Trouble Will Find Me

Written By Christine Wichman c. June 10, 2018 – December 2018

Damn that Aiden McGregor, “Wait until dark he says, I’ll be ‘round for ya. I promise.”

But ‘tis like me Ma always said, if there’s trouble ahead, trouble will find me. I ‘spose ‘tis the Murphy curse I’m under, sittin’ out here in the cold at midnight, whisperin’ to myself like a blithering idiot. How dare he leave me high and dry like this.

I check the seat of my fancy dress against the cold church steps to be sure it’s not wet with dew and click my Sunday heels together like Dorothy wishin’ I was home in bed.

Then I hear the purr of a 1964 Porsche 911 in the distance and my hopes rise, while my throat dries, and I see him comin’ in that sleek Irish Green sports car with the plaid inserts and sleek wood steering wheel.

I stand to greet him with an arsenal of curse words at the ready. Then he pulls up close, rolls down the driver side window and I can see his nose is broken and he’s cut and bleeding from the corner of his left eye.
“What on earth?”

“Just get in Roisin, I’ll explain it all. Nothing is stoppin’ us getting married tonight. Please, hurry Love, get in.”

The Irish Green Porsche

Roisin Sinead Murphy (Pronounced RO-sheen Shin-aid)
Photo taken from Pinterest of a Young Jane Fonda

******************

“Damnit Ro you couldn’t find a white dress?” Aiden teased with a smile.

“I don’t own any white dresses, lucky I found one Sunday dress without holes in it,” now I was really annoyed, “Ya don’t like it?”

“Didn’t say I didn’t like it Woman calm y’er self,” he laughed again, “Ya look lovely.”

That was better, but I was worried, “We’re three hours late ya know, we’ll never make the ferry.”

“You’re right about that,” he said, “I ‘spose Gretna Green will be there in the mornin’. We’ll have to stop for the night then make a fresh go of it tomorrow,” Aiden was pulling the car over.

“What? We’re stoppin’ already? Here in Belfast?” I looked out the window up at an ugly brick building with a sign that said The Maritime Hotel, “I can’t stay here, what if me Da finds us, he’ll kill us.”

“Well, I’ve been drivin’ a while Love, and if ya hadn’t noticed I’m a bit beat up.”

“I did notice, and I’ve an idea this has something to do with Arthfael and his silly fight club.”

“Ahh yes, but did ya know he set up a Money run tonight and I took down five of Dublin’s best to score us 500 quid! That’ll buy us a fine Honeymoon. I might even show you London.”

Here he was gettin’ my hopes up again. “Hmm so you broke your gorgeous nose for Honeymoon quid?”

“I did.”

Aiden parked right in front of the Hotel, then leapt out to open my car door and lift me out, dress and all. We could hear a loud din coming from inside, it was a crazy beat, that had me dancing a little as I giddily made my way into the hotel. Aiden registered us as a newly married couple and the night clerk handed over the key to our room, tossin’ me a tawdry glance. I felt so much guilt sleeping in the same bed with Aiden before the actual ceremony but I guess we didn’t have much choice.

“Hey,” Aiden called back to the clerk, “Who’s that playin’ in there?”

“New band, call themselves ‘Them’ you should have a look, the singer is outstanding, his names, umm Van something, ah wait, I remember now, Van Morrison.”

Aiden grabbed my hand and pulled me into the dark smokey room where the loud music took us over and we danced our way closer to the stage. The singer’s energy was mesmerizing as he lost himself into song after song, some lasting twenty minutes straight. We danced until the start of their final set, then grabbed a bottle of champagne and two packs of Woodbine cigarettes from an abandoned table. Then quick as thieves headed upstairs.

Aiden pinned me against the wall of the long hallway for a kiss before opening our door and as he was kissing me I could feel something cold on my ankle. I looked down to see in the dark a melting ice sculpture peering out of a tin bucket. Next to it a long tapered candle holding up a note.

“All the best to the lovely couple,” it read “We’ve furnished you with complimentary Ice and a romantic candle should ya need them.” it was handwritten and signed Darby, night manager, The Maritime Hotel.

I couldn’t help but laugh, “Wow they go all out around here don’t they?”

“Well ‘tis just what we need,” he slammed the Champagne bottle into the ice bucket.

I giggled, and before I could pick it up to bring into the room, Aiden swept me up and carried me over the threshold as I squealed with delight he tossed me onto the Queen sized red velvet bed.

“Stay there Love, I’ll bring in the Champagne.”

Smoking is hazardous to your Health

***********************

“Ya ought to be usin’ that ice on your face,” I quipped, “You won’t be lookin’ very well in any of our Weddin’ photos that’s for sure.”

“Well just think of the story we’ll be tellin’ our kids some day…Your Da was a prize fighter, took down every boxer in Dublin to win your Mother the stay of her life at the Ritz Carlton in London,” he laughed, then moved in closer to kiss my neck.

“Aww, now y’er just havin’ me on,” I whispered, “we’ll never afford the Ritz.”

“You know I’d give ya the world Roisin,” his voice was low and serious now, “and after our weddin’ I promise we’ll see the world, just you and me. First London, then Paris, maybe even the Pope in Rome if you’re good.”

“Ah, me Da would just love that,” I giggled, “More reason to kill us.” Da bein’ Protestant and all. Aiden was the first Catholic boy I’d met and now here we are.

We took to kissin’ for awhile. I found Aiden irresistible, banged up and all. There was something about the combination of his sensual scent and gentle touch that made me weak in my knees and cloudy in my mind. As soon as I felt the weight of him on top of me all of my morals just washed away and I gave in to the rush and the flow of the moment. I loved this boy with every ounce of my soul and I knew he loved me, he was gonna marry me for feck sake. So what would it hurt if I gave him what he wanted just a wee bit early?

Caught up in the moment…

I woke up in a glorious haze, my cheek and ear pressed against Aiden’s bare chest. I listened reverently to his beating heart and felt a bond like I’d never known before. How I loved this boy with all my soul, I woke up in a glorious haze, my cheek and ear pressed against Aiden’s bare chest. I listened reverently to his beating heart and felt a bond like I’d never known before. How I loved this boy with all my soul, forever will be you and me, was repeating in my mind to the rhythm of his staccato beat and labored breath.

Suddenly he began to stir and stretch, I peeled my skin from his skin and raised myself up to look at him as he opened his eyes.

“Ah y’er face is lookin’ well healed already,” I smiled.

“Is it now?” Aiden leapt from the bed and looked at himself in the bathroom mirror, “It does seem to be healin’ up. I s’pose I was secretly wishin’ a few battle scars would show up in the weddin’ photo’s, as proof that last night really happened,” he then plunged back into bed beside me to warm himself with a cuddle.

“Well if ya like, I’ll still tell our“Well if ya like, I’ll still tell our children the story, as if you were a Superhero.”

I kissed his forehead and pulled him into my bosom for a hug. He laid back and looked to the ceilin’ as if relivin’ all of last night.

“So tell me what exactly was it that Arthfael put ya up to last night?”

“I have to say it was glorious Ro, I mean I’ve had some good fights in my day, but to win five in a row, it was such a high. Arthfael drove me from Dublin to Wicklow and back, the first fight was at Rory O’Shaughnessy’s ring, he’s known to train the best light weights ‘round, and I took his guy Hogan down in two rounds, that’s a record for me. We moved on to Wicklow and some dairy farmer set up a ring in his barn, I fought two locals in a row, Paddy somethin’ or other, he’s the one broke me nose. Then his mate Bingley bloodied me eye. But I had them both in less than an hour Ro. You should have seen the crowd, they went mad.”

“So you carried on with two more fights after ya broke y’er nose ?”

“Technically three more fights.” he laughed again, “Old Arthfael doctored me up with some Jameson’s and I was good to go.”

“You could have been killed, ya daft fool.”

“Or rich, and I chose rich,” he smirked.

“Well just so ya know I’ve been savin’ up for a beauty shoppe since I was eight years old and I could make a go of it, to start us off. So for me will ya promise to give up the boxin’ and take up a less dangerous livin’.”

“Ro, you know I love to fight, and after last night I think I’ve got a real passion for it.”

“Your only passion is to be me, Aiden McGregor and don’t you forget it.” I moved myself on top of him and proceeded to convince him I was going to be all the passion he’d need for the rest of his days.

Aiden Daniel McGregor

Boxer

Hours passed in that darkened hotel room. We were lost in our own little world mesmerized and hypnotized by every new thing we were discovering about each other. Then came an intrusive knock at the door.

“Check out time folks, best be off with ya, or we’ll be chargin’ for a new day.” The voice was guttural and full of authority.

“We’re just leavin’ now,” Aiden shouted back, grabbing his watch from the side table he whispered over to me, “We best crack on. It’s nearly noon.”

“Noon!?” I was shocked “Gonna have to leg it, or me Oul Fella will be poundin’ on the door next.”

“Right, your Da is sure to be lookin’ for you by now.”

I sat up and threw my legs over the side of the bed to find my shoes and begin the search for my clothes.

“I left him a long letter explainin’ everything. I kind of feel bad though, since the last long letter he got was me Ma’s suicide note, two years ago.” I laughed, the laugh we Irish emit when teasin’ bout somethin’ so dark.

Aiden groaned, he knew me Mum and I did not get on very well, he knew she had mental illness and a cruel streak, still he reached round my waist and gave me a comfortin’ squeeze. I grasped his wrists with both hands and accepted his gesture.

Sixteen was an awful age to lose a mother, but I ‘spose she’d never really been a mother to me since I was six, maybe seven. That is when her illness took over. So much drinkin’, cursin’ and carryin’ on. If it weren’t for my little sister Aisling I would have left ages ago. But now Ash is seventeen and off to Trinity in a few months. She’ll fare just fine without me keepin’ the peace. But Da, I ‘spose he and his anger are to be on their own.

Antrim Coast

We missed the first turn on what should have been a half hour drive to the Ferry in Larne and ended up winding the Porsche along the Antrim coast. Taking in the most breathtaking views, green hills meetin’ curved cliffs and beaches the likes I’d never seen before. The bright midday sun shone across the white sands while deep azure waves rushed the shore. There was such a charge in the air. I could feel the buzz coursing through my body. I made Aiden pull the car over to the edge, above the beach outside Carrickfergus and I ran to the sea and teased the waves in my soon to be weddin’ dress. Aiden leaned back on the hood of his car holding me shoes and shakin’ his head.

“C’mon down here and join me will ya, the water’s amazin’,” I wasn’t very convincin’ as I let out a scream while the cold waves hit me by surprise.

“Aww now you’ll be lookin’ a mess in the weddin’ photos,” Aiden scolded.

I just laughed, and laughed. There was such a thrill in that moment of abandon. I’d never felt so free and elated. I told myself this was what it felt like to truly be alive.

Aiden tossed my shoes and his in the car and came running down to meet me. He knocked me down to the sand with a wild embrace and started kissing me as the waves washed sneakily around us. We were wet and full of sand but we could care less. The timelessness, the weightlessness took precedence. I suppose nothing before us or behind us held any matter at that moment.

