Pat Ritter. Books

[patritter]

'The Bush Detective' - Page 43:

Chapter 6

Lynne agreed with Alex; his invitation, to have their engagement party at his hotel. Lynne needed to find her father which shouldn’t be too difficult using the bush telegraph. Allan to contact his parents plus his aunt to journey to Cunnamulla for their engagement party.
James Brokenborough appeared at Police Court; Cunnamulla remanded in custody to appear at Roma Circuit Court on 17th September 1907. Allan had the task escorting Brokenborough to Roma for the court hearing.
Sergeant Gray wanted to speak with Allan about something more important than the murder investigation of Mrs Catherine Smith. Allan went to Sergeant Gray’s office, knocked on the door.
‘Come in Allan. Take a seat. I’ve some good and bad news to share with you.’ Sergeant Gray stated.
Allan sat across from Sergeant Gray. A puzzled look on his face. ‘Better tell me the bad news first.’ Allan frowned.
‘Congratulations on your up and coming nuptials to Miss Lynne Smith.’ Sergeant Gray expressed.
‘How is this bad news Sergeant? Between you and I: Lynne proposed to me after I arrested Brokenborough for her mother’s murder. Bit of a shock. I agreed to marry her because: I do love her.’ Allan shared with Sergeant Gray.
‘I hope you realise you need to furnish a report for permission to marry. When is the big day?’ Sergeant Gray asked.
‘We haven’t set a date at this stage. I wasn’t aware of this report. You’ll have the report on your desk by the end of today. Anything else I need to worry about?’ Allan asked hoping everything would proceed without too many issues.
‘Do you want to return to the city to work; or, would you rather remain here to work?’ Sergeant Gray asked.
‘Stay here of course. I never realised enough work for a detective.’ Allan stated.
‘Yes. We’ve had one on our books for some years. Goes back to ‘The Great Shearers Strike’ in 1894. A fellow named William Riley burnt down a Woolshed shed at Coongoola.’ Sergeant Gray read from a report.
TO PURCHASE 'THE BUSH DETECTIVE' CLICK ONTO THIS LINK: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/992624

[patritter]

'The Bush Detective' - Page 44:

‘1894.’ Allan asked. ‘Thirteen years ago?’ Allan stated in disbelief.
‘Here is the report.’ Sergeant Gray handed Allan the report.
‘Right. I’ll need to read everything on the investigation to date.’ Allan carried the report in both arms. About to rise when Sergeant Gray stated.
‘Since you want to stay. I’ll write a request to have you transferred here permanent. At this stage we have enough work for you to investigate. Also, might be better starting married life here. Instead of you escorting James Brokenborough, I’ll arrange for a constable from here escort him in your stead?’’ Sergeant Gray expressed his delight to have ‘The Bush Detective’ handy to solve any crimes within his police division.
‘Yes. Depends on how Brokenborough pleads to the charge if I’ll be needed at the court hearing. This will keep me busy for a couple of months.’ Allan left Sergeant Gray’s office to return to his own office.
Everything is going at a thousand miles an hour. I need to slow down. Allan pondered. He furnished his report for permission to marry Miss Lynne Smith. Handed the report to Sergeant Gray before he returned to the hotel.
‘Want a cuppa.’ Lynne asked Allan when he entered the kitchen. Allan nodded, leaned over kissed Lynne on the lips. ‘I look forward to this day after we’re married.’ Lynne rose to make Allan a cuppa with freshly cooked scones topped with butter and strawberry jam.
‘As long as you serve me this delicious food and kiss me always. I’ll be the happiest man alive. How was your day at teaching?’ Allan asked sipped his tea, ate his scone.
‘The town is abuzz with you arresting Brokenborough for my mother’s murder. Even the children at school spoke how you’re their hero.’ Lynne admitted before settling down to her own refreshments.
TO PURCHASE 'THE BUSH DETECTIVE' CLICK ONTO THIS LINK: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/992624

[patritter]

'The Bush Detective' - Page 45:

