A Fateful Farewell

by James Kilcullen

  Instead of flying back from New York I took the train to Boston and flew to London. There I briefed a senior solicitor; he’s going to New York today with the documentation to lodge a formal complaint with the FBI, telling them he will go public if they don’t act on it.’

  Clinch was astounded. ‘He can buy the law?’

  ‘Money buys everything over there; the leading financial people only ask two questions before embarking on a dodgy deal: how much can we make out of it? And what will it cost if we’re caught?’

  ‘Are you serious?’

  ‘It’s the hypocrisy that gets me. When Spitzer was Attorney General in New York he shafted those people in a big way. Later, as Governor of New York they discovered he was seeing a prostitute. What did they do? They got the authorities to bring him down while they continued openly using brothels themselves.’

  ***

  Kate was surprised to receive a phone call from Nancy; could they meet? It wasn’t that suitable as she was picking up a lovely little bitch for Jack. She agreed to have lunch with her on her way to the cottage and, as she was taking Jill, as she called her, with her she hoped the assurance that she was house trained would prove to be correct. She left Jill in the car.

  Nancy was apprehensive as she showed her guest to a quiet table in the corner of her restaurant.

  ‘Let me get you a glass of wine.’

  ‘No thanks Nancy, I’m driving.’

  ‘Let’s order lunch, then we’ll talk; the sea brill is tasty.’

  ‘That would be lovely.’

  Nancy talked with her assistant returned and sat down.

  ‘Kate,’ she lowered her voice. ‘I’m pregnant.’

  ‘That’s great news.’

  ‘It’s not Cedric.’

  ‘Oh!’

  ‘I’m in a real quandary; I don’t know what to do.’

  ‘What do you want to do Nancy?’

  ‘I could pretend its Cedric’s.’

  ‘I don’t think you should do that.’ She paused. ‘Who’s the father?’

  ‘You remember that fellow that had me a few times last year; he came back to town some months ago. I like the guy Kate; he wants me to have an abortion.’

  ‘What do you want?’

  ‘I don’t know; I want a baby but how can I have the baby of a man who raped me?’

  ‘Nancy, you’ll have to decide; this man is not interested in you or the baby.’

  ‘What am I going to do?’

  Kate could see she was desperate but how could she take on the responsibility for offering advice?

  ‘I cannot see any future in your relationship with this man. You’ll have to decide.’

  ‘I don’t know what to do.’

  Kate walked back to her car in a very thoughtful mood; it surely is a strange world. Thankfully, Jill had behaved like a perfect lady.

  ***

  Cedric was seeing off one of his patients when Kate called; he made coffee and led the way to his sitting room as it was cold outside. He was in a reflective mood which was unusual for him.

  ‘What is it Cedric?’

  ‘Ernie has a new partner; he’s taking a job with a radio station in the midlands.’

  ‘I’m so sorry.’

  ‘I’ll miss him. Our friendship was platonic; he wanted to change it: I couldn’t do that.’

  ‘Cedric, my mother used to say: “if the Lord closes a door He’ll surely open a window.”

  ***

  Kate laughed when it was suggested she wear white for her wedding; she picked a lovely beige dress that didn’t conceal her bump; she was pleased about that. They decided to marry in the Registry Office in Castlebar in the presence of May and Cedric and RG and Peg. Nancy sent a lovely present but was unable to come. Rory who was in Berlin sent his best regards.

  It was such a happy day for Kate; one she thought she would never see; the greatest joy came from the two young lives within making their presence felt a little more every day. John couldn’t believe he had lived to see this day.

  Afterwards they adjourned to a luxury hotel in its own grounds in Pontoon by Lough Conn where a special wedding breakfast was waiting for them. But first, there was another session with the photographer. The speeches were short and sincere. When Kate finally stood up holding her glass of Champagne she smiled happily.

