Eventually, the talk of violence and destruction drained from the conversation and she began to open up and speak about her personal life. Her marriage was disintegrating. The drunken abuse from Brendan meant she’d reached the point where she could take it no longer. She wanted to leave but had no money, nowhere to live, and no one she could talk to with any trust. She was opening up to Reece in her own way, a cry for help, without coming straight out and saying so. She was a proud woman. Reece reassured her as best he could. He told her he would always be there for her and he would help her, one step at a time, to leave Brendan and find a new life just for her.
Throughout the night, Reece had to keep reminding himself to be professional. Getting personally involved would be dangerous. But he couldn’t help himself. There was something about this woman that broke down his barriers. Her beauty, her vulnerability, her intelligence. All combined to overwhelm his senses. He found himself holding her hand across the table, looking into her dark eyes, and smiling when she smiled. Reece had been through bad relationships, marriage, and divorce, so he could understand her pain although his pain had been psychological. He could see the tears welling in her eyes.
He felt that night that he’d said what she’d hoped to hear. When he walked her to the taxi rank, she was quiet. As they parted, she squeezed his hand and, leaning close to him, she kissed him on his cheek. As she turned towards her taxi, she looked back over her shoulder and said, with a smile, that she’d enjoyed the evening and she’d call him soon.
Reece had told her in the restaurant that if she ever needed to talk to him on a matter that would take time to discuss and if she could make it, Corrigans would be the place to meet. Otherwise, the laneways, lay-bys, and secure safe houses in Northern Ireland would have to do.
Now, as one o’clock approached, he watched her get out of a taxi further down the street and casually check around. Deciding she was clear, she walked up the street towards him and into Corrigans fifty yards away.
Chapter Eleven
Reece spoke into his mike again. ‘Control, target arrived safely and moving to rendezvous, will be in touch.’
‘Roger, Alpha One, understood, standing by.’ The voice sounded loud in his ear, but he knew that only he would have heard it.
Reece walked the fifty yards to Corrigans, entering at one o’clock on the dot.
The restaurant was busy, but he was able to spot Mary seated near the window, facing the door and before the maître d’ could ask him if he needed a table, Reece said, ‘I’m OK thanks, my friend’s already here.’
Mary smiled as he sat down. ‘I’ve always wanted to come back here ever since my theatre weekend when you wined and dined me.’ Reece loved her smile. It seemed to light up the whole world. Her eyes sparkled, her smile meant she cared when she asked, ‘How are you, Joseph?’
‘I’m well.’ Before he could say anything more, the waiter hovered at the table.
‘Good afternoon, my name is John, and I’ll be your waiter today.’ After presenting them with menus, they both ordered the soup of the day and the wild Atlantic salmon in a dill, garlic, and parsley sauce.
‘How about some wine, Mary? The one we had the last time?’
‘That would be wonderful.’
‘We’ll have a bottle of Chablis and can you bring some ice water as well please?’
‘A very good choice, sir.’ The waiter nodded his head and walked back towards the bar at the rear of the restaurant.
‘Now,’ said Reece. ‘Where were we? I’ve always liked this place. Maybe it’s the Irish name that reminds me of home, or maybe it’s that the bar reminds me of Robinsons bar opposite the Europa in Belfast. Or, maybe, it’s just that it brings back good memories all around.’
‘I know what you mean. Maybe that’s why I like it too. I sat here yesterday eating alone but somehow it still felt like you were here.’
‘I didn’t get your message until late yesterday. But, I’m here now; we can talk while we eat.’
Reece noticed that Mary had put in the effort. She’d dressed well for lunch. She wore a navy-blue trouser suit with a white linen blouse and a dark blue scarf hanging loosely around her neck; a simple set of pearl earrings and matching necklace. Light red lipstick with a dusting of brown eyeshadow enhanced her eyes and olive skin. He was sure a few of the customers and staff had noticed her when she’d come into the restaurant. The waiter brought the wine letting Mary sample a taste before pouring for both and leaving the bottle with the bucket of ice on the table.
Reece tasted the wine. Memories of the last time he’d been here with her. He’d thought that now he’d left Special Branch all those days were behind him, yet here she was again as if there had been no ceasefire, no Peace Process, and the dangers had returned. Despite the wine, his mouth felt dry and he was sure that throbbing pain in his shoulder was stronger than yesterday.
‘So, Mary, your message was pretty specific. Democracy is in danger. What’s up?’
She smiled. ‘What, no small
