I love a good steak Richie, medium rare with hot English mustard and a good medley of vegetables with buttered and baked potatoes. A good Red wine too of course. My mainly Lady clients have varying degrees of reputation. The husbands are shy in such transactions. Some however are crooks. That's why Interpol are always after me as one of their unwilling agents. Sometimes, not too often thankfully, I come across real Jewel thieves, sometimes and Interpol use me as their fall guy. I know jewels and I know any such involvements put me at risk to body and reputation, unfairly encouraged by crafty interpol. They owe me. That's why I keep such scrupulous records. All my taxes are in order to keep them off my back, damn plodders. They copy all my records, intrrogate and audit me constantly. That's why I've snuck up here in the back blocks. I have an Uncle Eduardo up here. Grape grower and Winery. I'm not a black mailer either, but I know things I wish I didn't. I listen. I'm staying at the pub. Fair food, poor wine, great beer, bad beds but good company. If you ever have need of my services, this is my card. My rates are very reasonable. I do hope you get your Order of Australia medal Richie. I'm just the grandson of post WWII Italian immigrants, and a disappointment to my father. I wasn't the craftsman he wanted me to be. Wine nor Jewelry nor even business, although I do know quality and appraisal fairly well. Did you know your cousin Mary's Family is facing eviction for her drunken husband Mick Hopkins' gambling debts? She wants my services but I thought it more proper to let you know first. Your Grandmother's engagement ring. I've seen it. $40k.
At that moment, Detective Long entered the room. "We have been listening to your conversation. It is as we suspected. Unfortunately, we won't be able to prosecute those ladies because of their society and political connections. You know that the rich and powerful get away with things that the poor and humble cannot." "However, Ernesto, we are prepared to offer you a large salary if you will work with us to prevent it from happening again." "We won't ask for your connections. We only ask that you use your experience to advise us about who might be about to make an unwise decision." If Ernesto accepts his offer, he will exit our story and chose his replacement.
Well it seems Detective Long has made me, Ernesto, an offer I can't refuse. So off I go, into the murky world of cops and crooks. Lovely meeting you all, my very best wishes. Hope you get your medal Richie. It has been an honour meeting you Lady Ashley, Au revoir.
Later that day a lone half cast rider on a large black Stallion came riding up. Dismounting and doffing his hat, the tall muscular dark skinned man in his mid thirties approaches. A rifle he leaves behind in his horse's long holster. He doesn't tie his stallion, just saying 'stay zeus'. "Greetings Mr Cantwell, and Lady Ashley. My name is Tom Jones and I'm an experienced Stockman and the best Wrangler west of the Blue mountains. I heard at the pub you might be looking for a top Stockman and Horse Wrangler Mr Cantwell. I have good references, especially from the Mudochs' whose race horses I cared for near Sydney. I prefer training Stock horses though. Sadly they went bankrupt when their Newspapers folded, hence I'm on the road again looking for honest work. I'm a hard worker and happy to prove myself. I also played Rugby for Manly Reserves in my younger days. Do you follow the Rugby Mr Cantwell? I boxed a little too. Sparred with Mudine even but just as a punching bag. Got Rodeo cups though. Also, might you be looking for a Wrangler yourself Lady Ashley? Horses are beautiful creatures and I am very tender with them, like with my workers. $35 per hour only is my rate, plus expenses and lodging, that's for Zeus and Bluey my tough n smart cattle dog. Zeus is my horse's name. He's a great stud, $2000 per foal. He sired Goldilocks the Caulfield cup 2018 plate winner. Bluey is a bit of a stud too but I rarely know which and how many pups he's sired, randy bugger. No charge for his romantic liasons. See over there, that's him hiding behind that bush sussing out the lay of your land Mr Cantwell sir, and your bitches, sorry, female dogs. I'll put him on a rope if you wish sir? Apologies Lady Ashley, I'll call him over. BLUEY! And here he is with a big smile. Rope time mate, I know. Be good. No tricks!" Tom Jones: Physical, Intelligence, Wealth, Social.
It's so kind of you, Richie, to invite me for a visit to your station. I have heard of the huge stations in Australia but never dreamed that I'd have the opportunity to visit one. It's incredibly beautiful. The horizon is so far away that it seems like you can see forever. A person could spend their like here and never get tired of it.
Lady Ashley.. or may I simply call you Ashley as we Australians are not class conscious. What you see here is the Cantwell homestead and adjoining properties. This is one of my cattle stations.. second only in size to Kidman Cloncurry in central Qld. It is called Davenport Downs, has 5,000 head of prime beef and is located 5 kms west of here. Do you ride madam? I can take you to see it tomorrow if you wish.
Tom Jones. I have read you resume and two references. You are hired. Working for Cantwell Enterprises requires hard work. I expect adherence to the company rules, above all sobriety during working hours which means early to bed as we rise early here. If that sounds satisfactory I will have my secretary draw up a contract for you in the morning....
Thank you Mr Cantwell. I promise to work hard, wake before sunrise and will never drink anything but water on the job. I'm a very light drinker anyway. I will ask your secretary about the company rules too. Thank you again.
Of course, you may call me Ashley, Richie. All my friends call me Ashley. I have ridden but it has been a while since I rode. Please have Mr. Jones choose one of your more docile horses for me to ride.
Ashley I will be conducting our major annual muster next week. I used to do it by horseback but upgraded to this little beauty some years back.
Jones you work your bum off for my business and I promise that you will be well rewarded. My head stockman is leaving me shortly after a decade. A hard act to follow but if you show me you have what it takes then you will be considered for his replacement.
Thank you again Mr Cantwell. I won't let you down. I love your helicopter, it's amazing. May I suggest the old gentle mare Gracy for Lady Ashley to ride. A very safe horse I feel with a lovely nature. Do you agree?
Good choice Jones. Are you able to fly a chopper. My pilot has just come down with a bad fever so I will be needing one for our muster on Thursday. I used to fly this one but have not renewed my license for years. This little beauty is a Cantwell Flash.. my own design.. tiny with only room for the pilot and two passengers. At dusk after the blistering heat of the day Cantwell and Ashley set off for the sprawling Davenport Downs station. It is the 58 year old native West Australian's pride and joy as the enormity of his current station was the product of the merging of DD with two of his own company stations. He had set up his business at a youngish 34 after parting ways with the family business, Cantwell & Sons, and with his father's blessing. He refused money from the family trust and took out a bank loan to buy his first small station 200 kms south of Perth. After his father had a severe stroke the company was handed to Richie and his brother James and Cantwell Enterprises was born with Davenport Downs as its centrepiece. Twenty years on C E had grown to be the largest cattle producer and Wagyu beef exporter in Western Australia. Ashley getting into the cowgirl spirit on Gracy. Richie getting friendly.
Mr Cantwell sir, I'm sorry to say I don't know how to fly a helicopter but am willing to learn if you wish. I have however worked in tandem with choppers mustering cattle and well know their methods and how to use the radios.
Richie, is it wise to ride at night? Won't that be dangerous? Will we be alone or will we have some of your men just in case we run into trouble?