41: They call me Red…

     

 

 

 

Turn! Turn! Turn! 
by The Byrds
 

To everything turn, turn, turn
There is a season turn, turn, turn
And a time to every purpose
Under heaven

A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep

To everything turn, turn, turn
There is a season turn, turn, turn
And a time to every purpose
Under heaven

 

Months passed, the Paddy Murphy Emergency Shelter was completed. People came and went, some would stay forever. Rhondda and I became close friends with Shakes, Ted, Sean and many of the other residents. Brianna, for the most part, kept busy in the house. Her friends and family visited often. The medical facilities were running smoothly with many addicts in recovery. Ted became an advisor to sobriety converts adopting a twelve-step program. Shakes liked to sit in the shade with his marijuana, Jack Daniels and his thoughts. We indulged him because we knew he wouldn’t be with us much longer. A hard life of sleeping outside through all seasons and abusing his body with drugs and alcohol had weakened his heart. He died several months later. Others helped with farm chores, cooking, cleaning and administration. There was even a learning facility for those who wanted to further their education and acquire new job skills. Each day was a new beginning. In all, there was a feeling of hope.

We were ever conscious of the danger from the bikers, but they were currently at war with another international 1%er club. Since many of our residents were former military and paramilitary, some having fought for years with the Fenians, the Black and Tans or the Provisional Irish Army, we were no longer viewed as an easy target, but as a force to be reckoned with.

For Rhondda and I, this journey had taken some strange turns. We weathered them as well as we could, based on our abilities and knowledge at the time. We would always be haunted by the fear of our real identities being discovered. That would never change, however, our new life in Ireland had brought us much joy as well as heartaches. We sat looking out at the beauty of the natural wonderland that surrounded the farm.  In the distance the mountains…closer a gently flowing spring that fed a river along the foothills.  The sound of the birds and scampering squirrels flitting about in the live oaks filled the sweet breeze that filtered through the open windows, it was hard to imagine that all was not perfect in the world.  Patrick closed his book, “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck, one that I have read several times. We discussed the current state of our world, the political climate and desperate situation of many of our friends and acquaintances were not something we could get past even for the brief time we had together in our private escape. I had been fighting the despair and outright anger at the downward spiral and sense of helplessness brought on by the movement of neo-conservatives advocating the use of force, manipulation and deception, driving radical changes to social policy, repressing society,  enabling large corporations to take over the world. It was clear that our government was lying, covering up and those whose task and responsibility to oversee and prevent the encroachment of this adversarial power could not be trusted. I now felt encouraged by the gatherings of protestors in the streets, something I would have been frightened by in the past. It was satisfying to devote our time and resources to the homeless survivors and those at risk of homelessness. In our minds, we had accomplished a lot. Many had been hurt along the way but, in time, we would have good memories to replace the bad. All in all, we were a happy couple with a large community of friends and a future promising joy and happiness.

In closing we leave you with two Irish proverbs, ‘May you have the hindsight to know where you’ve been, the foresight to know where you are going, and the insight to know when you have gone too far’  and ‘Here’s to a long life and a merry one. A quick death and an easy one. A pretty girl and an honest one. A cold pint and another one!’

Sláinte! 

…

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40: They call me Red…

 

The wake lasted for three days to allow people to come from afar to pay their respects and to say good-bye. It ended when the body was taken out of the house for the last time and moved to the local Church. On the day of the funeral, the coffin was carried by 6 males, family and close friends of Paddy. A Hearse led the procession to the Church with family and friends following behind the males carrying the coffin.

The funeral mass lasted 45 minutes with the priest and loved ones speaking about achievements made by the departed. Again, the coffin is carried by family and friends to the cemetery. 

The farm was quiet as nobody wanted to disturb the reverie. Instead of hammers banging, saws buzzing and drills whining we heard birds singing. Birds brought solace, not just bad omens. In ancient times, it was believed that your beloved departed relative would return to you in the form of a bird, at least for the duration of the mourning period.

Seven bikers were arrested and held in custody until the seven-week trial ended. The judge in sentencing said, “This was an appalling murder. A totally innocent man was cold-bloodedly executed with a firearm in broad daylight. Padraig Murphy was a person with his own work life, his own social life, his own private life, none of these lives, which he enjoyed, was entitled to continue to enjoy, in any way impinged upon your lives. The utter pointlessness of what you did makes his murder more shocking.”

