Salvation Army
I: Monday, May 23,
2005: Wessex, England
I look up on this evening as I have countless evenings for almost seven decades.
And as on so many of those evenings, as it is tonight, the rain falls gently, beating on my face. The stars are obscured. No umbrella tonight for whatever reason. I just didn't feel like it.
Tonight should be momentous God willing.
Success? Or failure.
It will not be easy, by any means. But I need try. Yet another piece of my puzzle may very well fall into place. With any luck the solution I seek will be successful. It is simply Plan A.
And of course, there is a Plan B.
For now, Plan A.
I have some time to but gaze.
Down that path, the long straight path, where for centuries past did noble Lancasters tread.
No more do they reside. No more nobility. Honour. Dignity.
There liveth the tyrant.
Where once was the House of Lancaster. Is now the House of Satan.
So much stoic respectability now tarnished. If it were to burn down I would not shed a tear.
I laugh silently.
I would gladly salt the ground thereafter.
A flash of lightning in the distance directly over the Estate.
The lights inside flicker on then off, then on again.
The rain picks up a bit in intensity. I adjust the collar around my trench jacket. An old man shouldn't get soaked like this. Pneumonia is not a fellow I ever wish to meet.
The cab I had sitting, waiting, all this time, on the clock.
But I best be on my way. I have people waiting for me in the village.
I quietly walk back to the cab and open the door.
The woman inside smiles.
"Forgive me for keeping you waiting my Lady."
She continues her smile.
"It's okay Simkins. Let's go."
II: Monday, May 23, 2005: The Red Rose and Gryffon Public House, Wessex, England
We find Seamus sitting alone already, the pub empty but for him.
The owner is the same as that who owned the small public house which once sat at the edge of the Lancastrian Estate lands for centuries, until only a few months ago, when Avarice closed it down, denying another old man his livelihood. Thank God he was able to get this small old house in the village main street and convert it to a public house.
Seamus' head hangs low. A bottle of scotch his only companion. I do not know the man terribly well, save for his trips to the Estate when he and my former master used to sit, drink, and drink...and drink.
He hears us approach and lifts up his head. A small smile crosses his face as myself and her Ladyship stand before him.
"Mr. Finnegan, it is gracious of you to come, and very good to see you again." I extend my hand and he takes it. Gone was the strong firmness I knew from before.
"Aye, good to see ye as well...it's been a long time."
He turns to Stephanie and smiles kindly. The two embrace warmly.
"Seamus you're looking well."
"Auch, that's kind of ye to say...it's been a difficult time lately, as I'm sure yer well aware."
We all three sit down.
I force myself to keep track of my former master's career, and am well aware of what he did to Seamus all those weeks ago.
"I am aware fully of what that bastard did to you before he became this 'Avarice.' I'm glad you weren't too seriously hurt, I hope."
Seamus nods. "Aye, aye...scars heal in time...physical ones, that is...but the emotional scars, they never do, do they?"
Her Ladyship and I shake our heads "no."
"I'm so sorry he did that...I...I don't know who or what he is anymore of course...I..."
I cut her off. Not gentlemanly of me by any means, but I was compelled. "Your Ladyship you have no reason to try and give account for his actions. At times there is no explaining why a man does the things he does. In his case, there is and she has brunette hair and an appetite for materialism unsurpassed." I cannot withhold my disdain.
Seamus shakes his head. "Ach, women...can't live without 'em...can't afford 'em either!"
"And how's your wife Seamus? I have not heard from her in ages."
The topic obviously struck a chord with the Irishman.
Seamus sadly lowers his head, and shrugs his shoulders. "Well Steph, yer guess is as good as mine, really...[a pause, and a sigh] she's left me."
My eyes grow wide as her Ladyship gasps audibly, putting a hand over her mouth. She reaches out and put a hand on Seamus' which tightly grips his scotch glass.
At the most inopportune time the inn keeper, an old friend of mine, came by. He smiles happily and cheerfully greets me. I pull his ear down and told him it was not the right time to chat and just asked for a few moments. He gladly complies.
With him gone, Stephanie spoke.
"I don't want to pry Seamus, but if you want to talk about it, I'm sure Simkins won't mind, and neither do I."
Seamus nods in agreement. "Aye, well...she wanted me to call it quits, and I was ready to do it...oh aye, I was all set to walk away, until that feckin' eejit did what he did and changed EVERYTHING...she was angry at what he did, but she never wanted me to go back and exact revenge, because she knew where it would lead...when I showed up at Reindeer Games...she was gone when I got home...there was nothing of her things left, or our son...[taking a sip of the scotch] just a note."
