Scorpio's Lot (78 page)

What is the three-pointed star?

What direct purpose does it
serve?

Will the Lands Department provide
further clues?

Too many gaps in the puzzle -
something missing!

‘Complete this list, gentleman,
and we have found our underground network!’ declared Arthur enthusiastically.

‘I think we’ve spent enough time
in this place. Let’s check out the Lands Department in case our research there
takes longer than anticipated,’ I suggested.

~ * ~

In
contrast to the modern facilities of Perkins Press, the building occupied by
the Lands Department was a solid old establishment, where high ceilings, wide
corridors and small rooms dominated its interior. We looked up at a directory
mounted on the wall in the foyer. The choice of departments seemed endless as
we scanned down these multiple listings: Lands Surveyors Licensing Board,
Registrar of Titles, Valuer General, Treasury, Deeds Branch, Archives Branch
3rd Floor, bingo.

A middle-aged woman of petite
build and wearing an unflattering light grey suit welcomed us with a broad
smile. I wondered if the visual greeting was genuine or was she just simply
amused at the sight of Hamish and Arthur’s outlandish attire.

‘Hello, may I be of help?’

‘Yes, we wish to look at your
archive section covering the township of Pedley in the Shire of Ripley,’ I
responded.

‘That can be arranged. We no
longer segregate our shires or municipalities into various locations. Our
one-room accommodates all enquiries with the assistance of computers. You will
find this acquisition far less strenuous and considerably faster than flicking
through countless volumes as was done in the past. Is there a specific subject
you wish to investigate?

‘Early history primarily.’

‘Certainly. Pedley has made its
mark of late. All that publicity and those terrible murders.’ She continued
with her small talk while leading us through to the appropriate room. ‘There, I’m
sure you’ll find everything at your disposal. Please call me at reception
should you need assistance. My name is Beth.’

‘Thank you, Beth,’ I said.

The facilities offered in this
room were surprisingly spacious, with considerably more workstations than its
counterpart back at the publishing house. I noticed three other people working
independently, each taking notes from their respective monitors. We chose three
computers in a far corner primarily for some open discussion and privacy. It
was Arthur who made his thoughts known.

‘I suggest two of us concentrate
on the three-pointed star and equilateral triangle. This is where we need to
make inroads if we are to progress further in this case. The third terminal
should be used to locate an early township map, prominent buildings of their
time with street locations and so on. The bottom line is the three-pointed
star, to be used in conjunction with a township map, based on a mathematical
formula which has something to do with an equilateral triangle. All very
straightforward stuff, don’t you think?’

‘Yeah, sure!’ I groaned at the
mere thought of this complication.

‘And don’t forget, the
three-pointed star is submerged,’ added Hamish, who agreed to be delegated maps
and buildings.

For fifteen solid minutes my
fingers danced around the keyboard, exploring the website with its countless
options of departments and web pages. The database was massive, providing
enormous scope to delve into Pedley’s past and present land structure, sales
and registrar. I had to stay focused on the matter in hand, for it was tempting
to become sidetracked on other aspects of Pedley’s alluring history.

I decided on a different
approach, since the equilateral triangle was proving to be evasive. Hitting the
search key for Pedley’s submerged three-pointed star, three web pages were
surprisingly highlighted.

Astrology
class, 3 stars emerged above Pedley, study & project submission...

Pedley’s submerged Roxley
Gardens, three-star accommodation ...

Huesmann Historian Group, Pedley’s
submerged star, decipher

the truth ...

The first title referred to a
school committee arranging some astrology class for year ten students, while
the second related to some coming tourist attraction offering a submerged
aquarium with onsite accommodation. I was astonished at the range of subjects
that could be retrieved.

Hamish broke the silence with an
outburst of elated emotion. Arthur literally jumped.

‘Bloody hell, I’m good! I’ve
located an early map of Pedley,’ declared the Irishman triumphantly.

Arthur and I leant forward to
examine Hamish’s jubilant discovery. Although not drawn to scale, it did at
least provide some valuable detail with regard to street names and prominent
buildings. It appeared to be professionally drawn and was clearly legible with
respect to numerous landmarks. I cast an eye to the bottom right-hand corner
and could see the insignia:
Drawn by J. Andrews 05/09/1938 - not to scale.

‘Um ... could be useful, but the
date worries me. It’s simply not early enough,’ stated Arthur.

‘Well, it’s a helluva a lot
better than that bloody kindergarten drawing we found in Pedley.’ Hamish
remonstrated at Arthur’s apparent lack of enthusiasm.

‘On the contrary, it may yet
prove useful. Run a copy for future reference,’ I said again, coming to Hamish’s
support.

I resumed my duties to explore
this third web page. The download, which took around half a minute, finally
displayed an image that had some relevance. The content was brief, with no
scrolling required. An association that called itself the Huesmann Historian
Group claimed the submerged three-pointed star was authentic.

