Neil closed the door before Thurston could offer further thanks. Over the moon with his turn of luck, he dashed off Neil’s property to start gathering his men. He first spotted Officer Patterson leaving the property next door.
“Officer Patterson, fetch Officer Murray next door while I get Seargent Wilson. We have what is needed. Prepare to ride out!”
Patterson rushed over to inform Murray of the dramatic turn of events. Seargent Wilson hurried over to find out what the excitement was all about. Soon they were all beside their steeds for further instructions from their superior officer.
“When we reach O’Reilly’s you all shall stay back while I approach the residence. If there is a way to conduct this seizure with a minimum of aggravation I intend to do so. Seargent Wilson will remain a few yards behind me to cover any desperate attempts for escape. Officers Murray and Patterson should then progress to positions on either side of the house, yet deep enough to spot any movements out back.
“Lastly, we need to take him alive! There is a witness back in Dublin to put this case to rest. Making a martyr of Peter Harvey will be the quickest way to ignite a revolt, the likes of which we have yet to see. Our business is done here, so follow my lead to arrive at O’Reilly’s.”
Budding confidence improved the character of each officer tremendously. Favorable results from a successful capture were not lost on the men. Just as failure led to dire consequences, Harvey’s arrest implied great advancement for their respective careers. Therefore all focus was made on achieving that goal.
Cool night air braced each rider’s face as Thurston came to the last of five neatly kept farming lots. Unlike many tenant spreads littered throughout the country, these were individuals of certain means. Coming to a stop at the final home’s laneway, Thurston signaled their arrival at the targeted destination.
Officers Patterson and Murray fanned out to their predetermined positions. Wilson shadowed a number of yards behind his superior officer. At last Thurston dismounted, calmly approaching the front entrance. He broke the still with a firm series of knocks on its recently painted dark green door.
Inside this attractive home slept a tired Tommy O’Reilly with his charming wife Grainne. There had been much progress made since moving to Sligo a few months before. As a result, earnest effort each day rewarded them with an increasingly comfortable standing.
This evening had been like any other in their new home. They gave thanks for having good food on the table and a roof above when so many lacked either. In contemporary Ireland they knew it was hard work indeed making sure the stomach was content and children well fed.
So there in the snug of mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, Tommy O’Reilly came to an evening’s rest. Drifting to sleep, he began to think of all that needed to be accomplished for keeping the wolf at bay tomorrow. Ah well he thought, not tonight for worries that could wait until morning. Tommy kissed his wife good night and drifted into contentment.
Caught in a deep sleep, Tommy was suddenly awakened by his wife’s frantic shaking. He turned over immediately as she quietly put a solitary finger to her lips. Tommy could now hear the steady knocking on their door. It was everyone’s worst dread to be awakened in the quiet night by a stranger on their doorstep. Tommy and Grainne now felt concerned.
Straining his awakened ear, Tommy could discern horses trotting around the sides of his home. Stealing a cautious glance outside, two horses, one with a rider still mounted, appeared silhouetted in the menacing presence of a pitched night. The heightened rapping downstairs surely startled anyone within earshot, let alone inside Tommy’s home.
“Do you here that clattering Grainne? I wonder who could be coming around this hour of night. Can’t be a good thing ‘tis sure.”
Grainne squeezed Tommy’s left arm. “They sound like it’s an urgent matter. Be careful when you go down Tommy. Who knows what manner of ill tidings they may be bringing!”
Tommy kissed his startled wife on the cheek. “I shall be right back after seeing the bother,” he said to her. Out the bedroom door he went, cautiously descending hard stairs to the landing below.
In front of Tommy’s home, one man waited on top of a strong horse and decorated saddle. Another continued knocking unabated at the entrance. Both men wore faces set with firm resolve. There was definitely no give in their demeanor.
Carefully Tommy opened his door to address these men in faint Irish moonlight. He stood ready to inquire the meaning of their sudden presence at this uncommon hour.