Stephanie shakes her head in amazement. "I mean...what about your son? Did she call you? Did you try and talk things out? Did..."
She cut herself off this time.
"I'm sorry, I have so many questions."
"Aye, well, I called her at her father's...Eamon, my old mentor...she told me that she could see what was going to happen, that this whole war was going to escalate further and further, and she didn't want to stand by and watch my downfall, so she said...in truth though, I reckon there was another."
That obviously begs the question. "What," I ask.
Seamus lowers his head...
"Another man...oh aye, she fed me those excuses in her notes, but I saw them...the text messages and the calls on her phone...I overheard her one night, speaking of leaving and going away...but I didn't want to believe it were true...I loved her...I LOVE her...and our son...but I guess love just isn't bloody good enough for her...not mine, anyway."
"Then may I suggest a remedy, sir," I said forcefully.
Seamus' eyes lit up slightly. "Aye, and what would that be, Simkins?"
"Seek vengeance on those you may...if it is vengeance you seek. If not, perhaps...solace. Solace in saving a man's soul."
Seamus closes his eyes for a moment, soaking in every word. "Aye...and in saving his soul...I save my own as well..." His eyes open, an almost long-forgotten spark in his eyes had at long last, returns. "What must I do, Simkins?"
I deeply sigh. Good question. I search my mind. "First. You must accept that Robert Edward James Lancaster II still exists. Somewhere. That this man whom you see, the man whom attacked you, the man who has turned his back on you is not the same man you once knew and called friend, is not the man you held the World Heavyweight Tag Team Championship with, is not the man you spent countless hours laughing and drinking with."
I must convince him on this point. Or all is for naught.
"Aye...indeed." Seamus nods. "He's the same as he ever was, in spite of the name he's taken to calling himself...and he's not beyond absolution."
I am a bit surprised by his response. He believes he's the same as he always was...I believe otherwise. But no matter. He believes there is hope. Good.
"I'm glad to hear that. Second. What would you say to trying to simply talk to him. Try to reach out."
Seamus raises an eyebrow. "Talk to him???"
Seamus shakes his head.
"There's nay talkin' to him, Simkins...not what he's become, anyway...there's nay reasoning with that. Nay, talkin' to him is beyond my speakin' abilities...but I do believe I know someone who can speak his language, if ye catch my drift."
I look at him puzzled. "Whom?"
"Let's just say a very close, personal friend of mine...he's about so long, made out o'wood...answers to the name o' 'Mr. Shillelagh.'" Seamus winks at me.
We laugh, save for her Ladyship. I wonder.
"But in all reality. Will you not even try Mr. Finnegan. Not even face-to-face. Over the phone. Try and reach that one iota of sanity that must be deep inside him somewhere..."
Seamus thinks for a moment, then nods. "Aye, that I can try...I can't promise anythin', but I'll try my level best...still, if all else fails..."
"That's all I ask. Thank you. And I thank you for understanding why I am so vehement in my efforts. I know you must be wondering at times why does he care so much about this son of a bitch. The same son of a bitch you smashed my bloody face in. But no matter what happens, please know, both of you, that I am doing this for a higher end."
I glance at her Ladyship and Seamus.
Seamus raises his glass. "I'll drink to that...to a higher end."
Seamus gulps some more scotch down.
"I think we all could use a few drinks."
Simkins nods happily and excuses himself from the table for a few moments, leaving an order for a glass of red wine.
It is now Stephanie and Seamus left alone for a few moments.
"If you ever need to talk Seamus, please call me. I must admit you're not the only lonely one. I've done very little dating since our divorce...I know it was so long ago."
Stephanie catches the attention of the inn keeper, and relays Simkins' order for red wine, and her order for some white.
"Aye, well...divorce hasn't become a reality yet for me, but nay doubt, it will be soon...I could do wi' any words o'wisdom ye might be able to impart, that's fer sure."
"Needless to say it's not easy." She laughs quietly to herself. "Doubly so when you have to look at your little boy and see your ex-husband in his eyes, in his smile. You know for all that that bastard did to me..."
The inn keeper brought two glasses of wine. They thank him.
"As I was saying...for all that he did to me." She looks right into Seamus' eyes. "I swore that I would destroy him. Him along with her, and everything they represent. They ruined my life Seamus in so many ways. But...I might do what Simkins suggested to. I am not above trying to talk to him, no matter how strongly parts of me just want to totally turn my back on him. I just don't know him anymore. I almost wouldn't know where to begin."