Evidence accumulated throughout the years supports
the theory that whoever unravels its secret will enter the subterranean
passageways. Genuine interested parties to contact
+
6542 8376.

‘Better take a look at this,
Arthur. I think we’ve found our treasure map.’

‘Interesting scenario, but I’ve
never heard of this historian group. Huesmann sounds German to me. Perhaps his
ancestors resided in Pedley when there was a large intake of immigrants to the
region many years ago. Just goes to show, the star theory was not known only to
the Simpson clan,’ said Arthur.

‘If this group is so adamant about
the star’s existence, then I believe a phone call is warranted,’ I reasoned.

‘Absolutely, but let me speak to
them. I’ll soon find out if these historians are no more than a collection of
time wasters,’ said Arthur, reaching for his mobile phone. ‘We’ll go to that
corner away from the computers and I’ll put it on speakerphone.’

He punched in the number and
three people anxiously waited for verification.

‘Hello,’ said a quietly spoken
voice.

‘I wish to speak with the
Huesmann Historian Group please,’ commenced Arthur.

‘Yes, I can help you. What is it
that you wish to discuss?’

‘Your claim regarding the
authenticity of the submerged three-pointed star.’

‘Are you from the media by any
chance?’ he queried.

‘No, we’re a group of three
people in search of the subterranean passageways,’ said Arthur, deciding the
direct approach was the only way to deal with this lot.

‘What are your credentials, if I
may ask?’

‘What do you mean? We’re not some
organisation or university faculty, if that’s what you’re implying. My
great-grandfather happened to see this underground network and I have his
letter which was written while he walked the passageways.’

A pause followed. Silence for
what appeared to be at least ten or fifteen seconds was tormenting. Finally the
long-awaited response.

‘Do you have the letter with you?’
he questioned.

‘Yes.’

‘What else can you tell me about
the subterranean site?’

‘We are aware that a mathematical
formula together with an equilateral triangle has something to do with the
three-pointed star,’ Arthur said.

‘How so?’ the voice persisted.

‘If used in conjunction with a
street map,’ replied Arthur in a stern tone, now becoming agitated with this
questionnaire.

‘I apologise for my interrogation
but it was necessary. We have had a number of crank callers who are no more
than time-wasters. It is therefore necessary for us to wean out the hoaxers
from the genuine callers. Your knowledge certainly has merit and coincides with
our own records. I would be particularly interested in seeing your letter and
as a gesture of goodwill we can offer further information in return.’

‘Certainly!’

‘My name is Gordon Findlay. Would
it possible for you and your colleagues to visit us this afternoon?’

‘Yes, depending on where you’re
situated. We’re currently at the Lands Department in the city.’

‘It would take around fifteen
minutes by car. The address is sixteen Fulton Road, Regents Terrace. May I have
your name?’

‘Arthur Simpson. We’ll see you
shortly.’

~ * ~

The
leafy and affluent suburb of Regents Terrace boasted wide and winding avenues
of bare deciduous trees whose branches would knit together in continuous
foliage come the warmer months. I could envisage these streets looking a treat
given the chosen season of the year. Fulton Road was no exception, I thought as
I stared through my car window at the passing mansions and expensive array of
parked vehicles. Number sixteen was your classic Edwardian style abode, set
amidst manicured gardens that were probably maintained by a full-time gardener.
The area oozed incredible wealth. I felt distinctly out of place.

A knock on the front door brought
a man of around seventy years into view. He was a rather short person with big
ears and a slight stoop. Dressed in a dark suit and wearing thick-rimmed
reading glasses, he greeted us with a welcoming smile and gestured for us to
enter. The sound of Gershwin’s ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ could be heard in the
background.

‘I’m Gordon Findlay. Thank you
all for corning at such short notice. Please step through and I’ll introduce
you to my colleague Nigel Bourke.’

Following introductions we took
our seats in what appeared to be an oversized study. Gordon and the younger,
bearded Nigel of around forty-five years sat directly opposite. It was Arthur
who commenced proceedings, explaining the crisis in Pedley and the need for
pursuing the whereabouts of the underground network.

Findlay was first to respond.

‘Yes, I’ve been reading all the
reports concerning Pedley. Terrible business and there seems to be no end to
all this bloodshed. The sooner these criminals are brought to justice the
better. I sympathise with the kidnapping of Brigit O’Neill and can now
understand your need to locate these subterranean passageways. May I look at
your great-grandfather’s letter, Mr Simpson?’ he asked politely.

Arthur passed it across to the
outstretched hand of Findlay, who immediately raised the letter toward the
overhead light prior to reading the contents. Seemingly satisfied with the
authenticity of the paper, he then commenced to digest its message.

‘Excellent and in such good
condition given its vast age,’ complimented Findlay, passing it to his
colleague.

‘Storing it in a dry and dark
area helps with the preservation,’ responded Arthur.