“His tactics are sometimes rough at the edges,” blurted out an anxious Officer Murray. “But he proves his worth in results. Please give him some latitude, as I know it will be justified. Now carry on Simon, and get to the point!”
“I will accept your officer’s gratitude as an apology for your remarks. Major Thurston, I am a legitimate procurer of intelligence for the Security Force. Through many hours of gathering information on the front lines I am almost indispensable. Insulting me does you no good.
“For example, I know you are in pursuit of a man named Peter Harvey. How could I say this without the best of sources?”
Major Thurston gave Murray a stunned look before sizing up Simon. “Go ahead, you have my attention.”
“Well then, since we are on the topic, I also know you are actively investigating that shooting at Wheatstone Fields; though let’s say under more covert circumstances. Now why is the Security Force interested in a random killing I ask myself? Is that matter not under our Dublin Metropolitan Police’s jurisdiction?
“Ah yes Major Thurston, I can tell you what you need to know,” continued the bitter informant to a surprised Major Thurston. “In return I want it to be worth my while. And if you speak to me in that abusive manner again I shall be out of here!”
Thurston was in disbelief after hearing this unkempt man recounting information of the highest confidence. He was at a complete loss to answer how Simon could be so well informed. Again he gave Officer Murray a troubled look, for which he received nothing in return.
It was then he realized the wily informant had called their bluff. However, Major Thurston was more than up to the challenge. He cleared his throat before responding in poised disdain to Simon.
“Now listen closely Simon. I have no idea from where such hearsay originates, though my curiosity is heightened. As a current informant, I understand there is an arrangement already in place. By coming forth with your new demands, you have unilaterally broken the spirit of a gentleman’s contract. I take such action as a personal affront!
“Therefore, I want to end your contract to us at this time. I thank you for past service, though you have received adequate compensation in return. In all of this, you still have not given me any reason to value what you have to say. I have many pressing matters to attend, so…”
The scruffy man interrupted him mid-sentence. “Then I will take no more of your time. I understand our business together is suspended. Guess you are not as concerned about the whereabouts of Peter Harvey as I thought. Good day to you.”
When Thurston heard Simon’s parting words he knew the informant must be given undivided attention. Simon whirled abruptly on his hind heels to leave Thurston’s office. As he did so, the major’s sharp instinct overcame his penchant to further deride this unseemly character. He urgently needed fresh leads. His detachment would get nowhere without further assistance.
“Stay where you are for one moment,” requested a more conciliatory Thurston. “You have to understand my position when unconfirmed information is presented in my quarters. I need to be sure anyone making such fantastic claims has our best intentions at heart. Believe me; I will know if you do on this matter.”
Simon paused before whirling around in dramatic fashion to face Major Thurston. Locking eyes with the senior officer, he gave further account of his merit.
“Never forget it was my information which made you fully aware of the rising threat this Common Man Movement posed to current affairs in Ireland. Me alone, trailing most of those sickening rallies hosted by the darkie and Malloy!
“Well now, do you fully appreciate this? You must be concerned where Peter Harvey is located. No doubt he has information which the Security Force wants to keep quiet. So here I am offering a way to alleviate your distress. Tell me now major, are we wasting time, or can we see clear from here?”
Like any other senior officer in the ranks, Thurston thought it good judgment to look upon informants with some suspicion, even if they were in his employ. If one changed natural loyalties once, doing so a second time would be of lesser consequence to them.
“Before we continue with the matter, why should I entertain paying you anything? To date I have a growing menace with this Common Man Movement, whose large rallies promote instability against the current order of things. Where are the fruits of your intelligence? My men are becoming consumed with the Malloys and their lot!”
“I have no doubt you are a hard man Major Thurston. But please, you have quite some nerve to blame the incompetence of your men on my information! Results are in the execution, as you can surely attest. All of those commendations attached to your name will mean nothing if Peter Harvey escapes!”
Major Thurston knew from the onset this informant’s shabby appearance belied a formidable intellect. He needed to harness such a cunning mind for his investigation, since no other options currently presented themselves. Therefore, he offered to bargain with him.
“Listen Simon, I have heard your petition for compensation. And Officer Murray has vouched for the reliability of your past intelligence. Because of this, I am prepared to offer a onetime sum if the information you furnish leads to capturing Peter Harvey. What say you to my terms?”
“Well now Major Thurston, how can I make a decision without having a figure presented? Seeing you have cut ties so easily with me before, I do not think it prudent to wait for something that may never come my way. Don’t you agree?”
“Here are my final conditions. Before I continue, be aware that our detachment does not have access to a limitless amount of funds. In light of that fact, you will find the following very generous indeed.
“I am prepared to grant you five hundred pounds sterling, of which one hundred pounds sterling will be advanced today. When we successfully apprehend Harvey you shall receive the balance. On the other hand, if we are being led astray on a false chase, you could be in for punishment most dear. Do we understand each other?”
Simon clasped his hands together and stretched out his arms. He then focused into Thurston’s eyes to evaluate his sincerity. Soon he gave a studied response.