She sips some of her wine.
"At least you know that bitch more than I do...that gives you a bit more perspective."
Seamus nods. "Aye, that I do...that I do...[his eyes suddenly lit up] Tell ye what, Steph...I can help ye...what would ye like to know about...her?"
Stephanie sits silently for a moment, unsure what to ask. "I think I have just one question...does she love him?"
Seamus' eyebrow rises. "Love? Love, ye say? Steph, I don't think love even enters into the bloody equation where she's concerned. He's blinded by lust, and she only has dollar signs in her eyes, as far as I can tell...nay, Steph...I don't think so."
Tears well up in her eyes. She quickly gets to her feet and pulls out a Twenty Pound note.
"I...I'm sorry Seamus, I have to go. Tell Simkins I...I'm sorry..."
Seamus stands up. "I'm nay leaving you to leave on yer own lass. Come on then." Seamus leaves a Fifty Pound note on the table for his scotch.
The two look to leave. Steph heads out the door when Seamus catches Simkins returning to the table. The Irishman hurries over to Simkins.
"Simkins, Steph's a wee bit upset...if it's okay with ye I'm just going to see her home. Going to come?"
"No, I cannot...I have to see someone else. But do tell her Ladyship I shall nip along smartly in a short while. Thank you Seamus." I shake the fine Irish gentleman's hand.
"Nay problem Simkins. We'll be in touch." Seamus leaves.
My own Salvation Army has now doubled to two. Convincing her Ladyship to even consider reaching out to the rogue of Wessex was not easy. Seamus showed his true heart and soul tonight in showing as little hesitation as he did. But he's a man of conviction. He will try words. If not...violence. Truth be told. That satisfies me just fine.
I ingratiate my taste buds with some red wine. Soothing.
I sit with my mind wandering for I don't know how long until the door opens. And there he is.
Full of the youthful vigor that left me.
The new Head of Household of the Lancastrian Estate, the man who replaced me after five decades of service. James.
I stand and greet him.
"Jim, thank you for coming."
"Mr. Simkins, nice to see you." We sit.
"So what can I do for you."
I smile.
"Many things."
I look up on this evening as I have countless evenings for almost seven decades.
And as on so many of those evenings, as it is tonight, the rain falls gently, beating on my face. The stars are obscured. No umbrella tonight for whatever reason. I just didn't feel like it.
Tonight should be momentous God willing.
Success? Or failure.
It will not be easy, by any means. But I need try. Yet another piece of my puzzle may very well fall into place. With any luck the solution I seek will be successful. It is simply Plan A.
And of course, there is a Plan B.
For now, Plan A.
I have some time to but gaze.
Down that path, the long straight path, where for centuries past did noble Lancasters tread.
No more do they reside. No more nobility. Honour. Dignity.
There liveth the tyrant.
Where once was the House of Lancaster. Is now the House of Satan.
So much stoic respectability now tarnished. If it were to burn down I would not shed a tear.
I laugh silently.
I would gladly salt the ground thereafter.
A flash of lightning in the distance directly over the Estate.
The lights inside flicker on then off, then on again.
The rain picks up a bit in intensity. I adjust the collar around my trench jacket. An old man shouldn't get soaked like this. Pneumonia is not a fellow I ever wish to meet.
The cab I had sitting, waiting, all this time, on the clock.
But I best be on my way. I have people waiting for me in the village.
I quietly walk back to the cab and open the door.
The woman inside smiles.
"Forgive me for keeping you waiting my Lady."
She continues her smile.
"It's okay Simkins. Let's go."
II: Monday, May 23, 2005: The Red Rose and Gryffon Public House, Wessex, England
We find Seamus sitting alone already, the pub empty but for him.
The owner is the same as that who owned the small public house which once sat at the edge of the Lancastrian Estate lands for centuries, until only a few months ago, when Avarice closed it down, denying another old man his livelihood. Thank God he was able to get this small old house in the village main street and convert it to a public house.
Seamus' head hangs low. A bottle of scotch his only companion. I do not know the man terribly well, save for his trips to the Estate when he and my former master used to sit, drink, and drink...and drink.
He hears us approach and lifts up his head. A small smile crosses his face as myself and her Ladyship stand before him.
"Mr. Finnegan, it is gracious of you to come, and very good to see you again." I extend my hand and he takes it. Gone was the strong firmness I knew from before.
