But now, the arrival of a US congressman supposedly to investigate the mutiny put a whole different slant on things, certainly from Pete’s perspective. Unlike the Australian authorities, it appeared the American government was not about to bury this terrible incident. Pete didn’t anticipate for one moment he would be offered any inside information. No, no, mate, he could hear himself say, already conducting in his head a conversation with the congressman, it’s not what you can offer me. It’s what I can offer you … To Pete Vickers, here was the chance of a lifetime, a journalist’s dream, the perfect opportunity for his exposé to reach overseas. The congressman would no doubt welcome the endless reports he’d compiled, particularly with regard to the treatment of Negro soldiers in Northern Queensland. This is a story the world needs to hear, Pete thought.

‘I presume the bloke’s staying at the Queen’s Hotel?’ he queried.

‘Bound to be,’ Bruce replied, ‘but I’ll check it out and get back to you.’ Then he hung up.

Samuel registered instantly Johnson’s arrogance. It was impossible not to from the very moment John Carter made the introduction.

‘Don’t you let this here insignia distract you from my true purpose, Captain,’ Johnson said, tapping the three bars near the cuff of his dress uniform jacket that signified his rank. ‘I am a member of Congress and I am here under the direct orders of the President of the United States to investigate this almighty fuck-up that should never have happened, do I make myself clear?’

‘You certainly do, sir, yes.’

‘I intend to get to the bottom of this whole goddamned mess your boys have put us in. I want and will have answers, you hear me?’

‘Yes, sir.’ Despite the man’s belligerent attitude, Samuel thrilled to the words he was hearing. At last someone was interested in the truth, or at least in discovering the reason why the troops of the 96th Battalion had mutinied. ‘Follow me, Commander,’ he said.

He led the way through to the main interview room, where Rupert Barrett was already waiting, together with Amos Cole and Willie Parker, who’d been brought in from the cells. Standing guard by the door that led to the cells were two MPs, and as Samuel Robinson and Lyndon Johnson entered, Lieutenant Colonel John Carter abjectly trailed behind, having by now become invisible.