Nobody will make anything if you get on your hind legs and start asking damn fool questions about avalanche defences, said Frank sourly. Good God, do you know how much it will cost us if this bloody Commission goes the wrong way?
Ian stared at him. What do you mean the wrong way? Were you thinking of not putting in avalanche defences?
Hell, theres only an avalanche every thirty years or so. By the time the next one comes the mine will be worked out.
Ian took a deep breath. You damned fool! That was when the trees were still on the west slope. Now theyre gone theres likely to be a fall in any period of heavy snow.
All right. Frank flapped his hand impatiently. Well re-afforest the slope. Thatll cost less than the snow rakes your friend McGill wants to have.
Frank, do you know how long it takes for a tree to grow? I thought you lot were bad enough but now I know the depth of your greed. Ballards voice was hard. And I suggest we bring this conversation to a sudden halt. He crossed to the door and threw it open.
Frank hesitated. Think again, Ian.
Ian jerked his head. Out!
Frank walked forward. Youll regret it.
Hows Uncle Steve?
Hes not going to like the answer I take back to Sydney.
He should have come himself and not sent a half-wit to do his dirty work. Hes too intelligent to think threats would have any effect hed have tried a bribe, if I know him. Tell him from me that that wouldnt have worked, either. Maybe youll be able to keep a whole skin that way.
Frank paused outside the door, and turned. Youre finished, Ian. I hope you know that.
Ian closed the door in his face.
As he drove Liz back to the hospital to pick up her car he said, Sorry about the gloomy lunch, Liz. I have a few things on my mind.
It was a bit glum, she agreed. Whats the matter? Trouble with the family? You were all right until you saw your cousin.
He did not answer immediately but pulled the car off the road and parked by the kerb. He turned to face her, and said, We both seem to have trouble that way. When were you thinking of going to England, Liz?
I havent thought that far ahead.
Ill be going as soon as the inquiry is over. Why dont you come with me?
My God! she said. Charlie would have kittens. Is this by way of being a proposal, Ian? She smiled. Or do I come as your mistress?
Thats up to you. You can take it either way.
Liz laughed. Shakespeare didnt write this script. I know were like the Montagues and Capulets, but Romeo never made an offer like that. She put her hand on his. I like you, Ian, but Im not sure I love you.
Thats the problem, he said. We havent known each other long enough. Just two or three days at Huka, rudely interrupted by a disaster, and a week here. Love doesnt flourish under those conditions, especially when overlooked by brother Charlie.
Dont you believe in love at first sight?
I do, said Ballard. Evidently you dont. It happened to me at the dance on the night everything started. Look, Liz: when I get on that plane I wont be coming back to New Zealand. Id hate it like hell if I never saw you again. Maybe you dont love me, but it would be nice if you gave it a fighting chance.
Propinquity! she said. A lovely word. Do you think it works?
What have you got to lose?
She looked pensively through the windscreen, staring at nothing. Presently she said, If I do go to England with you and Im not saying right now that I will but if I do therell be no strings. Im my own woman, Ian; a very private person. Thats something Charlie can never understand. So if I come it will be my choice, and if after a while I leave you, it will be my choice again. Do you understand?
He nodded. I understand.
And let me tell you something else, just to clear up something which may have been on your mind. Eric is against the Ballards on principle its not just you. But with Charlie it definitely is you. Now, I was only two when Alec died; I never knew him not to remember. And you were twelve then, and now youre thirty-five. A person at twelve and a person at thirty-five are two different people, not to be confused with each other as Charlie does. I dont know the rights and wrongs of Alecs death and I dont care. Ill be going to England with a man, not a boy.
Thanks, said Ballard. Thanks, Liz.
Not that Ive said Im going with you yet, she warned. Ill have to think about it. As to the question you asked what have I got to lose? She patted his knee. The answer, my dear Ian, is my virginity!
Seventeen
Ballard dropped Liz at the hospital and went on to Deep Freeze Headquarters. He did not find McGill at the office but finally ran him down at the Officers Club where he was talking shop. Ballard said, I thought Id pick you up first. Old Stenning will have travelled a long way and hell be tired, so I thought I wouldnt keep him waiting around.
Sure, said McGill. Ill come right along. When is he due in?
In fifteen minutes, if the planes on time.
They drove to Harewood Airport, two minutes away, and stood chatting on the concourse while they waited. McGill said, Ive never met a millionaires lawyer. Will you recognize Stenning when you see him?
Ballard nodded. Hes a tall, thin chap with white hair. Looks a bit like Bertrand Russell.
