“Come take a look at our prisoner Stanley,” Cunningham beckoned.
The major came forward with tentative steps to peer inside. Immediately his jaw dropped in absolute wonder while his heart started racing uncontrollably.
“How can this be my dear William? I cannot bear to trust my tired eyes! Have you here the man who has eluded us since his crime at Wheatstone Fields?”
“You presume correctly Stanley. Right now you are looking at Peter Harvey, a most wanted fugitive from Dublin and co-leader of the seditious Common Man Movement. We shall secure him once again for your transport back to Dublin. When your officers arrive they can use more customary restraints. Tie him up men!”
Thurston was too preoccupied with his own thoughts to hear any of Cunningham’s last declaration. Lost in conflicted feelings of elation and anger, he then strode towards Peter with much purpose.
“We have you now Peter Harvey!” he snarled with menacing intent. “It has been most frustrating to track you down clear across the country. Now you will answer for the heinous crime at Wheatstone Fields. First, let me give you my response for all that has happened since that day.”
Thurston landed a stiff punch to Harvey’s stomach, causing him to double over in sharp pain. Next, the major threw a hard jab into Peter’s left side, upon which he crumpled instantly.
“Thank your lucky stars my superior has requested you be taken alive for a quick trial. There is more value for us to have your execution after legal sentencing. That way you will not be made a martyr. Hopefully your rebellious movement will take heed and cease their treasonous campaign when you’re made a very public example!”
Basil and Conrad moved in and bound Peter’s hands tight behind his back. They left him lying on the floor while he recovered from Thurston’s blows.
“William, I am truly in your debt for this high service. When news arrives in London, prepare for many accolades and a heavy purse! I would even venture that you may soon be known by more than William Cunningham. That is, if the nature of your accomplishment receives the right audience.”
“I stand truly humbled hearing your praise Stanley. To think I was only doing a favor for my dear friend! Now then, let us return upstairs and enjoy a drink.”
“William, I would appreciate that very much. Although when my officers arrive we shall leave Newton House straight away. I can exercise no delay returning to Dublin. There is still plenty for me to attend in this whole business.”
Cunningham responded to Thurston’s words with some unfortunate news. “No Stanley, you shall not be leaving here today. Castlebar Station will be closed to passenger traffic for the next few days. Problem with the tracks I just heard.
“However, Newton House has plenty of room for you and the officers. You shall be my esteemed guests for the evening. Tomorrow you can make your way back to Sligo well rested and heartily fed. Then you may catch the first train back to Dublin in quiet contentment.”
Thurston truly wished to arrive back in Dublin as soon as possible, though he realized there were no other options left for him. With Harvey trapped within Newton House, there was no real danger of his escape. Besides, having accomplished their great objective, the four men deserved one night of comfortable rest.
“Your gracious offer is accepted William. I have only one request. Could you post your men outside the cellar room downstairs until we depart tomorrow? I cannot afford any chances of Peter Harvey escaping, remote they may seem at present.”
“Conrad, Basil, stay downstairs to guard that entrance. I will have food brought down to you while on duty. When Major Thurston leaves tomorrow I will pay my gratitude in full.”
Both nodded in acknowledgement. “Stanley, everything here is settled. Please, let us catch up on our lives over drinks in my study. Stevens will be at the main entrance to greet your men.”
“William, lead the way upstairs. Time will certainly fly by while relating years of events to each other. So much has happened to us both since you left for Ireland to claim your father’s inheritance.”
William Cunningham and Major Stanley Thurston fell back into old confidences as they ascended the stairs to a welcoming study. Meanwhile, Peter Harvey came around from his small beating. He assumed his assault came courtesy of a senior British Security Force officer named Stanley. His absence of any constabulary uniform only proved his suspicions further.
Above all, Stanley confirmed his worst fears if he was ever captured. This vicious man would see him off to a miserable demise, never to hear if his efforts with the cause ever became successful.
Around one hour later, Seargent Wilson, Officer Murray and Officer Patterson knocked on the main entrance of Newton House. Stevens ushered the weary men upstairs to join a merry Cunningham and Thurston.
Soon the whole room filled with collegial banter, wide grins and rounds of congratulations. All could sense a momentous victory had been accomplished. Their lives, careers and fortunes would receive immeasurable gains as a direct consequence. At last, every officer could justify the immense sacrifices endured since starting this volatile campaign.
As this celebration passed into the wee hours of the following day, Major Thurston felt it appropriate to gain rest before returning to Sligo. He rose from his comfortable chair to address the gathering.
“William, on behalf of myself and all the men, I would like to extend our deep gratitude for your hospitality tonight. In regards to your apprehension of Peter Harvey, we shall remain very much in your debt. Now officers, we should get some sleep for the long journey tomorrow.”
“Very well,” replied Cunningham. “Follow me and I will show you to your quarters.”
Each officer trailed behind William Cunningham with contented smiles. There remained one return journey to Sligo before a triumphant train ride back to Dublin. Considering the importance of their accomplishments, it was hard not to think ahead to a promising future.
