Shadows of Deceit (22 page)

‘You English still have a lot to learn.’

As he climbed into bed that evening he felt a sense of admiration for these folk now having been reminded of all the wrong suffered by them in the past. Or, perhaps he was simply turning ‘Native?’ He had some Irish blood in him anyway! This thought stayed with him as he tried to sleep but the repetitive beat of the anthem and the sight of the ‘crucifixion’ he’d witnessed earlier remained a constant image in his mind throughout the night.

The next day Harry journeyed back to Dublin and Darlath’s flat. Later, after a meal, they toured some pubs and discussed what had occurred in Cork in the past few days.

“Darlath, these guys I met, O’Leary and Cleggs, you described them as ‘Dockers.’ But they don’t actually work there do they?”

“I didn’t say too much to you before you left, better that you discovered their background yourself down there. However, you’re right, although they’re both on the payroll of one of the largest stevedore employers they don’t actually do any graft themselves. The two of them control and recruit those working in the docks. That way the employers are guaranteed a steady supply of fit, loyal men that won’t cause any disruption in the docks. By that I mean disputes or union activity. And the men employed are happy because their employment is protected and they trust these two gang bosses. The men and the employers know that if there is any disruption then O’Leary will take appropriate action.”

Harry went on to describe the beating the man in the woods received,

“That’s what you call ‘appropriate’ I guess?” He also recalled the evening entertainment back at the pub.

“Harry you’ve seen these people in their home territory, a lot has happened in Ireland in a very short time. You’ve to remember that men such as O’Leary and Cleggs have brought stability to areas that a few years ago were experiencing civil war. You may not be aware yet but it’s through their influence that the poorer families, from both sides, receive medical support when necessary. They look after some of the older folk that are on their own. Their methods may not be tasteful in your eyes but they have brought results. It’s likely that the two of them will run for the Dail in a year or so. Just watch the newspapers and you’ll see.”

Harry nodded in agreement.

“It’s strange you know, despite what I witnessed, I actually like and respect those two guys. As you said they have control and they look after their areas. They may be feared by a few but generally they’re admired by many.”

The following day Darlath received word that their ‘goods’ had been moved to Tullow.

“This is the plan Harry. You travel down tomorrow and check that both shipments are there. O’Leary’s handling both ‘imports, the one from Cork together with the one landed at Dublin. You’re to meet him there at five in the afternoon. This is the full list for you to check. If both lots are OK then hand over all the remaining cash and telephone me. I’ll then arrange for the Donegal boatmen to collect it for us and soon after we’ll be on our way.”

Harry travelled to Tullow by train and bus. The lockup described by Darlath was in fact a remote livery stable that had been converted to a petrol filling garage just prior to the war. But with the fuel shortages this enterprise had closed and the premises were subsequently bought by O’Leary and much favoured by him due to its isolation.

“Come in have a look around.” O’Leary said,

“Peter’s not with me today, he’s still busy in Cork.”

Harry followed him inside where he was directed to a small office area,

“Fancy a drink before we get down to business?”

“Yes OK, fine, whatever you’re having.”

O’Leary pulled a bottle of unmarked spirit from a drawer and took a large swig before handing it across to Harry.

“That’s good stuff.” Harry said.

“America’s finest Bourbon, take another shot.”

Harry gratefully accepted,

“Can I ask you something, did that guy you fixed to the tree return home the next day?”

The bottle was passed back and O’Leary drank deeply before replying,

“No he didn’t. Some local kids out shooting for rabbits found him and finished him off. His family knew he was in trouble with us and they’ve since passed the word around the villages to treat us with more respect and to be more wary that any interference in our business does bring swift and bitter retribution. So some good came out of it after all. His body has never been found, it’s probably down a well somewhere.” O’Leary drank again and smiled, “Want any more?”

“No thanks. I’m good,”

O’Leary’s casual demeanour and response to the torture and murder, unnerved Harry.

“Time to finish our business I think.”

With the inventory satisfactorily completed Harry handed the money over and the two men shook hands.

“If you’re ever this way again and want a job or you just feel a need to say hello, then you’re most welcome Harry. I know I can trust you. Darlath has trusted you and that means a lot to me.”

Harry just nodded and smiled. Soon after he telephoned Darlath as arranged and then returned to Dublin to catch the ferry home.

Eileen didn’t have to work on Christmas day so it was decided that Harry would cook lunch for the two of them. Afterwards they took a stroll through Necropolis Park next to the Cathedral in the city centre.

“I don’t think I’ve ever walked through a cemetery for pleasure and certainly not on a Christmas day before?” Harry said as they moved through the park whilst still enjoying the last of the low sun’s wintry glow.

“It is peaceful and quite impressive though.”

Eileen linked arms with him,

“All these tall monuments were built in commemoration of eminent Glaswegians, you know, merchants and worthy people. There must be over thirty of them now at least. Anyway it’s not just a cemetery; it’s a recreational park with wonderful views of the city and the hills behind. Look over there.”

“I’m suitably admonished. You’re right; it is beautiful and perfect for walking off our lunch.”

In the evening they had been invited to drinks with Wemyss at the Dugout.

The bar area was curtained off from the lower dance floor and the piano had been moved to the higher level. The pianist was playing various Gershwin tunes interspersed with Christmas Carols. There were about twenty other guests there when Harry and Eileen arrived. The atmosphere was relaxed and easy and they knew most of the other couples by sight from previous evenings there.

“Have you had a good day?”

Wemyss asked as he offered them drinks from a tray.

“Yes, I’ve been totally spoilt. I stayed in bed then had a relaxing bath before Harry cooked lunch for me. Sheer bliss.”

