Shadows of Deceit

by Patrick Cotter

  “I didn’t mean you to go…” But it was too late, she’d left. He turned and sat down on Vera’s chair.

  “How many secretaries have you sacked so far this year?” Harry said throwing the car keys down onto the desk, “And where’s Tommy? Doesn’t he have a say in all this?”

  “I’ll sort it out with Tommy later; he’ll probably be able to talk her round.” Steve’s mood changed,

  “Tommy’s gone over to see Dermot, he’s taking him to the Doc’s for a check up. But we’re hoping to all meet up either tonight or tomorrow. How was your trip by the way?”

  “For Christ’s sake Steve, why do you behave like this. You’re ruining that girl’s life by making her so unhappy?”

  Harry didn’t want to pursue the point any further and quietly answered the question,

  “It was good. I think we’ve found a suitable drop off point; I’ll bring all the details along when we meet up. The keys for the car are there, I’m going to see Andrew now.”

  “Well if you stay in touch with Andrew I’ll get Dermot or Tommy to ring him once we know where and when to meet up.”

  With that Harry left the building and set off for Andrew’s flat, glad to be in the fresh air again and away from the confrontational demeanour of Steve.

  The streets were now busy with people walking or cycling to work. Bus and lorry traffic noise mingled with the steady beat of numerous horse-drawn carts making their way slowly over the cobbles. In the distance could be heard ship’s hooters announcing their arrival or departure at the port. A loudspeaker van trundled by proclaiming where one could buy tickets for seats at a forthcoming dance band contest. A cacophony of sounds that became even richer as Harry turned into Andrew’s street and walked amongst the market vendors shouting their offers.

  “Ah the traveller returns!” was the opening remark from Andrew as Harry climbed the stairs to the apartment.

  “Welcome back. Some tea? I’ve just made some.”

  “Yes, thanks. How are you Andrew?”

  “I’m very well except my tired feet. I’ve been out and collected most of the rents over the last couple of days so you’ve only a few to do.” He walked to the table to pour the tea,

  “Actually I’ve quite enjoyed doing it again. But tell me how you got on?”

  “Eileen and I had a great time together and I’m certain we’ve now discovered where to land a boat safely. Apparently Tommy or Dermot will ring you to set up a meeting, did you know that?”

  “Yes, Tommy mentioned it last night.” Andrew stretched his arms noisily before continuing, “He’s gone to take Dermot to the Docs.”

  “Yes, I heard. Steve mentioned it to me earlier when I took the car back. How long has Dermot had this problem?”

  “It must be about four years now. It’s prostate cancer, he’s had some treatment from time to time but the problem is getting worse.”

  “Is it painful all the time?”

  “No, I don’t think so, more a discomfort I think. Most of the time he can cope with it except to say that it does make him very irritable and difficult some days.”

  “What does Darlath say about it?”

  “Well he’s tried to get him into hospital again for a proper investigation and treatment but Dermot refuses go.”

  Harry sat down by the window and turned to face Andrew,

  “Have you seen Darlath recently?”

  “Yes and he’s due back today again. But only you know that at the moment, don’t say anything until you’re told.”

  “I understand. Has Darlath sorted out a boat for our project yet?”

  “I believe so. He needed some cash to set it up so it’s definitely going ahead as planned.”

  “Cash? Do you provide the money then?”

  “Yes this time.”

  “I don’t follow?”

  “Well these projects need funding in advance. Dermot, Wemyss and I share this responsibility. This time it’s my turn to fund up front and the next time it’ll be Dermot’s turn again.”

  “So you provide Darlath with cash to ease the process through?”

  “Exactly, he has to pay the people up front that are helping us. This way nothing can be traced through his personal bank accounts in Dublin and when we sell on the goods I get my share plus a refund of the stake.”

  Andrew paused before asking his next question.

  “Now, changing the subject, how are you and Eileen getting on?”

  “Brilliantly. She’s a real gem, a lovely person. We manage real well. She’s already hinted that I should move in with her at her flat.”

  “There’s no holding you back is there, you’ve hardly been at Argyle Street long enough to get settled, but never mind. What about that other girl, the barmaid, that lives with Eileen?”

  “Agnes, yes she’s OK about it. The thing is, as I understand it, Agnes is planning to go down and stay with her parents in Doncaster so it could work out quite well for us. She’s looking for a job there so that she can keep an eye on her mother who’s been quite ill recently.”

  Harry yawned,

  “Sorry, it must be the driving. It’s made me a bit tired. So what about you and Darlath, if you don’t mind me asking?”

  Andrew sighed deeply before answering.

  “You know something Harry, it’s a strange phenomenon that we keep all our deep secrets hidden from our families and friends yet to strangers we have the confidence to open up and tell all. So as you’re still somewhat a stranger to our crowd then yes Darlath and I are very much together. We want to stay somewhere together.”

  “Ireland?”

  “I don’t know. We’re both doing a bit of research on the subject but obviously the war restrictions don’t really help us at the moment.”

  “And Darlath’s Dad, is he aware?”

