Published: 31 Aug 2026

Things come in three, sometimes four – even more;

Grady may have believed things come in three but a week before he was to go down to the coastal property with Biff a fourth arrived. Biff had already handed in his notice at the mill and with his utility holding what little he owned, he went to ready the property for Grady’s arrival.

It is Tuesday late summer, or as it is called in the north ‘The Wet’ and hearing the postman’s whistle Grady goes to see what is in the mail.

Grady meets the postman Frank Winton at the gate;

“Good afternoon Frank.”

“Hello there young Grady, I hear you are about to leave us for the coast.”

‘He seems to know everything.’ Grady thinks.

‘I wonder if he’s heard the rumours about me and Biff.’

‘Grady stop worrying.’

“It seems so Frank; you know what is said, a change is as good as a holiday.”

Frank extracts a number of envelopes from his bag;

“I wouldn’t know about holiday’s lad, my last trip took me to New Guinea to fight the Japs.”

“From what I read in the history books you did a good job,” Grady flippantly encourages.

“It wasn’t ancient history young man and I’ve still got some tropical fungus growing on my feet as a memento.” Frank turns the first envelope for the sender’s address, “It’s from your Lewis; I see he’s on some cattle station near Georgetown.”

“He gets about.”

Frank passes Grady the mail;

“The others are bills for your father and one for your mother from Hill’s Estate Agency.”

‘Curious,’ Grady thinks as he receives the mail.

“I better push on, it looks like we’re in for a storm,” Frank says as he pushes down on the bicycle’s pedal.

“It looks that way Frank.”

Frank gives two sharp blasts on his whistle and moves on to the next delivery.

Once inside Grady’s questioning nature returns him to the letter from Hill’s as he passes the mail to Karen;

“There is a letter from Lewis and another from Hills Estate Agency.”

Then the fourth surprise arrives;

Karen places the mail aside and opens the letter from Lewis, as she reads she satisfies Grady’s curiosity about the Estate Agent’s correspondence with a simple sentence.

“I’m selling the house.”

“Oh!”

Surprise number five then arrives;

“I thought it’s about time, especially now that I’ve asked David for a divorce and with you gone, with Lewis working away the house has become too large for just me and Robyn.”

“It will be the end of an era for you,” Grady sadly projects.

“No love, it was your father’s era not mine, besides I’ve never liked the house, I’ve always believed old man Dowie remains in residence, even the dust of David’s grandfather if you look close enough.”

“You have never said.”

“Something else I’ve never said, David often wakes from nightmares while arguing with his father. Possible now David is living elsewhere he can break the hold old Jock has on his brain.”

“I never got to know Grandad Dowie, was he that bad?”

“As was his father before him, fortunately your father only inherited mental violence from his father and not the physical violence old Jock dished out.” Karen pauses, she is smiling; it isn’t a happy smile but one that comes from a not so welcome memory, “you do know what that old stock whip hanging on the shed wall is about?”

“Dad’s days while working on Green Hills I suppose.”

“It was the whip Jock Dowie used on the boys.”

“Why has he kept it?

“Possibly as a reminder how not to treat others, if so it hasn’t done its worth.”

“I now understand why dad acts the way he does.”

“No love, a man is in control of his temperament and can change if he tries hard enough. I believe your father enjoys having control over others. I also sadly believe he is incapable in showing empathy.”

“Where will you live?” Grady diverts from the maddening of family history.

“Do you remember your Aunty Meg?”

“Not really, only she lives in Tully, wheezes when she talks and we sometimes visited during school holidays – she also has an old tick infested mongrel called Bobby.”

“Lived I’m afraid; she passed away a few weeks back and has left the property to the family. I’ve made arrangements to buy it from the others.”

“Does David know?”

“He does about the divorce but not about selling the house and don’t you dare tell him, or he’ll be over here as quick as you can say Jack Robertson with his out stretched palm.”

Grady releases a cheeky chortle;

“No worries about that as dad and I aren’t talking. What about Robyn does she know about selling the house?”

