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| "Laura's Nightmare" Copyright Francis Blow, 1989. |
| CHAPTER 9 |
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| Parked next to the sleek Mercedes, Laura's coupe looked tiny. As she locked the door, and swung her bag over her shoulder, Laura turned to find Gran coming to meet her. The hug Laura gave Gran was more intense than normal. |
| "I'm so glad you're back, Gran. Sorry to drop in so soon after your getting home, but I really need your advice, and, maybe, some of your friends." |
| "Let's go to my study, and you can clear up the confused story you rang about." |
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| Dinner was over, by the time Laura was ready to explain what she needed from Gran. |
| "The way I see it, the only way I can find out what's going on, is if I either investigated it myself, or hire someone to do it for me. Since I'm not trained or equipped for detective work, I'd best find someone who is. What do you think?" |
| "Obviously, you've thought about this. Hmm. Let me think about it overnight. Perhaps there are alternatives no one's thought of yet. One night won't matter, but a hasty decision could make things worse. I'm worn out from my flight, so how about we call it a day, and continue with this over breakfast?" |
| "Thanks, Gran. I love you. I'll probably sit up studying for a few hours. Good night." |
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| Later, unable to concentrate on her books, Laura opened the door to her balcony, and stepped out to watch the stars. |
| The spring night was chilly, and she pulled her robe tighter around her, ignoring the goose bumps. Her practiced eyes quickly identified the main stars and visible planets, and noted the faster moving satellites and space stations. |
| Of all the objects in sight, one held her attention; the international space station was under construction, and would be soon completed, long before Laura could hope to join the astronauts. The coming decades would be marked by a concerted effort at space exploration, which would culminate in a manned landing of Mars. |
| If Laura had her way, and she was striving towards its achievement, it would be a "womanned" landing of Mars. First, she had to overcome these new obstacles, pass her Higher School Certificate, be accepted into the Australian Air Force, and then, somehow, persuade NASA to let her train for the Mars mission. |
| "First, these problems." She growled aloud. |
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| Laura's watch beeped at her. It was six am, and time to run. |
| Five minutes later, Laura was jogging towards the beach. |
| The water was flat, and not even a breeze disturbing the peace. Laura spied two surfers in wet suits, standing far down the beach, then they walked away from the water, probably disgusted with the lack of waves. Perhaps, she considered, they would go home for an early breakfast, or would they search for a more co-operative beach? |
| Her trainers sank into the powdery sand with each stride, and Laura could feel her calves and ankles working to compensate for the shifting surface. Kilometre after kilometre passed beneath her tireless feet, until forty minutes later, she turned, and increased her speed fractionally, to retrace her tracks. Her lungs were becoming more demanding of air, and she could feel her heart pounding to a faster rhythm. She was the only creature larger than a gull in sight. |
| Would Gran be able to recommend someone to help her? Laura wondered. |
| The police had a few leads from the cocaine investigation, while other useful clues were coming to light from inquiries the solicitor was making, in regard to the cheating allegations. It was tempting, having so much tantalising information, but Laura did not want to waste it by any amateur sleuthing on her part. |
| The roof of Gran's mansion came into view, and Laura increased her pace further, as she turned off the beach. |
| Instead of going straight into the house, she circled the building, noting that Gran's curtains were still drawn, so Laura slowed her pace to a quieter jog, did a few more circuits, and reduced speed further, until she was walking. |
| Climbing the stairs two at a time, Laura entered the guest bathroom, and was soon standing under a hot spray of water. In her room again, she chose a comfortable tracksuit, then took a book to the kitchen, where she studied, until Gran came down. |
| "My goodness, I didn't think I'd sleep so late. Good morning, Laura. I suppose you've been for your morning run? You must be hungry. Let's see what's to eat." |
| Once their cereal bowls were empty, and only their coffee was left, Gran rested her chin on her hand, elbow on the table. |
| "I know just the agency you need. We'll give them a call later, but let's look at some possibilities. Would it be reasonable to say that all your current problems may have one source?" |
| When Laura nodded, Gran continued. |
