Death Off Camera, page 16
Shiv intervened. ‘Let’s come back to the name in a minute. Meri, would you like to outline your publicity ideas now?’
Meri took off her heavy-framed reading glasses and shed years. He guessed she was around thirty. Clear blue eyes that shone with enthusiasm enlivened her otherwise nondescript appearance. ‘Gentlemen, I’m delighted to help this charity, and will do so as a volunteer. I’ve prepared a sample schedule of what needs to be done before the actual launch.’
Her fingers trembled as she passed around printed sheets. ‘So, to start out you’ll need a logo, letterhead, press release, photos, a website, flyers, and protocols for the use of all this material. Read through the sample schedule, and you’ll see the pre-launch campaign steps. It’s vital to grow public interest over a series of media exposures. Any questions?’
Shiv and Dr Pillai asked about various details, but Horseman sat stunned, then poured himself another cup of tea. He hadn’t envisaged any campaigns, pre-launch, post-launch or otherwise. He’d agreed to set up the hostel as a charity for compelling legal and business reasons. Did all charities need logos and the trappings of publicity campaigns? He thought of those he knew. All had websites and other items on Meri’s list, even the Sunshine Home. He looked at her tables again. It all made sense, but at a considerable cost. He gulped his lukewarm tea.
‘Do you have any questions, Joe?’ Shiv asked.
‘Vinaka vakalevu, Meri. Your work has been a fast introduction to the reality of a charity. I hadn’t realised it was a business, which wasn’t my aim. However, I accept that the business side is a necessary means to my end. Can I see costings for these items?’
‘Sure, I can prepare those.’
Gloria Chung leaned forward, her eyes bright. ‘Remember that once the charity with your name is registered, supporters will donate or discount many of Meri’s costed items: time, expertise and even material items like printing and stationery.’
‘I can see now we need a proper business plan and budget.’
‘Absolutely, you do. As I mentioned at an earlier meeting, that’s a service Action for Children offers to all children’s charity projects. Naturally, you can employ your own accountant if you prefer.’
‘Vinaka, Gloria. I’m grateful.’
‘One last point, gentlemen. I know you want to make a practical start. Well, you can, even without a name and without a budget. You’ll see the first item of Meri’s list is photos. We’re having a professional photo session on Monday for our mobile pre-school project. If you could round up your Shiners and make yourselves available too, our photographer can produce a complete portfolio to use when you’re ready. We’ve hired him for the day so—the offer’s there at no cost to you.’
Horseman exchanged a look with Dr Pillai. Shiv nodded. ‘That’s a generous offer, Gloria. Shiners training is on Monday afternoon, so that’s perfect. We accept with gratitude.’
After Gloria and Meri left, Shiv said, ‘I take it you don’t want to go ahead and sign the documents now?’
‘I’m ready to sign, Shiv, but we should decide a name first. Gloria’s quite right that we need a more appealing name. I’m just not convinced my name needs to be there,’ Horseman said.
‘Her arguments convinced me, Joe,’ Dr Pillai said with a smile. ‘And if we’re going to have considerable admin costs, apart from the cost in running the hostel itself—then we’ll need the money your name will bring in.’
Shiv said, ‘I agree with Raj. But if you need more time…’
Frustration surged in Horseman. He couldn’t stand his own indecision. On the Champion case, everyone wanted to obstruct his progress. But around this table, everyone wanted to help him. It was him who was being difficult and yes, egotistic in refusing to give his name to the project so dear to his heart. He had the ball; he could pass it or run with it and not let go.
The others waited for him.
‘The Joe Horseman Trust. Shall we go for it?’
The others clapped and thumped the table. Shiv said, ‘An excellent decision, I think. Rina, can you insert the new name on the form?’
‘Sure, it’ll take two minutes and I’ll reprint the relevant pages. No problem at all.’
‘Then ring Hare Krishna and get them to deliver a banquet for four on our account.’
SATURDAY
33
At ten o’clock the following morning, Horseman’s case review meeting was in full flight when Superintendent Ratini walked in. All five detectives froze for a moment before getting to their feet. Ratini relished such tokens of respect due to rank but dismissed the gesture with a wave.
