Published: 11 May 2026

Lewis faces the music;

When a seed of curiosity is sown it often takes time before it germinates. Grady’s curiosity towards Biff’s association with Bruce Menzies had commenced not long after Menzies returned to town but as Grady lacked any actual recollection of Menzies he allowed the curiosity to fade. Also there appeared to be affiliation between Menzies and Michael Brown. Yet Bruce Menzies was always on the outer as if trying to break back into a circle of friends he may have had before he and his family left town.

Since Menzies return, Grady had only seen him from a distance and he never approached, even during the cricket meeting at the Graham the previous Saturday Bruce used Brownie as errand boy to convey a message to Biff who coldly rejected his offer. That had been considered a little odd as it was Biff who said Bruce had previously approached him with the offer of a room.

Now leading towards the weekend camping expedition, the episode was placed on the back burner to be revisited at a later date.

Wednesday evening Biff is visiting a cricket friend while Karen is attending her bridge night with the wife of the Shire President and a number of would be, if could be women of the town. Grady is home helping Robyn with her seventh grade math homework but he is having trouble with something the education department calls New Mathematics.

Robyn raises her voice and snatches the homework away from Grady;

“That isn’t the way you do it,”

“It’s the way I did when I was in primary.”

Robyn re-jigs the question.

“There, that’s how it’s done.”

“You came up with the same answer.”

“If I don’t show the workings then it is wrong,” Robyn almost shrikes her displeasure towards her brother.

The homework is interrupted by the door chimes.

Grady is more than pleased to leave Robyn to her New Mathematics, believing it will be Lewis forgetting to take his keys when he went to visit Tug.

The door chimes once again, this time with double urgency;

“Alright I’m coming.”

Grady opens the door and is more than a little surprised to see Lewis standing on the welcome mat with a grin as broad as the infamous Cheshire cat.

Towering beside Lewis is Constable Troy Clancy, appearing none too happy for being there.

“I believe this belongs to you?”

“What’s the brat done now?”

“Is David here?” Clancy asks although he is aware of the split between David and Karen.

“No and mum is out with her bridge night; what’s he done?”

“He’s drunk; we caught him with his mate Dennis Skinner chucking their guts out under the mango trees near the Royal, also he’s left a couple of pints in the back of the police van. He’s lucky I know David or he would have been on a charge of being drunk and disorder in a public place.”

Lewis pushes past, moments later he is heaving his guts out in the toilet.

“Right then Grady, I’ll leave him with you and let David know I’ll need to speak with him.”

“I’ll let him know.”

Grady bids the policeman goodnight, moments later he is at the toilet door.

‘Tell dad, I don’t think so,’ Grady thinks.

Lewis has his head hovering over the toilet bowl.

Grady is standing over Lewis who is a whiter shade of pale and obviously not enjoying the results of over indulging.

“Silly little bugger,”

“It was fun at first.”

More heaving;

You are lucky you weren’t charged.”

“That wouldn’t happen.”

“And why not?”

“Clancy and dad are buddies. “Even so, mum is gonna’ give you curry when she finds out.”

“You won’t tell her?”

“Possibly I’ll hold this one over you for a favour at a later time.”

“Sure thing bro’.”

“You better clean yourself up and get to bed before mum returns – and take a bucket with you.”

“I won’t need one, I’m all outa’ juice.”

Lewis is helped to his bed, as for Grady’s promise not to tell their mother, unfortunately for Lewis the promise becomes pointless as Robyn heard everything and likes nothing better than to bring Lewis undone.

Breakfast time with Lewis all but dragged from his bed on a school day appearing somewhat weathered, his face is white, his eyes resembling two piss holes in the snow, and he has lost his usual bravado.

Grady is keeping to his promise although he had told Biff when he arrived home late the previous night.

Robyn is chewing on a slice of toast while kicking the table leg.

“Don’t do that Robyn.”

Robyn stops kicking and pouts from the ticking-off by her mother, she decides it is time for get-back with Lewis her target.

“Lewis came home with the police last night,” Robyn says in a most nonchalant manner while once again nibbling at her toast.

Lewis’ head physically cringes into his shoulders.

“It isn’t nice to make up stories Robin.”

“He did, the policeman said Lewis was drunk and then Lewis ran to the toilet and was sick.”

Karen’s eyes narrow, her lips thin to two angry lines as she glares at Lewis, “Is this true Lewis?”

“Sorta’ I suppose.”

“What do you mean by sort of?”

Lewis shrugs the question away.

“Who were you with?”

“No one.”

Robyn hasn’t finished with Lewis, “the policeman said Lewis was with Dennis Skinner.”

“Robyn you better get a wriggle on, Mrs. Halsall will be along in a moment to pick you up for school.”

There is the sound of a car horn from the street.

“Off you go now love.”

Robyn appears quite pleased with her handiwork as she hurries to meet her ride.

