God Only Knows When E-Book

Trevor Tucker

• Herausgeber: Trevor Tucker Publishing
• Kategorie: Abenteuer, Thriller, Horror
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Beschreibung

Failed farmer Andy Stevens' life takes a turn for the better when he meets and marries Sydney barrister Beth Carmichael, but before they can settle into their new life the couple is recruited by the Federal Government as Livestock Theft Investigation officers.

Livestock theft – sheep and cattle rustling – is the thriving but little-known sinister underbelly of Australian rural life.

Along with their leader, Beau, a no-nonsense former drover, two high-flying young army officers and an aboriginal investigator, the team tackle stock theft head-on and commence a hunt for a killer who is preying on Australian farmers and taking their land.

The criminal web they uncover is far reaching and diverse, encompassing native bird and reptile smuggling, counterfeiting and even a fine-art racket dating back to the Second World War.

Even as their successes mount, Andy, Beth and their teammates have to watch their backs. Who knows who is really pulling the strings?

Reader review: "A thoroughly enjoyable read. Trevor has embraced a significant topic which is often overlooked and seldom, if ever, understood by those who do not live in regional Australia."

Leseprobe

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Trevor Tucker

Author’s Comment

Also by Trevor Tucker

GOD ONLY KNOWS WHEN

TREVOR TUCKER

TREVOR TUCKER PUBLISHING

In recognition of all those impacted by farm invasion and/or livestock theft which resulted in on-going chronic depression, bankruptcy, loss of family members murdered while trying to save their property, or while attempting to prevent theft of their precious stock … and of those who believed they failed, and sadly succumbed to suicide.

1

Not every day does one’s life start quite as shitty as this one did; thank God.

It didn’t take much intuition after enduring the noise and power of last night’s raging storm to realise I’d have more than a few things to repair or replace—just as a freezing cascade of dirty water and a sizeable chunk of ceiling plaster deposited itself on the back of my head … rudely waking me from the nanosecond of sleep I’d had.

Shivering, I pulled all the bedding away from the overhead deluge then dragged on a T-shirt. I was in the process of hauling on my jeans when the next disaster struck, stopping me rigid as a most unexpected and excruciating pain wrought havoc upon my gentleman’s region. Poor bugger me! In my haste, the zipper of my jeans had somehow heartlessly ensnared my manhood! And hey, that’s never funny.

With great caution learnt from a previous identical encounter, I coaxed my member free, but not without bouts of noteworthy expletives while facing horrific pain which reduced me close to the point of blacking-out.

Breathless, yet congratulating myself on my gallant achievement, I risked a quick look outside through probably the house’s only unbroken window.

Undeniably I’d need a plan, for that glance confirmed an entire sidewall and two thirds of the roof sheeting had been removed from my new tractor and machinery shed … plus half of the house’s roof tiles based on the quantity now randomly scattered on the front lawn.

And you’ve probably guessed it, the outdoor long drop had disappeared! Oh shiiiit!! Typical; just when I desperately needed to pay it a visit … and where my only supply of toilet paper had resided.

* * *

That run of hideous bad luck continued.

About six weeks later I was forced to take a redundancy package leaving me jobless and without any prospect of finding new employment; after all, our country was now in a recession.

I remember the night I got that advice from my boss; fretting all the way home about how I was going to break this latest news to my wife. But I shouldn’t have worried, she had other more important things on her mind when I arrived home.

My wife wasn’t a religious type, nevertheless I was greeted with some very energetic and rhythmic beseeching of our Good Lord for what she was receiving. She was also totally oblivious of my arrival and in complete synch with the well-intended physical exertions being not so gently shared with my next-door neighbour.

Oh yes, I was mortified and shocked, but through a fog of rage, opportunity knocked. Unnoticed, I backed away, located my .22 rifle then crept back into the bedroom.

Again unnoticed, I positioned the muzzle of my rifle between my wife’s legs, then pulled the trigger.

The immediate reaction of both participants was unexpected: they first went rigid, then greedily consumed the intended reward for their betrayals … as if that was the last thing they were ever going to do.

The wash-up of this was that my neighbour eventually woke from a serious concussion and spent two weeks recovering in hospital. My wife was last seen heading for Queensland, so I’m told.

Regrettably, the bloody police relieved me of my rifle and cancelled my shooter’s licence. Of course, things could have been worse; I could have just as easily killed them both.

Mind you, I should have been a wake-up to this debauched eventuality; remember the night of the storm? It transpired that my wife chose to stay at my neighbour’s house to comfort the lady of the house … but who in hindsight I discovered had departed the previous week to live with her sister in Adelaide. Regardless, I must give my neighbour a big tick arising from this fiasco; he overlooked any need to press assault charges upon me.

