Chapter 6 Lingard Estate 1972 Linen Hall Library Thursday, March 10, 2016 TIFF Lingard046 Manuscript Republican Army, Provisionals English https://www.niliteraryarchive.com/content/lingard046 Linen Hall Library Linen Hall Library Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike CC BY-NC-SA https://www.niliteraryarchive.com/sites/default/files/Lingard046_1.jpg LHL Archive 44 CHAPTER SIX Kevin opened the kitchen door briefly, announced that he was back and closed it before his mother and father could ask him where he had been. He went upstairs quietly for all the children would be in bed, most of them fast asleep. He heard one or two grunts and heavy breathing as he reached the top step. "You're late." Brede was standing on the landing in her pyjamas. "Not that late," Kevin whispered back. "I've been later." "You didn't come in for your tea. Ma was worried." He sighed, wishing that his mother could stop worrying about him. He was nearly eighteen after all and she had seven younger than him to concern herself with. But then he knew that all mothers in theis part of Belfast worried about their sonds when they came home late. They often had cause to. "Shall I tell youWhat to know where I've been?" "Where, Kevin?" asked Brede swiftly. "Oh,nowhere dangerous. TDo you think I've been holed up in a ProvisionalProvo hide-out or something?" "Of course nowt," she said, but there was a slight trace of doubt in her voice. It was always a possibility that a boy of his age would get involved i either by desire or accident with the Irish Republican Army or its splinter group, the Provionals. "Is it a secret?" Text Joan Lingard Tuesday, September 6, 2016 - 10:48 891 Chapter 6 Lingard Estate 1972 Linen Hall Library Thursday, March 10, 2016 TIFF Lingard047 Manuscript Kate English https://www.niliteraryarchive.com/content/lingard047 Linen Hall Library Linen Hall Library Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike CC BY-NC-SA https://www.niliteraryarchive.com/sites/default/files/Lingard047_1.jpg LHL Archive 44 contd. "Yes." She came closer to him. "You can trust me." "I know that or I wouldn’t tell you." "Let me guess. You were out with a girl?" "That’s right." "I shan’t tell Kate." "Kate! I'm not bespoke to her." Brede laughed softly. "Go on then, tell me. Do I know her?" "You did once. Three years ago." Text Joan Lingard Tuesday, September 6, 2016 - 10:48 892 Chapter 6 Lingard Estate 1972 Linen Hall Library Thursday, March 10, 2016 TIFF Lingard048 Manuscript Cave Hill, Baby English https://www.niliteraryarchive.com/content/lingard048 Linen Hall Library Linen Hall Library Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike CC BY-NC-SA https://www.niliteraryarchive.com/sites/default/files/Lingard048_1.jpg LHL Archive 45 "Not Sadie!" He chuckled. "How did you guess?" "She came into my mind earlier for some reason or other." They were quiet as they heard the kitchen door openi and thei Mr M r McCoy go the front door andto lock it for the night. Then Their parents went in to the front do room and prepared for bed. The low sound of their voices floated up to them. After a few minutes there was a creaking of bed springs, and then silence. They spoke more quifetly now. Kevin told Brede of his meeting with Sadie and how they had gone up toon Cave Hill. "Are you seeing her again?" she asked. "I'm taking her to Bangor on Saturday." She sighed. "Is that wiseShould you, do you think" "Ah, Brede! There's an awful lot of things not wisenobody should do these days." He yawned. "I'm away to mygoin' to bed." He fell asleep at once. He could sleep standing up, as Brede often said, but she did not sleep so easily. She lay awake for a while watching the reflection of the street light through the think curtains. She lay thinking of Sadie and Tommy. She wouldn't mind seeing Tommy again but knew she would not. She saw too much trouble all around her to want to cause any more. The McCoy household stirred early in the morning. Mrs McCoy was up first, feeding the baby, and then her husband to who was working at present on a building site, and Kevin who started early in the scrap Text Joan Lingard Tuesday, September 6, 2016 - 10:48 893 Chapter 6 Lingard Estate 1972 Linen Hall Library Thursday, March 10, 2016 TIFF Lingard049 Manuscript Rafferty, Kevin English https://www.niliteraryarchive.com/content/lingard049 Linen Hall Library Linen Hall Library Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike CC BY-NC-SA https://www.niliteraryarchive.com/sites/default/files/Lingard049_1.jpg LHL Archive 46 yard. Brede usually rose early too to help her. Her mother often said that she did not know what she would do without her and that when she married it would