“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.
Chapter 22
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.
Chapter 23
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.”
The next few days passed quickly. Harry continued the rent collecting service and deposited the cash with Andrew each day. On the Thursday afternoon Andrew confirmed that he had received a call from Tommy and that the meeting would go ahead but would be held at the garage instead of Michael’s place.
“Where’s Michael then?” Harry asked.
“He’s paying a visit to Ireland and isn’t due back until Sunday.”
“Has he relatives still over there?”
“No I don’t think so. He travels over every few years to spend a few nights in Dublin.”
“Do you know if Dermot’s well enough to attend?”
“I spoke to Darlath last night. He thinks he will come, he just hopes that he behaves and doesn’t divulge anything about the conversation that they had had on Christmas Day.”
“That’s unlikely isn’t it?”
“I don’t know. Darlath says that he’s still in a foul, irritable mood and isn’t volunteering much conversation between them as they used to. It’s quite sad really; all the warmth between them has gone by the sound of it. Darlath said that he tried to make light of the situation by quoting a line that Samuel Johnson wrote,
‘The Irish are a fair people; they never speak well of one another.’
I thought that was amusing.”
“That certainly sounds appropriate I suppose.” Harry stood up, “O.k. Andrew I’ll make tracks and see you Saturday evening.”
“I noticed that you’ve collected this weeks rent already so I’m offering another Friday off for you Harry, well done.”
“I’m getting used to these four day weeks!”
Andrew paid him in cash for the work he had completed. Harry then departed and walked down towards the garage.
It was now very cold and icy. The grey heavily clouded January skies hung low over the city. People were scurrying home before the last of the daylight had disappeared. At the garage he was met by Tommy,
“Hello again, you’re o.k. for the meeting here Saturday?”
“Yes, Andrew told me about it. The reason I called in was to find out if you had a hire car I could use tomorrow, Friday?”
“I’m sure we can fix you up, let me check with the Fitter what’s available.”
Tommy telephoned through to the workshop. Harry looked around the room whilst waiting.
“I see you’re still missing Vera?”
Harry said looking at the piles of paper scattered over the desks. Tommy covered his hand over the mouthpiece,
“You’re right, bloody invoices and letters to go but no one to type them.”
The Fitter confirmed which vehicle was available,
“Right o.k. thanks George. Please fill the tank, I’ll be over in five minutes.” He turned towards Harry,
“I’m hoping Vera will return on Monday. I spoke to her Mother again about her coming back. Vera’s only managed to get a few temporary jobs over the Christmas and is still looking so I think I’ve persuaded her with a pay rise and a new chair!”
“What does Steve think about that?”
“He knows that he was in the wrong and has promised to stay away from the office when she’s working alone. As for a car, the Standard has just returned so you can have that. Are you doing anything special tomorrow?”
“No, just a day out to a pub somewhere. Eileen’s not working until Saturday.”
“Bring it back Saturday night for the meeting. Is that alright?”
“Fine.” Harry reached for his wallet,
“No charge Harry, just have a good time.”
The next morning the couple set out east from Glasgow towards the Pentland Hills. At lunchtime they found a small hotel that was offering food and afterwards decided to relax for a couple of hours in front of a large log fire before driving back home.
“Tell me something Eileen, what’s Wemyss’s first name?”
“It’s Robert, but he prefers Bob or just Wemyss. Why do you ask?”
“Well I’ve met him several times but still didn’t pick up what his name was.”
“Well now you know. He’s a kind old gent, I’ve known him almost as long as I’ve known Dermot.”
“You’re well looked after by those two aren’t you?”
“I suppose I have been. They keep an eye out for me and they’ve both helped me at different times. Perhaps Dermot more so than Wemyss with places to live cheaply, work at the club. I’ve been very fortunate.”
“Does Wemyss live near the Dugout?”
“It’s not too far away, about a mile I guess. He still lives in a large Victorian house on his own.”
“Does he pay anyone to help him, gardener, housekeeper or anyone?
“During the summer he has someone to keep the garden tidy but there’s no housekeeper. Of course he gets all his main meals at the club so he’s well catered for.”
“Sounds as though he’s got a few pennies stashed away then?”
“Yes, I believe so. I’ve been to his house on occasions, lovely big double fronted property full of expensive looking furniture and fittings.”
“He’s worked hard for it I guess, he’s seems a bit of an entrepreneur?”
Eileen brushed away a mark on her dress,
“It was Wemyss that discovered the empty chapel that is now the Dugout. It was Wemyss that designed and paid for most of it. And as you know it’s very successful so he must be making money there as well as his other interests.”
“Others?”
“He’s another house in Edinburgh that he rents and another pub in Leith that someone manages for him.”
“That is impressive; I wish I had that skill. To see some opportunity and make it work for you.”
“Well you’ve got me now, I work for you!” Eileen said.
Harry smiled across,
“Of course. Another thing Eileen, Steve is divorced I knew that, but Tommy, what happened to his wife?”
Eileen sat back in her chair,
“It was about seven or eight years ago. They were a happily married couple for many years but they never had any kids. It was about that time that Tommy began to notice that his wife seemed to be getting restless and not content with her situation. Tommy tried to make amends and arranged holidays and trips out but there was this unresolved problem between them just below the surface. Even his close friends noticed the change in her and wondered what was happening. This went on for about a year before his wife, Rose, suddenly collapsed one day and was rushed to hospital. She had had some brain haemorrhage or stroke which resulted in her staying in hospital and later being transferred to a sanatorium. Tommy used to go and visit every day but as the months wore on her conditioned worsened. She was unable to communicate by talking, some paralysis on her face or something, and ended up scratching short messages on a chalk slate. To cut a long story short the Doctors tried various methods of treatment but none seemed to have worked, and she seemed disinterested in trying to recover. She always ended his visit by chalking a short message for him. Tommy used to tell us that often she wrote, almost in short hand, ‘I love you’ but the sentence was never fully formed so he’d often guess what she intended. She nodded to confirm his interpretation. That is until her final day, she had another seizure. Her messages used to normally end with, ‘I lo.. u’. But on this particular day she managed to write out the full sentence…”
“Go on,” Harry said.
“It said ‘I loathe u’.”
“What?”
“Let me finish. Tommy, understandably, was deeply wounded by this. Rose died later that day. After the post mortem the surgeons confirmed that a benign tumour had been forming for years unnoticed and the pressure on her brain had altered her personality. Tommy was inconsolable for months after.
- What’s the matter Harry?”
“Sorry but I am trying desperately not to laugh...”
“Harry, how could you?”
Eileen’s face also gave way to a muffled laugh.
“No I mustn’t, it’s you that’s started me off!”
Shadows of Deceit Page 18