“Your second option is to remain stubborn and silent. Take note in these days I am an impatient man Samuel. If that were your choice, perhaps a visit to your wife and kids in County Mayo would elicit better information? When we comfort her after delivering the dreadful news of your untimely demise, I’m sure she could give all manner of solid information.”
Samuel shuddered at the naked insinuations of Thurston’s aggressions. Regardless of his decision, he would be forever harmed. However, there was no question what was most sacred to him. Therefore, he needed assurances once the major received what he so dearly coveted.
“You are a disgrace to the uniform of any civilized organization Major Thurston! I hope these men know the cannibal will eat its young as well when it is pressed. I say in the presence of all here that nothing except the welfare of my family would have forced me to this decision. They are my only earthly treasure.
“Oh I wonder how the likes of you can conduct yourself with so little scruples or moral conscience! How does it feel to ransom your soul to something as corrupt as being a cog in the machine of unbridled suppression for material gain? It is no secret your kind are in the cold clutches of the untouchable few.
“What baffles my mind is why it’s important to suppress the Common Man Movement so violently? Your handlers have you lot as their stooges suit to purpose in a most dangerous game. There’s something more here, I’m sure of it. Then again, I’m sure you’re none the wiser. Otherwise you would demand more than some petty promises they may have whispered in your ear. Ah well, now I too have been bastardized by your sickening plotting!
“Very well, my family and I will require monies for safe travel out of Ireland. Since I will be abandoning good acreage there should be additional compensation. Lastly, your men will guarantee our safe conduct out of the country. Those are my terms.”
Thurston’s hand came off McGee’s shoulder. “I see no issue in meeting your terms Samuel. Off the top of my head I figure two thousand pounds sterling will be more than sufficient.
“Officers Patterson and Murray will escort you outside while I retrieve the funds. When you return write the location of Peter Harvey on this piece of paper. Then Seargent Wilson will immediately take you back to Regency Arms for your belongings. Are my conditions satisfactory?”
Samuel wanted to leave this horrid place quickly. “You have my acceptance of those conditions. May I add you are very fortunate to find out where Peter is headed? For your future reference, all routes are scrambled to avoid revealing the total network. By sheer coincidence I learned where he would be tomorrow.” Then Samuel stood up and followed the officers outside.
When the door was firmly closed Major Thurston placed a hand on Wilson’s shoulder. “Listen carefully sergeant to what I am about to tell you. Mark my words well and miss not one.” Once funds were secured from the old vault, Wilson opened Thurston’s door to allow everyone back inside.
“Just as we agreed Samuel, here is two thousand pounds sterling in notes. Please be careful with such a large sum! To complete our exchange, here is the paper for writing your information.”
Samuel hesitated while thinking of the mortal danger his former childhood friend had placed him in. Now it took thirty seconds for him to betray Peter’s safety, costing him a lifetime of unspeakable regret.
Ironically, Samuel would soon join Peter in living the life of a forced emigrant. Nevertheless he put instrument to paper. Afterwards, he folded it in two, tucking the paper into his jacket’s breast pocket.
“Major Thurston, dealing with the likes of you means making sure I walk out of here unharmed. Therefore, when I reach Regency Arms your seargent will receive this paper. Unlike you, my word is solid bond.”
Thurston responded coolly. “We shall do as you wish Samuel. Seargent Wilson, escort him back to the hotel at once. And thank you in advance for your cooperation Samuel. I sincerely wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.”
Samuel was pleasantly surprised Thurston offered no resistance to his demand. Together he and Seargent Wilson walked out of the office into a dead calm of night. When they were about ten minutes into their journey while walking down a vacant side street, Seargent Wilson’s voice broke through the still evening air.
“Mr. McGee, please be careful,” he softly cautioned. “I think there are two men hiding ahead. In these desperate times anything is possible. Let’s take this short cut down the alleyway to avoid any trouble ahead.”
Samuel could not make out what Wilson was referring to, though his eyes were sometimes weak in middle age. He turned into the darkened alleyway as Wilson directed.
Samuel had no idea these would be his last steps on earth. Rounding the corner, he felt a crushing blow to the back of his skull and slumped towards cold damp cobblestone. Miraculously, he woke temporarily to see Seargent Wilson glowering over his prone body. Samuel had strength for one final question before making his peace.
“Tell me seargent,” he croaked out, blood trickling through his matted hair. “Was it Paddy Byrne who betrayed me?”
Wilson scoffed at the question. “You are far from it McGee. His name was Simon; he cut a wretched street figure at that. Yet his command of the language was first rate.”
Samuel was contented knowing indeed it was his childhood friend who committed the gross violation of trust. Paddy left County Mayo to travel in stage shows as an actor, sometimes performing a character called Simon the Beggar Man. Apparently, whenever he dealt with the Security Force he resurrected this same role.
Though Samuel also held hope for future atonement. He had instructed the front desk clerk for Regency Arms to tell Aidan Malloy at Goodhope House he was in present danger. He now expired with lasting thoughts of his loving family and deep empathy for Peter Harvey.