“I haven’t told her yet, I have arranged for her to go to the Tully school with her cousins.”

“Haven’t you left it a little late to tell Robyn?”

“I thought it better for her not to have to dwell on it for too long a time.”

Grady is overcome by sadness as it will be the end of lineage for the grand old house, his great-grandfather Henry Dowie stole the land from the blacks and made his fortune, his grandfather increased the fortune and his father lost most of it, now it has come to a scattering of those who remain, leaving David alone to his declining business.

“What about your share in the Emporium,” Grady asks.

“I handed my interest in the Emporium back to David some years back, besides a share of debt is hardly something I would wish to fight over.”

Karen’s mood becomes serious as often it did when something was playing on her mind and she wished to expel it.

“You be careful,” she warns in an almost whisper.

“How do you mean?”

“Just be careful, that’s all; now I have things to do and I’d like you to mow the lawns before Mr. Hill arrives for a property inspection.”

Biff returns from the coast late in the afternoon to find Grady home alone. Karen is doing the weekend shopping and Robyn not yet home from school. He finds Grady in the yard finishing the edges after mowing.

“How did it go?” Grady calls as Biff arrives down the side of the house, his boots crunching loudly along the pebbled drive.

“Everything is ready but I wish you could have come with me to view the property.”

“As I said I prefer the surprise.”

“The surprise will be there whenever you arrive, so why the delay?”

Grady smiles and comes away from his work;

“Cos’,” he says; he looks about being sure they are alone before extending his greeting with a cuddle.

“I could have you right here and now,” Grady says.

“Is anyone home?”

“No mum is doing the shopping although Robyn will be home from school at any moment.”

“You still haven’t said why you didn’t come down the coast with me.”

Grady collects his tools for the shed; slowly they advance towards what was once David’s man-cave and sanctuary.

“As Grandad Dowie would say, nail their trousers to the mask and you will find they can’t climb down.”

“What the hell does that mean?”

Grady simply smiles, his meaning once they depart for the coast it is as if his own pants are nailed to the mask and it would be too late to change his mind if he didn’t like what he was going to.

“It’s just a saying I suppose.”

They enter into the shed;

Grady closes the door;

“Is this private enough for you?”

“Yep, I reckon,” Biff agrees as he feels his temperature rise.

The sale of the house goes through after the first opening day for inspection, giving Karen thirty days to wind up her affairs and arrange for the removalist, as for the boys they will remain at the Dowie house, soon to be the Spencer house, to help Karen with the preparation, also guard against the many visits from David demanding remuneration, of which fortunately none was forthcoming. Eventually David realised the futility of his harassment and relented, besides the week after the sale the divorce was finalised and Karen felt truly free for the first time since they married.

Time for change was close and the boys had packed their remaining belongings in readiness now all that was needed is decision when to leave with the only problem being Biff is having trouble obtaining commitment from Grady who is attempting to savour every last moment of twenty years and ten months living at Dowie Street and unlike Biff who always said memories are in his head not the house, Grady’s memories were solid within the structure.

Tuesday morning;

Karen has the van arriving in the afternoon she is up early preparing their last breakfast together. The boys would remain in the house for the few remaining days before handing over the keys to the Spencer family then regardless of anything that may occur they would head east for their new adventure.

It appears chance had nailed his pants firmly to the proverbial mast.

At breakfast Grady has a realisation;

“What is happening with the dogs?”

Karen serves scramble eggs, bacon and fried tomato on the remnants of china that would either go with the boys to their new home, or the bin on their departure.

“Jenny will come with me but Marshie is your father’s problem – toast?”

“Yes please,”

“There lays a problem,” Grady says.

“What would that be Grady?”

“Who is going to take Marshie over to dad?”

“One last favour Grady.”

“Umm – I suppose I can but I thought I had seen the last of him.”

“Regardless of what you may think Grady, David is still your father.”

“On paper maybe,” Grady says recalling what is inscribed on his birth certificate.