Karen is obviously furious with Lewis;

“Haven’t you got exams today?”

“It’s only chemistry and a shoe-in; I’ve gained enough points over the term to pass without sitting the exam.”

With the stress from his mother finding out about his little escapade and the remnant of alcohol in his system Lewis appears ready to chuck.

“I don’t feel well; I’m going back to bed.”

Instead it is to the toilet where he loses the little breakfast he had consumed.

Karen’s irritation is now diverted towards Grady;

“Why didn’t you let me know about this?”

“You have enough problems at present, so I intended to handle it myself – besides.”

“Besides what?”

“It may teach him a lesson.”

“You do realise David has to be told?”

“I think Troy Clancy will have already told him, I’ll go see dad after work this afternoon if you wish.

At least Karen is pleased she doesn’t have to face David, knowing his comment would refer to bad parenting on her behalf.

“That would be appreciated and while you are visiting your father, ask him what he intends to do about the dogs.”

“He said he wants Marshie with him and he’ll find a new home for Jenny.”

“Jenny can stay here, as for Marshie I’ve had enough of his escapades and complaints from Mrs. Morrison.”

During the day Grady formulated his approach to David, although he had been around long enough to realise the best laid plans usually became debunked when his father was concerned. Grady’s unusual quietness is soon observed by his co-worker Alfred Deed when Grady clumsily knocked over a small container of used sump oil.

“You are like a cat on a hot tin roof today – girl troubles young lad?”

“I would only wish that was true Alfred, no Troy Clancy brought young Lewis home drunk last night.”

“He’s a cheeky little bugger at best but why would Lewis being drunk cause you grief?”

“You know dad has moved out?”

“So I hear.”

Jack Byrne is close by and obviously enjoying Grady’s discomfort.

“I promised mum I’d approach dad on the matter and I’m to visit him after work.”

Jack Byrne chirps in;

“I could give you overtime so you don’t have to face him.”

“Will have to sometime Mr. Byrne and as usual I’ll get the blame.”

Jack Byrne is now laughing;

“The trials of growing up lad and I’ll tell you something else,” Jack says.

“What’s that Mr. Byrne?”

“The trials don’t stop afterwards; it’s the same year after bloody year. If it isn’t your kids giving you grief it the misses nagging about everything and just when you have the whole thing beet the in-laws arrive.”

“Do you think that makes me feel better Mr. Byrne?”

“I don’t know about you lad but it sure made me feel a hell of a lot better, what do you reckon Alf.”

“Yep, agreed in full.”

Four-thirty;

The day’s work is done with only cleaning up remaining.

Jack Byrne is grinning.

Grady is lingering.

“Well lad I suppose you should be on your way to face the music.”

“Music – huh, dad and I have never sung from the same song book.

En-route to visit David, Grady calls at the Royal bar for a little liquid courage, two beers and still he remains nervous, he attempts to chase away the fluttering in his gut by thinking it is only David he is approaching, not a firing squad. Besides in the past he had managed to hold up against David, so why should this account concern, that realisation didn’t sway him towards positive as he approached the Feed and Stock Emporium.

Coming into the collection yard Grady spies his father in conversation with one of his staff; more in truth David is physically pushing his point of view onto George Robertson with a well extended index finger and a few choice words neither would use in Sunday school.

George appears to be attentive although he is wearing a supercilious expression appearing to say, what’s up your arse David.

David is incapable in reading his worker’s expression and continues with the finger pointing.

Eventually David notices Grady’s approach, dismissing Robertson with a sharp word and a wave of his hand.

Grady believes his father appears older and more grey then usual while the corners of his mouth have sagged down to form permanent morose.

David waits for Grady to approach.

Grady simply says, “hey there”

“So you have finally come to visit.”

“I have.”

“If it is money you’re cadging you’ve come to the wrong bloke.”

“Not money, I have my own. It is to do with Lewis; mum said I should let you know what he has been up to.”

“If you are referring to his drinking, I already know. As the older brother you should be setting him a good example. You do realise the way you act reflects on my standing in the community.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“For a start you’ve been drinking this afternoon.”

“I had a couple of beers at the Royal that’s all.”

“You stink of it.”

“If you were more approachable I wouldn’t need to drink before approaching you.”

“Can’t your mother handle Lewis?”

“I think he needs you to talk to him, he doesn’t listen to us.”

“Is that all you have to say?”

Grady falters, he is about to walk away but holds his ground.

“Dad, I’ve always attempted to do right by you, even supported your name in public when others feel your rage but I won’t take responsibility for your loss of face with your mates in the Shire; that is your problem. As for Lewis, he is a good kid only requiring a little fatherly encouragement and if you don’t give it, possibly he’ll be lost to you permanently.”

David’s eyes narrow as he folds his arms across his protruding belly.

‘I shouldn’t have said that.’

‘I’m in for it now.’

David attempts to smile but the sagging jowls only make his morose appear worse. He then gives the strangest answer of all.

