Tommy agreed to Lizzie leaving, although he stayed with Sadie. Once the others had left, he sat down beside Sadie trying to work out how to break the bad news.
“Isn’t it wonderful that Jamie’s safe? Your Lizzie was so worried,” Sadie said.
“It is. Absolutely brilliant. God has answered many of our prayers.” Tommy fell silent again. He was failing miserably at finding the right words.
“What is it? I know it’s something bad. Did someone die?”
“Yes, love.”
“Ma?”
“No love your ma is fine although she is worried about you. It’s Stan. They found him close to the factory. Seems him and his mates got lost and must have wandered around in circles. They found the five bodies not far from the main gate.”
“Oh Jesus Mary and Joseph. Those poor men and their families. Some of Stan’s mates had young’uns.”
Tommy nodded not knowing what to say. She hadn’t said how she felt about Stan. He couldn’t pretend to mourn the man he’d despised.
“So he’s really dead?”
He took her hand in his. “Yes love, he is. Your ma is very upset.”
“Ma? Really? I always thought she hated him. He’s not hers you know. He was Da’s first wife’s baby. But then she died and da remarried almost as soon as she was buried. I think that’s why Stan always hated ma and me so much. My other brothers did too, but Stan was always more malicious, more personal. With the others, they would kick anyone and anything that got in their way. They are just mean. But Stan, he reserved his more vicious side for ma and then when he hurt her so bad she didn’t recover, it was my turn.”
Tommy stared in shock at Sadie. He felt guilty about assuming her da had hurt her ma, never imagining it was her brother. News like that normally spread like wildfire through the tenements.
“I know you’re shocked. Nobody knows apart from the family and Ned Duffy,” Sadie said.
“What’s Ned Duffy got to do with it?” Tommy asked hesitantly; he wasn’t sure he wanted to know.
“Ned was the one who goaded Stan into it. He said Stan kept going on and on about how he would show Ma who the real boss was in the house. So Ned told him to either do it or shut up about it. I don’t know if Ned thought he would but he was the one who covered it up afterwards. Anyone who knew kept their mouth shut not out of loyalty to me da but out of fear.”
“God almighty, is there anything that man doesn’t have a finger in?
“Who knows?” Sadie shivered. “Stan often had more cash than he could have earned in the factory. Me da mentioned he was doing a few jobs for Ned Duffy. I can only imagine what they were.”
Tommy picked up a blanket and put it around her shoulders, drawing her closer to him.
“For all that is said and done, he was still your brother. You can cry, I won’t tell anyone.”
Sadie looked him straight in the face. “I have no tears for that man but I wonder who da will take his anger out on now. I wish me ma would come live with us, but I know she won’t.”
Tommy wanted to tell Sadie he didn’t want to live in New York, that he wanted to try living in Clover Springs. He had spent the time at the hotel speaking to Aaron and Mick and liked what he heard. He believed Clover Springs could offer him and Sadie a decent future. But it wasn’t the time to speak about it yet.
Chapter 38
Jimmy had tried to order a cab, but the snow had put a stop to that. Although the blizzard was over, the build up of snow meant horses and their cabs were stuck at their liveries. There were very few to be seen on the streets and no empty ones.
“Mr. Headford, have you heard from your Paul?”
Jimmy hoped his face didn’t betray his fear. He had no idea where his younger son was, or even if he was safe. “Nothing yet, Lizzie. He was with his Uncle Michael so we can only pray they were both spared.”
After a grueling trek, they arrived at the Headfords’ home.
“Tell me more about how you found Jamie,” Erin asked Jimmy as they walked up the stairs to their rooms. Jimmy explained he had thought the lad was drunk, he hadn’t recognized him. He looked like a scarecrow, half-starved and white with exhaustion.
“But it’s something else, Doc. There’s something haunting the boy. Maybe he’ll talk to you, but he wouldn’t say a word to me or his ma when he got home.”
Erin nodded. Lizzie had taken her hand and gripped it tightly. Jimmy thought the poor girl looked scared to death, which was totally reasonable given the sorts of sights they’d all seen in the last few days. There were some things none of them would forget.