Aiden

It was nearly half past two and we were close to missin’ the next ferry over to Scotland. Aiden sped in and around each turn with fury, all windows down in hopes the cool breeze would dry us out along the way.

As we approached the Port of Larne and were readying for the drive onto the ferry, a police siren blew behind us.

“Blimey we’ve got Coppers back there,” Aiden glanced the rearview mirror and slowed to the right side of the lane to allow the patrol car to pass.

As the vehicle hovered parallel to us I noticed the lettering on the door, “Those are Dublin Garda.”

The driver side window rolled down and put the Policeman face to face with Aiden, as the Porsche was German and the steering column was on the left instead of the right.

“Pull y’erself over now ya Chancer,” the policeman instructed.

“Me? What’ve I done?” Aiden’s heart sank.

“Pull over!” The officer was shouting now.

Aiden did as he was told and we waited what seemed an eternity as two officers approached one on Aiden’s side, one on mine.

The second officer bent down and asked me to step out of the car. I looked to Aiden and he nodded and whispered, “Do it Ro.”

The officer took my arm in a gentle fashion and guided me back to the patrol car. He reached inside with the left hand, still keepin’ hold of me with his right. Takin’ his two way radio off the cradle he began speakin’ into it. “We’ve located the Green Porsche, can you describe the Belfast girl they reported missin’ this mornin’?”

The woman on the other end responded, “Female, ginger hair and hazel eyes, 5’7 inches tall, Eighteen years of age. Last seen wearing a green tartan dress. Name Roisin Sinead Murphy.”

“I think we’ve got the girl now as well.” The officer smiled toward me and hung up his radio piece. “We’ll be gettin’ ya home to y’er old Da quick as a wink Love.”

“You heard the lady, I’m eighteen, and I will be doin’ no such thing. I’m not goin’ there. William Murphy is not me home anymore.”

“Well we’ll see about that.” The officer let my arm go and took up a notebook to begin fillin’ out his paperwork like a dutiful servant.

I looked up to see the other officer roughly putting hand cuffs on Aiden and pushing him up against the Porsche. I heard Aiden calmly state, “I’ve never been to jail. I’ve never been arrested. I’ve never been locked up.”

“Well then ya might need remindin’ of the consequences of fixin’ fights and takin’ part in a gamblin’ ring.”

“I don’t know what y’er on about. I had nothing to do with anything illegal.”

“Ah but ya did,” stated the Cop.

“What are you doin’ with him?” I gasped to the officer next to me.

“Oh that one’s got a warrant out for fightin’ dirty, was dumb luck we found you in the mix. Two birds. One stone.” He grinned.

“Like I told you. I am not going home. I am with him. It’s my decision. My Da knows everything. I am not a missin’ person at t’all.”

“Fine.”

The officer tore up the paper he was filling out. “I’ll make a call and let your Father know you’ve made your choice. We need someone to follow us back to Dublin in the Porsche anyhow.”

“So y’er takin’ him back to Dublin?”

“We are.” the officer quipped, then shouted over to his partner, “This one wants to follow us back to headquarters. Give her the keys and put the lad in the back with Buddy.”

I looked down into the backseat to see a beautiful German Shepherd yawning up at me.

Aiden was escorted to the vehicle and as they tucked his head down into the back of the patrol car he whispered over to me. “I love you.”

I smiled through my tears, and that was that.

***************************************

Never having driven anythin’ but Da’s old Austin A35 Van the Porsche took some gettin’ use to and it was a bit dodgy negotiating all the turns down the coast. By the time I had the hang of it, we were takin’ the straight road to Dublin.

It was here me mind went mad with thoughts. What if Aiden’s guilty of somethin’? What if they never let him out of jail? Should I call his parents? Nah, they’d as much as left him stranded at boardin’ school when he was twelve. He didn’t care for them much, nor was he at t’all close to them. He said all they’d given him was an education and the Porsche, nothin’ else, nothin’ close to love. Besides they were off livin’ like Gypsies on the Balearic Isles now . What could they do?

He’d been stayin’ at Arthfael’s flat in Dublin since he graduated takin’ odd jobs here and there. That’s how we met, a year ago. He had a job paintin’ the Trinity Library. I came down to Dublin with my sister Ash to have a look at the University. We were both thinkin’ bout going there at the time. I caught sight of a blue eyed boy in white coveralls starin’ down at me from his ladder, while I stood in a nook readin’ a chapter of Tristan and Isolde. I was a moth drawn to the flame. I set the book aside and boldly walked toward him. He stepped off the ladder and flashed a wide grin, and without missin’ a beat he said, “Just ‘bout to take a tea break, fancy joinin’ me out on the lawn?” For the next three days we were inseparable and only Aisling took the full tour and applied to become a Trinner. I swore Ash to secrecy for the rest of our courtin’ days. Me sneakin’ the train down and he comin’ up every chance he got. Da never knew about Aiden until my letter. We’d started makin’ plans for a future from the first day we met.

But what future would we have now? When and how were we ever to get married? The tears started comin’ just as fog was rollin’ over the road. I lost sight of the patrol car in front of me and a beepin’ lorry cut me off, for goin’ too slow. I had to focus, I had to think happy thoughts the rest of the way to Dublin. So I conjured dancin’ Poodles and Ferris Wheels to keep my head straight.

**********************

Hours later there I was still in the Garda Headquarters sittin’ on a cold metal chair in the holdin’ area. They wouldn’t let me see him, said he had to be interviewed and sorted first. I had a feelin’ they’d forgotten me, so I approached the woman at the desk for the third time.

“Any word on Aiden McGregor? Can I see him yet?”

The woman was annoyed and couldn’t be bothered but appeased me anyway by pickin’ up the phone and askin’ one of the arresting’ officers if he could come out and talk to me.

“Take a seat, Sergeant O’Sullivan will be with you as soon as he’s finished the interview,” she shuffled some papers, then swiveled her chair away from me.

Within a few minutes I saw someone emerge from the door marked restricted area. It was not one of the officers, but someone else I recognized and had only met once. It was Arthfael he had his head down and hands in his coat pockets, he was movin’ swiftly past me. I followed him outside into the courtyard and called after him.

He stopped in his tracks and turned to look at me. Then he took a half finished cigarette from his grey peacoat pocket, lit it and slowly walked back towards me. When he was close enough he blew his smoke to the side and spoke up from behind his dark beard and tousled black curls. “Don’t worry Love I’ll get your boy out.”

“How? When? What is going on? What did you get him in to?” I was furious and frustrated, cold and hungry, and desperately out of patience. I could feel my world fallin’ apart.

“Hang on Love, I did not get him in to anything. Well not on purpose. I knew O’Shaughnessy had some business on the side, but I had no idea the breadth of it, or that it was connected to more dubious crimes. I also had no idea he had fixed all the boys to go down that night and for a pretty penny I might add. Seems they’ve been linin’ up a sting for ages now and want to toy with him by takin’ in all the fighters to set him back a bit. I talked to the Sergeant and the Inspector. I think they know Aiden is just a pawn in the game. But they want me on their side. They offered me a deal. They say if I help them take down O’Shaughnessy and his lot, they’ll let Aiden go in a few months with a clean record. The other lads might not be so lucky, since they took the falls. They need O’Shaughnessy to think I’m locked up too, so I can get the goods on him once and for all. So I’ll be in there watchin’ over your boy. I’m off to the flat to get some initial evidence and then I’ll be back to turn myself in.”

“A few months? Why does he have to stay in there so long? Can I see him tonight?”

“Look, all I know is that the Garda have a plan in motion, and unfortunately we are caught up in it now. They can rack up false charges against us and throw away the book if they want to, so I think a few months is the only option.”

“But I have to see Aiden,” I couldn’t hold back my emotions, “Please, tell them I have to see him now.”

I knew Arthfael to be a bit rough around the edges and quite cold upon my first meeting, so my tears at the moment were definitely making him uncomfortable.

“I’ll do my best Love. Why don’t ya at least come with me and get somethin’ to eat. He’s had his one visitor for the day, so you’re not likely to get in until tomorrow anyhow.”

“One visitor? Who?”

“It was me. I was his only phone call, and I had to see him to let him in on the plan. I’m sorry love, I promise ya things will be lookin’ up tomorrow.”

That was the kindest tone I’d ever witnessed from Arthfael and it seemed to calm me as I was nearin’ a break down. I figured maybe it was best I had some food and a think. So I followed him to his flat, in the Porsche and we sat down for some left over stew and a pot of tea.

“Did ya make this y’erself?” I was surprised at how good the meat and potatoes were tastin’.

“I did. It was my Gran’s Recipe, the secret is in the bone marrow, and then just makin’ sure to add big chunks of carrots and potatoes to the meat,” he ladled more on to my plate.

“I didn’t realize how hungry I was.”

“When was the last time you ate anything?”

“Breakfast I s’pose,” then I remembered, “Ah wait we didn’t eat at t’all today. Will they be feedin’ him in there tonight? I hope he hasn’t missed the meal,” I was so worried about Aiden in there and hopin’ he was farin’ well.

“Not to worry Love. I will see to it they feed him. In fact I best have a wash and be off, they are expectin’ me back this evenin’. Do you have a place to stay in town?”

I took a bite of bread and chewed, mouth full I answered, “Not yet. My Sister will be movin’ to Trinity Hall in June, but that’s a few months off.”

“Well stay here then. Use Aiden’s room, you’ve already got his car to get ya ‘round. You can wait out his sentence here. I won’t be back till he’s out. So this place is all yours till then.”

“Really? Will the Landlord mind?”

“I’m the Landlord,” he smiled, “and I insist. It’s the least I can do, till I get your boy back to ya.”

“Thank you Arthfael. So should I go back tonight to check in with the Sergeant?”

“Nah, you just rest and be thankful there is to be an end to this.” He stood up and walked over to the desk in the corner, openin’ a drawer, he removed a ledger book, “This is what holds your boys freedom. O’Shaughnessy’s not got long for this world Love.”

He threw the ledger down on the yellow velvet sofa and set off for the bath. I cleared the table and started the washin’ up. I’d never been to this place until tonight. When I came to Dublin it was usually just for day outings with Aiden, and when I met Arthfael before, it was at the Boxing Club. I had envisioned this place to be a bachelor’s sty. It was surprisin’ to see a clean floor and dishes placed neatly on open shelves. The sitting room was quite spacious and the kitchen seemed newly refurbished. When I had cleaned and put the dishes away Arthfael was still in the bath, so I wandered past his bedroom to Aiden’s smaller, sparse bedroom. I knew he did not have many personal belongings here, he had sold or packed up the majority for our journey together, as did I. But here it was, his big bed against the wall with plain white sheets and a plain white duvet. I sat down and held the pillow to my face, it still had his scent. I drew in a deep breath and began to lose myself there.

Arthfael appeared in the door way, in nothin’ but a towel, and shouted in, “Haven’t changed those sheets yet Love, hope you don’t mind doin’ it y’erself. I’ll be off shortly. Will ya be alright then?”

“Sure,” I lied. I would be wallowin’ in the scent of those sheets until I had my Aiden back. That was the truth of it.

