Shadows of Deceit (17 page)

“I think you two need to be more careful.” Harry said,

“Now where do I drop you, off? At Andrew’s tonight?”

Darlath smiled, “That would be good. Thank you.”

The two vehicles safely returned to Glasgow without being apprehended by anyone.

That same evening, Harry met up with Eileen at her flat.

“Come in stranger.”

“Stranger?”

“Well you were missed last night you know.”

She closed the door and led him through to her sitting room. “Drink?”

“Yes, great, I feel exhausted after all the driving.”

“I thought you were going to share the driving?”

“Well that was as planned, but I didn’t really mind. Darlath was really tired with the boat trip and everything so he slept a good part of the way. Andrew offered to drive but I was quite content to continue.”

Harry removed his shoes and sat facing the fire offering his still damp socks up towards the heat. Eileen poured the drinks and sat close to Harry on the settee. Apart from the glow of the coal fire there was no other light in the room.

Eileen turned to face Harry,

“I saw Dermot last evening. He told me about something that is really interesting.”

“Concerning Darlath?”

“How did you know?”

“I think I may know more than you actually.” Harry said teasing.

Eileen related the information that Dermot had given her about Darlath and a girl staying at his hotel.

“Yep, that’s what I thought you were going to tell me.”

Eileen was now very curious as to what Harry knew. She smiled, “Come on then super detective what else do you know?”

“Well I know I can trust you, but you must promise not to say anything to anyone.”

“Now I’m intrigued by all this. Tell me more, and yes, I promise not to repeat it anywhere or to anyone. Remember, I learnt my lesson mentioning your tattoo.”

Harry smiled and then continued,

“OK, it was
Andrew
that was with Darlath at the hotel. Dermot didn’t see clearly enough. They are together and have been for some time.”

Eileen put her hand to her mouth,

“My God, I never realised. Darlath…

dear little Darlath
is
with Andrew?”

“That’s it; I thought that would stop you in your tracks.”

“Well I never. Dermot would be terribly hurt if he found out. I knew of course that Andrew was that way, but never have I envisaged Darlath...Oh dear. Dermot will eventually find out won’t he?”

“I guess so. But not by us, we must keep their secret.”

“What about the others, do they know?”

“No I don’t think so. Although Steve is always making comments about Andrew.”

“Yes, I know, I’ve heard him at times. He can be a really hurtful.”

“So there we are my love, nothings quite as simple as we believed.”

“Andrew and Darlath! I need a top up in my drink, and you?”

“Yes please.” Harry offered up his glass.

“Here I’ve brought you a gift.”

Eileen took the small box and opened it to reveal a phial of expensive perfume.

“Thank you, I’ve not seen any of this for years.”

“It’s part of our haul, American stock to be honest.”

“Yes, I guessed, but you thought of me thank you. It’s lovely.”

She opened it and dabbed a little on the back of her hands and behind one ear.

“It’s gorgeous.”

She lowered her head and kissed Harry.

“Now what about our plans for you to move in?”

“Well I suppose that depends on Agnes. I don’t want to seem to push her out.”

“Actually she’s gone already. She went yesterday.”

“That was quick what happened?”

“Here’s another secret between us two Harry. You see about a month ago she told me she was pregnant!”

“So the story about her mother being ill was just that ‘a story’?”

“’Fraid so. I couldn’t explain it all to you whilst she was still around. I promised her I wouldn’t. She had a really rotten time recently.”

“Who is the father?”

“There was an Army chap that kept calling in to the Stuart. This was long before you came on the scene. Anyway this guy, George his name was, only about twenty; he seemed to be very keen on her and they started to go out quite a lot. She actually was a little scared because she hadn’t been with a man before, if you know what I mean. After a few weeks people at the pub noticed a great change in her. She was bright and friendly to everyone, more confident and was actually enjoying life, probably for the first time ever. You see from what she said her parents were very strict. When she came north to Scotland it was the first time that she could make her own decisions and live life as she wanted to. But she was unsure, you know scared a bit. So she used to chat to me about it and I tried to talk everything through with her. She seemed jealous of me at first until that is George arrived on the scene.”