  “No not at all. He has high hopes of Darlath rising through the ranks of the Dail in the future and settling down with a wife and having loads of kids. This is partly why Dermot is still very much involved with our projects. He stashes away most of his earnings to assist Darlath in becoming a high ranking minister over there.”

  “I don’t follow the connection?”

  “His big dream, his ambition if you like is to start a family dynasty I think, a power base in Ireland for his future generations. But to do so you need sufficient money to bribe and spend on influencing the right people and their societies. It’s a new country and with a little ‘oiling of the wheels’ to the correct people certain avenues will be opened to him. For a young guy he’s already shown great promise working for the government over there, he could go far.”

  “Blimey. I hadn’t realised Dermot was that committed to his son’s prospects. But is Darlath fully aware of all this?”

  “Unfortunately yes; which makes things even more difficult when he and I are trying to set up our own lives as we want to. Darlath plans to tell his Dad eventually, you know, let him down gently when the time is right.”

  “You know the more I hear about this little gang of ours the more worried I am that far from being a united little bunch they’re quietly at each others throats most of the time.”

  “Well what else have you noticed?”

  “Steve. He doesn’t regard you as one of his favourites does he?”

  Andrew laughed,

  “No, very much the opposite. But he needs my resources to plan some of the jobs and, through my contacts, I can transfer some goods into cash for his share of the pay out. So he tolerates me. We keep our distance. I know he doesn’t approve of my lifestyle but I don’t interfere with his.”

  Andrew placed his cup back onto the table and turned to Harry again,

  “You know something, I’ve thought about Steve for a long while and come to this conclusion. I wonder whether his hatred of queers, me in particular, is due to him having similar hidden tendenci
es? Maybe he’s trying a bit too vigorously to control and contain his emotions by picking on me or people like me. His hatred is almost a fear perhaps that he will be found out, definitely obsessional don’t you think?”

  “That’s a bit too deep for me Andrew. But you could be right I suppose? He does hate you with an obsession!”

  They both laughed.

  “OK Andrew what do you want me to do today?”

  The telephone rang,

  “Just a sec. Harry.”

  Andrew walked over to the ‘phone on the desk,

  “Hello, yes, Hi Tommy. Right, yes that’s fine. Yes he’s here so I’ll tell him. Tommy how’s Dermot, what did the Doctor say?”

  There was a long pause as Andrew listened.

  “Well I hope so, yes. Thanks for calling. Bye for now.”

  He replaced the receiver and turned to face Harry,

  “The meeting’s arranged for tomorrow night about seven at the garage, is that alright with you?”

  “Yes, no problem. And Dermot?”

  “He’s having some more X-rays taken tomorrow morning and this time he’s agreed to go and see a specialist about the results, not just his own quack.”

  “Does Darlath know yet?”

  “No, but he’s staying here tonight so I’ll let him know. Harry please don’t mention this, Dermot thinks he’s travelling over from Ireland tomorrow.”

  “No problem. Now what about today?”

  “There’s nothing to be done today. Tomorrow you can start picking up the outstanding rent and then we’ll go over to the garage later. However, there is just one thought though, if you move in with Eileen then I can rent out Argyle Street again.”

  “You never miss a trick do you?”

  Chapter 13

  Harry and Andrew arrived at the garage together. Steve was already in the office preparing a tray of drinks.

  “Come on in and sit down. Tommy’s in the fitter’s shop; he’ll be here in a minute. Help yourselves to a drink.”

  Andrew spoke up,

  “What about Darlath and Dermot, how are they getting here?”

  “Don’t you fret yourself, they’ll be here soon. Darlath hired a car and went to pick his dad up.”

  Andrew ignored the response. The door opened and Tommy joined them,

  “I’ve just been looking over the Scammell again, it should do nicely for carrying the goods.”

  Andrew looked up at Tommy,

  “That was always your first love wasn’t it? - big trucks and wagons, - always keen to learn how to drive them.”

  “He’s right you know Harry.” Tommy said,

  “When I was at school, many years ago now, I always fancied driving steam cranes or site diggers, anything with an engine really. Then, it was strange really; I joined the Police and started a career with them. But I still hankered after driving. It was only after my wife died and I retired from the force that I decided to make my schoolboy dream come true.”

  Steve joined in,

  “And so Tommy and I formed a team and established this garage.”

  Just then a car pulled in through the archway and parked in the compound at the back. Darlath helped his father out of the vehicle. The men noticed that Dermot was using a walking stick for the first time. The old man slowly shuffled into the office and sat down in the nearest chair, without uttering a word, his face now contorted and anguished with pain as he attempted to get comfortable.

  “A drink Dermot?” Tommy asked innocently. Dermot reached across to the tray and poured two glasses of whisky into one. He then started sipping loudly.

  “Dad, I wish you wouldn’t drink so much, it only aggravates your problem.”

  “Fuck it. If this illness is gonna see me out, then I’m going as pissed as I can be. Whisky helps me sleep anyway.”

  Darlath gave up the argument and sat back, looking around the room,

  “Good to see you again Harry, Tom, Steve and Andrew.” He raised a glass to them.

  “Where are you staying this time Darlath?”

