14. One final detail

Late the following week, Jack Robinson received a telephone call from the West Geelong Police Station.

"Inspector Robinson, This is Senior Sergeant Appleby from Geelong West"

"Yes, Senior Sergeant, How can I help you?" asked Jack.

"Well, I have the bad news this time. Constable Walsh has just come in with the latest!"

Jack had a sinking feeling in his stomach.

"It appears that Mavis Henderson died last night. The family were in full attendance, of course."

"I'm sorry to hear of her passing" said Jack formally.

"Yes, unfortunately it was her time! Walsh said there is a lot of family who will miss her"

"As will I"

"Anyway, the funeral is on Monday, down here at Our Lady's. The notice will be in "The Argus" tomorrow."

"Thank you Sergeant Appleby. I will be in touch with the family; I think I have to be in court on Monday, I don't know if I can get to the funeral."

"That's all right Inspector. She has lots of family to see her off. It's not like she was your next of kin!"

Jack sighed and thanked Senior Sergeant Appleby and hung up. He checked his calendar. He was due in court which was something he could not avoid. He would have to settle for a condolence card. He reflected that there would be so many family members, he would not be missed!

Jack drummed his fingers on the desk. He would have to find a new housekeeper now. With advertising, it would not be difficult. He could leave a notice in the local grocers, but there was one more thing that he had to do. He continued to drum on his desk, putting off the inevitable.

Then he spun his chair around to face the filing cabinet, and pulled open the drawer that was marked "Personnel". Jack skipped through the files until he pulled out the file marked "Robinson" and opened it to the page he wanted. He knew what was written there.

"Next of Kin: Rosie Robinson: Wife". It was crossed out. "George Sanderson: Deputy Commissioner/ Father –in-law". Also crossed out, then "Mavis and Bill Henderson: Neighbours".

Jack sighed again and crossed out their names. He stared at the page, what little space that was left. His sister lived a long way away. He needed to nominate someone who lived in town. Someone who, if the need arose, could check on his house, visit him in hospital and look after his affairs. Jack looked around his desk, took a breath and wrote down a name. Then he slammed the file shut and put it away.

THE END (for now!)