Ch 3. Murder?
Later that night Dutchy found the X leaning against one of the cranes of the Rhibs, staring to the sea.
"Hey X, you can't catch sleep? The action of this afternoon?"
"Hi Dutchy, you're right, there's something that bothers me", she replied.
"Kate?"
"That also, but something else as well", she said doubtfully.
"What bothers you?", Dutchy replied as he leaned as well against the crane.
"It's the incident with Swan and Grantley this afternoon. There's something dodgy with. Something doesn't fit there", she started to tell but got cut off by him.
"You too? Me as well, it keeps me busy", he said.
"The way how the bodies lay and where Grantley stood, it doesn't match with the story he's telling. He entered and saw how the terrorist had shot Swan and he shot the terrorist? Thus he had shot the terrorist from where he stood, but I'm having a weird idea that Grantley wasn't standing there when he shot the terrorist.", Nikki told as she looked at Dutchy.
He nodded, "that's exactly what I was thinking too. Did you see the blood strains on the wall?"
"Uh-hu".
"They were caused by smashing against the wall by the velocity of the impact of the bullet. When you shoot someone from that short distance in the chest or in the back, you don't smash forward, but you always tumbles in the direction to which the bullet flies, but the strains were in front of him", he said.
"Thus, you share the same idea with me that he stood on the other side of the cabin and also in the line of fire to Swan and that the terrorist was shot in the back and not in the front", Nikki asked.
"Precisely. I'm having the very bad feeling that Grantley killed his competitor to have the girl for him, especially from what we've seen between these two. "
"Murder!", she concluded.
"Exactly!"
But the only thing of which I'm not sure is who killed the terrorist? It could be Swan, but also Grantley and Swan entered hearing a gun shot. Otherwise it could be Swan and Grantley entering"
"That's not of importance now. What we do know is that Grantley lied to us and he had a motive to kill Swan.
Come, let's go to Mike, he has to know that", she said as she stood straight up and turned to go inside.
An instance later Nikki knocked Mike's door. "Sir, it's me, Nikki", she said out loud.
"Yeah come in, but I'm not deaf you know", Mike said through the door.
They entered and Mike was obviously surprised to see Dutchy as well.
"Sir, we've a situation!", she said and Mike lifted his eyebrows.
"We think that Brigadier Grantley killed Swan!"
"What?!", he exclaimed.
He tilted his head and gave Nikki a suspicious glance, "X, that's a heavy accusation, elaborate on this!", he said.
Nikki started to explain.
Afterwards Mike made a face and nodded slowly. "Yeah, that sounds reasonable, but the only problem is that we don't have a real prove. An examination of the bullets and the guns can tell us more. I'll mention it to Commander White, but you both have to write that down in your report as well", he said.
"Thank you sir", Nikki said before they left both Mike's cabin. Outside they looked at each other and shrugged.
At the other side of the door Mike was staring at blank at the wall of his cabin. He was a bit confused. On one hand he was happy that he had something else to think about than Kate, but it was also another serious issue. He had had contact with Maxine about the action and he had asked for Kate, but she didn't know yet.
The next day the Hammersley approached Cairns. Mike stood at the bridge and looked at his crew to detect if they've had a good night. He hadn't. The idea that Kate has disappeared has kept him awake. When he looked at Nikki he noticed dark lines under her eyes and he knew that she hasn't slept either. That comforted him a bit.
"You're ok X?", he asked her.
"Yes sir, I'm fine", she said with a faint smile but her eyes were not in sync with her smile.
Mike nodded.
I know the feeling!
When the Hammersley moored he noticed a few police vans at the quay to take over the men in austere and an ambulance to bring their wounded men to the hospital.
Among the hustle and bustle Mike saw also Maxine who was watching how the Hammersley arrived at the base. He walked downwards to the gang plank to greet her.
"Hi Mike", she greeted him, "congratulations with your action. A short and powerful action! That's what we need! The press will be really happy with it. Tell your people that they have to make the version of their story spicy. The Navy needs such kind of stories nowadays."
"Yeah but how! A few wounded men and a disappeared and killed undercover agent", he said making a face.
"I know Mike, but you can't bake an egg without breaking the shell. But you don't mention the second killed sailor?!", she said surprised.
"Well, it's not so sure that he was killed in the framework of the action", he said doubtfully to her.
"What?!", it escaped her more loud than she intended.
Quickly she recomposed herself and looked quickly around to see if nobody has heard her, "When you're finished here come to my office and elaborate on this!", she said.
"Ok, but Max, do you have any news about Kate?", he questioned.
He was surprised to see an empathetic glance over her face.
"Not yet Mike. See me at my office", she said softly and she turned and walked away before Mike could insist with other questions. He gave her a stare and turned to walk back on board.
"And?", Nikki asked as she saw him back at the bridge.
"Later on, at her desk!", he said looking at her.
"Ok", she mumbled making a face.
They both finished the paperwork in the command room and with a sigh he put down his pencil. "Finished! And now to Maxine", he said to Nikki.
"I'll wait!", she said determined.
Mike shook his head as he stood upright. "No need, it will take quite some time. Go home and I'll give you a call."
"No, I'll wait! I must know it!", Nikki replied determined.
"There's still plenty of work here with which I can fill my time", she said as she reached for the next pile of papers.
"Ok then", Mike said as he turned to leave the room to walk to his cabin to change into his whites.
Somewhat later he knocked the door frame of Maxine's office.
She looked up, "Come in Mike and close the door", she said.
