AFP Federal Agents Darrin and Nicole didn’t have much to say to each other as they arrived at Haynes’ office. Each churned through the possibilities. Who would gain the most from the president’s death and who would lose the most if the President remained alive? Having worked together for a few years, they adapted to the solitude. They knew the other would be working the case in their own way. Nicole drove the dark-coloured Land Rover. Darrin sat in the passenger seat, going over the briefing. He glanced at Nicole. He grinned as he saw her drumming on her steering wheel to an imaginary beat. He stretched his arm as far as he could on the dashboard, his shoulder straining against the seat belt. ‘Pinched nerve?’ asked Nicole, as she concentrated on her driving.

‘Yeah, I didn’t sleep well last night.’ 

‘I can only imagine. Have you spoken with Laura’s family?’

‘Not since the funeral. I wanted to give them space.’

‘Understandable. I’m sure they’d love to hear from you.’

‘Maybe.’

‘Sorry, I don’t mean to pry. I’m worried about you.’

‘Thanks, I appreciate it. I’ll be okay.’ Darrin glanced out the window as they passed by Parliament House.

‘I still can’t believe someone wants to kill the President,’ said Nicole.

‘Me either. There’s always someone who wants to ruin a good thing.’

‘I hope we’re getting paid overtime.’ Darrin chuckled at her sarcasm. He loved her dry, sarcastic humour. The silver Land Rover came to a stop. They climbed out and they made their way across the street, entering the building at the same time. Inside, they scanned the foyer for a receptionist. She stood a couple of metres away from her desk, filling a disposable cup from a water dispenser.

‘Good morning. I’m Federal Agent O’Connor, this is my colleague, Federal Agent Bailey. We’re with the AFP.’ Darrin and Nicole flashed their AFP badges. ‘We’re looking for Perry Haynes. What floor is he on?’

‘AFP? What did Haynes do?’ The woman gave him a stern expression.

‘We’re here to ask questions. That’s all. We have a warrant to speak with Haynes.’ Nicole showed her a copy of the warrant on her tablet.

‘Oh. I see.’ Rose walked to her desk, cup in hand. ‘I’ll call his office. See if he’s available.’ If he’s available? Like he has any other choice! Darrin watched Rose. The receptionist lifted a desk phone to her ear. ‘Sir, there are people here to see you.’ She nodded into the phone. ‘From the AFP.’ Rose listened to Perry Haynes and responded with ‘mhm.’ Darrin cracked a stiff finger, impatient. Rose replaced the phone on the hook. ‘Mr. Haynes is in a meeting, but you can go up to the eleventh floor and wait for him.’ They boarded the elevator, the music droned on as it ascended. Nicole paced through the small space in two steps before turning. It took a matter of minutes to arrive at the eleventh floor. A desk occupied the space in the hall near the elevators. Here, a man sat, elbows on the flat table, watching as they stepped out. Darrin approached the man, but the other took the initiative.

‘Mr. Haynes is in a meeting. Once he’s done, I’ll let him know you’re here, and he’ll decide if he wants to see you.’ Darrin groaned.

‘No, you don’t understand. This is a matter of national security. We need to see him now.’ The man produced two clipboards from a storage cupboard under his desk.

‘Fill these out.’ Nicole scoffed and shook her head at the man’s incompetence.

‘Oh, fuck it!’ Darrin marched right past the man’s desk and towards the office to the right.

‘No, no, no, you can’t go in there.’ Darrin forced the door open.

Nicole ran after him.

At the far end of the room, Haynes sat across from two men, each sporting slicked-back hair. The voluminous corner office featured two floor-to-ceiling windows giving an exquisite view to the horizon. The men in the room jerked at the sudden noise and intrusion.

‘Federal Agent O’Connor and Bailey. AFP.’ The men stood, stunned, forgetting their briefcases and phones.

‘Sir, I tried to stop them.’ Haynes sighed and flicked his hands, sending him away. Perry remained standing.

