This is a work of fiction, using characters from the film, “Proof of Life”.  No insult or invasion of privacy or infringement of copyright is intended. The story is for readers over the age of 18 only, and contains adult language. The writer is not responsible for any "discomfort" caused to the reader by this language and these situations.

BACK IN HARNESS 

©2009 by: Thorne’s Rose

Chapter Three 

Anton burst into Terry's office without knocking, a small packet in his hands.

"It's arrived, Terry."

"Okay. Mate. Pull up a seat and let's take a look."

Anton sat down opposite Terry and placed the packet down on the desk between them. He looked up nervously. This was it, the proof of life. He would soon be negotiating for someone's safe release, possibly their very lives. He was scared shitless.

Terry gave him a reassuring smile. He knew the feeling. Every negotiator had felt the same on their first solo job.

"Anton, this is your show, but you know you're not alone. Dino and I will be with you every step of the way, just in case you need us. We're not out to step on your toes, but we're not chucking you in at the deep end."

Anton smiled back and began to empty the contents out of the envelope onto the desk.

First of all there was a video tape, which he put to one side. Then there were two smaller envelopes, one padded and one flat. He opened the padded one first. It contained a memory card from a digital camera, complete with computer adaptor.

Terry booted up his laptop and turned it to face Anton, allowing him access to the disc drive. He inserted the card and turned the laptop again, giving them both a view of the screen.

A series of thumbnails appeared and he clicked on 'slideshow'. One terrified face after another popped up on the screen. Trevor's face was the last to appear. Terry let out a sigh of relief. They all looked scared, but as far as he could see, there were no obvious injuries to any of them.

Next came the video. They went to the couch and sat in front of the TV. The screen came to life and the group could be seen huddled together in the corner of a hut. Then Trevor was told to step forward to speak. It wasn't very long, but it was long enough. They now knew the hostages hadn't been harmed...yet.

Back at the desk, Anton picked up the last envelope. This contained contact details. As they had thought, the next time was going to be via radio. They had a list of days and times, and the frequency of the first broadcast, with a post script telling them that the frequencies would be changed for each contact.

“Okay, Terry, this is good. We can set up here to start, and we have enough info to take back to Waltham to keep him sweet. Do you want to come with me?"

Terry grinned, Anton was relaxing and taking charge of the situation.

"Okay, mate. I'll go tell Dino where we're at, and I'll meet you down by the car."

~*~

Dino and Henry were in the kitchen at the penthouse. Dino was drinking coffee while Henry prepared the evening meal. Terry was asleep on the sofa in the lounge room.

"He's been more alive these past couple of weeks than he has been for a long time, Uncle Dean, but it's wearing him out. He's forgotten he's still not a hundred per cent."

"I know, Henry, but you know your dad, he won't listen to anyone when he's in work mode."

"Just keep an eye on him for me when I'm not around, is all I ask."

"No sweat, kiddo. You know I will. Anyway, it's not really our show this time. Anton's in charge and we're just along for the ride."

Just then, the doorbell rang. They hadn't had a call on the security phone, so it had to be a resident. Maybe it was Tim or Lou.

"I'll get it," said Henry, walking past his waking dad and stopping him from struggling up to answer the door.

He came back with a woman in tow. "Someone to see you, Uncle Dean."

Dino came in from the kitchen and found himself face to face with Rosa-Lynn Ballard. Terry sat up on the sofa and ran his hands through his hair.

"Take a seat, Mrs. B. What can we do for you?"

"I've tried talking to Waltham, but he won't tell me anything. You're my last hope. I can't eat, can't sleep. I'm so worried about Trevor."

Henry came in and handed Dino his coffee then turned to Rosa-Lynn.

"Can I get you a drink Mrs. Ballard? There's fresh brewed coffee or tea."

"Tea would be nice, thank you..."

"It's Henry, remember? You want a cuppa, dad?"

"Ta, mate."

"Dad? You mean you're…?"

"That's right," Terry replied. "I told you that you didn't know me at all, didn't I."

"You're the scruffy swimmer? The drunk in the lift? The one who said you lived up here?"

"The owner of the Jag, Beamer and Harley you were perving? Guilty, on all counts."

"Oh God. I'm so sorry. I was pretty bloody rude to you back then wasn't I, and here you are, trying to get my husband home."

"I'd have done the same for anyone, luv. It's my job, but Trev...well, he's special."

Rosa-Lynn looked over at Terry, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Yes, he certainly is. He puts up with my stupid airs and graces anyway."

