Detective for a Day
26 August 2019 / Writing: Brendan Barr. Photos: Jill Feutrill, Brendan Barr
The shackles were off! No rules to impede our trusty MX-5 detectives in their search for clues that will confirm the guilt of the MG Car Club.
Yes, there were no requirements to line up politely behind a run leader, no need to pull over to enable the convoy to form up, no need to check the run sheet!
Yes, our detectives were free spirits, their only focus was to decipher the destination of any crime scene from the clue sheet provided and then make haste to the area to photograph the scene, interview witnesses and search for forensic evidence.
Kiama lighthouse was the first crime scene, where, after some fruitless searching around the Kiama Blowhole, the better detectives focused on the fence surrounding the lighthouse, resulting in three forensic clues being uncovered, with Gumshoe Feutrill being gazumped by Gumshoe Underwood in a last second grab.
Next crime scene clue was: ‘Think of who Bob could be, add son to this, together with a large ‘pomme de terre.’’ Cars disappeared in a cloud of dust, apparently the idea of sharing information a thing of the past as trainee detectives battle for the upper hand in trying to attain the valued crown of ‘Gumshoe for the Day.’
Robertson’s Big Potato quiet Sunday morning was shattered as 6 MX-5s arrived in quick succession to scour the area, clues were discovered near the said potato, and further inquiries at the local newsagency, where some standover tactics may have been employed on the elderly newsagent, whose name was Hope. (How low can you stoop to win a Gumshoe award???) Others found that a quiet bribe was far more effective in eliciting information and these detectives departed with useful forensic files.
‘A museum associated with the mathematical answer to the equation 299.82/3= ? Will guide you to the destination’ was the next clue to befuddle the trainees. But their brains were sharp and soon the Bradman Museum was the scene of our next investigation. The MG Car Club had set a trap designed to distract us from the task at hand by surrounding the museum with beautiful cars. Wally was bug eyed when he laid eyes on a beautiful young thing called Austine Healy. The cadets managed to drag their eyes away and uncovered the evidence, even the clues hidden in plain view were snapped up eventually. More bribes were paid before tackling the next clue: ‘A purveyor of cosmetics has been forced to store huge amounts of water.’
Avon Dam proved a difficult scene from which to uncover evidence, so morning tea was called. Some detectives relaxed by the side of the water, taking in the natural beauty however a breakaway group imbibed their drink at a nearby (and somewhat warmer) picnic area.
‘This saint has left his Mark when reviewing Anglican clues. He has established a headquarters on an ancient Roman road.’ This clue bamboozled many, however Google was employed and we all headed off to St Marks Anglican Church, Appin.
All clues solved and evidence gathered, we all departed for headquarters at Thirroul Beach Pavillion, where our evidence sheets, photographic evidence and powers of deduction were all assessed by Chief Inspector Barr. The results were close, with Adele & Jenny trying unsuccessfully to bribe the man in charge. ($2 ??? I am worth far more than that!) The Underwoods, Gausons, Pat & Wally scored creditably, however it was the Rowes and Feutrills whose detective skills shone brightly. Feutrills eventually triumphed, even after being docked an alleged speeding penalty (yes someone dobbed!)
Well done to all entrants, and thanks to Jeff & Pam Rowe for providing forensic evidence.
The photo below provides evidence of a crime that nearly took place while a couple discussed the solving of a clue! Names withheld to protect the innocent ....
