LITMIR.BIZ

Скачать книгу

      The prosecutor turned to Travers. ‘So, it would seem that you’ve had a business relationship with Mr Liam Ryan for some considerable time. What is the nature of that business relationship?’

      ‘I never said that.’

      ‘No, that’s right, you didn’t. However, rather than your hiding behind a federal act, I choose to accept the evidence which has been collected by our officers—evidence such as the exchange of phone calls and the unexplained deposit of certain monies into a bank account in your name. Would you like me to supply you with the dates and the amounts of the deposits made to that account?’

      ‘I cannot respond to your comments.’

      ‘Of course you can’t Mr Travers. That would only confirm your guilt in this matter.’

      ‘I can’t respond to that.’

      ‘What manner of information could you possibly pass on to Liam Ryan that would be of national significance?’

      ‘I cannot answer that.’

      ‘Is Mr Ryan’s company a “front” for one of our nation’s security departments?’

      ‘I cannot answer that.’

      ‘Of course you can’t, but I’m sure your friend Mr Ryan will be more forthcoming when we put him on the stand.’

      Dan gave an involuntary shudder. He hadn’t considered that.

      ‘I cannot respond to that comment,’ he replied weakly.

      Both the judge and the prosecutor caught Travers’ moment of weakness.

      ‘And you’re willing to face a possible prison sentence for contempt of court if we learn that you have been less than truthful with this commission?’

      ‘I am unable to help you.’

      ‘What will the intelligence community say when we ask them what part you play in their dealings?’

      ‘I can’t comment on that.’

      ‘Will they say, “Oh yes Mr Travers is one of our best spies”, or will they say that they’ve never heard of Mr Daniel Travers?’

      ‘They will deny having heard of me.’

      ‘Ah finally, an answer to a question.’

      Dan realised his mistake, but it was too late.

      ‘So your masters in intelligence will deny all knowledge of you, and they’ll allow you to pay the price for your silence.’

      Dan nodded. ‘It’s the way that things are done.’

      ‘And you’re not prepared to assist this commission?’

      ‘I can’t.’

      The prosecutor nodded. ‘So be it.’

      The prosecutor and the judge exchanged a glance. There was no point in pursuing the matter any further. They had plenty of other fools waiting to be questioned.

      ‘Mr Travers,’ the judge began, ‘to say that our short time together today has been less than promising would be an under-statement. I have no doubt that what you are attempting is nothing short of perverting the course of justice and I am sure that there will be a day of reckoning for you. At this point in time you may step down, but I am warning you that we will be taking your case further, and I am sure that you will be reappearing before this commission sometime in the very near future. When that day comes, I will expect you to behave in a far more co-operative manner, or there will be consequences for you the likes of which you cannot possibly conceive.’

      ‘I understand.’

      ‘I very much doubt you do Mr Travers,’ said the judge crossly. ‘You may stand down.’

      * * *

      Legs shaking uncontrollably, Dan stumbled from the building.

      Further along the street he sighted a hotel, and he headed in that direction.

      ‘A whisky. No, make it a double,’ he ordered the elderly barman.

      The man smiled knowingly as he poured the drink. ‘You look like a man who has just been to the ICAC,’ he said as he placed the drink on the bar.

      Dan didn’t reply. Instead, he picked up the glass and downed its contents in one swallow.

      The barman winked and pointed to the hall leading to the toilets. ‘There’s a public phone down there. I’m guessing you might want to use it. A lot of people in your position do. You never know who’ll be listening in if you use your mobile.’

      Dan nodded. ‘Thanks.’

      Liam Ryan answered on the second ring.

      ‘It’s me,’ said Dan.

      ‘No names,’ warned Liam. ‘I’ve had visitors.’

      ‘Shit!’

      ‘That and a lot more. They’ve taken my computers and most of my files.’

      ‘What are you going to do?’

      ‘Wait until I get the call to appear.’

      ‘What will you tell them?’

      ‘The truth. What else can I tell them? I’m sorry they dragged you in.’

      ‘Yeah.’

      ‘And?’

      ‘And nothing. Do what you have to do,’ he said resignedly. ‘Look after yourself. There’s nothing you can do to save me. I’m a goner.’

      ‘I’m sorry. Let me know if there’s anything you need.’

      ‘Yeah. Thanks.’

      Dan hung up and made his way back to the bar.

      ‘Another double?’ asked the barman.

      ‘Just a beer.’

      ‘Feeling better are we?’

      ‘No. I’ve got to get back to work.’

      CHAPTER 2

       Dan

      As I left the pub I glanced at my watch and was totally surprised that it was still before midday. Everything that had happened had taken place so quickly that I half expected my watch to say that the day had gone.

      So it was still morning when I walked through the main door at police headquarters and attempted to swipe my security pass to get inside to my office.

      After four attempts I knew that the pass was not going to work, and I walked over to the reception desk. ‘I can’t get in,’ I told the girl as I showed her my card.

      ‘May I see it?’ she replied, holding out her hand.

      I handed it over and she entered the pass’ number onto her computer. I noted that she didn’t make any attempt to return the pass to me. ‘Just a minute,’ she said with an uncertain smile, ‘I’ll make a call.’

      ‘Mr Daniel Travers is down here at reception,’ she said into the phone. ‘His pass won’t work.’ She looked up at me. ‘They’ll be down in a moment.’

      I stood in the lobby watching people I had known for years passing through the gates and tried to look inconspicuous.

      A short time later the commissioner’s personal assistant together with a young constable arrived to collect my pass and escort me through the security barrier.

      I was then taken directly to the boss’ office where I was told to wait outside, and left under the constable’s watchful eye.

      Five minutes later a woman arrived who I recognised as one of our union representatives. ‘Let’s go in,’ she said, ushering me inside without

Скачать книгу