The House by the Liffey

by Niki Phillips

  ‘Each time it was when Eddie was trying to protect me.’

  ‘Against what?’

  ‘Willie hit me when I screamed for help. Eddie put his arms around me and wouldn’t let anyone touch me again. When Willie told him he was soft he said he couldn’t be or he wouldn’t have got mixed up in “this dirty business”. Then Eddie . . . well he really told him he was a coward and didn’t have as much courage as I had. Later, when Willie wanted to tie me up to go in the van, Eddie asked him if he was afraid of me or Grandpa’s ghost. Willie was raging and told Eddie he was to “funk off” and that he was a “bustard”. He was going to punch Eddie but the other man stopped him. What did he mean, Daddy?’

  Everyone in the room had the hardest time not bursting out laughing again. Trying to keep a straight face Milo did his best to answer.

  ‘Well, a bustard is a very big bird. You don’t find them here in Ireland.’ Then he started to struggle but Bertie came to the rescue.

  ‘People who are scared stiff are sometimes described as being in a blue funk, Izzy.’

  ‘Oh. So Willie was telling Eddie that he was to go away and be scared stiff and that he was a big bird. It doesn’t make much sense to me.’ The logical brain was working overtime.

  ‘No, well a lot of things about these people don’t make much sense. How they knew all they did is something of a mystery to me.’

  ‘We could find out yet, Sean. Eddie could tell us a lot. How is he by the way?’

  ‘Still hanging in there, Tommy.’

  ‘I hope he doesn’t die, Uncle Sean. He did try to protect me and he saved my life.’

  ‘We know Izzy. We know. We’re doing our best to keep him alive.’

  What Sean didn’t say was that he desperately wanted the man to live because of the information he could give about the organisation. As for protecting and saving Izzy – he was one of the abductors for God’s sake. But he had heard that sometimes hostages developed quite a close relationship with their abductors. In her perilous situation it was understandable that the child would feel grateful to anyone who had been kind to her.

  ‘You said there were five of them altogether, Izzy. But when we saw you all at the waterfall there were only four men around you.’

  ‘Yes, there were five at the house, but Shamus, the driver, ran away. I think he was frightened about Grandpa’s ghost. When we were in the van, before they set the house on fire, I was scared of Bob, so I pretended to talk to Grandpa again. That’s when Shamus ran away.’

  ‘We need to find him too. Izzy, it’s fine to talk about this within the family but we’re not going to spread the story outside just yet. For the moment could I ask you not to talk about Shamus or say that Eddie’s still alive?’

  ‘Yes, Uncle Sean, but why?’ Sean didn’t want to worry her unnecessarily but he felt she could cope with his reasons. Poor little Izzy was having to grow up unduly quickly.

  ‘The people who organized this are evil and they might want to attack Shamus and Eddie so that they can’t tell anything about the whole nasty plot. We need to protect them and get as much information as possible from them so as to find those behind the whole thing.’

  ‘You mean they’d want to kill them?’

  ‘Yes!’

  ‘Okay. I won’t say anything about them.’

  ‘Good girl.’

  After this session Izzy had her parents to herself for a while. She seemed worried about something that she obviously hadn’t so far shared with them.

  ‘Mum, Daddy, if I tell you something will you promise, please really promise that you won’t tell anybody?’

  Noola’s heart stood still. What had happened that she hadn’t been able to talk about in front of the others?

  ‘Of course we’ll promise. Just like you promised not to talk about certain things. You would keep your promise, wouldn’t you?’

  ‘Yes. Of course.’

  ‘Then trust us to keep ours, my darling.’ Milo was just as apprehensive.

  ‘I told Eddie a very big lie and I’m afraid God will punish me.’

  ‘What lie?’

  ‘I lied about my health and you told us we must never do that, Mum, or otherwise God might send us the illness as a punishment for the lie.’

  ‘Whatever did you say?’

  ‘I wanted Eddie to help me as much as possible so I told him I sometimes had fits. He seemed quite upset and said nobody had told him about that or my dermatitis. But it did make him kinder. Will God punish me and make me have real fits?’