Karen skirts the situation and commences to clear the table, Robyn is reading her bag for her last day at the town’s school and what would be a sad farewell to her lifetime friends, Once home from school it would be a final look around for anything she may have missed in the packing, a final farewell to Biff and Grady then into the car and gone from town. On their way out Karen has agreed to make a quick call at the Emporium so Robyn can say goodbye to David, from then it is up to David to arrange visiting rights.

“What will you do for work,” Karen asks.

“That’s a good question at present I haven’t a clue,” Grady answers.

“What about you Brian?”

“There is a timber mill close by the property, I think I can find work there as for Grady, he can get his hands nice and greasy at the town’s garage.”

Grady gives a quizzical glance.”

“Oh I forgot to say, you have a job waiting for you.”

“What job?”

“Henry Prentice, he owns the local garage.”

“And he’s prepared to hire without even meeting me?”

“Henry is a mate of mine.”

Grady is a little annoyed although he hides it well, “I suppose I should thank you.”

“Not me Grady, it was Jack Byrne who made the arrangements and your new boss happens to be is Jack’s brother-in-law.”

Karen returns with the coffee pot, “top up anyone?”

Cups are filled;

“When will you take Marshie over to David?”

“It’s a pity I couldn’t open the gate and let him find his own way. I’ve never liked that dog.”

“Marshie is David’s pride and joy, he wanted to breed him with Jenny but Marshie didn’t seem interested. David said Marshie is probably homosexual and if he didn’t do his job he’d be castrated. David would never do that as it would be like emasculating himself.”

With the telling Karen has a delightful grin;

Grady gulps in his throat;

“Then again I don’t suppose dogs are like that,” Karen concludes on the subject of Marshie’s dog-hood.

Grady wonders if there is insinuation in Karen’s words but leaves well enough alone.

“I’ll take him over this afternoon.”

Grady had suggested Biff join him in delivering the dog to David but Biff had no intention of being reacquainted with David, so handing Grady the car keys he offers a most definite declination.

“If you come with me it would really stir David,” Grady suggest.

“That isn’t what I would expect from you Grady.”

“True Biff, I suppose I’m being somewhat malicious, again I concede to your better judgement.”

“Yes it is better to leave in silence than have an argument as a memory.”

“You’re not delivering the dog.”

“Even so I trust you will keep civil.”

“Right here goes nothing,” Grady says as he directs Marshie into the utility’s cabin.

“Put him in the back, or the cabin will stink of dog and I think the mutt has been rolling in something dead.”

“If I put him in the back who knows what he’ll do, Marshie is silly enough to jump out and get run over.”

“Ahhhh – I suppose.”

“Are you sure you wouldn’t like to come along, if for nothing else than moral support.”

“I’m positive.”

A short drive to the Emporium but a lifetime of memories, many good some not so good but all in all Grady could not complain about his upbringing, at least David had never been violent towards him like some of his mate’s fathers. There was Tom Henty whose old man broke Tom’s arm in a drunken turn and others he cared not to relate.

Grady finds the Emporium yard gate open; he enters parking away from the main office.

“This is your new home,” Grady tells the dog.

“Well for the moment, who knows what the old man has planned for you, or himself if it comes to it.”

Marshie doesn’t appear too concerned as he had often visited the Emporium with David and once Grady opened the door the dog jumps out and runs to the office.

A minute passes before David appears with Marshie bounding about his legs. David appears pleased to see the dog but not Grady. It may have been no more than a month since Grady last saw his father, in that time David had aged, he was even more stooped, his hair now gone from pepper-salt to grey his cheeks and nose whisky red and his eyes seemed unwilling to go on with life.

“Mum asked me to drop Marshie over,” Grady calls while attempting to keep his tone as friendly as possible.

David approaches half the distance as Marshie loses interest in David, instead the dog is running about the yard sniffing this than that before cocking a leg against the wire security fencing.

Grady smiles;

‘If only the wire was electrified.’

“Has your mother gone yet?”

“Not yet, the removalist is coming this afternoon, then once Robyn has returned from school they are off; firstly mum is calling by so Robyn can see you.”

