*******
Part 5: Meanwhile....
*******
Mt. Thomas Police Station
9:00am
"Morning Sergeant!" called Ben, as PJ walked in.
"Not funny Stewart!" called PJ back.
"So, are we going to get a read out?" asked Ben jokingly.
"Not on your life!" repied PJ as he walked to the coffee machine.
"It's you and me doing the van today!"
"Not patrol!" groaned PJ.
Tom chose that exact momment to walk in. "Yes Hasham. That's where the two of you should be. Now go!"
Ben grabbed his jacket and a running sheet. "You wanna drive?"
"No way. Sergeant Privialages."
"That's acting Sergeant!" retorted Ben.
********
Main Street
Mt. Thomas
9:45pm
"Jesus! Not another call!" PJ picked up the radio in frustration. "Mmm...What is it." he replied unproffesionally.
"Requesting you attend the scene of a cold burg, in Clarydon St."
"On our way." PJ muttered, returning the radio to it's craidle.
"Well, it can't be anyworse then what we've had so far!" stated Ben optimistically.
"True. One report of a missing cat food tray. Another of a missing dog house. And the weird guy who was running
around the main street, casting out the devil from anyone who walked past wearing designer clothes. Nothing could be
worse!"
"Yeah, that guy should be down in Melbourne. Let Tess and the rest deal with those looneys!"
******
Clarydon St
10am
PJ jumped out of the car, and headed towards to door, and Ben followed behind.
The door swung open, and revealed a tired looking women in mid forties. "Oh- you're here, thank goodness. Come in."
She turned around and disappeared again into the house, the two Heelers following behind.
They followed her throught the dark hallway, covered with children's toys. When they reached a bright, open kitchen,
the women, continued out in the yard.
Out side in the garden, it was a mess. There were snotty nosed children, about five of them, all under about seven,
running around in their underwear. They looked almost wild, PJ mused.
The garden itself, well, you really couldn't call it a garden. It was dirt, with the occasional patch of grass and weeds.
The woman sat herself down on an upturned bin, and indicated for them to do the same. Ben shook his hand, "that's
okay, we shouldn't be long."
"So, what exactly has been taken?" asked PJ eager to get this over and done with.
"Well, when we woke up this morning, the dog basket, which Tiger sleeps in, was gone!"
"Ah..." Ben looked at PJ, "A missing dog basket."
"I know. Who would...." the mother started.
"Are you the police men? interupted one of the children, tugging at PJ's leg. "Are ya? Are ya?"
"Yes, we are." stated PJ, "sorry, Mrs.... ah...."
"Morgan. Sandra Morgan."
"Yes Mrs. Morgan. what time did you...." began Ben.
"Put your hands in the air!" came a cry. Ben turned around startled. "POW! You're dead!!!!"
The little boy shot his water pistle at Ben, sending a spray of water into his face.
"Aarggh!" coughed Ben, spluttering.
"Great look mate!" said PJ laughing at him, as Ben fumed.
********
Glebe Road.
10:30am.
PJ and Ben sat in the car, angry at their latest call.
"I can't believe we have to investigate a stolen tortoise tank." fumed Ben, starting the car.
"How about we send it off to CI in St. Davids?!" retorted PJ "But honestly, who bothers to report this stuff?
"I reckon some guy is going around stealing all this stuff. Think about it. All these things are stolen overnight, dog
kennels, baskets, a cat food tray, oh, and the tortoise tank. Very fishy!" Said Ben
"Fishy huh? That one is straight out of the 'I wish I was a detective' dictionary."
"Shut-up Hasham."
And that he did, realising he had hit a sore spot.
********
Mt Thomas Station
11:00pm
Ben looked up from his desk. He had been busy writing the many briefs required of him, after his busy morning on Patrol.
He and PJ had agreed that Ben would write the briefs, and PJ the Patrol Running Sheet. Ben had got the raw end of the
deal.
"I am here to report a most serious crime!" slurred the male voice.
Ben got up from his seat, and walked to the counter. "And what would that be sir?"
"This town, is being swallowed by the capitalist world!"
"Really?" asked Ben, one eyebrow raised.
"Big business is strangling small business, and monopolizing our market place."
"Is that so?"