"He loves you, Rosie," Terry said softly.

Those four words were all it took, the dam broke, tears flooded down her face, and before he knew it, Terry found himself hugging her tightly to his chest and rocking her like a baby as she soaked his sweatshirt with her tears.

It took her quite a while to stem the flow, but slowly the sobbing eased, her breathing slowed and the hic-coughs stopped. She pushed away from Terry's body, suddenly very embarrassed by her behaviour.

"Feeling better? he asked, looking at her kindly.

"Yes, thank you, Mr. Thorne."

"It's Terry, this is my partner, Dino, and my son, Henry. So, tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from?"

"Originally, I'm from Coogee."

"Well, Rosie from Coogee, I'm Terry from Parramatta," Terry replied, grinning at Rosa-Lynn.

"Is this a good thing?" asked Dino, nudging Henry.

"It means they're both Sydney-siders, Uncle Dean. It gives them common ground."

"That's a relief. I've a feeling we might be seeing quite a bit of our Rosie before this ends."

They spent the rest of the evening talking Rosie through what was happening, and what would happen. When he thought she was up to it, Terry showed her the picture, then the video. She cried silent tears when she heard Trevor say he loved her, but managed not to break down completely. She finally rose to leave, thanking them all for allowing her to stay with them for the evening.

"You gonna be okay on your own, Rosie?" Terry asked as he saw her out.

"Yes, I'll be fine, thanks."

"I'll see you home," he replied, turning to Henry to let him know where he was going.

They descended to the 10th floor in silence and Terry walked her to her door. She thanked him once again for everything he was doing, said goodnight, and closed the door to her apartment. Terry walked slowly back to the lift, hoping in his heart that there would be a happy ending to all of this.

~*~

Things were going badly. Jimmy had started his demands with money only, $3 million for each hostage. Anton was confident that he would be able to negotiate the price down given enough time, and Jimmy seemed to be going along with the game, then he sprung his surprise. Waltham Pharmaceuticals were also to immediately stop the harvesting of native plants along the edge of the Northern Hills, rainforest and mangroves. This was NOT negotiable.

As soon as radio contact was broken, Terry threw down his note pad and swore.

"What the fuck is going on? We've got a load of tree huggers  on the loose up there."

"What next, Terry?"

"It's your show, mate. What do you want to do?"

"Go to Waltham and ask him what the fuck he has his company doing up there to cause all this in the first place."

~*~

They were shown into Waltham's office and informed him of the latest developments. Despite his assurance in their initial meeting that money was no object, he baulked at the figure mentioned, even though Anton told him that was just the opener and it would certainly be much less in the long run. He flatly refused to even consider listening to the second part of their demand, making Terry believe this was more important to the kidnappers than the money.

Waltham finally told them that he was sending contractors up to East Sepik to 'harvest' entire areas of indigenous plant species for their medicinal properties, leaving a wasteland behind them, no work for the locals, and no plants for their own medical needs. He was unrepentant about the damage his 'harvesters' were causing as long as his company turned a healthy profit at the end of it all.

Realising that nothing they could say would change his mind, the trio stormed out and headed back to their offices.

Terry tore off his jacket, balled it up and threw it against the large picture window in his office, then began pacing, swearing under his breath and running his hands through his hair. Dino hadn't seen him this worked up in an age.

"Want anything else to throw, Tio?"

"That fucking hoon's gonna get his people killed. He doesn't give a toss, it's all about profit. He doesn't even realise that money doesn't seem to be the prime motive for this capture."

"What do we do now, Terry?"

"I think it's time to take a trip up country. We can pick up some gear from the unit on the way. Get your contacts in PNG working on the location, Anton. We'll fly up to Wewak. We need to be up where the action is. When Jimmy figures out Waltham won't play ball, the shite is going to hit the fan storm force. There's no telling what he might be prepared to do."

Just then the door opened and Jean came in.

"Terry, Doctor Waltham is outside, he says it's urgent."

"You'd better show him in, luv."

Waltham came in the office carrying a small box and looking very pale. He held it out to Terry. This time, he didn't hand it straight to Anton, but opened it himself. They watched as all emotion left his face when he looked at the contents of the box. Without a word, he placed it on his desk and walked to the door, opening it and calling Jean inside.

"We need three seats on the first flight up country in the morning, Jean. Can you get right on it for me? And can you show the Doctor out while you're at it?"

Jean nodded, showing the doctor out and then heading back to her desk to make the reservations. Terry looked across to Dino and Anton and just said three words, "We're going in."