‘Carry on. I hope you’ve got progress to report?’
‘Io sir. We’ve discovered more evidence which DS Singh’s outlining on the board. We’re now trying to narrow down our suspects.’
‘Aha, that’s where the genuine detective work comes in! You shouldn’t have a problem with DS Singh in charge of the whiteboard, eh?’ Ratini’s smile was more of a leer.
Horseman tamped down his growing irritation, before again recounting the alleged pranks, the positive drug tests, and the thefts of equipment from Champion.
‘All three activities disrupt the filming and the contest itself, don’t they? If one person’s responsible for all of them, maybe their goal is to stop the show.’ Ratini said.
Horseman had to admit the super could sometimes put two and two together. ‘That’s possible, sir. Revenge on Steve Duke for a past grievance or even a ruthless competitor?’
‘But who?’ Ratini demanded. ‘That’s what you detectives need to detect! Too much theorising and not enough action. What are you all doing this afternoon?’
‘I’m going out to FIT to talk to Lui Tuvoli, who organises the Fijian interns on Champion. I know it’s Saturday, but my guess is that someone from the Film and Television department will be around, even if Lui isn’t.’
‘He’s a suspect too?’ Ratini frowned.
‘Not quite. Person of interest. So far, I’ve only his own version of what he does. DS Singh and DC Musudroka are going to Champion to talk to our suspects about the thefts. DC Kau and probationer Waqa will catch up with the case records.’
Ratini made the harrumphing sound that signalled he had no particular objection to a plan. ‘It’s not promising, is it?’ He wiped his hands down the legs of his shorts and tramped off to his office.
***
Horseman strolled around the FIT campus at Samabula, looking for the Film and Television department. The Institute’s signposts could certainly do with a rethink, but he enjoyed the mid-year sunshine and freshening breeze of the trade wind. Most of all, he enjoyed being among the lively young apprentices attending Saturday classes after a week’s hard work. He wondered whether some of the Junior Shiners might join their ranks one day. With the security of a safe roof over their heads, why not?
Film and Television’s home was a newer building wedged between two large industrial sheds belonging to Automotive and Engineering, respectively. Through the glass doors the place looked deserted, but they slid open automatically. So far, so good. He picked up a photocopied plan from the reception counter and decided the best place to start was the television studio on the first floor. He tapped on the door, opened it, and went in. At the opposite end of the large room, dazzling lights illuminated a set rigged out like a TV news studio. About seven students worked the equipment and three were on camera. A few more hovered about.
Monitors and computer equipment cluttered the long tables lining the side walls. Just two students worked in the semi-darkness, their dancing hands spotlighted by desk lamps. Horseman went up to the nearest. The familiar eBay screen displayed on the old desktop computer.
‘Excuse me, I’m looking for Mr Lui Tuvoli. Would you know his whereabouts?’
He startled the student, who lurched in his chair, all but tipping over. He stared wide-eyed as Horseman backed off a step. The boy’s right hand flew to his chest, revealing an open notebook on the table.
‘N-no. Sorry, don’t know why I jumped like that. Lui was in earlier to set me up with this job, not sure if he’s still around. His office is at the end of the corridor.’
The wavy-haired Indian kid was just a teenager. ‘Are you studying Film and Television?’ Horseman asked.
A smile lit up the boy’s face, making him look even younger. ‘Yeah, it’s great.’
‘If I’d had that chance, I would’ve grabbed it, I reckon. I’ll take a photo of your news program set-up if I may. Just like the real thing!’
He raised his phone and took a few shots then bent, pretending to check them, and took another few of the notebook and eBay screen in front of him.
‘Are you one of the Champion interns?’
‘I wish! Only final year students got that gig. Fair enough, though. Maybe next year.’
Horseman nodded at the screen. ‘Is this a course project you’re working on now?’
‘Kinda.’ He covered the notebook with his arm.
Horseman nodded towards the screen and chuckled. ‘Are you looking to buy some cheap equipment for yourself?’