David appears a little confused; his eyes are on the dog as it runs around the fence line

“Where would you like me to put Marshie?”

“Never mind the dog.”

Grady feels he must say something but nothing of warmth or importance is forthcoming, instead he turns to depart.

“I suppose you and your faggot mate will be leaving soon.”

“Yes I have work down the coast.”

“You are not only a disappointment but a disgrace to the name Dowie, heaven knows what your Grandfather would have thought of your antics.”

Grady releases a guttural chuckle while disregarding his promise to Biff;

“Granddad Dowie would say at last I’ve nailed my pants to the mast.”

David appears confused;

“Besides I was always under the impression parents were to unconditionally love their children,” Grady quietly continues.

“You’re not my kid.”

“Then by your words I’m a Bastion and not Dowie, I guess it doesn’t matter.”

“Go on get the fuck outa’ here.” David shouts, he turns away and calls for Marshie.

Both dog and David go into the office and David closes the door.

‘Not a Dowie,’ Grady thinks.

‘Regardless I am here.’

‘I am my mother’s son and that is all that matters.’

It is a slow drive back to the house, a little sad, a little apprehensive also a little frightening towards his approaching adventure but there would be Biff to guide the way and that knowledge soon dissolved most of Grady’s negativity.

‘Nail my trousers to the mast,’ Grady thinks.

‘I think life in general has nailed my pants, so there is now nothing to climb down to.’

‘As long as I have Biff nothing else matters.’

Once home from delivering Marshie, Grady meets up with Biff as he parks the utility;

“How did it go?”

“If you mean David then it went as expected; I delivered Marshie, attempted politeness and got a mouth full of abuse.”

“How do you feel?”

“I don’t rightly know, strangely I pity him.”

“We’ll be gone from here soon so you will be able to put it all behind.” Biff suggests.

“Do you ever really put it behind?”

“In time it softens into memory, besides I promise you there are good times to come.”

“I’ll keep you to that Biff.”

Grady returns the keys to Biff as they enter into the house; “tonight,” Biff says as a smile invades his expression.

“What about tonight?”

“It is more tomorrow; firstly tonight we will go to the pub and celebrate leaving, then for the first time and not before time, I will wake up next to you come the morning.” Biff pulls Grady into a cuddle.

“I like that.”

“I have other news,” Biff says as he gives Grady’s arse a gentle pat. “Nice arse.”

“Is that your news Biff?”

“It’s about Trish and Adam.”

There is a slight tremor in Grady’s voice;

“Oh, is Adam alright?”

Biff laughs;

“Adam is fine.”

“Then is it Trish?”

“In a way it is both, Trish’s aunt has gone into care and Trish’s father won’t have her back unless she puts Adam up for adoption.”

“He’s not still on about Adam being circumcise.”

“I’m afraid it’s gone beyond that.”

“Then there is only one alternative,” Grady says.

“What would that be?”

“They will have to live with us.”

“You don’t realise how much I wanted to hear those words from you as I’ve already suggested it to Trish.”

“What did Trish say?”

“She said only if you agree.”

“It would be a pleasure having little Adam living with us.”

“Also Trish.”

“Of course, with your cooking, we will need someone who knows their way around the kitchen.”

“A footnote to that Grady.”

“Go on.”

“While you comment on my culinary skills, I’ve never tried yours.”

Grady laughs, “and I think it is best left that way.”

Knowing you are leaving town possibly forever gives a different aspect on your surroundings and everything is seen through stranger’s eyes. So it is with Grady as he makes his way to the hotel, possibly for the last time at least as a town’s boy. Biff had driven over to Chewko to personally relate Grady’s blessing to Trish then meet Grady later at the hotel.

As it isn’t a regular drinks night Grady didn’t anticipate finding any of the gang but on entering he discovered Michael Brown drinking alone at their usual table and with a quick scan of the bar he spies Bruce Menzies talking with David. Grady had half a mind to about turn as he had no wish to end in a shouting match with David.