“Good evening to you gentlemen. What brings you here at this time of night?”
Major Thurston steadied himself at the entrance. He projected an air of calm self-assurance. Thurston made sure to size up Tommy before speaking.
“Good evening to you, and please accept our apologies for the late hour. I take it you’re Tommy O’Reilly?”
“That is me,” Tommy replied curiously. “Now can I ask you again the manner of your business?”
Thurston lifted his riding hat, slowly wiping the accumulated sweat dripping from a sopping forehead. “Well Mr. O’Reilly, I am Major Stanley Thurston of the British Security Force. We are here because there is good word you know the whereabouts of a wanted man named Peter Harvey. Can you help us with our inquiry in that regard?”
Tommy looked straight into the unwavering eyes of Thurston. “Sorry, but you must be mistaken. I have no recollection of any such man.”
Thurston searched deep within Tommy’s eyes before continuing. “I hope Tommy you appreciate the consequences of your responses. You may be aware the British Security Force can exercise extensive powers on behalf of the Realm. Obstructing any of our endeavors is at the minimum an unlawful act, prosecuted to the fullest extent.
“I came with three specially tasked officers express from Dublin headquarters. Extremely reliable intelligence we received leaves no doubt that you know where Peter Harvey is located. So I would advise in the spirit of good cooperation that you reveal the location of this fugitive Peter Harvey.”
“Major Thurston, I understood your inquiry the first time. Again, I don’t know of that man. The hour is late and I have a full range of chores tomorrow. Therefore, I would appreciate it if all your men left my premises so I could retire upstairs. Please understand there is nothing more to be gained here.”
Thurston cast an expressionless glare back to the mounted Sergeant Wilson. Turning to face Tommy, he stepped a touch closer and fixed him with one of his coldest stares. After a moment, he responded to Tommy in a very grave tone.
“Listen closely Tommy O’Reilly to hear why we have come a great distance. My men and I have been tasked with bringing justice to a most sordid affair. Peter Harvey, the object of our pursuit, murdered an individual in cold blood at a place called Wheatstone Fields. There is a witness under our protection who can identify him beyond any doubt.
“Since our detachment was specifically assigned to this case by higher authority, we will never let such a brutal crime go unpunished until it is solved. In special circumstances such as these we are directed to complement the efforts of local police and constabulary.
“By chance, has it crossed your mind why we came directly to your house in Sligo? Could we have come hundreds of miles to pursue a lead of idle hearsay? Our reasons are as certain as our information Tommy. I shall give you one final chance to authenticate an account on the whereabouts of Peter Harvey.”
Tommy refused to utter another word, choosing to emphasize his final answer with silence. Comprehending Tommy’s reaction fully, Major Thurston turned and began walking to where his horse stood patiently waiting beside Seargent Wilson. Then, almost halfway there, he wheeled around to face Tommy.
“You do understand we have authority to confiscate your property if there is reasonable suspicion an obstruction is taking place? We know Peter Harvey is harbored in your home and will be forced to conduct a search tonight. S
o I ask if you shall consent to a proper search of the property, or will it be conducted forcibly?”
Tommy O’Reilly peered through gathering mist into the expressionless gaze of Major Stanley Thurston. “I told you major for the last time I know him not. Search as you must so my innocence is proven. That man, whoever he is, has never made my acquaintance. Follow me inside. As soon as this is over I can go back to my wife and bed!”
“Very well, you consent to our search. Seargent Wilson, please inform the other officers we are conducting a search of this home. They are to remain in position until further instructions are given.”
Thurston waited until Wilson returned. “I informed the others sir. Are we ready to begin the search?”
At that point Tommy interrupted before the senior officer could respond. “Wait, if you can hold off just one moment. I have two young children to put in our bedroom less you both scare the wits from them! It shall only be a few moments.”