It was the kid’s turn to laugh. ‘You’re kidding! I can’t even afford cheap equipment. Maybe one day, though. I’m getting an idea of prices on some items. When the department upgrades equipment, Mr Tuvoli likes to sell the old stuff if possible. He says that’s like getting a big discount on the new purchase.’
‘That’s businesslike. What are you pricing now?’
‘An old Sony monitor. Hey, aren’t you Joe Horseman, the Sevens captain from a few years ago?’
The ‘few years ago’ stung. But, as the Portland orthopaedic surgeon told him six months before, he had to accept reality. Denying the facts wouldn’t help. Melissa had said the same thing before she told him, weeping, that their long-distance romance held no future. She wouldn’t be happy living in Fiji, and she couldn’t expect him to move to the States. She wanted to remain friends, just like his other ex-es. Horseman didn’t know if he could do that.
‘That’s me,’ he said to the kid.
‘Wow, I’ve seen some of your games on TV. Um, er, pleased to meet you. I’m Resh Joshi.’ The kid stood up and they shook hands. ‘I actually prefer soccer,’ he added, looking away.
Horseman grinned. ‘Good man, soccer’s an awesome game. Do you play?’
‘I do, in the Institute’s second grade team. I’m no star.’
‘You’re young, you’ll improve if you work at it. Persistence counts more than anything.’
‘Maybe not for me. My dream is to get into sports cinematography if I can.’
‘You’re in the right place here, then. Don’t give up and good luck!’
Horseman knocked on Lui Tuvoli’s office door but there was no answer. He wasn’t sorry to miss him. He wanted to think through what he had just seen and heard. If he could scrape together sufficient grounds for a search warrant for the Film and Television building, Tuvoli must be kept in the dark.
He needed to talk the search warrant over with Singh, but when he called, her phone switched him to voicemail. She must still be on the Champion set. He hoped she’d blow the case open. But in the meantime, he’d go back to the station and start on the application.
SUNDAY
34
What better place could there be on a wet Sunday morning than Arabica? It was Horseman’s café of choice and fast becoming Singh’s, too. When he’d first invited her there for a meeting, she hadn’t liked the old warehouse interior, so bare and gloomy. The hessian sacks of beans, coffee roasting ovens and processing paraphernalia were in full view in the cavernous space. Singh preferred the cosy, colourful décor she’d grown up in. It didn’t matter how bad things were, brightly decorated surroundings cheered you up. And even when life was good, surely it was better in full colour.
However, Arabica was private. With just a few widely spaced tables close to the enormous plate-glass window, Didi the proprietor catered for coffee aficionados who wanted to taste his single-source Fijian coffee products before they bought their beans or grinds. So Arabica was excellent for mulling over cases. The excellent coffee helped convert her, too.
Horseman was sitting at his favourite table in the far corner, an espresso cup by his hand, reading a file. The best boss she’d ever had, by miles. But for that fact, they could be real friends, for sure. And maybe more. If she let herself, she could fall in love with him, which would destroy her career if it came to anything. He was aware of that fact and far too honourable to do that to her. He liked her, trusted her, valued her ability as a detective. Was there anything more? She didn’t know, but probably not. He did seem rather obtuse when it came to women.
He smiled his warm smile as she joined him.
‘Good morning, Susie.’
‘Good morning, Joe. Sorry I couldn’t get back to the station yesterday. A friend’s 30th party last night. A young friend!’ She felt silly. What did her friend’s age matter?
‘Nonsense, it was Saturday night! I guess you got nothing much out of the finalists.’
‘Nothing much at all. Six days off Motu Island and they’re changing. More relaxed, more normal, more confident. That pressure cooker atmosphere has evaporated.’
The waiter came up. ‘Latte, Susie?’ She smiled and nodded.
‘It’s like the rugby selection trials at bootcamp. Isolation, competition, and brutal discipline. All that makes you give everything you’ve got.’