"Take the Imperial, for example. That publican controls not only the sale of alcoholic beverages, put has dining facilities,
and accommodation. And notice how she is a member of the council… that doesn't look…"
"Well sir, I advice that you do not continue, as you can be charged with criminal defamation." Adviced Ben, as he pointed
towards the door.
********
Part 6: Getting the orders.
********
Police Headquarters
Flinders St Melbourne
11:45pm
Jo and Jack stood in full dress uniform, outside the doors, awaiting Tess as they'd planned earlier. She'd gone shopping
in the morning, while the other two had opted to walk along Southbank. Tess had pointed out, that they hadn't come
because they were both broke. Neither denyed her claim.
Jo stood behind Jack, stretching up on her toes, to pick off bits of fluff from his uniform.
"When was the last time you wore this jacket?" asked Jo.
"Well... um... that would be... when I was sworn in I think." stated Jack thoughtfully looking at the sky, "Yeah! That's it."
Jo giggled at him, "Why doesn't that suprise me. And let me guess, it's been sitting in you're cupboard, without anything
protecting it, next to all you flannel shirts."
"Yeah? What's wrong with that?"
Jo groaned, as she moved to his front, starting on his lapel. "You men are all the same."
"Hey! You've said that twice in two days! Is that your excuse for everything?"
"Nope. Just my excuse for your constant stupidity! Or would your rather I insulted just you, instead of your intire sex. I
can change if you like..."
Jack grinned at her, signalling a truce. He looked at his watch, "Bugger Tess, lets just go in."
The two walked in, and were suddenly shocked by the size of the place. Although they had both been there before,
after Mt. Thomas, is appeared huge.
"There you two are!" came a call from behind them. It was Tess, "I'd wondered when you'd show up."
Jo opened her both, but Jack spoke up first, "Where do we go to from here?" The two women had been at peace so far
for the trip, the last thing he wanted was for them to start, with all the brass there was in the building.
"Follow me, "
The three wandered into a large room, with about 100 seats set up. Out the front was a whiteboard. It reminded Jo of a
classroom. Most of the seats were taken, leaving about 10 up the back. Tess appeared to have found a friend
somewhere, so she walked over to say hello. The two young constables, just sat down quietly, overwhelmed with what
appeared to be a room of elder policepeople, all of higher rank. Jack felt particularly out of place. He wasn't even a full
Constable yet.
"Thank you everyone. Can I have you all seated now thanks." came the call from a Senior Officer out the front.
"I'm Cheif Inspector Hardy. I'm the OIC for this event. I know you've all come from across Melbourne, and even the
country, so I'll try and make this brief. I'm sure you all have heard about this in the paper. There are two main problems.
Restraining the protestors, and preventing violence. And then there's getting workers and delegates into the building.
I've decided to split you into half for this. First, all of you from special branches, your mounted, motor cycle, and all that,
can I get you to stay in here. Now, those of you involved in restraining the protestors are...."
Hardy proceeded in ready out many name, including that of Jo and Jack. "I'll have you all into the room next door, on
your left." There was much noise and commotion as all involved moved off.
Jo and Jack found themselves seats again, and sat, ready to take in what was expected of them.
Another officer came to the front, "I'm Inspector Marshall. G'day to you all. Now, what you're expected to do is....."
Marshall continued on telling them that there was to be minimal force, and they would all be equiped with riot gear. They
were all to meet at Flinders at 5am.
"Okay boys and girls, that is all. Class dismissed." The room laughed at the crude joke politely.
Jack and Jo wandered out, talking, "Riot Gear huh." said Jack.
"Great." muttered Jo.
********
Jack and Jo's Room
Pascoe Vale.
8pm.
The two coppers sat on the couch, eating pizza. Neither could be bothered cooking. They sat watching television, talking
occasionally.
"5am huh." announced Jack.
"This is sounding better and better." Jo said sarcastically.
"Where's Tess tonight?" asked Jack.
"Having dinner, with some guy she knows."
"Really? She's not really one to socialise much in Mt. Thomas."
"It doesn't suprise me. She's off having dinner with some sexy guy at an exclusive resturant. I'm sitting with you, eating
Pizza and watching.... whatever crap it is we're watching."
Jack just kept eating his pizza.