He hurried inside and brought his young son and daughter over to Grainne. Tommy quickly explained to her what had transpired outside. Being of strong constitution, Grainne did not show any loss of composure.
“Tommy, you must do as they say. Please remember your safety is the most important thing. Our family cannot afford a confrontation with those aggressive men.”
“I understand Grainne. Take care with the children.”
Tommy rushed back downstairs to let the two officers inside. “That was appreciated. Now come through and do as you must.”
Thurston and Wilson started on the ground floor. Methodically they marched down to the cellar and up again through the kitchen. No inch was spared as they canvassed all areas.
Upstairs they went through drawers, cupboards and small attic to desperately find their quarry. Too much was at stake for leaving any options overlooked. Regardless, when they had finished a complete search, not one clue was found which proved Harvey ever visited O’Reilly’s home.
An exasperated Major Stanley Thurston scowled at his partner in the search effort. “Seargent Wilson, it appears there is no evidence of Peter Harvey here, which is in conflict with our intelligence. Could you please accompany us to the door Mr. O’Reilly?”
A relieved Tommy followed both officers downstairs. He had shown Major Thurston his steadfast denials were justified.
When the trio came outside Seargent Wilson continued straight towards his horse, weighed with a feeling of great disappointment. Thurston walked a few paces away from the doorstep before succumbing to a building rage within. He truly felt Tommy was involved in a grand deception, and would not let it pass without a parting comment.
“Tommy O’Reilly, you may have bested us tonight, though this is not over yet. Do you know what truly sickens me? Your lot keeps turning up like a bad penny to subvert our duties and I’m tired of it!
“You understand O’Reilly that Peter Harvey murdered an innocent man in cold blood at Wheatstone Fields? He is nothing but a dangerous criminal who should be hanged. It will not go unpunished.
“I already stated we have it on good authority you are an accessory after the fact by harboring this fugitive. And so you know we don’t deal in idle speculation, does the name Samuel McGee mean anything to you? Come closer and see my proof!”
Tommy cast a bewildered look as he approached the beckoning senior officer. Thurston reached dramatically inside his coat to produce a wrinkled piece of paper. Pulling it open, he thrust the contents into O’Reilly’s face.
“See the name scrawled on that paper?” he cried out. “It was from the hand of Samuel McGee, who was a close confident of Peter Harvey! Tell me why this man would point the finger at some innocent man miles away from Dublin? The facts have you though our proof is still lacking.
“Do you realize the consequences of your action? In the eyes of the law you’re as guilty as the perpetrator of that offense. Ah, you’re a lost cause indeed! Never mind; I will return with the accused at some point, just to have some satisfaction from identifying you as an accomplice.”
Tommy O’Reilly had reached close to his limit. He witnessed too many times when his fellow countryman received the wrong end of brute force tactics and heavy accusations. From the time these officers entered his home, a noxious sense of foresight pervaded his conscious.
Tommy attempted one last time to extricate himself from this escalating confrontation. “I have done everything you asked of me. So I bid you goodnight Major Thurston. I wish your men well in pursuit of this fugitive. Now if you will excuse me, I have an early morning tomorrow.”
Major Stanley Thurston gave Tommy O’ Reilly a penetrating glare before relenting. “If that is your final position I have nothing more to say. Good evening Mr. O’Reilly.”
Thurston continued on towards his waiting horse. While doing so, he made a subtle nod to the mounted Seargent Wilson, whom furnished a loaded rifle. When Tommy O’Reilly opened his front door, a solitary shot rang through the deafening still of dark country air. O’Reilly slumped into a fetal ball at his entrance. Thurston casually returned the rifle to his mounted subordinate officer.
“Seargent Wilson, gather the others at once! We have much work ahead to catch this bastard. There’s no telling where he went next. However, let me pledge here and now we will not stop until he is in our noose!”