Down in the dark cellar of Newton House, Peter summoned his shaken will to find a shred of hope. He had overcome many adversities in life, though none which weighed so heavily as now. Regardless, he would not admit defeat until the noose was firmly about his neck and a drop door yawning wide.
Looking to the positive, he would enjoy uninterrupted rest until they took him for a long journey back to Dublin. While riding those rails he could reflect without interruption upon his short lifetime.
On arriving in Dublin, Peter would confront both personal demons and glorious memories of the past. It promised to be his last test to having a dignified end. Yet one thing was certain; Dublin would not mark a triumphant return for the lost hero.
Peter harbored deep anger towards the deception committed at Meadow Farm. To risk so many lives for the sake of tainted lucre was beyond comprehension. Without the Flahertys’ assistance in this conspiracy, he would still be a free man, ever closer to a successful escape from Ireland. Now he could only hope the devious conspirators received commensurate punishment for their heinous betrayal.
*****
Constable Feeney enjoyed a rather uneventful afternoon upon his return to the station. As evening wore on, he and his fellow constables continued to experience a paucity of activity. Soon Chief Mulligan appeared from his office, strolling directly towards Feeney.
“Look here Constable Feeney, you’ve had a long day and we appear to be well staffed. With things so slow this evening, why don’t you call it a night?”
Feeney was happily surprised to be granted early leave of his scheduled shift. “Thank you kindly Chief Mulligan. I shall see you tomorrow afternoon.”
Noting the time, Constable Feeney realized he could just make it to his friend’s address for a reasonable hour. His anxiety had been growing throughout the day concerning those Security Force officers. In particular, he desperately wanted to find out why they were operating in that general area. To save himself a restless night, he was
well served to calm his nerves with a visit.
Shane Feeney changed into civilian clothes before leaving the station. Then he mounted his horse for the journey ahead. As Feeney rode towards those five lots he felt an intense, brooding silence which pervaded throughout the surrounding countryside. Such energy did not help to change his feelings of unease. In this opaque environment, one’s mind could formulate the darkest of emotions.
Dismounting his steed, Feeney walked to the entrance of Roderick Smith’s tidy house. Although the hour was late, he hoped it was not an imposition. He knocked gently to signal his presence. Within a minute the door flung open to reveal a smiling Roderick.
“Well if it isn’t Shane Feeney! To what do we owe the pleasure my friend?’
“Good to see you Roderick. It might be better if you stepped outside with me for a little walk. It’s late and I don’t want to disturb your family.”
“Fair enough Shane,” Roderick replied as he closed the front door. “Now tell me what’s on your mind.”
“Roderick, with all due respect, I have to implore your strictest confidence on what I am about to say. Is that an issue for you?”
Roderick nodded in complete approval. Shane continued speaking.
“This morning I had to send along a message to three members of the British Security Force. Their major was at our station and needed to leave for Castlebar on an urgent matter. Ever since delivering that message I have wondered about the nature of their business. I came across them at that stand of woods not far from here. Probably nothing, though I wondered if there is anything you have heard.”
Roderick put his right arm around Feeney’s shoulder and proceeded to guide him further away from the house. After moving fifty feet or so, he came to a complete stop, fixing the constable with a wary look.
“Mr. Shane Feeney, we go back quite a ways. I remember how before a career as a constable you got me out of a spot or two. Damn it, if I didn’t have you to fall back on I would probably be lost to the world by now! Having your friendship made me see the pleasure in being a good man, and for that I am always in your debt.
“It is only because of our relationship that I will tell you anything. For as you know there are many of your lot causing good folk a load of trouble. In fact, they believe you are pawns of the Security Force, which doubles their ire. “One in the same” you will hear people say.
“So just like you asked me to keep confidences, I need your word not to reveal the source of this information. What I am about to reveal is very disturbing. I will tell you what I know as a good friend of Shane Feeney, and not as a member of the damned Irish Constabulary!”
Shane nodded his full consent. “I understand the situation you are putting yourself into Roderick. Go ahead and tell me what you know.”
Roderick wiped anxious sweat from his brow. “I’ve managed to build a decent life here Shane. Between having a good wife, two strong sons and a lovely daughter, I count my blessings in a country beset by so many ills. My biggest fear is losing it all, so I risk everything by speaking to you tonight!
“Late last evening a terrible tragedy occurred. I don’t know whether you made acquaintance with the O’Reilly’s, but they’re solid folk who moved here barely three months ago. Tommy O’Reilly and I were beginning to know one another better as neighbors, helping each other with hard chores and the like.
“Well, first thing this morning his wife Grainne came to our house all dressed in black. Her eyes looked dried red from constant crying. We sat Grainne down for a cup of tea to calm her nerves, but we knew there was an air of grievous misfortune to her manner.”
Shane could feel the hairs on his arms begin to straighten in anticipation of shocking news. “Go on Roderick, I need to hear everything, painful as it may be to recall.”
Roderick paused before continuing. “In the wee hours last evening Tommy and Grainne were awakened by a visitor at their door. I don’t need to tell you that is never a good sign. She told Tommy to be careful, since it could have been any sort of character outside.