“Before I give you an answer, let me spell out my underlying motivations. I can honestly say there are two satisfactions I receive in assisting your efforts. Money is dear, though imperialists have it all wrong when you think it’s always the prime motivation.
“I may not care for Peter Harvey in the least, though he has most of us bested when it comes to courageous passion. Pray tell, how do you figure he who arrives here as a babe on the coast cares more about Eire than most? Beyond our understanding is what I tell you!
“There is something in his belief of fellow countrymen which sometimes brings me deep chills of fear. That bastard certainly cares more about Eire than I do! Perhaps that is what makes me hate him so. In one sense, I am crushing the future ambitions of this country by aiding your Force.
“Nevertheless, I started our relationship because a past debt is still unpaid. It involves a landlord who goes about town as a champion of people’s rights while he evicts good working types such as me. Now, I aim to settle the score.
“Oh hell, enough of that, for I am at risk without this compensation. If ever the wrong people find out about these dealings, my life will be worth nothing! But I am sure what comes forth interests you far more than my possible punishment.”
Major Thurston strolled around his desk and stood beside Simon’s chair. “If I may be so blunt, this manner of speech is not in keeping with your appearance. I am sure there is an interesting story or two in your past. So, am I to take your musings as confirmation of my proposal?”
“Yes Major Thurston. Take me at my word. Now I would like to see some reciprocity in return.”
Thurston went to a corner of his office where a small iron vault was attached to the floor. “Officer Murray, could you please take Simon outside for a moment while I secure his a
dvance?”
“Yes sir. Follow me if you will Simon.” Both men left the room while Thurston took out one hundred pounds sterling in crisp notes. On closing the safe, he beckoned the two men back into his office.
“Here you are Simon, just as we agreed. Now let me sit down before you begin. Officer Murray will take notes on every piece of information you reveal. Keep that in mind while telling us what we need to know. His hand can write only so fast.”
“Thank you Major Thurston. I will take care not to rush my words. Where shall I begin? Oh yes, after coming into the employ of Officer Murray some months ago I used my relationship with a member of their Common Man Movement to learn more about its inner workings. Now this cat was set amongst the pigeons.
“It must be said they are a smart lot indeed. Despite your views, most of them do have a true interest in the welfare of common citizens. It is not the cause I take issue with, but rather those individuals at its lead.
“Furthermore, I have no regard for any man that places his utter trust in a mysterious dark child who was found washed ashore. These veins still run with my ancestors’ blood as anyone can attest. But this Harvey fellow comes from points unknown to sow the seeds of an unknown future from an unknown past.
“I don’t care even if he was given Dublin Castle’s stamp of approval. To me, he is anything but a champion for Irish people such as me! He seems more a plague upon the minds of good folk. I am sure there are many other good people that want to crush this messianic vision of Harvey once and for all!
“His discord is breaking up the lives of decent folk. As for the Malloy family you can sense my utter disdain for them. Do you understand my true motives a little more clearly major?”
“I have a grasp on your feelings in this matter. Now shall we get to the topic of where Peter Harvey may be?”
“It was before this last rally at Foundation Hall I noticed there was no sign of Peter Harvey. To say that was unusual would be an understatement of grand proportions! I discreetly enquired as to his location. Most of the volunteers were under the impression he was on urgent personal business, though this explanation did not pass muster with me.
“Availing myself of a more seasoned connection, I did learn Peter Harvey may not return to the movement for some time. Due to the nature of my relationship, they offered more details after further prodding. It was then I learned he may be involved in the shooting at Wheatstone Fields. On hearing that news I was in complete surprise!”
Both Thurston and Murray knew Simon had a highly placed source of intelligence. They eagerly anticipated hearing where Harvey could be found.
“Fair enough, so that leads where in regards to finding Peter Harvey?” inquired an anxious Major Thurston.
“Now this is where powers of deduction will aid your cause. All I could gather was your men may be involved in his pursuit. However, your best attempts would be challenged by the genius of Aidan Malloy and his network. Apparently this organization will see Peter Harvey through to safety.”
“Damn it, I would have bet my last pence Malloy was involved!” burst out an excited Thurston. “Tell us where this organization is hiding Harvey, and soon that balance of four hundred pounds sterling will be yours for the taking!”
Simon realized he was in a tight spot. To strengthen his bargaining position with the Security Force, he held out a distinct possibility of knowing Peter Harvey’s location. In actuality he subtly tried to gain an answer from his confident in the movement. Alas, that person seemed to have no idea. Lest he aroused certain suspicion, Simon had to leave the matter alone.
Now, having no true idea of Harvey’s whereabouts, there was no turning back from his grand bluff. Quickly he would have to devise a plan which ensured he obtained those desperately needed funds.
Under the heat of pressure, Simon hatched an impromptu plan. Though it was a stretch, his sincere hope was that it held enough substance to carry the day.
“Major Thurston,” he said boldly. “I find myself at the supreme moment, yet part of me wonders if my total compensation will come forth.
