Australian Federal Police
(AFP) Edmund Barton Building, Canberra
A whirlwind of emotions ran through Darrin O’Connor’s mind, as he approached the AFP Headquarters. He had no idea how he was going to get through the day, especially with Laura’s passing so raw in his mind. Darrin saw the tall, intimidating structure that made up the nation’s law enforcement agency, looming over him, as he sat idling at the traffic lights; his mind fixated on the tragedy. It wasn’t until the car behind him beeped his horn that he was thrust back to reality.
Eventually, he coaxed his silver Hybrid sedan into his usual parking spot and remained seated with the engine running. The engine hummed, keeping him company. He sat listening to the radio, the news broadcast which provided details about Australia Day. ‘…Australia Day celebrations are in full swing today, as Aussies come together across the nation to celebrate one last official Australia Day…with Australia now a republic, a new national holiday will be marked on the calendar…’ Darrin switched off the radio. He tried so hard to keep his emotions in check; the nation needed him today, but he couldn’t help but think about Laura. Her smile, her perfume lingered in the air. Another white sedan pulled up into the space next to him. Even without peering into the other car’s window, Darrin knew Nicole Bailey had arrived. Each opened their windows. At the same time, Darrin reduced the volume of the radio. ‘Hey.’ Nicole smiled at him. ‘Paul called you too?’
‘Yeah. I’m supposed to be on leave.’
‘I was having breakfast with Amber. Nice of Paul to interrupt. How are you coping?’ she asked, softly. Darrin shrugged, trying to keep his emotions in check.
‘I’ve been better.’ The federal agents climbed out of their cars at the same time, as if their analytical minds connected. They walked across the parking lot and into the lower level of the building.
‘Do you know what this is about?’
‘No idea.’ They stepped off the elevator, walking in tandem. But Darrin lagged behind, his mind too busy focused on grief. Eventually, they navigated through the bullpen style offices.
Fingernails danced across keyboards and analysts spoke into headsets, analysing collected intelligence. They stepped into the briefing room, which was filled with the other half of the team.
Paul Duncan, the Officer-in-Charge, stood at the far end of the briefing room, his hands folded.
‘Thanks, Boss, for making us come into work on our day off.’ She grabbed a seat beside Federal Agent Simon Harper, and Paul’s second-in-command.
‘Crime and terrorism do not take days off, Miss Bailey.’ Nicole folded her arms and leant into her chair. Paul liked the pleasant bickering among the group, but today he needed professionalism. Instead, he opened a folder placed on the centre console and got straight to business. ‘Right, now we’re all here…we’ve received intelligence to suggest someone is planning an assassination attempt on Merindah Bradley.’ Everyone in the room had the look of horror on their faces.
‘Bloody oath…the President?’ asked Nicole.
‘Yes. Merindah Bradley will be delivering her presidential speech at Commonwealth Park. She will be exposed and vulnerable.’
‘How good is her security?’ asked Darrin O’Connor.
‘Good, but not good enough for what’s coming at her today. Our Specialist Protective Command will be in charge of her security throughout the day, and we need to do everything we can to support them.’ Darrin realised now why he needed his help. This was serious, for the country, and for the agency.
‘Do we know who’s behind the threat?’ asked Simon. Paul squinted at the documents in front of him.
‘Forgot your glasses again, Boss?’
‘There’s nothing wrong with my vision.’ Defeated, he looked away from the documents and recited from memory. ‘We suspect the Australian Monarchist League, led by Perry Haynes, is involved.’ Paul passed a photograph around. ‘Perry Haynes is the Chairman of the organisation.’ Darrin examined the picture of a middle-aged man with a charming smile. He passed the photo on to Nicole.
‘Who exactly are these people?’ asked Nicole, as she took a moment to look at the picture.
‘They’re a political activist group who is promoting and protecting the British Monarch in Australia. They’re against the idea of this country becoming a republic.’
‘Do you think they’re capable of violence?’ asked Felicity Meyers, one of the agency’s intelligence analysts.
