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Automaton!

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Alana Woods! Winner: Fast Books Prize 2003! Nominated: Davitt Awards 2004! Its not every author who wins or is nominated for prizes with their first book. Im over the moon to say that Im one of them, with Automaton.!

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Readers reviews!

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I receive emails about Automaton from readers everywhere including the USA, the UK, Australia and Europe and I thank everyone who takes the time to tell me how much they enjoyed it.!

One of the best in the genre that Ive read. Better than Grisham.! Your characters are so real and the story had my attention from page one ... ohh wow ... it was fanbloodytastic ... the whole story had me.! Better than Grisham and good to see an Aussie so talented.! I loved your book. It caused me too many late nights and kept me rivetted to the end.! Your writing evokes vivid scenes in my mind. You are an excellent story teller.! Congratulations. Your name is one I will continue to watch out for.! I was enthralled by the story and all the surprises you presented.! I thought I would take the opportunity to compliment you on your work. I enjoyed the book immensely, in fact I could not put it down.! As an American lawyer I particularly enjoyed the insight into the workings of the Australian criminal justice system and the relationship between solicitors and barristers. It has added another level to my understanding of Australia and its people.! The book is a great read and I couldnt put it down. Thanks!! I did so enjoy this book. The characters haunt me weeks after reading it.! The characters were so well depicted by your descriptive sentences and had a classiness about them that lifted them above the usual riff-raff.! The characters were beyond believable (I have met many clients like that in my time) and the dialogue superb. Congratulations.!

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Acknowledgments!

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A lot of people helped me to write this story and I thank them all.!

Prof. Bennett, Director, General Surgical Affairs, Forum of Specialist Neuro-surgeons in Australia, for the medical background.! Kristine Sloane, ACT Welfare, for the facts on domestic violence.! Tracey Dickerson, Australian Federal Police, for the AFP perspective.! Jan Biciancin, Operational Support Officer, ACT Ambulance Service, for the description of what happens from the moment they receive a call to attend an accident scene.! Frank Bakker, ACT Fire and Emergency Services, for the details of how an accident victim is rescued and for that vivid demonstration of rescue equipment at the back of the fire station.! My daughters Simone and Nicole, and friend Barbara Scott, for scouring the drafts and giving me such thorough critiques.! Kerry Hempenstall, formerly ACT Director of Public Prosecutions, and Christopher Staniforth, Director, ACT Legal Aid Office, for giving me their time and answering all of my questions and, finally, for checking the draft for plausibility.!

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If any of the facts in this story are wrong they are my mistakes, not the result of any advice I was given.! Friend Lisa Hugg for the great cover.!

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Alana Woods!

Born in England, at four Alana immigrated to Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, with her family. In 1980 she moved with husband John and their three children to Canberra, Australias national capital, to work with the Commonwealth Court Reporting Service. In 2004, after the kids had left home, she and John moved to the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. Much as they enjoyed the sun and living by the sea they missed the family, so are now back in Canberra.! Automaton, a legal thriller, was the first of Alanas novels to be published. It won the Australian Fast Books Prize in 2003 and was nominated by Sisters-in-Crime Australia for the 2004 Davitt Award. While the story is fictional it is based on Alanas experiences and observations while working as a court reporter in Canberra in the 1980s.! Imbroglio, also a thriller, was her second novel published.! Alana is currently working on another thriller, Dragline, involving corporate crime, the idea for which came from her experience while working as Director Publishing for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.!

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also by Alana Woods! Imbroglio! Tapestries and other short stories!

Non fiction! 25 essential writing tips: guide to writing good fiction! Family medical history!

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Alana Woods!

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Automaton!

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Alana Woods 2001!

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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.! All characters in this book are fictitious and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.! ISBN 978-0-9579767-2-6! Cover design by Lisa Hugg! Typeset in 12/14 Garamond! Published by WoodsfortheTrees! Website: http://www.alanawoods.com! First edition 2001! Second edition 2002! Third edition 2011!

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For my family, for their total support,! but especially, always, for my husband John! who says I should donate the proceeds of all sales! to a worthy long-suffering charityhim.!

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1!