Jimmy opened the door to the sound of keening. Lizzie faltered and may have fallen if it weren’t for Erin’s arm holding her up. Jimmy rushed to the bedroom closely followed by the women. There they saw Nancy holding her son’s arm and crying like a newborn babe. Another woman was there, she was rocking forward and back, not uttering a sound.
“What’s Marcia doing here?” Jimmy asked.
“The police came after you left. They found Barry…” Nancy said but couldn’t continue as Marcia leapt up, fists coming at Jimmy.
“They found my boy, stripped almost naked, murdered by your son and his friend.”
Horrified, Jimmy looked from Marcia to Nancy and finally to his son Jamie. Something in Jamie’s eyes said there was a grain of truth to the story.
“My son is no murderer, Marcia. If the police thought so, why would he still be in bed?”
“He’s lying. He says he don’t know nothin’. Yet he’s here and my Barry, my son, is dead. Heaven help me what will I do now?”
“Lizzie, do you know any of the neighbors? Could you find someone to look after her?” Erin asked in a soft voice.
“I know the German lady Mrs. Strauss. She’s nice and kind but doesn’t have much English. She will help.” Lizzie turned to Marcia. “Come on, Mrs. Henson, let’s get you home. You’ll have to sort out the wake.”
Lizzie took the now compliant Marcia by the arm and almost propelled her out of the room.
“Jamie, I’m Doctor Erin Quinn. But you can call me Doc Erin if you like. Your father asked me to have a chat with you. I want to check that you don’t have any injuries such as frostbite. Are you happy for me to examine you?”
There was no response from Jamie. He simply lay on the bed staring at the ceiling. Jimmy went to his wife’s side. Taking her gently by the hand, he urged her to leave the room. Maybe Jamie would speak to Doc Erin if his parents weren’t present.
Nancy gave Jamie a kiss on the cheek but Jamie didn’t move a muscle. With a heavy heart, Jimmy took his wife outside the bedroom and into the kitchen where they sat in silence until Doc Erin joined them a couple of minutes later.
“I am very sorry Jimmy, Nancy but there is little I can do for Jamie at the moment. He has suffered a series of shocks both physical and emotional. The good news is that he seems to have escaped the worst effects of the snow. There does not appear to be any frostbite. But his mind…”
Jimmy gulped at the look in the doctor’s eyes. He felt his wife grab his hand but he couldn’t tear his gaze from the doctor’s face.
“I have given him something to help him sleep. I suggest you do not allow any visitors save perhaps young Lizzie. I will call back tomorrow to check on him.”
“Thank you doctor. I will see you home,” Jimmy stood, his manners prohibiting him from allowing the doctor to walk back to the hotel alone.
“No Jimmy, please stay with your family. They need you more than I do.”
Jimmy nodded as his wife appeared to disintegrate in front of him. She lay her head on the table, sobbing.
“We are still waiting for news of our other son, Paul. It’s been hard on the missus,” Jimmy felt obliged to explain his wife’s behavior. Even if he wished he could do the same. His heart felt like it had been cut from his body.
Erin moved to give Nancy a cuddle. “Nancy, I feel like I know you so well from all the stories Carmel told me over the years. I wish there was
more I can do but Jamie is in the best place possible. He’s home surrounded by those who love him.”
Nancy lifted her tear stained face. “Thank you Doc Erin. Don’t mind me. My bladder is very near my eye’s today.”
Jimmy couldn’t help but smile at his wife’s expression. She was a strong woman and they would get through the next few days, weeks, months or years. Whatever time it took to get their sons back. He had to go find out what happened to Paul. He’d leave as soon as Lizzie came back, she could sit with Nancy.
Chapter 39
A knock on the door interrupted Jimmy’s musings. He opened it to find Lizzie on the doorstep. Mitch Griffin’s da was beside her.
“Sorry Mr. Headford but Barry’s ma wouldn’t let me in. So I thought I would go for Mitch’s da. You know with him being on the force. I thought he could explain a bit more.”