**********************

I woke to a horrible poundin’ at the door. Groggy from two hours sleep and sure it was the middle of the night, I made my way toward the shoutin’ in a daze. Arthfael had been long gone. I must have dozed off before he’d left. Just as I entered the sittin’ room a small boulder came crashin’ through the front window and I knew I had to make a run for it. I went back toward Aiden’s bedroom thinkin’ I could escape through the window into the alley. I fumbled with the latch and began to lift it, my heart poundin’ in my chest. But the window was impossibly stuck. In fact it was painted shut in a messy attempt at home improvement. I looked for a place to hide, but the room was nearly empty, save the bed and the tiny closet stuffed with the remains of Aiden’s things. I could hear the angry voices gettin’ closer, echoing down the alley. I ran from the window back to the sittin’ room and there I saw the gigantic rock on the floor, in red paint the word “Killer” scrawled across the stone. I don’t know what possessed me but suddenly I had to know who was callin’ who a killer, so I raced outside and turned down the alley, callin’ after the two shadows saunterin’ off in the distance, “Who are you and who are ya after??”

The two figures turned and stood not but twenty feet from me and shouted back, “Where’s Aiden McGregor?”

“Who’s askin’?” I conjured a fearless voice.

“Peter’s friends!”

“Who’s Peter?” I had no idea what they were after.

“Peter’s dead! Tell McGregor, Peter Hogan died in hospital tonight and it’s all his doin’.”

With that they ran off into the black of night. My head was spinnin’. Who was Peter Hogan and how could my Aiden be his killer? I made my way back inside Arthfael’s cold, empty flat. Sick to my stomach and achin’ for answers. Suddenly I was terrified. Terrified of bein’ in this strange place alone, terrified of all the parts of the story I didn’t know, terrified that Aiden and Arthfael might be lyin’, but mostly terrified to know the truth.

**********

Mornin’ came and I made a mad dash for the Porsche to retrieve my bag and finally change out of the Tartan dress that I’d been wearin’ two days straight. I tried to make myself presentable so I could head back to the jail for the visit that was due me. But as I dressed in a stupor and tried to collect my thoughts, I looked in the mirror and saw a changed person before me. No longer the wide eyed innocent girl. No longer the eager idealist ready for a grand and beautiful adventure. In the last 48 hours I had become a worn and worried woman, put through every trial I could possibly bear. This Murphy curse was stronger than I had fathomed.

I parked the Porsche a good ways from the station and walked past loads of every day people goin’ bout their business as usual and all I could think is how unfair it was for everyone else to be happy in the world today when everythin’ I knew, everythin’ I loved was quite possibly a lie.

****************

Processing, as they called it, took a good part of the mornin’. Finally I was approved as a visitor and made my way down the long grey corridor to the visitin’ room. It was cold and smelled a bit moldy in there, the chairs were tattered and the glass full of smudges from people pressin’ themselves up against one another. As much as I loved Aiden, I was put off enough from the dirt and the newly formed distance in my mind to refrain from such an act.

I sat down and felt my stomach lurchin’ and gurglin’ as I waited there for him to appear. They hauled him in, shackled and wearin’ prison clothes. He looked pale and sad and his bruises a deeper purple that stood out more than they had before. He was near tears when he caught sight of me and sheepishly put his head down as he approached the chair opposite. The Garda removed his cuffs so he could pick up the phone and greet me properly.

“Aww, Ro, I’m so ashamed for you to see me like this. Are you ok? Did you get some sleep?” I was his first concern but still it did not stop the questions racin’ through my mind.

“Not at t’all. Some boys came round and scared the life outta me! Who the devil is Peter Hogan and how the hell did ya kill ‘em?”

My own tears were unstoppable, silently runnin’ down both sides of me cheeks.

“What are you on about? Peter Hogan? Hogan was the first bloke I took down the other night. What ya mean killed?” Aiden’s face went pale and his voice cracked a little as his eyes searched mine for answers.

“He died in hospital last night, his friends came ‘round Arthfael’s lookin’ fer ya.”

“What? He was fine when we left Dublin, he got right up after bein’ counted out, was cursin’ up a storm, he still had some fight in ‘em. How could he be dead?”

“Did ya mostly hit ‘em in the head? Could have been a delayed injury,” I said pointedly.

“Can’t remember, I do know he hit the mat hard in the end, that was the only thing stuck with me.”

“Are you sure ya don’t remember anythin’ else?” I sensed this was Aiden’s truth and I wanted to believe it was all an accident.

“I do remember O’Shaughnessy havin’ such a pleased look on his face and thinkin’ it strange he was happy with his own guy gettin’ a take down from the likes of me. I thought that very odd.”

“Well now that we know he set the guy up, and was makin’ a killin’ off it, that makes sense.”

“Yeah, yeah it does.” Aiden shook his head and bowed his eyes again, “Can’t believe the poor bloke’s dead. I fought fair. It all happened so fast, how could it be my doin’?”

“Aiden look at me, I know this is all a mess, you got swept up into God knows what here, but everythin’ will be fine.” I had to be his savior now, I was all he had. I could see the fear and the pain and mostly the shame written all over his face. “Do ya trust Arthfael?”

“Yeah I trust ‘em, Why? Did he say somethin’ ya don’t like?”

“No, no…he hasn’t said anythin’ wrong, I just, well, I know we’ve got to be countin’ on him now and I wanted to be sure of how ya felt.”

“He’s always had me back, he is in here now, mostly lookin’ after me. I have to trust him.”

I knew I’d planted a bad seed and wanted to take it back. I also knew that this plot was thick with unanswered questions and felt it was now my job to get to the bottom of it.

Our visit was cut short as an officer stepped in and announced, “I’m sorry Mr. McGregor but the Head Constable wants a word with you at once. Miss you’ll have to come back tomorrow.”

Aiden was not happy to go, and I was afraid this might have somethin’ to do with the untimely death of Peter Hogan.

I could only manage a weak wave as they shuffled Aiden out against his will.

*****************

To say my visit was disheartening was an understatement. I was as confused about the situation as ever, yet reassured that my Aiden was innocent. I hated seein’ him like that. Broken to pieces in that horrible place. I could not give up on him now, but I had no idea where to begin to help him. The last place I wanted to go was back to Arthfael’s flat so I took to wanderin’ aimlessly about Dublin. I never felt so alone. I needed to talk to my sister so I stopped at the phone box and dialed home. Of course me Da answered twice and twice I hung up. So I carried on through the park, down by the Liffey and finally took my time in the Dublin Zoo. Just lettin’ me mind escape. When it was near tea time, I knew me Da would be down the Pub so I rang again. This time Aisling picked up.

“Ash are ya alone?” I didn’t mean to, but I sounded desperate.

“Roisin? My God are ya okay? I’ve been worried sick, not hearin’ from ya…”

“I’m fine,” I lied, “Just fine fer now.”

“Are ya married then? Have ya set off for London now?” Ash’s worry turned to excitement.

“Nah, we’ve had a bit of trouble, I’m stuck in Dublin for the time bein’. But not a word to Da,” I implored her, “I’ve got sumthin’ serious to tell ya.”

******

After I spilled the awful truth to Aisling, she had a confession of her own. She told me Da was a right mess with me leavin’. Took to the bottle heavy and was cursin’ her out each night. She couldn’t take another day of his misery so she lied and told ‘em University was startin’ early and that she was off to Dublin as soon as the next train came round. He took it in stride, figurin’ he was free of the lot of us once and for all and could do as he pleased. Meanin’ wake up and drink, as he’s always done. Ash said she was plannin’ to sleep on her mate Sheila’s floor in one of the Residence halls. I told her to do no such thing. I had two rooms in a decent size flat with one broken window and a load of dodgey characters comin’ round. She laughed and then took me up on the offer. So now here I am half past eight at the train station waitin’ on my sister and new flat mate for the time bein’. Least now I won’t be havin’ to put up with all this madness on my own.

I looked round Kingsbridge Station at all the lovely people comin’ and goin’ and I felt a bit more forgivin’ of their happiness then I did this mornin’. I s’pose I felt good about it because Aisling gave me some hope. Hope that everythin’ might be alright. Hope that I could endure what was comin’. Hope that the only other person I loved, besides Aiden, was goin’ to be close at hand.

Just then I looked down at the checkered tiles and caught sight of somethin’ glowin’ in the yellow rays of the sunset, it was a small green and gold leather bound book. I picked it up and tried to see if there was anybody rushin’ past that may have dropped it. But there were only a few children seein’ off a Nun. How did I not see it before, I’d been sittin’ here quite awhile.

I sat back down and took a peek, it was someone’s personal journal filled with beautifully handwritten poetry. I searched and searched but found no name, or signature to tell me who the author was. So I began reading;

Ode to Summertime

You are such a part of me
I know you by heart
Delicate creature with stained glass wings
On angel’s breath, you come in colors
Collage drifter,
Autumn insect
Rainbow Dragonfly.

There were also watercolor drawings between the poems, amazingly vivid drawings with such intricate detail. I gazed up again to see if anyone had returned to the spot lookin’ frantic or in a panic. And I saw the Nun come off the train with just the look I meant. It had to be hers, I stood and marched toward her holdin’ it out as an offering. Without a word she took it up as if it were her life, and I s’pose it was. Then her taught face softened and her eyes held my gaze, with a look that went straight to the heart, and in that moment I knew she knew I was in awe of her.

It was only a moment, but for some reason every moment there after in that train station felt surreal and life changin’ somehow.

**********************

It t’was nearly midnight when I brought Ash to Arthfael’s flat. We stopped for a meal near Trinity and met with Sheila, to let her know Ash was goin’ to be stayin’ with me. Come June, Aisling could move into her own student residence and by then hopefully my life would be back on track.

“Well what do ya think of it? I know where Arthfael keeps the sheets so I can make up his bed to suit you.”

Ash was already pokin’ her nose in the first bedroom, “Seems rather small and smells a bit like Old Spice but I’m sure we can fix that.”

“Well the first thing needs fixin’ is this window,” I walked over to the shattered side window, steppin’ over the larger shards of glass and then I pushed Arthfael’s antique desk in front of it for a bit of temporary protection.

“Ya really think that will be keepin’ us safe?” Ash laughed.

“No, but this will,” the top drawer accidentally rolled open, revealin’ a small handgun.

Ash leaned over to look, “Oh God Ro, neither of us know how to use that thing.”

“Well anyone tryin’ to break in doesn’t know that.”

“You really think they will be back?” Ash suddenly looked frightened, “Should we really be stayin’ here?”

“I don’t want to go anywhere else Aisling. Arthfael can only reach me here. Until we know when Aiden is goin’ free, I have to stay here. I’m all he’s got, and as long as he needs me…I know where I must be.”

“Well then you sleep with the gun and I’ll sleep with you until we get the bloody window fixed.”

We both laughed and set off for bed.

*************************************************

Mornin’ came quick, Ash had brought me a few clothes from home, enough to last the week. I figured she and I could do some shoppin’ in town for more necessities and find ourselves a window repairman. Then I would be off to the Jail for another visit to see where Aiden stood now that he’d killed a bloke. I was also hopin’ for a visit with Arthfael to be sure he was in the know and perhaps had more information.

