#irish guards 22

[princesscatherinemiddleton]

IRISH GUARDS | The Princess of Wales attending the annual St Patrick's Day parade with the Irish Guards

#mine #royaltyedit #kate #irish guards 12 #irish guards 13 #irish guards 14 #irish guards 15 #irish guards 17 #irish guards 18 #irish guards 19 #irish guards 22 #irish guards 23

[world-of-wales]

1,500 soldiers 350 horses 5 days to go until the Trooping of the Colour Today’s Colonel’s Review of the @irish_guards is the final evaluation of the parade before next week’s #PlatinumJubilee celebrations.

- The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

#duke of cambridge #kp tweets #kp twitter #prince william #colonel’s review 22 #kp twt 28 may 2022 #28 may 2022 #twt 28 may 2022 #kensingtonroyal #british royal family #british royals #brf #royals #royalty #irish guards

[juniper-divination-and-witchery]

The Evil Eye in Irish Folklore

In pre-modern Ireland, like in many other cultures, the power of the gaze held immense significance. Practices and customs associated with the evil eye were passed down through generations, and many were collected in The School's Collection in the 1930s.

The School's Collection has proven to be an indispensable asset in my exploration of Irish paganism. However, it can be quite a task to read, classify, and integrate all the materials on any given topic. The following are my notes from what I've encountered searching the records, but I hope they'll prove useful to others.

What is the evil eye in the Irish folk tradition?

In Irish folk traditions, the evil eye was believed to possess an otherworldly power, capable of causing illness, misfortune, and even death.

It was believed that those who possessed the evil eye could knowingly or unknowingly project this baneful magic onto others simply through their gaze. The evil eye could affect many aspects of life including people, livestock, and crops.

This ability is often referred to as "overlooking" or "blinking" in the Duchas records and the terms can be used interchangeably.

In this locality, long ago, it was a common belief, that if people met with any reverses, or suffered any loss of property, the misfortune was due to "the evil-eye," meaning that some person supposed to have an evil eye "overlooked" their property, and that was considered the reason for the particular piece of ill-luck. If a person with an "evil-eye" took particular notice of any animal, for example, the animal would either do himself an injury or pine away gradually. Usually, the possessors of the "evil eye" were not aware that they had such a particular kind of eye, or were connected with other people's misfortunes. Duchas.ie

What causes the evil eye?

There are numerous things that could cause someone to be born with the evil eye (people are generally considered to be born with it rather than acquiring it later in life). Some of the reasons recorded are:

Having the surname Marrinan 1, 2, 3 or Kingfisher 4.

Being born on Whit Sunday (the seventh Sunday after Easter) 5, 6 or on June 29th 7

Babies returning to breastfeeding after being weaned 8, 9

Babies seeing their baptismal towel before it was washed 10

Your Godparents omitting a word during your baptism 11

Prevention of the evil eye

To protect themselves from the ill effects of being overlooked, people developed customs and rituals, the most popular of which included:

Waiting to light their fires on May Day so that the evil eye did not take their luck and profit for the coming year 12

Placing St. Brigid's crosses around the home (and outhouses) 13, 14

Nailing a donkey's shoe to the threshold of the home (this also helped to guard against the Good Neighbors) 15

For animals, placing a Gauldoron Garragh knot on their back would provide protection 16

Using red items (usually cloth) to distract the evil eye 17, 18, 19, 20, 21

Asking God to bless the person or thing being talked about after you suspect an overlooker (a common term for those who possess the evil eye) has spoken about them 22, 23, 24, 25

Jumping through the flames at midsummer 5

Cures for the evil eye

If all your preventative measures failed, there were several cures that could be tried.

For a baby born on Whit Sunday or another unlucky day, the cure was to place green sod over them three times 4, 6, 8

A cure commonly used with animals thought to have been overlooked was to write the overlooker's name (if known) or the entire alphabet (if the overlooker's name is unknown) onto a piece of paper or other burnable material and burn it under the animal's nose so that it inhales the smoke 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

A piece of thatch from the overlooker's house, or even a piece of their clothing can also be burned under an animal or person's nose (or burned and then the ashes put into a drink) to cure the evil eye 27, 28, 29

Water from a place where three townslands meet can cure when sprinkled on the overlooked animal or person, but the person who gets the water must not speak to anyone on their way there and back 30

Forge water can also be used in the same way 31

While the belief in the evil eye has faded over time, the echoes of these traditions can still be felt in Irish culture today. These records serve as a reminder of the deep-rooted folklore and superstitions that once shaped the lives of the Irish people and can help inform our Irish pagan practices today.

