Shadows of Deceit (9 page)

Tommy spoke up,

“So you see Harry we are just a bunch of minor players on the world stage really; spear carriers only, in all this. All we’re doing is taking a small share of the action. If it wasn’t us then someone else would take our place.”

Steve sat forward to speak,

“Through Darlath we receive a lot of inside info.”

“And just to clear things up -” Darlath said,

“- I’m my father’s son. I‘ve been involved in many of his dealings over the years and have no qualms about continuing to make a few pounds or punts in this way. No one is getting hurt. It’s just that we are diverting a small percentage of a very thriving and expanding market in luxury goods.”

“Amazing.” Harry said,

“What a respectable club I’m enrolling into.”

“Time now for business please.” Dermot insisted.

“But first I need a piss again – help me up Son.”

Darlath did as he was told and escorted his father out through the kitchen to the lavatory.

“I’ll get some more coal.” Tommy followed the other two out, carrying the empty scuttle.

“Do you need another drink?”

Harry asked Steve as he walked towards the table at the back and opened another bottle.

“Why not, I’ll bring my glass.”

As he approached the drinks table Harry swiftly turned and grabbed Steve’s testicles and squeezed hard and retained a vice like grip,

“If you
ever
pull a knife on me again I’ll rip your balls off before asking any further questions. Do you understand?”

The ‘vice’ was tightened and lowered so that Steve’s anguished face was now at Harry’s chest height.

“Yes, I understand, I understand now please …”

Harry released him and turned to the table again.

“Want any ice?”

When all the men re-assembled the subject turned to the next ‘adventure’ as Darlath called it.

“Gentlemen, the next project. There is a large consignment of tobacco, liquor and perfume coming from New York to Cork in two weeks time. It’s being bought and paid for by a group of Dublin hotels together with ‘Erin Comestibles’. It’ll be transported to Dublin and stored in bonded warehousing before distribution. My contacts over there have confirmed that a quantity will be ‘lost’ during transit.”

“How do you intend shipping it across to the U.K. this time Son?”

“We’ve worked out a new route, from Donegal then straight to Scotland rather than use Liverpool again.”

“What happened at Liverpool?” Harry asked.

“The last goods were badly damaged and over half the consignment was stolen, we think, upon landing at Liverpool.” Dermot replied.

Tommy then spoke.

“We later discovered, through our Police channels that several Liverpudlians were arrested and charged with possessing stolen goods. So it makes sense to find somewhere else to make a more secure landfall.”

Steve manoeuvred himself with some difficulty, attempting to find a more comfortable position to sit before speaking,

“So where in Scotland and when?”

Darlath finished his drink before replying,

“It’s likely to be in Kintyre. I’m told that there are some deserted rocky coves that could be used. We will need to do a recce first before we finalise…”

Steve interrupted,

“What, I don’t follow this? Why are we proposing to export the merchandise from Donegal, that’s on the west of Ireland, can’t we bring it across from the east coast? There’s bound to be an easier route”

Darlath continued,

“No not really. If we try and get nearer to Scotland on the east coast then it means crossing the border into Northern Ireland, which we don’t want to do. It would mean potentially another unnecessary security inspection that could scupper the whole project. If we use a fishing boat from Donegal it can sail around the Antrim coast then across to Kintyre. It’s quite common for the north and south’s boats to get muddled up a bit so no suspicion should be raised.”

“And it’s only about twelve miles from Antrim across the Irish Sea to Scotland.” Dermot confirmed.

Harry then asked,

“What about U boats or the Royal Navy, don’t they patrol these waters?”

Darlath replied,

“U boats are looking for larger vessels and mainly patrol out in the Atlantic waiting for the convoys from the States. As for the Royal Navy then yes, they do move around our north coast and into the Irish Sea, but as I said the small fishing boats from both sides of the border plus the Scottish ones all get muddled together. The Royal Navy can’t easily control all of them so they mainly tolerate the situation. Now, going back to your earlier question Steve, we reckon that we could land the cargo here in three weeks time.”