“Ya look good in black,” Ash smiled over her cup of instant coffee. “If ya like I can take care of the window today and you can go see the boys. I can meet ya back for some dinner. I’m happy to get us somethin’ nice from the butcher as well. You look like you could use a hearty meal.”

“Ash, what did I do to deserve you? Y’er a life saver.”

“Well you’ve saved my arse plenty of times, I owe ya.”

“And I don’t know how ya can say I look like I need a meal, I’ve been feelin’ blown up like a barrel the last few days.”

“Nonsense, y’er lookin’ right thin and a bit pale. I’ll fix ya up somethin’ tasty tonight. This kitchen is a dream compared to Da’s.”

“Well t’anks Love, I’ll be off then.”

I carried on with the new plan and was able to see Aiden straight away, havin’ already been processed. This time he came in wearin’ grey coveralls, in my mind I thought is that the color the murderers are to wear?

“Well?” I held the phone a distance from my face as it was emitting a foul odor.

“Aww Ro, I’m so glad ya came back. It’s awful in here, just awful. They handed me these grey coveralls and put me in the work yard all night. Ya have to get me a solicitor! I’ve got to get out of this place. I can’t take it another day.”

“What does Arthfael say about a Solicitor?” I looked around to be sure no one was listening and whispered, “Aren’t ya s’pose to be in here for two months?”

“What? Two months? Who said anythin’ about two months?” Aiden looked confused, then he leaned in and whispered slowly, “they moved Arthfael out last night, someone tried to kill ‘em in the showers. He’s gone to witness protection.”

“What?”

Now I was confused. How would I know my next move to help Aiden? Was the plan the same or were we on our own?

“Just do it Ro, find the first Solicitor ya can. They are tryin’ to pin me with murder charges now. Oh and one more thing,” Aiden reached into his back pocket and held up a small business card to the window, “See if you can find this fella, a friend in here told me he could help my case. He knows everythin’, find him Ro, so we can get our lives back.”

I read the name. Seamus Selby and memorized his number just as the guard appeared to take Aiden away from me.

Then I went directly back to Arthfael’s to use his phone and make the call.

It rang six times before I heard a woman’s voice on the other end, “Seamus Selby’s office how may I help you?”

“I’d like to speak to Mr. Selby if you please,” my voice was tremblin’.

“Mr. Selby is out until Tuesday may I take your name and number please?”

I hung up, not knowing if she could be trusted, I wanted to speak directly to Seamus Selby and no one else.

I was really hopin’ he would be the link in moving us forward. Instinctually I picked up the phone and I dialed the same number again and again until a man answered, on the sixth try I was rewarded with an angered deep voice.

“Who is this?”

“Mr. Selby?”

Angrily he replied,“I will say it one more time, to whom am I speaking?”

“My name is Roisin Murphy. My fiancé is Aiden McGregor and he has been arrested for the murder of Peter Hogan. He’s an amateur boxer, affiliated with the likes of Arthfael Jones and Rory O’Shaughnessy…”

“O’Shaughnessy? Meet me at The Long Hall in George’s Street, half eight.” with that he hung up.

In a fit of frustration I threw myself onto Aiden’s bed and let my mind drift down the rabbit hole.

*********************

I heard muffled voices comin’ from the sittin’ room. I must have dozed off hours ago. I looked at the time, it was near six. I stumbled toward the voices and found Aisling with what I assumed to be a window repairman. He was just wipin’ clean the new glass.

“Oh Ro, what d’ya t’ink ‘tis good isn’t it? Mr. Finley here says it’s double glazed and near bullet proof,” Ash was always in a good mood, no matter the circumstances, she giggled and continued, “He’s done us such a favor I’ve invited him to stay for tea, and I’ve boiled us some lovely cabbage to go with a fine hunk of Nolan’s prime rib.”

Mr. Finley seemed eager to please, “Thermopane is quite the luxury, you’ll be the first in Dublin to have such a window.”

“Well then I guess tea is the least we can do, you will join us then?”

“As much as I’d love to stay, the Missus would not take kindly to my absence. Tonight bein’ our Anniversary and all,” Mr. Finley began packing up his tools. “Lovely invitation though and it smells divine.”

“Well then I hope a cheque is alright, I don’t have any notes at the moment.” I apologized and went back to collect my purse.

“I’ve already paid Mr. Finley, so no worries Love,” Ash seemed quite pleased with her accomplishments for the day.

We saw Mr. Finley off and set in for the extravagant meal Ash had slaved over.

“Hope it’s alright I’m usin’ Arthfael’s good silver, I found it in a box behind the bread bin.”

“I’m surprised he has good silver,” I laughed, “In fact everything about Arthfael is surprisin’.”

“What does he look like?” Ash was curious, she had been wonderin’ all day as she snooped about his place.

“He’s a bit rough, the manly sort, heavy beard, shaggy curls, eyes so dark, I’ve no idea what he’s thinkin’ and his body is cut real tight from all the boxin’. His chest is almost as hairy as Da’s,” I giggled, “nothin’ like Aiden.”

“You’ve seen his chest already?” Ash’s eyebrow went up.

“Nothin’ the likes of what y’er thinkin’,” I blushed, “He was comin’ out of the bath and had a quick word with me, that’s all.”

“Well I can tell by the color of y’er cheeks he’s good lookin’ then,” Ash went back to slicing the meat and puttin’ it on the table.

After we sat down and I praised her meal I told her all about my visit with Aiden and the stranger I was to be meetin’ down the Pub in a few short hours.

“Well ya can’t be goin’ alone Roisin. I’m comin’ with ya to be sure. He sounds right dangerous.”

“Well if you do come, stay back aways and let me talk to him alone. Just keep an eye out I don’t get kidnapped,” I laughed again, but I was serious.

“Can I bring the gun?” Aisling exuded a serious laugh as well.

“How big is your purse?”

*****************

Aisling was beyond thrilled to have her first ride in Aiden’s Porsche.

“Wow this car is dead gorgeous!” she rubbed the wooden steering wheel as we got in, “Can I drive it?”

“Easy Love, leave the drivin’ to me, we’ve got enough troubles without wreckin’ my Fiancés pride and joy.”

“Oh fine, but once he’s free, can I have a go?”

The pub was not far, so as I drove we came up with a plan, “Casually saunter in after me, sit up at the bar if there’s room. I’m sure I will find Mr. Selby in a dark corner booth somewhere.”

“Do you want the Gun?” Ash began to pull it from her bag.

“No, no you keep it, I haven’t got a place for it, and I don’t want him seein’ a gun on me first thing.”

I slowed the Porsche onto South Great George’s Street and began to look for a place to park. There was a spot free in front of Cassidy’s so I dropped Aisling off at the corner before makin’ my way alone into the parkin’ spot, and shuttin’ off the engine. I left the Porsche key under the seat like I always did and made my way over to the pub.

The Long Hall, was just that, a long dark narrow space, splashed in Victorian red velvet and leather. The interior had not changed since the late 1800’s. I took a gander about the place, no idea who I was lookin’ for. I pictured a stately grey haired man in a suit, yet the likes of such a fellow were not to be found. So I just kept pacin’ the bar and circlin’ the back where the cozy red booths were located. Finally I decided to take a seat, order a Guinness and let Mr. Selby come to me.

I made eye contact with Aisling, she had perched herself at the corner of the bar, within’ a short proximity of the booth I chose. Two drinks later, a short ginger haired man in a hideous herringbone sports jacket approached my table.

“Miss Murphy, I presume,” he was holdin’ a recent black and white photo of me, taken in the waitin’ room of the Police Station, the first day I tried to see Aiden. I could tell because in the photo I was wearin’ the Tartan dress.

“Who was takin’ photos of me?” were the first words to fall from my mouth.

“Look you are in more danger than you know. I work for NSIS,”

My face must have appeared blank, as he continued quickly,

“The National Security Intelligence Section, we are currently taking down a terrorism ring, operating as Irish mafia. Their ring leader is Rory O’Shaughnessy and his right hand man Arthfael Jones.” Mr. Selby was seated across from me now, having flashed his badge as he spewed these shocking revelations.

I was speechless.

“Look we are going to need you to come to headquarters, until we can assign you some protection. No one is safe who knows anything.”

“But I don’t know anything, I just want to get my Fiancé out of jail, so we can get married and get the hell out of this bloody mess.” I was near tears as usual.

Aisling was craning her neck around a rowdy bunch of hooligans to keep me in her sites.

With authority Mr. Selby put his hand on my forearm across the table, “I’m afraid this is a delicate operation, you need to listen, so as I’m not speakin’ into the wind here. This is a very lethal crime ring, aimin’ to take down anyone in their way. We need to put a stop to O’Shaughnessy before he truly commits a crime to remember. Please Miss Murphy, just come with me now and we can protect you.”

Just then a tall man in dark glasses emerged from the the boisterous crowd with a silencer and shot Mr. Selby in the back, Mr. Selby slumped onto the table as I was violently grabbed by the waist and carried out the back door, I let out a scream, but the pub was so loud it did no good. I desperately looked for Ash and in that moment and I saw her eyes widen with fear for me.

Aisling pushed through the crowd to come after me, makin’ it to the dark alley only in time to see me tossed into the back of a green military jeep. Quickly she raced round front to the Porsche, knowing where I’d left the key, she thought she could cut the Jeep off at the end of the alley, she just missed us as we came out of the alley but still had us in sight. I could not see out of the back of the Jeep, but I could hear the Porsche’s familiar growl roaring up behind us.

The man who grabbed me, was drivin’ wildly over bumps and turns at an ungodly speed.

Suddenly we came to a row of street lights and the man’s face was clearly revealed. It was Arthfael.

********************

“Why? Why would ya do this to us! Ya Bastard!!” I had a rush of anger so deep I took my hands to Arthfael’s throat and without thinkin’ I began to choke him from the back seat. It was then he took one hand from the steerin’ wheel to stop me and plead his case.

“Easy there Woman, you’ve no idea the torture I’ve just saved you from. Selby was a double agent workin’ for O’Shaughnessy. There are a load of rotters on the inside. That’s why they want to take me out. I know too much. I’ve been undercover three years now, makin’ my way closer and closer to endin’ the lot of ‘em. I’m G2 goin’ on ten years now. I’m not a twenty-five year old boxing manager and landlord, as I’ve led you and Aiden to believe. I’m a thirty-five year old agent with the Garda National Surveillance Unit. I’m a spy Roisin, workin’ to protect Ireland from potential terrorism rings and right now O’Shaughnessy’s is the biggest one we’ve ever landed. Everythin’ is goin’ down tomorrow mornin’ we’ll have him and the case will be shut. That’s why his lads are desperate to do me in, so I can’t testify.”

Just then shots were bein’ fired at the Jeep and they were comin’ from the Porsche.

“Bloody Feckin’ Hell! Who’s that drivin’ Aiden’s car?”

“It’s my Sister, Aisling, she’s tryin’ to save me!”

