use the sick marks. He turned to Zoe. Satisfied?

Zoe offered her hand. Take me home, godfather.

When he held out his hand Zoe ignored it and wrapped her arms around him. I love you, Bill. And I want to learn how to help you, Samuel, the Great One, and the Ungarinyin.

Moments later she opened her eyes in her bedroom. Bill, I know you are still there. Thanks for everything.

That night, Bill gathered Zoe’s dreamtime body and they visited the yacht. After marking Sir Malcolm and the two men, Zoe asked Bill to put the tracking marks on the girls. She was going to free all of them.

The next day Zoe called Suzie Ma Wolfe, told her about her dream travel investigations of Sir Malcolm, about the young girls, and explained she’d accepted the Der Finder contract to terminate him. The only hitch was the contract wasn’t a straight-forward termination. If it was, she was sure she could manage to shake hands with Sir Malcolm and let the blue-ringed octopus venom take care of him. However, the contract entailed obtaining information about the sex trafficking network from Sir Malcolm before he experienced the big sleep.

This meant she needed help to locate him in a place where he could be abducted and taken to an isolated location so she could administer the box jellyfish venom—her truth serum. She needed Suzie’s husband’s assistance, and his men. This meant Suzie would have to tell Wolfe she was a Der Finder assassin who initially was contracted to terminate Allan Drond.

Suzie said she would explain everything to George and get back to her.

66049.png

Wolfe and Dr. Ma had been in Hong Kong for a week on business and had returned to Sydney. While her husband was taking a shower, she explained everything to Dr. Ma. He suggested that after dinner and the help had left, they sit together and have a discussion with George. Dr. Ma was confident he would understand and help Zoe.

It was an hour after sundown when the staff left the apartment. George was anxious to be alone with Suzie, but Dr. Ma suggested they share some after dinner drinks on the patio and enjoy the pleasure of the night air and the lights of Sydney harbor.

Dr. Ma poured cognac into Wolfe’s glass and his. Wolfe sat next to Suzie on the settee with Dr. Ma on a chair facing them. Suzie lifted her glass of lemonade. This is boring. No alcohol, no weed, had to cut my sugar. I never knew having children would rob me of my pleasures.

Wolfe ran his hand over her six-month-enlarged belly. How are the girls doing?

God, sometimes I think they are practicing gung fu; kicking and punching each other.

She placed her hand over George’s. Just keep your hand there and wait. Her belly jumped. See. Active little devils.

You said the morning sickness disappeared.

A day after you and Father left for Hong Kong it stopped. Thank God.

I’m sorry, sweetheart. I know you are sacrificing a lot.

You have no idea. She sighed. I never counted on twins. Look at the size of my belly. It’s like a big watermelon. And my boobs. They’ve doubled in size.

No complaints there.

She slapped his arm and Dr. Ma laughed. Macho men, both of you.

Guilty as accused, replied Wolfe. He kissed Suzie on the cheek. What’s this all about?

George, I need to tell you something and ask a favor. It’s about Zoe.

Go on.

Suzie glanced at Dr. Ma for support. He remained silent. You remember the Allan Drond thing where an assassin was hired to remove him.

Wolfe smiled. You don’t need to tell me. I know Zoe was the assassin.

Suzie jerked and pulled her hand from his. What the hell!

You forgot. I worked for years for MI6, and without being modest, I was one of the best agents they had. He took her hand. I did some research on Dr. Zoe Waringi-Ma-Quinn. How Senator Scott died, how a pimp connected with Scott died, how a father and son rapists died, and the two coppers who killed a graduate student of Zoe’s died. Actually, that was key piece of the puzzle. The other piece was her expertise in the blue-ringed octopus and other venomous creatures prowling the Australian waters. What sealed it was Moretti and that giant bloke who died by an apparent heart attack. How she did it I don’t know, but you and— He glanced at Dr. Ma. You both knew. Right?

