A Murder Unmentioned Read Online Free

personally foil Campbell at every turn was ill advised. “He’s a dangerous man, Rowly.”
    Rowland nodded. “Yes, I believe he is. And I don’t think he’s finished. I just want to know what he’s thinking.”
    “They won’t let you—”
    “I’ll be a face in the crowd, Ed. It’s been nearly two years since I crossed the New Guard… de Groot and half the executive have resigned or been expelled—no one will notice me.”
    Edna studied him for a moment, and then she stood. “Well, we’d better get going then.”
    “I didn’t mean…”
    Edna retrieved her gloves from the sideboard. “I can’t think of anything I’d rather be doing than listening to Mr. Campbell give a speech,” she said grimacing. A thought occurred to her and she glanced down at her simple cotton dress. It was a little faded and a couple of seasons out of style. “Where is Mr. Campbell giving this speech, Rowly… should I change?”
    Rowland contemplated the sculptress. He had seen her nearly every day for almost three years. She lived in his house, was his model and his muse. Yet even now, just looking at her took his breath. “No, don’t change.”

3
    SUED LEADER OF NEW GUARD

    £401 5/8 FOR ALLEGED LEGAL EXPENSES
    SYDNEY, Sept 21
The case in which John Francis Dynon had sued Eric Campbell, leader of the New Guard, for £401 5/8, alleged to have been expenses incurred in the defence of the plaintiff and other members of the New Guard who were convicted at the Central Court of having assaulted Alderman J. Garden in May of last year, was brought to an end by the announcement of Mr. Justice Halse Rogers in the Supreme Court today that the matter had been settled out of court. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
    Kalgoorlie Miner, 1933
    T he barrel-chested men who guarded the entrance to the hall were noticeably uniformed by their lack of jackets and the coloured armbands which stood out against the crisp white of exposed shirtsleeves. They stopped Rowland and Edna, silently cutting them out of the crowd of New Guardsmen and curious citizens streaming into the hall.
    Rowland cursed under his breath, grabbing Edna’s hand and turning to leave.
    “Sinclair!” One of the jacketless guardsmen smiled broadly as he barred Rowland’s way.
    “Hodges,” Rowland replied pulling Edna behind him. The guardsman was one of many Rowland had met when he’d infiltrated the New Guard. His cover was, of course, no longer intact and the New Guard knew well that Rowland Sinclair had been a spy in their midst. Many believed he had tried to assassinate their leader.
    Hodges conferred quietly with a couple of his colleagues.
    “You’d better come with me,” he said curtly.
    “I don’t think so,” Rowland replied. “We might just be on our way.”
    Hodges’ eyes narrowed. “There are three thousand right thinking men here… what do you suppose would happen if they knew who you were, that you were the Red mongrel who tried to kill the commander?”
    Rowland said nothing, furious with himself for so carelessly bringing Edna into danger. Campbell’s men were not adverse to violence.
    “Very well,” he said slowly. “But allow Miss Higgins to leave first.”
    “No, I think I’ll stay,” Edna was defiant.
    “Ed—”
    “We’re not going to let your young lady go just yet,” Hodges interrupted. “If you make us drag you, she could get hurt.”
    Rowland flared. “Touch her and I’ll—”
    “Ten seconds and I’ll announce who you are and leave you to it,” Hodges threatened.
    “Rowly…” Edna glanced back into the hall at the packed assembly of guardsmen all chanting for Campbell.
    Rowland squeezed her hand. The sculptress was right. They would have to take their chances with Hodges.
    A dozen guardsmen escorted them to an anteroom adjoining the hall. Hodges entered first, and after a brief interval Rowland and Edna were ushered in. Eric Campbell stood before a full-length mirror, grooming his