  Steve asked as he watched carefully for Darlath’s reaction. Harry noticed how Andrew shuffled his feet and looked down at his glass. Dermot answered brusquely,

  “He’s staying at my hotel tonight and tomorrow, we’ve got lots to talk about he and I, you know domestic arrangements. My quack wants me to go into hospital for more tests. I may need to stay there for a while and then recuperate somewhere.”

  “It’ll be for the best you know, get it sorted once and for all.” Tommy said.

  Andrew looked up and briefly smiled across to Darlath. Steve now felt cheated by Dermot’s intervention, he had expected Darlath to get a little flustered when trying to answer.

  “No more time wasting and pleasantries, let’s get on with discussing this project of ours,” said Dermot,

  “But top this up first Tommy.”

  “Harry, please update us,” Tommy said as he filled Dermot’s glass.

  “OK. We travelled over to Kintyre and my first impression was how really remote it is. Driving down the west coast there are a few small villages or hamlets and a few farms but the area I’ve selected is away from them and completely on its own.”

  Darlath opened his brief case,

  “I’ve some maps here perhaps you can pinpoint where exactly Harry.”

  Darlath unfolded a map and placed it on the desk.

  Harry used a pencil as a pointer,

  “Here look, a small area called Westport just south of Glenbarr. There’s an unmade track that turns off to the right here and goes almost as far as the beach. Here there are two cottages but they’re boarded up and unused. This means that with the trees in that vicinity and these derelict buildings our van and cars are well hidden from the main road.”

  “What about the beach itself?” Andrew asked.

  “Firstly there are no minefields in that area and the beach near these cottages has two rocky promontories about forty yards apart. They don’t extend too far into the sea but they do protect this little piece of beach enclosed from the high waves breaking to the north and south. The beach shelves quite steeply so a fishing boat should be able to come fairly close in or even maybe land just onto the beach whilst unloading?”

  “So we could shine a light to attract the boat from each outcrop?” Steve asked.

  “Yes. These promontories are not very elevated but that gives us the advantage of not having to climb steep rocks or cliffs to get along them. The outcrops are still manageable even at high tides. But a word of caution, the main road south from Inveraray is narrow, rough and slow. Ideally the van should leave here the previous day and stop on route. Cars should just about make it by nightfall if they leave from Glasgow early. Another caution, there’s a large military presence at Inveraray, some joint services training centre. So whoever goes that way must have good papers and a plausible reason for travelling through, just in case they’re stopped.”

  Dermot growled a cough out and then spoke,

  “That’s good Harry. Has anyone got any thoughts about the location?”

  No one spoke up.

  Darlath then suggested,

  “OK. perhaps Harry and I can spend some time together later and mark up the map properly. Then I can pass the info onto the Skipper we’re using in Donegal next week.”

  “What sort of vessels are they?” Harry asked.

  “There’s a group of fishermen that operate from Greencastle, north east of Donegal. The guy I’ve been in contact with has a fifty foot sailing boat now fitted with an engine. I’ve already mentioned where we thought the drop area would be and he believes he can get close to shore. In any case he suggested he might carry a small tender that can be rowed ashore if the beach is too shallow.”

  “What do they catch going out from Greencastle?” Andrew asked.

 
“The boats are usually used for crabbing and salmon fishing but they’ve had lots of interference from seals apparently. The seals either frighten off or attack the salmon. That’s why this skipper is keen to do a bit of extra work for us.”

  Steve turned to face Darlath,

  “You mentioned the possibility of him using a tender. Shouldn’t we also take a boat with us in the van? If there’s a problem getting near, at least then we can start a shuttle service to and from his vessel?”

  Dermot spoke up, “Good idea.”

  Turning to Steve and Tommy,

  “Can you two source one to take up there?”

  “Aye aye Captain.” Tommy said with a smile.

  Dermot didn’t laugh, he was in pain again.

  “What about funding this project?”

  “It’s my turn; I’ll sort it out with Darlath.” Andrew said, adding, “I suppose we need to know what we are buying don’t we?”

  They all laughed as Darlath spoke,

  “It’s more of the usual I’m afraid, lots of Tobacco, liquor, some perfume and some jewellery.”

  “Enough to fill the Scammell?”

  Darlath laughed,

  “Yes Tommy, you can drive your favourite lorry again.”

  “Who’s going on this jaunt and when is it?”

  Dermot growled, gritting his teeth and trying not to reveal how much he was suffering.

  Tommy replied,

  “From this end I suggest that me and Steve take the truck down to Glenbarr and Andrew and Harry can use one of our cars and meet us at the beach.”

  “What about you son?”

  “I’ll come across on the boat and meet up with them.”

  Dermot tried to move in his chair.

  “How many people will be on the boat with you?”

  “There’s the skipper plus two.”

  “Can they be trusted?”

  “I think so, they’re desperate for cash. They’ve done similar trips across for other people I know without any problems.”

  “OK. son, if you’re sure. Now what about timing?”

  “The goods from the States land at Cork tomorrow. It’ll take two days to unload and move them up to Dublin. There they go into bonded warehouses and it’s in there that some will be lifted and made available to us.”