“I give you my word Maggie. We will have a long life together, and it will all start before you know it!”
Maggie was pleased to hear these words, though knew the reality of strong men with bold visions. “You always know what I want to hear. Let’s head back inside and see the latest goings on.”
Time has a convoluted way of dealing with plans for the future, especially in the volatile climate of political activism. On national, regional, town and household levels, Ireland faced many hard decisions. As well, a sense of foreboding gripped the land in constant fear. In such an environment, who could predict today, let alone tomorrow?
Chapter Twelve
SOME NOBLE SACRIFICE
Sometimes the reality of today can be shattered like a pane of glass
While Peter Harvey and Duncan Malloy enjoyed their return to bustling Dublin, people in another area of the city reviewed the Common Man Movement’s last few weeks of engagements. These were not cheery old acquaintances or loves left behind. They were a much sterner lot who held no compassion for the Common Man Movement.
In these quarters, protection of the Realm was of prime importance. Resurrections and rebellions alike met their match against this office time and again. Currently, another potential threat was brewing. Alerted by a higher authority in London through a well-placed aristocratic parliamentarian, there was much pressure to continue monitoring the actions of Mr. Harvey and Mr. Malloy.
Stationed in their Dublin headquarters, the British Security Force was a power without equal in Ireland. Acting on direct authority from the British Government, their sole objective was maintaining order within the volatile country, regardless of costs. The main detachment was headed by Major Stanley Thurston.
Major Thurston did not suffer fools. He had years of experience in theaters of war, insurgencies and espionage to guide his bold decisions. Here in Ireland he would not let his reputation of service go wanting.
Today he sat in his well-appointed office, anticipating his regular briefing on the latest activities of this movement. A quick rap on his door signaled the end of waiting. Major Thurston prepared to greet his officer for more information concerning their top secret operation.
“Please enter Officer Murray,” he rang out from behind his large desk.
Into the office stepped a medium sized man of decent build and good disposition. Under the officer’s right arm was a portfolio of papers. He appeared attentive and eager to open dialogue with the major.
“Good afternoon, major. It is good to be back in Dublin after a long stay in Cork. Here is my complete report on the current situation. I trust it is in most factual form.”
Major Thurston took hold of the information handed towards him. Following a quick review of the papers, he placed this package on his desk. Looking upwards, he addressed the officer.
“Officer Murray, welcome back to headquarters. From the size of this brief you would have been a busy man in Cork. After I have finished reviewing the file more thoroughly we shall talk in greater detail. In your absence, more pressing issues have come to the fore. Can I speak to you with complete candor?”
The officer interpreted his superior’s request to be very serious. There was really no choice in the matter.
“Please Major Thurston, go ahead.”
“I thank you for your confidence. Yesterday, we received a visitor of very high standing in British governmental affairs. A group of powerful interests here and over in London wants the issue of this Common Man Movement put to rest immediately! They feel our watched pot is finally boiling, ready to scald us with a massive public demonstration. At the core of their heightened concern is its gaining popularity, which could engender a nationwide protest.
“The Realm has ultimate power on this Island. It is our duty to stop any hint of strong rebellion to loosen our grip. Those are the concerns I lay before you. The solution has been debated in London and is now demanded of us to be carried out.”
“If I may interject Major Thurston, we have executed our surveillance plan to perfection. We can counter any actions they may contrive with plenty of advanced notice. In my opinion, there is no need for abrupt changes in our operation.”
Major Thurston stood up and paced slowly across the room for a few brief moments. Suddenly he stopped and straightened out his form. He appeared to hold the weight of the world in his weary eyes.
“Officer Murray, I appreciate your input as always, though the matter is beyond our control. Final orders have been issued. We shall commence to silence the Common Man Movement at once.”
Murray nervously cleared his throat. “How is it proposed we do such Major Thurston?”
“The Empire cannot risk one pearl in its Crown to come lose from its placement! It would threaten the beauty and structure of its whole. All it would take is one successful grassroots cause to back us into an indefensible position before similar uprisings spread throughout the colonies. Therefore, we must cut the head of the snake before it bites. Do I need to explain any further?”
Officer Murray could not believe what was being suggested. “Please take my comments in ignorance if I’m wrong, though are you implying an assassination?”
Thurston’s face contorted into a deep scowl. “You call it whatever pleases your fancy. The Malloy family has been under surveillance for months. Their threat is real, and that movement is in the early stages of planning organized rebellion. British interests are at high risk!
“Duncan Malloy, heir apparent in their family and the man behind this movement will never back down. This situation will be condoned no longer. Our Realm needs to be made free of threats immediately. Do you understand?”
Officer Murray offered a reluctant nod of acceptance.
“I need not say your strictest confidence is required here. We have powerful people within Ireland holding great interests who support that movement’s seditious acts. One of our main goals in Ireland is to protect against such bold threats.
“The plan received by me yesterday has been set up to stop this aggression. We have a professional actor ready to perform. What we need from you is the stage. Where is the best place to carry out this action?”