| "What chance is it that some other person from school is just jealous? Pretty slim? Now, how about when you sold your business, do you think your enemies forgot about you, or would they have come up with another form of attack?" |
| Laura had been thinking along similar lines, and said so. "They must have had at least one accomplice at school, and it might even be the Principal. He's never treated me like this." |
| "What clues do we have about the identity of the person or persons behind this? It started soon after you got all that publicity from the tours you organised. I'm guessing, now, but let's suppose one of the people who saw the articles in the papers was involved with your natural father. They might have got a message through to him, in goal, and he's paying someone to take revenge. If that's the case, we can have the agency's investigators start two separate lines of inquiry." |
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| Several hours later, both women were explaining the situation to an attentive manager at the detective agency. Laura did most of the talking, and, with all her practice, condensed the information, so it took only half an hour. |
| "No doubt you'll want more detail, but those are the basics. As for your fees, my funds are not unlimited, so please keep me advised of how the costs are going, and any important developments." |
| "That's fine, Laura. What happens now, is we put together an agreement, negotiate a deposit, then we read all the reports available on these incidents. Naturally, our people will need to contact you from time to time, for clarification. I understand you'll be staying with your grandmother for an indefinite period?" |
| "Until things settle down, and I'm no longer treated like a leper in my own neighbourhood. How soon will things get under way?" |
| "Not long. I'll get one of the girls to type up an agreement. Would you like coffee while you're waiting?" |
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| With the investigation under way, Laura drove the two of them to Gran's home, parking her coupe in the garage. Gran went to her study, to catch up on the correspondence which had piled up when she was overseas. |
| Laura prepared a late lunch, which she carried on a tray, to where Gran was working. The older woman was poking at her hair with a letter opener, while scrutinising a sheaf of papers. She did not look up, until Laura put a plate of sandwiches on the desk. |
| "It's only corned beef, but I'll have a proper roast dinner ready for tonight." |
| "Oh, Laura! You don't need to do that. We can go out, or I could call the lady who cleans for me, and she's usually happy to prepare meals." |
| "Not while I'm here. Since you won't let me pay board, I'll make up for it by helping out. Don't argue, Gran. I hate feeling like I'm taking advantage of you. Besides, I like to cook. Now eat your lunch. Would you like me to help with some of that?" |
| "All right, stop nagging. Actually, it would save time if you could open the letters, and put anything that needs my immediate attention in one pile, and the rest in another. Oh, and any personal mail can be regarded as immediate stuff." |
| The next hour was spent mostly in silent reading, with occasional comments and questions from both women. |
| Though she intellectually knew her grandmother had business dealings all over the world, Laura was amazed at the diversity of places from which the letters and packages came: the USA, several European countries, including Eastern Block, the UK, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Korea, Vietnam and Indonesia, as well as many from various Australian cities. Some were company reports, or government forms, while others were business proposals, invitations to ceremonies, conventions and private parties or news and gossip from friends. |
| "Look at the time," Gran exclaimed. "Why don't you go and relax, Laura. You've been a tremendous help. Perhaps, since you'll be here a while, you might help me when I get snowed under with paperwork? And I haven't even glanced at my e-mail. That's my girl." |
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| Spring matured into early summer, with no news. |
| Laura's days settled into a routine of her early morning run being followed by breakfast, two hours of secretarial work for Gran, a swim, then lunch. Following lunch, she usually did five or six hours of solid study and revision, often going over copies of previous years HSC papers. Some days she prepared dinner, though Gran insisted on going out for meals on other nights. |
| Every day, Laura rang her family, or visited home at odd times, sometimes staying for most of the day. Once a week, she went to her karate school, to work out and practice her routines. There was little time left to increase her flying hours, though she did send away for the Airforce entrance papers. |
| Finally, the detective agency had a strong lead. It was something no one expected. |