As Grady arranged to meet with Biff once returned from Chewko he metaphorically bit his lip and advances towards the bar.

Clem George the barman gives Grady a nod as he approaches;

“What will it be Greedy?”

It had been quite some time since anyone used Grady’s pet name and it brings a warm feeling;

“The usual thank you Clem.”

The beer is pulled;

“I hear you are leaving town?”

“Yes I’ve been offered a grease-monkey position down the coast.”

“So you won’t be here for the new footy’ season.”

“It seems that way Clem.”

“I hope you and Biff don’t sign up with the opposition.”

“No Clem I’ve hung up my footy boots for good.”

“Also you won’t be here for the final cricket game for the season?”

Grady promise he will return for the game, he pays for his drink then joins Brownie at the table.”

“The bolter,” Brownie says as Grady takes a seat.

“It isn’t as if I’m leaving the state.”

“I see your old man is half plastered,”

Brownie gives a nod in David’s direction bringing Grady to take notice.

“David isn’t my problem Mick.”

“I heard about your blow-up at the Emporium.”

“How?”

“A mate of mine works for David and was in earshot – Brownie looks about, “where’s your mate?”

“He’ll be along soon, he is visiting Trish.”

“Yes I hear Trish and the sprig are moving in with you.”

“What in this town don’t you know about?”

“That’s the curse of having so many relations in town, I should think having Trish about will make it difficult – bed ways that is.”

Grady ignores Brownie’s suggestion;

“Do you want a refill?” Grady offers.

“Go for it.”

As Grady approaches the bar Biff arrives and seeing Brownie he approaches the table. Grady decides to let them do their introductions before returning, it is then he feels a presence at his side.

It is Bruce Menzies.

“Grady,” Bruce says and places his glass down as if settling in for a lengthy conversation.

“We have never been introduced,” Grady suggests.

“Well not since grade school, obviously you don’t remember me from back then.”

“I saw you chatting with David.”

“Yes he called me over, I think he is tanked to the eyeballs, he didn’t make a lot of sense.”

“In a way I owe you an apology,” Grady admits.

“How so?”

“I have been blaming you for spreading rumours about Biff and me to David but since I have discovered it was my brother Lewis.

“I wouldn’t do that Grady.”

“I was under the impression you had returned to revenge yourself from what was done to you all those years ago.”

“You know about the incident with Brownie?”

“And others,” Grady says.

“Yes and others.”

Grady is feeling uncomfortable, he notices Biff and Brownie have settled into conversation, he catches Biff’s eye and gives a gentle wave;

“Yes Biff told me about what happened and feels somewhat guilty for leaving you with the others.”

“No revenge Grady; besides Biff wasn’t involved and I was up for it but Brownie was rough and hurt me badly, I forgave him long ago. In truth I’m still in love with Brownie although I would never do anything about it.”

“I should take Biff a drink; why don’t you tell Brownie how you feel about him?”

“I’d end up being burned; Brownie is much too flighty for any kind of relationship.”

Grady orders Biff’s drink;

“Do you blame Biff for walking away and leaving you with Brownie?”

“I don’t blame anyone.”

“I’m sorry Bruce,” Grady collects the drinks, “I feel this isn’t the right place or time for this conversation but maybe sometime in the future we could talk further.”

“Yes Grady, I would like that very much.”

Grady approaches their table with the drinks;

“You took your time Grady,” Brownie says, “a man could have died of thirst waiting.”

“I got talking to Menzies.”

“So I noticed,” Biff says.

“What about?” Brownie asks.

“You will have to ask him and I think you should.”

Brownie turns the topic to the boy’s adventure;

“So Biff, you are going to be a farmer?”

“Possibly, you never know as there is enough land and good land at that.”

“I’m a little jealous,” Brownie admits.

“You have enough money Brownie, why don’t you do something about it?”

A deep sigh and possibly for the first time in his life Brownie becomes serious;

“It isn’t money Biff; if I had what you and Grady have it may be different. It is true money can’t buy happiness and I don’t think I’ve ever been truly happy; contented possibly and reserved to that fact so I make the best of it.