Darlath unfolded the maps and spent the next hour describing the proposed route and researching old tourist books featuring the Kintyre area for places to land. Eventually Dermot stretched his arms and yawned loudly,

“I think that’s enough for tonight. Let’s head back to town. I’ll speak with Andrew tomorrow and work out a plan for reconnoitring.”

Darlath passed the maps to his father,

“And I’ve got to head back to Dublin tomorrow, but I will be back to catch up in a weeks time.”

The men said their farewells to Michael and left for Glasgow. Harry travelled with Dermot again. Half way back he had the driver stop the car,

“Time for piss again. Help me out Harry.”

The next day Harry continued collecting rents and in the late afternoon he travelled across town by bus to Andrew’s flat.

“Come on up Harry,” Andrew called down.

Harry climbed the stairs and entered. He found Andrew slouched on the settee in his dressing gown reading a book.

“Good to see you again.”

“Have you been lying here all day?”

“Such friendliness! Such cordiality! Not ‘How are you Andrew?’ As a matter of fact, no I haven’t. I came in about an hour ago and had a bath.”

“You came from Edinburgh?”

“Yes, and before you scold me I did try and contact you yesterday before you met up with Dermot.”

“It wasn’t just Dermot I met though was it?”

“That’s what I was going to warn you about. I did honestly try and contact you to tell you about Darlath being there. The thing is I also tried to contact
him,
to warn him that you would likely be there, but again without success. He was in meetings all day. I knew that you wouldn’t say anything but I…”

“OK, OK. I believe you, but you’re playing with fire aren’t you, bedding Dermot’s son? He’ll rip you to pieces if he finds out. How long has this been going on?”

Andrew paused and re-arranged the cushions before continuing,

“It’s about a year now and as long as it’s kept quiet then nobody will be hurt. As for Dermot, he knows his son travels frequently between Ireland and here and stays at expensive hotels paid for by the Dail Eireann. He doesn’t suspect that he often stays here. Believe me I do know the potential danger.”

“Look Andrew, if at any time Dermot does find out then it won’t have been through me snitching. You’ve just got to be really careful. What about Darlath’s friends or colleagues? Are they likely to say anything?”

“No, no -one in Ireland knows about us and certainly none of his colleagues at the Dail offices do. He could be dismissed if they found out. We both fully understand the precariousness of the picture.”

“O.k. lets change the subject. First, here’s the money and book from today’s collections.” Harry handed over a small satchel.

“Next let’s talk about the discussions last night. Have you heard from Dermot yet?”

“Yes, he called about half an hour ago. He asked me to apologise to you for the reception you received at Michael’s.”

“Oh you mean ‘Steve the slitter’. Who the hell does he think he is?

And the next person on my list to visit today is Eileen, so much for her good nature.”

“Don’t be too annoyed with her. Eileen’s a special one, be gentle. She’s a bit protective of Dermot. Anyway, it’s through her that you got to meet the crew earlier than I’d arranged.”

“Talking of crew, who’s Michael?”

Andrew smiled before replying,

“Ah Michael, a sad case. He rents the cottage from Dermot but I don’t think he’s being charged for staying there. He’s an old friend of Dermot and my father from many years ago. Another ex-policeman I’m afraid. He was in the Garda in Dublin for a couple of years and then took a civilian job with them afterwards. He was reliable in providing information to Dad until he was retired by the force. He had nowhere to go so Dermot brought him over. Dermot uses him for lorry driving now and again.”

“So he just looks after the cottage and gardens?”

“That’s it really. He’s a very private individual and is quite content to remain there on his own.”

“Why did he only stay a couple of years in the Police, was he injured or something?”

“Ah no. No. You’ll laugh when I tell you: you see Michael is afraid of the dark; always has been.”

“You’re jok…You’re not are you?”

“’Fraid not, I’m telling the truth.”