“And she blossomed?”

“Very much so. But as I said she became pregnant. George suggested an abortion, he said he would pay for it. She was reluctant of course but she had no alternative if she wanted to carry on with him. You see he talked of marriage to her but felt strongly that they delay children until the war was over.”

“Poor kid.”

“It gets worse. Through his family, his mother, they recommended a woman living over in Govan. She didn’t tell me this until afterwards. She went along to Govan but being a bit naive about life in the real Glasgow she discovered that the woman wouldn’t attempt to treat her.”

“Why?”

“Because she was Catholic, she wore a cross on a chain around her neck and when asked about it she confirmed which church she attended. In that area of the city they are all strong Rangers supporters.”

“Well I know the north of Ireland can be sectarian, but Glasgow…I hadn’t realised how bad…Jesus what happened?”

“There’s an undercurrent here that’s not always seen but nevertheless it exists. You know jobs, housing, schools and of course Celtic and Rangers football clubs. Apparently George hadn’t thought to ask what religion she was, he just assumed she was like him, Protestant. His mum never met Agnes but she heard all about the baby from George and was rather glad to help at the time. She didn’t want her young son getting seriously involved and forced into marriage, and so poor Agnes was sent for an abortion but ended up in the wrong territory.”

“And then what?”

“She found another woman over in Shettleston, a Catholic who was prepared to do it. Someone at her Church recommended her, so much for the ban on contraception! But the procedure didn’t work, the baby was still alive. Agnes took this as a sign that she shouldn’t try and abort it again and so reluctantly left to tell her parents all about it. She feared going back home but in reality she had no option left.”

“What about George?”

“He buggered off as soon as he realised that she was Catholic. His mother insisted he quit seeing her. So my dear I am all alone here.”

“So your flat is now empty and the coast is clear for me to move in then?”

“I’d love you to. Let me get some more drinks.”

Eileen returned with the glasses and sat by Harry’s feet resting her head on his knees. They both remained sitting quietly for a few minutes watching the flames in the grate dance and flicker creating strange shadows on the walls behind them.

“Eileen, I’ve been thinking.”

She smiled up at him, “Go on.”

“Well, with this one job successfully completed and with the prospect of a similar one in a few weeks I should have enough cash then to buy a small house somewhere in Glasgow or nearby.”
“Really?”

“Yes. Nothing too fancy, just a small two or three bed house. Well I was thinking instead of living here we could both move into a house together.”

“Are you hinting at what I think you’re suggesting?”

“Let me finish first, I thought about this a lot on the journey back from Kintyre. I’ve mentioned before that I need to go back to the Army and face the music. I can’t leave it too much longer, I perhaps; I mean we, need to get that part of my life sorted out.”

“I understand...I think.”

“Let me finish. After the next job is done I would like to buy a house here that we both could move into. Then I would surrender myself up to the Army and deal with the punishment and complete my service. After that then I’d return to you.” He looked down into her eyes before continuing, “I know we’ve only been seeing each other for a short time but I’ve never known anyone quite like you. You’re open, straightforward, fun, loyal …”

“Enough!”

She placed her index finger onto his lips.

“Harry I just need to say four words, ‘I would love to!”

He slid down onto the floor beside her and they kissed.

“Steady girl.” He joked,

“You haven’t heard the rest of the bargain?”

“I’m happy at what I’ve heard so far.”

“Eileen I would like to buy you a ring and get engaged as soon as possible. Will you marry this rogue criminal and Army deserter for better for worse?”

“For better for worse – I will indeed!”

They kissed again.

“Eileen when it all sorts itself out the Army may not be too harsh on me. I’ve heard of other AWOL servicemen who, when caught, were paraded before a court, spent a few months in prison before resuming life back on duty. The overall war news is better now and with the Americans with us it’ll end before too long. I would like to get engaged, go back into the services and then return home to get married and have loads of kids!”

“Loads – now you be steady! Can I trust you not to get injured if you go back in?”

“I’ve survived many scrapes so far. If I’ve got you to come home to I’ll return safe and sound with all my working parts, just you wait and see!”