“Well, understand Major Thurston I have no prior experience in this area. Logically speaking, it would be best amongst a large crowd. Ease of escape, many potential suspects, and the diversion of an audience’s attention to a speaker or performer would certainly be helpful. For the actor, their actions would have to be guarded, as to not arouse detection.”
“That all sounds plausible to me Officer Murray. Fortunately our actor has experience in such assignments. He will use your full cooperation to reconnaissance the best location for this deed. When details are finalized, you will return to gain express permission from me. Only then will our actor enter on stage and perform.”
Thurston walked beside Officer Murray and leaned to whisper in his right ear. “You realize the consequences of failure will not be entertained. You and I are answering to a much greater authority. On completion of our mission you will entertain solid career prospects indeed.”
Officer Murray’s quiet indignation was soothed by prospects of material gain. “I look forward to that opportunity Major Thurston,” he smiled back.
Thurston resettled in his desk chair before continuing. “Of course, if there’s failure, you will have placed yourself in a most unfortunate dilemma. I will not be party to your defense if the sterling reputation of this force is put to shame. Are we perfectly clear?”
Officer Murray’s throat suddenly went dry. “Yes sir,” he managed to strain out.
“Very well; Sergeant Wilson will be your direct and only other report on all activities. Make final arrangements with him. You may leave now Officer Murray.”
Officer Murray left Thurston’s presence with a racing heart. Hours before he knew nothing of the pressure which had come to bear. Now, hi
s career was in the balance because of a planned assassination. There was only one small comfort he could gain from his exchange with Thurston.
“Thank God I will not be their triggerman!” he expelled in the faintest of whispers.
*****
Peter and Duncan were coming to the close of a memorable return to Dublin. Ties with family and close friends strengthened, they looked ahead to working on the movement’s future agenda. In this vein, Aidan Malloy proposed the trio meet at Goodhope House that evening to discern a solid course of continuance
Discussion began in earnest within the comfortable confines of Aidan’s main study. Then, a short time into their conversation, Duncan’s father made a statement which heightened all stakes.
“Peter, Duncan, I had a special meeting with the Men of Goodhope last evening. Not only was it very productive, though we highlighted a key change in your itinerary for this movement. Gentlemen, it’s time you hit the main stage; an engagement in Dublin itself.”
Peter and Duncan were dumbstruck. To organize an event here would be a direct signal that their Common Man Movement was mounting a formidable challenge. In a way, Dublin Castle and the British Parliament would have their respective hands forced. Surely they would not slouch from any show of protest, perceived or otherwise. Therefore, a Dublin venue was not to be taken lightly.
“Father, why the sudden urgency to present here? As the leaders of this, Peter and I have staged our rollout to gain momentum and solidify our base. We would not want to be hasty, based on recent triumphs. Our opponents will strike hard if they knew a self-government rally in the capital were to be launched!”
Aidan strode towards the liquor table and poured a neat whisky. “I have no other way to say it, but we have little idea how much time is left before our opponents take decisive action. Rumors are heavy around Dublin Castle that the Realm is not going to allow any more leeway. We have to reach as many people as possible in the fastest frame of time.”
Peter needed no literal translation of Aidan’s comments. “Duncan, the game is fast upon us, with no time to play our hand leisurely. I take Aidan’s information at its mark; let us plan for a Dublin engagement.”
“My anger over the collusion which led us down this path is absolute,” replied Duncan. “Here we launch a peaceful, non-aggressive protest for what every man wants and these hypocrites enjoy. Yet they need to perpetuate a serf class for self-gain. To hell with it; if it comes to the worst we shall always fight with our best!”
“You know it goes further than us,” added a contemplating Peter. “Look at the Civil War in America. Oh they say it is about saving their Union, though any informed observer sees the prize is greater. The two choices are a nation built on subjugation of others, or an attempt to live up to their Constitution’s flowery prose; that all men are created equal.
“In Ireland, whether the average citizen is aware of not, a subjugated majority are governed by an elite minority from outside its own shores. Therein lays the threat upon us, in case it sparks an awakening of conscious leading to true freedom. In other words, we too have a master afraid of revolt.”
Duncan looked with full measure upon both men. “We are in unanimous agreement. Our next event will proclaim undeniable facts to the greatest masses on this Island. As fellow countrymen, we owe them no less than the delivered truth.”
Aidan was pleased with the endorsement. “Do you know how much publicity your movement will field after an engagement in Dublin? The Castle minions will be compelled to tell London this Common Man Movement is a legitimate protest for self-government. A huge turnout will give our cause more credibility than witnessed in decades. Now is our chance to seize an awakening conscience!”
Peter thought about the planning involved with such an engagement. “If we may Aidan I would request Samuel McGee aid our efforts. I know he is a County Mayo man, though he has been working in Cork and other towns to great effect. Of course he would complement your men in Dublin to bring our combined results forward.”
