‘On the far lesser important matter of oil and energy?’

‘We’d have to look at it. We’d have to consider the fine print.’

‘Such as?’

‘Can’t tell you until I see the fine print.’

‘Well, such as your being able to take control in a crisis, in the case of a massive energy shortfall in the nation, or in a war situation?’

‘Those things would have to be clear in clause agreements, otherwise, no deal.’

An attractive auburn-haired secretary swivelled into the office and asked if they wanted more coffee. The treasurer, a fraction uncomfortable but still in good humour, said no. Cavalier said yes. He wanted as much time as he could get. The treasurer had already glanced at his watch twice.

‘Another hypothetical,’ Cavalier said with a smile. ‘Say, for example, the mythical predator wishing to control a big Australian energy provider had a record of bad practices. Would that impact on your decision?’

‘It would depend on the bad practices.’

‘I can think of a few, hypothetical of course.’ Cavalier held the treasurer’s gaze and asked, ‘How about major bribery in dealings with other countries?’

‘Hmm,’ the treasurer mused, stroking his lip again. ‘Now that would cause a few problems.’

‘So, you would not allow a takeover?’

‘Not if the predator was in the habit of bribing.’

‘The European Conquer Group has been accused of bribery in NWA.’

‘Yeah, I read that. Not good.’

‘So you wouldn’t allow Conquer to control an Australian company?’

‘I didn’t say that.’ He leant forward. ‘Now, Mr Cavalier …’

‘Call me Victor.’

‘This is all speculation until someone makes a bid, isn’t it?’

*

Cavalier wrote the article under a pseudonym, entitled: Treasurer would block takeover of Shelf Energy.

It began: ‘The federal treasurer would not allow Shelf Energy or any other big Australian energy company to be taken over by a foreign group, if the predator had a history of bribery or corruption …’

The article was a page one story a few days after the interview. It caused a stir and was republished in several countries. The treasurer put out a press release saying that ‘the discussion with the journalist concerned was speculative and hypothetical’. The statement denied that he had mentioned any foreign corporation or any issue.

Haut rang Cavalier to say how much he liked the article.

‘That should set the bastards back on their bums!’ he said.

‘I have another piece,’ Cavalier said, ‘that will make even your local Tasmanian government shy off dealing with Conquer.’

‘What have you found?’

‘Your delicate opposition has involved itself in assassination.’

*

The lean intruder, wearing a balaclava, climbed the back fence of Haut’s home. He had just landed on his feet when Mac came charging from his kennel at the rear of the yard. The man scrambled for the fence again. Mac tore at him and lacerated the intruder’s forearm.