The judge added: “None of you has shown the remotest feeling, consideration or remorse for what you did.

“This dreadful crime, in my judgment, falls into a particularly high category of seriousness because it involved the use of a firearm and because of its cold-blooded and ruthless nature.”

The seven defendants were each given life sentences of approximately 27 years for a combined total of 191 years.

…

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Freedom – Holly Rene Hunter

“Memories, like the corners of my mind
Misty watercolor memories
Of the way we were”

Gladys Knight And The Pips – Way We Were Try To Remember

FREE VERSE REVOLUTION

In the sweet summer

below the rusty fasteners of

an old swing I pump the air

with the spindly legs of childhood,

dream my wide eyed dreams of whirling

pathways to the beckoning sun.

My heart leaps at the sight of a brilliant

rainbow and with small fingers I reach up

to swathe its colors over a bluepalette sky.

Now I know about life,the real truth of it.

Now I know the swing is just freedom.

---

(copyright H. Rene Hunter)

https://houseofheartweb.wordpress.com/

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39: They call me Red…

 

Rhondda and I were startled by the ringing of the phone. On the other end of the line was a sobbing Brianna, “They’ve killed Paddy right on the courthouse steps. We didn’t see it coming. What am I going to do?” I handed the phone to Rhondda and feeling stunned said, “It’s Brianna.”

Rhondda looked at me in confusion. She said to Brianna, “You stay safe, love we’re coming to get you. Just hang on.”

Rhondda and I jumped into the car and sped to the courthouse. We might have been driving into a trap, but leaving a brother behind just isn’t an option. The scene at the courthouse was a mass of police, ambulance attendants and neighbors frozen in shock by what they had witnessed. There wasn’t a motorcycle jacket in sight.

Rhondda searched for Brianna, finding her with a group of women sitting on the courthouse steps. The front of Brianna’s dress was soaked with blood. I saw Shakes, Ted and Sean standing off to one side. Not knowing what to say I asked, “How did this happen?”

Sean was the first to speak. “He came out of nowhere. A normal looking guy wearing a windbreaker, tweed flat cap pushed through the crowd just behind me. Before anyone knew what was happening he pulled a handgun, shot Paddy twice then disappeared back into the crowd. We chased him, but all we found was the abandoned cap and jacket. The cap had been pulled low on his forehead so we never had a good look at his face.”

I walked back to where Rhondda was holding Brianna in her arms. Rhondda provided strength. I broke down in tears. Thinking of all the times that Paddy and I had patrolled the battlefields of the world, it seemed insane that he would be murdered in his home town. He’d always been the twin brother I never had, now half of me was missing and I didn’t know how to function alone. I sat with my head between my knees and bawled my eyes out like a baby. Ted and Shakes sat on one side of me, Sean on the other. I could feel comforting arms around my shoulders. They knew better than to attempt to console me. I was well aware that Paddy had died in my place.

Brianna was accompanied by the ambulance attendants to the mortuary where the post mortem examination was conducted. They prepared the body and transported it in a closed coffin to the farm. It was placed on the dining room table with candles placed at the head and foot for the traditional wake. 

I opened a window in the Irish tradition allowing Paddy’s spirit to leave and closed it two hours later to prevent the spirit from returning to the body. All mirrors were covered with fabric, all curtains closed, all clocks covered and stopped at the time that Paddy died.

Brianna sat in a rocking chair near the casket. At the front door, I greeted friends and who visited bringing food and drinks. They went to the coffin to stand for a few minutes paying their respects or saying a prayer. They were then taken into the other room and offered refreshments.

I pulled up a wooden chair and poured whiskey for Brianna, Rhondda and me. I downed my first two quickly hoping for the numbness to take over. I knew I would be of no help drunk so I turned to reason but found none. We drank a toast. I said, “To Paddy, ‘until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.’ ”  

Once the body was prepared, it was never left alone until after the burial. Someone, usually a woman, sat in the living room until it was taken away. According to custom, crying couldn’t begin until after the body was prepared lest it attract evil spirits that would take the soul of the departed. However, once the body was properly prepared, the keening began. The Caointhe, the lead keener, was first to lament the deceased. Keeners, especially the Caointhe, recited poetry lamenting the loss of the loved one in addition to crying and wailing. All the women in the house joined in, especially as each new caller arrived to pay his or her respects.