be like x losing her right hand. "There’s your lunch boxespieces," said Mrs McCoy to her husband and Kevin, setting two plastic boxes of sandwiehes on the kitchen table. Kevin took his box and went off down the street whistling. It was a fine morning and the birds were chirping from the rooftops. He liked being out before too many people were astir. As he came abreast of the Raffertsy's doorway SteveBrian came out pulling on his jacket. "Hang on a minuteTake your time, Kevin. I’ll walk down with you." "SteveBrian," screeched Mrs Rafferty from inside the house "if you see that father of yours you can tell him he needn't bother coming home again. " She appeared in the doorway in curlers and dressing gown. She had the shrillest voice in the street, and that was saying somethingquite a claim. Kevin took a few steps away. "Good morning, Kevin," she said, noticing him. "Honest, that man of mine is a cross no woman should have to bear.' He'll never put foot over this doorstep again of I have anything to do with it." "For goodness sake, Ma!" SteveBrian said. "You know fine enough you'll have him in." He fell into step beside Kevin and they left her raving to herself. "He'll be back as soon as he plucks up enough courage to face her." He chuckled. "She's the only one he's afraidafeard of." There was a time when Kevin had stood in awa of Pat Rafferty, a Text Joan Lingard Tuesday, September 6, 2016 - 10:48 894 Chapter 6 Lingard Estate 1972 Linen Hall Library Thursday, March 10, 2016 TIFF Lingard050 Manuscript Yard, Fight English https://www.niliteraryarchive.com/content/lingard050 Linen Hall Library Linen Hall Library Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike CC BY-NC-SA https://www.niliteraryarchive.com/sites/default/files/Lingard050_1.jpg LHL Archive 47 six foot four and as broad as an ox, a man who was ready to fight and was afraid of nobody. Except his wife. Kevin had always overlooked that. Now Pat Rafferty bored him, and when the man was drunk he thought he was just stupid. There waswere times too now that SteveBrian bored him, and this bothered himx a bit for they had been friends all their lives. They turned along the road that led to the scrapyard. "I'll come along with you," said Brian. "I've plenty of time. " Kevin glanced at him ssideways. "What's on your mind?" "You're a good patriot, aren't you, Kevin? You always have been." "That's right enough." "You beliveve in the cause?" "Well,of course I do, you know that. I'm a republican." They had reached the gate of the yard. Kate's father was already moving around inside it sorting out bits of junk. Kevin raised his hand in greeting. Brian put his hand on Kevin's armx and said in a low voice,"We have to be prepared to fight for what we believe in,Kevin." No response came from Kevin, so Brian added, "Are you ready to fight?" "I don't see what good it would do." "You can't mean that." Kevin shrugged. "Kevin," Kate's father called, "come and ggive us a hand. I can't get this thing moved." "Just coming, Mr MaloneKelly" "Meet me later, Kevin," said Brianx urgently. "It's important" "Kevin," called Mr MaloneKelly again. "I'm going to drop this blasted Text Joan Lingard Tuesday, September 6, 2016 - 10:48 895 Chapter 6 Lingard Estate 1972 Linen Hall Library Thursday, March 10, 2016 TIFF Lingard051 Manuscript Barricades, Gable-ends English https://www.niliteraryarchive.com/content/lingard051 Linen Hall Library Linen Hall Library Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike CC BY-NC-SA https://www.niliteraryarchive.com/sites/default/files/Lingard051_1.jpg LHL Archive 48 thing on me foot if you don't come soon." "Must go." k Kevin dashed off. "See you later," Brian shouted after him. Kevin helped release Mr MaloneKelly who was half-pinned under the twisted chassis of a car. Mr MaloneKelly wiped the sweat from his brow. He was a small stocky man with amazing strenght in his arms. Years of lifting junk had developed his muscles. Carry on in this business, Kevin, he was always saying, and you'll end up as strong as an ox, and there's nothing a girl likes better than a man with big muscles. Then he would wink knowingly, and in front of Kevin's eyes would flaot a vision of Kate. There were times when he was tempted to give in his notice but work was not all that easy to come by, sm unemployment was high, and they needed the money at home. "I thought you were going to stand there all day gasssing to Brian Rafferty. He's turning into a right tearawayhallion. I would watch yourself there if I were you, Kevin boy.x" "Ach, Brian's all right. Full of hot air at times, that's all." "Just like his dDa, eh?" They laughed. They set off in the old truck in which they collected