The Watchman's Grace

by Craig Johnson

  Samuel caught a glimpse of the gathering masses before their raised stage. He scanned the audience to make sure nothing was amiss. Assuring himself things were running well, he returned to find Duncan. Backstage he found him, moments before commencing the rally.

  “Looks like that shooting did little to scare the appetite of this crowd,” remarked Samuel. “You did us all proud at Wheatstone Fields. I am fully confident all of these people will devour our words once again with great hunger!

  “I don’t give a damn if the Security Force has their minions hiding out in the crowd. You just let them know through your conviction that change is wanted, desired and required. So be well while I go out to introduce you.”

  Samuel used his natural abilities to bring the buzzing throng to attention. “Welcome ladies and gentlemen to Foundation Hall! There is no doubt you have come to hear one of the key founders of our Common Man Movement, Duncan Malloy. He possesses verbal talents few can match, though his powerful messages hold no quarter for idle ranting. Without further delay let me introduce him to you!”

  Duncan strode towards Samuel in a confident gait. After shaking hands, Samuel receded backstage. Duncan sized up eager expressions amongst the multitude before speaking to a breathless audience.

  “Welcome everyone to Foundation Hall. Know here you are among fellow citizens who have desires to see an Ireland governed by Irish people. I daresay you are among people who desire a government who hears the voices of its citizens and acts accordingly. You are certainly among people who have witnessed too much vice in Dublin Castle which rewards the average citizen nothing.

  “Some of you have heard about the incident at Wheatstone Fields in which a man lost his life. For that I would give my dearest sympathies to those affected, but unfortunately his name is still unknown to authorities. In the wake of such an act of brazen hostility, I had been advised by some near and dear not to return to public appearances. A few even mentioned in as many words that bullet was meant for me!

  “Their expressions of deep concern were all well intended. Perhaps there are others who in my situation would take heed to these suasions and recede from public appearances. But I am no such person. The Common Man Movement means more to the welfare of this country than any one individual’s concerns.

  “As it stands, no one can offer more than mere speculation on why that man fell at Wheatstone Fields. Yet there is ample evidence thousands are forcibly evicted from their homes, thousands emigrate from their ancestral lands, and thousands are starving in a life of destitution. These facts overtake any contrived illusions about personal security. Our many supporters have already made countless sacrifices in their efforts for the cause of self-government. There will be many more made before our hopes become reality.

  “Let me say here and now bullets will not stop this movement! Trumped up accusations will not compel the truth to hide behind hideous falsehoods. These rallies offer irrefutable proof that our voices are demanding to be heard.

  “Looking back in later years, we shall all remember the events at Wheatstone Fields and Foundation Hall as “those days the living came alive”. I stand without fear on this platform to tell all good citizens of Ireland we will not cower to targeted aggression!

  “Daily our organization grows, with fresh faces bringing new energy to this cause. They will not stop supporting the Common Man Movement through any intimidation. Now is our time to be dealt with as equals in this country. Ghosts of subjugation have been awakened, while cornered men take their last ounce of dignity to say this current manner of business is all wrong.

  “So I say to you never allow me or the movement to mourn without victory, weep without accomplishment, or quit unless all manner of needs have been fulfilled. Self-government will not only change the prospects for many, though take back a measure of respect so cruelly denied through hundreds of years.

  “Today I lay down the gauntlet against all who will deny a fair chance at prosperity, equitable living standards and decent tenancy laws for every citizen. I challenge their faith in human decency while they dine on finery, plotting in surroundings of luxuriant excess. I come prepared to face them even though one arm is tied behind my back. Onwards beats our marching drums which call every citizen to join the Common Man Movement!”

  Duncan Malloy’s heartfelt appeals drew a thunderous roar which shook the very building. He would not play weak sister to the attempt on his life at Wheatstone Fields.

  While having the good sense not to make such claims publicly, Duncan was certain the Security Force continued maintaining their constant surveillance. His pointed comments would be readily recognized by any agent at face value. Duncan Malloy knew the truth of Wheatstone Fields, and would not back down from pushing this movement forward.

  As circumstances would have it, Duncan’s supposition would prove correct. Major Thurston desperately wanted the next clues in his pursuit of Peter Harvey. So when he spied a poster for Foundation Hall’s Saturday rally, he sent Officer Murray to attend. Major Thurston instructed the officer to gather every scrap of useful information possible.

  Officer Murray could scarcely believe the growing popularity of Malloy’s Common Man Movement, despite the shooting at Wheatstone Fields. But sure as rain he watched in grudging admiration. When the audience erupted in fanatical cheers, he realized their opponents were formidable in their determined belief.

  After the ear splitting applause subsided, Malloy continued explaining various reasons for self-government. Later, he proposed how an independent Irish government would apply solutions to what ailed the nation currently. His arguments were very convincing, frequently peppered with self-evident truths.

  Murray left Foundation Hall before the usual call for volunteers to come forward. The only relevant information he could furnish for Major Thurston was that the Common Man Movement continued to gain numbers. Also, in as many words, Duncan Malloy knew he was targeted for harm at Wheatstone Fields.