  ‘I’m so grateful to all of you and especially to John for being here today.’ She put her hand on his shoulder and raised her glass. ‘This toast is to you all.’ She paused and grinned. ‘I will not take another drink or smoke another cigarette until our two pets get married.’ She paused again. ‘And we’ve already had the honeymoon.’

  ***

  At the invitation of the Foundation, representatives of the charitable organisations operating within Ireland attended a conference at the Clew Bay Hotel in Murrisk. May made all the arrangements. All forty guests were provided with two night’s accommodation and meals at the hotel.

  The conference was held in the banqueting suite, a magnificent hall on the first floor overlooking the bay. The happy chattering crowd, mostly ladies, took their seats facing a raised dais where the directors sat. John sat in the centre with Kate and Rory on one side and RG, Cedric and May on the other.

  He opened the meeting.

  ‘You are all very welcome here to this unusual get together. First let me introduce my colleagues; beside me Kate Molloy, my wife who is a nurse; Rory, now a director, is an accountant; on my right RG, who is a solicitor amongst other things; Cedric who is a Psychiatrist, May who is permanent secretary and I’m John Smith a software designer.’

  A heavily built man interrupted him angrily.

  ‘I’ve been looking at the blurb you sent us. You people know nothing about running charities. You should appoint some of us to show you how it’s done.’

  John decided to ignore him.

  ‘We have invited you here today as representatives of charities operating within Ireland including Northern Ireland.’

  He was interrupted again by the same man.

  ‘People from the north have no business here.’

  There was a murmur of disapproval. John continued.

  Our Foundation has four strands: to assist charities in Ireland; to help NGO’s operating internationally; to operate a burse system for students who would not otherwise obtain third level education; and finally financial assistance for approved business ventures.’

  His detractor roared.

  ‘Where is the money coming from for all this? If you’re operating a charity you can’t be helping out every Tom Dick and Harry.’

  John looked directly at him.

  ‘You’re no longer welcome here; you can leave now.’

  He roared back.

  ‘I’ll leave when I get answers to my questions.’

  John looked at his watch.

  ‘We will break early for coffee, during which we will have the opportunity to meet some of you less formally.’ He paused. ‘If that gentleman is still here when we resume we’ll cancel this conference.’

  The other guests rose and gave him a standing ovation.

  RG took out his mobile. ‘I’ll take care of that bastard John.’

  Kate was delighted to mingle with such dedicated people while they had coffee. The detractor sat alone in a corner ignored by everyone. When they filed back into the conference room RG was standing at the door with two Gardai from Westport. Refused entry the detractor tried to barge his way past the Gardai who arrested him and led him away. With everyone seated John smiled as he resumed.

  ‘Well now we can get down to business. It was lovely to meet so many of you during the break. Our purpose is to provide your charities with some funds on an annual basis; to do this we need to know a little about what you do. I would like each of you to submit a brief application at the end of June each year setting out how much you would like to receive.’ He paused and smiled. ‘That doesn’t mean you’ll get what you ask for but it will help us allocate funds. We will build
up a separate disaster fund.

  Let me fill you in on the rest of our schedule. After lunch we will take you by coach to Achill Island and on the way visit our first project, a recently extended orphanage supported by the Foundation. We will have dinner and entertainment at the hotel and wish you a safe journey home tomorrow.

  I’m sure you have many questions. I will take them all together now and then give you as much information as I can.’

  During the next fifteen minutes May recorded their questions and passed the list to John; he perused it carefully.

  ‘It’s good to see most of you have the same questions.

  The Brigid Foundation is named after my dear old grand mother who was reared in an orphanage in the south of Ireland; I don’t know which one. She never knew her people and she didn’t like nuns.’

  That raised a few smiles.

  ‘The Foundation is a free standing unlimited liability company with no shares; it’s controlled by the five directors you see before you; each director receives an annual salary and expenses and no other remuneration.

  Should a director depart the scene the remaining directors will appoint an associate director who may or may not be elevated to full directorship? My wife Kate is the life chair person and holds the casting vote. The Foundation will employ experts in various fields from time to time.

