“But now you work here,” Hannah said. “Don’t you feel any duty of disclosure as to your past activities?” “If that means selling out old friends in the IRA, no. I was Jack Barry’s right hand for years, then let’s say I got disenchanted with the glorious cause and left, and don’t forget how I came to be here. It was either a Serb firing squad or an agreement to work for his highness here, and don’t kid yourself. He was willing to leave me to the firing squad. Don’t let’s be hypocritical–the pot calling the kettle black.” He shrugged. “How clean are your hands, girl dear, after working for this office?”
And that hurt. “Damn you, Dillon!”
Ferguson said, “Cut it out. You’ve got work to do.
Go through this thing with a fine tooth comb. Everything.
Access all intelligence information computers, not.only MI5 and 6 but Scotland Yard, the RUC in Ulster, and the Garda in Dublin. I want a result, so get on with it.”
They went out to Hannah’s office. Dillon said, “Still friends?” She glared at him, then suddenly smiled grudgingly.
“I’ve said it befe. You’re an absolute bastard, Dillon, but I like you.” STANDING IN HIS SHIRTSLEEVES WITH A CUP OF tea in the computer room, Dillon watched as Hannah scanned the screen, then sat back with an angry sigh.
“Not a thing on the RUC computer from Ulster, only Ryan’s previous history and that stops ten years ago.”
“Well, it would, wouldn’t it, he’s been in the Nick since then. Nothing special when I tried Scotland Yard Intelligence records and nothing with Carter’s bunch,” Dillon said.
“My eyes are falling out from looking at that damn screen,” she told him. “I’m going to take a break and make some coffee. How about you?” I’ll make a start on Garda Intelligence from Dublin.” As she got up he frowned and shook his head.
“I’ve gone over it again and again. The track heist, the farm at Folly’s End, Marsh End, the voyage, and then the sinking and that early morning in County Down. Michael and Kathleen taking the road to Dmmdonald and me turning for Scotstown.” “What is it?” she asked.
“I’m missing something. I’ve gone through my own merfiories and reread all the newspaper clippings and there’s something I’m missing.” “That happens sometimes.” “Not to the Great Dillom”., He sat at the computer an.dshe paused in the doorway.
“You could have killed Ryan on the road that morning and taken that Master Navigator. You would have had the position of the ship to give Barry.” “I know.” He grinned. “Aren’t I the complicated oneT” She went out and he started to tap into Garda files.
AT THAT PRECISE MOMENT THE GULFSTREAM was halfway across the Atlantic. Sollazo was up front and appeared to be sleeping. Mori was on the other side of the aisle from him. Ryan and Kathleen sat on either side of the aisle at the back. He’d discovered the small bar and had poured himself a large whiskey.
“Dublin’s fair city next stop. Old Ireland.” He shook his head. “A long time to be away, and it’s all changed, so they tell me. Nothing but talk of peace.”
“Bloody nonsense,” she said. “Put Sinn Fein in the saddle and they’ll drive every Protestant in the
land into the sea. It will be worse than Bosnia.” “The fierce one, you are.”
“And good reason to be as no one knows better than you.”
He reached over and patted her hand. “Just one thing. We’ll have to box clever in Dublin, so hold yofir tongue and don’t vex Jack Barry when you meet him. Just bide your time till we see a chance to run for it.” He reached to the bar and got another whiskey miniature. “Money, that’s what we need.”
“Well, in that respect I’ve not been honest with you! I’ve saved for years, always putting money on one side against that mhd hope that you would break
free. So I cleared my account.”
“Jesus, girl, how much?”
“Fifty thousand, give or take a dollar.” She picked up her shoulder bag. “There’s a false bottom in here.
It’s in there. Half hundred-dollar bills, the rest five hundreds.”