“I see you received my message,” he began in his polished aristocratic voice. “Pity not all your pursuits are executed in such a timely manner, don’t you think?”
Thurston nervously cleared his throat before responding. “Good day to you Lord Stanton. It is an honor as always to have a private audience with you. I know we did not successfully accomplish our latest mission. Though you must realize my past record in the Security Force has been without reproach.”
Lord Charles Stanton raised an eyebrow. “Services rendered in the past do not justify errors in your future! You knew the delicate nature of this project before coming aboard. These officers were hand selected for the assignment. “Quality men who will get the job done” I remember you saying.
“Well, it appears that was not the case. So instead of glowing accolades with lucrative rewards there will be consequences for your failure. Do you have anything to say before I continue Major Thurston?”
Thurston knew what must follow, though pleaded for leniency from the powerful gentleman. There was not much more he could do.
“Lord Stanton, I beg of you one last opportunity to resolve the situation! Never in my career has there been a touch of blemish on my lengthy record of service. I ask you how this situation can be put back to your satisfaction.”
Lord Stanton sized up Thurston in silence for a brief moment. Rapping fingers from one hand on the armrest of his chair, he leaned back before delivering a verdict.
“My reputation as a staunch defender of this glorious Empire is beyond reproach. We are envied world over in so many ways. So how does a country achieve these high standards while others lead second rate existences? Order, ambition and might are how!
“The established families of this country put in place over generations a system of government which is reliable, trusted and legally upright. For those who follow within these parameters there are opportunities for advancement. As for miscreants and malcontents, they are shown the heel of justice and disdain!
“Now let us look at the situation in Ireland. History tells us when agitators, activists and upstarts are allowed free reign to sow seeds of discontent, the results can be catastrophic. That is why you move quickly to nip them in the bud, before their poisoning roots take hold. Unfortunately, due to your inaction, weeds still grow in the Emerald Garden of our Empire!
“What you say is true about your past service, though it is the Harvey issue we are concerned with today. In light of this, know that I am a hard man, but not a cruel one. Therefore, I shall give you one option to repay my gratitude.
“You and the other men assigned to this mission must continue to search for Peter Harvey. If he dies, seek out his oldest direct male descendant. I need you to fulfill your obligation and give me my due! Or die in the process of trying.
“You knew the consequences of an unsuccessful campaign could be dramatic. And an unfulfilled pledge is a dishonor! Therefore, I am perfectly within my rights to demand satisfaction from you. Peter Harvey must be found and brought to justice.”
Thurston was truly relieved to have escaped with his life. “Thank you Lord Stanton. He will not know a safe existence as long as we live! Let it be known from this day forward his life will be one of constant vigil. He may never see when we strike, but strike we shall at an unseen hour.”
Lord Stanton appeared to brush aside Thurston’s renewed ardor. “The bounty will remain in place on his head, but he must be brought back alive. Failing that, if any of his eldest direct male descendants are found the reward may still be collected. If I am not alive, they shall be brought to my eldest male descendent or family attorney to receive just due.
“Roland Winston-Hall was a worthy servant of the Realm, and his life will be avenged. This way justice will not be forgotten. Peter Harvey or one of his own will pay for the life we lost!”
Major Thurston appreciated the fanatical dedication Lord Charles Stanton had for his country. Yet his heightened sense of intuition would not rest. Why was it so important for Stanton to capture Peter Harvey or his offspring? It was highly improbable Harvey would risk a public appearance to tell his account of Wheatstone Fields. More than anyone, he would prefer to remain in hiding.
Then he recalled the day he and his officers were to search Goodhope House for clues on Harvey’s whereabouts. Lord Stanton requested by telegram that morning for his men to also look for an odd gold key with chain attachment. In the midst of everything Thurston thought nothing of it. Yet now he wanted to know more. However, his fleeting interest was overcome by the elation of having a second chance for redemption.
“Lord Stanton, my men and I shamed ourselves by not fulfilling orders in a satisfactory manner. A renegade has gained the upper hand over law and order. As a result, this may stoke fires which eventually light torches of mass rebellion! I will not stand idly by to see that happen, though it could take me and my men a lifetime of dogged pursuit. Peter Harvey must be made an example!”
Lord Stanton put down his glass and looked Major Thurston straight in his eyes. “We still have those deeply loyal to my family and this country throughout the Empire and beyond. He will never be too far from our reaches.
“Take for example if Harvey flees to America. I would alert our Master Agent Harriston Smith to keep his men on high alert. Stantons have enjoyed a business relationship in the cotton trade with his wife’s family for generations. That provided the basis for their considerable wealth. Why, in the Revolutionary War, Smith’s wife’s family of White Rose Plantation in Georgia supported two regiments of the King’s Army! And to this day they remain covert British sympathizers.
“There is the funny thing about those peculiar Americans. They shout to the globe with their perverse cries of individual liberty while engaging fully in gross indecencies of slavery with undue oppression. Well, they may have won their Independence, but we took away the best senses of our civilities from their upstart nation!
