‘Judy, sorry to ring you this early. Father Fred disappeared. He went fishing last night. Father Fred borrowed a tinnie from Colin and stupid Colin even put the boat in the water down at the ramp for him. Colin raised the alarm when Father Fred didn’t return. Someone found the empty boat – only fishing gear in the boat. The stupid idiot said to Mary ‘Well if it is up to me to get my fresh fish then I have to return to catching fish myself.’
‘Are you sure Pat? I can’t believe it. Oh dear, what’s going to happen to the committee now without Father Fred guiding us? Who will we get to replace him?’
‘Judy, Father Fred is missing. Two other fishermen are still missing. The police have been trying to get people to realise there are no crocodiles here and the disappearance of three fishermen is a mystery. A special task force is being sent from Brisbane and a Water Police boat is being docked as I speak. A large police van is set up as command headquarters. Every newspaper and TV station has reporters here. And don’t worry about the festival at the moment. Have a shower and get dressed and come down to the Lonely Poet cafe. We can have breakfast there and discuss things.’
At the Dead Poets cafe. . . .
‘Thanks, my heart grieves. Who is going to be our new Father? Does anybody know? A man from the Brisbane archdiocese rang me this morning. A temporary priest will be here tomorrow and special counsellors will be working from the church for the congregation. Does anybody want to remove Father Fred’s clothes or will we leave that for the new priest?’ Mary said.
‘Well, as one of Father Fred’s devoted helpers and know his intimate thoughts I know there are a few things Father Fred would like to remain secret from general knowledge. I will do it. Some things I will burn and others I will send to his sister in Ireland. I think it best we remember Father Fred as being a part of us in word and deed. He was a man few knew his passions. Fishing was one thing he thought he left years ago. Father Fred loved fly fishing the Eucumbene. Fly fishing was a true art he said and I think we might have a special surprise later. I don’t know what. We might get a younger priest. One who enjoys sport and outdoor adventures. One who catches fish regularly and gives fresh fish away he catches. I don’t think Father Fred knew how to catch saltwater fish,’ Ruth said.
‘Ok ladies, let us pray. Father Fred is no longer with us and life must continue and we can do the work until the priest arrives.’
At the hotel. . . .
‘Thelma, I am informed by Queensland Fisheries crocodiles are not present in these waterways. I need more evidence and I am hoping you might have heard something here in the hotel. Anything that can guide us. The disappearance of three fishermen and no bodies found means the homicide department are asking questions. It was definitely not a crocodile. And the fact we have not found any bodies has pressure on every one from the Premier down. Have you heard anything to give us a clue. If you do think of something ring this number and give your information anonymously. Remaining anonymous will save you worry. The police can’t protect if we are denied information and it is possible we have a deranged person responsible,’ Sergeant Anderson said.
‘Sarge, I heard a rumour someone saw it from a different angle and swore it was a crocodile. But you know, what is said is always rumour. I think a few people need to shut up and get their facts straight. Rumour mongering is a speciality in small towns. I was born in a place with 400 people. We called it Gossip Gulley. If I hear anything, I will ring. I want my fresh fish again. My Jim won’t put his boat in the water until he is satisfied it wasn’t a crocodile. People are scared stiff to do anything. One person walked out his backdoor of his house and thought a log in the backyard was a crocodile. The log had been there for years. I don’t know how you guys can handle the pressure. I’ve seen them. You and that bluey haired offsider you have. You reassured that woman the other day and as you walked away - I saw her face. No one believes anyone. Fear has gripped this place like I have never seen.’
‘Thanks Thelma, phone if anything comes up. Remain anonymous. We have to be objective but remember, we live and fish here too,’ Sergeant Anderson said.