  ‘Certainly not, my darling child. God would be the first to forgive you considering the circumstances. That was another very clever thing to do, but that was a strange comment from Eddie.’

  ‘Yes, I thought so too. But you did promise you wouldn’t tell!’

  ‘No, Izzy, we won’t tell.’

  * * * * *

  Sean prepared a statement for the press. The news of the crashed helicopter couldn’t be hidden, so some sort of explanation had to be released. The completely accurate information was given that an unidentified helicopter had exploded on take off and that all on board had been killed. Sean hoped this would give protection to Eddie and to Shamus, whom they still hadn’t found, but thanks to Bertie’s photos they had pictures of him which would make the task relatively easy.

  For the family at Riverside publicity was the last thing they wanted. They would much prefer the story was never told and they knew they could trust their staff not to chatter about it. Their big worry was that, since those at the head of the organization hadn’t got their money, the younger family members were still vulnerable and especially Izzy. As Sean brought him up to date, Milo voiced his concern about this.

  ‘What can we do to improve our security?’

  ‘They’ll know you’ll be very much on your guard, so I don’t think they’ll try anything on any time soon. But you never know. You will, in any case, continue to keep a close watch on Izzy but now watch Sarah too. I’ll leave some of my men on duty around the estate for the moment and I suggest you keep your firearms at the ready and easily accessible. It’s an appalling thing to have to say to you but necessary for the moment. One of the things I’d dearly like to find is that informant.’

  ‘How that would-be tramp found out so much in the time beggars belief. There has to be some other source.’

  ‘Not necessarily, Milo. These people are professionals, well trained and experienced in this kind of thing.’

  ‘So he was probably another member of the organization. Not just someone bribed on some pretext. Interesting! Tell you what I can do, though. Better than guns from the girls’ point of view. I’ll make sure all the dogs, including Mickeen’s two wolfhounds, stay indoors as much as possible. I know he’ll be happy to oblige. The informant knew at that time of the day Mickeen would have them all out exercising well away from the house. “Curiouser and curiouser”!’

  ‘Okay, now sleeping arrangements?’

  ‘Izzy will sleep between us until she feels able to go back to her own bed. For the moment the other four can all sleep in the one room. Not ideal but they won’t mind. Won’t be the first time. I’ll suggest that Maggie, Aunt May and Tommy move in together too. That’ll be fun! I can just imagine how all three would have great pleasure in taking a potshot at an intruder.’

  ‘Great!’ Sean smiled. ‘If only we could find out who’s behind this and who their top man is, we could do so much more – maybe wipe out the organization altogether, unless it’s… Well, don’t let’s go there yet. I’m pinning my hopes on Eddie and Shamus.’

  ‘How are you going to handle the information about Bob?’

  ‘We’ve got that covered too. The asylum and family, including Tommy, will be more than willing to have the minimum of publicity. I feel so sorry for him and for the Featherstones too. I’m hoping they’ll accept that Bob was killed in that helicopter trying to get out of the country. We don’t know who helped him – true! Or why – not true! As for a body! Well, we can put him in a
coffin and seal it up and give some story about the danger of infection from badly burnt bodies so we can’t let anyone see the remains. I can’t honestly see them wanting to argue. I bet they’ll be relieved to accept our explanation, poor people. The asylum won’t dispute it either, given that they let him escape. They’ll take our word that it’s him.’

  ‘It’s such a sad end to a sad life, Sean. I’m concerned about Tommy. He’s taking Bob’s involvement badly. Says he must go and see his Featherstone relations before he leaves. I don’t envy him that task, but I think it’ll help them. They’re all very fond of him. Anyhow, he’ll willingly go along with whatever cover-up story you decide to tell.’

  Before he returned to his squadron Tommy did visit his Featherstone grandparents and they were highly delighted to see him. Son of their adored daughter Angela, they were so proud of him. He did his best to give support to Bob’s wife and family too but the feeling of release amongst the whole family, grandparents included, was evident.

