Tears of the Moon - Di Morrissey [93]
His assailant let the body drop to the ground and was quickly searching the pockets when he heard shouts and pounding feet close by. The Koepanger urgently stuffed the pistol in his belt, the little velvet bag into his pocket and was about to run when the kris slit his throat. Ahmed sheathed his fen’s, retrieved the pearls and was still crouching over the body when about a dozen Japanese came around the corner shouting and waving sticks. Ahmed pulled Conrad’s pistol from the body of the Koepanger and, still crouching, fired two quick shots over the heads of the Japanese. They stopped in their tracks. Ahmed leapt over the two bodies and dived down a laneway as Major White and a group of armed special constables came charging down the street.
The Japanese fled and, within seconds, Major White was beside the bodies. He ignored the Asian and rolled over the European.
‘Good Lord, it’s Conrad Hennessy,’ he gasped.
Despite the curfew, the news of Conrad’s murder spread swiftly. Tyndall was quickly on the scene. Stunned by confirmation of the death of his friend and partner, he went to Toby Metta, who told him of Conrad’s visit. The pearl cleaner wrung his hands, tears running unchecked down his plump dark face.
‘I told him, warned him, he was foolish to be out in the streets, especially carrying pearls. But he wanted to do his duty. He was such a good man … a good man.’
Tyndall touched Toby’s arm, unable to speak, nodded in support and understanding, and left to return to the scene of the murder.
Conrad’s body was carried away and the Major, the RM and the police chief turned to Tyndall. The four white men stood in the shadowy street while police and a small crowd, ignoring the curfew, stood in the background softly discussing the gruesome details.
The Resident Magistrate took Tyndall by the arm. ‘Captain Tyndall, I know it is difficult, but frankly we think it best you break the news to Mrs Hennessy. Naturally if you would rather—’
‘No!’ said Tyndall instantly. ‘I’ll tell her. No one else.’
‘Mrs Hooten and the ladies will call later in the morning.’
Tyndall shook his head. ‘I’ll let you know when I think it appropriate for all of that. Leave matters to me … for the moment.’ Tyndall was firm and protective but there was something else in his manner that stilled the others from rushing in with offers of assistance and advice. ‘Please ask the doctor to send sedatives to the house.’
Refusing the offer of transport, Tyndall walked slowly through the darkened streets towards the Hennessys’ bungalow, trying to frame the words to tell Olivia she was a widow.
When he reached their garden gate, he opened it as quietly as possible. Approaching the house he saw a figure rise from the verandah to confront him.
‘Olivia?’
‘No, is Minnie, boss. I bin waiting.’
Tyndall tried to make out the expression on the woman’s face. ‘You know don’t you?’
‘Yes. I go get her.’
He stood in the darkness, staring up at the scudding clouds and the sheets of lightning illuminating the great expanse of sky.
Olivia appeared, a wrapper clutched around her shoulders. She spoke quietly. ‘How bad is it, John? Where is he?’
‘It’s bad, Olivia.’
‘I want to know, John. What has happened to Conrad?’ Her voice rose.
‘He’s dead, Olivia. Killed on the street. It was quick. I doubt he knew anything … Oh, Olivia … ’ He stretched out a hand towards her.
A choking wail was stifled as she clutched the verandah post, hiding her face in her arms. Tyndall reached her as she lost her grip and slid to the floor. Gathering her in his arms, he sat on the verandah step holding the sobbing, shaking woman, wishing he could somehow lessen the pain that wracked her slim body.
He finally picked her up in his arms and took her through the house to the spare bedroom, where he laid her on the bed. As Minnie hovered around them, Tyndall directed her to bring a brandy. Sitting patiently by the bed as Olivia sipped the brandy, he answered her questions honestly, not softening any details. When Minnie brought in the doctor’s medication she swallowed it as directed.
Then Olivia