“Well she’ll be havin’ us all dead to be sure,” Arthfael slowed the jeep and began zig zagging to avoid Ash’s trail of wild bullets.

“I had no idea she could shoot a gun,” I was both terrified and proud at the same time. Ash’s shootin’ was quite impressive as well as her adept handlin’ of the Porsche.

“Well if we make it out alive, I’ll be offerin’ her up a job with the G2,” Arthfael chuckled.

Arthfael spun us behind a tall hedge and told me to quickly get out of the Jeep so that it would appear he had released me. When Ash sped around the turn she only saw me standin’ in her headlights wavin’ me arms, tellin’ her to stop. She leapt from the car and came for me straight away.

“It’s okay Aisling! It’s only Arthfael, it’s a long story but everythin’ is goin’ to be alright.”

Ash hugged me and then shot Arthfael a flirtatious stare. “Easy Love, he’s a right old man for the likes of you,” I whispered in her ear.

“Girls I best be takin’ you to the safe house for the night. My place is goin’ to be crawlin’ with Selby’s thugs once they learn his fate.” he waved us to get in the Jeep.

“What about the Porsche?” I asked as I settled in, finding a seat belt this time.

“Just leave it be for now, I will bring it round tomorrow. I have to blind fold you both, no one is to know where the safe house is, and as you’ve learned, the less you know the better.”

Arthfael leaned in to put a loose bandana around Ash’s eyes and then handed me a long white tea towel to tie around my own eyes.

Aisling was still holding the gun, “I s’pose you’ll be wantin’ this back then?” she smiled up at Arthfael.

“I will indeed, and if I were a bad guy I’d be in real trouble with you on my tail young lady, you’re not a bad shot.”

Ash blushed at the compliment.

“I’ve got one more question,” I interrupted

“I already told you everythin’ I can Ro.”

“But what about Aiden? If they could get to you in Prison, can’t they get to him as well?”

“I’m way ahead of you. Once we learned Selby was settin’ him up, my blokes had him removed and I set off to take care of Selby. We only needed Aiden in there until we had the evidence against O’Shaughnessy. I thought it would take months but it seems he not only set Hogan up for a fall, but he had him poisoned for bein’ a snitch as well. The autopsy showed he died from rat poison, not a blow to the head.”

“So Aiden had nothin’ to do with it?” I was so relieved.

“Nothin’ at t’all.” Arthfael continued to fill us in as we drove quickly around turns and bends, the road gettin’ quieter and darker as we entered what smelled like a cool pine forest.

Within the hour the Jeep pulled up to a tiny cottage in the woods. We removed our blindfolds to see a simple grey stone cottage with a green wooden door and two small windows. There was a shock of ivy and wild strawberries growin’ up the sides. As I exited the Jeep, the front door swung open and there was Aiden in his usual white t-shirt and blue jeans, he looked as if he had a wash and was back to himself. I let out a joyous cry and made a run for him. He lifted me up in a spinning embrace.

Arthfael and Aisling smiled from the Jeep, witnessing our happy reunion.

“Well it does my heart good to have kept my promise, there’s your boy back to ya Love and now I have a busy day ahead tomorrow, so I will be off.”

“Thanks Arthfael, I’m glad y’er one of the good guys,” I smiled.

“See you soon Mate,” Aiden nodded.

“Once the hearing is over, I’ll bring you the Porsche and your things, then the lot of ya are free to go about your business.” Arthfael shouted back as he climbed into the jeep.

“Well that all sounds lovely,” Ash flirtatiously called, “I look forward to seein’ ya tomorrow. Do be careful now.”

Arthfael was off in the green Jeep, kickin up a dust as he flew, wavin’ his gun out the window as a goodbye.

And there we were, just the three of us deep in the middle of nowhere, awaitin’ our next fate.

********************

It bein’ quite late, we were all exhausted as we retreated into the cottage, again the interior was a surprise. Rather than old and dilapidated as one would expect, the walls were newly white washed stucco and the furniture quite up to date. Two green upholstered settees that served well for sleepin’ sat opposite one another and a wood burning stove tucked into a lovely hearth was blazin’ away to make the room cozy and warm.

“This doesn’t look like what I thought a safe house would be,” Ash stated as if disappointed, “Thought it would at least smell a bit manky and dank.”

“It’s Arthfael’s Gran’s old place, she died and left it to his family, or what’s left of ‘em, I’m told. He wanted us somewhere the coppers and the mafia wouldn’t think to look. Right now he only trusts the two blokes that arrested me, they’re workin’ with him now. They dropped me and Buddy off late this afternoon.”

“Buddy?” I looked around the room and spied the beautiful German Shepherd curled up on a braided rug near the second hearth in the alcove kitchen. “Aww he’s the Police Dog you rode into Dublin with?”

“Yeah we hit it off that day and I was quite pleased the officers left him to be my guardian.”

“From the looks of it, I think he’s under the impression he’s off duty,” Ash laughed.

“Come here Buddy,” I called and he sprung to his feet, ears back, waggin’ his tale, “Aww y’er such a sweet thing,” I bent down to kiss his nose.

“You two hungry or anythin’? The cupboards are burstin’ at the seams.”

“We’ve already eatin’ f’er today and to be honest I’m knackered. Bein’ part of a high speed chase and shoot up, seems to have done me in,” Aisling collapsed on to one of the sofas and fluffed up a pillow and un folded the blanket to settle in, “I’ll just be off to sleep if you two don’t mind.”

“Well if you are happy there, We’ll take the bedroom, “ I smiled takin’ Aiden’s hand and leadin’ him off to the room behind the hearth.

Buddy hopped up onto Ash’s sofa and laid down with her for the night, “I’ve got this chap for company so be off with ya, we’ll be just grand,” Aisling teased.

The small bedroom had a wide window with lace curtains, a large book cabinet, a blue wooden set of drawers and a double white iron bed with a white chenille bedspread. In the corner sat a small wooden rocking chair with a pile of extra woolen and cashmere blankets flung across the back of it.

“Not a bad place to be stuck with you Mr. McGregor,” I beamed.

“Not bad a t’all soon to be Mrs. McGregor,” he pulled me onto the bed and helped me remove my black coat, as I kicked off my shoes I collapsed into his arms, the only place that truly felt like home.

We snuggled and cuddled and cozied up for the night. Aiden fell asleep straight away. I tossed and turned with a strange feelin’ in me gut, not sure if I was ill or anxious. After an hour starin’ at the strangely backward books over in the cabinet, my curiosity got the better of me and I quietly got out of bed to see what mysterious titles they were hiding. Once I turned them round I found they had no titles a t’all, I was shocked to discover they were specialized journals filled with poetry, watercolor, pressed flowers and fanciful writing. Much the same as the book the Nun had dropped at the train station.

I began to read the first poem that caught my eye,

I wish I may, I wish I might… walk beyond this starlit night
to a land above the sky,
where wingless creatures learn to fly. I wish I may, I wish I might…
catch a star in mid-flight
falling amongst the wise ones there,
whispering words from a golden lair. I wish I may, I wish I might…
quench my thirst for second sight
drinking from wisdom’s well, keeping secrets I’ll never tell.

Again no signature, or name attached to any of the pages, I flipped through book after book, all strikingly similar to that feeling of ethereal magic I experienced from the Nun’s book.

Suddenly I heard a whimper coming from behind the bedroom door. It was Buddy, I opened the door and stepped into the sitting room to see Ash snoring away in the fetal position on the settee. I then tip toed over to the cottage door and slowly lifted the latch to let Buddy out for a wee. “Go on,” I whispered.

He swished past me and made a beeline for the nearest tree. I stood at the door freezin’ in just my white slip and knickers. “Brrr, hurry up fella,” I muttered under my now steamy breath.

He was takin’ his sweet time and wandered off into the shadows, I could hear the cracklin’ of twigs as he carried on frolicking in the moonlight. I stepped outside and closed the door behind me, as not to wake the others then I called quietly, “Buddy? Buddy? Come on then…”

I still could not see anythin’, I could only hear the crackles and the night birds and a bit of shufflin’ which I assumed was Buddy.

I walked barefoot across the sharp pine needles and stones to collect Buddy and hurry back inside. But the closer I got to the sound of him, the farther he ventured off until suddenly I heard a blood curdling yipe and series of whines and growls.

“Buddy?!” I screamed, “Oh no, Buddy!!” I ran into the thick of the woods, my feet stinging so badly I could not feel the bitter cold breeze.

Finally I came upon the Dog, he was lyin’ on his side, blood seepin’ from his hind quarters, I could sense his pain and looked around for the assailant that did this to him.

In the distance I saw a large red fox leapin’ away.

“Oh no, Buddy what did you do?” he must have pounced right into the fox’s den startlin’ him enough to warrant a bite.

Little did I know my screams woke Aiden, who found me missin’ and came outside to investigate.

He came up behind me and caused me to jump.

“What are you doin’ out here Ro? Are you alright?”

“I’m alright, it’s Buddy, a fox bit him and he’s bleedin’, can you carry him back to the cottage?”

Aiden scooped up the whimpering dog and met me back inside. Aisling was woken by the wind as it whipped open the half shut cottage door and then was quite alarmed to see both of us up and tending to Buddy on the kitchen table.

“What happened?” she croaked, wiping the sleep from her eyes.

I filled her in as I handed Aiden a bottle of alcohol to disinfect the puncture wounds. “Here try this,”

We cleaned him up the best we could. Fortunately the wounds were sharp and deep but not too wide, and should heal up quickly.

Poor Buddy was shaking and panting, “I think he’s going into shock,” Ash observed, “Here give him my blanket. We should keep him warm and quiet.”

Aiden wrapped him in the blanket and carried him over to the settee by the fire , holdin’ him across his lap he soothed him until he fell asleep.

“You two go back to the bed, I will keep an eye on Buddy out here,” Aiden never looked so attractive to me as he did in that red glow of firelight carin’ for our sweet helpless friend.

I leaned over and kissed the dog on the top of his head, “Be well Buddy,” I whispered, then I looked up into Aiden’s blue eyes and said, “You are everythin’ to me. I love you so much.”

*****************

Mornin’ came too quickly, I stretched and moaned wishin’ for more sleep but knew I had to check on the others. Ash was soundly snorin’ away, a pile of blankets added durin’ the night were all bunched up around her neck. I laughed and shook my head. Shakin’ off the covers I felt the chill and made a dash for my coat. Putting it on over my slip I stepped into the main room to see Aiden up and takin’ the tea kettle off the hearth, eggs and sausages sizzling away on the little stove top.

“Look at you Mr. McGregor, such a domestic God, I had no idea.”

“Well you will be pleased to know I’ve not only started your breakfast but I’ve healed our little beast as well, just look at him,” Aiden nodded over to the corner of the kitchen as he poured the boiling water into a tea pot. A lively Buddy was plunderin’ away at a bowl of rice and gravy. Tail waggin’, ears high. “He’s got a good appetite and the wound looks much better this mornin’.”

“Oh Praise Jesus,” I muttered grabbin’ the tea cup Aiden was handin’ me.