Dr. Ma answered. "Yes, we knew Zoe agreed to work for Der Finder and she accepted the contract on Allan Drond. When she further investigated Drond she changed her mind and declined the contract. George, had you not gotten the contract canceled, I’m afraid Zoe would’ve been terminated by Der Finder. Now she has a new contract to go after Sir Malcolm Bridges—you met him at the exhibition."

Yeah, I know him. He did business with Allan. Always seemed like a straight-up bloke. I liked him.

Suzie interrupted. Well, your straight-up bloke is a fucking pedophile and is involved in a major sex trafficking ring.

How do you know this?

Dr. Ma explained how he and some other men had formed a group to investigate the sex traffickers and discovered Sir Malcolm was involved, and learned the ring was bigger than they imagined."

Wolfe smiled. Clever. You contacted Der Finder and put a contract on Sir Malcolm. Now I understand why you wanted to listen in to Romano terminating the contract. To get the Der Finder’s phone number.

Father. Why didn’t you tell me?

"Because I don’t want Zoe to know it was me who made the contract with Der Finder. And both of you have to swear you won’t tell."

They nodded.

He explained that Zoe set a criterion to only go after really bad people like she terminated before. She couldn’t keep turning down contracts before Der Finder would decide to terminate her. So, he decided to make a contract on Sir Malcolm because he knew once Zoe decided Sir Malcolm fit her criteria, she would accept it.

Wolfe scowled. How the hell did she convince herself? He’s known as Mister Clean, and besides he is constantly on the go.

Suzie looked at her grandfather for a hint whether they should tell her husband about the dream traveling.

How ‘bout I get us some more cognac. Dr. Ma disappeared and returned with the bottle. As he was pouring, he said, George, how much do you know about Australian Aboriginal spirituality and mysticism? You know, their beliefs in dreamtime.

Not much. Never even thought about it to be truthful.

Did you ever ask yourself how I was able to tell you where Moretti’s crew was taking Zoe and Victoria?

Yeah. It seemed a bit weird, but I didn’t dwell on it, said Wolfe.

To get to the point, Bill Gidgiwarra was dream traveling and he was able to observe the van, where it was going, and then go on Moretti’s yacht and watch everything.

Whoa. That’s a hard pill to swallow.

Suzie put her hand on his leg. George, honey. It’s true. Bill and Zoe can dream travel. I’ve experienced it with Zoe. As bizarre as it sounds, Zoe and Bill can visit us anytime, anywhere. Even right now they could be here listening to us.

You tell me Zoe and Bill dream traveled and observed Sir Malcolm with young girls?

Mmm-hum. Suzie explained what Zoe told her about the young girls being violated by Sir Malcolm and two other men, and how she needed help to kidnap Sir Malcolm to first extract information before she sent him to his ancestors. She also explained how Zoe wanted to terminate the other two men and set free the young girls. Would he help?

Wolfe went to the balcony railing, staring out at Sydney Bay and the harbor lights. He remained quiet for minutes, just gazing. He turned to face Suzie and Dr. Ma. What do you want me to do?

70906.png

CHAPTER 2

TIME FOR TRUTH

Zoe and Bill dreamtime stalked Sir Malcolm in Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, and Singapore. It was nearly impossible to determine where and when he’d be at a certain place. They had yet to discover his itinerary in their dreamtime visits. Zoe argued that Bill should remove the marks so she could dream travel without him. He refused.

It was Suzie who had the breakthrough idea. She asked, why they kept chasing Sir Malcolm to learn his travels, why not figure a way to lure him to meet you at a place of your choosing?

George Wolfe came up with a plan. During his MI6 days he had spent two years with his team in Brunei as a special advisor to the Sultan. During this time, he’d developed a close relationship with one of the sons, Prince Abdul. Every year the Prince would sponsor a vehicle hunt using special designed Safari Rolls Royce which he’d give to his guests when the hunt was finished. Allan Drond had participated in the event before and received a Rolls, and Wolfe knew Drond would be invited for this year’s outing. George said he could contact Allan so he could suggest to the prince to invite Sir Malcolm in his place.

Wolfe said they could intercept Sir Malcolm during the hunt, whisking him away from the hunting party and taking him to a remote area near the coast where Zoe could do her thing.