#the evil eye #paganism #irish paganism #irish pagan #irish folklore #celtic pagan #celtic paganism #celtic folklore #folk magic

[aphroditeslover11]

The Flat Next Door

Fun to write and thank you for the ask! i swear to God I feel this gif somewhere deep inside of me!

Warnings: a bit of touchy feely, mentions of divorce, not proofread and fuelled by lingering red wine and exhaustion!

Jim was fresh out of his divorce. He had lost his kids in a custody battle after getting into a fight with their step dad, along with the majority of his savings, his new girlfriend left him as soon as he wanted to get serious and he really was completely alone in the world. Bearing all of this in mind he moved across the Irish Sea and took up a new job in Liverpool. The pay wasn’t the best but he wasn’t responsible for anyone apart from himself now and the city itself made up for it. It did mean though, that aged 42, he was having to live in an absolute dive in a block of apartments he never though he would have to see the likes of again until now. The kinds of people living here were the ones that you didn’t want to bump into on a dark night or had just decided to give up on life and slowly rot into the decaying depths of society. He was pretty sure that the apartment to his left was being used as a weed farm from the smell and the weird times that people were walking in and out. The flat to his right was a bit different though, it belonged to a girl who simply didn’t fit in among this band of junkies and lowlifes. She couldn’t have been much older than 22 and always kept herself to herself. Everyday she would come home at around the same time, make dinner, work for a bit and fall asleep with the tv on in the background. It was hard not to notice these things with how thin the walls were. Who was she though? That was something he was curious to find out.

~

It was three months after you had moved into your apartment that the absolute unthinkable happened. Somebody had broken into your flat, not that you should have been surprised. The door had been kicked clean off the hinges and nobody had even thought anything of it. The place missing a door though meant that it was hardly safe to stay here and fixing it was not a job that you could do yourself. This was how you had come to meet Jim, the helpful man from the apartment next door who had spotted your distress and come over with a toolbox to help you fix it. You had invited him in for coffee and the pair of you had fallen asleep on the sofa, not that it meant anything of course, you were scared so he had stayed incase the burglars had made a return visit.

After that you had started meeting up for coffee periodically. He learnt that you were a student, having ended up here after fleeing from the house you had been sharing after discovering that your boyfriend was cheating on you with one of your housemates. Though you were at very different points in your lives there was some sense of empathy between the two of you. Perhaps a friendship based on a mutual sense of abandonment wasn’t the healthiest thing in the world, but it was certainly what you were both craving around this time. 

The other thing that Jim learnt about you was that you were a very tactile person. Whenever you walked past him in the kitchen whilst making a cup of coffee you would place a hand on his shoulder, as if to move him out of your way. If you were sat together on his shitty little sofa and he made a joke you would always place a hand on his thigh or his forearm, as if to keep you grounded as you laughed.

As of late he was starting to wonder whether there was more to these touches than he had originally thought. It was moments like these, when you watching television together with him sat at one end of the sofa with your feet in his lap, that he questioned what you really wanted out of him. He was caught off guard by you moving your feet in his lap.

“You know Jim, I’ve put them there for a reason. I missed the bus and my feet are killing me and I was hoping I might get a foot massage out of you?” You chuckled.

“You poor thing, I can’t promise I’ll be much good but I can certainly try.”

“You’re an angel, I promise I’ll make it up to you in time.” What the hell is that meant to mean?

 ~

Three weeks later and he still didn’t know what that comment had meant. Rents had been put up and he, remembering the financial struggles of being a student, had starting offering to cook for you more often. He wanted to make sure that you were eating something other than pot-noodles or HP Sauce on toast.  You’d started helping him cook as well, if he was honest the evenings were when he missed his kids the most, so the little arrangement worked out well in his favour. You were coming back from one of the cupboards with a tin of tomatoes, he was expecting your hand to find his shoulder, but it didn’t stay there like it normally did, instead trailing down his back until it came to briefly rest on his ass. Caught unawares he automatically reached for your arm, holding it in a gentle grip.

“Y/n, what are you doing?”

