The Shackleton Affair (A Raymond Armstrong Novel Book 2)

by Michael Gill

  “Good idea. Thank you.”

  “So nothing older than fifty at the moment?”

  “No.”

  “1962 was a good year. That would be what, a tad over fifty.”

  He looked at Ian who gave no reaction. His eyes were normal with no pupil dilation. His heart beat remained the same. Raymond was just fishing. The stolen whisky was Dalmore 1962. Give me some reaction like Tracey did last night.

  “A good year Raymond. Year I was born,” he laughed. “What can I get you before the car arrives?”

  “The Macallan 25 would be perfect thank you.”

  He had kept his eye on Tracey who certainly reacted nervously to the mention of 1962, much the same reaction to the word Dalmore last night. It was probably just him. A young girl with some quirks, but a thief? Probably not.

  An odd couple with lots of hiding places in a big house. Then again, he was assuming the worst with everybody he met.

  “The limo here is to take you to the airport,” announced Trace.

  “Thank you so much for the invite. The golf was excellent, even if you kicked my butt. I do hope one day you will visit England. Give me a re-match with a chance to win my money back.” Trace linked his arm escorting him to the car.

  “I have never lost a wager on my local course. Especially with a new guest to Chester. It’s tricky with all sorts of strange rolls on the greens. What’s your course like?”

  “Have you seen Wentworth on the golf channel?”

  “Yes, many times.”

  “Like that.”

  “That would be like my second course - Granite Springs. Next time you’re in town we’ll play there. Give you a chance to win your money back,” she chuckled.

  “Or if you ever get to England.”

  “Oh, I love London so much.”

  “My house is one hour away on the train,” he said.

  “Maybe I’ll take you up on the offer one day.” She moved in closer. “I’m sorry if I said something inappropriate last night. Golf was my way of making it up to you,” she whispered in his ear.

  “Being hit on by a young woman who is both smart and beautiful is a compliment that I receive too few of these days. I quite enjoyed it really.”

  She gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Bye Raymond.”

  He sat in the back of a Cadillac, the driver’s name was Gary. Beyond that he was quiet. Good, I need to think and send a text.

  “John do me a favour. Look up Ian Waterman of Chester Nova Scotia and Tracey…. Chances are she isn’t Waterman. I never thought to ask for her last name. Maybe ask the golf club. Make up a story.” Never mind I’ll find it later he thought. Need my A game for the morning.

  Chapter 23

  London, England

  The plane arrived thirty minutes early into London air space just like most trans-Atlantic flights. However, with Heathrow being so busy they had to circle at 37,000 feet until it was their allotted time. It made sense really, at least to the British. Trains were either on time or late, never early.

  Raymond said goodbye to Louisa who was making a connecting flight to Glasgow. He sped through baggage and customs and quickly bought a ticket to Paddington on the airport express train. He walked over to the entrance to the Underground where he bought a return ticket to Kensington High Street. The pub was down a small alley which opened up into a small park area with large elm and oak trees on either side. Raymond ordered a pint of London Pride bitter and headed to the corner where he saw Richard was already sitting eating a full breakfast.

  Richard picked up a serviette, wiped his mouth and rose to meet Raymond with a firm handshake. “Good to see you, please sit and tell me what you’ve been up to while I finish my food.”

  Usual tactics. Get the guy who has information you need to talk first all nice and friendly, thought Raymond.

  “Well, you caught me at a whisky symposium in Nova Scotia, Canada.”

  “Very interesting.”

  “Most of my life is now around whisky, golf and of course my family tree company. Fascinating research to build a story for the new generation that fits with our time.” He continued to give examples while Richard slowly finished his breakfast, cleaned his mouth again and took a long sip from his mug of tea.

  “Raymond, why is your wife poking around at our Queen’s house of residence?”

  “I hadn’t finished telling you about my new life yet. In fact, I was going to chat about Anne next.” Richard gave him the daggers while remaining silent. “It’s open to the public. What’s your problem?”

  “York House is by appointment only which is clearly marked by a large sign next to a locked gate. The public don’t generally climb over it and snoop around.”

  Raymond smiled. “Look she did a thesis on Sir Ernest Shackleton. We had a whisky tasting recently which featured one of the whiskies discovered after Shackleton’s discovery expedition to Antarctica. She had all those theories back in university and this just got her going again. It’s nothing. In fact, she’s all about a romance angle that I don’t think existed. Imagine the Queen having it off with Shackleton. Honestly that’s where she’s going with her imagination.”

  “So that’s why she went to Sandringham?”

  “Yes.”

  “Please tell me you aren’t encouraging her to continue down this path.”

  “Of course not. However, I do think there is far more than meets the eye with the two of them.”

  “I think if my memory in history serves me well she would have been close to sixty years old,” offered Richard.

  “Still a looker and her husband was a cad. Always off with another woman. So I like her theory. Truthfully, I think they were close friends. She was infatuated with him, he somewhat likewise and a direct influence to the King. With his support he could gallivant all over the world discovering new lands, conquering Antarctica and performing tours to America to lecture. All on someone else’s money.”

