The Watchman's Grace by Craig Johnson

Author:Craig Johnson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Craig Johnson
Published: 2017-08-31T23:33:06+00:00

Chapter Twelve

SOME NOBLE SACRIFICE

Sometimes the reality of today can be shattered like a pane of glass

While Peter Harvey and Duncan Malloy enjoyed their return to bustling Dublin, people in another area of the city reviewed the Common Man Movement’s last few weeks of engagements. These were not cheery old acquaintances or loves left behind. They were a much sterner lot who held no compassion for the Common Man Movement.

In these quarters, protection of the Realm was of prime importance. Resurrections and rebellions alike met their match against this office time and again. Currently, another potential threat was brewing. Alerted by a higher authority in London through a well-placed aristocratic parliamentarian, there was much pressure to continue monitoring the actions of Mr. Harvey and Mr. Malloy.

Stationed in their Dublin headquarters, the British Security Force was a power without equal in Ireland. Acting on direct authority from the British Government, their sole objective was maintaining order within the volatile country, regardless of costs. The main detachment was headed by Major Stanley Thurston.

Major Thurston did not suffer fools. He had years of experience in theaters of war, insurgencies and espionage to guide his bold decisions. Here in Ireland he would not let his reputation of service go wanting.

Today he sat in his well-appointed office, anticipating his regular briefing on the latest activities of this movement. A quick rap on his door signaled the end of waiting. Major Thurston prepared to greet his officer for more information concerning their top secret operation.

“Please enter Officer Murray,” he rang out from behind his large desk.

Into the office stepped a medium sized man of decent build and good disposition. Under the officer’s right arm was a portfolio of papers. He appeared attentive and eager to open dialogue with the major.

“Good afternoon, major. It is good to be back in Dublin after a long stay in Cork. Here is my complete report on the current situation. I trust it is in most factual form.”

Major Thurston took hold of the information handed towards him. Following a quick review of the papers, he placed this package on his desk. Looking upwards, he addressed the officer.

“Officer Murray, welcome back to headquarters. From the size of this brief you would have been a busy man in Cork. After I have finished reviewing the file more thoroughly we shall talk in greater detail. In your absence, more pressing issues have come to the fore. Can I speak to you with complete candor?”

The officer interpreted his superior’s request to be very serious. There was really no choice in the matter.

“Please Major Thurston, go ahead.”

“I thank you for your confidence. Yesterday, we received a visitor of very high standing in British governmental affairs. A group of powerful interests here and over in London wants the issue of this Common Man Movement put to rest immediately! They feel our watched pot is finally boiling, ready to scald us with a massive public demonstration. At the core of their heightened concern is its gaining popularity, which could engender a nationwide protest.

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