the scrap, They drove out into one of the the suburbs. Here Trees and flowers bloomed in the neatwell-kept gardens. There were no barbed-wire barricades here or burnt-out cars or words scrawled on gable-ends of houses. All was peaceful. Not a sign even of a soldier about, and only an occasional Text Joan Lingard Tuesday, September 6, 2016 - 10:49 896 Chapter 6 Lingard Estate 1972 Linen Hall Library Thursday, March 10, 2016 TIFF Lingard052 Manuscript Guard, Truck English https://www.niliteraryarchive.com/content/lingard052 Linen Hall Library Linen Hall Library Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike CC BY-NC-SA https://www.niliteraryarchive.com/sites/default/files/Lingard052_1.jpg LHL Archive 49 policeman walked, quite relaxed compared with the ones that trod the beat in their streets, "Sure it's peaceful here, Kevin," sighed Mr MaloneKelly. Kevin agreed, though he was not sure he could have lived in one of those neat villas screened by a hedge with a tidy lawn in front. He could not actually see himself inside it. The troubel was at the moment was that he could not see himself anywhere. His own house did not hold him either. They covered the area, going from house to house, taking their time. Mr MaloneKelly was not one for rushing about. And at lunchtime he disappeared for an hour into a pub and left Kevin to guard the truck. Keain sat on the back in the sun leaning against the tail- board enjoying the warmth on his face. He thought of Sadie and that made him smile, but when he thought of Brian he was uneasy. He was not at all sure that Brian was all right. They stayed out till fair fairly late that evening. Neither of them was xin a mood for going home. "The women are never done fussing," said Mr MaloneKelly. "You and I might as well enjoy our bit of peace while we have it, Kevin." He dropped Kevin off at the end of the roadhis street.. They would unload in the morning. "As well then as tonight," said Mr MaloneKelly and Kevin agreed. When he wentcame in to the kitchen he fac saw Brian sitting in the cornerin the corner waiting for him. "You're late the night," said his fathermother Text Joan Lingard Tuesday, September 6, 2016 - 10:49 897 Chapter 6 Lingard Estate 1972 Linen Hall Library Thursday, March 10, 2016 TIFF Lingard053 Manuscript City Hall, Bingo English https://www.niliteraryarchive.com/content/lingard053 Linen Hall Library Linen Hall Library Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike CC BY-NC-SA https://www.niliteraryarchive.com/sites/default/files/Lingard053_1.jpg LHL Archive 50 "Sure is he ever early?" said his father. "I've been waiting on you this half hour," aid Brian. "Lay off, the lot of you," said Kevin, sitting down at the place set for him onat the table. "I've been working." "Idling around the streets, if I know Dan MaloneKelly," said Mr McCoy. "And that reminds me, it's time you were asking him for a rise." "How can he give me a rise?" "He was supposed to be making a fortune when yiou went to work for him," said Mrs McCoy. "Well, business is slacker now." Kevin began to eat. He was wishing he hadn't bothered coming home at all but had taken a turn round by the City Hall at the same time as last night. Brian was fidgeting with a box of matches turning them over and over in his hand.When heAs soon as Kevin had finsihed his meal, Brian said at once,"Are you right then, Kevin?" He made for the door "Where are you two off to?" asked Mrs McCoy. "Nowhere in particular," said Brian. Kevin followed Brian out. "Where are we going?" he asked, when they were in the street. "To my house. I've somethingt to show you." Brian's mother was out at the Bingo and his father sat in front of the television set looking very subdued. He was nursing a sore head. Brian said he had had too much drink in him the night before and ended up in a fight. "Come on," said Brian. "Up the stairs." Text Joan Lingard Tuesday, September 6, 2016 - 10:49 898 Chapter 6 Lingard Estate 1972 Linen Hall Library Thursday, March 10, 2016 TIFF Lingard054 Manuscript Dynamite, Rifle English https://www.niliteraryarchive.com/content/lingard054 Linen Hall Library Linen Hall Library Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike CC BY-NC-SA https://www.niliteraryarchive.com/sites/default/files/Lingard054_1.jpg LHL Archive 51 They went up to Brian’s room and he closed the door. He was grinning as he looked at Kevin. "You'll never guess what I've got under the bed?" "A stick of dynamite," said Kevin sarcastically. "You're getting near." "What?" Kevin frowned. "Brian, what have you got?" Brian knelt down and pulled a box from under the bed. Kevin crouched beside him. He watched as Brian lifted the lid and removed old newspapers