“As it happened, they were four men from the British Security Force in Dublin, headed by a ruthless bastard named Major Stanley Thurston. He told Tommy they had good word he was harboring a fugitive named Peter Harvey. Apparently Harvey killed someone at a place called Wheatstone Fields. Tommy protested repeatedly he knew nothing about Peter Harvey.
“This Major Thurston was a desperate type. He told Tommy they could confiscate his property among other hardships if they could not conduct a search of premises. After many protestations of innocence, Tommy finally relented and told Grainne what was the matter.
“Then they came through and turned over the place completely. After all that business, they found not a trace of evidence or guilt! The major was extremely angry not to have found what he desired. So, on leaving the O’Reilly home…” Roderick needed to compose himself before continuing on with the emotional account.
“Take your time Roderick,” Shane spoke in sympathy. “I truly appreciate how you are sharing this all with me.”
“Sorry for that. Now where did I leave off? Yes, as they left their home Grainne heard a lone shot break through the still of night. She immediately called out for Tommy to see if he was alright. But she heard no response. Grainne ran down the stairs to find her Tommy slumped in their entrance. He was murdered in cold blood! Those bastards killed an innocent man and went away with no care or mercy!
“Grainne was insistent we talk with no one about what she had revealed. Her concern was for the welfare of those children, which would only be threatened by a public accusation. These brutes and their allies would surely leave no witnesses if their crime were revealed in public. We both know the constabulary would be silenced from any further action.
“She said we were the only people around to trust. Grainne made us promise if anything happened to her that we would care for the children. Naturally Bronagh and I agreed. The whole damn thing tears me apart Shane! I only hope somehow fate conspires to bring swift justice against those animals!”
Shane knew from the moment he came upon those officers something was amiss. Though never could his suspicions have envisioned such a horrid reality. He felt physically ill about the indiscriminate violence leveled against these peaceful people.
His professional learning told him to stay clear of matters which involved agents of the Realm. Hearing secondhand experiences of those involved in such issues taught him their power was far reaching, outranking even constabulary jurisdiction. Yet his sense of right in the spirit of common decency could not let this heinous crime go unchallenged.
Shane put his right arm around Roderick’s broad shoulder. “You did well to tell me all this. As your dear friend, let me say I will do everything in my power to see this straight. Since I gave my word, I will not report this to the constabulary. But in this case there is another way to pursue the matter.”
Roderick gave Shane a curious look. “How do you mean to do anything? They are Security Force officers man! There is a reason why they run amok amongst the citizens; they are immune to any manner of prosecution here. The Security Force will cut down any obstacle in their way, and answer to no one except London.”
“The less you know from hereon in the better Roderick,” replied Shane coolly. “By the way, is Grainne O’Reilly at her residence?”
“She will be making arrangements for Tommy’s funeral in the morning. After Tommy’s service she will leave for Dublin with the children to see her cousin Aidan Malloy. Now you tell me something Shane. How does she answer people when they ask how he died? What does she tell those young innocents when they ask why their father has not come home?
“It’s all a big matter Shane. I rue the day my ears heard about this act of bestiality! Things must change quickly in our land. They’ve quietly declared war on all of us, committing indiscriminate killings without fear of persecution.”
“Roderick Smith, I give you my oath some good comes out of this. They cannot threaten my wife or children since I have neither. In memory of every Tommy O’Reilly throughout the ages I will do all within my power to see justice for this murder! It’s time for their lot to pay a debt well past due.”
Roderick’s face remained burdened with heavy sorrow. “I would like to take stock in your promise Shane, but you know how it looks. I’m afraid it’s happened so many times before that your efforts will probably be in vain.”
Feeney understood Roderick’s views, though he could not see the strength of this constable’s inner resolve. Shane refused to have another family’s blood spilt needlessly by the wickedly corrupted. Though restricted in his official capacity, he knew of one person who could aid such an effort. That night a hard line had to be drawn to uphold basic rights for all.
In addition, Shane was quietly surprised to hear the name Aidan Malloy. As a sympathizer of the Common Man Movement, Shane knew he was the father of Duncan Malloy. Yet there was another connection to that name which stirred memories from long before. Though in Shane’s opinion, even if the O’Reilly’s had harbored Peter Harvey, they were to be commended.
Now he learned the famed Peter Harvey was being pursued by the Security Force. Suddenly it became clear why the stranger expressed urgency with his message from William Cunningham in Castlebar. Feeling more sickened, Shane now realized they must have found Peter Harvey.
Saving Peter Harvey from their wicked clutches would give some meaning to Tommy O’Reilly’s demise. There was plenty to convince Shane he needed to assist in the rescue of Peter Harvey. Wasting precious time was not a luxury he could afford.
“Roderick, give my best to Bronagh and the children. I will try for a more social visit in the future. You have given me urgent business to attend. Be well my friend, and look after things out here.”
Roderick waived goodbye to Shane as he strode quickly towards his horse. He knew of one place to go which would aid his cause, though it was an hour’s ride away. While he rode atop his dependable horse, Shane’s memory drifted back to a time long past.
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