The farm that had seemed like a refuge was now a barren war zone.

…

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38: They call me Red…

 

Morning at the Farm

Patrick

I awoke to the sound of rain and the feeling of a warm body behind me. I leaned back slightly to feel more of your breasts against my shoulders. I arched my back to feel your belly and pussy against my ass. I’m in heaven. I reach around with one hand and stroke the firm cheeks of your ass. I fondle them and think of all the pleasure they have given me. I imagine all the parts of you that I can feel, but can’t see. I catch the scent of pine and your perfume and the faraway odor of wood smoke. My life is perfect.

I gently roll onto my back and you take me in your mouth. It feels like paradise. I watch you touch yourself, slowly sliding your fingers into your pussy. I take your hand and suck your fingers individually. You lean into me, your hair falls around me and your breasts fall into my cupped hands, a warm, sumptuous gift of flesh. I kiss each nipple in gratitude, run my tongue around the edges then gently suck them into my mouth. They harden into firm buds and I can feel your intake of breath. The back of my hand touches your ribcage and I feel the quickening beat of your heart.

You trace the veins that extend up my arm and across my chest. As I tighten my fist the veins enlarge like a roadmap then fade when I release pressure. You run your fingers through my chest hair then kiss and gently bite my nipples. Like an electric current my abdomen is jolted with warmth and desire. We deep kiss. I reach back and gently pull the hair at the back of your head so that I can see the beauty and the allure of the woman who is pleasuring herself while looking deep into my eyes. I reach around your hips and with my hands on the cheeks of your ass, I lift and pull your so that your pussy is against my welcoming mouth. I lick your folds, taste your juices, flick and suck your clit with my tongue. You moan with pleasure. As I’m sucking your clit I hum a deep vibrating note that brings you to orgasm. You then slide back and forth over my engorged cock, stroke it with your hand and press it against your wet folds until you are ready to lower yourself onto me. We sink into the depths of pleasure as every nerve is firing. When you’re ready to come you reach back and gently massage my balls. Feeling them tighten I arch my back and you ride me until I’m nearly ready to explode, harder and harder, deeper and deeper. We are both perspiring and slippery. I embrace you with my arms and pull my face to your breasts. I taste the sweat and pull them into my hungry mouth.

You beg me to make you come again so we roll over together, you pull your knees up,  I spread your legs and press your calves against my chest. With my hands at your waist, I pull and push you, testing the depth of your cavity, before exerting pressure. I adjust your legs so that I don’t cause you any pain. Then I plunge in. The bed is rocking. You reach back to grip the slats. I arch my back as I feel my orgasm building. I am wild, out of control, everything depends on riding this climax to the end. My cock erupts and spurts inside you over and over again. I am weak with exertion as I slowly rock back and forth. You lower your legs and squeeze my shaft with your thighs. We hug and kiss deeply allowing our breathing and heartbeats to slow. We luxuriate in the feeling of our bodies pressed together.

Later, you arise and I watch the vision of your legs and ass as you walk to the bathroom. You bring a warm wash that you place over my cock then reach under and gently sooth my balls. We shower together, slowly lathering and caressing each other. Wrapped in bath towels we then lay back on the bed. You pull on your jeans and one of my flannel shirts that you roll up at the wrists. It fits you like a dress. I smile and you bend to kiss me before you leave.

 