The next few weeks went by in a blur of emotions, but unlike my usual interest in the weather which generally controls everything in a farmer’s life, I ignored every forecast: until it was too late, when a raging bushfire demolished my house, shedding and fences and scattered my cattle, killing most. Of course, none of these precious items was insured.

Naturally I’m now destitute given that investors see no current value in my blackened few acres of dreams. Ah well, perhaps the record breaking floods which are slowly receding from my property will bring good luck for someone, some day.

2

It’s amazing how quickly twelve months can slip by. Regrettably, during that time both my mum and dad passed away, no doubt due in part to the realisation that their only son was destined for failure.

But out of the blue emerged a glimmer of hope.

One Saturday morning while idly sorting through some of my dad’s revered old hand-tools, my mobile phone rang. Nursing a sizable hangover from the previous night’s drinking while enduring the thrashing of my beloved South SydneyRabbitohs by the Melbourne Storm, I was hardlyin the mood for a chat, but relented.

‘Stevo speakin’,’ I mumbled.

‘Mr Andrew Robert Stevens?’

‘Who wants to know?’

‘I do. My name’s Beth, Beth Carmichael, your parents’ solicitor. We met at your father’s funeral.’

‘Oh, yeah. More shitful news I suppose?’

‘No need to be shirty, Mr. Stevens. Quite the contrary; what I must tell you just might improve your demeanour somewhat.’

‘Well, go on, spit it out.’

‘Not over the phone, Mr. Stevens. Can you spare an hour of your time to meet me at 10:00 am at my Randwick office: is this Wednesday OK for you? I’ll give you the address.’

* * *

Dressed in my best (and only) jeans, a clean though slightly stained T-shirt and Redback work boots, I dutifully arrived at the address I’d been given. Old money shouted at me, though externally it wasn’t a real flash place. Nevertheless, the lawns were well-kept and bordered by an assortment of colourful flowers; roses mostly, I think.

No more than ten seconds elapsed, after I pressed the black button mounted within a highly polished brass plaque, before the door opened. A smiling woman in her mid-sixties warmly greeted me.

‘Ah, Mr. Stevens I assume. We’ve been expecting you; thank you for being so punctual. I hope you had a pleasant trip to Sydney. Please come in and take a seat. Beth will be with you in just a few minutes.’

Beth! Bloody hell, I’d completely forgotten the solicitor’s name.

Typical, as soon as I had succumbed to a Reader’s Digest article on the benefits of abstaining from sex during an influenza pandemic, a very feminine voice interrupted my sex-starved cynicism.

‘Good morning, Mr. Stevens, would you please come with me, I’m Beth, your father’s solicitor.’

Any time: here, in the waiting room, or in your office would be just fine by me, I almost replied. Damn it, this woman was hot; in her early thirties, about five feet six tall and without doubt possessing an amazing figure beneath the elegant suit she was wearing. I must have been drunk or genuinely engrossed in my father’s funeral not to have recalled running my eyes over this gorgeous woman.

She walked behind her desk, but before sitting, directed me to a seat immediately in front of and facing her desk. We reached across her desk and shook hands, then in unison, we sat.

‘I see you have some outdoorsy work planned, so I’ll not keep you too long, Mr. Stevens. ‘I almost purchased a farm once, in Darwin. Decided it was too humid for me, besides I have an aversion to creepy crawly things. So, what do you have on your farm, Mr. Stevens?’

Though a bit taken aback by her impression of my dress code, her genial introduction gave me time to get my mind from the gutter. ‘Please, call me Andy. All my stock has gone; compliments of the recent fires and then the floods, so I’m trying to sell my property, as is, but haven’t had any enquiries so far.’

‘I see, that’s a shame, Andy, but let’s get down to it. By the time you leave my office, I suspect that your life is in for quite a change.

‘Unbeknown at the time of dispersing the meagre assets from your father’s Will, a further asset has subsequently and recently been discovered. In the briefest explanation that I can advise, the amount in question is considerable and given you are an only child and that the likelihood of any relatives being able to challenge this discovery is most unlikely … you should be receiving an amount of approximately seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars, less my fees of course.’

‘You’re gotta be bloody joking!’, I spluttered, then tried to stand but damn nearly feinted. ‘How on earth could that be true? My old man always told anyone who wanted to listen that he never had two bob to rub together. And he seldom gave mum anything decent, like. C’mon, this has to be some sort of a put on. So how come, Beth. Out with it! And everythinghad better belegit.’

‘Trust me, Andy, it’s legit, my professional reputation would otherwise be at risk. So, take a deep breath and relax while I explain.