Part 5: Meanwhile....
*******
Mt. Thomas Police Station
9:00am
"Morning Sergeant!" called Ben, as PJ walked in.
"Not funny Stewart!" called PJ back.
"So, are we going to get a read out?" asked Ben jokingly.
"Not on your life!" repied PJ as he walked to the coffee machine.
"It's you and me doing the van today!"
"Not patrol!" groaned PJ.
Tom chose that exact momment to walk in. "Yes Hasham. That's where the two of you should be. Now go!"
Ben grabbed his jacket and a running sheet. "You wanna drive?"
"No way. Sergeant Privialages."
"That's acting Sergeant!" retorted Ben.
********
Main Street
Mt. Thomas
9:45pm
"Jesus! Not another call!" PJ picked up the radio in frustration. "Mmm...What is it." he replied unproffesionally.
"Requesting you attend the scene of a cold burg, in Clarydon St."
"On our way." PJ muttered, returning the radio to it's craidle.
"Well, it can't be anyworse then what we've had so far!" stated Ben optimistically.
"True. One report of a missing cat food tray. Another of a missing dog house. And the weird guy who was running
around the main street, casting out the devil from anyone who walked past wearing designer clothes. Nothing could be
worse!"
"Yeah, that guy should be down in Melbourne. Let Tess and the rest deal with those looneys!"
******
Clarydon St
10am
PJ jumped out of the car, and headed towards to door, and Ben followed behind.
The door swung open, and revealed a tired looking women in mid forties. "Oh- you're here, thank goodness. Come in."
She turned around and disappeared again into the house, the two Heelers following behind.
They followed her throught the dark hallway, covered with children's toys. When they reached a bright, open kitchen,
the women, continued out in the yard.
Out side in the garden, it was a mess. There were snotty nosed children, about five of them, all under about seven,
running around in their underwear. They looked almost wild, PJ mused.
The garden itself, well, you really couldn't call it a garden. It was dirt, with the occasional patch of grass and weeds.
The woman sat herself down on an upturned bin, and indicated for them to do the same. Ben shook his hand, "that's
okay, we shouldn't be long."
"So, what exactly has been taken?" asked PJ eager to get this over and done with.
"Well, when we woke up this morning, the dog basket, which Tiger sleeps in, was gone!"
"Ah..." Ben looked at PJ, "A missing dog basket."
"I know. Who would...." the mother started.
"Are you the police men? interupted one of the children, tugging at PJ's leg. "Are ya? Are ya?"
"Yes, we are." stated PJ, "sorry, Mrs.... ah...."
"Morgan. Sandra Morgan."
"Yes Mrs. Morgan. what time did you...." began Ben.
"Put your hands in the air!" came a cry. Ben turned around startled. "POW! You're dead!!!!"
The little boy shot his water pistle at Ben, sending a spray of water into his face.
"Aarggh!" coughed Ben, spluttering.
"Great look mate!" said PJ laughing at him, as Ben fumed.
********
Glebe Road.
10:30am.
PJ and Ben sat in the car, angry at their latest call.
"I can't believe we have to investigate a stolen tortoise tank." fumed Ben, starting the car.
"How about we send it off to CI in St. Davids?!" retorted PJ "But honestly, who bothers to report this stuff?
"I reckon some guy is going around stealing all this stuff. Think about it. All these things are stolen overnight, dog
kennels, baskets, a cat food tray, oh, and the tortoise tank. Very fishy!" Said Ben
"Fishy huh? That one is straight out of the 'I wish I was a detective' dictionary."
"Shut-up Hasham."
And that he did, realising he had hit a sore spot.
********
Mt Thomas Station
11:00pm
Ben looked up from his desk. He had been busy writing the many briefs required of him, after his busy morning on Patrol.
He and PJ had agreed that Ben would write the briefs, and PJ the Patrol Running Sheet. Ben had got the raw end of the
deal.
"I am here to report a most serious crime!" slurred the male voice.
Ben got up from his seat, and walked to the counter. "And what would that be sir?"
"This town, is being swallowed by the capitalist world!"
"Really?" asked Ben, one eyebrow raised.
"Big business is strangling small business, and monopolizing our market place."
"Is that so?"