“I’ve never heard of a policeman being afraid of the dark. What happened?”

“Well the Garda only discovered it about a year after he joined. Michael always tried to avoid lone night shifts but when he was forced to they discovered that he had a real problem. They tried to treat him for it but it never worked, he is petrified of being in the dark on his own.”

“So he was sacked?”

“Yes. Officially he was described as a ‘recreant’. I remember Dermot showing me a copy of the letter Michael received. Dermot then paid and guided Michael on an appeal process using a solicitor, which was unusual at the time. They won the case and the follow up to this was an offer of a police civilian job which in some way mitigated the opprobrium. He was grateful for the help and it was then that he decided to assist Dermot’s group, which included my father at the time, in their enterprises. Without too much coaxing I have to say! - Dermot and Michael went to the same school and remain lifelong friends.”

“That is amazing, I’ve never heard of anyone like that before. But tell me; are there any honest policemen up here?”

“Unfortunately for us there are still a few who are trying to stop our projects.”

They both laughed.

“So what about a drink now before we discuss the recce that’s needed?”

Andrew stood up from the settee and walked to the cabinet.

“Whisky alright?”

“Yes, fine thank you.”

“You should have told me about the army you know, it would have made things a lot easier for you last night.”

“Yep, in hindsight I should have, but remember I’m still the new boy around here. I had to test the friendships first before giving up all my secrets.”

“Here’s your drink. Are there any other secrets I should know about?”

“No, it was just me going AWOL from the Army.”

“OK. Harry let’s talk about what Dermot is proposing.”

Andrew sat down opposite him.

“It’s been suggested that you and Eileen could do the recce of the Kintyre coast.”

“Why us?”

“Well it’s going to take two maybe three days in that area to find a suitable cove for the boat to land. It has to be an isolated beach but with some roads or tracks nearby that we can hide a van in. That way we can transfer the goods without being seen and then make the getaway. You’re the chosen ones because, well Dermot is too old and too ill, Steve and Tommy haven’t any partners, one divorced and the other a widower.”

“Go on.”

“They also have their garage to run. Michael, as I’ve just described, wouldn’t cope being on his own in a strange area and therefore that leaves me. But I’m also on my own; however, I could still cover for you on the rent collecting which leaves you and Eileen to take a few days’ leave.”

“I don’t understand Andrew?”

“Well Dermot feels that the two of you as a couple could stay in a pub or hotel for a few nights, giving the appearance of just taking a few days leave. That wouldn’t raise any suspicions with the locals or the police. Then you can tour the area looking for a suitable location for us.”

“How come I’m being paired up with Eileen, that’s a bit presumptuous isn’t it?”

Andrew laughed but quickly realised that Harry wasn’t joining in.

“Sorry Harry, that’s probably my fault. I told Dermot that you had been seeing her recently. I just thought you made a great couple and, well…”

“I can sort my own dates out thank you, and after last nights ‘inspection’ I need to have a serious talk with her before we’re likely to proceed any further.”

“OK, it was just an idea, someone has to go and you could both have had an agreeable time, you know for a few days.”

Harry thought about it for a few moments as Andrew topped up their glasses.

“Supposing I did sort things out with Eileen how would we travel over there?”

“That’s easy; Tommy and Steve would supply you with a car and fuel from their garage. They must have arranged cars and drivers last night when you went across to Michael’s?”

“Well yes they did I suppose. I hadn’t really thought about it.”

“Those cars plus the drivers are all part of their business.”

“Where do they operate this garage from?”

“It’s not too far from here actually. About five maybe six streets to your left as you go towards the Stuart. It’s called the Temple Garage.”

“Temple?”

“On account of the Freemason’s Lodge is in the same road. You know King Solomon’s Temple and all that.”

“Are you a member?”

“Me? The Freemason’s? Definitely no. Imagine me with all my present tendencies, as you call them, going out wearing a pinafore as well!”