Drond contacted Abdul and said he could not attend. He suggested the prince could invite Sir Malcolm in his place. He called Sir Malcolm and told him he had recommended him for the hunt. Weeks later Sir Malcolm replied to Drond confirming that he’d been invited and thanking him.

Wolfe contacted his team to say they were going on a mission in Brunei to snatch a bad guy. He met with Zoe and told her of his plan. All she had to do was to be in Malaysia in the coastal town of Miri near the Brunei border.

The second part of the plan was to visit Maidenhead, a small city outside London where a company custom-built Rolls Royce for the prince. Each vehicle cost 300,000 pounds. This year the prince had ordered six. Wolfe directed Sean Evens, his techno geek, to visit the facility and plant tracker bugs on each SUV, so that when they assigned the vehicle to Sir Malcolm, they would be able to locate him.

Evens followed the transportation of the vehicles to Brunei. John Atwater and Kevin Barkley, two other members of Wolfe’s team, arrived in Brunei and waited for the arrival of Sir Malcolm. Days later, Sir Malcolm’s private jet landed at the Brunei International Airport and was greeted by a special envoy from the prince.

The next part of the plan was delicate—to discover which vehicle Sir Malcolm was assigned. Sean took a position in an office building that overlooked the compound where the six vehicles were parked. He waited with his camera and telephoto lens. Two days later a group of men assembled near the vehicles. Sean spotted Sir Malcolm, who boarded the third SUV along with an older man, the driver, and an assistant to the driver.

One by one each vehicle departed the compound. When vehicle number three left a big man on a motorcycle followed. John Atwater tracked the vehicle out of Seri Begawan south to the Malaysian border.

From the tracker signal it appeared Sir Malcolm’s vehicle was going east toward the Limbang River in Malaysia. Before sundown, his group set up camp next to the river.

Atwater and Barkley waited in the bush, observing the camp. They watched as the driver and his assistant arranged the tents for Sir Malcolm and the other hunter. A table was set, and they were served dinner. After the meal Sir Malcolm retired to his tent. They waited until it was obvious the camp had retired for the night.

Both men crept to the back of Sir Malcolm’s tent, where they listened. It wasn’t long before the silence was broken by heavy snoring. Making sure no one was outside they silently entered the tent. Atwater had the syringe prepared with sodium pentothal. Sir Malcolm was on a cot facing the side of the tent. Atwater had done this before and knew where he had to inject the needle and concurrently cover Sir Malcolm’s mouth with his hand so he couldn’t yell.

He jabbed the needle at the base of the neck and as expected Sir Malcolm tensed and opened his eyes. As the drug quickly took effect his muffled voice disappeared, and his eyes shut. Sir Malcolm was a tall man, but thin and not heavy, so Atwater had no problem carrying him out of the tent. They had to walk a quarter of a mile to where they had their boat secured. Half a mile down the river they met Wolfe with the helicopter waiting on the bank. They loaded Sir Malcolm into the chopper. Wolfe, a certified pilot, started the engine, waved to his men goodbye and lifted off. It was a short flight to a remote beach east of Brunei where Zoe was waiting with Dr. Ma.

66052.png

Dr. Ma had leased a small yacht in Kuala Lumpur to take Zoe and himself to the northern coast of Sarawak where they anchored a hundred meters off the beach. Dr. Ma had scouted ahead and found an abandoned beach bungalow with no inhabitants within a mile. When they had first arrived, he and Wolfe had transported a portable generator and lights to the bungalow. At the same time Zoe prepared for the arrival of Sir Malcolm.

Two hours past midnight they heard the helicopter. It set down next to the bungalow. Sir Malcolm was laid on a single bed which they had previously assembled. The floor and walls were covered with plastic liners. Inside Dr. Ma and Wolfe watched Zoe inject Sir Malcolm to wake him up.

Sir Malcolm blinked his eyes, and then opened them wide. He twisted his head with a puzzled expression. What’s this? Where am I? He tried moving and couldn’t.