“You remember how a while ago you gave me that massage?”

“Yes.” 

“And I said I’d make up for it in time?”

“Yes.”

“How would you feel about cashing in on that now…” 

#cillian murphy #cillian murphy x reader #cillian murphy fanfiction #requested #the delinquent season #jim x reader

[blackswaneuroparedux]

The road to the next duty is the only straight one.

- George MacDonald

General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith was the youngest Head of the British Army in over a century, the longest serving Chief of the General Staff since the Second World War and the most senior Special Forces officer in Defence.

The son of a major-general, Carleton-Smith went to Eton and later Durham University to read history. He joined the Army 40 years ago in 1982 on a university scholarship and graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as an Infantry officer in the Irish Guards. 

He passed the SAS Selection Course in 1990 and served around the world with the SAS for most of the following 15 years in the Gulf, South America, Africa and the Balkans. Carleton-Smith was Commanding Officer of 22 SAS Regiment after 9/11 and commanded all Special Forces operations in Iraq, Yemen and Afghanistan.

He subsequently assumed command of 16 Air Assault Brigade, the Army’s high readiness parachute intervention force which culminated in his command of all British Forces in Afghanistan during one of the war’s most intense periods.

Promoted to Major General as Director of Special Forces, he commanded all the United Kingdom’s Special Forces for 3 years which included implementing the strategy to defeat ISIS in Syria and Iraq. 

Prior to taking up the post of Chief of the General Staff, the professional Head of the British Army in 2018, he was Defence’s Director of Military Strategy and Operations which included directing the UK response to Russia’s invasion of Crimea and military support to Ukraine. 

General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith has also been Honorary Colonel of the Irish Guards and of Oxford University OTC and also been a member of the England Rugby mentoring team preparing the squad for the 2023 World Cup and Colonel Commandant of the SAS.

Photo: General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith, KCB, CBE (As Colonel Irish Guards) Portrait Sitting London. (Rory Lewis Photographer) London 2023.

#macdonald #george macdonald #quote #general sir mark carleton-smith #british army #irish guards #SAS #chief of the general staff #soldier #army officer #uk special forces #war #duty #honour #service

[kingwilliamv]

The Prince of Wales’ Court Circular entries for March 2023

Total: 20 engagements

Solo:

Public: 7

Private: 6

Joint (w/ Kate and/or other BRF members):

Public: 5

Private: 2

Breakdown:

March 1: Presented Leeks to the Welsh Guards at Combermere Barracks, St Leonards Road, Windsor, Berkshire, on the occasion of St David’s Day

March 2: (2)

Received The Crown Prince and Princess of Norway at Windsor Castle

Held a Meeting with Norwegian business delegates

March 6: Chaired a Meeting of The Prince's Council at 10 Buckingham Gate, London SW1

March 7: Held an Investiture at Windsor Castle

March 9: Visited Hayes Muslim Centre, 3 Pump Lane, Hayes, Middlesex, and were received by Ms Manju Malhi (Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London)

March 10: Received Ms. Hannah Jones (Chief Executive, the Earthshot Prize) at Windsor Castle

March 13: (2)

Attended the Commonwealth Service in Westminster Abbey

Attended a Reception at Buckingham Palace on the occasion of Commonwealth Day

March 14: Held a Royal Foundation Meeting at Windsor Castle

March 17: Presented Shamrock to the Irish Guards at Mons Barracks, Aldershot, Hampshire, on the occasion of St Patrick’s Day

March 20: Received Mr Alastair Martin (Secretary of the Duchy of Cornwall) at Windsor Castle

March 21: Held an Earthshot Prize Meeting

March 22: (4)

Met British troops at the Rzeszow-Jasionka International Airport

Visited a Polish Military Base in Rzeszow

Visited British troops providing support to Poland and Ukraine

Met Ukrainian refugees living in temporary accommodation in Warsaw

March 23: (3)

Laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Plac Marszalka Józefa Pilsudskiego, Warsaw

Called upon The President of the Republic of Poland at the President’s Chancellery, Warsaw

Met Ukrainian staff and refugees who are settled in the Polish community at Hala Koszyki, Koszykowa 63, Warsaw

——————————————————————————

Current Total for 2023: 44 engagements

#cc:mar2023 #cc2023 #prince william #prince of wales

[the-empress-7]

Too bad it’s not a leap year…then Meghan could announce she’s leaving Harry on the anniversary of Diana agreeing to the divorce.