"What's in the box, Tio?" Dino asked, walking towards the desk.

"Guess you'd call it a 'proof of death', mate," Terry replied, handing the box to his friend.

"Holy fuck! They did this before we even had a chance to get back to them!" Dino exclaimed, taking out a photograph and a red stained bundle.

He gingerly opened the cloth bundle to reveal a left hand, which seemed to belong to the body in the picture he had put down on Terry's desk. There was a note on the back of the picture warning that this was only the beginning.

"We don't have another contact due until tomorrow arvo. We can make that from the unit, then fly on up to PNG and set up in Wewak. We have to let them think everything is still on course, and that means you still manning the radio, Anton. You okay with that?"

"No worries, Terry. I'd rather be going in with you two, but I don't want to make them suspicious by suddenly disappearing from this end of the radio."

Dino smiled. He was learning fast. They left him in the office to arrange for the bird to pick them up from the unit and headed back to Terry's place. As soon as they reached home, Terry went to his room, emerging shortly after dressed in an old pair of sweats and a vest top, and carrying a towel.

"If anyone needs me. I'll be in the pool," he called over his shoulder on his way to the door.

The bubbles felt good against his skin as he dove into the water. It had a cleansing effect on his body and his soul, and he felt he needed it after the meeting with Waltham. He soon found a pace he knew he could keep up length after length and went for it. Somewhere in his brain a little voice was telling him he was at risk of pushing himself too far, and should maybe stop, but he paid no attention. He had to work off his pent up anger before they headed out or he would be no good to anyone.

The swirling of the water around him as he swam began gently calming him down, and his mind began to relax along with his body and soon he was swimming on auto pilot.

He thought he heard someone speak his name, but as the pool was officially closed for the night he put it down to the water rushing past his head and he carried on swimming up and down. The voice in his head was becoming louder and more persistent, and as he made his turn at the shallow end of the pool, he caught a glimpse of a figure out of the corner of his eye.

He stopped, stood up in the waist deep water, and ran his hand over his face, clearing his eyes of the water dripping down from his hair.

"Terry?"

"G'day, Rosie. What's up?"

"Sorry to disturb your swim. Could I speak with you for a bit?"

"No worries, luv," he replied, making his way to the edge of the pool.

He hauled himself up out of the water and walked over to retrieve his clothes and towel before joining Rosie at one of the poolside tables.

Rosie watched Terry drying himself off and couldn't help admiring him. He was a very attractive man, even with all his scars. She felt ashamed to be thinking such things when she was so worried about Trevor. She turned away as Terry donned his sweats and vest top. He sat down beside her and noticed that she looked ill at ease.

"So, you wanna talk, or did ya just come down for a quick perve?"

Rosie blushed to her roots, but when she looked up and saw Terry smiling gently at her, she realised he was trying to tease her.

"Sorry, Terry. You must think I'm a terrible woman, looking at you like that while my husband is in danger. You did manage to raise my spirits there a bit."

Terry grinned and invited her to carry on.

"I've been trying to speak with Doctor Waltham. He still won't take my calls and won't get back to me either. I just don't know what's going on. You're my only hope for some news."

"Okay... Now you know I can't tell you too much, but believe me when I tell you that Trevor is still alive, and as far as we know they haven't hurt him in any way. We're heading up country tomorrow, and hopefully I should have some news for you in a few days time okay?"

"Terry, you've been so kind to me, I don't think I can ever thank you enough. I really don't deserve it."

"Don't say that. Everyone deserves help in time of need, especially little Rosie from Coogee," he said with a wink and a smile. "Now, if you don't mind, I have an early start in the morning, so I think I should head for bed."

They chatted a little on their way to the lift, but as the doors slid closed Rosie fell silent, glancing at Terry from time to time. When they reached her floor, she stepped out and turned back to say goodnight. Terry put up his hand to stop the doors from closing, and looked intently at her.

"What?"

"What do you mean, what?"

"What do you want to ask me?"

Rosie blushed once again, but looked up directly into his questioning gaze.

"Terry, how did you get your scars?"

Terry closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Opening them, he reached out to gently rest his hand on her shoulder before answering.

"Watching out for a mate, Rosie."

"Is Trevor your mate?"

"I'd like to think he could be."

"Then please watch out for yourself as well as him," Rosie replied, stepping back from the lift.

Terry watched her walk to her apartment and go in before allowing the lift doors to close, and continuing his journey up to the penthouse.

~*~

They reached the unit by late morning and set up the equipment ready for their next transmission. They sat quietly drinking coffee until the silence was broken by the low thrumming roar of a heavy helicopter.