“Evening Jimmy. Wish I was calling under better circumstances.”
“Come in please. I’ve forgotten my manners. Would you like a cup of tea?”
Both visitors nodded. “Doc Erin, will you join us?”
“Yes Jimmy, if you don’t mind. I would like to hear what the police officer has to say.”
“Excuse me Doc Erin. This is Pascal Griffin, he is Mitch’s da,” Jimmy introduced his guests to one another. “Mitch was the other young man with Barry Henson and our Jamie.”
“Oh I see, how is your son Mr. Griffin?”
“Call me Pascal please Doc. Mitch will be fine and from what I hear it’s all thanks to Jamie Headford.”
“That’s good news. Carmel always said he had a sensible head on his shoulders,” Erin looked at the clock on the mantle. “I didn’t realize it was so late. I will have that tea another time please Nancy. Now you have had some good news, I really should be leaving.” Doc Erin stood up to leave but sat again when Pascal spoke.
“It’s not all good news, I’m afraid.”
Jimmy caught the cup as Nancy almost dropped it.
“Nancy love, sit down. I will make the tea but first let’s hear what Pascal has to say.”
Jimmy sat beside his wife with Lizzie on the other side. Doc Erin sat facing them, on the opposite side of the table, with Pascal on her right hand side. Jimmy squeezed Nancy’s hand as she took a deep breath. He put his other arm around Lizzie’s shoulders as the young girl started to cry.
“Has Jamie not explained what he did?” Pascal asked.
“Not as such no. Doc Erin thinks our Jamie is suffering from shock. Marcia Henson has your lot convinced our Jamie murdered her Barry.” Jimmy tried to keep the disgust from his tone but it was difficult. He knew Marcia was grieving but still he was protective of his son.
Pascal nodded. “It’s a sad business her losing Barry like that.”
“But surely the police do not believe Jamie had anything to do with it?” Doc Erin asked.
Jimmy stared at Pascal’s face waiting for his denial but the man wouldn’t meet his eyes.
Jimmy had had enough. Withdrawing his hand from Lizzie’s shoulders he slammed it down on the table making everyone jump.
“I am telling ye now, my son had nothing to do with Barry Henson’s death. Nothing. Do you hear me?”
“Jimmy, you don’t know the facts.”
“I don’t need to know anything Pascal Griffin and if you believe my son is capable of killing anyone let alone his best friend, you can take yourself out of my home. This instant.”
Jimmy was surprised to find himself standing. He couldn’t remember getting up. He stared at the faces of those sitting around the table. All of them stared back at him.
“I apologize. I didn’t mean to shout,” he said as he sagged back into his seat.
“Tis alright man, sure you are up to your neck in bad news. For what it is worth, I believe both our boys would have done whatever it took to keep Barry safe. But I can’t speak on behalf of the police. I can go down to the station but first I have to get back to the hospital.”
“I thought you said Mitch would be alright Mr. Griffin?”
“He will be Lizzie love but he’s in theater having at least two toes removed as we speak. Jamie did his best but the frostbite got him.” Pascal took a deep breath. It sounded loud in the silence around the table. Jimmy couldn’t take his eyes off the other man as his mind reeled in the horror of what lay ahead for young Mitch Griffin.
“Seems from what I can work out, your Jamie got Mitch to keep walking and to wash his hands and feet. The doctors at the hospital say he could have lost both feet.”
Lizzie covered her mouth with her hand while Nancy cried openly. Even Doc Erin had tears in her eyes. Jimmy had to swallow hard a couple of times before he found his voice. “I am that sorry for Mitch and your family, Pascal, I really don’t know how to express it.”
“Jimmy, our family will be forever grateful to yours. Jamie saved my son’s feet but with time I believe we will learn he saved his life. Now, I best get to the hospital. The missus is rather upset as you can imagine,” Pascal said as he stood up from the table. “I will have that tea another time too. Thank ye kindly.”
“I will cook yer dinner for yer. If you need the younger children minded let me know.”