"Aye, good to see ye as well...it's been a long time."
He turns to Stephanie and smiles kindly. The two embrace warmly.
"Seamus you're looking well."
"Auch, that's kind of ye to say...it's been a difficult time lately, as I'm sure yer well aware."
We all three sit down.
I force myself to keep track of my former master's career, and am well aware of what he did to Seamus all those weeks ago.
"I am aware fully of what that bastard did to you before he became this 'Avarice.' I'm glad you weren't too seriously hurt, I hope."
Seamus nods. "Aye, aye...scars heal in time...physical ones, that is...but the emotional scars, they never do, do they?"
Her Ladyship and I shake our heads "no."
"I'm so sorry he did that...I...I don't know who or what he is anymore of course...I..."
I cut her off. Not gentlemanly of me by any means, but I was compelled. "Your Ladyship you have no reason to try and give account for his actions. At times there is no explaining why a man does the things he does. In his case, there is and she has brunette hair and an appetite for materialism unsurpassed." I cannot withhold my disdain.
Seamus shakes his head. "Ach, women...can't live without 'em...can't afford 'em either!"
"And how's your wife Seamus? I have not heard from her in ages."
The topic obviously struck a chord with the Irishman.
Seamus sadly lowers his head, and shrugs his shoulders. "Well Steph, yer guess is as good as mine, really...[a pause, and a sigh] she's left me."
My eyes grow wide as her Ladyship gasps audibly, putting a hand over her mouth. She reaches out and put a hand on Seamus' which tightly grips his scotch glass.
At the most inopportune time the inn keeper, an old friend of mine, came by. He smiles happily and cheerfully greets me. I pull his ear down and told him it was not the right time to chat and just asked for a few moments. He gladly complies.
With him gone, Stephanie spoke.
"I don't want to pry Seamus, but if you want to talk about it, I'm sure Simkins won't mind, and neither do I."
Seamus nods in agreement. "Aye, well...she wanted me to call it quits, and I was ready to do it...oh aye, I was all set to walk away, until that feckin' eejit did what he did and changed EVERYTHING...she was angry at what he did, but she never wanted me to go back and exact revenge, because she knew where it would lead...when I showed up at Reindeer Games...she was gone when I got home...there was nothing of her things left, or our son...[taking a sip of the scotch] just a note."
Stephanie shakes her head in amazement. "I mean...what about your son? Did she call you? Did you try and talk things out? Did..."
She cut herself off this time.
"I'm sorry, I have so many questions."
"Aye, well, I called her at her father's...Eamon, my old mentor...she told me that she could see what was going to happen, that this whole war was going to escalate further and further, and she didn't want to stand by and watch my downfall, so she said...in truth though, I reckon there was another."
That obviously begs the question. "What," I ask.
Seamus lowers his head...
"Another man...oh aye, she fed me those excuses in her notes, but I saw them...the text messages and the calls on her phone...I overheard her one night, speaking of leaving and going away...but I didn't want to believe it were true...I loved her...I LOVE her...and our son...but I guess love just isn't bloody good enough for her...not mine, anyway."
"Then may I suggest a remedy, sir," I said forcefully.
Seamus' eyes lit up slightly. "Aye, and what would that be, Simkins?"
"Seek vengeance on those you may...if it is vengeance you seek. If not, perhaps...solace. Solace in saving a man's soul."
Seamus closes his eyes for a moment, soaking in every word. "Aye...and in saving his soul...I save my own as well..." His eyes open, an almost long-forgotten spark in his eyes had at long last, returns. "What must I do, Simkins?"
I deeply sigh. Good question. I search my mind. "First. You must accept that Robert Edward James Lancaster II still exists. Somewhere. That this man whom you see, the man whom attacked you, the man who has turned his back on you is not the same man you once knew and called friend, is not the man you held the World Heavyweight Tag Team Championship with, is not the man you spent countless hours laughing and drinking with."
I must convince him on this point. Or all is for naught.
"Aye...indeed." Seamus nods. "He's the same as he ever was, in spite of the name he's taken to calling himself...and he's not beyond absolution."
I am a bit surprised by his response. He believes he's the same as he always was...I believe otherwise. But no matter. He believes there is hope. Good.
"I'm glad to hear that. Second. What would you say to trying to simply talk to him. Try to reach out."
Seamus raises an eyebrow. "Talk to him???"
Seamus shakes his head.