“There’s never an issue to call upon good men like Samuel,” agreed Aidan. I will make those arrangements Peter. The hour is late. Are there any other matters which need clarification?”
Peter had to mention the obvious. “When are we going to hold the Dublin rally? I assume it will herald the beginning of our new set of engagements.”
Aidan stood ready with a prompt response. “I cannot see why this coming Saturday would not do? You boys have enjoyed nice refreshment. Plus the momentum of your past showings should be capitalized upon quickly.”
“I have but one issue,” added Duncan. “Where in the city can we safely hold such an affair? The government will surely disband any large gathering in public places.”
Aidan grinned broadly at the query. “Good point Duncan, and in normal circumstances other protests would be greatly challenged. Though one of the Men of Goodhope happens to own a large vacant property near city center called Wheatstone Fields. It is there the Common Man Movement will comfortably host its Dublin debut.”
With the last matter settled, Peter and Duncan prepared to bid good evening to Aidan and set off for their quarters. While Duncan went off to retrieve some papers from his former bedroom, Aidan pulled Peter aside.
“Peter, I have a heavy favor to ask of you. Last evening I learned there may be more risk than we previously anticipated. You do not have to accept if your conscious refuses, though I fear the undercover stewards may not be enough in certain circumstances. What I mean is there should be an added layer of personal protection for the two of you.”
Aidan reached within his breast pocket to reveal a small arm pistol. “I know you had experience using firearms to hunt small game with your grandfather Eamon. If it did any good I would give Duncan one as well, but you know his nature. He protested having a few undercover stewards to watch over crowds of hundreds! I’m asking a lot of you Peter, but everything from here on in will be about making tough decisions.”
Like Duncan, Peter detested aggressive tactics. Though here was a practical element which could not be overlooked. He remembered all the recent warnings given in their latest rallies. All it would take was one deranged fanatic to place them in mortal danger. It was a possibility Peter did not wish decided by chance.
“For the sake of our mutual protection,” Peter replied as he accepted the offering. “We shall speak no further on it.”
Aidan nodded in silent acknowledgement. Duncan returned to join them one moment later. Soon they were on their way. Each was too exhausted for more exchange concerning the forthcoming event. All that mattered now was a good night’s rest.
In these days leading up to the biggest engagement of their Common Man Movement, hours on end were devoted to coordinating numerous details. Everyone involved knew this would be a center stage attraction, with their cause in the balance. The point of no return had now been reached.
Saturday morning came with a heightened rush of urgency. There was an immediate pace to all affairs now. Fortunately, Wheatstone Fields proved an impressive venue, given its abandoned state just one week before.
For starters, a massive platform presided over a large open area for the anticipated mass of attendees. Entrance off a main street ensured good access to any who wished to attend. Lastly, the placement of buildings on either side of their designated area made for amphitheatric listening.
“I don’t wish to repeat myself,” said an awed Samuel McGee upon arriving with Peter and Duncan. “I thought Cork was the biggest test for our appeal. But Wheatstone Fields makes a mockery of that comment! We succeed here, and our Common Man Movement becomes a national cause.”
Peter held an uncharacteristic frown upon hearing Samuel’s words. “Our opponents will also be taking full measure of our activities. In Greenhill we were seen as idealistic collegiate graduates well out of our depths. Now look around; there is serious backing for all of this, an
d they cannot possibly escape thinking we are a credible threat. I fear the crush of their mailed fist may not be too far along.”
“I tend not to agree Peter,” replied a zealous Duncan. “If they move against an unarmed protest which speaks all fact and no lies, this administration will only gain further discredit. Our movement only seeks a nonviolent change in the present scheme of things.”
Samuel McGee shook his head violently. “Can’t you see therein lay the conflict? If we were seen as equals there would be ready solutions for what ails this nation. At the end of the day, there is little respect for the worth of an Irishman. That is why our tragic affairs continue.
“Power, you will find throughout history, is never given away freely by the conqueror. It must be challenged, in many cases fought, and then gained.”
While this heated discussion ensued off stage, stewards on the ground were pressed to their very limits. Wheatstone Fields needed the full breadth of its capacity to satisfy a gathering throng. Without exception it would be the largest engagement for their Common Man Movement.
Soon a lone steward approached the trio. “Gentlemen, we have reached our limit for available ground. The chief steward has sent me to inform you he has the main entrance blocked. There are hundreds more who cannot physically be accommodated.”
“Thank you Martin,” replied Samuel. “Duncan, Peter, there is no better time to begin. I assume it’s your turn Duncan to address today’s crowd. We shall have the best of days here at Wheatstone Fields, unless our time for freedom has not yet arrived. Let me go address the crowd and introduce you. Be well my friends.”
Peter gave his truest friend a sudden hug of affection. “I just wanted you to know how much my circumstances are owed to your family’s kind graces. Not a day goes by where I forget the fortune of my fate. It is also my greatest of fears, for at some point, fate will turn against me to test my resolve. Given my long run of prosperity, change may soon be at hand.”
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