The captain shook his head in disgust, ‘You have a minute to get off the base or I’ll have you escorted off. And, just for my pleasure, please try to resist the men I send to help you on your way.’ He disappeared through the door.

The sergeant smiled broadly as he picked up the phone, ‘Send Smith and Jolly to the captain’s office,’ and as he hung up, ‘hand-to-hand combat trainers,’ he said, smiling at Cardilini and Salt.

Cardilini turned to Salt and nodded for them to go.

‘It would be a pleasure to have a drink with you off the base sometime, Sergeant. Pass that on to your captain too.’

‘Yes, sir. I’m sure he’ll be interested.’ The sergeant looked at his watch.

The corporal leant on the gate without lifting it, smiling at Cardilini and Salt waiting in the car. Two thickset men jogged towards them. One went to Salt’s side, the other to Cardilini’s and pushed their pulpy faces close to the windows. The corporal held the gate a little longer and then pushed it open. Salt drove through.

‘That went well,’ Cardilini said to an unresponsive Salt. ‘Were you aware it was Commonwealth property?’

‘No, sir.’

‘Williamson will have to go and see his family at some point. We’ll catch him then.’

‘You haven’t told me why you are wanting to speak to Private Williamson, sir’

‘He’s an exceptional marksman that was at St Nicholas a few years back.’

Salt sighed and increased his concentration on his driving.

‘Wild-goose chase. You think?’

Salt added another level of concentration to his meticulous driving.

‘It’s a question. I expect your answer,’ Cardilini said.

‘I don’t even believe there are wild geese, sir. I think you’re inventing them.’

Cardilini watched the passing houses.

‘Drop me at home,’ he said.

Claremont

3.50 p.m. Thursday, 29th October 1965

Mrs Lockheed answered the door. ‘I thought I’d see you again.’

Cardilini followed her down the passageway to the kitchen. Boxes still cluttered every space.

‘You want to know why I changed my story?’ She said as she sat and gestured Cardilini to take a chair.

Cardilini watched her. She had a faint smile about her mouth as she slowly moved a strand of hair from her eyes.

‘No. I want to know why you sent Carmody to tell me that.’ Cardilini sat.

‘I didn’t send him. He’s a law unto himself.’

‘Why’s he so keen to convince me it was an accidental shooting?’

‘Ask him. But since you’re asking me, perhaps he’s thinking the same as you, that it mightn’t be an accident.’

‘So it’s all to save the school’s reputation?’ Cardilini asked.

‘Yes,’ she replied quickly.

‘You weren’t thinking of the school’s reputation when you fought for your boy.’

Mrs Lockheed struggled for control. ‘What lengths would you go to protect your boy, Detective Cardilini?’

Cardilini reflected on his behaviour through Paul’s troubles. ‘I’m not a good father. If that’s what you want to know.’

‘It’s not what I asked. I assume you wouldn’t do a lot to protect him.’