  “I love all your theories and your wife should write a romance novel. Now tell me about the recent theft in New Jersey?” Richard stared and remained silent. Raymond knew this was a game and would play along for now.

  “One of the pieces missing from the theft was an item stolen over one hundred years ago. Part of the stolen Irish Crown jewels. But you know this already. Since this whole Shackleton affair, my wife is all revved up about it. However, I was particularly fascinated by the robbery. A case so significant that the British government decided to close the case and haven’t re-opened it in over one hundred years.”

  “Nothing there old chap. Scotland Yard sent their top detective at the time and he found nothing.”

  “Bought and paid for by the government, and actually he did find the thief.”

  “Frank Shackleton was never found guilty.”

  “That’s right. They used him as a pawn and a major distraction.”

  “For what?”

  “That’s what I’m going to find out.”

  “Raymond leave it alone. I’ll tell you off the record that we don’t talk about any sensitive matter in history that could tarnish the reputation of any king or queen or national heroes for that matter and we don’t snoop around asking questions. The theft has been a cold case for so long for that reason. No, they had the only suspects and couldn’t find sufficient evidence to nail them.”

  “What if I found you evidence, then what?”

  “We don’t want it and stay away from it”.

  “Like I implied, more like a cover up. What I can’t understand is why after all this time?”

  Richard explained. “There is a department that you weren’t aware of in your time. I shouldn’t know really. They protect the national archives. If you dig around in sensitive areas of our distinguished national history, expect a visit from them. England has a lot of skeletons in the closet, which need to stay locked away.”

  Richard sipped on his tea, his eyes never moving from the constant stare at Raymond. “Look, can I trust you?” Okay here he goes the mind
games again. “Of course,” replied Raymond.

  “We are quite certain the nationalists took the jewels. In 1907. The talk of home rule was rampant. Last thing the Irish wanted. However, to be honest I don’t think they could have predicted the eventual outcome in 1922. Still the King was making a visit to Dublin, something not he or other monarchs from England did often. This was to be a PR trip and a way to gain support for home rule.”

  “So, why after 1922 did the nationalists just bring the jewels back to Dublin castle?”

  “They sold them on the black market to strengthen their small army of men. Guns, supplies, you know.”

  “Makes total sense,” Raymond said trying to sound totally sincere. “Where does Frank Shackleton fit in all this?”

  “He was desperate for money. He was involved in all sorts of investment scams and the nationalists knew it. They probably approached him knowing he had access to the jewels. Look, he could have stolen them for the nationalists. Maybe they paid off a big debt for him?”

  “One thing that’s bothering me in all this Richard. You would know about Anne snooping and possibly a small whisky theft since it had the collar in the box. However, you seem to know I have been paying special interest to the Irish Crown jewels case and yet I haven’t told a soul other than Anne.”

  “Have you forgotten who we are after only three years? GCHQ makes anything the USA have look silly. Mosad, China, Russia, all of them aren’t even close to us, when it comes to gathering information.”

  “Eavesdropping on the world you mean.”

  “You have been on websites we know about.”

  “Which ones?”

  “Look we could look at your tee times on your golf club web site if we so wish. These days there are quite a lot of things we tolerate. It’s the age of political correctness. However, we will never let anybody embarrass Britain about our past history. So, could we please move on? England and Ireland are at peace for the first time in almost one hundred years. We would all like to keep it that way.”

  “I like solving puzzles. It doesn’t mean I will reveal the answers.” Richard shook his head now, standing up to put on his raincoat.

  “Raymond, we have always been good friends. I like your wife, Anne. A wonderful story of how you met after all those years apart on the Isle of Bute. Don’t blow the wonderful life you have.”

  “Hell what does that mean? If I continue following my gut feeling on this I would put Anne and myself in danger?”

  “Yes, so promise me you’ll drop it.”

  Raymond put on his coat, and pulled the lapels up to his neck. It was a cold wintry day in London.

  “Not sure I can do that Richard.”

  Part 4

  Chapter 24

  Antarctica 24 April 1916

  Chippy lay in the cave totally exhausted. They had made it to South Georgia, however they were on the opposite side of the island to the whaling stations. Right now, they were hardly in a better state than on Elephant Island. From what the boss was saying he thinks it would be a thirty mile trek over glaciers, snowfields and mountains. There was no way to sail around the island.

  Chippy sat thinking about the last few weeks. The faces of twenty-two good men waving from Elephant Island. It almost brought him to tears. He recalled that he had been correct in his suspicions, Shackleton would waste no time making plans to leave the Island once they had landed. An isolated piece of rock that ships would have a hard time finding or sailing close enough to launch a rescue party. It was a hell hole and Shackleton need to act fast! Only one of the three boats could make such a treacherous journey to South Georgia. That meant only eight men could leave! The boss picked a crew to sail on the Cairn boat to find help. He assured the rest of the twenty-two men they would be back for them, very soon. It was quite a motivational speech, full of sincere emotion from the boss. I will not lose one of you do you hear. All twenty-eight of them would be home safe and sound in the very near future. What shocked Chippy was being picked for the journey to South Georgia. In fact, he couldn’t work out any reason why the boss would have chosen him. He had repaired the boat ready for the voyage but he had no skills for this trip. He was too old, exhausted beyond belief. He sat there now thinking it could only be one thing. The time was drawing closer. He would be killed!