Rhondda

The day is dreary, I can hear raindrops falling and slipping down the roof of the cabin. I want to stay in bed but get up and shower, wash my hair, come back to you in bed and snuggle up naked behind you. The warmth of your body is delicious and I stretch mine full against you, my breast pressing into your shoulders, my belly and pussy pushing against your lower back and bare ass. You turn over onto your back, I wet your erection with my saliva and suck you until you are fully erect, I love to see it fall back engorged on your abdomen. I feel my own sex with my fingers and I am slippery and need to straddle you, I lean my breasts forward and you suck and run your tongue around the nipples, they hardened into firm buds and it sends a feeling into my abdomen, sinking into desire, I think your body is beautiful, that you are a beautiful and sexy man. We deep kiss and bite gently each others throat, you gather me by my hair and pull me back. I sit up you watch as I pleasure myself, stoke my clit until it is swollen with desire for you and I am softly moaning, my slant like a feral animal glazed with need. You are engorged and throbbing when I take your cock into my hand and stroke it upwards and hold it against my wet folds and slowly lower onto you. The rush is heavenly, riding you, my hand reaches behind me and caresses your balls gently, feel them tighten, and I ride harder, deeper, and faster, perspiration runs in droplets between my breast and you lean up and suck them again and I feel the sweat on your upper lip. I beg you to make me come and you roll me over, remaining inside me, pull my legs up, bent at the knees, pull them open wide and plunge deeper inside me rocking the bed. I raise my arms to hold onto the brass slats above me. The soft force of your cock at the core of my womanhood is the most amazing and exquisite feeling I can imagine, it triggers an orgasm that is hard and violent and delicious. My hand finds your balls and they spasm and you come in rhythms of waves, Your breathing is hard as your muscles tighten, your eyes close, and you come inside me and it is a paradise for me. When you pull away, our juices run down our inner thighs. We separate and kiss very deeply, there are no words to describe this feeling of complete satiation.

I get up and you watch me walk naked to the bathroom, come back with a warm soft cloth that I place gently over your pelvis and cock, lightly soothing you until our orgasm boils down. We get into the shower together then and bathe one another caressing tenderly.

I slip back into my jeans and put on your shirt because I like the smell of you, you smile. I take another glance at you on the bed, you are already falling into sleep and I close the door behind me.

…

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37: They call me Red…

 

For the third time, a Garda van transported Paddy, Brianna, Shakes, Ted and Sean to the courthouse.  A corridor of police officers protected the witnesses as they entered the Special Criminal Court.

Everyone was directed to their respective places in the courtroom. After a brief wait, the Registrar announced: “All rise. Department One of the Special Criminal Court is now in session. Judge Clarence MacMillan presiding. Please be seated.”

The Judge addressed the court, “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Calling the case of the People of the Republic of Ireland versus Dermot O’Sullivan. The Judges in the case have reached a verdict.

“The Hon. Mr. Justice Brian Cogan will read the verdict.

Judge: “Your Honor, Ms. Justice Isobel Ryan, Mr. Justice Clarence MacMillan and I, Justice Brian Cogan have reached a verdict:  On the charges of theft, illegal weapons and drug offenses the verdict is guilty as charged. On the charge of reckless use of firearms the verdict is guilty as charged. On the charge of attempted murder, the verdict is guilty as charged. 

Justice MacMillan said, “These are very serious charges and the court will defer sentence. Mr. O’Sullivan will remain in custody for sentencing on February 27th.

The corridor of police officers escorted the witnesses upon leaving the courthouse. A large crowd composed of farmers, military personnel and bikers milled about in front of the court. Despite the police presence, a man wearing a business suit and hat pulled low over his eyes stepped out of the crowd with a handgun pointed at the back of Paddy’s head fired two shots. He quickly disappeared back into the crowd.

…

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36: They call me Red…

 

 

Again, a Garda van transported Paddy, Brianna, Shakes, Ted and Sean to the courthouse.  A corridor of police officers protected the witnesses as they entered the Special Criminal Court.

Everyone was directed to their respective places in the courtroom. After a brief wait, the Registrar announced: “All rise. Department One of the Special Criminal Court is now in session. Judge Clarence MacMillan presiding. Please be seated.”

The Judge addressed the court, “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Calling the case of the People of the Republic of Ireland versus Dermot O’Sullivan. Are both sides ready?

District Attorney: “Ready for the People, Your Honor.”

Public Defender: “Ready for the defense, Your Honor.”

Deputy District Attorney: “Your Honor and other Honorable Judges as you have been informed the defendant, President of The Screeching Gnats Motorcycle Club, is charged with the crime of shooting at the home of Padraig Murphy of Carlow town. At the time the home was occupied by Padraig Murphy, his wife Brianna Murphy and various guests staying at the farm.”

Judge: “The prosecution may call its first witness.”