‘It seems your father had a penchant for horses and had a close friendship and working relationship with a Sydney based bookmaker. That bookmaker, to your everlasting good fortune, met with me last week and upon my oath that I would honour his request for complete anonymity, explained the reason for his visit.

‘It seems that your father, over a period of about twenty years, had been rather successful at tipping winners and had accumulated a “sizeable cash working account” with his bookmaker friend, a hidden sum which more than once rescued that bookie from bankruptcy. In other words that bloke was in debt to your father when he passed away, not only morally, but to the tune of seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars!

‘Relax for God’s sake, Andy; there’s more. Honest bookies are generally as scarce as hen’s teeth, but I’m now the current custodian of that windfall. I’m not empowered to give you further details, so I’d suggest that you accept this for what it is: an incredible stroke of good luck and reinstatement of faith in human nature. In fact, after I retire this story will definitely take pride of place in my professional memoirs.

‘Now, Andy, I need your bank details so that I can transfer your money into your coffers. If you have them with you, I can do that for you now.

As luck would have it, I had my banking details with me and regardless of my $6.55 account balance, proudly read them out. It took Beth no more than two minutes to complete the necessary telephone funds transfer.

Now consumed by a series of unexpected emotions, blurred images, some regret, and a compelling need to cry, it only vaguely registered with me that Beth had walked over to her office door and locked it. However, it most certainly did not go unnoticed that she was now barefoot, her hair released in a flowing cascade and was in the process of removing her jacket.

In her next few strides, she sensually stepped from her suit trousers then made herself comfortable on my lap. ‘Now, there’s no need to cry, Andy, just relax and show me your gratitude,’ she whispered while reaching for the buckle of my jeans. ‘And congratulations, you’ve won the jackpot because this’ll cost you nothing.’

Understandably, what followed was gratuitous, unrestrained, almost brutal sex; the hard desktop being only a minor distraction. No sooner had I experienced the most unbelievable physical pleasure than Beth applied one last breathtaking kiss then dismounted and proceeded to get dressed.

Still breathless, I soon followed her example and was about to offer up my heartfelt thanks, but she grabbed me by the elbow and almost frog-marched me to her office door. Before opening it, she muttered, ‘I must admit, that was bloody good, but now be on your way. Look, here’s fifty bucks. Get yourself down to the Randwick track just down the road and put that on the nose of number 6 in the fourth. You’ve got heaps of time to grab yourself a beer or two before they jump. All compliments of your dear father’s good friend.’

Again, before I could say anything, Beth chimed in most professionally, ‘A pleasure meeting you Mr. Stevens. Should you need further service, you’ve got my number. Cheers, and please drive safely.’

I stumbled back to my car, opened its door, fell in, started the engine (which fired first time, a most unusual occurrence), turned the car’s air conditioner to full-bore, then mumbled most contentedly to myself, ‘How the fuck did all that just happen?’

To this day I’m still not entirely sure how it did. And I still occasionally wonder if the finer achievements of our desktop liaison would really make it into her memoirs.

Anyway, I was now parched and full of a confidence I’d not experienced for years, so, I got out of my car, locked it, and then strolled down the street and made myself comfortable in the local pub. After downing two schooners of ice cold, cleansing Toohey’s New, I took Beth’s advice and wandered over the road to the Randwick racetrack.

Being the smart-arse I was on this glorious day, I placed a $40 bet on horse number six in the fourth at the odds of 25 to one, and, you’ve guessed it, the bloody thing won … by at least three lengths! I wondered fleetingly if this remarkable good fortune was in fact my old man’s genes at work.

As I strutted off to my car, unable to stuff any more cash into my wallet, I heard the bookmaker call out to me; ‘Arsehole!’

‘Yeah, maybe you’re right mate,’ I replied flippantly while waving at him with a fist full of $50 notes, ‘but tough titty, sport, I’m much bloody luckier than you today, yah mug.’

3

Energized, the next morning I rose early, made a list of my debts, then methodically within minutes reduced them all to zero via phone banking.

At nine o’clock I rang my real estate agent, not so politely rejected their offer to settle into a joint listing, then dismissed them and refused to reimburse them due to their obvious lack of initiative.

By morning-tea I had engaged one of the State’s most prestigious property investment companies, and to my delight was confidently advised I could look forward to a result within a fortnight.

True to their word, just ten days later they had secured a buyer for my small rural property. Apparently, that buyer was falling over himself to part with five hundred and fifty-three thousand dollars—thus elevating me to instant millionaire status—and further uplifting my previously flagging demeanour.