  Now as regards continuity: the Foundation owns a large first class property portfolio in some of the principal cities of the world; all properties are leased to first class tenants who pay rent quarterly. We’re guaranteed a fixed income which comes in many different currencies and we expect that figure to keep rising. A leading firm of accountants supervises day to day activities.

  For obvious reasons I can’t give you figures. And you can relax; we will not be taking any interest in your internal affairs; once you receive your annual allocation we won’t expect to hear from you until the following year. Finally, the Foundation is a privately run organisation; we do not make public statements, seek publicity or publish accounts. One more thing: our support for your organisations is private. Now, if you’re all happy we’ll go to lunch.’

  A young lady in the front row stood up.

  ‘Mr Smith I believe I speak for everyone here when I express our gratitude for your support and kindness in inviting us to visit this lovely area.’

  A standing ovation followed.

  ***

  When Kate called to Nancy at the restaurant she found her a bit more relaxed; they sat in a corner and had coffee.

  ‘Kate, I’ve had a long chat with Cedric; I told him everything; he explained things to me but didn’t tell me what to do.’ She paused. ‘I’ve decided to have the baby; after all it’s my baby too.’

  ‘I’m so pleased.’

  ‘And I’ve got rid of yer man.’

  ‘Good,’

  ‘Cedric told me he still loves me and even offered to marry me.’

  ‘And will you?’

  ‘No.’

  ‘Will you be seeing him again?’

  ‘Yes but only as a friend.’

  ‘Have you had a scan?’

  She smiled. ‘I have and the little lady is perfect. How are you getting on?’

  She put her hand on her bump. ‘I’ve got two lively ones here.’

  ***

  Kate visited Dr Helen Rutledge in Castlebar once a month. Although still in her thirties she was highly experienced and had four children of her own. A kindly sympathetic doctor she took good care of her patients. After six months she became a bit concerned; the babies were in good health but so big for this stage in their development that she felt they might come early. She decided to mention it to Kate.

  ‘So long as they’re healthy Helen I’ll put up with them.’

  ‘Are you sleeping well?’

  She grinned. ‘As well as they let me; I get four to five hours most nights; now that I’ve given up the job I’ll be able to rest more during the day.’

  ‘Good. Get as much rest as you can. I want to see you again in a month.’ She paused. ‘We might have to consider a section.’

  ***

  Kate moved into the cottage full time just as the contractors moved out. The renovated building now had three bedrooms, a nursery, an office, central heating and new furnishings. Tastefully designed it enhanced the external appearance.

  Kate furnished the nursery and bought a double quantity of baby clothes; she selected the items she would take with her to the hospital packed the lot in a suitcase and put it aside. John drove her everywhere now; she could no longer sit comfortably behind the wheel of her car. They visited little Noirin’s grave every week.

  John was still driving the old Ford he hired from Ned Wallace when he first came to Westport. Kate warned him. ‘You’ll have to get a bigger car than that heap of scrap when the lads arrive.’ She grinned.

  ‘Ned has ordered automatic two litre estate cars; one for each of us.’

  ‘Fancy that; me driving a big automatic!’

  ***

  Following a check up after eight months Dr Rutledge became worried.

  ‘Kate, I would like to take you in next week.’

  ‘Oh.’

  ‘Your blood pressure is a bit on the high side although that’s not unusual with twins.’ She paused. ‘I think we’ll schedule a section.’

  ‘Do you really think that’s necessary?’

  ‘I do. Come in on Tuesday? I’ll arrange a room in the private clinic.’

  ***

  John drive Kate, with her suitcase, into the new clinic in its own grounds surrounded by trees. Checked in, she was shown to a lovely private room overlooking the back lawns. Time passed slowly while she settled in but she remained cheerful and optimistic; her doctor monitored her regularly. John spent most of his time with her. She got out of bed twice a day and he helped her walk along the corridor.