Deputy DA: “The People call the co-owner of the house targetted, Brianna Murphy.

Clerk: “Please stand. Raise your right hand. Do you promise that the testimony you shall give in the case before this court shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you, God?

Prosecution witness: “I do.”

Clerk: “Please state your first and last name.”

Prosecution witness: “Brianna Murphy, your honor.”

Clerk: “You may be seated.”

Deputy DA: “Where do you live?”

Prosecution witness: “My husband and I own a farm near the village of Enniscorthy.

Deputy DA: “Were you there on February 8th?”

Prosecution witness: “Yes, I was. I won’t soon forget that day.”

Deputy DA: “Describe to the court events that happened on the 8th of February.”

Prosecution witness: “It seemed that all of a sudden all hell broke loose. It nearly scared the life out of me. A mortar shell hit close to the house near where a number of people were standing and another hit near the barn. Two more followed striking both the barn and the house. Luckily, neither of those buildings were occupied at the time, however, we are in the process of building a homeless shelter and the barn will be used as to house homeless guests and military personnel suffering from PTSD.

“A few nights later we were awakened by the sound of assault rifle fire and breaking glass coming from an unoccupied upstairs bedroom. Shards were sprayed across the floor. It was a devil of a job clearing up. We still don’t have all the windows replaced. 

“Three nights later we were awoken by the sound of motorcycle engines, rifle shots and breaking glass. The front door was forced and broken. There are hundreds of bullet holes in the front siding. We’ll have to have it completely replaced.”

Deputy DA: “Have you had bad relations with any of your neighbors in the past?”

Home Co-owner: “No, I know most of the neighbors. We get along well.” 

Deputy DA: “Let me be more specific. Have you had bad relations with the motorcycle gang whose clubhouse is near your farm?”

Prosecution witness: “I’ve had no direct dealings with them. From appearances, they’re a scruffy lot, also noisy and rambunctious. They don’t show respect for anybody. If anyone in my family acted like that they’d get their hides whipped. In the past, if I saw them coming I’ll cross the street. Now, I’d wring their necks and throttle them.”

Deputy DA: “Does the name Dane Cross mean anything to you?”

Prosecution witness: ” Since we’ve been building the shelter people have been coming and going at all hours. I don’t know anybody by that name. He may, or may not, have stayed at the farm. If he did he didn’t make much of an impression.”

Deputy DA: Thank you, I have no further questions of the witness. I next call Mark Williams, a temporary resident of the shelter.”

Clerk: “Please stand. Raise your right hand. Do you promise that the testimony you shall give in the case before this court shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you, God?

Prosecution witness: “I do.”

Clerk: “Please state your first and last name.”

Prosecution witness: “Mark Williams, your honor.”

Clerk: “You may be seated.”

Deputy DA: “Where do you live?”

Prosecution witness: “For the last couple of weeks I’ve been working and staying at Murphy’s farm. In the daytime, I work on the construction of the shelter. At night I have a cot and blankets and sleep in the barn. Before staying at the Murphy’s I was homeless.”

Deputy DA: “Were you there on February 8th?”

Prosecution witness: “Yes I was. I don’t think I can add anything to what’s already been said. We were bombed and shot at, it was just like war. I grabbed a pitchfork and went after some of the bikers. I punched a few as well. I used to be a boxer.”

Deputy DA: “Does the name Dane Cross mean anything to you?”

Prosecution Witness: “On the streets, we don’t use names very much. I’m usually called Shakes. It’s because I shake so much. That’s what everybody knows me by. I guess it’s part of getting old. The name Dane Cross doesn’t ring any bells, but I can’t count on my memory. I’m a drug addict. Sometimes I remember things, sometimes I don’t.”

Judge: “Does the defense have any questions?”

Public Defender: “Not at this time, Your Honor.”

Judge: “The witness is excused.”

Deputy DA: “Your Honor, the prosecution has more witnesses, however, the evidence would only be a repetition of what the court has already heard.”