  Their Security Force was in the same position as when leaving empty handed from Goodhope House. In Murray’s mind, it would take a completely unexpected turn of events to break this deadlocked pursuit. Murray was convinced the Malloys had their own allies in high places who kept them apprised of danger.

  On approaching headquarters, Officer Murray had forbidden thoughts about the whole affair at Wheatstone Fields. No matter how hard he tried, the unmistakable cynicism of punishing a man who protected an innocent from assassination was sheer hypocrisy to him. They were pitted against people who lost many basic dignities of civilized life. And Officer Murray knew from past experience the lengths a man with nothing to lose would go to fight.

  Chapter Sixteen

  MAY THE WEARY NEVER REST

  Hope from the greed of an unkind stranger

  Major Thurston was beside himself in great frustration. Goodhope House revealed no secrets to the whereabouts of Peter Harvey. They had a witness once he was found, but until then the man was of no use. Officer Murray was expected back later that day and Thurston hoped he would bring valuable new information. In the meantime, he once again scoured through every report to see if there were any missed details.

  On entering headquarters Officer Murray headed straight for Thurston’s office. As he cautiously approached the door Murray prepared to hear a fresh blast of disapproval from his anxious superior. When he took his seat at Thurston’s desk, Murray noted a mass of reports strewn about it.

  “Good to see you Officer Murray. Pardon the mess, though I want to make sure no stone is left unturned in our efforts to track down Harvey. So how went the latest show at Foundation Hall? Did you learn anything of interest to further our search?”

  Murray paused for a moment to collect his observations in chronological order. “Well Major Thurston, at the beginning…”

  Officer Murray stopped mid-sentence on hearing the loud ruckus happening outside. “Sir, should I go and see what
is happening?”

  Major Thurston nodded in agreement. “Please, but do not spend any more time than necessary. I need to hear your report.”

  Murray felt relieved as he excused himself. There would be a temporary reprieve while he went to find the source of all this commotion. Striding down the corridor, he made his way to take in a noisy scene ahead.

  Moments earlier, a curt, ill-tempered individual had rushed into headquarters. He wasted no time in demanding an immediate audience with a superior. When politely rebuffed, the stranger repeated his wild eyed instructions.

  “Damn you, I’ll say it for the second time. Let me see the man in charge here!” shouted out this disheveled stranger. “There is a matter of great importance I have to discuss with him. Believe me when I say you will regret it if he does not hear me out!”

  The duty officer at reception was none too pleased with the manners of this inquirer. Yet he was hesitant to turn the odd fellow away. After all, there was a remote possibility he very well knew something of relevance to the Security Force.

  “Our major is a busy man with a full schedule of business to attend each day. May I ask the nature of this information you possess?”

  Instantly the stranger’s eyes narrowed into evil slits as he hissed out his reply. “Do not mess about with me officer. Let me tell you this. Every moment spent holding me up will count against you when I finally speak to him. Your rank will be worth less than a full chamber pot if I do not speak with him at once!”

  Duty Officer Ready looked the wretched man up and down before making his final decision. “If you could take a seat over there I could see if Major Thurston is available. May I ask your name?”

  “Simon is here, just tell him that,” the strange man growled in response.

  Duty Officer Ready came around back of his desk to see if Major Thurston was available. He walked just a few steps before running into an oncoming Officer Murray.

  “Well hello Officer Murray! I was just on my way to see if Major Thurston was available. Have a man waiting in the lobby who requests his presence this instant. He’s standing over there.”

  Ready pointed to the unkempt visitor. Officer Murray bore a discreet smile when he seen the cause of all this agitated commotion.

  “Officer Ready, I shall deal with the situation from here. You can return to manning the front desk.”

  Ready did not need to hear those words twice. Relieved to be extricated from the combustible situation, he scampered back to his post. Officer Murray followed coolly behind and came up to meet the waiting stranger. When Officer Murray approached, the man wore a look of sudden surprise.

  “Hello there, my name is Officer Murray. I understand you have information which may benefit us in no small way. Please follow me to my office.”

  Not one sound came from the disheveled man. He obediently walked with Murray to his quarters. When the door was closed, Murray’s face took on a look of restrained anger.

  “Simon, why in hell are you here of all places, creating a huge row in the lobby of Security Force headquarters? Have you gone completely mad? You’re my secret informant, and now you risk jeopardizing the agreement we made! What’s the matter with you man?”

  Simon leaned back in his chair with an ungrateful smirk painted on his face. “Now you listen to me Officer Murray. I did everything you asked, gathering information on the movement from people I knew on good terms. On my own account I traveled from Greenhill to Cork and all the rallies in between, giving you straight goods at every turn.

  “Without my work you would be very much in the dark. I earned all that was offered. But now I’ve obtained news which makes your compensation appear a mere pittance.”

