The Silence

by Linda Tweedie

  “Yes, she’s fine. She seems none the worse for her ordeal. She’s jumping about on the bed, demanding food. I’m the one that’s in a state. I can’t stop thinking about what could have happened to them. I don’t think I’ve stopped crying for the past couple of hours.”

  “It’s the shock, you’ll be fine. I just thank God you were with Erin. God knows what could have happened.” Both mothers dissolved into tears once more.

  “Where’s Paddy? Let me speak to him,” blubbered Bridget.

  “He’s not back yet, but I’ll get him to ring as soon as he gets here.”

  A knock on the door heralded the appearance of Sam the holiday rep. “I think I just got the sack,” the blonde girl laughed. “My bosses think I was out on the lash and just didn’t turn up for work.”

  “If only,” Carol engulfed her in a bear hug.

  “Can you imagine their reaction if I told them the truth? Sorry I missed the pub crawl earlier, but I was helping clear up a crime scene. Christ, not only would I get the sack, I’d be bloody deported,” she roared with laughter.

  She was just what the sombre little party needed to take their minds off what they had all gone through in the past couple of days.

  “Thank you,” said Carol. “Seriously, I can’t thank you enough.”

  “Hey, don’t mention it, it’s all in a day’s work. Well, I hope I’ve still got a day’s work,” Carol shrugged off her predicament. “What about Bobby Mack? What are you going to do about him?” she asked Erin.

  “Not much I can do,” replied Erin cagily.

  “Look, you don’t know me, but I’ve known Bobby for a couple of years and he’s a real nice guy. But, take my word for it, there’s hardly a girl in town he hasn’t been with, me included. As for the tourists, I hate to tell you, but every week it’s fresh meat.”

  “I know you won’t believe me, but he was different with me, he really was,” croaked Erin.

  “Well, it certainly wouldn’t be for your singing voice,” the blonde girl giggled at Erin. “Okay, joking aside, I am sure he was different, but tell me, how many times have you heard from him since you got home? Once, twice, twenty times. No? Zero? Erin, he does it to everyone. He even has different phones so you can’t catch up with him. Honestly sweetie, you have no idea how many girls come back here claiming to be pregnant by him at the end of every season. Hey, he’s not the only one, most of the lads are the same; it’s just that Bobby is notorious.”

  Sam caught Carol and Erin exchange glances. “Shit, no. You’re not, are you?”

  “No, thank goodness,” lied Erin, “just been besotted.”

  “What you need is another holiday to get him out of your system. I’m telling you, it’s like riding a bike, well maybe not a bike,” the three girls burst out laughing.

  Just at that moment, in came her father and uncle Michael. Running to her dad, she threw her arms round his neck.

  “Oh, Dad, thank God you’re safe. I’m so sorry, so sorry. I never thought for a minute it would turn out like this.”

  “Hush lassie, don’t you worry, everything will be fine. Have you spoken to your mum?”

  “Yes, she couldn’t really understand me, but I’m sure it’ll get better.”

  For all Paddy was relieved they were fine, Erin especially, they had to get out of Marbella quickly. He had already contacted Ritchie who was on his way. Then there was the blonde girl, the holiday rep.

  “What do you think, Michael? She seems kosher and she certainly didn’t panic. Give her a few grand. If she’s worked here for any length of time, she’ll know the score.”

  “Hey blondie, a word.” Michael took the girl onto the balcony, out of view of the others. “You did well tonight. My brother wants me to thank you.”

  “I’m just glad it turned out okay.”

  “I’m a bit worried, though. Worried you might have an attack of conscience after we’ve gone.”

  “It’s none of my business. When I leave this hotel room it’s over.” Sam was very aware how near the railings she was and how big and menacing Michael looked.

  “I want to believe you, but remember, in case you have a change of heart, we’re only three hours away.”

  “You don’t have to threaten me, I won’t say anything. I live here and I know how to keep myself to myself.”

  “Good girl,” Michael said, handing her a package. “Now on your way and have a safe life.”