Here are the essential dates for the Diana’s divorce timeline. It’s probably a safe assumption to think Meghan will use one of these for her divorce proceedings:

February 29: (1996) Diana agrees to the divorce.

August 28: (1996) Waleses divorce is finalized and settled

November 20: (1995) Diana’s Panorama interview is broadcast. Also Elizabeth and Philip’s wedding anniversary — if the Queen was still here, this would be my guess.

December 1: (1995) Queen’s letter to Diana and Charles urging them to divorce

December 9: (1992) Charles and Diana announce separation

I also wouldn’t put it past Meghan to time the announcement for something involving Kate such as:

March 17: likely her first engagement as Colonel of Irish Guards, for passing out shamrocks

April 28: Louis’ birthday

April 29: Wedding anniversary

May 2: Charlotte’s birthday

Early July: Wimbledon appearances

June 21: William’s birthday

July 22: George’s birthday

Or if there’s a fourth baby, right after the “we’re expecting” announcement or “baby’s on the way, Kate’s at Lindo” announcement.

Thank you so much for this. It’s great to have these dates for reference.

[justforbooks]

Colin Bradbury, who has died aged 90, was the BBC Symphony Orchestra clarinettist whose dazzling cadenza in Sir Henry Wood’s Fantasia on British Sea Songs held audiences breathless at the Last Night of the Proms for many years. He became principal clarinet in the orchestra in 1960, and continued until his retirement in 1993.

During the 1970s, with Pierre Boulez as the principal conductor, the orchestra achieved worldwide prominence. Bradbury described it as “a unique time, musically and orchestrally – a golden age”. Away from the orchestra, he became an outstanding exponent of the clarinet’s lesser-known 19th-century repertory, in recital and on record.

He was born in Blackpool, the younger child of Jim Bradbury, a railway clerk, and his wife, Nellie (nee Cookson), both amateur singers. Encouraged to sing from an early age by his mother (his father died when he was four), Colin began to learn the piano at seven and soon bagged the only B flat clarinet at his primary school. Using his initiative, he worked out the transposition and was soon playing along with the school recorder group.

At Blackpool grammar school he started clarinet lessons with a local semi-professional, Tom Smith, and acquired a pair of simple-system Barret-action Albert clarinets. In 1947 he auditioned for the newly established National Youth Orchestra, becoming a founder member.

His sister Jean went to university, intending to become a teacher, and Colin assumed he would follow. A career in music had not crossed his mind, so when the viola player Bernard Shore came to the second NYO course to talk to young musicians intending to enter the profession, he did not attend. Ruth Railton, director of the NYO, took him for a long walk, four times around the Leys school in Cambridge, where the course was being held, and by the end he was persuaded. She went on to offer him the opportunity to play the Mozart Clarinet Concerto with the NYO at the Edinburgh festival in 1951, on condition that he left school that Easter and began studying with the clarinettist Frederick Thurston.

This he did, missing his A-levels, and started at the Royal College of Music in London in the autumn of 1951, funded by a Blackpool festival scholarship. After a year he left to join the Irish Guards, then returned to the college and completed his national service concurrently with the rest of his music studies. He won the Tagore gold medal for the best male student of his year.

During the summer of 1956 he drove an ice-cream delivery truck to get himself out of debt, having not quite paid for a 22-litre Jaguar with his earnings from a West End run of Summer Song that had folded unexpectedly.

That September, he joined the Sadler’s Wells orchestra as second clarinet, becoming principal in 1957. Playing in the pit was enjoyable, but also “frustrating for an extrovert, conceited character like me, but I learned a great deal”. He married Janet Forbes, the principal flute, in 1959.

During the 1959-60 season he began working with John Carewe and the New Music Ensemble and took part in Schönberg’s Pierrot Lunaire in the second of the new series of BBC Thursday Invitation Concerts. He was also invited to give some solo recitals for the BBC Home Service; at the first concert he played Seiber’s Andantino Pastorale and the Sonatine by Honegger.