  Officer Murray could sense the direction Simon was headed. He was facing a volatile informant who wanted an even larger payoff for his toil. Regardless, Murray was not one who took kindly to changing agreements midstream, especially when the informant’s approach hinted of blackmail.

  “Hear me out Simon,” countered Murray coolly. “You live in a fool’s paradise to think the power in our relationship has somehow shifted to your grimy grasp! There was a gentleman’s deal already in place, and I expect you to honor it. Otherwise, I fear your word cannot be trusted in any further regards. So tell me everything, and we shall continue on as if nothing happened.”

  Simon burst out in raucous laughter. “There’s a lot of pompous blather Officer Murray! Remember he who holds the prize makes all rules.

  “I know you are currently after a man named Peter Harvey. Are you surprised I know this? You shouldn’t be, considering the detailed information I passed on before. Yet I see your people have yet to apprehend him. So logically I have arrived to help solve that issue.”

  Officer Murray was shocked to hear Simon knew about their search. Even local policemen had not been formally notified. Clearly the possibility Simon may possess clues needed to forward their investigation increased dramatically. Still, Murray needed to keep his enthusiasm in check to see if this was merely chance speculation.

  “Oh dear Simon, you do have a fanciful imagination! Granted those past efforts were somewhat noteworthy, but do not let it distort your view of the situation. Anyways, why would the Security Force care about capturing Peter Harvey when he and Malloy are already under constant surveillance?”

  Simon waved a pointed finger in Murray’s face. “There you go again officer! I come to help your investigation and you toy with me by offering another probing riddle. Since I am in a decent mood I will oblige only once with a riddle of my own. Why would the Security Force be concerned with any murder in Dublin? Is that not a matter for the police?”

  Officer Murray became very agitated. He knew Simon was not playing an empty hand. For some unknown reason, he had access to a very informed source. Precious time was wasting if he held up any longer.

  “Wait here Simon, and I shall see if Major Thurston is available. Then I will come back to fetch you. Though keep in mind he is well respected at the highest levels; I expect you to treat him as such. Are we clear on how you should conduct yourself in his presence?”

  “Fair enough Officer Murray,” snarled back Simon. “I will wait for your return. Don’t be too long, less my expectations increase with impatience.”

  Officer Murray vacated the office, making his way towards Thurston’s quarters. It was a calculated risk, since he did not know the sum total of Simon’s information. Though the gruff informant provided enough of a preview to suggest he possessed knowledge of certain value. Besides, Major Thurston was desperate to hear any news which could put the Force onto Peter Harvey’s trail.

  Thurston looked up expectantly when Murray entered his office. “All seems quieter now, so you must have handled that fracas well enough. Now, getting back to our discussion, you were about to tell me your findings at Foundation Hall?”

  “You are correct sir, though on foot of being visited by an old informant I suggest we suspend the summation. He appeared with the claim of having information most valuable to our current efforts. With your approval I feel we should hear what he has to say.”

  Thurston crooked his left eyebrow in a curious gaze. “Tell me Officer Murray, was he involved in surveillance at the Common Man Movement rallies?”

  “Indeed he was sir, and provided solid intelligence for quite a few reports.”

  Major Thurston leaned back in his chair. “I have spent hours shifting through these briefings, hoping for one scrap of a clue to put our search back on track. Unless you can tell me anything noteworthy from Foundation Hall I will meet this man.”

  “His name is Simon; I will get him right away.” Once again Murray avoided the frustrated wrath of Major Thurston. Perhaps the presence of Simon would turn out a good omen for their efforts after all. In any event, he sincerely hoped the surly informant was not playing at a wicked game.

  “Simon, please follow me to
Major Thurston’s office. He has accepted an audience with you. Do not try his patience! Tell him your story so he can decide its relevance, if any, to the Security Force.”

  Simon winked back at Murray before going with the officer to Thurston’s quarters. The major greeted them as they sat down at his desk.

  “You must be the informant Simon. I have read many of Officer Murray’s reports, to which he said you contributed reliable intelligence. Just now he mentioned there is information of great importance you now possess?”

  “Oh yes, that I most certainly do. I have been trying this last while to talk with you, though the duty clerk was quite confrontational. Would you care to hear me out Major Thurston?”

  Major Thurston became an accomplished veteran through a career of making quick assessments based on few facts. Thurston’s first instincts were this man would be trouble. Though the inquisitive nature of his instinct ate away the better of caution. He would play out the game for a time to see if it merited further attention.

  “Yes, please begin.”

  Simon shot Officer Murray a conniving look before continuing. “As you may know I am in the employ of your officer here as an informant. There are many expenses I take on at my personal reckoning to fulfill such a duty. Now I am reaching the limit of financial constraint. In all honesty, I cannot see how to continue without an increase in compensation.”

  Major Thurston’s face turned a tinge of scarlet upon hearing Simon’s request. “Who do you think you are to make such bold statements? Do you realize the brazen nature of your words man?

  “Officer Murray, has this impertinent serf conned his way into my office for a shakedown? This is the high point of insolence! I am becoming of the mind to suspend any further association with this odd character.”