Judge: “Ladies and gentlemen, I am now going to read to you the law that the Judges must follow in deciding this case. To prove the crime charged against the defendant, the prosecution must prove three things: First, that the defendant launched a mortar attack on the property of Padraig and Brianna Murphy, damaging the house and barn; Second, that the defendant and 13 other members of the Screetching Gnats Motorcycle Club shot at the house of the Murphys and Third, that the defendant used illegal firearms and weapons of war. If the Judges believe that the prosecution proved all three of these things beyond a shadow of a doubt, then they must find the defendant guilty. But if they believe the prosecution did not prove any one of these things beyond a reasonable doubt, then they must find the defendant innocent.

“Court is adjourned until the final decision by the three Judges has been reached.” 

…

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35: They call me Red…

 

Court day eventually arrived. A Garda van transported Paddy, Brianna, Shakes, Ted and Sean to the courthouse.  A corridor of police officers protected the witnesses as they entered the Special Criminal Court. This court consists of three judges sitting without a jury and mostly deals with criminal charges involving terrorist organizations, and more recently, charges relating to organized drug activities. The court was established by the Government to hear cases that the ordinary courts might be unable to deal with, because of fears of the possibility of jury intimidation.

Everyone was directed to their respective places in the courtroom. After a brief wait, the Registrar announced: “All rise. Department One of the Special Criminal Court is now in session. Judge Clarence MacMillan presiding. Please be seated.”

The Judge addressed the court, “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Calling the case of the People of the Republic of Ireland versus Dermot O’Sullivan. Are both sides ready?

District Attorney: “Ready for the People, Your Honor.”

Public Defender: “Ready for the defense, Your Honor.”

Deputy District Attorney: “Your Honor and ladies and gentlemen of the jury: the defendants, hereby known as The Screeching Gnats Motorcycle Club, have been charged with the crime of shooting at the home of Padraig Murphy of Carlow town. At the time the home was occupied by Padraig Murphy and his wife Brianna Murphy. Other occupants of the farm stayed in an adjoining building presently under construction to be a homeless shelter. The evidence will show guns, ammunition and club patches confiscated from the shooting site. The defendants were apprehended at the scene. The evidence I present will prove to you that the defendants are guilty as charged.”

Public Defender: “Your Honor and ladies and gentlemen of the jury: under the law my client is presumed innocent until proven guilty. 

Judge: “The prosecution may call its first witness.”

Deputy DA: “The People call the owner of the house targeted, Padraig Murphy. The Prosecution presents to the court the following items as evidence of the crime: photographs of  14 assault rifles, not registered; 14 handguns, also not registered; 14 vests with patches identifying the wearer as a member of the Screeching Gnats Motorcycle Club. 

Clerk: “Please stand. Raise your right hand. Do you promise that the testimony you shall give in the case before this court shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you, God?

Prosecution witness: “I do.”

Clerk: “Please state your first and last name.”

Home Owner: “Padraig Murphy your honor.”

Clerk: “You may be seated.”

Deputy DA: “Where do you live?”

Home Owner: “I own a farm near the village of Enniscorthy. My family has lived there for close to two hundred years. There are over 200 acres of arable land. Currently, 60 acres are in tillage with the remaining in permanent pasture. We raise sheep, cows and horses.”

Deputy DA: “Were you there on February 8th?”

Home Owner: “Yes, I was.”

Deputy DA: “Describe to the court events that happened on the 8th of February.”

Home Owner: “A mortar shell hit close to the house and another hit near the barn. In quick succession, two more followed striking both the barn and the house. Luckily, neither of those buildings were occupied at the time. From the north-east, we had seen the smoke trajectory of the two rounds.

“A few nights later we were awakened by the sound of assault rifle fire and breaking glass coming from an upstairs bedroom. Shards were sprayed across the floor. The room was unoccupied at the time.

“Three nights later we were awoken by the sound of motorcycle engines and rifle fire. The police are aware of the rest.”

Deputy DA: “Have you had bad relations with any of your neighbors in the past?”

Home Owner: “No, I know most of the neighbors. We’re a contented lot on the whole. We see each other at the farmer’s market, that sort of thing.”

Deputy DA: “Let me be more specific. Have you had bad relations with the motorcycle gang whose clubhouse is near your farm?”

Home Owner: “I’ve had neither good nor bad relations with the motorcycle club. I’ve had no reason to associate with them in any way.”

Deputy DA: Thank you, I have no further questions.”

Judge: “Does the defense have any questions?”