| "London? Are you sure it's the same woman?" Laura asked over the phone. |
| "We're certain. When she escaped the Hawaiian FBI, her description was circulated to Interpol and other agencies. She was on file with Interpol, and her photo was passed around. The British police spotted her and, well, to cut a long story short, we are sure this woman is the one who organised the latest attacks on you. It wasn't your natural father who called her in, either, but the American boss. You definitely have a cosmopolitan collection of enemies, Laura." |
| Laura asked him to FAX her the report, which she studied closely, before going to Gran. |
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| "Absolutely out of the question, young lady!" Gran was genuinely startled by Laura's plan. "Not only is it too dangerous, but you couldn't get a visa cleared that quickly." |
| "Can't I?" Laura smiled. "Remember who has been vetting your mail and ringing around for you. Now, what was the name of your friend at the British Consulate? A couple of phone calls and that should do it. As for danger, I'll get our agency to recommend someone in London to do all the dangerous stuff, and I'll identify this woman. Never mind all that, Gran. This is something I need to do! I'd use any excuse, or none, to get her." |
| "Get her? Are you talking revenge? That's not like you, child." |
| "Not revenge, Gran. Call it security, tying up loose ends, anything you like. While she's wandering free, she's threatening me, my family and my friends. What few friends that are left to me, after she alienated me from them." |
| The argument did not end there, but carried on through several rounds, until the next morning, when Gran eventually gave in to the inevitable. Laura's steely determination won through, even over Gran's stubbornness. |
| Laura made her phone calls, and arranged to drive into the Consulate offices that day, to apply for an emergency visa. |
| The next few days were a frantic rush for air tickets, packing and farewells, then Laura was boarding a jet for London, taking only her computer and hand luggage, packed with two changes of warm clothing, while her heavy jacket was draped over her arm. |
| Hers was the last available seat, and it was in first class, at Gran's insistence. Laura was thankful for the greater leg room, which allowed her to sleep in reasonable comfort for the last six hours of the flight. |
| From Heathrow, Laura took a taxi to Brent, where she reached the detective recommended by Laura's agency. The manager was expecting her, and Laura was soon sitting in the woman's office, a cup of Earl Grey tea by her elbow. From her bag, Laura produced the reports which would be needed to find the elusive woman. |
| "This should be enough for us to start with. Where will you be staying, Laura? If you like, I might suggest one or two comfortable hotels." |
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| After arriving at the hotel, instead of succumbing to sleep, Laura reluctantly donned running clothes, and spent a half hour jogging through drizzle so cold it struck through her thin singlet top like needles. Laura was forcing herself to stay awake, so she would more quickly adjust her biological clock to the local time zone. |
| "Cor, Miss! You got to be keen. It's near two degrees above freezin' out there," the doorman greeted her on her return. "You'll catch your bloomin' death, if you ain't careful." |
| "Don't worry. A hot shower will take care of that." |
| "Showers is it? You're an Aussie, ain't you, Miss? No showers here, so you'll have to do with a nice deep tub. Nothing like it for weather like this." |
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| The kindly doorman was right about the bath. |
| With lightly perfumed salts dissolved in the almost scalding water, Laura soaked away fifteen minutes, immersed to her chin. All the tensions of the flight seeped away. |
| The rest of the day was spent attempting two old exam papers on her computer. Laura found it very difficult to concentrate for long, so she pulled on a black silk dress and went for an early dinner in the hotel restaurant, then sat up in bed where she started watching a movie. |
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| Laura woke at one thirty in the morning, with the lights on and the TV showing an old black and white documentary. Half an hour later, she was fast asleep again. |
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| Her jogging clothes were dry, thanks to the central heating, and Laura was running through fog at six o'clock. She ran a full hour, before returning to begin the day's work. Her jogging clothes were washed in the bathroom sink, then a hot breakfast, and Laura took a taxi to the agency, where she would form part of a surveillance team. |
| Her investigator-cum-driver told her they would be heading south of the airport. |