Zoe bent over. Don’t waste your energy, Sir Malcolm. We’ve dressed you in a straight-jacket.

He continued struggling. I demand you take this damn thing off right now. He sat up, twisted, and tried in vain to pull his arms free. He finally gave up and flopped back on the bed, panting. He studied Zoe’s face. I know you. We met somewhere.

That’s true. At the art conference Allan Drond sponsored last year. We even shook hands and you said you looked forward to meeting me again. Well, here we are, Sir Malcolm, but I don’t think you’re going to look forward to what’s going to happen next.

A slight expression of panic moved across his face. What do you mean? He started to squirm. What the hell? Where are my clothes?

Zoe squatted so as to be even with his face. They’re here. But you see Sir Malcolm, I’ve had experience doing what I’m going to do to you, and it can get messy. Hence the diaper and plastic liners.

I don’t understand what you’re talking about.

Mmm. Do you remember Senator Scott’s death?

Vaguely…Why?

I killed him—or to be totally accurate, he killed himself. I injected him with the box jellyfish venom, and wow, I never expected what happened next. She could see Sir Malcolm trying to process what she said as she continued with a vivid description of how Scott had thrashed on the bed, pulled one of his arms out of the socket, and beat his head against the wall until it split, and he died. All the time screaming in pain. And the smell—she’d never forget the smell.

Sir Malcolm stared at her with a look of disbelief. Why are you doing this to me. I’ve done nothing—

Zoe smiled. Really? Having your way with a teenager who was kidnapped and drugged is not what I’d call nothing.

I don’t know what you’re talking about. I didn’t—

Sure, you do, Sir Malcolm. You were on a yacht with two other perverts. Each of you had young girls. You had a girl from the U.S. and another girl from Thailand. What you did to them is beyond sick. You want me to describe?

Beads of sweat formed on his forehead. Not possible. You’re lying—

Zoe started to describe the scene of him having sex with the fifteen-year-old.

Stop. I don’t want to hear any more. He started whimpering, and in a low voice said, I can’t help myself…I like young girls.

Dr. Ma stepped forward out of the shadows and stood next to Zoe. Ah, Mr. Bridges, it’s one thing to have your own sickness, but to expand your perversion so that other sick men can have pleasure at the expense of innocents is inexcusable.

Who are you?

A concerned person who knows you and others make a business of kidnapping young girls and selling them to other sick individuals like yourself. He turned to Zoe. I think Sir Malcolm needs to tell us what he knows.

Zoe produced a syringe and held it in front of Sir Malcolm’s face. This is what I call my truth serum. It’s the venom of the box jellyfish.

Sir Malcolm’s eyes fixed on the syringe as she held it close to him.

You have two choices. One, you tell us all about your sex trafficking network right now, or two, I inject you with the box jellyfish venom and I promise you, you will tell us everything.

I don’t know what you’re talking about.

Zoe turned to Dr. Ma. I told you they never believe me and always refuse. She reached into Sir Malcolm’s diaper and grabbed his penis, pressed the needle, injected a small amount of the venom, and quickly stepped back.

Ah, Jesus Christ! He started thrashing and screaming. Make it stop! For God’s sake…Ah…Jesus…I can’t stand it! He arched his back so hard the bed jumped. His head violently twisted from side to side with spittle flying everywhere, such that Dr. Ma had to step back.

Zoe motioned to Wolfe. Hold him down.

Wolfe laid on his upper torso and Dr. Ma grabbed his legs. Wolfe yelled, Do it now! I can’t hold him much longer.

Zoe injected him in the groin and waited. Slowly his thrashing subsided. I just gave you a strong dose of morphine. You have about ten minutes to answer my colleague’s questions or the pain will come back. And if I think you are lying, I’ll give you another injection—

No, no. Please. I’ll tell you everything. I can’t take the pain.

I know. Zoe wiped his face with a cloth, removing the snot, drool, and tears.

Dr. Ma placed himself on a stool next to Sir Malcolm. I have photos of you entering a villa in Bang Pakong, and other photos of young girls inside the compound. What goes on inside the villa?