  She couldn’t wait to get away. These guys didn’t play games. She opened the package and jumped with glee. Fuck it, so what if she’d lost her job? There was enough here to last for a good few years.

  And when she ran out, there was always Bobby Mack!

  Rewards

  “Oh, Erin, it’s fab, but I could never afford this. The rent is probably double what I earn in a year. Well, it would be if I ever manage to get another job.”

  The two girls were viewing a flat just off Byres Road, in an excellent part of the city. A basement flat with a tiny garden at the back, and in the catchment area for all the good nurseries and schools just on the door step. The perfect location for the little family.

  Carol and Amy had been staying with the Coyles since their return from Spain. Bridget, Lizzy and even Marie had spoiled the child mercilessly, doing everything in their power to chase away the nightmares. Neither mother nor child had ever known such luxury, but alas, it was time to face reality.

  The reality being that she was now unemployed and with no salary, she hadn’t been able to keep up her rent on the old place. Not that it was up to much, but it was all she could afford. She couldn’t sleep for worrying about her and Amy’s future and, kind though it was of Erin to show them round, the girl had no grasp of their situation.

  “Never mind if you can afford it or not, do you like it?”

  “But I have to mind whether or not I can afford it. Jesus, it would take me years to even get the deposit together. So if you don’t mind, I need to go view a couple of other places in Govan.”

  “You still haven’t answered my question. Do you like this place?”

  “What’s not to like? In fact, what’s not to love?” Carol answered her wistfully.

  “Good, that’s settled. Here are the keys. You can move in at the end of the month. I took the liberty of buying it fully furnished, so I hope you like it.” Erin grabbed Amy by the hand and raced through to the room she’d already claimed as her bedroom.

  “Whoa there, I’ve just told you I can’t afford this, so don’t get her hopes up, it’s not fair.”

  “Why not? It’s her flat? She’s your landlady.”

  “What the hell are you talking about? My four-year-old daughter can’t be my landlady.”

  “Why can’t she?”

  “Because she can’t.”

  “That’s not an answer. Look, I bought the flat and it’s been signed over to Amy. Legally she owns it, but for practical reasons, I maintain guardianship of the property until she’s twenty-one. Since there’s no rent to pay, why can’t you afford it?” said a very smug Erin.

  “I’m sorry, we can’t take it, Erin. It’s far too much. It was a wonderful gesture but we can’t accept. Nobody gives away property on this scale.”

  “We do, and it’s all done and dusted, so if you don’t move in, it will stay here empty until she’s old enough to make her own decisions. Look, Carol, you and she came to my rescue. No hesitation, no questions, well, not many. And you saved my life. But I also put Amy in danger and for that I’ll never forgive myself. It was pure luck we got out of that mess. Not only that, because of me you’ve lost your home and your job. So it’s up to the Coyles to make amends.”

  “A thank you card would have done,” laughed Carol.

  “I’m not finished. Marie and my gran have been watching you for the past few weeks and they’ve come up with a proposal.”

  “Shit. Please, not a pole dancer, I’d close the place down in days.”

  “Not that, you fool,” laughed Erin. “We all think y
ou should go back to hairdressing.”

  “Really? You know I didn’t finish my training before I fell pregnant?”

  “So? You could finish your training and start up on your own.”

  “Why are you crying, Mummy?” asked Amy. “Have you hurt yourself? Shall I kiss it better?”

  “I’m fine, sweetie.” Carol tousled Amy’s curls. “I’m just very happy.”

  “Silly Mummy. Come and see the swing in my new garden.”

  “Erin, I don’t know what to say.”

  “Just say YES.”

  Confessions

  “Well, what did she say?” Bridget asked Erin as they were driving to the anti-natal clinic.

  “No. For at least the first half dozen times, you know how proud she is, but eventually I persuaded her and she’s moving in at the end of the month.”

  “I’ll miss them both,” said Bridget. “That Amy’s just a little cutie and heaven above, she never stops talking,” she smiled. “Speaking of which, when do you next see the consultant? I’m quite worried about your voice, Erin, it seems to be coming and going more and more often and I couldn’t bear you to lose it again.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ve had a word with him and it’s all to do with hormones and pregnancy, it’ll be fine.”