“That’ll all change when you’re married. Just you wait and see.” Wemyss chuckled.

“Then it’ll be my turn to stay in bed whilst the ‘missus’ cooks and washes up.”

“Less of the ‘missus’ Harry, I hate that word.”

Harry clinked glasses with Eileen,

“Who else is coming from our little group tonight?”

Wemyss sat down next to them,

“I’m hoping Dermot will be here. Darlath stayed with him last night so they may both be coming. Tommy and Andrew should also make an appearance. I think Steve has found other pleasures in Edinburgh, he has a sister or sister in law over there.”

“So this is just a little private party then Wemyss?”

“Yes. Christmas night is usually so quiet up here, you know people are waiting for the New Year celebration really. So I thought I would invite a few friends in just to liven the evening up a bit.”

“Well we’re so pleased to be here.” Eileen said as she clinked her glass with Wemyss’s.

“I have a little buffet laid on as well for later. Now I must circulate, excuse me please.”

Wemyss stood up and took his tray of drinks with him.

Harry turned to Eileen, “Happy?”

“It’s been a marvellous day, thank you.”

A few couples had cleared some chairs by the bar and started dancing the fox-trot to Gershwin’s ‘That Certain Feeling’ this was followed by his blues adaptation of ‘On My Mind The Whole Night Long.’ Eileen and Harry joined them. Soon after Andrew and Tommy arrived together and took turns to dance with Eileen.

“I’m exhausted,” She said several dances later,

“I need a cold non-alcoholic drink please.”

Later in the evening after the supper Darlath turned up alone. Andrew walked across to meet him and bought drinks at the bar. Several minutes later Eileen gently nudged Harry,

“Look something’s happened, they’re both deep in serious conversation.”

The two men had moved to stand at the far end of the bar on their own. Their drinks were left untouched.

“I wonder if Dermot’s o.k., I’ll go and ask.”

“Hi gents.” They both turned to look at Harry,

“Excuse me but I couldn’t help wondering if everything’s all right, you know with your father Darlath?”

“Sorry Harry we’re not being very sociable are we?”

Andrew turned to face Darlath,

“I think you should tell Harry what’s happened.”

“Harry I don’t really want to spoil your evening but perhaps you should know. You see I’ve been staying with Dad these last few days at his hotel. With all his habitual drinking and jibes about me and this fantasy girlfriend he thinks I’ve have…well I couldn’t carry on lying to him. In a drunken state last night when he announced to everyone at the bar that I was getting married next year and would be living as an M.P. in Dublin I’d had enough. I pulled him aside and persuaded him to go to bed.

He’d had too much to drink again. This morning, of all mornings, I went to his room and told him the truth and confirmed that he was totally mistaken in thinking I was with a woman that time.”

Harry looked up,

“I’m sorry that it’s come to this Darlath. That was probably the best solution in the circumstances. But forgive me for asking, did you explain that Andrew was your…”

“No I didn’t and I won’t.”

Andrew tried to say something but was stopped by Darlath,

“No. This is the way I’m going to deal with Dad. He doesn’t know about you and I’m not going to tell him. It’s right that he knows the truth about me. That’s all he needs to know for the time being.”

“That’s why he’s not coming over tonight.” Andrew added.

“Phew, that’s a lot to take on.” Harry said and then continued,

“But I think you’re right Darlath you needed to stop him running on with his little fantasies.”

“And Harry, in answer to your original question he was feeling a bit better these past few days but I’m certain by now he’s more than halfway down a whisky bottle again!”

“O.k., I must go back to Eileen, please join us when you’re ready.”

Darlath briefly touched Harry’s arm, “Thank you.”

After twenty minutes the two came across to the rest of the party and joined in the fun and party games organised by Wemyss.

Later Darlath went to Andrew’s flat for the night.

Harry told Eileen the full story as they travelled home by taxi.

A week later Darlath ‘phoned the garage to speak to Tommy.

“I’ll just get him, hold on a sec.” Steve said as he passed the receiver over.

“Hello Tommy, I’m ringing to set the date for the next rendezvous with the Donegal boat.”

Darlath requested him to set up a planning meeting with the group so that final details could be determined.

“That’s no problem Darlath, I’ll arrange it. Whilst you’re on the line, I’ve not heard from Dermot these past few days, is he o.k.?”

“He’s says he’s had a cold. I think it’s unlikely he’ll make it to your meeting. But invite him anyway.”

“Steve went to see him last Monday. He said he was a bit low, depressed.”

“I’ll speak to him again tonight and I’ll be over at the weekend to see him. I think maybe with his age, the prostate problem and a cold as well it’s all a bit too much for him at the moment?” Darlath of course knew the real problem was his father’s great disappointment in discovering that his beloved son was not going to marry nor ever attempt to become a member of the Dail.

“O.k. Tommy, thanks for all your help and concern. I’ll make a point of calling into you as well.”

Tommy replaced the receiver.

“So what did the Irish boy say this time?” Steve asked sarcastically.

Tommy explained about the meeting.

“Darlath’s coming over at the weekend to see his Dad.”

“I doubt if Dermot wants to see him.”

“I don’t understand. Why do you say that?”

“Oh it’s to do with his career.” Steve lied, “I don’t think he’s ever going to be the rising star that Dermot hoped for.”

“And I always thought things were going well for him in Dublin. Anyway we better set up this meeting for next Saturday evening at Michael’s cottage, can you invite Dermot and drive him if necessary?”

“Yes, I’ll make a point of going over to see him again. He needs to be at the meeting.”