Sir Malcolm hesitated and Zoe lifted the syringe for him to see.

It’s one of our holding places for the girls. He started whimpering again. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—

Bullshit, said Wolfe, moving next to Dr. Ma. You knew exactly what you were doing. We have photos of men coming and going. Give him the needle.

No! No. Please. I’ll tell you everything… Ah, I can feel the pain coming back. Please.

Zoe gave him another injection of morphine. Go on, or—

Okay. I’ll tell you what I know. Sir Malcolm spewed out everything: how he ran the Australasia branch of the sex trafficking network, giving names of all the principal individuals involved. He elaborated on how they selected the various girls, how they took them, and that they were housed in the Bang Pakong villa until they were sold. While they were in the villa, selected guests could have sex, make an offer for a girl or girls. He said he was a moderate player in the overall network, and that there were other bigger players who he did not know. Periodically they would sell or exchange a particular girl to another ‘holder’ who was only known by the first name which he was sure was false. His own was Monrose. He said the network was constructed to protect each holder’s identity. He said there were holders in every continent but believed the head of the network was from the Middle East.

What he said next stunned all of them. He said it was a billion dollar a year enterprise.

Dr. Ma turned off the recorder and looked at Zoe. I’m convinced he’s told us everything he knows. He gave a gesture with his eyes toward Zoe’s leather pouch with the syringes. I think it’s time.

She nodded and retrieved another syringe and held it in front of Sir Malcolm.

No. Please. I’ve told you everything. I can’t stand the pain. It’s too—

Zoe sighed. All the research I did on you… You seemed like a good bloke. Helped people. Did a lot of good. At first when I saw you with those little girls, I couldn’t believe my eyes. But you are sick and have done terrible things.

I know. I know. I promise I won’t continue. I’ll help the girls. I’ll go to the authorities, I’ll—

Stop, Sir Malcolm. It’s too late. She held up the syringe. I don’t think you’re truly evil, but you are sick and need to be put down.

No. Please. I beg you—

I’m sorry. She injected his thigh. Don’t worry. There won’t be any pain.

His eyes bulged. What did you give me?

In a few minutes you won’t be able to turn your head or move your arms or legs. Then you won’t be able to talk or even blink your eyes. But you’ll be able to hear us until your lungs and heart stop. It’s the venom from the blue-ringed octopus which I’ve enhanced to work faster.

He tried to speak, and his lips froze. His eyelids quit blinking.

Zoe put her hand on his forehead. He’s close. A tear cascaded down her cheek.

Wolfe noticed it. What’s wrong? He’s not worth a tear. He’s getting what he deserves

Zoe stood and wiped the tear away. I know. I keep telling myself he’s a sick fucker, but…

Dr. Ma put his hand on her shoulder. I know this will haunt you for a while, but when it does, just think of all the information we obtained and how many girls you will save.

Wolfe added, And all the sick bastards we’ll eliminate.

Zoe leaned over, putting her cheek next to Sir Malcolm’s nose. She closed his eyelids with her fingers. He’s dead.

They cleaned and dressed Sir Malcolm and loaded him onto the chopper. Wolfe landed just before dawn at the rendezvous near the river. Evens and Atwater stealthily transported Sir Malcolm’s body to his tent before the camp woke up.

Zoe and Dr. Ma cleaned the bungalow, leaving no trace that they’d been there. The sun was creeping above the horizon as they boarded the yacht. Zoe told Dr. Ma she was exhausted and wanted to rest. She went to her stateroom, took a quick shower, flopped on the bed and closed her eyes. Moments later she was asleep. She was dreaming when she heard a familiar voice.

Put this on. Bill handed her a robe and covered her real body with a blanket.

Ah, fuck Bill. I’m knackered. Let me go into my body and you can gawk at me. I don’t care. She dropped the robe on the bed, not caring he could see her naked.

Put the robe on. We need to talk.

Begrudgingly she stood and dressed in the silk robe. You know you can be a pain in the ass.

I know. But that’s kind of the pot calling the kettle black. He patted the bed. Please sit. He waited as she reluctantly reclined next to him. I saw everything.