* * *

About six weeks later, after finishing a rather vigorous early morning workout at my local gym, I made a beeline to my favourite bakery to buy a vanilla snotbox and a choc-chip muffin to go with my takeaway honey-sweetened, double strength mid-morning coffee latte.

I was soon home, settled into my back-verandah deck chair and paused for a few minutes, to savour the view. The elevated location of my house afforded a magnificent 180° view over the bayside park which included the concourse, ancient pines, picnic lawns and of course, the Bondi beach proper that arched north and south to the bay’s headlands. There was barely a cloud in the sky, and what there was of them were at high altitude and being swept in thin skeins to the offshore horizon. The ocean sparkled in the early morning sun, and was calm, barely a wave finding its way up the beach.

Though my mood matched the ocean, I did feel a bit sad for the half dozen surfers who sat forlornly beside their boards, no doubt hoping for the arrival of a rideable set of waves. ‘No way boys, not this morning,’ I muttered, ‘maybe later this arvo.’

I glanced at the morning paper’s sporting page headlines, took a bite from my muffin, and sipped my first coffee hit, when, wouldn’t you know it, my bloody phone started chirping at me.

‘Oh, piss off, call back later will yah,’ I again muttered, getting agitated now, but after the sixth or seventh ring, I relented and answered.

‘Andy here,’ I said, not so politely, ‘this had better be good calling a man at this hour.’

‘Hello darling,’ a sensual and almost familiar woman replied. ‘It’s me, Beth, Beth Carmichael. Have you got a moment? I’ve got some lovely news that I know you’ll really appreciate.’

‘Beth! Well, I’ll be buggered. Ah, come on, don’t tell me another bookie has come forward with another bloody donation.’

‘I’m very well, Andy, thanks for asking. But no, nothing like that, much better I reckon.’

‘Well come on, spit it out, there’s no secrets between us.’

‘Well, you’re wrong, darling, there has been one I’ve been keeping to myself. I’m pregnant, how does that grab you!’

Silence reigned.

‘Soooo, congratulations, but what’s that got to do with me,’ I whispered, never expecting Beth’s words to have such a deadening impact upon my day which had otherwise got off to such a pleasant start.

‘No, no, Andy, you misunderstand, darling; my sincerest congratulations to you are also in order.’

Another silence: my mind suddenly blank.

‘But, but …,’ I eventually stammered.

‘No if’s or but’s, Andy, I’m pregnant. I hadn’t had sex for at least eighteen months before your visit to my office, I’ve missed my last two periods and my GP has confirmed my condition.

‘Look, I was taken by your physique when we met at your father’s funeral, despite your hangdog appearance, OK. And ever since I’d been fantasising about how much I wanted to get you back on the road, so to speak, so don’t go blaming yourself for the indulgences I extracted from you. Perhaps I should have insisted that you wear a condom because I’d stopped taking the pill twelve or more months ago. And that too, is no fault of yours.

‘That’s all I want to say over the phone; please, can we meet somewhere, and soon? I reckon we need to iron out a few things because, Andy my darling, I am not going to have an abortion, no matter what.’

Strangely, Beth’s insistence on calling me darling, was having a profound impact upon me; not pushy, relaxed, sincere, and natural … as if we’d known each other for years. ‘Yeah, OK, that’d be good,’ I replied with what I thought sounded equally sincere and enthusiastic. ‘I live alone, in Bondi. Can you come over today, at any time, or do you want me to come to you?’

‘I’ve got your address; I’ll be there in about an hour. I’ll bring some lunch. And hey, I’m still infatuated by you, no matter what you might be thinking right now.’

* * *

The intervening hour before Beth arrived gave me time to think. At no time had I felt pressured during our telephone conversation. In fact, I felt rather good about this development, and besides she wasn’t the only one who’d been doing the fantasising thing. Based on how my heart was now pumping and how suddenly my mouth had become as dry as a chip, it was time to admit it … I’m smitten, there you go, I’ve said it, as foreign as it was coming from me, who, for a change, was not just thinking of myself.

On the other hand, an hour was more than enough time for me to pack a few things and head for the hills, but nah, that was the old Andy. Somehow my thoughts were totally focused on Beth and her little surprise. The truth was I liked her, and I felt that I really needed her … besides I love kids.

* * *

When I heard the side gate click open, I almost fell over myself as I pranced to the end of my verandah. Looking down the back steps in anticipation of Beth’s arrival, I almost stopped breathing when she appeared from around the side of the house, where she then stepped onto the bottom step, stopped, and looked up at me.