Ashling stirred with a grumble and walked into the room like a zombie, “Do I smell sausages?”

“Indeed you do, take a seat ladies I will be at your service as soon as I’ve made us toast and tomatoes.”

“Holy Hell, Ro you’re marryin’ a Saint.” Aisling sat herself down at the kitchen table, and continued, “So we’ve got toast and tomatoes, sausages and eggs, any beans Chef?”

“Of course I’ve got beans,” Aiden lifted the lid on an old iron skillet filled with baked beans.”

“Well you’ve got a little bit of everythin’, we should be full for the day after a meal like this.” I gushed.

“Speak for yourself, I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.” Ash took a tea cup and began to pour from the pot. “Ahh it’s even Bewely’s Gold Blend! My favorite!”

“I can’t imagine Arthfael keepin’ this place so well stocked. How would he ever find the time?” I mused.

“I reckon it’s his Aunt that keeps it so tidy and well appointed. She lives here part time at the weekends. That’s why Arthfael thought to put us up here for the night, he knew it would be empty but comfortable.”

“So do ya even know where we are exactly?” Ash mumbled while sippin’ her tea. “He had us blindfolded the whole journey.”

“I have an idea, we are in Wicklow. I wasn’t blindfolded, but Buddy had me well distracted durin’ the drive. Tail in me face most of the way, he was so excited to sniff the country air out my open window.” Aiden laughed.

“Wicklow? This is where you went to boarding school isn’t it?” I asked.

“It is. That’s why I know it was the direction we were headed, but my school was well up into the Mountains, I don’t think we are that high. My senses tell me we are near water.”

“A Lake or the Sea?” Aisling asked.

“I’ve seen some seabirds this morning, when I took Buddy for a walk. So I’m guessing the Sea is not far off.”

“What time do you think Arthfael will be ‘round for us?” I blurted spreading a heap of magenta colored jam across my toast.

“Well depends on the hearin’ I ‘spose, the soonest might be early afternoon. But could be late evenin’.”

“I could certainly do with a fresh pair of knickers about now,” Ash laughed “I’d put some things in the wardrobe already. I hope he thinks to look there as well.”

“The things you worry about Aisling, honestly,” I teased, “Here try this strawberry jam, it’s to die for.”

**************************

The day wore on slowly as the three of us passed the time busying ourselves with conversation and exploration around both the inside and the outside of the stone cottage. Ash picked some of the wild strawberries and found enough ingredients to bake some tarts, while I continued snooping through the poetry journals in the bedroom. Aiden took Buddy on a few short walks to test his leg after the fox bite. He seemed to be doin’ just fine.

As the clock on the mantle chimed eight, we all looked at each other with an expression of worry we could no longer keep to ourselves.

“Somethin’ has happened to him I just know it,” Ash said, bitin’ at her nails.

“We don’t know that, things could be takin’ time to wrap up with the police, I am sure he’s tryin’ his best to get to us.” I assured her.

“It’s probably best we don’t jump to any assumptions.” Aiden added, “ Everythin’ will be fine. We’re safe here for now. Should Arthfael not be here by mornin’ I’ll set off to find a phone box I think I saw one back on the road. I’ll call the police myself. It’s too dark to go off lookin’ for it just now.”

That was all we said of it. No reason to get ourselves worked up into a state, as there was nothin’ we could do, we were stranded in the woods with no phone and no car and really no idea where the hell we were to begin with. So all we could do was wait.

Ash fell asleep on the sofa with Buddy again, and Aiden seemed a bit restless.

“Do you want to take a walk with me?” he whispered, “I saw a beautiful spot in the woods today, I’d love to show ya.”

It was an offer I couldn’t refuse so I grabbed my coat and slipped on my flats, he held my hand and led me out into the golden glow of the full moon’s radiant light. Every leaf on every tree seemed to shimmer and the shadows across the ferns and shrubbery leant a magic I’d never seen before.

We walked a good fifteen minutes until we came to a natural staircase made of stones and fallen tree trunks, it wound up and up into a clearing that overlooked the sea.

“Aww you were right, we are near the Sea! This is just breathtaking Aiden. Who would have thought we’d been so close to this beauty the entire time.”

“Buddy sniffed his way up here today and I couldn’t wait to surprise you.” Aiden sat down on the mossy landing and pulled me down next to him.

“I think I know where the inspiration for the poem I read today came from.’ I blurted.

“What poem is that?” Aiden asked.

“Those journals in the bedroom, they are filled with exquisite drawings and beautiful words. Do you think Arthfael’s Gran wrote them?”

“Dunno,” Aiden shrugged. “Maybe they belong to his Aunt. She’s the one spends the most time in the cottage.”

“Do you know her?”

“I do. She’s the one that suggested I live with Arthfael when I’d finished at St.Declan’s.”

“So you knew her before Arthfael?”

“I did.” Aiden didn’t seem to want to volunteer any more information and it made me wonder just who this Aunt was, and what she meant to Aiden. “What was the poem? Do you remember it?” he continued.

Looking up at the Moon, it came to me quite vividly;

“We are star shine, fantasy in moonlight, our souls forever entwined. Lost here, never to find. We are fairy dust and cosmic light, above the world glowing bright. Bound by eternity’s hold, our story never to be told.”

“Wow. Do you remember any more?” Aiden seemed intrigued.

“Hmm, let me think.” I took his hand and placed it on my chest as we lay side by side under the moon.

“Voodoo Moon, Wizard of the sky, send your sorcery down. Hoodoo Moon, Talisman of the sea, put your mojo spell on me.”

“Can’t see his Aunt writing that one,” Aiden laughed.

“Well she didn’t. I just made it up.”

“You wicked girl,” Aiden looked into my eyes, “God, I love you.” We then fell into each other and carried on to the rhythms of the soft winds above and lapping waves below.

**************************

Morning came and still no word, nor sign of Arthfael. Aiden set off with Buddy to find the main road telefon, and make contact with Sergeant O’Sullivan. Ashley continued to experiment in the kitchen and I buried myself in the rest of the journals. I swear they were the best books I’d ever read, and I take pride in the fact I’ve read loads of Yeats and Beckett. It made me a bit sad to think I may be the only audience to these works. These words and sketches were slowly altering my life. If only the world had a chance to feel the way these books were making me feel right now, so full of reverence and hope. This poet going unnoticed seemed so very wrong to me. It’s like Walt Whitman said, “To have great poets, there must be great audiences.” Is anyone really a poet, if their words have never been read aloud by another soul?

“Roisin! Roisin” Ash called to me from the kitchen, I rolled off the bed and went to see what she needed.

“There’s a car comin’ down the road. What do we do?”

“The door’s locked, stay back, we’ll see who t’is first.” I turned off the lamp and quickly pulled the lace curtains closed. Ash and I hid ourselves away from the window but kept an eye on the blue Henney-Packard station wagon that was slowly rolling down the dirt road towards us.

“I hope it’s Arthfael,” Aisling whispered.

“I hope so too.” I stroked the back of her hair, knowing how scared she was.

As the wagon pulled up to the doorstep, we could still not see who the driver was. It was dark and whomever was driving was wearing all black.

We listened as the engine turned off and the car door opened and shut with a slam. Ash peeked out the window first, “It’s a bloody Nun,” she gasped.

I looked out next and gasped, “I think I know that Nun,” I recognized her from the train station. It was The Nun.

“Shall we let her in?” Ash made a move toward the door. I grabbed her arm and pulled her back. “Hang on, we’ve no idea who to trust outside of Aiden and Arthfael.

We both retreated back into the kitchen and held our breath as we heard a key engage the lock and slowly turn the door opened. In a flash, there she stood, as her eyes met ours she let out a fierce scream.

“What the devil are ya doin’ in me house?” she blurted.

“We’re with Arthfael and Aiden. Don’t be afraid. We mean no harm.” I announced.

“Aiden McGregor?” She softened.

“Yes, I am Aiden’s fiancé, Roisin Murphy, this is my sister Aisling.”

“Well, what on earth are you doin’ here?” The nun set down her bag and approached us.

“There has been some trouble. Arthfael had gone to take care of some dangerous men and left us here for safety.”

“Not O’Shaunnessy?”

“Yes, he and his mob. There was suppose to be a hearin’ yesterday and Arthfael was sendin’ ‘em away for good. He was meant to collect us and get us back to our lives. But we haven’t heard a word. Aiden set off to call the police…”

“Say no more,” The Nun was rushin’ to the bookshelf beside the hearth, she stepped up onto the sofa, then the side table to reach a strange looking radio we took no notice of until now, “We have to get word to his contact and be sure he hasn’t been compromised.”

“So you know about Arthfael?” I was surprised.

“Darlin’ he is my nephew and I know who he works for. I’m also…” just then Aiden walked in the front door, out of breath and a bit worn.

He took one look at the nun and ran to embrace her, “Sister Brigit, Oh Sister you have to help us. The Mafia has Arthfael!”

“Don’t worry my boy,” she hugged him back, “I’ll get word to Zita and we will set off to get him back.”

“Who is Sita?” Aiden asked.

“No Zita, with a Zed, that’s the code name for the operation Artie has been working for. Don’t worry, he’s prepared me for this day, I know what to do.”

Aisling and I were confused. It looked as though Aiden and Sister Brigit had a long history and clearly this Nun, was Arthfael’s Aunt, owner of the cottage and most definitely the author of those beautiful books that held me captive, but just how deeply was she involved with Arthfael’s mission and Zita? That was yet to be known.

******************************

Sister Brigit mumbled a few code words into the radio, while Aiden filled us in on what the Sergeant told him.

“Arthfael was ambushed before he could set foot into the Court house. A mob of masked men hauled him off in a van just past eight yesterday mornin’. He said the Garda have been doin’ their best to track ‘em and have an idea where they’ve taken him, but they don’t want to make any sudden moves…”

“That’s Bollocks!” Sister Brigit cursed, “You kids get in the car, we’re goin’ after ‘em ourselves.”

The three of us stood in shock, hearin’ a nun speak in such a manner and what’s worse we watched her pull a gun from her habit and cock it, to be sure it was loaded. “As I was about to say earlier, I’m G2 myself, been under cover in the Convent a good twelve years now. I’m the one got Artie involved after he’d finished in the Air Corps.”

“Bloody Hell,” Aiden was floored, here was the Nun and mentor who had taken him under her wing and been like a mother to him at boarding school, now revealing a side he’d never imagined.

I looked toward Aiden for answers, “She was such a delicate and sweet lady when I knew her at St.Declan’s,” he whispered, “She was the one arranged for me to live with Arthfael when I graduated, since my parents moved off and all.”

“So you know her quite well, then?” I whispered back, just as she’d pulled up a rifle hidden beneath a loose floor board in the kitchen.

Aiden shook his head, “Clearly I don’t know her at t’all.”

“What are we standin’ round f’er? Crack on you three and get in the car.” Sister Brigit rushed us out the door with Buddy trailin’ behind us.

“We’ll have to drop the dog off at St. Declan’s, Sister Mary Margaret will look after him until we return.”