‘Hope you set them straight about being their hero. I’m your hero. Something else I need to tell you. I furnished a report today for permission to marry you. Do you need to do anything like this for the Education Department?’ Allan asked.
‘Hannah hasn’t mentioned anything. I’ll ask her tomorrow. What if the Police Department think I’m an unsuitable candidate to marry ‘The Bush Detective’?’ Lynne asked.
‘They will not have any choose. I’m going to marry you in any case.’ Allan stated took Lynne’s hand kissed her knuckles. ‘Another thing I need to mention. A constable is escorting Brokenborough to Roma instead of myself. Sergeant Gray asked me if I wanted to remain here permanent instead of returning to work in Brisbane.’
Before Allan completed his question; Lynne broke into his conversation. ‘I hope you told him you wanted to stay here permanent.’ Lynne’s face turned serious.
‘Exact words I told him. Stay here of course. I never realised so many investigations here in the wild west.’ Allan told Lynne. ‘He’s given me an investigation which happened thirteen years ago. Unsolved.’ Allan stated finished his cuppa.
‘Being ‘The Bush Detective’ you will solve this investigation as well as any other which may come along. I’m certain.’ Lynne held Allan’s hands in her hand. ‘I truly love you ‘The Bush Detective’. She kissed his knuckles on each hand.
‘You’re only saying those loving words because you helped me solve your mother’s murder.’ Allan stated.
‘We did a great job working together. Didn’t we. I can help you with this new one. If you want me to help you solve this investigation.’ Lynne ed.
TO PURCHASE 'THE BUSH DETECTIVE' CLICK ONTO THIS LINK: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/992624

[patritter]

'The Bush Detective' - Page 46:

‘At this stage I’ve had a quick read through the mountain of paperwork Sergeant Gray gave me. If I need your help.’ Allan grinned.
Allan cooked dinner. After washing dishes, clearing them away they sat on the swing outside the kitchen arm in arm. Silence ebbed between them until Lynne whispered, ‘I wish we remained this way forever.’
‘Might be a bit hard. We both need sleep. I’m tired. Huge day tomorrow.’ Allan kissed Lynne goodnight. Untangled himself from Lynne, rose. ‘Goodnight my love. Sleep tight. Don’t let the bed bugs bite.’ Allan walked toward his room.
‘I’d sleep better if I slept beside you.’ Lynne shouted when Allan opened his bedroom door and entered. Allan thought of inviting Lynne to his bed more than once. He’d wait until their wedding night.
Settling into his office the following day, Allan read over information about a fellow named William Riley who was suspected of setting fire to Coongoola woolshed in 1894. Year of the Shearer’s Strike. Allan remembered his father mentioned to him when he was a child about ‘The Great Shearers Strike’ when most of the shearers in the area went on strike almost crippling the wool industry. Allan decided to speak to Sergeant Gray because he was stationed at Cunnamulla during this strike.
‘Sergeant Gray. May I have a few words with you about this investigation?’ Allan said standing at the door to Sergeant Gray’s office.
Sergeant Gray beckoned Allan into his office to take a seat. ‘How can I help you?’ Sergeant Gray asked after Allan became comfortable.
‘This file you gave me to investigate. About Coongoola Woolshed.’ Allan asked.
‘Yes.’ Sergeant Gray nodded.
‘Happened in 1894. Time of the shearer’s strike. I was too young. I remember my father telling me stories about this event. Can you remember anything of the time? You must’ve been stationed here?’ Allan asked.
TO PURCHASE 'THE BUSH DETECTIVE' CLICK ONTO THIS LINK: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/992624

[patritter]

'The Bush Detective' - Page 47:

‘Two shearers strikes in my time. One in 1891. Next in 1894. First one. Something to tell your grandkids; lasted five months. We needed to have about five hundred police here at the time to stop them striking. Second almost fizzled out before began. If you want more: go and speak with Nat Young. He’s an expert on ‘The Great Shearer’s Strike of 1891’’. Sergeant Gray stated.
‘Thank you, Sergeant. I will.’ Allan left the office.
Allan found Nat Young in the mayor’s office. ‘Come in Allan. Congratulations on arresting James Brokenborough. Also; on your pending marriage to Miss Lynne Smith.’ Nat shook Allan’s hand beckoned him to sit.
‘Thank you, Mayor, on both occasions. Bush telegraph is still alive and doing well. I couldn’t have gathered enough evidence on Brokenborough without Lynne’s help. What she did sealed the investigation.’ Allan admitted.
‘Through the bush telegraph how you had Lynne look like her mother, rode her mother’s horse by Brokenborough for him to admit the murder. Good detective work.’ Nat smiled. ‘How can I help you?’ Nat asked relaxed in his huge chair.
‘Sergeant Gray has asked me to stay on in Cunnamulla to investigate further crimes.’ Allan stated.
‘Great news Allan. We need someone of your experience out here in the wild west.’ Nat concluded.
‘Reason I came to speak with you Mr Mayor is I’m investigating the fire at Coongoola Shearing Shed in 1894. Time of the shearers strike. Sergeant Gray referred you to me. He said you were an expert with both Shearer’s Strikes.’ Allan finished; waited for Nat to reply.
‘Yes. I do admit I was around in those times. Before we start; I’ll share with you, information which will knock your socks off.’ Nat grinned waiting to share this information with ‘The Bush Detective’.
TO PURCHASE 'THE BUSH DETECTIVE' CLICK ONTO THIS LINK: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/992624