Andrew smiled at the thought and then continued,

“Anyway you’ve got to believe in some ‘Supreme Being’ which I don’t.”

“You’re agnostic? – I bet you wouldn’t be if you were a lone survivor on a raft in the North Sea after being torpedoed!”

“Maybe not, but I’ve not yet had that sort of pressure to test my beliefs.”

Harry quietly smiled at Andrew and decided to change the subject.

“Earlier you said that Eileen was a bit protective of Dermot, what did you mean exactly?”

“Well it works both ways. Dermot has been caring for her for years and vice versa. I think the background is that about ten years ago after Dermot’s wife died she became his housekeeper. He’d advertised and she happened to be one that applied.”

“So this was in Dublin?”

“No. Northumberland I think. It was during the period my Father and Dermot worked together.”

“I see.” They both emptied their glasses.

“Did Dermot set Eileen up in the Royal Stuart?”

“Yes. She became his housekeeper for about three years as well as working in various pubs in the evenings. Then he decided to sell his house once Darlath went to university. Since then he’s lived in various small hotels staying for about six months and then moving on. He says he prefers this arrangement to staying in one place all the time. He’s a lonely man and he thrives on people’s company, so this hotel life suits him. As well as his many other interests Dermot has a part share in the Stuart so he was able to fix Eileen with a good job there once he sold his house.”

“So that’s why Eileen didn’t move across to the Dugout when it opened.”

“Yep, she was content to stay. They pay her well I’m told.”

“Were the two of them ever close?”

“No, not in that way. Dermot treated her like a daughter really. He took care of her and still does.”

Andrew reached for the bottle and topped up their drinks.

“What about Eileen then, did she ever marry?”

“No I don’t think so. I know she had several ‘gentleman callers’ over the years but I understand that she was only very keen on one. Derek I think his name was. They even moved in together.”

“What happened to him?”

“You’re probably best to ask her about the details, but basically he shipped across to America just as war broke out and she never saw him again.”

“That’s awful. I didn’t know that.”

“Well she’ll tell you I’m sure. Luckily Dermot came to the rescue and helped her out finding new accommodation. The flat where she is now is owned by Dermot.”

“What about your situation Andrew, if you don’t mind me asking. Apart from this flat do you own any other properties that you still call home?”

“My father’s own house was sold when he died but he did have a cottage near Peebles which he left to me. It was his holiday hideaway as he called it. I still use it on occasions when I’ve got the time.”

“That’s sounds an ideal way to spend a weekend now and again.”

“Are you looking to use it, I mean you and Eileen?”

“No! Sorry, I didn’t intend to hint.”

“Well you’ll be most welcome to stay there but it’s a bit old and musty now. It could do with refurbishment really.”

“When did your father buy it?”

“Oh back in the early thirties, he had electricity fitted but did little else to it.”

“And it’s in Peebles?”

“No, nearby, a village called Innerleithen.” Andrew smiled,

“That is strange you know. You’ve just triggered off a distant memory of a joke my father played on me when we had a job at the Tartan Hydro in Peebles.”

“A joke?”

Andrew smiled again whilst recalling the details.

“Yes, you see we had a job there refurbishing the pool, changing rooms and steam room, items like new tiling and doors. To us it was a major opportunity at the time. We could select the colour scheme and textures.”

“Go on.”

“Well the hotel owners approved of our scheme. In the steam room lobby we were installing a band of new mirror tiles about a foot square. They were specially made for the hotel and imported from Holland. The standard method of sticking the tiles to the walls was to put five blobs of adhesive on the back and fix them. After the first day my father noticed that you could see the adhesive marks showing through on the mirrors when the steam room door was left open. The condensation caused it to show through just like a dice. I remember that he checked out the specification with the hotel management and they subsequently gave the green light for us to continue putting them up. When I turned up to help him a few days later he told me to watch closely the new area of tiles he’d completed. He opened the steam room door and magically there appeared a plan of a village. He’d drawn it using the adhesive behind one of the lower tiles.”