Once Samuel had taken his last breath, Wilson rifled through his pockets with gloved hands. First he collected the two thousand pounds sterling and deposited it in his coat. Next, he fished out the folded paper in McGee’s breast pocket. Rolling Samuel’s body into a small recess, Wilson departed from the murder scene.
Major Thurston sat patiently waiting for Seargent Wilson as he entered the office. “Let’s hear how everything went,” he barked out.
“All went according to plan sir,” replied a proud Wilson. “Here are the bank notes, along with Peter Harvey’s location.”
Thurston set this letter aside and counted out the bank notes. To Wilson’s complete surprise he took away five hundred pounds sterling and sealed it in an envelope.
“I know it was all such dreadful business sergeant. But never forget that Samuel McGee was an honorable man who deserved much better. I want you to take this envelope to the express post and pay for delivery to Samuel McGee’s residence in County Mayo. It is only different allegiances which separated us, though we shared a sense of great duty. For that I will not allow his family to become destitute!
“Before you leave let’s see where our quarry awaits.” Thurston took the paper and carefully unfolded it. His brow furrowed in quiet contemplation before speaking.
“I have already sent the other men home for a quick rest before coming back to headquarters at break of dawn. Luckily so because it appears we have some traveling ahead of us. Everyone needs to be at Broadstone Station to take the Midland Great Western line northwest. We are off to Sligo Sergeant Wilson.”
Wilson was mildly surprised to hear the current location of Peter Harvey. “I thought he would have taken a chance at going across the Irish Sea and boarding some anonymous cargo ship to an outer colony.”
Thurston shook his head at the notion. “In Harvey’s shoes the last thing I would do is run head first into our Lion’s mouth. He and his allies probably figured those ports are under heavy surveillance. Best to stick with the ground you know in these situations. By the way, are you familiar with the name Tommy O’Reilly from any report?”
Wilson returned a blank stare. “This is the first mention I’ve heard of that name sir.”
Major Thurston put the folded paper into his pocket. “He owns the safe house for Harvey in Sligo. Time for some rest seargent; as of tomorrow the biggest chase of our lives begins. Prepare for any and all contingencies, as I have no idea when it will end. Goodnight then sergeant.”
Morning broke with unsettled clouds shielding all manner of daylight in shrouded conspiracy. Thurston’s men were seated around his office listening carefully to their morning briefing. For the first time Officers Murray and Patterson learned of Peter Harvey’s current location.
Overshadowing these proceedings was the fact there was but one chance to apprehend their quarry. Missing this golden opportunity would mean a very uncertain road ahead. In recognition of this, all were anxious to begin.
After packing necessary items from their supplies store, Thurston’s men set out for Broadstone Station. As per usual they were not in official uniform, though each carried required identification papers and special metal insignias. In due course they were in sight of the imposing grandeur of Broadstone’s impressive building. Purposely they walked up the rise of Constitution Hill and entered her grand lobby.
Thurston lead the way, approaching its booking office to purchase four first class tickets to Sligo. Fortunately there was no line in front of one booth. He proceeded to where a meek looking bespectacled man waited for his next customer.
“Morning good fellow,” hailed Major Thurston. “I shall require four first class tickets on your next train to Sligo if you please.”
“Sligo you said sir? Ah yes, there is news on that route. Seems there was track difficulty encountered about midway on the line. Message here says the first and only train today from Dublin will be delayed until midafternoon.”
Thurston could not believe what he was hearing. “Come again please. Did you say there will be no service until midafternoon? This is an outrage! My men and I have urgent business on behalf of the Realm to conduct. Here are my papers. Can alternative arrangements be made? I will pay extra if need be.”
The ticket officer briefly skimmed over Thurston’s documents before returning them. “I am sorry major but the matter is beyond our control. You may speak to our station manager, but it will do nothing to speed up the line repairs.”
Thurston realized the booth man spoke rational truth. “Alright then, I still need four tickets to Sligo for the next train. When will it be arriving?”
“Should be about four hours from now, or around three o’clock in the afternoon. I have been authorized to apply a discount on fares in recognition of this inconvenience. Here you are major with my apologies.”
Thurston nodded his thanks while accepting the tickets. Walking to a spacious waiting area, he relayed the news to his disappointed officers. Taking advantage of idle time, he set about strategizing for when they arrived in Sligo. On completing his review, Thurston was confident none of their precious minutes would be wasted.
Things took a turn for the better when that same ticket officer alerted passengers their Sligo train would be arriving one half hour ahead of the revised schedule. Thinking upon their arduous search ahead, Thurston advised his men to catch as much rest as possible during transit.
It seemed an eternity had passed when these four men finally assembled on the departure platform. Their bright green steam locomotive stood at the ready while puffing its engine plumes skyward.
Each one handed their tickets to the waiting conductor before boarding first class livery. Heeding Thurston’s earlier advice, it took no time before they settled into a long sleep. Meanwhile the familiar city slowly shrank away as this mighty engine departed from Broadstone Station.
Chapter Seventeen
VISIONSCAPE
Everyone at some point in life will experience their own great escape
Midland Great Western Railway’s vibrant green locomotive chased the setting sun west towards Sligo. Its steady measured momentum continued lulling the officers in peaceful slumber mile after mile.