In September 1960 he joined the BBC Symphony Orchestra (BBCSO) as principal clarinet. When the orchestra appointed co-principals in 1963, Bradbury shared the position with Jack Brymer for seven happy years. During that period, with more flexible working hours, he was able to play with other orchestras such as the LSO and the Philharmonia and take part in recordings. He also performed as a soloist, playing the Mozart Concerto, the Nielsen Concerto, the Weber Concertino and the Debussy Première Rhapsodie at the Proms.

During the 70s the structure of the BBCSO was changed and Brymer moved on to the LSO. It was during this period that Bradbury was elected chair of the orchestral committee, representing his fellow players’ interests.

In 1979, Bradbury’s old teacher, Smith, sent him his collection of amusing 19th-century pieces, the sort that the younger Bradbury had been rather snobbish about. Together with the pianist and scholar Oliver Davies, he produced The Victorian Clarinettist – the repertoire of the 19th-century virtuoso Henry Lazarus. This was followed by three more LP records: The Drawing-Room Clarinettist, The Italian Clarinettist and The Edwardian Clarinettist; selections from these LPs were reissued in CD format as The Virtuoso Clarinettist (1990), and The Art of the Clarinettist (1994).

In 1993, Bradbury retired from the BBCSO, and made the CDs The Bel Canto Clarinettist (1996), a sequence of 19th-century opera paraphrases, and The Victorian Clarinet Tradition (1998), linking Bradbury to Lazarus through Lazarus’s pupil Charles Draper, and Draper’s pupil Thurston. An interest in computer music software took Bradbury on to publishing good editions of these 19th-century works under his own imprint, Lazarus Edition.

From 1963 to 2000 he was professor of clarinet at the Royal College of Music, eventually becoming head of woodwind. His greatest joy was the RCM Wind Ensemble. Having no love of wind bands (which add saxophones and brass to woodwinds), he created a Harmonie ensemble – woodwinds and horns, as for the wind music of Mozart – which toured extensively, with visits to Japan and Vienna.

In 1999 he revived an earlier partnership with the pianist Bernard Roberts to record both Brahms sonatas together with the Hindemith Sonata. A review in BBC Music magazine commented: “Bradbury plays in a beautifully natural way without resorting to the forced rubato adopted by some artists in a contrived attempt to be different, and he allows the music to speak for itself.”

Bradbury is survived by Janet and their five children, Keith, Louise, Paul, John and Adrian, and 15 grandchildren.

🔔 Colin Bradbury, clarinettist, born 4 March 1933; died 28 May 2023

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at http://justforbooks.tumblr.com

#JUST FOR BOOKS #Colin Bradbury #in memoriam

[icefireanimates]

NO NOT INSPIRED BY THE MCYT SHES INSPIRED BY THE IRISH GODDESS OF THE SUN

*no playlist yet*

Fun fact this is my cat

*no playlist yet*

Also my cat

*no playlist yet*

Also also my cat just snazzier

*no playlist yet*

https://spotify.link/NVzDtmAqPDb

https://spotify.link/MsgcV3DqPDb

10 pages or more per chapter, at least 250 pages; 125000 words.

Chapter 1: Ice: Exposition 1, Ice is having a dream in a field. They are introduced as a slightly boring and sassy character; meant to develop a lot later.

Chapter 2: Moon: Exposition 2, he is walking around the savanna. He is supposed to be in the city seeing Eclipse be appointed as a soldier. He is annoying, empty-headed, and angry. He is caught by a guard and brought back into the city.

Chapter 3: Ice: Rising Action 1, they are wondering where Moon is, watching their brother Eclipse get appointed as a soldier. They get light-headed and have a dream about the world being destroyed by a being unknown to them. They wake up in the hospital, [white walls, described as blinding and like the moon.] being treated by a felitris named Thorn. He has scarred wings that cannot fly. He is described as nice.

Chapter 4: Eclipse: Rising Action 2, he is described as caring. He is worried for Ice and is put on guard duty, although it is unnecessary. He complains and is given news that Ice is alright but he cannot see her, as the king; Lightning Strike, needs to talk to her. Eclipse wonders why.

Chapter 5: 3rd person omniscient - Ice and Grian *referred to as Sun - Rising Action 3: Ice finds themself with a voice in her mind. It is described as having a foreign accent, high-pitched and nice. It tells them to talk to Lightning Strike about a war that happened many years ago. They do not. Grian* gets mad; she does not say anything but Ice can tell. Grian* gets a flashback from the war. She tells Ice that her name is Sun. Ice thinks she is hiding something.