Wilson was shocked by his superior’s brazen murder of O’Reilly. The sergeant previously understood that his superior would only use the rifle as a scare tactic; one last dramatic prop to loosen O’Reilly’s stance. There was no logical reason to kill the man in cold blood.
“Seargent Wilson, do I have to repeat myself?” he shouted at the top of his lungs. “We have no more business here, and there is still plenty to do. Get those men now, and that is a direct order!”
Wilson set off to inform Officers Murray and Patterson. Each questioned him concerning the gunshot and was equally unnerved by Thurston’s wanton action. They returned moments later in a state of nervous frustration. On their arrival, the major signaled everyone to ride off into a conspiratorial pitch of evening wilderness.
Upstairs, O’Reilly’s wife had jolted out of her bed. On hearing the sound of a gunshot she instantly feared for her husband’s safety. Immediately Grainne ran to her window, which faced towards the front of their house.
“Tommy, Tommy O’Reilly! Can you hear me? Are you alright Tommy?” Grainne screamed frantically.
Hearing no reply, she leapt downstairs towards the partially opened front entrance. When the lifeless body of her beloved slumped inside at her feet, she cried out in a banshee wail. While four men rode off into a far night, she held her murdered partner in the cradle of her bosom.
Grainne knew she had no luxury for extensive grieving at the moment. With all her remaining strength she pulled her husband’s body inside their home. Next, Grainne gathered fresh sheets to wrap Tommy’s body. Finally, she taxed every muscle in her overwrought frame, dragging Tommy down to the cellar. She needed his stricken body out of their children’s sight.
She tried repeatedly to pull herself away from his prone body. However, Grainne still could not face the realization that her beloved Tommy would no longer be at her side. Carefully she unraveled the sheets to reveal his face. Forever tears pelted upon his familiar visage while Grainne gently kissed him one last time.
Thus began the hard road alone. Once a promising future lay ahead; now memories of yesteryear bore testament to a treasured past. Remembrances offered cold comfort indeed when a lover was so dearly lost. Replacing the sheets, she tried to regain some fortitude to face stark reality.
Grainne had much to attend in the wake of this horrid tragedy. Drawing on further resolve, she set about preparing a list of tasks to perform. Her first priority after making arrangements for Tommy’s funeral was to notify Aidan Malloy.
Aidan was one of Grainne’s most cherished cousins. He taught her and Tommy the ines
timable value of struggling for a democratic Ireland. Aidan impressed on them that the pursuit of a country where every citizen enjoyed unfettered basic liberties was a noble, justified cause. So when they were assigned to look after Peter Harvey for the previous evening, there was no hesitation whatsoever.
Both Tommy and Grainne knew the danger their direct participation entailed. Though with the same committed spirit on which their union was made, they pledged in whole to assist. So Tommy died upholding those deep values to which they truly believed.
Composing herself as best she could, Grainne slowly ascended the lonely stairs to her bedroom. She had become both the latest widow to this cause and sole protector to two fatherless young children.
*****
At the start of that same day all was well in the O’Reilly household. Peter enjoyed his first solid rest in some time, gaining needed refreshment in the process. Tommy came outside later in the morning to provide him with a generous breakfast.
“Grainne and I thought you would appreciate some nourishment. With everything ahead in the escape your mind should not be focused on a next meal.”
“Thank you both for your generosity,” replied a grateful Peter. “I will gladly take any token of goodwill on this run.”
“You’re most welcome. Oh yes, there’s an old water pump around back of the shed with a half barrel beside it. Take the opportunity to clean yourself up a bit while you can. Never know when the chance will come again.”
Peter nodded in understanding while Tommy went back towards his home. Suddenly he stopped about twenty feet away from Peter and turned back to face him.
“We shall be leaving here at noon sharp. I already received the sealed instructions for your next destination. Use this time wisely my friend.” After speaking those words he continued home.
Peter took full advantage of the available amenities. When noontime came he was well prepared for the next phase of his journey. Tommy had the carriage ready for travel as Peter approached.
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