The aircraft was on time and, as the passengers streamed through the terminal, Ballard said, There he is, and McGill saw a tall, old man with the face of an ascetic. Ballard stepped forward. Good afternoon, Mr Stenning. They shook hands. This is Mike McGill, a friend. Hes come to carry the suitcases. I dont think theyll be long in coming.
Stenning smiled. Are you the Dr McGill who has been giving evidence at the Inquiry?
Yes, sir.
If youre carrying suitcases youve come down in the world.
The luggage is coming now, said Ballard. Stenning pointed out his cases, and Ballard said, Lets get this stuff out to the car, Mike. As they left the terminal he said to Stenning, Ive booked you a room at the hotel where Im staying. Its quite comfortable.
Just point me towards a bed, said Stenning. I find it difficult to sleep on aircraft. How is the Inquiry going?
Ive kept the newspapers for you. Its getting good coverage in Christchurch.
Stenning grunted. Good! Ive been in aircraft for two days so Ive fallen behind with the news. Im looking forward to discussing the disaster with you, Dr McGill.
Any time Im not in court, Mr Stenning.
At the hotel McGill tactfully made himself scarce while Ballard showed Stenning his room. Stenning said, Im not as resilient as I used to be, Ian. Im going to bed. Your grandfather would have said a thing or two about that, were he here. At my age he was an assiduous globe-trotter. He shook his head. Im sorry hes gone.
Yes, said Ballard. So am I.
Stenning regarded him curiously. Are you? he asked in a sceptical tone. If youd have said the other thing I wouldnt have been surprised or shocked. Your grandfather was a hard man to get on with. In my opinion he didnt treat you very well.
Ballard shrugged. Ill miss him all the same.
So will I, Ian. So will I. Now, if youll excuse a tired old man...
Have you eaten? I can get something sent in.
No I just want my bed.
Ballard indicated a cupboard. I laid in some drinks. Theres whisky, gin and brandy with the trimmings.
A kindly thought. A whisky before bed will go down very well. Ill see you tomorrow, Ian.
Ballard left him and found McGill having a beer by the pool. McGill raised an eyebrow. Well?
Nothing, said Ballard. He didnt say a damned thing.
McGill frowned. Ill tell you something, he said. He sure as hell didnt fly thirteen thousand miles to discuss a disaster with Mike McGill.
Stenning was absent from breakfast next morning. McGill buttered a slice of toast. He doesnt seem to be in much of a hurry. Just like a lawyer; they work to a different sort of time from the rest of us.
I had a visit from one of my relatives yesterday, said Ballard. My cousin Frank. He told McGill what had happened.
McGill whistled. You Ballards play rough. Can he do what he threatened to do? Have you blackballed in the industry?
I doubt it. He might like to think he can. He could certainly make life bloody difficult.
How come Frank was in Sydney? Very convenient, wasnt it?
The Ballard Group has interests in many countries, including Australia. Its not unusual to find a member of the family popping up almost anywhere. I think my Uncle Steve, Franks father, is also in Sydney. Thats what Frank implied.
McGill helped himself to marmalade. Goddamn convenient, all the same. Crowell knew they were in Australia because he blew the whistle on you. Frank came running fast enough.
They talked desultorily until McGill had finished his coffee. Im going to the hospital to see Joe. If Stenning has anything important to say he wont want me around. He went away leaving Ballard to finish his breakfast alone.
Ballard read the Sunday papers by the pool, concentrating first on the account of the Inquiry. That did not take long, and he went on to the rest of the news which did not take long, either. He felt restless and thought of going to see Liz, but he did not want to leave the hotel without having seen Stenning. He went to his room and put on swimming trunks and worked out his frustration in several lengths of the pool.
It was eleven-thirty before Stenning appeared, carrying several newspaper clippings. Good morning, Ian, he said briskly.
Did you sleep well?
Like a babe. Only to be expected, of course. I had breakfast in my room. Wheres Dr McGill?
Hes gone to see Joe Cameron, the mine engineer. Hes still in hospital.
The clippings fluttered in Stennings hand. So I gathered. He looked around. We could do worse than have a chat here. Very nice place.
Ballard unfolded another garden chair. The town is all right, too. Christchurch prides itself on being more English than England.
Stenning sat down. Im looking forward to seeing it. He regarded the clippings, then folded them and put them into his pocket. Youre having quite a time at this Inquiry. I dont think your family is going to like the things youve been saying.
Ballard unfolded another garden chair. The town is all right, too. Christchurch prides itself on being more English than England.