“Harry thank you, you’ve really changed my life so much. Now another chapter can begin. It’s so exciting! I know it’s all been a bit sudden but I get the feeling that it’s right to proceed. I shall look forward to you taking care of me now.”

“We’ll go and buy a ring tomorrow if that’s not too soon for you?”

“We’ll get up and move down to the shops by nine!”

They both laughed.

“Hey I almost forgot.”

Eileen reached across and picked up a card from the mantelpiece. “Look this came yesterday; it’s an invitation to see some war artists work in town tomorrow early evening. We could both go for the cocktails and then move on to a hotel dance to celebrate our engagement. What about it?”

“Yes, let’s do it. Where is it being held?”

“It’s at the School of Art just off Scott Street. Starts at four thirty, is that OK for you?”

“Yes that’s fine. How come you received an invite?”

“It’s something to do with Andrew, his company subscribes to the college support fund each year and in return he receives invites to various functions. He must have listed my name down this year to receive one.”

“So he is philanthropic after all! - I’ll look forward to it. Talking about tomorrow, do we need to book dinner at a hotel for later?”

“Yes I suppose so - ” She paused,

“ - in fact leave that detail to me, and I’ll sort it tomorrow. But first, before bed, dearest one, you desperately need a bath and shave.”

“I guess I do, so long as you scrub my back!”

“That’s a deal.”

Whilst Harry was preparing his bath Eileen thought about the news of Andrew and Darlath being together, ‘I never realised,’ she thought, ‘Dermot is going to feel terribly wounded when he finds out...his dear little Darlath.’

The next day they set off for the city centre and looked at various jewellery shops before deciding on a ring at a small shop in Hope Street. Harry turned to Eileen,

“This seems an appropriate address for an engagement ring.”

“I hope so too.” She laughed.

They stepped inside and after looking at various trays on offer Eileen decided on the one she had seen in the window earlier.

Afterwards they linked arms and walked back towards Sauchiehall Street.

“Harry you hold onto the ring until later and carry on with whatever you need to do today. Leave the hotel booking to me and then let’s meet up at Queen Street Station about three thirty. If that’s OK with you?”

“If you’re sure then, that’s good. I can do some work for Andrew in between and then we can hit the town later. But do I need to change clothes?”

“No you’re fine as you are love. Leave everything to me.”

After meeting in the afternoon they travelled by taxi to Bath Street and walked up to the School of Art. Eileen hadn’t remembered how steep Scott Street was.

“Must be almost forty-five degrees?” Harry said panting heavily as they climbed the hill.

“We should have got the taxi to drop us at the front door.”

Eileen stopped to admire the view back over the city whilst catching her breath.

“We should have been roped together, this is more like mountaineering!” Harry said grateful for the break.

The afternoon sun had now disappeared but there was still sufficient daylight to see some distance across the city. Eileen looked across the skyline and pointed out the sights,

“There’s the main station and there’s the City Chambers, and further down is the Clyde.”

She said holding onto Harry’s arm for support.

“Where’s the brewery I need a drink?”

Eileen giggled,

“Well the brewery is way beyond the City Chambers over there, so let’s carry on up and order a couple of cocktails inside. That’ll be a lot nearer thank God.”

They continued their climb up to the corner of Renfrew Street.

“This is it Harry on the right, the School of Art.”

“Do you know I’d forgotten all about this building being in the city?” Harry said admiring the style,

“My brother showed me a picture of it in a newspaper article years ago. Let’s just walk to the other side to see it from the front before the light fades.”

They walked across the road to get a better view and managed to join a small group of guests at the exhibition being guided around. Harry and Eileen became totally absorbed in the tour and quite forgot about the drink they were desperately seeking a while before. The tour concluded at the front steps of the building.

“This I regard as the greatest architectural achievement by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Some have different preferences but to me this is the pinnacle of his work in Scotland,” the guide said. “Thank you for listening, now please go back inside to enjoy our latest exhibition.”

“It’s just stunning isn’t it, the entrance, and the windows?” Harry said.

“Wait till you see more of the inside.”