| "It's a place called Wokin', and we think she might be there, accordin' to the latest info. Now, we'll probably 'ave to split up, and watch the residence from different sides, so we'll use radios. You can borrow my spare raincoat. That jacket of yours is a bit unusual for around 'ere. Makes you stick out like a dog's 'ind leg." |
| As they wound their way through the heavy traffic, they discussed possibilities and hopes that the day would be fruitful. |
| "It'd be a fine thing, lass, but I'd not be countin' on it. Tell me, 'ow are things in Australia?" |
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| Eventually, they reached Woking, and found the cottage they were to watch. Laura got out of the car, the collar of the borrowed raincoat pulled up, so it hid the throat microphone and the earplug of the radio. Fortunately, there were some shops and a cafe close enough for Laura to keep the front and one side of the small house in view. |
| She bought a magazine, and went to the cafe, where she chose a window table, and ordered coffee. Every half hour, she exchanged brief words with the team leader. There was no movement in the house. |
| When noon passed, she ordered fish and chips, then arranged to change places with the driver, both to be less obvious and to break the monotony. |
| "Two o'clock, nothing happening." She spoke quietly into the radio. |
| "All quiet 'ere, too, lass." Came the reply. |
| Then: "Somethin's 'appenin'. I think it's 'er, lass. The 'air's shorter, but the face is pretty close to 'er photo. Come 'round to the shops, and I'll 'ave the motor runnin'. Move sharpish, lass. We don't want 'er to sneak away." |
| Laura sprinted to a narrow lane way that would provide a shortcut to the other street, where the car was waiting. |
| "I see you, lass. She's ducked round the corner, but she can't 'ave gone far." |
| Before Laura could say anything, two men stepped out of the cottage's front yard. She had not noticed them, her concentration on getting to the car. |
| A burly arm hooked around Laura's chest, hard enough to slam her to a stop, and she cried out in pain. Each man grabbed one of her arms, grinning. |
| Instinct and training took over. |
| Laura kicked sideways at the man on her right, a near crippling blow to his knee. As she turned to the other man, she felt his fist explode against her ribs, and she was in too much pain to react. |
| Fortunately, her team leader was running to help, yelling. The shouts distracted Laura's remaining assailant long enough for her to kick him in the groin, and, as he doubled over, her knee came again, up to meet his face. |
| "Blimey, lass! You clobbered 'em both. Are you all right? You look a little grey." |
| "Damned. I think he broke my ribs," Laura gasped. "Damn, damn! Let's get after her, before she gets away." |
| By the time they were in the car, it was too late, and their quarry was gone. Half an hour of fruitless searching, and the driver called it off. |
| "I'll get you to a doctor, lass. Nothin' else we can do today." |
| "Never mind. I don't think their broken, after all. Just drop me off at my hotel, and I'll ring your office from there." Laura had been checking her side as they drove, and her sensitive fingers, running along each rib, only felt smooth, though tender skin. No sharp lumps or hollows. |
| Breathing was very painful, though, leading Laura to suspect the tissues between the ribs were torn. |
| She had soaked away some of the pain in a hot bath, then strapped her injuries with bandages, before ringing the office. The manager took Laura's call, and the other woman inquired about Laura's condition. |
| "It hurts like a knife is stuck in my side, but I'll have to put up with it. Do you think it's worth going back to Woking, tomorrow?" |
| "We would be wasting time. The bird's flown by now, and I'd be surprised if she's still in the country by this time tomorrow. Pity those two minders were there. Unfortunately, this is one of those times when we have to realise everything is blown." |
| "You're saying I wasted all this money and time for nothing?" Laura gasped, as pain spiked her side. "I can't accept that." |
| "Not for nothing, Laura. I admit it's a hard lesson, but we know your sources of information are accurate. Surely that's some compensation?" |
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| Laura was at a complete standstill. |
| To make things worse, she could not get a flight back home for three days. |
| Three days of boredom, aggravated by the pain of her ribs. Even lying down to sleep was agonising. |
| Three days, doing virtually nothing except berate herself for everything that went wrong. |
| She could not even take her morning runs, because it hurt too much. Then the long, uncomfortable flight, in economy class, to save money. |
| Laura was conscious her funds would be drying up soon, and she would have to start selling things like her car and computer, to pay the bills. |
| Her right hand closed around the metal and plastic armrest, and she glared through the window at a night that was black and empty. |