"Cavalry's here," grinned Dino, heading for the door, closely followed by Anton. Terry finished his coffee, stretched, groaned and slowly got up.

"Spike! How ya goin' ya ugly bastard?"

Terry spun around on hearing the voice.

"Davey! What the fuck are you doing here?"

"I'm your aerial chauffeur, mate. Didn't you know?"

Before Terry could answer, Dino, Anton and the rest of the crew came through the door.

"Anton, mate, you never told me our boss was this miserable shit face," Dave said seriously.

Anton looked at Dave in amazement, then at Terry's hard set face, then to Dino for help. He finally turned back to face Terry, and to his utter relief saw a twinkle of amusement in his boss' eyes.

"I take it you gentlemen know each other," remarked Dino, more as a statement than a question.

"You could say that, Dino."

"Yeah, me and Spike go back a long way."

"Spike?" echoed Dino.

"I'll tell ya later, mate," Terry replied. "Dave and I joined up together."

"That we did, Major Thorne, sir," Dave replied, snapping to attention and giving Terry a cheeky salute.

"Grab yourselves some coffee, boys. We'll be here a while yet," Dino said.

Drinks finished, they began stowing gear in the chopper. The radio equipment would be the last to be moved. The team filled Terry and Dino in on the preparations they had made up in PNG, they had been busy. It seemed that Jimmy wasn't the eco-warrior that he made out to be, or at least the men with him weren't. Yes, they were incensed at the way Waltham was harvesting every medicinal plant in sight, but it was because they could see their illegal drug business being wiped out before their eyes, and not because they were worried about the local economy. Anton checked over the radio one more time.

Terry sat watching him, a slight frown on his face. He got up and walked over to him. Dave noticed him limping and nudged Dino.

"Is Spike okay?"

"He's getting there."

"Wanna fill me in?"

"It's a long story, my friend. Maybe you should ask Tio when this is all over."

"Yeah, maybe I will, mate."

Dave had a deep mistrust of most Americans, especially ex-military, and was reserving judgement on this one, who it seemed was Terry's friend as well as business partner.

"You okay?" asked Terry, placing a hand on Anton's arm.

He hadn't heard Terry come up behind him, and jumped at his touch.

"Sorry, Terry. I'm fine. Really. It's just the nearer to transmission, the more angry I seem to be getting.

"I understand how you feel, but you have to keep it under control, channel it to your advantage. Don't let him know he's getting to you."

"I'll give it a go, Terry."

"I know you will. Now come and relax with the others."

Right on time, the radio cracked into life and Jimmy's voice could be heard coming through the speakers. Anton was amazed at how calm and relaxed he sounded. That was the last straw, and he blew.

"What the fuck is going on? You blow someone away, send us bits of them in a box, and then expect us to carry on as if nothing's happened?"

"I couldn't stop it. They weren't my people. Some locals we keep around decided to take matters into their own hands. It all happened so quickly."

"Yeah, right! You expect me to believe that? I'm just gonna sit here and accept your word that the others are still alive? Give me a fuckin' break!"

He threw the mike down, kicked his chair away, and stormed off to the other side of the unit. Terry followed to try and calm him down. They both turned towards the radio as they heard Jimmy speak again.

"Mate, are you still there...mate?"

Anton looked at Terry, who nodded in reply to his silent question. He walked back over to the transmitter and slowly picked up the mike.

"What?"

"Can we talk?"

"What on earth can you have to say that would be of the slightest interest to me?"

"I can give you a fresh proof of life."

Dino and Terry exchanged looks then nodded to Anton.

"Go on."

"I've got my 'guests' here with me right now, and you can pick which one you want to speak to."

Trevor was the voice Terry and Dino would recognise, so Anton knew that was who he must pick.

"Okay, I'll speak with Trevor Ballard."

Everything went quiet for a while, then the radio crackled into life again.

"Hello?" croaked a voice.

"Mr. Ballard?"

"Yes, I'm Trevor Ballard."

Anton turned to Terry and Dino, who both gave him a thumbs up and a smile, letting him know they recognised the voice.

"Mr. Ballard, my name is Anton, and I'm here to help you. I need to ask you something."

There was no reply.

"Jimmy, can you hear me?"

"No worries. Trevor here wasn't sure if I'd let him answer you or not. I put him right though."

Anton tried again. "Mr. Ballard, are you okay?"

"I'm all right," Trevor replied flatly.

"Is everyone else okay?"

Chapter Four