Public Defender: “Not at this time, Your Honor.”

Judge: The witness is excused. The prosecution may call the next witness.

Deputy DA: “The People call the arresting officer.” 

Clerk: “Please stand. Raise your right hand. Do you promise that the testimony you shall give in the case before this court shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?”

Officer: “I do.”

Clerk: “Please state your first and last name.”

Officer: “I am Police Inspector, Liam Mac Namara of the Garda Síochána station in Carlow town. Our offices are located on the Athy Road.”

Deputy DA: “Were you on duty on the night of February 13?”

Officer: “Yes. I was in a Garda van patrolling the Mortarstown Upper/Kilkenny Road, highway R448. A radio dispatch informed me of a disturbance near Enniscorthy. When we approached we encountered a gang of armed motorcyclists shooting at the home of Padraig Murphy. We called for backup then returned fire with the gang who was at that time on foot approaching the front of the house.

“There was a brief skirmish, but the gang realized that they were in the crossfire of two armed groups. They soon surrendered their weapons and were taken directly to the Carlow Garda Station to await trial.”

Deputy DA: “I have no further questions.”

Judge: “Is the defense ready with its case?”

Public Defender: “Yes, Your Honor. I call the defendant, Dermot O’Sullivan to the stand.”

Clerk: “Please stand. Raise your right hand. Do you promise that the testimony you shall give in the case now before this court shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you, God?”

Clerk: “Please state your name.”

Defendant: My name is Dermot O’Sullivan.”

Public Defender: “Mr. O’Sullivan, where were you on the night of February 13?”

Defendant: “I was at the farm of Padraig Murphy. We, the Screeching Gnats, had been informed that Mr. Murphy was harboring, Dane Cross, the killer of one of our members, Owen O’Brien who died as the result of cut brake lines on his motorcycle. He died on the first of February. We’ve had many deaths since then.”

Public Defender: “Have you determined that Dane Cross was at the farm of Padraig Murphy on February 13?”

Defendant: “I have no further knowledge of the whereabouts of Dane Cross, other than he had been staying at the farm. We went there to find him.”

Public Defender: “You say that you have no knowledge of the whereabouts of Dane Cross, yet you viciously attacked a private dwelling. Do you admit to shooting at the house.”

Defendant:  Yes.

Public Defender: Have these deaths you speak of been reported to the police?”

Defendant: “No, we haven’t reported anything to the police. That’s not how we operate. It’s a club rule.”

Public Defender: As a matter of curiosity how did your club decide on the name the Screeching Gnats? It doesn’t bring to mind an intimidating presence.”

Defendant: “The Folland Gnat was is a British compact swept-wing subsonic fighter aircraft used by The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team. In the 1970’s I liked to watch them buzz the crowds at air shows. They were intimidating.”

Public Defender: “Am I to understand that you had no grudge against Padraig Murphy? You only believed that he was harboring a murderer. Is that right?”

Defendant: “Yes, that is the case.”

Public Defender: You had no evidence you only suspected that Padraig Murphy was harboring a murderer. Do I have that right?”

Defendant: “We saw a closed circuit camera image of Dane Cross. We would recognize him on sight.”

Judge: “The witness is excused. The prosecution may call the next witness.”

Public Defender: “The Defence recalls Padraig Murphy to the witness stand.”

Paddy took the stand.

Clerk: “I remind you, Mr. Murphy, you are still under oath.”

Public Defender: “Mr. Murphy, you’ve heard the defendant’s statement. How do you respond?”

Home Owner:  “I don’t know the man, Dane Cross, to whom the defendant is referring. I had no knowledge of why my farm was being attacked and why so many innocent lives were put at risk. It was a cowardly act with no clearly defined motive.”

Judge:  “The judges have heard the evidence. To give them time to deliberate I declare the court adjourned for today. We will resume the trial at 10:00am tomorrow.”

…

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34: They call me Red…

 

Another day at the farm. Talk at the table was buzzing about the police visit, possible retaliation from the biker gang, safety was the main concern. Many of the people didn’t want to be interviewed so they packed their belongings and left.

Paddy said, “I can understand how people are feeling. Being attacked here is similar to being attacked in Afghanistan. We may now be in the scope of a sniper’s rifle. If any of you want to join the others who have left you have our blessings. The court case may ease some of the tension. There is no guarantee what will happen after that.