“Then why not settle down with someone.” Grady suggests.

“Nature Grady – simply nature, I don’t think settling is in me. You may not have realised but I’ve envied you and Biff since primary school and how often I attempted to put a wedge between you, trying so hard to be part of your love.”

“Love you say,” Biff interjects.

“Yes Biff love and in my opinion you and Grady have been in love since the day you were born. Even Ron said that.”

Biff appears surprised;

“You spoke to Ron about me?”

“I don’t suppose you knew as without Ron’s guidance after the event with Bruce I don’t think I wouldn’t have survived.”

“Ron knew about that?”

“Yes he was the kindest man I had ever encountered. He also knew your preference in men long before you came out to yourself.”

Grady takes a sharp breath, “so that is what Ron meant.”

“Ron meant what?” Biff questions.

“It was the last time we visited Ron in hospital and when you went for coffee Ron asked me to look after you also not to hate you for what I didn’t know about you.”

Brownie interjects;

“I apologise for causing you so much grief over the years about being gay, it was out of envy for what you and Grady had.”

“Deep and meaningful Michael,” Biff says, “I must admit most unlike you.”

Brownie is laughing;

“Only to you and if you were to repeat it, I would deny I ever said anything.”

“Fair enough,” Biff says, “I will expect same from you but for now;” Biff turns towards Grady, “what do you reckon, just have the one than home as tomorrow we’re gone.”

“I suppose so.”

It is then Biff does something quite out of character, he passes Brownie a slip of paper;

“Our new address if you are ever in the area.”

Brownie accepts the offer, “I may just do that Biff,” Brownie replies.

Grady lifts his eyes towards that corner of the bar where David remains drinking by himself

‘Possibly I should say goodbye.’

Biff rises from the table;

“Maybe you should,” Biff says.

“Should what Biff?”

“Say goodbye to David,”

“How did you know what I was thinking?”

“Your eyes Grady, you have never been capable of hiding your thoughts.”

Grady takes a deep breath and advances towards the bar.

Moments later he is beside David and his hands are shaking, “Dad,” he says, giving David the respect for all the years.

David’s head remains lowered.

“I’m off now; if you want my new address you can get it from Michael Brown.”

David remains unresponsive.

“Then goodbye and thank you for the happier years.”

Biff is waiting at the door;

“How did that go?” he asks as Grady approaches.

“At least he didn’t shout and call us faggots.”

“How do you feel?”

“Surprisingly calm, I’m pleased you suggested saying goodbye, now I can leave without feeling any blame.”

“Come on let’s go home and pack for tomorrow.”

As the boys depart David lifts his head, his eyes are towards Grady who offers a light smile but there is nothing in return, not even a glint of remorse. Grady gives a slight head nod and turns about; he hesitates.

“Come on,” Biff says as he guides Grady away with a soft hand on his shoulder.”

Morning;

The first day of the boy’s future commences with what Biff had wished for many years.

He wakes in bed besides Grady who is cuddled into his back;

Biff can feel the warmth of Grady’s crotch against his bare arse and Grady’s arm across his shoulder.

Biff turns to face Grady.

Grady stirs;

“Are you in there Grady?”

Grady opens his eyes;

“I am.”

“Happy?”

“I am.”

Biff turns and draws Grady into his body;

“Then what I’m about to do will make you happier.”

Mid morning with everything packed into the back of the utility, Grady takes one last look around his past, then without ceremony he drops the keys into the letterbox for the new owners.

Grady is standing at the gate facing the house.

Biff approaches, wrapping his arms about Grady’s shoulders.

“Any regrets,” Biff asks in a whisper close to Grady’s ear.

“A little sadness but no regrets.”

“Come on, we need to get home before dark as there isn’t electricity.”

“What no power?”

“A storm brought down the line a few days back and it can’t be reconnected until sometime next week,” Biff pauses with a grin, “you did say you didn’t want to see the place or hear about it until you arrived, so don’t complain.

“No complaints – come on lets go.”

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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