They walked into the entrance lobby, showed their invitation card and ascended the open central staircase to the large workshop and display area on the first floor. They followed the signed routes to the various war artist’s work that included paintings by Rex Whistler and Stanley Spencer.

“The paintings are good but I prefer just looking at the design of this place.”

Harry said as he craned his head back to view the beams and lighting.”

“I’ve been here before Harry and there’s one room you really must see, this way.”

They followed signs towards the library where a smaller exhibition had been sited. Harry stopped at the door and peered inside,

“This is just so impressive, again the fittings, the oriel windows, the furniture all carefully designed to work and blend together. The student’s here are so lucky.”

After looking around for several minutes Eileen nudged him,

“It’s time to get that drink Harry!”

“You’re right. Let’s go.”

They walked back to the main reception area and discovered Andrew was on his own examining the paintings.

“Well look at you two here so early,” Andrew said, surprised to see them.

“I didn’t think paintings were your cup of tea Harry?”

“You once told me never to assume things, remember first impressions and all that!” Harry replied smiling.

“You’re quite right, I apologise to you both. Would you mind if I accompany you for a drink? They’re just being served along with some sandwiches I think?”

“A drink would be fine. We’ll skip the sandwiches though as Eileen has booked us in for dinner somewhere.”

“That sounds awfully decadent, any special celebration?”

Eileen was about to reply but Harry intervened,

“No, not just at the moment, but there may be some news for you tomorrow.”

Andrew had already guessed,

“Well remember I’m always available as a page boy. I do so like those silver shoe buckles!”

“You’re presuming too much,” Eileen said, “Behave yourself. I must, however, thank you for the invitations; it was kind of you to remember me. We’ve both enjoyed the tour and the exhibition.”

“Where were you earlier?” Harry asked, “Only I collected some cash for you and left it in your safe.”

“Thanks for that Harry. I was out shopping. I was trying to buy a new overcoat but without success. The styles and sizes were all wrong and the number of coupons needed is just ridiculous. And before you ask, Harry, I did try the tailor that made your suit but they’ve no suitable cloth available. Apparently it’s all been requisitioned for military uniforms!”

“There is a war on Andrew, and you’ve still got your old coat.” Harry ventured.

“But even I admit it needs changing. I’ll just have to try some church jumble sales or salvage shops. But the thought of that as a shopping experience just makes me cringe.”

Later the couple finished their drinks and said farewell to Andrew.

They walked back down Scott Street and managed to hail a taxi at the bottom without too much difficulty.

“Where are we going Eileen?”

“Grand Hotel, I’ve booked a room for us.”

“But what about a change of clothes and...”

“All sorted, that’s what I did this afternoon you just needed to turn up.”

After checking in at the hotel they were shown to their room and had time to change. Later in the restaurant, which was quite full of service people in uniform, they were guided to their balcony table facing the small bandstand. A few of the patrons were dancing to ‘That Lovely Weekend.’

Once settled Eileen looked across towards the people on the floor now dancing to ‘Down Forget-Me-Not Lane.’ She hadn’t noticed that Harry had knelt by her side smiling broadly waiting for her to turn back. She became aware that people nearby were clapping. She looked around the room expecting to see that a celebrity had arrived. The band leader had by now picked up on what was happening. He stopped the musicians and requested them to start playing ‘Does She Love Me?’ The band leader turned and looked directly at Eileen whilst playing the introduction. It was only after the singer came forward to the microphone that Eileen looked around to see everyone nearby standing clapping and cheering at her. She turned to find Harry still kneeling beside her, his face beaming. She accepted his ring and then they both stood up to kiss. The head waiter immediately came over with glasses of champagne for them.

“I shall remember this always Harry, thank you, thank you.” Harry escorted her down through a corridor of clapping guests towards the dance floor.

Later, after their meal, they danced again and then relaxed in a nearby bar. They both had noticed that a noisy group of drinkers was gathered at the far end of the room. They had spilled out from another function on the ground floor. To their dismay they saw Steve Beecham escorting Dermot towards the toilets. Dermot spotted the couple and changed direction. He slumped into one of the leather armchairs next to Eileen,

“How good to see you both” he slurred, trying to get up again.