“There are two ways this hunt for Harvey or his descendants will cease. One is the near impossible event a direct relation of mine rescinds this order. In the other case, if no direct male heir of Harvey’s is left alive, there will be no vengeance left to be had. Then, and only then, will he or his descendants ever know life without constant vigil.”
Lord Charles Stanton was not a contented individual. The failure to assassinate Duncan Malloy at Wheatstone Fields ruined a prime chance to suppress a growing threat to the Crown. In addition, this blunder cost Lord Stanton an even greater opportunity, affecting him much more personally.
Two main objectives were lost that day, where one mission served in perfect union with the other. Now the Malloys knew they were at peril. Lord Stanton realized there would not be another opportunity like Wheatstone Fields again.
When Major Stanley Thurston left his Dublin townhouse, Lord Stanton retired to his library. There he poured another glass of fine scotch before continuing his reading. Lord Stanton had a limitless appetite for past history and events. In that vein his current read did not disappoint. Soon his thoughts were transported back to an age of ritual splendor and crude wonder, which was a place he thoroughly enjoyed.
After a few hours, sleep overcame him. Amongst many dreams he had during his rest, one stood out in particular. It seemed this dream spoke to his innermost aspirations. Amongst his treasured thoughts, he imagined this vision as true destiny. For when he awoke, Lord Stanton vividly remembered what it was like to live as an all-powerful ruler.
Chapter Twenty-Four
FROM HERE TO DESTINY
We travel this life today to make the memories of tomorrow
As evening approached the Emerald Isle, a small group gathered on a windswept point just outside Killala. Word had been dispatched through coded message that Peter Harvey made good on his escape two weeks prior. Everyone involved was thrilled to hear the remarkable news. Yet these tidings served as cold comfort to those he touched on
the truest level.
Tonight, a reflective group of his closest confidants gathered to remember their dearest Peter. They included Duncan, Aidan and Maggie Malloy, old friends from Queen’s College, and a number of other key allies in the Common Man Movement. In addition, there appeared a thin male stranger, looking quite different from the only time Peter made his acquaintance in Tralee months before.
Shortly after meeting Peter, this young man’s mother and only sibling passed away within hours of each other. Their demise was brought on swiftly by fever aided through severe cases of starvation. At that precise moment he determined to honor their lives through joining Peter’s dignified cause.
It was then he made an arduous journey through grueling hardship to join County Mayo’s branch of the movement. Appearing at their office after days of brutal trek, threadbare and malnourished, Samuel McGee took the boy in. And in his unique way, this lad contributed something memorable to their Common Man Movement.
On this very spot, as sea wind lapped the faces of all assembled, he played that gift on union pipes. Even today, his composition for Peter, “Of All Good Things in Ireland”, is a most revered song.
Along with Peter’s “Leave My Country Once More”, they are known as standard rallying songs for the Common Man Movement. When this lad finished his moving tribute, not a dry eye could be found amongst the bunch. Upon composing himself, Aidan reflected on the history of where they gathered.
“I feel it only appropriate we came out here to remember Peter. Greenhill Commons in County Mayo was the first public venue for a Common Man Movement rally. And where else could we feel more at one with Peter’s unyielding spirit than the open skies of his beloved west counties?
“Let us not forget another courageous individual who gave their life for the movement. Samuel McGee was the grist for this mill, a trusted confident of mine for years. He gave Peter and Duncan complete loyalty in making their hopes a reality. We all benefited immensely from his presence in our lives.”
Duncan wept quiet tears as he felt deeply the loss of his greatest friend and their “third man” in the movement. Finally his thoughts lashed out in flushed anger.
“Damn this country!” he cried out. “I gave you my time, my heart, my life! In return you take my best companion and cast him out into the wild sea! Then my other brave patriot is murdered like a common criminal. You are a hard master to all who walk your green, unforgiving earth!”
Aidan Malloy immediately came over to comfort his son, who now had walked a short distance away from the gathering. “Duncan, everyone still feels his loss greatly. In the very least, take solace knowing there will always be people watching out for him and his safety.”
Duncan was puzzled by his father’s last comment. “How can that be father? We lose contact with every person successfully put through the escape network. Peter is gone from all our lives!”
Aidan smiled as he put his arm around Duncan’s shoulder. “It is unfortunate we can no longer maintain direct correspondence with Peter. As you are well aware, our every activity is monitored by our opponents, perhaps even our travel to Killala.
“However, that has not stopped other Men of Goodhope from keeping watch over our dear Peter. This I can promise you for as long as Peter is alive.” Turning to look Duncan square in the face, he continued speaking in a lowered voice.
“One year hence from the date Peter left these shores, and every successive anniversary, the Men of Goodhope will monitor Peter’s welfare. Remember, he sacrificed everything for our Common Man Movement. What a terrible price he paid for us all!
“I also felt it would be great comfort to know his legacy was never forgotten by those he cherished most. In the end Duncan, it is respect from those we love which is the dearest treasure we have. Are you somewhat settled now?”
Duncan patted his father on the back. “Yes. Thank you for your thoughtful words.”