Damn, what's going on? She never says that.
He walked inside and sat down.
Before he could say something Maxine started, "Mike, what was that about the killed sailor who wasn't seemingly not killed during the action?"
"The declaration of Brigadier Grantley doesn't stroke with the position where he stood and how the bodies lay and where the blood strains were on the wall. My XO and Buffer entered the cabin and saw where Grantley stood and both came to the conclusion that there was something weird about it. Moreover everyone at the bridge can testify that there was a serious quarrel between Leading Seaman Oliver Lake and Brigadier Grantley about a woman. I want a ballistic investigation of Grantley's gun and I'm persuaded that the bullet in Lake's body came from Grantley's gun", Mike said convinced.
Maxine looked at him suspiciously and then to a map at the wall of her office.
"That's really a serious accusation. Are you aware what you are saying?", she answered looking intensively at Mike.
"Yes, I do, that's why I insist on a ballistic investigation", he replied.
Maxine nodded, "Yes, I understand. I think that they can't refuse it. I'll do the necessary!"
"Thanks! And what about Kate?", Mike asked trying not to sound desperately.
She looked for an instance desperately back, "I … don't know Mike. I've asked for it and the Fed's couldn't say yet."
Mike exploded almost. "What? What's that for bullshit?! They can't say?!"
She spread her hands, "I'm sorry, really sorry, I was sent away with a 'don't know yet. No information yet'".
Mike looked suspiciously at his friend, his head slightly tilted. "Max, honestly! Do I have to believe that crap?"
Maxine looked at him annoyed, "Mike, do you really think that I would fool you? Come on! Think twice!"
"Ok, okokok", he grumbled throwing his hands in the air.
"You'll get the reports from Lieutenant Caetano and Petty-Officer Mulholland asap", he said irritated, realizing that arguing wouldn't bring more info.
"Thanks. When I have them, I can call the Fed's. Tomorrow I'll call them back to know about Kate", she said.
Mike nodded and stood upright and sighed, "Ok Max, see you tomorrow."
"Ok Mike till tomorrow and try to relax", Maxine replied all of a sudden realizing she said something very stupid.
Mike threw a that's-the-most-stupid-answer-ever glance over his shoulder and left her office.
Maxine leaned back in her chair and bit her lip.
Couldn't you find nothing better to say, you stupid chick!
Somewhat later he arrived back at the Hammersley and walked to the command room where he expected Nikki. When he stepped inside he saw that she still busy with the administration but she had changed in civvies yet. She was wearing a dress with a big flower pattern and het black hair hung loose over her shoulders. He lifted his eyebrows slightly seeing the scenery.
She has changed! The way she has leaded the action today was more than good and her performance as XO is the same level as Kate's. And this is also different. A few years ago she would never have changed in civvies doing a job on board, now she did.
Nikki felt someone approaching and whipped her head up. "Ah boss! Some news?", she asked eagerly.
Mike leaned tiredly against the door frame, "Nope, the Fed's don't know anything yet… or they don't want to tell us yet", he replied and he could see the disappointment on her face.
"Almost finished?", he continued.
"Yes sir, I was just sorting the documents by type and then I can put them all in envelopes for Navcom."
"Right Nikki, thanks, when you're done with the envelopes, go home and take some rest. It has been enough for you too today. Moreover we don't have to sail tomorrow."
"Good, and Kate?", she asked.
"Maxine is going to call tomorrow again, and then we will know more. When I know it, then you'll know it too", he convinced her.
Nikki gave him a tired smile, "Thanks boss" as she stood upright and grabbed the pile of envelopes.
He followed her out of the command room. Nikki turned into the direction of her cabin and he wanted to go to his but he lingered in his movement and looked at the pretty appearance of Nikki's back with the dress, naked legs and heeled sandals.
Pretty!
Smiling he walked to his cabin.
The next day
Maxine put down the last page of Dutchy's report and rubbed her chin.
Caetano and Mullholland are saying the same. That constable is lying.
She opened a drawer and grabbed a file that she opened. Then she took to horn of the phone and dialed the number of the officer of the Federal Police.
"Lieutenant Hawkins speaking", she heard at the other end.
"Commander White here. Lieutenant I've an issue about the combined action against the Papua Trader", she replied.
"Yes commander, I'm listening".
"I've reasons to believe that Brigadier Grantley killed Able Seaman Lake with gun fire", she said and waited for the reaction.
"Pardon commander, why do you pop up with such a serious accusation?", he said reluctantly.
"Following two different reports does the story of Grantley not match with the situation of the bodies in the cabin", she said coldly.
"Come on commander and why should he kill one of us?", he said in unbelief.
"A women case."
"Do you really believe that? Are you sure that the people who wrote these stories were right?", he said irritated.
Maxine got irritated as well, "Lieutenant Hawkins, do you doubt the word of a lieutenant and a petty officer of the Australian Navy?"
"Uh no, but maybe they haven't seen it happen. I've read the reports of my men too and Brigadier Grantley's report tells me the opposite. And shouldn't I believe him? He's a decent police man", he said in defense.
"Maybe, but I want a ballistic investigation!", she said sternly.
She didn't hear an answer and frowned, "Lieutenant?"
"Yes yes, I'll give the order", he grumbled.
"Good! And do you have new about my officer, Lieutenant McGregor?"
"No, not yet. But will you excuse me, I've a visitor now", he said.
"Ok, hear from you later on", she replied and put down the horn.
She looked frowning at it.
Strange, I'm having the feeling that he knows more, but what?
To be continued
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