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Constable Lachlan Jefferies was again on duty at the front counter at police headquarters in Alice Springs when the Education Minister, Peter Cornwell returned. Jefferies briefly closed his eyes, wishing he was anywhere else but here.
Cornwell pushed through the front doors and strode purposely up to the front counter. He fixed the young constable with a glare that said. ‘I’m back – give me the attention I deserve and be quick about it!’. “Where is Superintendent Barker?” he demanded.
“Good morning, sir,” Jefferies said with a contrived smile.
Cornwell ignored the greeting with a dismissive wave of his hand. “Where is Superintendent Barker?” he asked again.
“The Superintendent is in his office, sir,” Jefferies said.
Cornwell indicated the half-door at the end of the counter. “Open