When Officer Patterson finally awoke, he rubbed his waking eyes to stare out on a settling early evening sky. While taking in the serenity of this moment, he was interrupted by a conductor’s hushed voice.
“Sorry to interrupt you sir,” he began. “We shall be approaching Sligo town center in fifteen minutes. Thought you could inform your fellow travelers when they awake.”
“Appreciate that,” replied Patterson gratefully. As striking rural landscape gradually gave way to more signs of encroaching human habitation, he left the prime window view to awaken Major Thurston.
“Pardon me sir,” he quietly spoke while gently rousing him from rest. “Sligo station is only minutes away. It’s probably time for us to make ready for leave.”
Thurston came fully awake, bringing everyone to attention before imparting his final instructions. “Gentlemen, everything lies in the balance starting from this moment. Once we set foot in the town center, our first priority is to find Tommy O’Reilly’s place. Speed is of the essence. Though stay close as we move from home to home.
“There’s a local hire for horses located a few blocks from the station. Once arrangements are made we will start our search. Only formally acknowledge you are from the British Security Force if you detect someone resisting cooperation. It is best in these parts to act anonymously at first greeting. Just remember the results we achieve are a product entirely of our own doing.”
Before long four British Security Force officers rode their horses methodically through the town of Sligo. With military precision they canvassed every available household to ascertain the location of Tommy O’Reilly’s home. Even though they were pressing well into evening, they remained relentless in their quest.
Through an hour’s hard diligence they had no luck. There were a couple of people who heard of the name but could furnish no further information. Granted Sligo was a larger town, though it seemed unusual for so many people not to know his whereabouts.
Thurston could accept some were hostile to strangers and would not reveal anything. But none could deny the conspicuous nature of their lacking results. More than once it crossed his challenged mind that Samuel McGee had the final laugh. With precious time marching forward he wondered if Tommy O’Reilly even existed.
On approaching the outer reaches of town, each distressed officer could see luck running low, with frustration riding ever higher. Troubling thoughts of a fruitless endeavor begin to crowd their minds. At this juncture even their major reverted to his old vice of pondering personal options in light of potential failure.
Coming upon another neat whitewashed home on a decent sized lot, Major Thurston began to seriously doubt their chances. Like times before during this affair, he would not be personally sacrificed to save face for the Crown. If the Sligo search remained for naught he would most certainly avail of any reasonable options for escape, his honor be damned. Knocking firmly on another nameless door he was answered by a small man with quite the disapproving stare.
“Greetings to you; sorry for interrupting your evening. We are trying to find the whereabouts of a Tommy O’Reilly from Sligo. I have some very important information for him which he should hear at once. Do you know where I could find his home?”
The resident was quick to spout a reply. “Do you know what time of night it is? This is no proper way to conduct oneself. Now leave me be so I can turn in for the night! You can come back tomorrow if you’re willing.”
Thurston tried to convey some empathy for the man’s inconvenience. “Please forgive my intrusion at this hour though it must follow there is good reason for my actions. I am Major Thurston of the British Security Force. Here are my credentials to prove such. Obviously we are pursuing urgent business and fully expect your cooperation.”
Snatching the documentation being offered to him, the surly resident viewed i
t carefully before handing it back to Thurston.
“My name is Neil. Bet you’ve been having a time of it major! Let’s just say many people in these towns do not look favorably on the Realm. You do know that Tommy O’Reilly is very new to these parts? He moved to Sligo maybe three months ago. Keeps to his family’s company mostly, preferring the privacy I suppose.”
Thurston’s emotions were swept over with growing anticipation. “Then tell me Neil, do you know where Tommy O’Reilly lives?”
“I usually do not take kindly to bad form, especially interrogations at ungodly hours. Nevertheless, my British ancestors came here from Donegal way back in the Plantations around 1705, and I still feel some sense of lingering loyalty to that past as well as my Irish home.
“Now if you turn left leaving this property away from town, follow the road over a gently rising hill for about twenty minutes. Around thereabouts you shall come upon the first of five properties spread out on your right hand side. Tommy O’Reilly’s place is last of the lot.”
Major Thurston was elated to have found success at last. “Thank you very much Neil! You have done a great service here tonight. As a token of my appreciation please take this.” Thurston gave the surprised man ten pounds sterling in notes. “Never say it does not pay to do right by the Crown.”
Neil stuffed the unexpected reward into his jacket. Pausing for an instant, his face took on a sudden look of nagging apprehension.
“Let me add something Major Thurston if I may. I have only known Tommy for about a month or so. From what I can gather he is a decent, hardworking fellow who brings no harm to anyone.
“All these years I have tried to keep faith that the Realm looks upon all its citizens with equal deference. Makes no difference to me what religion or creed a man is. That is why it sickens me how this country is being torn apart!
“I truly hope you are using this information to a good end. Though if there is ill will in your motives, may the Creator rob you of success and make spoil of any foul goal. Oh well, guess I have to assume you are a defender of those same ideals Major Thurston. A good evening to you sir.”
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