What?

Dr. Ma has kept in contact with me and told me last night you were going to take care of Sir Malcolm.

Bill. Right now, I’m not feeling so good about myself. She saw him start to speak and gestured for him to stop talking. You dragged me into dream time, so let me speak. I know Sir Malcolm was a sick son of a bitch and he did unspeakable things, but as he was there, knowing he was going to die, I felt sorry for him. Can you understand? When I killed Spicer for covering up for Brock killing Jeremy, I kind of felt the same way. I felt sorry for Spicer.

Can I speak now?

Yeah. Go ahead.

I am sad too. I knew Sir Malcolm for years. He supported my quest to have the law passed to ban croc hunting. He was always a fair dinkum bloke with me. So, you can imagine how I felt watching him abuse those young girls, and to learn he was a trafficker. I knew he was bad and deserved the kiss of the blue-ringed octopus and that you had no choice.

Zoe’s eyes softened. I’m sorry, Bill. It just hangs heavy on me, putting the bloke down. Before, with Scott and the others, Moretti and his bunch, I felt justified. Sure, I was paid for not killing Drond because the contract was canceled, but today was my first kill for money…and I feel dirty about it. Can you understand?

Bill said, I know you’re tired and you don’t want to go anywhere, but please put your clothes on. I think a visit to the Great One would benefit you.

Zoe didn’t move and faced Bill, staring at him. Have you ever killed another human being?

No. I haven’t. I’ve done other things, but I’ve never taken a life.

Then you can’t really understand.

That’s why Father and the Great One want to talk with you. Please, Zoe. Get dressed. We know how difficult it has been for you and we want to help.

Zoe’s head drooped as she sat quietly. She stood and slid the robe off, not caring that Bill could see her. She dressed in a t-shirt and shorts and extended her hand to Bill. Okay. Let’s go.

Moments later she was standing with Bill under the moab tree on the plateau overlooking Secure Bay, where Samuel was sitting. I thought you said we’d meet with the Great One?

I’m here, Zoe.

She spun around and there was the fifteen-meter giant crocodile, standing on its four legs, its head only an arms-length from Zoe’s head.

It cracked its jaw, almost like it was smiling.

It’s good to see you again after our last swim together.

Zoe burst into tears and placed her arms and head on the croc’s head. She kissed it and kept kissing it. I really feel bad.

The croc lowered its body onto the ground. Its eyes fixed on Zoe. It chuckled. You know, this is the first time I’ve ever been kissed.

It opened its jaws and an oscillating white human-like figure manifested. An arm reached out of its jaw and touched her. Zoe, let me share your pain. I know what it’s like to take a life. I’ve taken many, and even though they all deserved death I felt the same despair you feel.

Zoe rested her head on the head of the croc, stoking it with her hand. Why do I feel so bad? It doesn’t make sense. The man was sick and was hurting so many.

Zoe, you are a compassionate warrior. You have unique abilities that we don’t understand. Only the Great Rainbow Serpent does. Bill and Samuel and your friends will always help you. Continue on your path and you will understand the purpose of your life’s quest. I trust your judgment. You always seem to make the right choice.

The croc suddenly lifted. Watch my tail so I don’t hit you. It slowly turned, waiting until Zoe was clear of its movements. Goodbye Zoe. Until we meet again. It moved to the edge of the plateau, went over the edge and disappeared.

Zoe looked at Bill and Samuel. You heard?

We did. You seem to have a special place with the Great One, said Samuel. I also understand what it means to take another life. I’ve done it many times, but never enjoyed it. You have been chosen to rid the world of bad people, and there’re a lot of them. But know, like the Great One said, you have many who will support you. You are not alone.

Suddenly, Zoe was back in the state room, staring at her real body.

Bill touched her arm. How do you feel now?

I’m okay Bill. I feel better. She felt a jerk and then she was asleep, dreaming.

66054.png

She heard a voice. Zoe. Wake up. Dr. Ma and Wolfe were hovering over her. Dr. Ma said, It’s mid-afternoon. You need to eat something.