‘That’s what we are going to find out. Perry Haynes here, has been the pioneer for them and has given half a dozen public speeches both here in Sydney and Perth, Western Australia. One speech almost led to a violent riot from his people. This is what he had to say when the referendum passed.’ He clicked a remote on the projector in front of him. A video appeared on the screen. Haynes stood dressed in black turtleneck and khaki trousers, standing on the steps of Parliament House in Perth. Perry held a megaphone, the veins in his neck popping as he screamed: This country has chosen to end its ties with the British Crown. But it’s not yet ready to become a republic. We cannot allow this government to become weak with this so-called President of Australia! The protesters cheered him on. With great power, comes great responsibility. I know you’re all against the idea of this country becoming a republic, I want to make it our mission to stand against this change. Haynes’ people cheered and clapped, chanting even, as the activist continued his speech. With your support, we can, and we will move forward together, but not as one. The people of Western Australia deserve better. Let us move forward as an independent nation and secede from this Republic of Australia! Paul paused the video. Haynes had his arms stretched out, his fists high and his mouth wide.
‘Since this speech, the Australian Monarchist League has gained traction, calling for an independent Western Australia.’
‘Sounds like a real charmer.’
‘There’s no way the government would let them do this, is there?’ asked Felicity.
‘It’s plausible. Western Australia almost seceded back in 1933. If he’s well supported, there’s a strong chance this could get recognised by the state government.’
‘If Haynes isn’t behind this threat on the President’s life, he suggested it to someone?’
‘Correct.’
‘Have we questioned him yet?’
‘I’ve spoken with Mackenzie. A warrant has been issued, but because Haynes is a political activist, we have to tread carefully,’ said Paul. He glanced at each of the federal agents, noticing them fidgeting in their seats. ‘Right, I want O’Connor and Bailey to head over to Haynes’ office and interview him. Find out what he knows. Nathan will send you the address.’ Paul turned from Nathan and addressed the group. ‘We’ve got until 12pm before the President delivers her inaugural speech. Let’s go.’ They stood at once, packing their belongings. As the others piled out, Paul signalled to Darrin to remain behind. Darrin closed the door. ‘Darrin. How are you feeling?’
‘I’m going alright, Boss. Thanks.’
‘Good. I know you’ve been through hell these past few months. Grief is never easy to deal with.’
‘Yeah. It’s a real bitch.’ Paul chuckled.
‘Couldn’t agree more.’ He patted him on the shoulder. ‘But, I’m here if you need to chat.’
‘Thanks.’
‘Listen, Darrin. The reason I wanted to speak with you in private, is because you’re the only person I can trust right now.’
‘Oh, sounds ominous, but I appreciate the confidence.’
‘What I’m about to tell you, is confidential…’ Darrin’s posture straightened, curious by Paul’s sudden change in mood.
‘What is it?’ Darrin could tell whatever information he had weighed on him. Paul cleared his throat to continue.
‘This assassination threat, it’s been suggested to me there’s a mole inside the agency.’
‘Are, are you serious?’
‘I’m serious. Mackenzie warned me there are elements within the agency working against us. I want you to find out who it is.’
‘To be honest, I don’t know if I’m up for that. Coming into work was challenging as it is.’
‘Well, you’ll have to, Darrin. Because right now, you’re the one person I can trust with this.’ Paul let out a heaped sigh. Darrin could see the fear in his superior’s eyes. ‘Merindah Bradley is the first Indigenous Australian to become President…if she dies, it’ll tear this country apart.’ The conversation hit a lull, as Darrin took a moment to digest the damning intelligence.
‘Fine. I’ll see what I can do.’
‘Thanks, Darrin. Report to me if you have any theories or evidence of a potential suspect.’
‘No problem.’ Darrin stood and headed to the door. As he left, Paul wondered whether or not it was the right thing to put such a heavy burden on a grieving, depressed widower, but Darrin was a good friend and a valuable asset to the team: He was the only one he could trust. A few moments later, Federal Agent Simon Harper stepped in. ‘Excuse me Boss, just heading out. Following up on a lead myself.’
‘A promising lead, I would hope?’
‘You could say that. I’ll be back in half an hour.’
‘Let me know how it goes.’ Simon grinned and turned to leave.
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