“Here is my proposal. Give me the balance of four hundred pounds sterling. In return I will write the name of a person who will tell you where Peter Harvey is located. This sealed letter will be in the hands of a barman at Connor’s Tavern in two hours’ time. Oh yes, his name is Ronan.
“Let me tell you in advance it will be of no use questioning the poor fellow. He knows nothing of all this, which is why he is perfect to pay ten shillings for holding the letter. Doing things this way is my sole assurance of payment for services duly rendered.
“Alternatively, I keep the one hundred pounds sterling for valuable information already furnished, and your men can work it out from there. What say you sir?”
Major Thurston already noticed the great skills of Simon’s calculating manner. There was definitely a past of higher standing in his makeup, though he chose to show the world a disheveled character for some strange purpose. On hearing his latest twist in negotiations, Thurston had no choice but to acquiesce.
“Consider your terms accepted,” resigned Thurston to the relieved informant. “Please wait outside while I obtain the remaining funds. Officer Murray will be needed to sign off with me on any disbursements above two hundred and fifty pounds sterling. I am confident you are not leaving anywhere without earning your due.”
Simon wasted no time in vacating their presence. He was holding back much elation for winning such a handsome prize. True, he had to give passing notice to a sacrifice of one who held him in high regard for sake of certain profit. However, the ultimate stakes game was now in play.
In a matter of hours, Simon would have achieved a dear personal objective. He would be on his way to fetching the family for a long journey ahead. There would be no future left in Ireland for them, though this sum would become the basis for a great start in Australia, his preferred destination for quite some time.
Once the door was closed, Thurston turned abruptly towards Officer Murray. The officer noted a menacing scowl painted on his superior’s face and dutifully awaited his comments.
“Come closer so I don’t have to raise my voice,” he ordered Murray. “That is some conniving bastard you have there. Not one shred of honor could be claimed in his manner!
“He is a man of secrets Officer Murray, which makes him a dangerous fellow to deal with. Having no alternatives, we are forced to deal with your slippery character. Though he cannot be trusted!”
“Your observations are readily apparent sir,” replied Murray. “Yet we are so much closer to apprehending Peter Harvey because of Simon’s testimony. Sometimes such ends justify the means, which is our only course of action.”
Thurston stroked his chin in serious contemplation. He then offered a more sinister view of the current situation.
“Officer Murray, mark me well as we are in a very ugly dilemma. In my duties I have to assess every aspect of the Harvey affair, protecting the interests of all involved. Yet in conclusion our Realm’s priority exceeds all others.
“Judging the actions of your informant, he could easily become a double agent once he receives final payment. His ultimate loyalty is to the alluring shine of lucre; nothing else is of real consequence to him.
“In light of this, there is only one course of action for me to follow. Listen carefully and execute my orders to the letter. Always remember if Peter Harvey makes public those events at Wheatstone Fields, nothing will stand in the way of our epic demise.”
Officer Murray took careful note of every word which flowed from his superior’s crafting mouth. When finished, Murray knew the stakes in this confidential affair had been raised irrevocably. He then leaned over Thurston’s desk, signing the ledger to note their withdrawal of funds. Thurston left him with some parting words.
“If these actions are an affront to common decency, I will await my judgment when
the time comes. Though I doubt any fault will be leveled, as your Simon’s extreme lack of honor is a rare occurrence indeed. Too late he will find out there is a price to pay for extorting the Realm’s good faith.”
Officer Murray nodded his head in complete comprehension before going outside to fetch Simon.
“Well, after all the posturing ‘tis good to reach a solution of mutual benefit,” remarked Officer Murray. “Thank you for all your assistance with our efforts here. I shall say your contributions will not go unnoticed. Now if you will excuse me, I have to schedule a meeting for Major Thurston tomorrow.”
“Pleasure was mutual Officer Murray. If our paths do not cross again I wish you all the comforts so richly deserved. I will make my way inside.”
Both men departed in different directions. Simon greeted the superior officer who sat waiting his return.
“Finally we put an end to our arrangement on satisfactory terms,” he spoke confidently. “I daresay the Crown assists me greatly in leaving a life of penury.”
“The Crown will take no credit for that Simon,” replied a smiling major. “Our Empire was built by men who took responsibility for their own lot and made something of themselves. Following that fashion you seized upon a unique opportunity to raise yourself higher. Here is the rest of your reward. Try not to lose it all at once.
“In exactly two hours’ time an officer named Fraser will approach the barman at Connor’s Tavern. He will immediately request a letter from Simon, which should be duly given. Though mark me well Simon. The world would be too small for escape if I am double crossed!”
Simon tucked the balance of crisp notes in his dirty jacket’s inner breast pocket. “Really now, there’s no need to spoil a happy ending Major Thurston. Remember I too want the darkie and Malloy to cease their revolting appeals! I trust my service will fulfill our mutual desires. If there is nothing more to add, may I set about my tasks?”
“Our business here has concluded. Of course it goes without saying all interactions between us are of the highest confidentiality. To breach this understanding will lead to your immediate arrest under suspicion of treason. Fair you well Simon.”
The Watchman's Grace Page 48