“At last kid, you’ve found your balls.”

Without adding to his suggestion David is gone, moments later he can be heard once again laying down Dowie law to his underlings.

Standing alone in the Stock and Feed Emporium yard Grady is overcome with a warm feeling, for the first time he had spoken his mind to his father and in doing so received what from David could be considered a positive outcome as David’s suggestion could be considered a complement even if it was somewhat backhanded.

Thursday evening, Biff is out visiting and Lewis has lost all privileges especially any that may include his mate Dennis Skinner. As for Lewis missed Chemistry exam, with a call to the school from Karen explaining his dodgy belly but not the cause, his teacher suggested Lewis could sit the exam when he returned, although it would be necessary for Karen to pen a letter of explanation for the school files.

Karen is also out for the evening as she has Shire commitments with the Woman’s Association, leaving Grady to look after Robyn and keep Lewis to his punishment.

Both Lewis and Grady are in the lounge, the wireless is low on the country station and Grady has his latest Wheels Magazine. Robyn has completed her homework she is at the kitchen table with coloured pencils and a colouring-in book.

No sooner had Karen departed before Lewis heads for the door.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Grady asks.

“I thought I’d visit Tug for half an hour and be back before mum returns.”

“No you don’t, I’ll not taking the blame for you anymore.”

“I’ll only be a while, you wouldn’t tell on me, would you Grady?”

“I will,” Robin calls from the kitchen.

Not unlike the Titanic that idea hit an iceberg and Lewis returns to his seat.

“I hear you are going on another camping trip next weekend?”

“Yes it will be most of the football team and possibly some from cricket. We are going down to Palm Cove.”

“Can I come?”

“You’ve been grounded.”

“I could speak with dad, he’ll let me.”

“You are living here Lewis not with dad, besides the fellows wouldn’t agree to have a kid along.”

“You know I often visit Trish.”

“Isn’t Trish a little old for you?”

“Her sister Helen isn’t.”

Grady places down his magazine, “are you active Lewis?”

Lewis is grinning;

“Not with Helen.”

“Then who?”

“That would be telling.”

Grady retrieves his magazine and has an eager eye on the latest MG model in British Racing Green.

‘I could be seen driving that.’

‘It would make Brownie envious.’

Grady spies the price.

‘Well beyond my pocket.’

“Helen says Trish tells her things,” Lewis says.

Grady is watching Lewis over the lip of his magazine;

“Like what?”

Lewis lowers his voice out of hearing from Robyn;

“Things about Biff when he was rooting Trish.”

“Yea, are you going to tell me what she said, or play your usual games?”

“She said Trish thinks Biff is a poofter.”

Grady’s expression sours;

“You better watch your tongue Lewis, or you may get a smack in the mouth.” Grady glances as the mantle clock and goes to the kitchen.

“Come on Robyn, time for bed.”

“A little longer.”

“No mum will be home soon and she’ll be cranky if you are sill up and about.”

Robyn puts away her pencils;

“Lewis said a naughty word,” Robyn says.

“It is rude to listen in on people’s conversation.”

“Lewis said rooting.”

“Come on off to bed.”

‘At least she didn’t understand or hear poofter.’

‘I must warn Lewis about repeating that again, or knowing Biff he will give him a smack in the mouth.’

Grady’s thoughts are interrupted with Biff’s arrival;

“You won’t say anything to Biff.”

“Then why did you repeat it to me; you better take yourself to bed before mum comes home.”

“You promise;” Lewis begs as he quietly leaves the room.

“What are you promising Grady?” Biff asks.

“Aw’ nothing, you know what Lewis is like, he doesn’t know when to zip it.”

“It’s all go for next weekend down at Palm Cove.”

“Good, who is coming?”

“The same crowd as last time.”

Grady appears amused;

“What?”

“Is Brownie coming?”

“Sorry, yep Brownie is coming and he’s invited his Cousin Colin Davis.”

Biff withdraws a folded sheet of paper from his back pocket and hands it to Grady.

“What’s this?”

“It is a topographical map Brownie designed, seeing we are going in a number of vehicles at different times, he persuaded the rest to make it interesting. He has marked the campsite and given each driver a copy.”

“That’s dumb we all know where the camp site is.”

“Not anymore, Brownie has changed it; he reckons he knows better site away southern tourists.”

Grady scans the map with contempt, “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt although by his directions any schoolboy scout should find his way.”

“You do realise what it’s all about?”

“Do you mean Brownie’s orienteering?”

Biff is grinning;

“Go on,” Grady encourages.

“Brownie has been conscripted into the army and has to present himself at the recruitment centre in Townsville on the twentieth. It seems the weekend away will be the last we will see of him for a while.”

Gary’s stories are about life for gay men in Australia’s past and present. Your emails to him are the only payment he receives. Email Gary to let him know you are reading: Conder 333 at Hotmail dot Com

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