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It wasnt his appearance that unnerved her, unexpected though it was with its neat new track runnelling the middle of his chin, curving through cheek and across the outer corner of his right eye to disappear into the hairline. It wasnt even that they were alike in colouring and delicacy of features.! It was his expression. A mixture of hope and no hope.! He was red-haired, fresh smooth skinned, freckled with a faded tan, 19, and not far from the trial of his life.! For murder.! He sat straight-backed, knees wide, hands hanging, in a hard chair in front of a square metal table and looked at her. Straight at her. What was she going to do for him? What could she do for him? The question was there. In his eyes. And she thought the answer just as probably was in hers. But she said, I want to help you.! His feet shoved wide, forcing hers back under her chair. Theyve all said that. His hair was back-brushed and short. The deeply burnt freckles merged like a birthmark coating his nose and cheekbones. What makes you any different?! I believe you.! A supercilious mask disguised fright, and vulnerability. He snorted. That I didnt do it?! No. That you cant remember.! Again reaction was distorted. She rubbed a hand up the back of her neck, feeling the unfamiliar rasp of a newly razored hair-line.! Why?! Because the mans wife says she saw you do it. Why lie?! So you think Im guilty?! You dont think you are.! No.! She forgot her hair and pulled her feet forward. It was her turn to ask Why?! He moved his away. Because I cant imagine doing it. He thrust himself over the table, hands clasping, eyes like a green rush of spring.! She had to swallow. Then we need to have a look at who did, dont we?! He sat considering, then eased himself away, leaving his hands on the table. Why cant you do it? He spoke to the third person in the room.! Robert Murphy moved for the first time since introducing them. I dont have the experience that Elisabeth does.! But she doesnt know anything.! Robert Murphy spoke persuasively, his voice a soft baritone burr. Im going to help.! Elisabeth watched, with short and widely spaced breaths through the nose punctuated by a thudding in the chest.!

Why cant we wait until Mr Beaumont recovers?! Robert hunkered down directly beside the young detainee. Russell, Ive told you; he had a major heart attack yesterday. Its going to take him a long time to get well. He put his hand over the boys wrist. Dont you want it over and done with? Surely you dont want to stay here any longer than you have to.! Their heads were very close.! No. The voice was almost a whisper. But I dont want to be where theyll put me afterwards either. He took a deep breath, an uneven intake.! Robert Murphy, a man with his own fair share of doubts, applied a sudden pressure to the wrist under his hand imparting, he hoped, some confidence, then stood back and looked deliberately to Elisabeth.! She took her cue and began immediately, taking advantage of the trust Russell gave to Robert, wanting to transfer it to herself. How are they treating you? Is there anything I can do for you, get for you?! He shrugged his shoulders, wide on a wiry frame, then shook his head.! How about your injuries? Any ill effects?! He shrugged again.! Robert Murphy said, How about the headaches?! You get headaches? Is he seeing a doctor? Elisabeth looked from the boy in front of her to the man leaning against the wall.! Yes. They spoke together. Robert added, She says theyll probably lessen and eventually stop.! Elisabeth turned back to the boy. The green, clouding now, were unblinking, looking at her. Probably? Eventually? And to Robert she said, Is she being thorough?! Talk to her yourself.! I will. Then dismissing everything other than winning assent from her as yet undeclared client she began selling herself. Russell, before talking about the case is there anything you would like to know about me?! He was unprepared for that but asked, Why werent you my lawyer to start with, instead of Mr Beaumont?! Mr Beaumont is what they call the Public Defender and handles the serious cases; but hes sick, so Im taking over. I moved down from Sydney over the weekend. She paused. I offered to take your case.! And they said yes?! Elisabeth was matter-of-fact, Because I can handle it. She waited.! Where are you from?! Legal Aid in Sydney. DPP before that.! Is that what this is all about!? He bolted up from his chair. You all think I did it!! It rocked her. It had not occurred that her background might lead him to imagine that something underhand was being planned. No. That means nothing. Im here to defend you.! The wildness remained.!

Sit down, she said, trying for a soothing calmness. He ignored her, still staring. She leaned over the table and reached for his hand. Russell, sit down and listen. He didnt respond, but neither did he resist as she tugged him down. Theres no love lost between the two. The only people who thought I was making a reasonable career move was Legal Aid. She squeezed his fingers. Im not perfect, but Im thorough. With you and Robert to fill me in Ill be up to speed in no time.! He fiddled with his fingers, watching them work.! And finally she got down to business. Im sorry youve got to go through it all again. Robert has started taking me through the statements and the transcript from the committal, but I want to hear it from you. She softened her tone. Tell me.! He didnt want to, had repeated it until he could recite it, but he did, while her muscles uncoiled with relief.! I dont remember anything except from when I woke up in hospital.! She would make notes later. For now she listened and watched. What happened?! He said Well and opened his hands wide in a gesture of frustration and resignation. The police were there and asked me questions about someone I was supposed to have killed ... knifed ... He shuddered and she wondered at the strength of repugnance that would produce such intensity after prolonged exposure to knowledge. But I cant remember. I was in hospital, in Sydney. Then they brought me here. And thats it, he said as though it were. Ive been here ever since. He motioned to the four walls.! The couple you were with, she asked. What about them?! Theyre the witnesses against me. And his wife. It was my knife.! She waited.! They said I jackarooed with him on a property in Western Australia. And we picked her up in Adelaide when we were driving through to Sydney.! Why were you going to Sydney?! To see my sister. I havent seen her for years.! How do you know this?! They told me. Only they dont believe me because they cant find her. They think Im lying about everything.! They say that?! His chin came up and he locked her eyes into a hard stare. No, but Im not stupid.! It was enough to begin. She stood. His eyes followed. Ill be back. Ill need to talk to you, let you know exactly whats going on. Okay?! He stared, remote. She usually tried leaving them with a confident smile but all she could manage was to return his gaze. He refused to relinquish even as she backed out the opened door. It was as though, little as she was, she was all he had. The door as it closed cut the contact, but not the image.! Her instructing solicitor beside her, Elisabeth Sharman walked out of the remand centre and into the February heat. She hadnt even started and he had abandoned faith. She left Russell Montgomery as she had found him. Afraid.! In the passenger seat of the office car she lay her head back and squeezed shut her eyes.!

