The Ghosts of Galway (Jack Taylor)(36)

“You don’t have a brother. Stop this mad talk and …”

I paused,

Trying to rein in my bile,

Continued.

“And for God’s sake, take the crazy pills and stop annoying people.”

Like I said,

Reining it in.

She reeled back as if I had slapped her.

Did I relent?

Did I fuck.

Shouted,

“Go back to school and give up bothering people with your silly nonsense.”

She turned and fled.

I muttered,

“Thank God for tact.”

While this shameful episode was ensuing, Em was putting a bullet in a man’s head. Two, actually, but who’s counting?



“When anyone asks me

About the Irish character,

I say,

Look at the trees:

Maimed, stark and misshapen

But

Ferociously tenacious.”

(Edna O’Brien)





Frank Cass, one of the Fenians, was shot dead outside his home in Mervue. Among his possessions, the Guards found a letter threatening his life and signed by Jeremy Cooper.

The gun used in the shooting was found in Cooper’s bedroom.

Slam dunk.

I heard about this and knew it was a frame and the most likely person was Emily. It was the kind of neat package she specialized in. I got a call from his solicitor, asking if I would come and see Cooper. I said, “Seeing as how it went so well on our last meeting?”

The solicitor chuckled, said,

“Despite everything, he has a certain respect for you.”

I went, mostly out of curiosity. The Guards were jubilant, told me,

“He is fucked.”

I asked,

“That a legal term?”

Got the look.

Cooper seemed to have shriveled, his whole frame sunk in on itself. Too, he looked ill. Very.

He raised a limp hand, said,

“Thank you for coming.”

I nodded, took the chair opposite where he was perched. I said,

“You seem to be rightly screwed this time.”

He smiled and it seemed as if the very act hurt his face. He asked, “Did you set me up?”

I said,

“No.”

He continued to stare at me, then,

“I believe you, it seems a little too clever for your limited abilities.”

I said,

“You seem remarkably calm for a guy in your position.”

He shrugged, said,

“My health is so walloped that I won’t be around for a trial.”

I made to leave, he asked,

“Aren’t you curious as to who did this to me?”

Now I got to do the shrug, said,

“All you psychos getting rid of each other is actually a blessing.”

He savored this, then,

“The whole deal smacks of your deranged lady friend, the lovely Emily.”

Now I got to smile, said,

“Like I said, all you psychos.”

He wasn’t letting go, tried,

“She tried to do for you once. She won’t stop.”

This was beginning to get on my wick, so I said,

“Have a nice life, what remains of it.”

He said,

“Hayden, her little helper, he lives at 18, Mansfield Road.”

When I didn’t answer, he added,

“You do know he drove that green car?”

Outside, I lit a cig and his solicitor came out, said,

“Poor bastard is done for.”

A young Guard came rushing out of the station, said,

“Mr. Taylor, if you have a moment, the super would like a word?”

Good heavens.

In the past if Clancy wanted a word, I’d be hauled in by the scruff of my neck. I said, “Yeah, okay.”

Followed him to Clancy’s office.

Seated behind a massive desk, he was in full regalia, dress uniform and three Guards ranged behind his back. They almost appeared welcoming.

He stood up, extended his hand, greeted,

“Jack, good to see you.”

I tried,

“Um …”

And had nothing. He nodded to one of the three, snapped,

“Get the man a chair.”

They did.

I sat.

The air of welcome, of camaraderie, threw me completely. Worse, Clancy beamed at me, a huge smile encompassing whatever passed as warmth in his chilly nature.

Creepy.

“Now, Jack, I don’t know if you are aware but the new minister of justice …”

He paused.

To see if I knew what that was?

Continued.

“Has introduced new legislation allowing ex-Guards, retired Guards, to act as consultants, advisers to the force.”

Waited

Then,

“I know you have always regretted having to leave the force.”

To leave!

Right.

As they say in the U.S., I had my arse handed to me, kicked me the fuck out, is what happened.

Now, my heart lurched. Oh, my God, was it possible I would be a Guard again? I felt dizzy with hope. I tried to speak but felt choked. Clancy looked around at the Guards, smiled, said, “I think we may well have made Mr. Taylor’s day.”

The Mr. should have tipped me off.