“Sister Mary Margaret?” Aiden quipped, “Isn’t she the Nun that grows the enormous pumpkins?”

“Indeed,” answered Sister Brigit, “She’s good with plants and animals, your dog will be just fine.”

Sister Brigit put the pedal to the metal and caused a trail of dust as we barreled down the road, “Who has the most experience with a gun?” She called from the front seat.

“That would be me,” Ash piped up. Neither of us argued.

Sister Brigit tossed back the pistol she had revealed back at the cottage.

Aisling suddenly had a look in her eye I’d only seen her produce for fairy cakes and hard cider.

“Don’t get trigger happy just yet Love,” I tried to inch away from her but I was in the middle seat and had no where to go but Aiden’s lap. Buddy was riding happily in front, his head out the window, lapping up the dust while panting with joy.

“Just keep it at the ready Dear, in case anyone seems to be followin’ us.” Sister Brigit instructed.

We drove a good thirty-five minutes up into the mountains before we arrived at St. Declan’s. Sister Brigit parked the station wagon in front of the looming stone structure. A few Nuns were milling about.

“Wait in the car.” she barked at us, grabbin’ Buddy by the collar and leading him to one of the Nuns out front. We saw her flailing her arms as she talked, and the other Nun looked shocked and enthralled by whatever story she was tellin’ her.

When she returned she asked Aiden to come sit up front, so he did. She reached over to the glove box and pulled out a folded map, “Here I need you to read this map while I drive,”

Aiden unfolded it until it blocked the windscreen on his side entirely, and we were off at full speed again.

“What did you tell Sister Mary Margaret? Does she know the truth?” Aiden was curious.

“Hell no, as far as the Sisters of Mercy are concerned I’m one of them. I genuinely took my vows you know. So in all reality I am a Nun first and G2 second. But when it comes to my Artie, the mafia will never now what hit them. We’re takin’ them down for good. This is the bust I’ve been waitin’ on me whole life.”

“But what about the Poetry? I’d say you are a Poet first,” I gushed.

Sister Brigit adjusted the rear view mirror to take a look at me and I saw the flash of recognition. “Ahh I knew you looked familiar, you’re the girl that had me journal at Kingsbridge Station. Well what fate is this?”

“It does seem like fate. I have to ask, where do you draw your inspiration from?”

“Well Dear, I’ve“Well Dear, I’ve got the muse in my head she’s universal,got the muse in my head she’s universal, she spreads her ideas like tiny snowflakes upon the world and those that run with the idea first, those are the ones that reap the rewards.”

“It’s a shame you are not published, I think the world is lacking your vision, I think the muse has been telling you the best ideas.”

Sister Brigit looked long into my eyes through the mirror, I could see I struck a nerve. And it was in that exact moment our station wagon was struck by a lorry plowing through the roundabout and we were all set spinning as it hit us not once but twice. I could hear Ash screaming in slow motion and watched in horror as Aiden’s head plummeted against the side window smashing it to pieces. My own body limp as I bounced back into the seat before thrusting forward onto the wooden dashboard. Everythin’ going dark upon impact.

******************************

“Roisin, Roisin….” I could hear my name bein’ called over and over again, like a muffled echo in a long dark hallway. But I couldn’t open my eyes, I couldn’t see any light. And then I saw her there, the wise child, a freckle face with ginger hair. I knew immediately who she was.

“Ma?” I couldn’t believe it, she was the spittin’ image of my Mother as a child. We had an album of photos on the book shelf at home, all of the pictures were me Ma around age ten, none younger, none older. She once told me it was her only good year. After the mayhem and before she got ill.

“Roisin,” she smiled, “Come look at the pretty lights. Be the light.”

I walked over to where she was sittin’, beneath a young oak tree, it was still dark, but one by one she lit the faerie lights and held them on a string. “Come close to me Dear, let me see you.”

I sat down right in front of her and looked into her wide innocent eyes, “Are you my Mother?”

“Tis I, Dear. When I crossed over, things weren’t very nice for me over here. But in time I earned my way back to myself, my truest self and here I am.”

“You are lovely,” the tears came in a flood, and she reached out with all the warmth in the world and hugged me tight.

“Ahh Love, you are lovely too. I’m sorry ‘bout what I told ya.”

“What’s that?”

“I cursed you with my words, I told ya that if there were trouble ahead, trouble will find you…”

“Oh well, it was true.”

“No, only belief made it so. You have to go back Roisin.”

“What do you mean? Go back where? Where are we now?”

“I call this the Land of the Fey, but other’s call it Heaven. It is not your time Dear, you are a long way off and they need you now…”

“Aiden? Is he alright?” suddenly I remembered the accident and felt an urgency to return.

“He will live, and your sister is just fine, but she cannot care for them alone. I will see you again don’t worry yourself.”

I hugged the beautiful child once more and felt a surge of courage rush through my body.

“Go now Love, and be Brave.”

The darkness returned, and so did the echo.

“Roisin? Roisin? Wake up Roisin….” Ash’s tears were falling all about my face.

******************

I tried to speak, but I was not in my own body. I was far far above everything looking down on the beautiful green and blue mountains with their unique metamorphism taking place before my eyes, from shale to slate and then schist, a beautiful state of speckled grey rock as far as the eye could see. Time was eternal and I was on hold in that eternity. I still knew nothing and everything all at once. I knew I was going to live. I knew Aiden was in pain. I knew Aisling was frightened and I knew Sister Brigit was doing her best to save us all. I also knew I had nothing but love and forgiveness for my Mother and my Father as well.

“Ro please wake up.” Ash had hold of my left hand, while Sister Brigit was wrapping Aiden’s head wound with gauze from her first aid kit. He was moanin’ himself to consciousness and I think we both came to at the exact same time.

“I’m here Ash, don’t cry.” I opened my eyes and turned my head to see Aiden lyin’ in the dirt beside me. I reached my right hand toward his, we clasped onto one another for dear life. He squeezed my hand tightly and remained silent. I saw tears in his eyes not of pain but of love. I could feel his love radiating through me just as warmly as my Mother’s hug had been in that Shangri-La or Land of the Fey from which I’d just come.

The Lorry that hit us had spun itself off into the opposite ditch and the driver died on impact. It was just us on this empty road with a useless car smashed to bits.

“We have to flag down the next car we see Aisling, make yourself useful and get us some help,” Sister Brigit instructed, as she continued to apply pressure to Aiden’s bleeding wound.

Ash kissed my hand and ran up to the road. I just kept gazing at Aiden and prayin’ that someone would be along soon.

*************

I prayed for the life of the lorry driver. I prayed and prayed, drifting in and out of reality until finally a car stopped. And not just any car, it was Sergeant O’Sullivan, he had come to collect us after Aiden’s phone call. When we weren’t at the safe house he went searchin’ the road. He phoned the proper authorities in regard to the fatality, and then he drove us all to hospital. He told us to let the Garda take care of Arthfael. Sister Brigit was havin’ none of that and argued we all go along on the rescue mission. She insisted we be there when Arthfael was recovered. Sergeant O’ Sullivan conceded as long as Aiden and I were attended to by the Benedictine Nuns and given a clean bill of health.

Two hours passed in hospital. The Nuns were hoverin’ and fussin’ over us, attendin’ to our injuries. Aiden and I were both being watched closely for concussion symptoms and they were worried at first I might have some internal bleeding.

But I knew we were going to be alright. My Ma had told me so, and even though I could not remember one bit of the accident. I could remember every single second of being with my Ma in that beautiful place of love and light. Bein’ there had changed me. I was not afraid of anythin’, I was filled with hope and a lighter sense of being. I could hear my Ma’s voice now. “It’s easy child,” she was whispering, “Go on. Be well. No troubles, just love.”

We convinced the Nuns to let us go.

On the road again in Sergeant O’Sullivan’s squad car. Sister Brigit ridin’ up front and the three of us huddled up in back. Aiden and I lookin’ right hilarious with our matchin’ mummy head wraps. Ash, as fierce and beautiful as ever. I could see she was overjoyed to have us back and even more excited to be on her way to seeing Arthfael again.

Sergeant O’Sullivan’s eyes appeared in the rear view mirror, “What ‘av ya done with me dog?”

Aiden explained, “He had a bit of a run in with a fox, Sister Brigit’s lot are lookin’ after ‘em up at the Convent.”

“Oh my poor fella.”

“He should be just fine, he was back to himself when we dropped him off.” Aiden assured him.

“Where exactly are we headed?” Ash was curious.

“Belfast,” The Sergeant barked, “O’Shaughnessy’s men have been tracked to a Water District warehouse and we believe they’re holding your mate there.”

“Why didn’t you go after him right away? He could have been killed by now,” Ash passionately accused.

“No worries Love, they need him for leverage. They know who he is and how much he knows. They also know the G2 want their man back alive and they are willing to make that trade off.”

“But there will be no negotiations. We will take him clean out of there,” Sister Brigit’s grit was showing again.

I noticed Aiden noddin’ off as we came closer to Dublin. “Aiden?” I shook him gently, “Are ya alright?”

He appeared disoriented, “Just a bit tired. I’m fine.” he lied.

“Alright Love, but let me know if you are feelin’ poorly.”

“Stop the car!!” Aisling shouted, “Stop here. I see the Porsche!!”

“What?” I turned my head back and there parked sideways behind a hedge was the green Porsche. Just where we had left it.

“Ahh my baby.” Aiden cooed. “Can we please bring her with us? I cannot bare to leave her deserted another day.”

The Sergeant rolled his eyes, “Fine, but y’er not to drive with a head injury, so it will have to be your sister or the Sister that drives,” he replied cheekily.

“I’ll drive,” they both said in unison.

Sister Brigit was eager to get behind the wheel of that beauty.

“No offense Sister Brigit,” Ash smiled, “But I think you’ve done enough drivin’ for today.”

“Maybe your right,” she agreed, “but do ya mind if I come along for the ride?”

“Not at t’all,” Aisling was already hoppin’ out and runnin’ toward the Porsche, in all the madness before, she had left the keys in and the doors unlocked. It was lucky the car was in such a remote spot.

“I’d say you are all obsessed with that green Porsche,” the Sergeant shook his head.

“You’d be as well, if ya ever drove it,” I smiled.

Sister Brigit squealed with excitement as she quickly followed Aisling, both ladies still in possession of their firearms.

Aiden and I remained cozy in the back of the patrol car as we continued on to Belfast.

Belfast. Who would have dreamed I’d be goin’ back to that fresh hell.

****************************************

Arthfael was in trouble and it was takin’ us too long to get to him. I was worried sick, so I couldn’t imagine how the others felt. Aiden was worryin’ me too. He didn’t look right, and I knew a concussion was nothin’ to mess about with. Thirty minutes into the drive, he took to restin’ his head in my lap.

“Aiden,” I whispered, “Are ya alright Love?” This time he did not answer, he was eerily silent. “Aiden?” I repeated louder, and louder.

“Eveythin’ okay back there?” Sergeant O’Sullivan called back.

“He’s not wakin’ up,” I said in a panic.