"There's nay talkin' to him, Simkins...not what he's become, anyway...there's nay reasoning with that. Nay, talkin' to him is beyond my speakin' abilities...but I do believe I know someone who can speak his language, if ye catch my drift."
I look at him puzzled. "Whom?"
"Let's just say a very close, personal friend of mine...he's about so long, made out o'wood...answers to the name o' 'Mr. Shillelagh.'" Seamus winks at me.
We laugh, save for her Ladyship. I wonder.
"But in all reality. Will you not even try Mr. Finnegan. Not even face-to-face. Over the phone. Try and reach that one iota of sanity that must be deep inside him somewhere..."
Seamus thinks for a moment, then nods. "Aye, that I can try...I can't promise anythin', but I'll try my level best...still, if all else fails..."
"That's all I ask. Thank you. And I thank you for understanding why I am so vehement in my efforts. I know you must be wondering at times why does he care so much about this son of a bitch. The same son of a bitch you smashed my bloody face in. But no matter what happens, please know, both of you, that I am doing this for a higher end."
I glance at her Ladyship and Seamus.
Seamus raises his glass. "I'll drink to that...to a higher end."
Seamus gulps some more scotch down.
"I think we all could use a few drinks."
Simkins nods happily and excuses himself from the table for a few moments, leaving an order for a glass of red wine.
It is now Stephanie and Seamus left alone for a few moments.
"If you ever need to talk Seamus, please call me. I must admit you're not the only lonely one. I've done very little dating since our divorce...I know it was so long ago."
Stephanie catches the attention of the inn keeper, and relays Simkins' order for red wine, and her order for some white.
"Aye, well...divorce hasn't become a reality yet for me, but nay doubt, it will be soon...I could do wi' any words o'wisdom ye might be able to impart, that's fer sure."
"Needless to say it's not easy." She laughs quietly to herself. "Doubly so when you have to look at your little boy and see your ex-husband in his eyes, in his smile. You know for all that that bastard did to me..."
The inn keeper brought two glasses of wine. They thank him.
"As I was saying...for all that he did to me." She looks right into Seamus' eyes. "I swore that I would destroy him. Him along with her, and everything they represent. They ruined my life Seamus in so many ways. But...I might do what Simkins suggested to. I am not above trying to talk to him, no matter how strongly parts of me just want to totally turn my back on him. I just don't know him anymore. I almost wouldn't know where to begin."
She sips some of her wine.
"At least you know that bitch more than I do...that gives you a bit more perspective."
Seamus nods. "Aye, that I do...that I do...[his eyes suddenly lit up] Tell ye what, Steph...I can help ye...what would ye like to know about...her?"
Stephanie sits silently for a moment, unsure what to ask. "I think I have just one question...does she love him?"
Seamus' eyebrow rises. "Love? Love, ye say? Steph, I don't think love even enters into the bloody equation where she's concerned. He's blinded by lust, and she only has dollar signs in her eyes, as far as I can tell...nay, Steph...I don't think so."
Tears well up in her eyes. She quickly gets to her feet and pulls out a Twenty Pound note.
"I...I'm sorry Seamus, I have to go. Tell Simkins I...I'm sorry..."
Seamus stands up. "I'm nay leaving you to leave on yer own lass. Come on then." Seamus leaves a Fifty Pound note on the table for his scotch.
The two look to leave. Steph heads out the door when Seamus catches Simkins returning to the table. The Irishman hurries over to Simkins.
"Simkins, Steph's a wee bit upset...if it's okay with ye I'm just going to see her home. Going to come?"
"No, I cannot...I have to see someone else. But do tell her Ladyship I shall nip along smartly in a short while. Thank you Seamus." I shake the fine Irish gentleman's hand.
"Nay problem Simkins. We'll be in touch." Seamus leaves.
My own Salvation Army has now doubled to two. Convincing her Ladyship to even consider reaching out to the rogue of Wessex was not easy. Seamus showed his true heart and soul tonight in showing as little hesitation as he did. But he's a man of conviction. He will try words. If not...violence. Truth be told. That satisfies me just fine.
I ingratiate my taste buds with some red wine. Soothing.
I sit with my mind wandering for I don't know how long until the door opens. And there he is.
Full of the youthful vigor that left me.
The new Head of Household of the Lancastrian Estate, the man who replaced me after five decades of service. James.
I stand and greet him.
"Jim, thank you for coming."
"Mr. Simkins, nice to see you." We sit.
"So what can I do for you."
I smile.
"Many things."