Her beautiful beaming smile greeted me, a display of perfect white teeth between full, orange lips, a colour which matched her lightly tanned face, shoulders, arms, and legs. Sunglasses were planted on her head amongst a mess of blond hair which framed her face, a small straight nose in perfect unison with high cheek bones, and a squarish jaw line. And mind you, her white summer dress, which left little to my imagination, most definitely did not go unnoticed, nor did her orange sandals detract from her magnificent, sculpted legs.

But best of all, her light blue eyes sparkled as if she didn’t have a worry in the world, and her expression oozed confidence and unadulterated happiness; in fact, she looked drop-dead gorgeous … and even more beautiful than when we last met at her office in Randwick.

‘Well, hello you, give a girl a hand with this shopping, and please, grab your jaw before it hits the floor.’

I raced down the stairs to unburden her of the large grocery bag and the six-pack of beer she was holding. But, before I took them from her, Beth daringly spread her arms as I swept mine around her waist, then gently pulled her into my chest and planted what was intended to be a courteous greeting peck—but which rapidly escalated into an unashamedly passionate kiss, the likes of which you only ever imagine could be possible.

Breathless, we parted. ‘Well, that was nice,’ Beth whispered, ‘but please unhand me and quickly; take these, I need to use your toilet.’

I quickly grabbed her shopping, turned, and bolted back up the steps, not expecting to have my buttocks playfully squeezed when only halfway up; could this be foreplay?

‘Andy, which way? … quickly!’

Beth obviously made it in time, judging by the self-satisfied look on her face as she meandered back into the kitchen.

‘Those sandwiches; how did you know ham-off-the-bone, Swiss cheese, lettuce, and love apples is my favourite? … and on light rye!’

‘Purely guess work darling. I had you figured for a love apple kind of bloke. And a coldie’d be good, eh?’ Where’d you put the stubbies?’

‘Freezer; top part of the fridge.’

‘Good boy. I’ll get ‘em; you make a start on your sandwich. Out on the back verandah; yeah?’

We sat shoulder-to-shoulder, almost touching, eating steadily and slowly downing our ice-cold beers while casually scanning a very flat ocean. ‘The surfers have snatched it; apparently, they’ve decided the surf’s a no-go. What about you, Beth, can you ride a surfboard?’

‘Yep, but I haven’t had many opportunities over the past five or so years. My business and career have sort of got in the way. And you, my darling?’

‘Yep, same. But my excuse is an unhealthy marriage. One day while I was at work, she threw my board onto a hard rubbish collection. Of course, I never saw it again. Said it was always getting in her way, and that I never used it anymore and even questioned why I got so annoyed. Thoughtless bitch, she never once wanted to come with me whenever I suggested a day at the beach … and of course hated the ocean, and wasn’t a bit interested in learning to ride.’

‘So, why’d you marry her?’

‘She knew a bit about farming, which I thought would be a great help to me, but she spent more time helping our next-door neighbour … including which I eventually discovered, involved screwing him at every opportunity, including in our bed.’

‘Oohh, what a nasty piece of work. And where is she now?’

‘I’ve got no idea and couldn’t care a tinker’s toss. Thank God we didn’t have kids; just in case the poor bugger’s grew up to look like my neighbour.’

‘Actually that’s quite funny darling; just another of your endearing qualities … that you’ve somehow managed to retain your sense of humour.

‘But I must say, from a legal perspective of course, the timing of her departure was a blessing insomuch as you now have no obligation to part with any of your inheritances, even if she subsequently locates you. Legally, I’ve seen to all of that for you. And, if you’re wondering, should our dalliance result in you believing that I’m out to relieve you of your fortune, then you’ve got it wrong, Andy, very wrong.’

‘Thank God you’ve clarified that because I think I’ve fallen in love with you. And you?’

‘Oh yes, right back at you Andy; I’m absolutely sure, too. My instincts are never wrong. But come on, let’s go for a walk on the beach, I haven’t done that for years. We can talk and walk, eh?’

We strolled barefoot, either holding hands or arm-in-arm, from one end of Bondi Beach to the other and back to where we started. I don’t believe that I’d ever before felt so content and assured. And yes, we talked about many things that had shaped our lives and revealed most of our ambitions.

Suddenly Beth urged me into the sea, up to our knees. She then turned and faced me, smiling broadly while firmly grasping both of my hands in hers and said, ‘Andy, please, will you marry me?’

‘You’ve got a bloody cheek; that’s supposed to be my job. But yes, absolutely yes, of course I’ll marry you. And Beth, for the record, I’m rapt that you are coming with our special package. Nothing feels rushed, just so bloody natural and exciting. But hang on, why the Hell are you crying girl!?’

‘Crazy, eh? I’m not sad or upset, Andy; really. These are tears of joy, from me and our first little-un.’

We hugged and kissed (and groped each other; just a bit) until a rogue wave tipped us both arse overhead.