The Sergeant pulled the squad car over and immediately opened the door to the back seat, “Let me have a look at him?” slowly he took Aiden’s head from my lap and sat him upright, “Lad are you okay? Wake up lad.”

Still nothin’. The tears were flowin’ from me eyes, he had to be alright, me Ma said he would live.

“This is what I was afraid of, Love, the two of you are in no shape to be chasin’ criminals. I’ve got to get ya back to hospital, where they can look after ya properly.”

“We’re almost to Belfast, take us to the City Hospital, my own doctors are there.” I implored the Sergeant. I did not feel good about the Nuns that were seein’ to us before.

Sergeant O’ Sullivan ran back to the Porsche to tell Ash and Sister Brigit where he was takin’ us and why, then he raced back behind the wheel and made haste to the hospital.

Once we were admitted, they put me in the same room with Aiden, again. Thank goodness. Then they began to run tests, first on Aiden, then on me. Aiden was suddenly hooked up to all sorts of hospital gadgets and Doctor Robert, who I’ve known since birth, assured me they were goin’ to do their best to bring him back ‘round to us.”

The doctor also told the Sergeant he could leave us now, that we’d be in good hands.

I called Aisling over to me, she was lookin’ more than a bit upset. “Go Ash, you and Sister Brigit, go on with the Sergeant and bring Arthfael home.”

She teared up a little bit and then smiled wide. “C’mon Sister, we need to get your nephew before it’s too late.” With that the three of them were off, and Aiden and I awaited answers and assurance that we were out of the woods.

A nurse came by and offered me a tincture, “Here this will help with your headache,” she held my head up a bit so I could swallow. It tasted of candy, then rum, then poison.

“Blech, eww. What is in that?” I inquired.

“I’ll let you in on a little secret,” she grinned, “It does contain quite a high dosage of alcohol.”

Before I knew it, I had drifted off into another deep sleep myself, and when I woke up it was to a commotion of doctors rushin’ to Aiden’s side and shoutin’ words like “Code Blue” and “GSC”. Clearly resuscitative efforts were being made, I shot up in my bed and began to cry out for him, two nurses came to my side and attempted to calm me.

“Shh Dear, it’s alright, quiet yourself now. You need your rest.”

How could I possibly rest, knowing’ Aiden was in trouble?

“Inconceivable, inconceivable, inconceivable…” that word was echoing in my mind. I kept tryin’ to open my eyes, but only saw darkness. No light. My Ma told me to have courage and now I was nothin’ but terrified.

“Well your faith was strong but you needed proof.” A deep ethereal voice interrupted the echo, “wake up Roisin. You are on the wrong side again.”

With that, I opened my eyes and Aiden was standin’ over my bed. “Roisin, oh Jesus you scared the life out of all of us.”

I was so confused, “Aiden, you’re alive!”

“Of course I am, we were worried about you. You’ve been out cold since the nurse gave you a sedative.” Aiden wasn’t even wearin’ his bandages anymore.

“How long have we been in Hospital?” I felt a heaviness like mist or fog all around me.

“It’s been two weeks Roisin,” Aiden had a tear in his eye. “I thought I’d lost you.”

“But you’re okay?” I was still concerned for him.

“I’m fine. I passed out on you only for a little while, they had me good as new in a few short days. They discovered you had internal bleedin’ Roisin. So they had to induce the coma, but you slipped in too deep. We weren’t sure you’d wake up,” now he was full on cryin’.

I took his hand and I kissed it, “I’d never leave you. Aiden, you are my everythin’ don’t ya know that ya daft fool?”

He nodded and wiped at his eyes with the sleeve of his jacket. Then Aisling emerged from the door in a fresh yellow dress, and behind her was me Da. William Murphy, lookin’ cleaned up and sheepish, he came to my side with Ash, she hugged me and whispered, “We all missed ya Ro, everythin’ is right with the world now.”

My Da approached with a gentleness I’d never seen in him before, when I looked into his eyes I did not see the angry old fool, I saw a frightened child.

“I’m so sorry Ro, sorry for everythin’. You’re me first born and I’ve not served ya well. Do ya forgive me?” the sincerity was touchin’ and I knew in my heart I’d forgiven him when I saw Ma on the other side.

“I do, Da. It’s all in the past now,” and I meant that.

He leaned down and kissed me on the forehead, I gave him my best smile and then with Dr. Robert came the nurse that gave me the tincture, the nurse that stayed in my dream, or coma rather.

They checked me over again, and then sent the others out of the room, all except Aiden.

“We are quite happy you are awake now Dear,” stated the Doctor, “All of your vitals seem to be improving rather quickly. The internal bleeding was well controlled as soon as we put you under, so we have no worries there,” he looked over to Aiden, “what I am sayin’ is, the prognosis is good.”

“Oh praise Jesus,” Aiden was beaming.

“However we did discover something that both of you should be aware of,” continued the doctor, “Roisin, Dear, you are approximately three weeks pregnant.”

The news came as a shock and meant I’d conceived on our very first night together. Aiden would always have a prideful laugh over that fact. However in hindsight I have to say the moment that news came to us our lives took a glorious turn.

Arthfael was not at the warehouse when Sergeant O’Sullivan, Sister Brigit and Ash arrived. Oh no, he was long gone, had managed his own escape with the help of no police, no agents or special forces. He endured a good twenty four hour beatin’ but made it out alive and had the strength to find the Belfast safe house, then make his way back to the courts and give his full deposition, puttin’ O’Shaughnessy away for life. Sister Brigit was quite proud and young Aisling greatly relieved.

Upon my release from Hospital, my Father welcomed us all into his home to sort ourselves out and make our plans in peace. During that time the four of us, Aisling, Aiden, Da and I found ourselves in the midst of a great shift. Old hurts and past feelin’s had dissipated and we were able to find the good in one another and dare I say it, the joy.

Come June, Aisling went off to Trinity as planned and Aiden and I had our weddin’ not as planned at Gretna Green, but beyond the cliff, in that beautiful meadow over lookin’ the sea, just outside the Jones’ family cottage in Wicklow. It was a small but gorgeous ceremony, Sister Brigit, our officiant, speakin’ her beautiful words and Arthfael, Aiden’s best man. Ash of course was me Maid of Honor and Da actually walked me down the aisle, or rather up the path. We invited Sergeant O’Sullivan and Buddy along with a dozen of our closest friends. A great reception followed down at The White Stag Pub and then off we went, on our first plane ride ever, to London.

“Well Mrs.McGregor, long ago I promised you a Honeymoon at the Ritz, and now here we are,” Aiden beamed as he carried me over the threshold into a luxurious suite overlookin’ Green Park. Our weekend was furnished with the reward money Arthfael generously gifted us for the trouble he put us through in his pursuit of the Mob. It was enough cash for the weekend and a small down payment on a flat in Notting hill, where Aiden and I chose to reside.

We were giddy and energized by the size of that suite and the promise of a new start in London. It seemed we had the world at our feet and all the blessin’s one could hold. “Hang on have ya seen the bathroom Love? Holy hell, I could spend the weekend in here alone,” I gushed, runnin’ my hand over the plush white robe, “Ah, this feels so lush.”

Aiden slid past me and turned the golden tub handles, water rushed from the faucet, “Your wish is my command,” he then poured some lavender scented liquid into the runnin’ water and we watched the bubbles rise. “Well don’t just stand there Woman, get in.” Aiden was already removin’ his dark suit coat and and tossin’ it to the side. I was still in my short white shift dress and matchin’ patent leather boots. “I’m gonna be needin’ help with this zipper then,” I giggled, turnin’ my back to Aiden, who playfully unzipped me and then made a dash to fetch our complimentary bottle of Dom Perignon Brut and two Waterford flutes. Soon our nicest clothes were piled in a heap on the posh marble floor and the two of us were joyously toastin’ to our future from the bath, “Here is to a healthy Baby boy, who I can teach to win a boxing match without fallin’ into the Mob,” Aiden clinked my glass.

“A boy ey?” I raised my glass, “Here is to a healthy young Miss who I can teach to fend for herself should she need to, especially when bein’ chased by the mob.” Clink.

“And here is to the look on Ash’s face when I handed her the keys to the Porsche and told her it was hers to keep,” Aiden clinked, and I spit out my Champagne laughin.’ “She never saw that one comin’. She’s gonna be the most popular girl at Trinity with that car.”

“Well, not if Arthfael has anythin’ to do with it. I’m sure he’ll be watchin’ her like a hawk. How much do ya care t’ wager that in six months time, as soon as she’s turned eighteen, he’ll be beatin’ down her door…”

“To recruit her for the G2? Or to ask her for a date?” I smiled, movin’ a bit closer to Aiden.

“Both, I reckon, those two may be eighteen years apart, but they’ve explosive chemistry.”

I leaned in for a long kiss, “As explosive as ours?” I whispered.

“Not nearly,” he sighed.

***************

FIVE YEARS LATER

We hopped off the red double decker bus and landed in a busy lane.

“Harper, come back here Love, ya can’t be runnin’ out into the street without holdin’ Mummy’s hand,” I grasped on to my little man’s chubby hand and led him down the sidewalk to the address on the paper I’d pulled from me pocket; 119 Charing Cross Road. “This is it Love, Foyle’s Bookstore. Your Auntie Brigit is readin’ her book here today. Lookie there’s her picture in the window,” I pointed to a pyramid of fanciful poetry books piled high in the window display and on top was Sister Brigit’s photo as it appeared on the backside of the book jacket. The book’s title in garish gold script, “Cease Upon the Midnight”

“Mummy how did Auntie Brigit’s photo get on a real book?” Harper inquired.

“Well it’s a long story Deary, I’ll tell ya everythin’ one day, but we best get inside, Daddy, Auntie Ash and Uncle Artie are waitin’ on us now.”

I could see Aisling in a long loose peasant dress, red hair flowin’ and her tiny bump just barely showin’. We were all hopin’ for a girl cousin. Arthfael was lookin’ smart in a camel pea coat and tweed racin’ hat, they still had the Porsche and were not plannin’ on givin’ it up anytime soon. Next to him was Aiden lookin’ as gorgeous as ever, his blue eyes twinklin’ toward me as he waved us over to our seats.

I slinked in, tryin’ not to cause a commotion, but Harper squealed and waved up at his Auntie as she was perched at the podium, book in hand about to read. She blew us a kiss and Aiden took Harper onto his lap, with a quiet “Shh,” to the lad’s ear.

I held Aiden’s hand and readied myself for the possibility of tears, this was not only a big moment for Sister Brigit, but a secret dream of my own. I’d waited a long time for those words of hers to be heard by the masses and today was the day, Sister Brigit’s truths would be set free.

She looked a bit nervous as she moved closer to the microphone and cleared her throat, “Good afternoon everyone. I thank ya f’er comin’ out today. This book, has been a labor of love and somethin’ I never thought I’d be sharin’… but a young lady had more faith in me, than I had in me self and so here we are,” she looked straight at me and gave me a wink. And in a clear, powerful voice she began, “Cease upon the Midnight…”

THE END

Written By Christine Wichman c. June-December 2018

Photos Taken from Pinterest.