‘So, what can I do for you feds?’ Perry poured himself a glass of sparkling mineral water from a side table. ‘And it better be good, or else I’ll sue the AFP for breaking and entering on private property.’ Good luck with that, mate, Darrin thought, raising an eyebrow. Darrin and Nicole stood in front of the desk, their gaze pinned at Haynes. Nicole spoke first.

‘Mr. Haynes. Our agency is investigating an assassination plot against the President of Australia. We have evidence to suggest you’re connected to this plot.’ Darrin took a heavy step towards Haynes, and he scowled.

‘What?’ Darrin took another determined step towards the leader of the Australian Monarchist League. Darrin’s intimidating stare washed over Perry. Something tells me this isn’t the first time Haynes’ had been visited by the government, Nicole thought, as she watched Haynes.

‘We ask the questions, Mr. Haynes. We know you’ve been calling for the disbandment of the republic. There’s an assassination threat against the President!’

‘What? I know nothing about that!’

‘Of course, you do. Tell us who the shooter is, or I’ll push you out this window!’ Nicole glanced at Darrin, concerned by his devious threat. ‘At the Republican Referendum in Sydney, you encouraged the protesters to support an independent Western Australia.’ Haynes stood, red hot anger rising to his face and neck. He pointed to the door, his arm trembling as he spoke.

‘Get out of my office, both of you.’

‘We have a warrant, Mr. Haynes. This is a serious matter of national security, and our investigation has led to you.’

‘I don’t think you know who I am. I’m an activist, not a terrorist. Why would you suspect me of killing the president?’

Nicole saw Perry shift in his seat. She knew their probing questions got him squirming.

‘We know you’re against the republic, we know your pro-monarchy. Why don’t you quit playing games and cooperate with us, Mr. Haynes?’

‘I can’t tell you anymore than what I’ve already said. I’m not part of this assassination plot.’ Darrin clenched his fist together. He knew Haynes was going to be tough to deal with.

‘Answer our questions, Mr. Haynes and if we’re satisfied, we’ll leave, and you’ll continue your meeting.’

‘I’m not answering any questions. My lawyers will sue you.’

‘Your lawyer can kiss my arse. Tell us who’s involved in this assassination plot!’ Darrin grabbed hold of Haynes by the throat. He withdrew his Glock 19 service pistol and pressed the nozzle against Haynes’ neck. He attempted to push Darrin’s arm away, but he had a tight grip.

‘Darrin, you can’t do this. We need him alive.’ In some way, Nicole’s soft voice brought him back to reality. He let go of Haynes and he gasped for breath, choking and splattering.

‘I’m, I’m going to sue you both!’ Haynes rubbed his bruised neck.

‘I better call this in.’ Nicole moved away and took out her phone to make a call.

‘Paul Duncan.’

‘It’s Bailey. We’re at Haynes’ office.’

‘Is he cooperating?’

‘No. He’s giving us excuses about not being involved in this conspiracy. I think we need to change things up.’

‘You want to bring him back here?’

‘Yeah, I think it’s the right move. We’re running short of time. If he’s involved and knows something, we need to get it out of him.’

‘Alright, it’s your call. He won’t come without making a scene.’

‘Copy that, Boss.’ Nicole ended the call and returned to Darrin’s side. ‘The Boss authorised us to bring Haynes back to HQ.’ Darrin faced Haynes. His face red with anger. ‘Perry Haynes, we are detaining you. We have the right to hold you for six hours.’

‘My lawyers will hear about this.’ Darrin grabbed hold of Perry’s arm. Together, they escorted him out of the building. As they went to put Haynes in their car, the suspected domestic terrorist halted. ‘Wait, there is something I know.’

‘What do you know about this assassination plot?’

‘I know a name. It’s Arthur Williams.’

‘Who is he?’ Haynes hesitated, crushed under a burden that he neither wanted nor could relinquish. But before he could respond, his head exploded across the side of the car. ‘Shit. Take cover!’ They withdrew their Glock 19 handguns. At the same time, they dropped behind the car, out of sight of the unknown sniper. Darrin ripped out his phone and made a desperate call. ‘This is Darrin O’Connor, we have an active shooter. Request backup, now!’