4

Five years on, we still live in Bondi. Our wedding took place just three weeks after Beth’s proposal, the one which preceded our near drowning. That conjugal celebration was a small, brief affair and the reception was a boozy meal with a few close friends, at the Randwick pub.

Our first born, Jack, has started primary school and he loves it. Our second child is impatient to enter the world: if it’s a girl her name will be Kelly. If it’s another boy, well, we both like Frank.

Beth is even more beautiful (if that’s possible) and, irrefutably, she is my soul mate. Not all our individual likes and dislikes are shared but we nevertheless have many convergent interests which often result in delirious laughter and physical fun, most often ending in our bedroom.

We work-out together at least three times a week at the local gym and ride our bikes for typically forty kilometres on most weekends. However, Beth’s condition will soon put an end to those activities for a while. Regardless, we still walk the beach most mornings. Oh yes, Beth is also a fantastic cook and has taught me many recipes; mostly those inherited from her mum.

There’s a slightly sad note which intrudes occasionally: both of her parents were killed in car accidents. However, Beth’s spirit soars above any depression she might be feeling in her moments of reflection. I wish I’d met her parents.

By coincidence, my parents passed in the same year as Beth’s, and apparently, we are both the single product of both marriages, yet we never feel alone.

Beth works three days a week for the barrister whom she once employed, travelling to Randwick and home for no other reasons than she’s bloody good at her chosen career, enjoys its legal challenges … and must support me, for I haven’t worked for wages since we first met. I, however, have chased and invested in the stock market with considerable success, more than doubling our shared wealth and guaranteeing our now multi-millionaire status. Mind you, we don’t make a fuss about our wealth, our greatest reward is the pleasure of just being with each other, and our kids.

It was during this time we took to the skies. Both of us obtained our pilot licenses’ and soon after purchased an American made Beechcraft Duchess, a twin-engine monoplane which we stored in a hangar at the Mascot airport. Yes, perhaps an urbane lifestyle, some may argue.

However, about ten months later that lifestyle was about to change somewhat.

* * *

Late one summer afternoon, while sitting on the Bondi beach sharing our favourite take-away meal of fish and chips, our kids, Jack, and Kelly, were finally showing signs of tiring after an hour or more of playing tag and racing away from waves as they clawed their way up the beach in pursuit of their toes.

‘You had enough, darling? I need to pee, so I’ll grab the kids and get them home; alright?’

‘Of course, but I’ll stay and finish our chips and my milkshake. I’ll join you in about ten minutes.’ Again, I don’t know why I deserved it, but as usual, Beth’s smile of acceptance almost took my breath away.

I was in the process of bundling up our rubbish when a bloke who had been sitting alone, about twenty yards away, wandered up to me. ‘Nice day, eh? Your wife and kids have abandoned you I see.’

‘Nah, not really. The kids need to have an early night; we’re going on a drive to Warragamba tomorrow and I want to make an early start. Haven’t seen you around before mate; you live local?’

‘No, just passing through. By the way, me name’s Beau, Beau Dickinson.’

‘Nice to meet you, mate. I’m Andrew, Andrew Stevens; Andy will do.’

‘That’s good because I’ve been looking for you. But hang on Andy, relax. I just want to have a yarn with you about a few things that might be of interest … you apparently come with the perfect credentials for what certain people would like you to consider.’

Yes, I did arc up a bit, but it’s not every day that a stranger wanders up to you and wants to have an earnest discussion. But, as I studied this bloke, he gave no impression of being either an obnoxious lay-about or a God botherer, but rather more like a seasoned farmer: his rugged and suntanned face was a dead set giveaway, as were his green trousers, dusty RM Williams pull-up work boots and his beige, button down long-sleeved shirt … and of course his nondescript leather hat complete with a very sweaty sweatband.

There was no threat in his demeanour as he dropped his spent cigarette into the roadside gutter and very deliberately crushed it lifeless with the twist of a boot. He then removed his hat, revealing an almost bald head and a few longish remaining whisps of white hair. And, not for the only time during the next half hour would I be amazed at how startlingly blue his eyes were. Mind you, it was a bit off putting that those eyes seemed to cause him continuous discomfort, judging by the tears which oozed from them before meandering down his cheeks.

‘I’m intrigued mate; let’s sit here. This table looks clean enough; there’s a bit of shade and nobody’s within earshot.

‘So, let’s get started; what really brings you to Bondi?’

‘Just doing my job Andy. I’m employed by the Australian Federal Police, but not in any role you’ve probably ever heard about … or to fear for that matter. In fact, it’s not a gazetted job; it’s not something we want the public, particularly anyone with an inclination contrary to honest regional farming interests, to know about. Secrecy and our self-serving objectives will always be king.’

