Read Online Fear of the Fathers by Dominic C. James - Free Book Online

apologized. “And if you think that it should be here, then maybe that’s the best idea. The Lord has eyes everywhere, not only in church. It wouldn’t have to be a service – just a few people saying a few kind words perhaps. The important thing is the remembrance.”
    â€œAbsolutely,” agreed Tags. “A few words and a bit of food and booze. Nice and simple.” He turned to Stella. “How about it?”
    â€œI guess so,” she said reluctantly. “If you think that’s enough.”
    Tags put his hand on her arm. “Listen Stella,” he said gently. “This was Stratton’s home remember. I’m sure he’d approve. It’d appeal to his sense of humour as well.”
    For a brief moment Stella was disarmed. The softness of Tags’ voice and the tenderness of his hands had taken her by surprise. She felt almost hypnotically obliged to agree with him. “Yeah, I suppose you’re right,” she said. “Seeing as most of his friends drink in here anyway, it’s probably the easiest thing.”
    Tags removed his hand. “Well that’s settled then. All we need to do now is sort out a date. What about next Sunday?”
    â€œIsn’t that a bit soon?” said Stella. “And what about the football? I know what they’re like in here.”
    â€œDon’t worry about it,” Tags said firmly. “Leave all that to me. You just invite whoever you want, and I’ll sort out this end. We’ll say noon a week today, yes?”
    â€œOk.”
    Stella and Cronin finished their drinks quickly and left. Although Tags had been friendly there was still a sense that they were interrupting something important. He had dealt with them swiftly and purposefully.
    â€œWell that was easy enough,” said Cronin as they walked back to the car.
    â€œYes,” said Stella. “But I got the feeling that we were being humoured.”
    Back in the pub Tags lit another cigarette and sipped some whisky. His gang sat in silence until they were certain the two inter-lopers had gone.
    Sitting on Tags’ right was the youngest of the group, a small, wiry lad called Dino. “What do you make of that then boss?” he asked.
    â€œNothing to make of it,” said Tags. “Just a woman wanting to organize a memorial for a loved one. It’s natural enough isn’t it?”
    â€œI guess so,” said Dino. “But what about that priest?”
    â€œJust helping out I guess. A memorial, a priest – they fit together.”
    â€œYeah I know, but there was something about him that unnerved me. He was watching and listening too much for my liking.”
    â€œYou’re being paranoid Dino. Just leave it,” said Tags, putting an end to the matter. His words, however, disguised an unease within. Dino was right – there was something strange about Father Cronin. It seemed odd to him that a priest would go to so much trouble to assist with the memorial of somebody he didn’t know. Turning up in a pub on a Sunday afternoon? It didn’t make sense. And as for Stella – what was she up to? Was she really organizing a memorial? Or did she have a more devious purpose? Maybe she was back with the police and trying to get on Oggi’s trail. Whatever the motive for their visit, Tags mused, he was going to have to tread very carefully.

Chapter 13
    Stella lit herself a cigarette and then started the MR2. For Cronin’s comfort, she whirred the window down a notch. “Sorry Father,” she said. “I know it’s a disgusting habit.”
    â€œDon’t worry about it,” said Cronin genuinely. “I grew up in a house full of smokers. I’m very much used to it.”
    Just before pulling out of the car park Stella stopped for a moment. In the rear-view mirror something had caught her eye. She turned her head round to get a better look.
    â€œWhat is it?” asked