"Take the Imperial, for example. That publican controls not only the sale of alcoholic beverages, put has dining facilities,
and accommodation. And notice how she is a member of the council… that doesn't look…"
"Well sir, I advice that you do not continue, as you can be charged with criminal defamation." Adviced Ben, as he pointed
towards the door.
********
Part 6: Getting the orders.
********
Police Headquarters
Flinders St Melbourne
11:45pm
Jo and Jack stood in full dress uniform, outside the doors, awaiting Tess as they'd planned earlier. She'd gone shopping
in the morning, while the other two had opted to walk along Southbank. Tess had pointed out, that they hadn't come
because they were both broke. Neither denyed her claim.
Jo stood behind Jack, stretching up on her toes, to pick off bits of fluff from his uniform.
"When was the last time you wore this jacket?" asked Jo.
"Well... um... that would be... when I was sworn in I think." stated Jack thoughtfully looking at the sky, "Yeah! That's it."
Jo giggled at him, "Why doesn't that suprise me. And let me guess, it's been sitting in you're cupboard, without anything
protecting it, next to all you flannel shirts."
"Yeah? What's wrong with that?"
Jo groaned, as she moved to his front, starting on his lapel. "You men are all the same."
"Hey! You've said that twice in two days! Is that your excuse for everything?"
"Nope. Just my excuse for your constant stupidity! Or would your rather I insulted just you, instead of your intire sex. I
can change if you like..."
Jack grinned at her, signalling a truce. He looked at his watch, "Bugger Tess, lets just go in."
The two walked in, and were suddenly shocked by the size of the place. Although they had both been there before,
after Mt. Thomas, is appeared huge.
"There you two are!" came a call from behind them. It was Tess, "I'd wondered when you'd show up."
Jo opened her both, but Jack spoke up first, "Where do we go to from here?" The two women had been at peace so far
for the trip, the last thing he wanted was for them to start, with all the brass there was in the building.
"Follow me, "
The three wandered into a large room, with about 100 seats set up. Out the front was a whiteboard. It reminded Jo of a
classroom. Most of the seats were taken, leaving about 10 up the back. Tess appeared to have found a friend
somewhere, so she walked over to say hello. The two young constables, just sat down quietly, overwhelmed with what
appeared to be a room of elder policepeople, all of higher rank. Jack felt particularly out of place. He wasn't even a full
Constable yet.
"Thank you everyone. Can I have you all seated now thanks." came the call from a Senior Officer out the front.
"I'm Cheif Inspector Hardy. I'm the OIC for this event. I know you've all come from across Melbourne, and even the
country, so I'll try and make this brief. I'm sure you all have heard about this in the paper. There are two main problems.
Restraining the protestors, and preventing violence. And then there's getting workers and delegates into the building.
I've decided to split you into half for this. First, all of you from special branches, your mounted, motor cycle, and all that,
can I get you to stay in here. Now, those of you involved in restraining the protestors are...."
Hardy proceeded in ready out many name, including that of Jo and Jack. "I'll have you all into the room next door, on
your left." There was much noise and commotion as all involved moved off.
Jo and Jack found themselves seats again, and sat, ready to take in what was expected of them.
Another officer came to the front, "I'm Inspector Marshall. G'day to you all. Now, what you're expected to do is....."
Marshall continued on telling them that there was to be minimal force, and they would all be equiped with riot gear. They
were all to meet at Flinders at 5am.
"Okay boys and girls, that is all. Class dismissed." The room laughed at the crude joke politely.
Jack and Jo wandered out, talking, "Riot Gear huh." said Jack.
"Great." muttered Jo.
********
Jack and Jo's Room
Pascoe Vale.
8pm.
The two coppers sat on the couch, eating pizza. Neither could be bothered cooking. They sat watching television, talking
occasionally.
"5am huh." announced Jack.
"This is sounding better and better." Jo said sarcastically.
"Where's Tess tonight?" asked Jack.
"Having dinner, with some guy she knows."
"Really? She's not really one to socialise much in Mt. Thomas."
"It doesn't suprise me. She's off having dinner with some sexy guy at an exclusive resturant. I'm sitting with you, eating
Pizza and watching.... whatever crap it is we're watching."
Jack just kept eating his pizza.