  “What about your dad? Has he spoken to you?”

  “Nope, he’s hardly said a word since we got home. He just can’t seem to take this on board.”

  “I know, love, but I know he’ll come round, you just have to give him time. Remember, you were his little princess and he can’t abide the thought of you growing up and having a child of your own. What makes it even worse is that the father is Pete McClelland’s son. Anybody would be bad, but him, well!”

  As his wife and daughter were on their way to the clinic, Paddy and the twins were ensconced in the sitting room at St. Jude’s.

  “Any news, Paddy?” queried Father Jack.

  “No, and I don’t expect there to be. There’re a couple of things we need to sort out.”

  Michael placed the holdall on the table and emptied the contents.

  “The account books and photographs should be destroyed, they’re of no use to any of us, as far as I’m concerned, burn them,” Sean put forward. Those at the table nodded.

  “There are a number of passports, birth and death certificates. Should we sell them on or destroy?” Once more, Sean posed the questions.

  “Destroy them, they’re the devils work,” said Father Jack. “And I would be happy not knowing the purpose they’d be put to.”

  “Okay, Father,” said the Coyle brothers.

  “Now, as to the funds. In bonds and currency there is just over seven hundred and fifty thousand. I propose we make a donation to St. Jude’s of two hundred thousand pounds and a further donation to Childline of fifty thousand pounds. Are there any objections?”

  Father Jack nodded in agreement; that took care of the roof. St Jude’s was an old building and as one part was repaired, another part was falling down. He knew it was filthy, disgusting money, but he also knew if he didn’t accept it, someone else would.

  “Now to the problem with the drug dealing. What can you tell us, Father? Do you have any information at all because for once, we’ve drawn a blank.”

  “I’m sorry, I told you all I knew the last time we spoke. The Irish fly-by-nights were supplementing their income selling drugs, either supplied by Paddy Coyle or for Paddy Coyle, that’s all I know.”

  “So you don’t know which, if any, of my lads were involved?”

  “No, it could be a misunderstanding. Maybe I got the wrong end of the stick?”

  “I don’t think so, Father. Usually in these cases there’s no smoke without fire. Not to worry, we’ll keep a watch, somebody always gets greedy.”

  “Have you heard anything from the Archbishop about O’Farrell’s failure to appear?”

  “Not really. The consensus of opinion is that he’s been taken ill and not been able to notify us.”

  “Good,” said Paddy. “No hint of anything suspicious?”

  “The only good thing about his disappearance is that the sale of candles has doubled. All the old dearies lighting a candle for his return,” Father Jack and the Coyle brothers smiled sarcastically.

  Paddy arrived home before his wife and daughter to an empty house which was most unusual. He wandered around the lounge looking at the framed family pictures, almost every one included Erin at various events; from a baby through to her eighteenth birthday when all this crap had begun.

  Right at the back there was even a photo of her first holy communion. So beautiful, so innocent and that was how he’d tried to keep her. But in his mind she was soiled. Nothing could change that, and soiled by McClelland. He knew it was a dreadful way to think of his precious Erin and he was mortally ashamed, but he couldn’t help it and he couldn’t look at her. And as for the child inside her? If he had his way it would be drowned at birth. He was what he considered to be a good Catholic, but right now Paddy Coyle found no comfort in his church or his family and it was tearing him apart.

  Spain

  “Maybe he fell overboard from one of those fancy cruise ships?” ventured one of the gypsies.

  “He’s been in the water a long time, look at his skin.”

  The old man was burned black from the sun and the salt water. His clothes were torn to shreds and he had only the faintest of pulses.

  Hoisting him up onto the dray, the men set off for the monastery, believing the old soul would surely be dead by the time they arrived. Whatever happened, he would not be their responsibility.