  A much happier Nancy visited her.

  ‘How are you Kate?’

  ‘I’m fine. Those two have been kicking me around for months; I’ll sort them out as soon as they arrive,’ she grinned. ‘I don’t mean that; I’m sure they can hear me so maybe they’ll take it easy.’

  ‘I’ll be in here myself in a few months,’ she enthused.

  ‘How are you feeling?’

  ‘I had a touch of morning sickness but I’m past that now.’

  ‘I think you made the right decision.’

  ‘Cedric assures me I did.’

  Peg and RG, Cedric and May visited and helped her pass the time; she was well known by the nurses and her doctor checked her out every day.

  ***

  Feeling that all was not well Kate asked the nurse to get the doctor. Helen Rutledge arrived five minutes later, listened to the heart beats and ordered an immediate section. After a mild sedative Kate lost track of events; she vaguely remembered being wheeled into theatre and her doctor standing over her in a white gown. She thought she heard a baby crying at some stage and awakened back in her bed feeling very fuzzy.

  Her doctor arrived shortly afterwards.

  ‘Kate, you have a lovely little boy and girl. They’re fine. They were a bit distressed arriving so suddenly so I’ve put them in incubators for the moment.’

  ‘When can I see them?’

  ‘You have to rest now; I’ll bring them later. You’ve had a rough time too. We’re going to check your bloods and I’m going to get Dr Niamh Hoban to see you.’

  Kate lay back too exhausted to take in the full implications.

  When John arrived he found Kate sleeping; he went to the nursery and gazed in awe at his two little beauties; completely relaxed, they were fast asleep.

  He asked to see the doctor and was shown to her office.

  ‘John,’ she began. ‘The babies are fine. Kate has an infection. We’ve sent the bloods to the lab; we should get the results later today.’

  He was shocked. ‘Is she in any danger?’

  ‘I’ll be happier when I know what we’re dealing with.’

>   ***

  Kate slept most of the time, had some tea and toast but clearly wasn’t well. John sat with her and refused to go home. She wanted to see her babies; the doctor assured her they were fine and suggested she wait until she was stronger. John went to the nursery again and took photos on his mobile phone; she was delighted.

  ‘They’re so lovely; I want to hold them in my arms and cuddle them.’

  He grinned. ‘You’ll have plenty of time for that. I’ve asked our children’s nurse to be ready to take up duty as soon as you come home.’

  The doctor entered the room.

  ‘You have an infection Kate; I’m going to put you on antibiotics.’

  She gave her an injection and set up a drip. Afterwards Kate lay back on the pillow.

  ‘This has knocked more out of me than I expected.’

  The doctor smiled. ‘Rest now; you’ll feel better tomorrow.’

  When she left Kate perked up a little.

  ‘Go home now John; you can come in later.’

  ***

  When John arrived in the morning there was a “No Visitors” sign on Kate’s door; entering he found her apparently asleep. The nurse asked him to come to the doctor’s office. Dr Rutledge was worried.

  ‘I’m sorry John. So far Kate hasn’t responded. I’ve called in Dr Adams the Haematologist; we’ve done the bloods again; she has sepsis; he’s changing her antibiotics.’

  He was shocked. ‘She doesn’t look well.’ He paused. ‘Doctor, am I going to lose her?’

  She hesitated. ‘The next 24 hours will be crucial.’

  ‘Can I sit with her?’

  ‘Of course. I’ll get one of the nurses to bring you a coffee.’

  ***

  Uppermost in his mind was the thought that his beloved Kate could not be lost to her lovely twins. He prayed silently to all the gods to leave her to her babies; she deserved that and so did their little ones. For his own part she was the love of his life; he could not bear the thought of losing her.

  The new drugs were administered intravenously; she was put on a heart monitor. Checked again by the specialist she showed no signs of change. John refused lunch and continued to sit with her.

  At five in the afternoon Dr Rutledge asked him to come to her office where Dr Adams was waiting for him.