Chapter 6: Eclipse: Rising Action 4, he is informed that a Vulpesa (Sionnach) has been spotted in the savanna. He forgets about Ice in a flurry of excitement and anxiousness. Sionnach is waiting patiently for the felitris to arrive. Eclipse wonders why it hasn’t run away or attacked. It is mentioned that he has heard many stories about Vulpesa attacking the felitris.

Chapter 7: Moon: He watched the ceremony silently and saw Ice faint. He wonders what happened, but it does not bother him. He sneaks out once more to see where Eclipse is going.

Chapter 8: END OF RISING ACTION 3rd person omniscient, - Ice and Grian - Grian* is thinking of the war between the vulpesa and the felitris. She tells Ice about it, and they are intrigued.

Cut to flashback:

Grian, now only referred to as Sun, is in the middle of a field, Lightning Strike, now referred to as just Lightning, is giving orders to them. Sun is anxious. Thorn tries to calm her down but ultimately fails. The vulpesa army is flying toward them all. They all ready for battle, and fly into the air.

FLASHBACK ENDS

Ice wakes up, asks Grian whether that was from her, and she answers yes. She tells them about how she is stuck and alone; that her sister locks her away until the wintertime, where she is cold and alone.

“You have to find me.”

Chapter 9: CLIMAX 3rd person omniscient - Ice, Grian -

Chapter 10:

Chapter 11:

Chapter 12:

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24: Everyone:

Chapter 25: Resolution: Everyone:

EPILOGUE:

#im writing a book #oc #planning #oc story #book planning #book playlist

[princesscatherinemiddleton]

The Princess of Wales' Year in Review: March

March 1st - The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Wales and carried out a number of engagements. They started their day at Pant Farm, before visiting Abergavenny Market. Later, the couple visited the Hwb Torfaen before finally planting a tree at Blaenavon World Heritage Centre for The Queen’s Green Canopy

March 3rd - The Duchess of Cambridge, Patron of the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, held a Centre for Early Childhood Meeting at Kensington Palace. On the same day, the Duchess of Cornwall's Reading Room released a post sharing Catherine's top five children's books: The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark, Stig of the Dump, Charlotte's Web, the Katie Morag series, and Feelings

March 8th - The Duchess of Cambridge, Patron of the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, held a Centre for Early Childhood Meeting at Kensington Palace

March 9th - The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Patrons of the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, received Lord Hague. That afternoon, William and Catherine visited the Ukrainian Cultural Centre

March 14th - The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the Commonwealth Observation Day service at Westminster Abbey

March 17th - The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge presented shamrocks to the Irish Guards on St Patrick's Day

March 19th - On behalf of HM Queen Elizabeth II in her Platinum Jubilee year, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge departed from Royal Air Force Brize Norton for Belize, arriving at Philip S W Goldson International Airport. Later, the couple met with Juan Antonio Briceño (the Prime Minister of Belize) and Rossana Briceño (his wife)

March 20th - William and Catherine visited Che’il Mayan Chocolate Factory, before attending a festival of Garifuna culture at Hopkins Football Square. Later, the couple met marine conservation experts at Hopkins Dock

March 21st - The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Caracol Natural Monument Reservation. Later, they attended a training session of the British Army Training Support Unit Belize in the Chiquibul Forest. That evening, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended a Reception to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at Cahal Pech ruins

March 22nd - The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge departed from Philip S W Goldson International Airport, and arrived at Kingston Norman Manley International Airport, where they were met by - amongst others - Kamina Johnson Smith (Representative of the Prime Minister of Jamaica). After that, Wiliam and Catherine met with the Governor-General of Jamaica and Lady Allen at King’s House. Finally, they attended a Sports and Cultural Event at Trench Town Culture Yard

March 23rd - William and Catherine met with Andrew Holness (Prime Minister of Jamaica). The couple - in their role as joint Patrons of the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - visited Shortwood Teachers’ College, where Catherine gave a speech. Later, they visited Spanish Town Hospital, before visiting the Caribbean Military Technical Training Institute. Finally, the Cambridges attended a dinner to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee given by the Governor-General of Jamaica

