My Island Homicide by Catherine Titasey Page A

especially for her, and she left to walk home at about 11pm. Maybe later, I’m not sure. I had to be up early to catch the first ferry to Horn for the annual Easter principals’ meeting on Darnley Island.’
    â€˜When did the affair start?’
    Dave shot me a look of muffled irritation and then relaxed his face. ‘Mid last year. I was working on a funding application to send some of the special needs students on an excursion to Cairns with their carers. It was the first program of its kind. As the teacher aide in the special education unit, Melissa offered to help. Due to the complexity of the project, the planning took longer than expected and we met some evenings.’ Dave alternated between leaning forward and then sitting up straight and stretching out, as if conscious that he needed to appear calm. When he leaned forward, the point of what appeared to be a deep red cut protruded above the V of his polo shirt.
    â€˜And the affair evolved from there?’
    â€˜Yes,’ he said, drawing out the word.
    â€˜Melissa was diagnosed with depression five months ago. Did she say anything about how she was feeling?’
    Dave was either genuinely surprised or very good at faking it. The only thing he claimed to remember was her saying something about her husband neglecting her. Dave went on to explain that he and his wife had drifted apart some time ago since she was consumed by family and cultural commitments. And, of course, he was flattered by Melissa’s attention.
    â€˜In hindsight, we were attracted to each other because my wife and Melissa’s husband had other priorities, his being his work.’ His lips formed a weak smile. ‘This must sound so corny.’
    â€˜Not at all,’ I lied, thinking he was in a position of authority over Melissa as her employer, mentor and much-older lover.
    â€˜Wednesday was an emotional night. She wanted to end our relationship, saying she was sick of the secret meetings.’ He sighed and stretched out again. ‘I offered to leave my wife so we could start afresh on the mainland. She said she wanted to leave her husband but couldn’t do it to Alby. Melissa had this fragility about her that made me want to look after her, be with her, protect her. I guess I’ll have to break this to my wife when she returns from visiting her family in Cairns. I’d prefer the school doesn’t learn of the affair though.’
    â€˜Our priority is to find Melissa. What do you know about Franz Josef?’
    â€˜Good bloke. He was one of the first special needs students when the unit was set up almost 20 years ago.’
    â€˜Any propensity to violence?’
    â€˜Not at all. He’s a big softie. Wouldn’t hurt a flea.’
    â€˜How long have you been on the island?’
    â€˜Twenty-seven years.’
    â€˜Have you got all that, Jenny?’ She nodded. I turned back to Dave. ‘You would have worked with Melissa’s husband, Robby Ramu, wouldn’t you?’
    â€˜We were both first-year teachers at the high school. We were good mates . . .’ he paused, ‘. . . in the beginning.’
    â€˜What do you mean?’
    â€˜We served on the management committee of an education organisation. He stole funds and was jailed.’
    â€˜How is he still employed by the department?’
    â€˜He’s the head of curriculum and doesn’t handle money. He’s very good at what he does and it’s important to have Islanders in key positions.’
    â€˜Did he plead guilty or was there a trial?’
    â€˜That’s a little technical, but he tried to blame me and other committee members. What’s this got to do with Melissa?’
    â€˜I’m not sure, but we need to know the background of relationships in case this goes further.’
    â€˜I just hope Melissa is found safe.’
    â€˜I noticed you have a nasty scratch there, Dave,’ I said. ‘How did you get