[patritter]

'The Bush Detective' - Page 48:

‘Can’t wait. Go ahead.’ Allan concentrated on each word.
‘The Honourable Joseph Ryan, Esquire, MLA, Minister for Police was the leader of ‘The Great Shearer’s Strike in 1891’. What do you think of that small piece of information?’ Nat waited for Allan’s complexion to change.
‘Our Minister for Police lead the ‘The Shearer’s Strike in 1891’. How did he become ‘Minister for Police’? Allan asked.
‘Back in those times Sergeant Gray was the only law and order in Cunnamulla. Better you speak with my son-in-law Joe Gibson. He’ll fill you in on all details of ‘The Great Shearers Strike of 1891’. Joseph and Joe were mates at the time. Couldn’t separate them with an iron bar. Joe’s working on my property ‘Kahmoo Station’. Shearing season. You’ll find him at the shearing shed.’ Nat finished.
Allan thanked Nat for his information. His mind filled with how The Honourable Joseph Ryan, Esquire, MLA, Minister for Police was the leader of ‘The Great Shearer’s Strike in 1891’ to go on to become a Member of Parliament; then Minister for Police. Extraordinary. First thing in the morning he’d ride to ‘Kahmoo Station’ to speak with Joe Gibson.
Whilst eating dinner at the hotel that evening, Allan asked Alex, ‘Alex, I’m riding to ‘Kahmoo Station’ in the morning to speak with Joe Gibson about ‘The Great Shearer’s Strike of 1891’; also, his knowledge about the shearer’s strike in 1894.’ Allan said between eating his dinner.
Lynne broke into the conversation, ‘Joe is Hannah’s husband. Wonderful man.’ Lynne expressed.
‘Joe Gibson is honest as the day is long.’ Alex concluded.
TO PURCHASE 'THE BUSH DETECTIVE' CLICK ONTO THIS LINK: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/992624

[patritter]

'The Bush Detective' - Page 49:

‘Do you think he will help me with my investigation?’ Allan asked finished his meal.
‘By all means.’ Alex said completing his meal. ‘Stories burn your ears. I’d rather Joe told you his story. Interesting story to say the least. Can you both excuse me. I need to return to the bar.’ Alex rose. Left the kitchen.
‘This investigation has got you going?’ Lynne asked facing Allan seated next to her.
‘Lynne. I have only a few facts to go on at this stage. Only facts I have is burning of the woolshed at Coongoola in August 1894. I need more information about this person William Riley.’ Allan explained.
‘You be careful riding to ‘Kahmoo Station’. Are you going to stay overnight?’ Tears sparkled in her eyes.
‘Thought I’d stay a couple of nights. I’d help Joe with the sheep for shearing if he wants me to. I want to speak to him at night. Not rush things. I think more to this investigation than Sergeant Gray is letting on. I need to find out what happened. I still can’t imagine The Honourable Joseph Ryan, Esquire, MLA, Minister for Police, being the leader in ‘The Great Shearer’s Strike 1891’. Unbelievable. If this is true. How is he a member of Parliament plus Minister for Police. This is huge Lynne.’ Allan finished started to collect dishes for washing. Lynne joined her soon to be husband in cleaning the kitchen.
After sharing details with Sergeant Gray at the police station Allan fastened his swag behind the saddle on Apache, mounted, adjusted his hat rode across the Warrego River toward ‘Kahmoo Station’, ten miles which should have him arrive by lunchtime. Along this journey Allan’s thoughts mustered in his mind; hoping truth would rise to the surface providing him with information he required.
Arriving at the turn-off to ‘Kahmoo Station’ he turned Apache toward the homestead. Looking beyond the homestead he sighted the shearing shed. A person stood near the yards yelled orders. That must be Joe Gibson. Allan reined in Apache to stop near this man. Dismounted, tied the reins to a hitching rail. Walked up to this man.
TO PURCHASE 'THE BUSH DETECTIVE' CLICK ONTO THIS LINK: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/992624