March 24th - The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the Commissioning Parade for the inaugural Initial Officer Training Programme at the Caribbean Military Academy. They then departed Norman Manley International Airport before arriving at Lynden Pindling International Airport, where they were greeted by Sir Cornelius Smith (Governor-General of the Bahamas). William and Catherine later visited Philip Davis (Prime Minister of the Bahamas) and his wife

March 25th - The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Sybil Strachan School, where Catherine gave a speech. They then attended a celebration for key workers at the Garden of Remembrance, before visiting Parliament Square. William and Catherine then participated in a Platinum Jubilee Sailing Regatta, before attending a reception at the Baha Mar Hotel to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

March 26th - The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Daystar Church, before unveiling a memorial at Memorial Garden, to commemorate those who lost their lives in Hurricane Dorian. William and Catherine later visited a beach area in Abaco to meet local stall holders. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Grand Bahama Children’s Home. Before finally, in their roles as joint Patrons of the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, visiting Coral Vita, winners of the 2021 Earthshot Prize. The couple departed Lynden Pindling International Airport for the UK that evening

March 27th - The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived at Royal Air Force Brize Norton

March 29th - The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with Prince George and Princess Charlotte, attended the Service of Thanksgiving for The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at Westminster Abbey

#mine #royaltyedit #yearreview #kate #will #wales22 #centre for early childhood meeting 22 3 #centre for early childhood meeting 22 4 #hague22 1 #ukrainian cultural centre #commonwealth 22 #irish guards 22 #2022 tour #service of thanksgiving 2022

[world-of-wales]

─ •✧ CATHERINE'S YEAR IN REVIEW : FEBRUARY ✧• ─

1 FEBRUARY - Catherine appeared in a video for Shaping Us Campaign.

2 FEBRUARY - Catherine appeared in a video with Roman Kemp as part of the Shaping Us Campaign.

4 FEBRUARY - Kensington Palace released a childhood photo of Catherine with Michael Middleton for the Shaping Us Campaign.

5 FEBRUARY - She visited St. John's Primary School to mark the start of Children's Mental Health Week 2023.

8 FEBRUARY - Catherine was received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire (Mrs. Elizabeth Fothergill) as she visited Landau Forte College along with Captain Harpreet Chandi.

9 FEBRUARY - Catherine and William were received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Cornwall (Colonel Edward Bolitho) at the National Maritime Museum Falmouth in Discovery Quay. Afterwards, they visited the Dracaena Centre.

19 FEBRUARY - Catherine and William attended the British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Festival Hall where and were received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London (Sir Kenneth Olisa).

21 FEBRUARY - She was received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire (Mr. James Puxley) at the Oxford House Nursing Home in Slough.

22 FEBRUARY - Catherine held an Early Years Meeting.

23 FEBRUARY - Catherine received Mr. Ian Hewitt (Chairman, AELTCC ) at Windsor Castle. Subsequently, she received Major General Christopher Ghika and Lieutenant Colonel James Aldridge (Regimental Lieutenant Colonel & Commanding Officer) of the Irish Guards.

25 FEBRUARY - Catherine and William met the volunteers and staff of the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust and attended the Six Nations Rugby Match between Wales and England at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. They were received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan (Mrs. Morfudd Meredith).

28 FEBRUARY - Catherine and William were received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of West Glamorgan (Mrs. Louise Fleet) at Brynawel House Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Pontyclun. Afterwards, they visited Aberavon Celtic Leisure Centre, where His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Mid Glamorgan (Mr. Peter Vaughan) received them. Subsequently, they were received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed (Miss Sara Edwards) as they opened the new patient room at Wales Air Ambulance in Dafen.

#year in review 2023 : catherine #year in review : 2023 #year in review : catherine #catherine review : february #review 2023 #review february #british royal family #british royals #royals #catherine middleton #kate middleton #royal #british royalty #royalty #brf #duchess of cambridge #princess of wales #the princess of wales #princess catherine #princess kate #royaltyedit #royalty edit #my edit #prince of wales #the prince of wales #prince william

[fantasies-fairytales-n-fics]

Code Blue - Ch. 11 "The Truth Shall Set You Free"

Summary: Josie is busted. Lee stands by the blonde beauty he adores. An oceanside joy ride ensues. Stories are told. An interrogation ends badly. An overdue truth is revealed ending a short lived moment.

*Warnings* Language, Angst, Mentions of death

Stories Stories Stories Masterlist

Chapter characters: Lee, Josie, Gerry,

Salem, Massachusetts

February 22, 2023

"Gerry?? What the hell are you doing here?! Did you fucking follow me??"