Zoe rubbed her eyes and sat up. Where are we?

About halfway to Singapore, Wolfe said. We’ve made good progress.

Dr. Ma sat on the edge of the bed. It’s already on the news about Sir Malcolm. Said he had a heart attack in his sleep and died.

She looked at Wolfe then at Dr. Ma. Thanks for helping me. I couldn’t have done it on my own.

Wolfe said, What are we going to do about all the others he told us about?

Zoe sat up. I’ll talk to Bill. He has marked the girls so we can locate them.

What do mean marked, asked Wolfe.

Suzie told you about the dream traveling. Right?

Wolfe nodded. I still have a hard time wrapping my head around all this Aboriginal mysticism stuff but go on.

When Bill and I caught Sir Malcolm and these two other perverts on the yacht with the young girls, Bill marked them so we could find them later. Bill says with the marks we can always find the other two blokes and all the girls. If I ask Bill where the girls are, can you get your team to free them? I’ll pay them from the money Der Finder paid me to take down Sir Malcolm.

Absolutely. Just tell me where the girls are, and my guys will do the rest.

I want to do more than free them. I want to help the girls to get counselling and rehab before they are reunited with their parents. The shit they’ve gone through is unimaginable.

Dr. Ma said, I can handle the counselling. Just get the girls, George, and I will take over.

Zoe said, I will take care of the other two blokes who were on the yacht. They were as sick as Sir Malcolm.

66059.png

Three months later, Wolfe’s team had freed all six girls. Dr. Ma had created and funded a center for rehabilitation for the girls in Perth where two Franciscan priests had been placed in charge. Zoe learned that the other two blokes on the yacht with Sir Malcolm were Jacques Durand, the ambassador for France in Singapore, and Lincoln Balmorth, a CEO for Balmorth Minerals in Melbourne.

Months later, the Singapore news cited that Jacques Durand had died of a heart attack at a conference in Bangkok. Weeks after that, an article in the Melbourne Times noted that the CEO of Balmorth Minerals, Lincoln Balmorth, had died of a heart attack at the Blue Seas Restaurant in Melbourne.

66061.png

Dr. Ma dialed the number for Der Finder. "Hello," said the German-accented-voice.

Dr. Ma replied, I’m quite satisfied with the Sir Malcolm contract—very satisfied. And thank you for the information your contractor obtained. It is a big help.

Ah, that is good to hear. Like I said, we guarantee our results to be first rate. So, what can I do for you?

I have another contract.

70906.png

CHAPTER 3

NEW CHALLENGE

Sydney, 1986

Zoe was waiting for Haloz’s call, standing outside in her back yard, focusing the telescope on the Manly Bay nudist beach.

What a bunch of skanks and limp dicks. Ugh, if I looked that bad, I’d have Haloz put a contract on me.

There were the usual boats cruising off the beach, scoping out the scene, waving at the nudes—mostly men. Her sightseeing was interrupted by the phone.

At once she recognized John Phillip’s voice. Okay, what’s this new contract?

He chuckled. I have a perfect one for you in Japan; a gangster boss, a bad guy that someone wants gone.

She laughed. Sure, another bad guy who wants the competition removed. How boring. I think I’ll pass on this one. She heard the Austrian gasp and could visualize the pompous asshole wringing his hands.

Zoe, my dear. This is like taking candy from a baby, an easy three-and-a-half million. With your skills and you speaking Japanese it’s a pushover.

His wheedling tone sickened her.

Please, Zoe, I’m in a bit of a financial bind, and this would really help me. He paused. What can I do to make you take the contract?

She felt herself weaken. Three-and-a-half million wasn’t bad, and she did owe the asshole some type of gratitude for making her rich. Quit whining, you wanker. What’s this gangster’s name?

Shinobu Jiro.

Give me a few days while I do a little research. And if I do take it, it’s another million. No doubt he’s yakuza, and they’re not that easy to get close to.

After what she supposed to be a dramatic silence, he said, All right, you thief. But I need to know your answer in two days.

Later in the day she telephoned a news reporter