Both men returned to the gathering, which was sharing all manner of thoughts about their beloved Peter. Laughter, testaments and soft tears appeared as often as humanly possible. Everyone knew their lives had been touched by an exceptional individual. This presented both a blessing while in his acquaintance, though a hole which could never be filled after his departure.
Throughout the gathering Maggie had kept unusually quiet. Everyone knew her private burden went beyond most. Then, like a dam which could hold the pressure no longer, she made her feelings known.
“I appreciate everyone’s sincerity concerning Peter’s situation. But damn it, what I could say about tortured loss! How can you put to words what a broken heart could only do justice in speaking? There has never been a man that came as close to being my whole like Peter Harvey!
“We all paid a high price for his departure. Though in my case I shall always be in debt to his memory. I can never be as committed to another the way I was with him. So a spinster I shall be.”
No one wished to speak after hearing such a stinging emotional response. Maggie excused herself from the group and wandered to a solitary place looking out towards the sea. It was as if she were looking to the beyond for Peter to suddenly appear, sailing towards her on gentle waves. At present she was beyond consolation.
Duncan looked around at the others. “Sure as I am among you, Peter will never forget the memory of every person here tonight. As he might have said, sometimes we have to lose something special to realize the precious which remains. There is a lot to accomplish tomorrow. We should be moving on from here.”
On that note they all moved away from the point. As they vacated this isolated ground in the soft glow of gentle moonlight, each steadied for a future without Peter Harvey. Of course it was tragic, though paled in comparison to the forced emigration he endured from a life he loved so true.
As Duncan and Aidan trailed behind, the younger Malloy posed a pressing question. Mindful of carrying voices, he spoke in a very low tone.
“I just remembered; what about the key father? They keep us under constant surveillance now. Who knows when they will decide to do another search for whatever reason and happen upon it by chance? They would most certainly ask its purpose?”
Aidan placed his left arm around Duncan’s shoulder. “We have the perfect custodian miles away from here. It’s in Peter’s hands now.”
Duncan looked in sheer surprise before smiling in relief. “Excellent choice father, excellent choice indeed.”
“Which brings me straight into another item I wished to bring to your attention,” Aidan remarked. “One of the Men of Goodhope found out some interesting news.
“It seems these operations against our family may not only concern activities in the movement. It appears our family’s old enemy may have a hand in all of this. That is why I needed the key spirited away. Therefore, more than ever before, we must remain on our guard!”
Hearing his father’s last words straightened the bristles on Duncan’s neck. If what his father said was true, the Malloy family was in serious danger. For there was nothing the old enemy would stop at to achieve their purpose. During the remainder of their walk back to nearby accommodations they did not say another word to each other.
*****
Noting the unusually warm weather for this time of year, William Cunningham left Newton House to catch some fresh afternoon air. He thought it might do some good to change his downbeat mood. After all, Cunningham was still devastated to hear the crushing news of Peter Harvey’s miraculous escape.
As a result, Cunningham could not break his sudden depression. In an instant, all higher aspirations to which he so dearly desired had vanished. There would be no great sums, honors or titles. In fact, he knew his friend Major Thurston would be subject to even greater misfortunes.
Feeling a touch peckish, Cunningham decided to take a short cut to his favored dining establishment for a light meal. He had no pressing matters, so he could afford to sit down an
d relax. Lost in a fog of self-pity, he sauntered down a narrow alleyway.
After taking a few steps on his altered route, Cunningham suddenly felt a sharp tap on his right shoulder. Wheeling around, Cunningham faced a young man with whom he had no prior acquaintance.
“Excuse me, but are you William Cunningham of Newton House here in Castlebar?” the stranger inquired.
“Yes I am. May I ask what the matter concerns?’” he replied.
Instantly the stranger’s face turned into an angry scowl. “William Cunningham, for your traitorous actions in aid of the British Security Force, I charge you with crimes against all citizens of Ireland! As a member of Free Eire Homeland, I hereby pass sentence for your actions.”
Cunningham could feel a sharp pain coming from his heart. Looking down on his person, blood began to flow freely to the ground. Collapsing on the spot, his last view on this earth was to witness his assassin fleeing the scene of his untimely death.
*****
Chieftain’s Captain Vincent reclined back in the comfortable chair where he was seated. He had just finished giving a lovely breakfast for Peter, over which much interesting banter and viewpoints were exchanged. Now, the captain took the opportunity to end their enjoyable meal.
“This has been most delightful Peter,” he sincerely spoke. “Now I shall leave you a few hours to prepare yourself before arriving in Halifax Harbor. However, I do not intend to leave you on an unknown shore without any assistance.
“I know of a well-respected local man whom you shall visit upon your arrival. Fletcher Turner and I have made regular acquaintance over the years, and he will give you good guidance in this new locale.
“My first meeting with Fletcher was through a dear friend of mine in the shipping business who sailed out of Savannah. Oh yes, Captain Amos Clark of the Betty Rose was not always honorable, but he had mended his ways to great effect, attempting to make his peace through a better conscious.
The Watchman's Grace Page 67