To Catch a Mirage

<p>In 1996 I was visited by a man I had come to call the Chameleon and three of his dark-suited companions. I recognized Danny Moran the Chameleon’s personal bodyguard; however the other faces were new to me.</p><p>After introductions to Murray and the Dutchman the Chameleon began his explanation for his visit. Did I know of a drug that would stun a man without any long-term effects such as killing him? Could I keep safe a sufferer of emphysema on a long flight in a military jet?<br /> <br />Having failed to complete a medical degree some twenty-five years earlier I could not even spell emphysema. However I was intrigued by the reference to it and flying and guards who needed to be sedated. Over the next hour or so the details were revealed to me of a plot being financed by the Australian government and a television network to kidnap the financial refugee Christopher Skase from his Mediterranean hideaway and bring him home to answer criminal charges.</p><p>I have related the story of the kidnap attempt as I saw it unfold and as the Chameleon’s team revealed the details to me. If I have recorded some aspects wrongly then I am amiss. Where I was not able to ascertain the facts or to check their accuracy I admit I used my imagination to fill in. If I have misrepresented anyone in so doing then I am truly contrite. But it has I hope you agree made for a pretty good yarn.</p>