Jimmy almost burst with pride as his Nancy put aside her grief to help the Griffins.
“Thank ya, Mrs. Headford. Doc, could I give you a ride. I have to take a cab to the hospital.”
“Thank you Mr. Griffin. I can go with you if you like. I used to work at the hospital and know quite a few of the staff.”
“Would you really? That would be very kind. It’s for the missus. Sometimes she doesn’t quite understand what the doctors are saying.”
“It would be my pleasure,” Doc Erin confirmed. “Nancy, Jimmy I will come by tomorrow to see Jamie.”
“Can I sit with Jamie and hold his hand, Doc Erin?” Lizzie asked, her voice shaking.
“You certainly can young lady so long as it is okay with his parents.”
Lizzie looked at Jimmy and the expression in her eyes almost made him weep.
“Course you can Lizzie love,” Jimmy said gruffly. “I will walk with you down to the cab, Doc Erin.”
Jimmy had to get out of the apartment and take a minute or two for himself. He didn’t want to break down in front of anyone least of all his wife.
Chapter 40
“Morning Doc Erin,” Tommy faltered as the doc looked up and she saw the concern written all over her face. “Is it Sadie?”
“No Tommy, it’s not.”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to pry but you looked so worried. I couldn’t help but think of Sadie.”
“Natural enough given how much you seem to care for her. I was actually thinking of Jamie Headford.”
“How is he? I haven’t seen our Lizzie to ask her.”
“She seems to be spending all her time at the Headfords. I think Nancy finds her company a comfort.”
“Has Jamie not improved?”
The doc shook her head but didn’t comment further. Tommy didn’t think he could ask more about Jamie. “What of Mitch Griffin?”
“He is doing better. He’s still in the hospital but Doctor Elmwood seems to think he will be home soon enough. He lost four toes from one foot so he will have a crutch at first. But with time and determination he may learn how to walk unaided.”
Tommy thought Mitch might be stubborn enough to do just that. He had surprised everyone by not following his da’s footsteps and joining the police. He wanted to be in sales. He could do that even if he needed the crutch forever.
“Has he given the police a statement? I am not one for gossiping…”
Doc Erin’s stare pierced him. “What gossip?”
Tommy fiddled with his collar wishing he could take his own words back. “I don’t believe any of it. Jamie Headford is as straight as they come but some say he’s responsible for Barry Henson’s death.”
Doc Erin’s eyes sparkled not with surprise but anger.
“You knew?” he asked.
“I knew the police had been informed but I didn’t know that it was common knowledge. I expect Jamie to be fully exonerated soon.”
“I do too but I doubt those who enjoy telling stories about other’s misfortune will care.”
“Very true Tommy. Your sister may need you even more than she already does.”
“Our Lizzie is a brave woman. I think the people who cross her or her Jamie may need your services more, Doc.”
Doc Erin laughed. It was a good sound and made those in the room around them smile too even though they couldn’t hear their conversation.
“I don’t doubt that Tommy Carpenter. Now excuse me. I best go visit Jamie and his parents.”
“Tell Lizzie to keep her chin up.”
Erin nodded as she moved toward the elevator. Tommy whistled as he worked. Mitch was going to be fine and no doubt with Doc Erin’s help, Jamie would be too.
Chapter 41
Jamie looked through the window. His parents were fantastic but their fussing around him was driving him mad. He knew they were concerned. So was he if he was honest. At times, he couldn’t stop his body from shaking. When he closed his eyes, he kept seeing Barry lying motionless in the snow.
A knock on his bedroom door announced the arrival of Doc Erin. “Nice to see you awake today. How are you feeling?”
“Better,” Jamie lied. Well it wasn’t entirely a lie. He could talk properly now, he just didn’t want to.
“Are you up to talking to me?” Erin asked.
Had she just read his mind? He wanted to say no but all eyes in the room seemed to be staring at him. He hated disappointing his parents and Lizzie.
“Yes, Doc, but can you do it alone?” Jamie asked, closing his eyes.
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