The Family Detective

 This is another story written based on the newspaper records for Michael's murder trial. We needed to try and bring characterisation to the people. We have to remember that our ancestors were just like us. Their environments may have be similar, their homes simpler but they feel love, lust, hatred just the way modern people do.  I have two versions of this story. I'll post both but feel free to comment what you think. “Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul … to take.” The rough sandstone of the cell tears at the skin of my knees, but the pain is no comfort.   Could it only have been seven hours ago that we’d met John at the inn?   I had watched Katie fuss over the children before we left. The tight twists at her nape reminded me of a shamrock, fitting for a St Patrick’s celebration. Seven children and her body still filled me with desire; her waist, her bosom and those enchanting Irish eyes. I know my Katie. She loves a drink and a gossip. ...

 As part of my uni course we have had to write fiction based on historical facts. It doesn't have to be hugely researched, but a news article turned into a story. This is one I did based on the Cotter's Hold Up. The reference for the newspaper article is at the end. ISOLATION The last of the sun’s rays abandon the stringy-bark hut half-hidden among scrubby gums. The galahs are a shrieking stream of pink and grey concealing the sound of the hawker’s arrival. Katie stokes the embers in the fireplace and sets another log upon it. Outside darkness and smoke entwine to create the perfect camouflage.   Katie gives a silent prayer of thanks for her eldest child, beautiful, porcelain-skinned Mary, who rocks Elizabeth on her hip while ladling the rich-red stew on each plate. Mary is almost eighteen and already dreaming of the day she will marry and leave. Without Mary, Katie wonders how she will cope. Ten children, another on the way. Maybe it would be better if she resisted Mich...