A MATTER OF COURSE

The year is 2048, and Samantha Curr sits by the bedside of her long-time life partner, Kerry. The hospital is a government hospital especially dedicated to lesbians, and it is here that Sam finds herself re-telling hers and Kerry’s journey through life to a nurse monitoring Kerry’s vital life signs.

Sam and Kerry met in 1996 when Kerry was assigned to protect Sam. Sam’s mother, then a prominent Western Australian politician, is seeking to pass a law to ban mining of waters off Western Australian coastline.

Kerry has worked with the witness protection unit of the WA Police Force for many years and is one of their most experienced officers. Sam, a young and naïve 23 year old schoolteacher, has no idea of her sexuality and beauty.

When Kerry is ordered to take Sam somewhere that not even her boss knows about, she can only think of her cabin in the bush, three hours from civilization. Her boss suspects a leak in the unit and acknowledging how Sam’s death would have far-reaching consequences, he tells Kerry to disappear for a month.

Kerry is quite open with Sam about her sexuality, but assures her that she keeps her private and professional lives quite separate. The story takes a twist when it is Sam who begins to acknowledge her growing attraction to Kerry.


After an assassination attempt on Sam’s life at the cabin, coincidentally occurring when one of Kerry’s best friends turns up, they are forced to move again, and Kerry is faced with the bitter knowledge that her friend, Margo, has betrayed her.

Whilst Sam watches over Kerry in the hospital, Dr Jocelyn Chang meets Det Pauline Crow, the investigating officer on the case of a young child found burning in a trash can. The year is 2048, and the planet has changed.

No longer are there borders and boundaries separating states or countries, and lesbians and homosexuals have found acceptance in society.

Jocelyn Chang has had a dreadful upbringing and is slow to trust and love, and Pauline has been out of the circle of relationships for ten long years. They soon recognise something in each other which rekindles their faith in love.

Intermingled with their story, is Sam’s shock when she discovers that Pauline’s grandfather was the man who, so many years ago, set out to kill both her and her mother.

This novel is a refreshing read with small twists and turns that keep you interested in the storyline. Basically, the novel is about love, relationships, trust and, finally, acceptance.

“Spanning over 50 years, this novel takes you on a journey of understanding and acceptance – in an ideal world, the future that Coleen Grundy describes is one that I hope we will reach in the near future.”

When they were settled and had ordered drinks they relaxed in each other’s company, Kayleen staring at Kerry intently. “So,” said Kayleen lighting a cigarette. “What do you want to know?” “Oh come on Kayleen you make it sound like that’s all I want.” “Cut the bullshit Kerry. You know as well as me our friendship is based on what we can supply each other,” she smiled. “So what’s cooking, or do I know by now?” “I need all the information you have on the bill that just got passed on the cessation of drilling in the oceans. I need to know who it will effect and how.” Kayleen took a sip of gin and stubbed out her cigarette. “There’s a tight lid on this subject Kerry. It would be dangerous if you open it. This gets as dirty as the politicians.” “Yes, I know, but it has to be opened. Are you going to help me?” Kayleen lit another cigarette pensive. “What’s in it for me?” Kerry smiled. “You know the deal.” She shook her head. “You haven’t changed a bit.” Kayleen leaned forward smiling. “A girls got a reputation and career to protect. If your fool enough to open that lid I want to know all about it.” She leaned back a smug look on her face. “Okay, I’ll give you exclusive rights to anything I find. If the case works out the way I think it will then I might even find it in my heart to give you a copy of the interview, just to top it off. But… you don’t mention this conversation to anyone. Not till I make contact with you again. Is that clear?” Kayleen smiled sticking her hand out. “Done.” They shook hands. The deal cemented. Kayleen leaned back in her chair. “Have you any idea what you’re letting yourself in for?” “I’m about to,” said Kerry. She nodded. “Start talking.”