Beau then removed his wallet, from which he withdrew a single sheet of folded paper.

‘Here, you’d better read this,’ he said as he slid the note across the table. ‘As you’ll see, I’m empowered to “recruit certain parties” who, in my judgement, will become a valuable resource to help curtail farm invasions and livestock theft, primarily throughout Victoria.

‘Mind you, my stated jurisdiction, and yours should you join me, will not prevent our activities from continuing should we find ourselves in any other state. In fact, all Australian states will be duty bound to provide us with policing support when, or if we need it.’

‘And you want torecruit me!? You’d better start explaining how you know me and why I seem to fit your bill.’

‘Not just you, Andy, but Beth as well. How about we three meet and I’ll lay all my cards on the table … fair and square, like?’

‘And that includes our kids as part of your plans?’

‘Yep, they’re perfect cover and no harm will ever come to them, I’ll commit to that promise with my life, if need be.’

‘Very persuasive Beau. OK, let’s all meet, tomorrow, at noon. Do you know where Warragamba is?’

‘That sounds like a plan. Don’t worry, I’ll find the place … and we’ll both be there.’

‘We?’

‘Yes, I’d like you all to meet my mate, Aussie.

‘OK. There’s a nice shady park right next to the Town Hall; we’ll keep an eye out for you both. Anyway, again, nice meeting you Beau, catch you tomorrow.’

With that said we stood, shook hands, then went our own ways.

5

That night, after putting the kids to bed with the promise of an adventurous drive away from the coast and into the hinterland where we had never previously taken them, Beth grabbed my hand and almost dragged me into our loungeroom. ‘OK darling, out with it; what took you so long to get home? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so pre-occupied.’

‘Well, yes, that’s because I am pre-occupied, and with good reason. You’d better sit down because what I’m about to tell you could be somewhat life changing … for all of us. No, I’m not about to run away with another woman. But we might soon be on the move. What I’m about to explain could be an amazing opportunity, but nothing will transpire unless you’re in total agreement. So, babe, don’t feel pressured until you hear me out.’

‘Ooh darling, well said; this does sound like a Biggy. Please proceed my handsome man of mystery.’

Excluding nothing, I didn’t need to explain anything more than once about my meeting with Beau, and, as usual, Beth was very quick on the uptake.

Beaming her most thoughtful smile, Beth sat unmoving for a few seconds then said, simply, ‘Let’s do it. The only question I have is, who’s funding this operation?’

‘Dunno, you can bounce that off Beau tomorrow. C’mon let’s get to bed, I’m bushed, and I want us to be on the road by no later than six o’clock. That OK with you?’

‘Of course, but I need a cuddle.’ In the few minutes that lapsed after Beth had had her way with me, and before sleep immersed me, I knew from her breathing that she was still wide awake, no doubt professionally weighing up our risks and options.

* * *

We arrived at Warragamba at eleven thirty the next morning. The park where we were to meet our friends was most inviting, and as luck would have it, devoid of other people. The grass was recently mown and neatly trimmed. Dappled light escaped beneath the branches of well-established native trees making perfect our selected shaded picnic location.

While the kids were off inspecting a small stream which flowed through the park, Beth and I went about setting up our small table and unfolded six camping chairs. As we started laying on our lunchtime spread, and as I had my undivided attention upon coaxing our portable stove into life to boil some water for an overdue cuppa, Beau’s voice gently challenged us.

‘Why six chairs’ folks? My fault though, I forgot to tell you Aussie is my dog. Mind you, he’s been looking froward to meeting you.’

‘Bloody Hell Beau, you frightened the Bejesus out of me. Where were you two: the park was empty?’

‘Something you’ll need to practice Andy. And hey, you must be Beth; so nice to meet you.’ Beau first shook hands with Beth, then me, then introduced Aussie to us who obediently walked up to Beth, sat, then raised his right paw while excitedly waving his tail. Beth returned the handshake. ‘What a polite and handsome boy you are. I hope you enjoy roast lamb sandwiches; that’s all I’ve got for you I’m afraid.’

‘He’ll be OK with that Beth, but I’ve got his tucker in me Landy if he gets peckish like.’

What followed was most unexpected. Aussie repeated the handshake routine with me, but as I took his paw, he let out a soft bark in greeting … then walked to my side and happily leant his weight against my right leg.

‘He likes you both; thought he would. But right now, I could do with that cuppa you promised, black, no sugar or milk thanks.’

‘He’s a bloody ripper, eh Beau, where’d you get him? Pull up a chair mate, while I pour the tea. Want some fruit cake to go with that? Beth’s the greatest cook, so I suggest you get into some of it before I eat the lot.’