  The day before Tommy went, Jack and Bertie, much to the regret of Jack in particular, also had to return to base and left with everyone’s huge appreciation for what they had done, not least Sean’s. He was also thrilled to bits at being given some of the gizmos that he had so envied.

  ‘You’re a grand pair of lads. I’m just sorry I can never openly acknowledge what you’ve done for us. I’d be more than happy to have you on my team, any time!’

  ‘You’re not so bad yourself, Sean. You never know, we might meet again some day and then you can teach us to play hurling.’

  Chapter 13

  Three weeks later the exams had finished and everyone at Riverside had relaxed, although Milo and Sean insisted that all the security arrangements remained in place. Eddie was still in intensive care but recovering. Curious medical staff wondered why each time he recovered consciousness he asked, “Is the little girl all right?” He said nothing else. “Wanted” notices had been posted in all police stations with pictures of Shamus attached, but so far no luck.

  In anticipation that there would be good cause, it had been decided to celebrate following the publication of the exam results and preparations were being made for a very special party. Mageen had been dropping broad hints about a possible engagement, so there would be several things to celebrate.

  Two days before the date set for this, the old tramp arrived at the kitchen entrance, closely shadowed by two of Sean’s men. There was consternation. Mickeen called to the men to grab hold of him and ran to find Noola.

  ‘That auld fella has turned up, looking for a bit more work. You know the one I mean – the…’

  ‘I know exactly who you mean, Mickeen. Where is he?’

  ‘A couple of the guards are holding onto him and he seems to be frightened out of his wits.’

  ‘I’ll phone Sean and see what he says. I imagine he’ll want to come out and question him, personally. You don’t think he’s our informer after all?’

  ‘No. He seems to be terrified and I’m sure it’s not put on. And he’s definitely not wearing a disguise.’

  ‘All right. Ask the men to stay with him. Take them into the kitchen and ask Kitty to give the three of them a cup of tea. If he really is a poor old tramp we don’t want to make his life any more miserable than necessary.’

  Sean came out post-haste and gave the man a gentle if thorough grilling with Noola present. With his stammer, obviously aggravated by fright, the story come out agonizingly slowly. It turned out that he was homeless; wandering the roads all over the country; getting the odd bit of casual work; sleeping in barns in the winter or under hedges in the summer. Sometimes the Garda in the country areas were kind and gave him a few pennies to do a bit of sweeping up for them and then let him sleep in a station cell, but he wasn’t supposed to tell that and didn’t want to get anyone into trouble. He was shaking all over and trying hard to hide the tears which threatened to overflow and drift down his weathered cheeks. Sean didn’t doubt his story but just to be certain he and Noola went upstairs to call one of the Garda stations mentioned. It was all absolutely true.

  ‘Yes, indeed. Shure we know old Jockser well. It’s a sad story. He’s only eleven pence halfpenny in the shilling. Seems to have no family. Honest as the day. Never takes anything that isn’t given to him. I wish there was somewhere we could find for him to live but he seems happy enough wandering around.’

  Sean relayed the story to Noola who got really upset.

  ‘I feel so awful. Let’s go down and talk to him. While you reassure him I’ll talk to Mickeen about giving him a bit of regular work. He may be one of those who can’t sleep in a house for any length, so I’ll tell him myself that anytime he wants to sleep in the stables he’s very welcome. I’ll get Mickeen to put some sort of a cot in there for him and he can come and go as he likes. I’ll ask Kitty to give him a decent hot meal too.’

  ‘So much for our detective work, Noola. I feel a bit uncomfortable myself, but it was the only lead we had. And now the mystery of the informant grows.’

  As it turned out Jockser had a magical relationship with animals and eventually became a permanent member of the Riverside community. He helped to look after the horses and dogs and didn’t mind how dirty or menial a job was; he did it cheerfully and well. Life changed dramatically for him and from then on he was devoted to Noola.

  * * * * *

  On the day of the party Mageen was so excited she hardly knew what to do with herself. She was certain Freddie was going to propose. Champagne was already cooling in the fridge so there would be multiple causes to crack it open, for in spite of everything, miraculously, they had passed their exams with reasonable grades. The two of them were in the conservatory again.