  For twenty days the monks tended his needs, constantly watching over him. Ministering sips of water and tiny pieces of bread soaked in goat’s milk, keeping his blackened skin oiled and supple but with no change in his condition. At around midnight on the twenty first day the stranger made that distinct sound of impending death. The brothers gathered round his bedside to administer the Last Rites and prepare him for his final journey, but they hadn’t seen the last of him yet. They were amazed to see the stranger attempt to sit up and open his eyes.

  Where was he? He was still alive, they hadn’t finished him off yet, he thought as the laughter rattled in his throat. He seemed to have lost his voice. Karma?

  Dianne Mack and her son made a formal declaration of missing persons at the Town Hall despite Bobby’s pleas to hold off a bit longer. The lad was still convinced that the two would turn up, but his mother was adamant; it was time she faced up to telling Bobby the truth. This was going to be difficult, the boy adored his father and God knows how he would take the news.

  Dianne had decided to tell him only what was necessary. There was no need for him to know all the gory details, nor what his father and the canon had actually been involved in. That might have to come later.

  “Sit down, Bobby,” Dianne spoke as she sat opposite him, holding his hands. “Son, it’s time you knew the truth about your father’s disappearance and what’s been going on.”

  “When your father and I came to Spain we were on the run from a well-known Glasgow criminal and his family for something your dad was blamed for, but had no hand in.”

  “Who? And why did he go on the run if he had nothing to do with it?” prompted her son.

  “They were the Coyles and nothing would convince them Pete was innocent. Your father and Paddy Coyle were blood brothers. They’d grown up together, served time together and were inseparable. Something happened to do with money. I honestly don’t know what, it was a long time ago. Your father swore on your life that he had nothing to do with it and I believed him.”

  “Anyway, the years went on and there were skirmishes to and fro. Nothing serious until the day of the daughter’s Holy Communion. What occurred had nothing to do with the McClellands − again your father had been set up. I’ve always believed it was one of the twins who were responsible but that’s only my opinion. Call it women’s intuition, whatever, we had no choice but to leave town
, leave everything behind and make a new life from scratch.”

  “I take it this is the same Erin Coyle I had a fling with at the beginning of the summer?”

  “The very same.”

  “But I told my dad all about it, he said not to worry, there was no way there would be any comeback.”

  “Well, your dad was wrong. The girl seemingly turned up here a few weeks ago claiming to be pregnant. Unfortunately there was no-one home except Frank, who, for reasons only known to himself, decided to drug her and hold her captive. To make matters even worse, he tried to extort money out of Paddy Coyle for her safe return. Well, as you can imagine, the Coyles arrived here within hours, baying for blood and revenge. By the time I arrived home, it was all over − the bodies had been disposed of and I barely got out of it alive myself. I was warned to keep my mouth shut or they’d come after you. Trust me, Bobby, I know these people and believe me, they don’t take prisoners. There was nothing I could do.”

  Bobby Mack was inconsolable. His father had been his best mate. Up until then he’d clung to the hope that somehow the two men would turn up with some epic tale to tell. Bobby knew Pete was a Jack the lad, but that was what he loved about him and in a way he modelled himself on Pete.

  Never in his life had Bobby Mack experienced hurt like he felt now and something inside him, at the core of his being, hardened. From that moment in time he vowed revenge on the Coyles. Beginning with the daughter since it was all her fault; she had started the ball rolling. Stupid enough to believe his happy-ever-after story and now she was pregnant. Well he would take her, the child and everything he could from Paddy Coyle.

  An eye for an eye.

  The Birth

  An uneasy calm had settled on the Coyle household. Bridget and Paddy were civil to one another, but there was none of the jovial banter they’d enjoyed throughout their marriage. No shared excitement at the arrival of their first grandchild. In fact they saw very little of one another these days. They had become the proverbial ships that passed in the night. The prospective granny was in her element preparing for the new baby. If she wasn’t shopping for it, she was knitting, if she wasn’t knitting, she was poring over magazines with Erin. The nursery was ready and waiting. Everything in the house seemed to revolve round this bloody child, Paddy muttered to himself. It was like the second fucking coming, but not for him.