Chapter Fourteen

A bitterly cold Darling Downs winter morning, Henry took hold of Elaine’s gloved hand in the chapel of Dalby’s crematorium. Gazing at the polished cedar coffin at the front of the chapel, a small tear escaped and trickled down her cheek. She removed a black kid glove and reached into her purse for a handkerchief to dab her damp eyes, before again drawing on the glove. She focused on Judy, seated in the front row, her arms wrapped protectively around the shoulders of her two teenage children, Brett and Susan. The small chapel was packed. Family, business associates, and friends milling outside, unable to find a seat.

An Anglican priest, a close friend of the family, presided over the ceremony, the mayor giving the eulogy. After the service, a few of the locals approached Henry and spoke highly of Jim’s character and his contribution to the Dalby community.

Judy had invited Henry and Elaine to attend the wake at the family home. It took some time before they finally caught her on her own. She held out her hand. “Thank you for coming, Henry. I know how busy you are.”

“We had to pay our respects,” he said softly. “It was the least we could do.”

“Thanks to both of you.” A trace of a smile flickered on her lips.

“I’m so sorry.” Elaine didn’t know what else to say.

“Thank you.”

Henry interrupted. “Look Judy, I know this is a very bad time, but there’s a couple of things we need to discuss.”

“Very well.” She folded her arms resignedly. “Go ahead.”

“Yesterday afternoon, I had a call from Emily Atkins from the Prisoner’s Aid Society. She threatened to withdraw their financial support for the case, now there is no prisoner actually involved in proceedings.” He wanted to put a comforting hand on her shoulder but refrained. “Because of strong media interest in the case, I was able to talk her out of that course of action. I said I’m still in a strong position to promote their cause, especially with the death of a prisoner in custody.” After she didn’t reply, he continued. “I’m sorry for raising the subject, Judy, especially after this morning.”

“That’s alright, Henry. Go on.”

“The Department of Corrective Services and International Corrections have already urged the court to suspend any further proceedings where Jim’s ‘duty of care’ case is concerned.” He exhaled and lowered his voice so no one would hear. “I have to go to court tomorrow morning and argue against any such move. I must also gain the court’s permission to replace Jim with you as the Plaintiff in the case.” He hesitated for a brief moment. “I’m afraid we have other more pressing problems. Now Jim is not available to testify, we desperately need other witnesses to testify that the bashing and rape actually occurred when he said it did. The case is scheduled to begin a week from next Monday. That doesn’t give us much time.” He sighed.

“What about prison staff?” Judy asked.

“I wouldn’t rely on any of them coming forward on our behalf, although the Chief Correctional Officer did seem genuinely shocked by Jim’s death. He may be a possibility, but I wouldn’t bet on him helping.”

“I think we should remember that one of the defendants in the case is their employer. In the end, I don’t think prison staff would risk losing their jobs just to help us,” Elaine offered in a quiet voice.

“Doesn’t anyone have a conscience?” Judy gave them a weary look.

“My private investigator, Dick Argent, is still trying to track down the doctor who treated Jim at Pukka immediately following the assault. So far he’s been unsuccessful and that is very unfortunate for us.” Her lips began to quiver and Henry placed a hand on her arm. “Don’t worry too much, Judy, if anyone can track him down it’s Dick.”