LITMIR.BIZ

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the acid didn’t help. When it was all over and the police had attended, along with the local doctor, the body had to be scraped up and shovelled into a box.”

      John shook his head from side to side, as if blocking out the words and the mental image. “Enough Mike, enough! And your grandfather told you this when you were eight?”

      “He did indeed. And didn’t he get a mouthful from my mother.”

      “So the moral of the story…?”

      Ballard took his time before replying. “I guess it all comes back to the fact human beings are capable of doing astonishing things. Good as well as bad. It does put our homicide into some perspective, though. No excuse of course, just proof the human race isn’t going to change any time soon.”

      John, still shaking his head, muttered through gritted teeth, “Maybe so, but whoever did the Lalor murder isn’t going to get away with it while I have breath in my body.”

      Ballard’s lip curled, reflecting on how many times he had seen John lock onto a case with the determination and skill that made him one of the finest detectives the police force had ever produced.

      As if reading his mind John said, “Don’t think you’re going to get an easy ride on this one Mike. I need your objectivity and political nous to get me through this. The Chief’s going to be all over it like a rash, along with the media. You know how that scares the crap out of me.”

      Ballard acknowledged John’s comments with a nod, straightening back in his seat as he stared blankly ahead. “How much longer are you going to keep doing this John? I mean you could retire, put your feet up any time you want.”

      “Yeah and go bloody mad. It’s in our blood and you know it. That’s why you didn’t pull the pin. But it sure baffles the hell out of the young guys.” He gave a short braying laugh. “I can see it in their eyes. They can’t believe us old buggers can chew gum and drive a car at the same time. Unbelievable.”

      He shook his head, but the grin lighting up his face was one of pure satisfaction. “Just don’t go getting yourself killed Mike. The paperwork is a bastard and I couldn’t stand being teamed up with some young fool spouting endless drivel while they’re in the car with me.”

      Ballard gave him a wry look. “I’ll try not to. Well not any time soon. Besides Natalie would never forgive me.”

      “Soooo, when are you going to pop the question?”

      “Ah, you did hear the commotion in Delwyn’s office.”

      “Christ Mike, I look up and you’re having a knee tremble with her on the desk.”

      “I think that might be a slight exaggeration John. I trust you’re not going to blurt this out when you see Natalie next?”

      John gave his best Jack Nicholson leer. “Your secret’s safe with me buddy boy.”

      Ballard shook his head, knowing what the look meant. “That reminds me, I need to ring Nat to let her know what time I’ll be over tonight.”

      John smirked. “Give her my love, plus tell her I can’t wait to engage in some juicy gossip.”

      Glaring at him Ballard dialled Natalie’s number, her greeting benefiting from caller ID.

      “Hello Michael. I’m wide awake now, so you can tell me how much you love me.”

      “As much as life itself, darling.” Ballard thrust out his jaw as he looked across at John who gave an exaggerated roll of his eyes.

      “Nat this case may get nasty. Is 6.30 ok by you?”

      “Yes darling, besides that gives me more time to prepare after work.” Her voice was silken in his ear.

      Ballard shook his head, appreciating yet again her wonderful nature to adapt to circumstances and make the most of any situation.

      Natalie laughed at his hesitation. “But on one condition. I provide the main course while you my sweet, provide the dessert.” Her voice lowered provocatively, the meaning unmistakable.

      Grinning from ear to ear Ballard responded, “Darling, you can be assured I’ll bring dessert.” He said this while glaring challengingly at John who took one hand off the steering wheel to poke a finger down his throat, pretending to gag.

      Giggling and unaware of the exchanges at Ballard’s end, Natalie said, “I can’t wait,” then hung up.

      John flicked a quick look at Ballard. “My God, despite only hearing your half of that conversation, I was embarrassed. You know, for a couple with a combined age of ninety-five years, you two are worse than hormonal teenagers.”

      Ballard sighed, looking content. “Guess what John? We’re loving it!”

      John asked, “And what’s with all the daaaarliiiings… darling this, darling that. Christ!”

      Ballard smiled, deciding to let the comment slide. Looking down at his mobile he muttered, “One more call. I need to let my neighbour Sam know there’s a fox roaming the farm. Some of his ewes and lambs are in the bottom paddock.”

      Dialling the number he listened as an answering machine cut in. After the beep he said, “Sam, Michael here. I saw a fox wandering past the veranda this morning. Big as one of your cows. You may want to put the Alpacas back to protect the lambs, just in case. Best of luck.” He pocketed his mobile before settling back in the seat.

      John steered the car to the left lane and onto the exit ramp for the Western Ring Road. Despite the roadworks they made good time. It was 8.15 a.m. when they reached Settlement Road, Lalor, pulling into Ellis Court minutes later.

      CHAPTER

      5

      ‘Mario’s Sculptures’ was printed in large black letters across the front of a stand alone, flat roofed concrete structure that was now a crime scene. To the right of the single storey building was a driveway leading to the rear of the property, providing access for concrete and delivery trucks. Police tape extended from each side of the building out to the curb and across the front in a giant rectangle.

      Parked alongside the tape was a police car with a fresh-faced uniform officer sitting behind the wheel. On seeing Ballard and John the officer scrambled out, approaching the passenger side of their vehicle. Ballard lowered his window as the policeman leaned down, enthusiastically acknowledging both men.

      “Morning. Morning. I’m Constable Downing. I was told over the radio you were on the way.”

      Ballard smiled up at the constable. “What’s your first name Constable Downing?”

      “William, sir.”

      “Well William, this is John and I’m not sir. Michael’s my name.” He extended his hand as a greeting through the window while John muttered a gruff ‘hello’. Ballard scowled at his partner before looking back at the constable. “We’re going to poke around inside, then as these factories open up we’ll talk to the owners. Do you work in this area?”

      “Yes sir… er Michael. I’m stationed at Epping. Been there for two years.”

      “Do you know the factory owners? Ever needed to attend here for any reason?”

      The constable shook his head. “No. Never. We patrol the area of course. Oh well, yes, we have attended here, but that was to speak to the owners so we could update our after hours records should the factories ever get broken into.”

      John leaned across. “Have any of these factories been broken into William?”

      Again the constable shook his head. “Not that I

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