  ‘I want to ask you that question, Mageen, but I should speak to your father first.’

  ‘No, Freddie. Please ask me the question. After all you don’t know what my answer will be!’

  He and she knew perfectly well but he played along.

  ‘My very beautiful Mageen! I love everything about you deeply and sincerely. I would like to ask for your hand in marriage. Would you be willing to accept my proposal?’

  The delightful, old-fashioned approach really appealed to her and her heart seemed to fly off into the stratosphere.

  ‘Oh, Freddie, nothing would give me more pleasure. And, Freddie, I love everything about you too, but perhaps, most of all, your kindness and gentleness.’

  A long embrace ensued, then Freddie insisted.

  ‘Now I must speak to your father before this can be made official.’

  ‘Wonderful. I’ll wait here for you.’

  Off he went to speak to Milo. As he asked his permission to marry Mageen his slight nervousness was evident, for he fidgeted and was, uncharacteristically, slightly hesitant in his speech. They chatted for a while as Milo tried to help him to relax and then he finished:

  ‘I want to reassure you that I’m not a fortune hunter. I really love Mageen. I’ve got nothing to offer her at the moment. I’ll finish my degree next year and my prospects are good. I’m confident that I’ll be able to support a wife and family in considerable comfort.’

  ‘I’m sure you will, Freddie. Reluctant as we are to part with any of our daughters, Noola and I would be delighted to have you as a son-in-law: to welcome you into the family. We enjoyed meeting your sister Katie – liked her a lot and we look forward to meeting your grandparents too.’

  ‘And they’d love to meet you.’

  ‘Well we must get it all set up soon. We’d be happy to have them to stay here.’

  The party had got off to a good start before Milo made the announcement. There were whistles and hoots of delight and congratulations and everyone was in the best of spirits. They all wanted to hug and kiss Mageen and shake Freddie’s hand or slap him on the back or even give him a hug and a kiss too, not least Izzy, who liked Freddie enormously and was delighted at the way things were turning out. Meantime Mickeen and some of his men, discreetly armed, patrolled
the grounds with the dogs.

  The evening wore on, the champagne flowed and some of those present became very happy indeed. Izzy was thrilled at being allowed to stay up really late. She and Sarah eventually fell asleep curled up together on the big, comfortable sofa in front of the fire. Behind them the others partied on. Noola stayed close to the sofa and was sitting perched on an arm when Freddie strolled over to join her, glass in hand. He was very relaxed and even tripped over the odd word.

  ‘Izzy’s looking so much better. The dermatitis seems to have cleared up and the split lip has healed.’

  ‘Yes, young children recover from things remarkably quickly. It’s a pity she picks up infections so easily but we’re hoping she’ll grow out of all these minor ailments in time.’

  ‘That’s a relief. Do you think she’ll grow out of the fits too?’

  Noola, an exceptionally astute person, didn’t miss a beat.

  ‘Oh, I expect she will.’ She was finding it extremely difficult not to betray her shock and agitation.

  ‘She looks so relaxed, Mrs Butler. You’d never think she’d been through such a dreadful experience.’

  ‘She’s a very brave little girl, Freddie. Where’s Mageen?’

  ‘Over there with her granny. Do you mind if I go and join them? I mustn’t be too late back so I don’t want to be away from her any more than I have to, especially this evening. I’m so delighted that she’s said “yes” and that you and Mr Butler are happy about it.’

  ‘Of course we are, Freddie. You won’t stay the night?’

  ‘No, thank you. I must get back.’

  ‘Off you go then. I’m not so decrepit that I can’t remember the excitement of just becoming engaged!’

  She called Harry over and asked him to take her place watching over the girls, then strolled over to where Milo was talking to Paddy and his wife, Aoife. She slipped her arm around his waist and he pulled her close.

  ‘You two are still a pair of real old love birds!’

  ‘So we are too, Paddy. Would you excuse us for a few minutes. I need to talk to Milo about something.’