‘Friday saw their chance of the prize restored. It also showed them they’re not getting kicked out now, even if they test positive for drugs. Honestly, none of the four expressed any interest in the thefts. They all denied hearing about thefts, denied stealing themselves or suspecting anyone.’
Horseman leaned back in his chair. ‘They’re resuming the last challenges tomorrow. I wonder if the finalists will have the same drive? Is that million dollars enough to keep them on their toes?’
‘You always say carrot and stick work best together. This lot don’t believe in the stick any longer. That’s my feeling,’ Singh replied.
The waiter brought Singh’s latte and another espresso for Horseman. ‘We’ve got corned beef and pickle sandwiches, Joe. Proper corned beef, not tinned, that is. Didi’s mum didn’t feel like scones today but she’s baked rock cakes instead.’
Food was what let Arabica down for Singh. Didi, the purist owner, believed coffee should be enough for anyone and refused to serve food for a long time. Nevertheless, a year ago he had given in to customer demand. But the food was basic and limited by his mother’s inclinations. He still refused to install a kitchen, picking up the food from his mother each day. Singh had skipped breakfast and was hungry.
‘I’m ready for an early lunch, aren’t you, Joe? A sandwich and a rock cake sound good.’
Horseman ordered the same.
She’d tell him before she forgot again. ‘I didn’t mention that Lili and I saw Lui Tuvoli at the hospital before we visited Mili. I asked her if he’d been to see her, but she denied it. She got agitated when I asked, though.’
‘Glad you mentioned that. See her again today if you can.’
Singh made a note. ‘So, did you catch up with Lui Tuvoli at FIT?’
‘No, better than that. I suspect he’s behind the thieving racket and sells the loot on eBay.’
‘Wow!’
Horseman told her about his encounter with Joshi.
‘Joshi’s version of what he was doing is plausible, even likely. There’s hardly enough for a search warrant, really.’
‘You’re right, but I’ve filled in what I can, so we can move quickly when we get the evidence. This afternoon I’m going out to Champion to compile a list of the missing items.’
‘Will there be anyone on deck today? Duke gave them the weekend off, didn’t he? The idea was recharging their batteries to hit the ground running tomorrow.’
‘Sure, but there’s lots of workaholics in the crew. And I can’t hack sitting around waiting for tomorrow.’
‘Who’s the workaholic here?’ Singh laughed.
‘Look who’s pointing the finger! I bet there’ll be enough people around to get a list going, even if it isn’t complete. A lot of that expensive gear has serial numbers. Ratini might back a warrant application if we have details like that. We can check them against items stored at Film and Television or computer records of eBay sales. If our tech guys can access the computers there, they’ll come up trumps.’
‘It’s worth a shot. Let’s face it, we’ve got little else. And I’m coming with you. After lunch, that is.’
‘I was hoping you’d say that. I’m having a drink with Matt Young at the Holiday Inn after we’ve taken the dog for a walk. Like to join us? Should be around six, but I’ll call you.’
‘Yes, I’d like that.’
‘Here come our sandwiches now.’ Horseman grinned. She’d miss this camaraderie when she was transferred.
***
Outside the city limits, Singh drove carefully past the stream of churchgoers heading home for lunch. They waved happily at the police vehicle as they walked beside the road, carrying Bibles, woven fans and umbrellas. The bright prints of bula shirts and dresses lightened the grey day. Singh wondered, as she often did, whether pedestrians smiled and waved because they recognised Horseman in the vehicle. When he wasn’t with her, their response seemed less enthusiastic. But she couldn’t be sure.
The rain eased and had stopped when they pulled up at Champion’s boom gate. Simeoni was on duty. He smiled at her but went around to the passenger’s window to talk to Horseman.
‘Bula, Josefa. Did you catch the Kiwi’s game against Samoa last night?’
‘I did. Some impressive young players on both sides. But Folau’s last try—phenomenal is the only word,’ Horseman said.
‘Man, exciting, eh? I don’t know who you’re looking for here, but a big party of Americans have gone on a diving day trip in Beqa Lagoon. Then they’re having dinner at The Beachcomber, so who knows when they’ll return?’