‘Reckon I can handle both, but how about you call your nippers back Beth, so we can complete our intro’s and so I can tell all about how Aussie came into my life.’

Aussie dutifully repeated the handshake routine, which put Jack and Kelly into fits of laughter, and it didn’t take long before they enticed Beau and Aussie away to show them the small trout they’d earlier discovered in the nearby creek. I don’t know what the three of them talked about, but it was a pleasurable experience watching them walk back to our table, each of our kids holding one of Beau’s hands and with Aussie out-front, bouncing along and smiling; yes smiling, I swear!

During those fleeting moments, Beth gently grabbed and squeezed my hand then turned to face me and delivered a beautifully contented smile which I knew meant she was sharing the same feelings of pride, happiness, and love … and not a single word from either of us was needed to magnify our feelings.

‘Righto kids, just one more important thing you need to know, and I’ll need your help too, Andy and Beth,’ said Beau as he signalled Aussie to sit by his side.

‘You see, Aussie’s more than just a cattle dog, he’s a fighter. Don’t let his convivial nature fool you, though he’ll never harm any of us. If he has a fault it’s imbedded in his nature to protect me, mixed with some inbred trait that he’s “King of the heap”. He’s such a strong boy all right, but he can’t help it, there’s something in his DNA which sets him apart. If he ever spots another dog, whether it’s on a leash or not, he’ll want to challenge it, regardless of its size, or age. So, if you see a dog at any time, let me know straight away; he’ll obey me when I tell to mind his own business, but he’ll probably ignore you folk. Mind you, he’s still a gentleman when a bitch is involved; he gets all affection like, but that’s nature, eh?

‘Right now, you’ll notice he’s shivering, like it’s cold, and staring over towards the creek. That’s a sure sign he’s already seen a dog, which we haven’t, and he’s waiting for me to give him the OK to send it packing.’

‘Actually Beau, there’s two dogs over there,’ Beth quickly pointed out, ‘they’re both about the same size as Aussie.’

‘Oh yes, and they’re up to no good, I’d say. I’d like to give you a demo, but Aussie’d probably kill one, or both of ‘em, and that’s not something you’ll want the kids to witness. Just keep an eye out for them and see what those two do. When Aussie stops shivering, he’ll probably sort of cough, then walk around in a circle before relaxing.’ As if on command, Aussie uttered a strange, quiet, strangling sounding woof, circled Beau’s legs then flopped onto the grass; so cool that butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth.

That performance complete, we sat around our picnic table and thoroughly enjoyed Beth’s fabulous lamb and pickle sandwiches, potato salad, and of course the best fruit cake you’ll ever taste. As I poured Beau’s his third cup of black tea, he coughed quietly to get everyone’s attention then gradually launched into how he met Aussie.

* * *

‘It was the ’96 Australia Day long weekend, and one of our favourite “local” getaway opportunities was coming to an end. It had been a fun—sometimes hair-raising—few days, 4-wheel driving in the high country not too far from home. By “our”, I mean me and my very special friend, Jill, an amazing woman who is not only a secondary school teacher but a successful farmer who, I should add, suffers fools badly. You’ll get to meet her if you accept my recruitment offer.’

‘Is she friends with Aussie too?’ Jack asked innocently.

‘Oh, yes, they’re the best of mates,’ Beau replied casually as he sipped his tea before continuing.

‘Anyway, having packed up we set off for home. However, we reached the Winchester Crossing a bit earlier than usual so decided to boil the billy for morning tea before tackling the climb to the heliport. Having crossed the river and set the billy boiling, we heard a dog barking nearby. ‘Most likely some fishermen or shooters have left their dog tied up at their camp by the river,’ I commented to Jill.

‘However, there was a distressing tone in the dog’s barking, so Jill walked down river intent upon testing my theory. She hadn’t gone more than a hundred yards from our vehicle and by then apparently the barking was quite close yet muffled like.

‘There are many abandoned and exposed gold mine shafts in these hills, and as soon as Jill recognised a tell-tale mullock heap she correctly guessed where the barking was coming from.

‘She cautiously peered over the edge of the nearest shaft, and even in the gloom, about ten or so yards down, she could see a dog. It was looking up at her with what Jill described as a “desperate plea for help” on its face.

‘Jill then ran back to me where I was making a brew and yelled excitedly, ‘I knew it, a dog’s fallen into a bloody mine; c’mon, we’ve to get it out or it’ll starve to death!’

‘Not sure if I could do that, I nevertheless grabbed a few ropes from the Landy and followed Jill back to the mine.