  They had made it in one piece from Elephant Island to South Georgia. Back to where we started the Antarctic leg of the expedition. How ironic thought Chippy.

  “Right lads,” the boss barked. “It will be me, Worley and Crean. Chippy you will be in charge of looking after the four of you. We will leave adequate provisions and I guarantee we will be back for you soon and then all of us will sail to Elephant Island and rescue the twenty-two men still there. I think of them constantly and pray they have all survived. Chippy, a word before we leave.”

  They walked about two hundred yards to a small cove sheltered from the strong winds and out of sight and earshot of the others.

  “Look Chippy, we’ve had our differences but you have become a valuable member of this team. I would hope after all we have been through the cat incident is behind us.”

  “It was never just about the cat. You sir are an arrogant bastard who never listened or consulted with the crew until it was too late. We should never have set sail from South Georgia in the first place. The Norwegian sailors told you so.”

  “I know you’re exhausted and not thinking straight. At your age I understand. Look after the three of them and if by any chance we don’t return, you have tools to repair the Cairn. I will leave a gun for hunting.”

  “Are you saying there could be a possibility you won’t return? Or even go for the men on Elephant first?”

  “Of course not,” he said with a look that could be taken for some mistrust. After all Shackleton was a good story teller. He was taking his two favourites – one an incredible navigator the other his closest friend and a strong man who would do anything the boss ordered.

  “Maybe I can help encourage you to get back here fast and pick us up first before heading for the other lads.”

  “Encouragement Chippy! I don’t need any more. I have always maintained I would save all of us. Every last man. I won’t let you down.”

  “Even so. Not all your belongings went to the bottom of the ocean.”

  “What?”

  “Two boxes of whisky, a bible and a velvet bag are hidden somewhere on the island.”

  Shackleton immediately unclipped his revolver and moved towards Chippy. He pressed it against his temple. “Did you look inside the velvet bag?”

  “No need. I already looked inside on the ice floe camp when you found out I had been in your tent. I saw many things that I probably shouldn’t have seen. Made me realise you had to come through with this expedition regardless of the dangerous weather conditions and putting your crew in jeopardy. Money is the root of all evil. I have never seen anything like those two pieces of jewellery,” Chippy continued. “Are they valuable?”

  “No, but very important that nobody ever knows they are with me. Or where they are located. You shouldn’t poke your nose into other people’s affairs.”

  He pressed the gun harder against Chippy’s temple. The tension of his index finger increasing the cock of the gun moving very so slightly.

  “I will take you to the spot, once we are back there saving the lads,” said Chippy.

  Shackleton eased off the pressure and finally moved to a rock, sat down with his hand running through his hair.

  “Here’s the deal Chippy, take it or leave it. If you don’t agree I will shoot you right here on the spot. Chances are nobody will ever find those valuable possessions of mine on that god forsaken island, anyway. When we get back home, you will be on the next ship out. I will arrange a safe passage. You won’t receive a polar medal and in fact nobody in England or Scotland will hear from you ever again. If you ever say a word or return I’ll arrange to have you and all your family killed. I have my contacts, which you are well aware are quite
powerful.”

  “Where?”

  “A beautiful country with the most amazing landscape, low crime rate and they speak the mother tongue.” Chippy looked puzzled. “New Zealand.”

  ***

  Chippy couldn’t believe they saw Elephant Island in the near distance. To his word Shackleton had returned for them on Georgia Island, although it had taken considerable time. Shackleton and the three crew members had made it to the other side of the island in record time. The delay was trying to find a ship to get all eight of them to Elephant Island. Further frustration after picking them up in a small whaler to return to the station on the other side. What type of ship could make it in this violent ocean to a place so remote, sailing through ice! Each time they tried they had to turn back, the ships in question weren’t up to the violent sea and getting anywhere near Elephant.

  Here they were now on a coal steamer given to them by the Chilean government. In all fairness, ships were at a premium back home since they were all being used in the war.

  The boss had persuaded the British government to send a ship even though they were in the midst of the war. The Discovery was on its way but would take weeks. It had been four months since they left twenty-two men on that dreadful island. What were the chances any of them had survived? Four months!

  Shackleton had said very little to Chippy. On the arrival to rescue him and the other three crew members, he immediately found him, suggesting they talk in private.

  “I didn’t need your blackmail Chippy. I have always maintained all of you would be safe with me and they will.”

  Chippy had nodded out of sincere respect.

  They finally arrived fifty yards out. The boss now stood on the boat frantically waving. Crean said “I only see two.” Shackleton dipped his head, the deep frown on his face was moving even to Chippy.