“I need a piss. Sorry! Manners! Steve help me up.”

Harry was surprised to see them,

“Dermot I thought you were in hospital.”

“Signed myself out,” he growled.

“They took some X rays and I was supposed to wait a few days. Well sod that, life’s too short to stay sitting around. I need a piss Steve.”

Steve was in no fit state to assist anyone. He stood stiffly against a pillar staring at Harry before joining the conversation.

“Good night it was. Ladies night, you know the lodge and...”

He belched loudly and tried to launch himself towards the exit. “Need to sit down I think, sit…”

Steve sank into a large armchair a few yards away and closed his eyes.

“I’ll escort you, Dermot.”

Harry lifted him up and slowly edged him out of the room towards the toilets. Dermot’s trousers were already soaked with urine, the smell was nauseating. As they passed the porter’s lodge on the return journey Harry asked if Mr Cassidy had a room reserved for himself. Upon confirmation, Harry gave a tip to the porters and requested them to take Dermot to his room.

“I’ll follow and put him to bed in about five minutes.”

On returning to the bar he found that Steve was now more alert and talking to Eileen,

“I’ve told Dermot everything. We’re good friends, many years, many years.” He was still slurring his speech.

Harry wanted to know what Dermot had been told.

“Ah Steve, you’re conscious and back with us again. What did you say to Dermot?”

“Secret. My secret. Only Dermot and I know.”

Eileen turned to face Harry and quietly whispered,

“While you were out he told me it’s about Darlath. But I’m not sure if he knows everything.”

“Where’s Dermot?” Steve asked.

“He’s up in his room. I said I’ll go up in a sec to check he’s OK.”

Steve lowered his head back into the chair and within seconds had slipped into a deep, snoring sleep.

“What about him?” Eileen asked.

“Leave him there. He’s big enough to sort himself out when he wakes up.”

Eileen and Harry made their way up to Dermot’s room.

“Do you think that Steve knows about Darlath and Andrew at the hotel?”

“I don’t know Eileen, but he seems to have knowledge of something or else he’s bluffing just to cause mischief.”

They found that Dermot had partially undressed himself and was fast asleep in bed.

“Leave him now,” said Harry.

“Let’s continue our evening.”

They held hands and walked slowly towards their room accompanied by the distant sound of the band playing ‘their’ tune again.

The next morning they met Steve at breakfast. His unshaven face was florid and his eyes appeared more sunken and darker than usual.

“Have you seen Dermot?” Eileen asked breezily.

“He’s having breakfast in his room. He’s alright I guess; which is more than I can say this morning. By the way what were you doing here, I didn’t get a chance to talk to you properly last night?”

“We got engaged.” Harry said.

There was a pause before Steve responded; his brain was not functioning properly,

“Oh I see.”

“Is that it?”

Eileen asked, “No congratulations? No emotion?”

“Sorry Eileen, I’m not switched on yet. Yes of course congratulations.” He said rather flatly as he turned towards Harry,

“Harry, while I think of it can you call in and see Tommy sometime today or tomorrow, he’s got your cash share of the last haul. He managed to sell the final bit yesterday. I think that’s why Dermot and I over-celebrated last night.”

“Yes OK.”

That’s all Harry said. He didn’t expect Steve to congratulate him or show him any smiles or good wishes but he did expect a warmer response to Eileen despite him feeling hung-over. Eileen defused the atmosphere by changing the subject, albeit she knew that the next topic was also potentially explosive.

“Steve you said you told Dermot everything last night. Can we go over it again just so I’ve got it right?”

This direct approach threw Steve. He was now confused. Had he drunkenly told Eileen and Harry about Darlath leaving Andrew’s flat in the early morning. Had he told Dermot about it?

Harry joined in, delighted to increase the pressure on Steve,

“Yes Steve let’s clear up the confusion, tell us again!”

Steve looked even more uncomfortable. He couldn’t recall what he had said to them.

The waiter came and cleared some crockery from the table and this interruption gave him time to think clearly before replying. He didn’t believe that he had mentioned Darlath and Andrew being together, but he wasn’t sure. He couldn’t recall saying anything so he decided to bluff his way out.