Are you all right?! She opened them. Robert Murphy was leaning over. The heat. Do you really think hes lying about a family?! Robert slotted the key into the ignition and started the engine. No, but we cant find them.! On their way to Elisabeths office the principal solicitor in charge of criminal law, Colin Petrie, diverted them to his own, pointing to chairs and taking one for himself. Howd it go?! Elisabeth said, Hes okay with me taking over.! Have you two talked yet?! As much as weve had time for. What I want to do now is read everything, then go over it with Robert. Then talk to any of the witnesses Im able to before getting back to Russell.! What did you think of him?! Russells last look was sealed in her memory. A nice kid.! Dont be deceived.! Why? Is there something I should know?! No. Im just saying dont be fooled by appearances.! She was the unknown, so she made the concession. Im not. But theres something genuine about him. A jury might be sympathetic.! He snapped. Thats not something you should take for granted.! Again, placatory. I know.! Well, he said, dismissively, Youve got two weeks. Keep Lister informed. Its the kind of case he likes to be involved in. Youd better see him now and let him know where you are with it.! Is he always like that? Or is it just me? In her new office Elisabeth dropped her briefcase and hung her jacket over the back of a chair. A coat stand would be handy but there was barely room for what was already there. Desk, bookcase, filing cabinet, her own chair and two visitors. What there was no room for was lounging; visitors would be knocking their knees on her desk. She had spoken quietly, her office barely half a dozen steps from Petries.! Robert followed and took a spare chair. He wanted the case but hes snowed under so Lister gave it to you. Im surprised Lister didnt take it himself. Like Colin said, this is the sort of case he likes and its not often he gets the chance. You must have made an impression.! She had been interviewed for the job by both. And both had been enthusiastic. The one thing she hadnt counted on when assigned this case was any type of supervision. At interview she had been given to understand they operated much as a private firm did, that she would run her own cases. The only form of accounting she had envisaged would be at the wrap-up and to the teamand that as little or as much as she preferred. In this case the team was Robert Murphy and Judy Bowman, one of the offices two para-legals. Robert already was giving her qualms. She had never thought she would be less than happy that any offsider would be shrewd and intelligent. She was just going to have to be shrewder.!

Tough, she said, then put it aside. About Russell, a few things are niggling me. Its all so straightforward, so neat. Everyones so sincere. We have an accused who cant remember, a wife who says he killed her husband in front of her, and a friend and his girlfriend saying he must have done itwith a knife that everyone who knows him says he never let out of his possession. She shivered and rubbed her arms. Is there a problem with the air conditioning?! Feels fine to me.! Elisabeth reclaimed her jacket and dropped her elbows onto the desk to rub her face. Let me read everything and tomorrow well get cracking. As Robert left she asked, Whats Niemen like?! He took the two paces necessary to bring him back. Fair enough. Wed have preferred Wilson, but hes taken three months leave. We couldnt stall that long. Was that all?! Whos for the Crown?! QC from Sydney. Thierry Richards. Know him?! She stared.! You do?! Who doesnt, she said, remembering she had to see Lister. As she followed Robert out Colin Petrie called, Have you been upstairs yet?! Going now, she said without breaking step and giving him the chance for additions, heading off down the corridor and up the internal steps to the first floor warren where it was a memory test in negotiating skills. A couple of directions were necessary. Liz Fraser, Listers secretary, waved her through although he was on the phone. An agreed arrangement because he motioned her to a seat forming part of a subdued four petal arrangement fanning out from a teak veneered coffee table without taking breath. Elisabeth edged her way around to have her back to the window.! The decor followed the dove grey and plum diluted by cream colour scheme of the overall office floor plan. Details overlooked at interview she now took stock of. The woodveneered executive furniture failed to draw attention away from the urbane, well-spoken man of middling years occupying it. Well groomed, handsomely large and impeccably tailored he lounged at ease behind his free-from-litter desk and carried on the one-sided conversation as though she was not there.! She didnt listen. She was preparing what she was going to say. Ten minutes later, when she left, she was obligated to twice weekly briefings and had been extended an open invitation, which she felt he would chase, for discussions on any point at any time.! She took everything home that night. An airy one-bedroom apartment in a recently built inner city block. More than she wanted to pay in rent but only five minutes walk from the office while she looked for something permanent. With the balcony door open wide for any breeze Elisabeth sat and pored through witness statements, investigation notes, committal transcripts and Warren Beaumonts notes, all the time making her own.! By three thirty the next morning she had been through it all.!