“Let’s put our energy into building the homeless shelter. You can see that the framework is now in place, electrical and plumbing work has been completed. We still need volunteers to help with painting and other cosmetic treatment.”

 

There was a loud cheer from everyone. Paddy went on to say, “Medical equipment is being installed, beds and other furniture will be delivered soon. I offer my thanks to everyone who has been a part of this project.” Another cheer arose.

Patrick talked privately to Paddy, “What do you want Rhondda and me to do? I’m responsible for bringing this trouble to your doorstep. Rhondda has been implicated through no actions of her own other than accompanying me. Pictures of us are still circulating between clubhouses.”

Paddy said, “We’re in it for the long haul. I don’t hold you responsible. I would prefer that both of you stay to help with the shelter, but if you decide to leave I understand.”

Rhondda said, “It doesn’t seem safe for us anywhere. I’d prefer to be here where we can do some good and have protection. We’re sitting ducks wherever we go. I don’t know if that’s ever going to change.”

Patrick said to Paddy, “Point us to the paint brushes, right now that’s where we can do the most good.”

There was a flurry of activity as tasks were discussed and assigned. Everyone was equal and everyone had a say in how construction should progress. A general feeling of goodwill united everyone in their common effort to build their collective home.

…

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33: They call me Red…

 

 

Police Inspector, Mac Namara arrived at the farm before breakfast. He approached Paddy and said, “Fourteen bikers have been charged with attempted murder, reckless use of firearms, theft, weapons and drug offenses. I suggest that neither you nor any other person staying on these premises leave the country until the matter is fully investigated. You will be called as a prosecution witness as well as your wife and others who were present during the attack.

“I notice that there seem to be fewer people here than there was the last time I visited.”

“Our construction crew will be arriving shortly. Apart from that, the population here is highly transient. People stay for as long as they want then leave.”

“I still find it odd that a group of farmers could defend against a fully armed criminal organization. Can you shed some light on this? Is there anything you aren’t telling me?”

“No sir, we had the house as protection. Some of our people were on the roofs firing down on the bikers while they were in the open. I have a bullet-resistant vest that I put on when I heard shots fired. I purchased it after the mortar attacks.”

“You previously said that you knew of no reason a biker gang would attack a farm. Do you stick to that story?”

“Yes, I’m a simple farmer defending myself and my family.”

“We found biker patches from Carlow, Dublin, Limerick, Cork and of all places Florida. You seem to have pissed off bikers from around the world. How did you manage that?”

Paddy answered, “You’ll have to ask the bikers that question. They don’t confide in us.”

“Are there, perhaps some ex-bikers here who may have been homeless or returned here after serving with the armed forces? The reason I ask is that some of the bullet holes in the bikers and embedded in fence posts were fired from illegal weapons. It’s obvious by the size of the holes.”

“I’m sorry, Inspector, I haven’t asked about the past history of people seeking sanctuary here. I also have no knowledge of illegal weapons on the property. You’re welcome to search anywhere you want.”

“That’s something we will do. We don’t need your permission. You and your wife are required at Garda headquarters to view some photos. We haven’t received any cooperation from the bikers.”

“I’ll contact my lawyer and have him meet us at the police station.”

“Do you think you need a lawyer?”

“Of course, Inspector and his first instructions will be to say nothing until he is present. I’ll tell Brianna and we’ll be right with you.

“Do you know the court date? Will there be protection for the witnesses called to give evidence?”

“You and the others appearing in court will have the full protection of the law. We will also post officers around your property and have vehicles patrol the roads for extra surveillance. The court will assign a trial date after all evidence and statements have been collected.”

After returning to the farm, Paddy said, “I expect that the defendants will stand trial before a three-judge, non-jury Special Criminal Court on a date yet to be determined. Briana, Shakes, Bernard and Sean will probably be called as witnesses. Red, Dane and the paramilitary personnel had managed to stay out of sight and had hidden most of the weapons before the police arrived. Paddy’s shotgun, hunting rifle, handgun, pitchfork and a handgun had been confiscated as well as Brianna’s rifle and shotgun, but no other weapons were found at the farm.”

…

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