that were lying on top. Underneath was a rifle and several rounds of ammunition. "Whew!" said Kevin softly. "Well, what do you say to that then?" Brian saidt back on his heels with pride. "Surprised you, didn't I?" "You're a foolnit, Brian" "What?" "Very funny" Brina, in a suddenblaze of temper very like his father's, seized Kevin by the shirt. Kevin pushed him backwards and he went reeling against a chest of drawers. Brian was heavier but Kevin's arms were stronger. Brian got to his feet ready to lunge again at Kevin. "Quits it, Brian," said Kevin, "It'll do no good the two of us fighting." Brian's shoulders slumped. The fire was gone out of him. He sat down on the bed. "How the blazeshell do you think you can hide a rifle when the army could be round here at any time searching?" demanded Kevin Text Joan Lingard Tuesday, September 6, 2016 - 10:49 899 Chapter 6 Lingard Estate 1972 Linen Hall Library Thursday, March 10, 2016 TIFF Lingard055 Manuscript Six Counties, Rebels English https://www.niliteraryarchive.com/content/lingard055 Linen Hall Library Linen Hall Library Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike CC BY-NC-SA https://www.niliteraryarchive.com/sites/default/files/Lingard055_1.jpg LHL Archive 51 "I'll have to find a better place. I'm not going to keep it here." "And where do you think you'll find it?" Kevin shook his head. "I had ould Malone'sKelly's yard in mind." "Not on your life! MaloneKelly'd have a fit." "There must be dozens of places in that old yard that even he wouldn't think of looking in. There's rubbish there that hex hasn't turned over for years. You'd know a good place, Kevin." "No," said Kevin abruptly. "So you're not going to help?" "I don't want anything to do with guns. It's madness." "That's not the way you once talked. There was a time when you were full of strong talk ofabout fighting to get the six counties back from England. Up the Rebels!" What's happened to all that now?" "I was younger then." "Some excuse that!" "You've no call to speak to me like that, Brian Rafferty." Kevin's temper was rising now. "I've seenThere's enough people getting killed. It's not much to my likingI want nothing to do with it." "Coward!" "Take itthat back! " Kevin now seized Brian by the shirt. "Why the hell should I?" "Brede almost died. Remmember!" "But she's all right now, isn't she?" Kevin shoved Brian away from him. They had fought often as boys Text Joan Lingard Tuesday, September 6, 2016 - 10:49 900 Chapter 6 Lingard Estate 1972 Linen Hall Library Thursday, March 10, 2016 TIFF Lingard056 Manuscript Traitor, Catholics English https://www.niliteraryarchive.com/content/lingard056 Linen Hall Library Linen Hall Library Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike CC BY-NC-SA https://www.niliteraryarchive.com/sites/default/files/Lingard056_1.jpg LHL Archive 52 but if they were to fight now it would be much more serious. "Where doid you get that lot, Brian?" "Do you think I'd tell you that?" Brian stood up beside him. "Look, Kevin, why don't you join us? You want one Ireland, you do, don't you? There's noo other way but this. There's not, you know it yourself." "I'm not afraid of fighting if I see a need for it, but I'm not for people dying." "But it's the enemy that'll die", cried Brian. "You're not such an eejit as to believe that." Kevin shook his head. "If there's bullets flying your mother could be standing in the road, or mine." He walked over to the door. "So you won't be one of us?" said Brian slowly. "Traitor!" "Call me what you like. There's dozens of Catholics who aren't one of you either, and don't forget that!" "If Brian caught him by the arm. "If you splitlet on you know what'll happen to you." "I won't splitlet on. I'm no informerstool pigeon." Kevin shook himself free. "But be careful what you do with that damned thing. You might blow your own head off with it. You're foolthick enough. for it." He opened the door and went quickly down the stairs. At the foot he looked back up at Brian, who was standing on the top step. Brian held the rifle in his hands pointed down at him. HeBrian laughed softly. "Are you sScared?" Text Joan Lingard Tuesday, September 6, 2016 - 10:49 901 Chapter 6 Lingard Estate 1972 Linen Hall Library Thursday, March 10, 2016 TIFF Lingard057 Manuscript Kevin, Street English https://www.niliteraryarchive.com/content/lingard057 Linen Hall Library Linen Hall Library Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike CC BY-NC-SA https://www.niliteraryarchive.com/sites/default/files/Lingard057_1.jpg LHL Archive 53 Kevin turned his back on him and walked out through the front door into the street Text Joan Lingard Tuesday, September 6, 2016 - 10:49 902