Your tone was just an octave above pissed off as you stood at Lee's side glaring down the 6'2, 46 year old blue eyed detective.

"Nice to see you too babe. You can only run for so long until I find you. Three weeks Josie, really? I've let your statement slide considering the loss you have suffered but now I am just running out of patience. I've got the D.A and the commissioner on my back for giving you special treatment because of our history and all you have been doing is shacking up with the reputable Dr. Pace."

Lee was instantly set off, first by the fact that this stranger rudely called you babe, and second, for his blunt implications.

"I'm sorry, do I know you?" Lee snidely said as he firmly took a step forward.

"I do believe I already introduced myself as detective Butler...but let me formally introduce myself. I am Josie's ex-fiance' but just call me Gerry like she does."

He then turned to you. "And....to answer your question sweetheart, I'm a cop. It's not that difficult to find out who you're doing...sorry, I mean what you're doing. Now that we've got all the nooks and crannies filled in, I need your ass down to the station. Now. Don't make me get the cuffs out. I like to save those for the bedroom."

Gerard Butler, whom everyone called Gerry, not just you, was indeed your ex. He was the Scottish half brother of your Irish half brother Bo Brady, also a cop, who died a few years ago. Bo and Gerry shared a father and you and Bo shared a mother. Quite a confusing tale that you did not want to think about at this time but would explain to Lee later on, because you knew he was going to want to know allllll about Gerry now. Jealous both men obviously were but unlike Lee, Gerry had an ego. You were in love with Gerry once, but as people say, you never love one person the same way you love another, and you were finding that out now with Lee, for he did things to you that you never deemed possible...Needless to say, your relationship of two years with the tall, dark and beefy Gerry failed for obvious reasons. Gerry was a cop. Jason was in the mob. That was like mixing fire with gasoline.....and then there was the elephant on the porch that stood between you and Gerry....he had cheated on you.

Lee was burning with rage. "Cop or not, who the hell are you to speak to her like that?!" he reeled as his nose flared.

"Lee...it's alright." you assured him as you stood with your hands gently placed upon his chest. "I can handle him."

Gerry grinned from ear to ear. "Yes, you can, that's for sure. Now come on cupcake. It's time to go....and don't think you're going to lose my tail, because I will be following you there. Chop chop!"

Gerry turned in a cavalier manner and strolled out to his black Ford F-150 Super Crew and leaned on it, lighting up a cigarette and blowing donut holes.

You rolled your eyes and took Lee's hand, drawing him inside as you slammed the now windowless door shut.

"I can explain..."

"Jo...you don't owe me any explanations."

"Lee....I think we are far past that now. Yes...I do."

"Fair enough. You can tell me then, on the way downtown."

Your head tilted at him.

"What? You think I'm going to just let you go be interrogated by that creep without me? Besides, you promised me a ride in your car, did you not? I'm ready to blast that bad to the bone stereo system to release my newly pent up emotions of wanting to kick his ass."

His grin was so wickedly hot.....and him turning into some guard dog wanting to protect you just proved he was something authentic...any doubts you ever had of him were gone with the wind and you never wanted to let him go.

"Alright." you giggled. "But...driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole."

"Ohhhh, that is so not fair. You said I could drive sometime."

Now his grin was adorably pathetic....and you knew what you were about to tell him would not stick.

"I did...but that sometime is not today." you flirtatiously teased.

You were right, Lee got his way....you let this gorgeous man drive your car after you swore it would not be today. It had to be the fact that he fit perfectly in your driver seat, like it was made for him...a seat you had never let anyone even sit in, ever... let alone drive...but you had let Lee sit in it once before...the first time you went to his house. He had looked like a kid in a candy store so, this time, you caved and let him have some joy for once since the past three weeks he had been through nothing but pure hell. You could almost feel the green glare from Gerry in your side mirror.

The way Lee propped his left arm over the wheel and laid his right arm over the back of your seat, turning to smile at you, sent an out of the blue rush through your core. Could a man ever look so damn good in a pair of sunglasses? Lee sure did and although all you could see was your reflection in them, you could feel his baby blues cutting right through them, delving deep into your soul. No one had ever looked at you like he did...and honestly, you had never looked at anyone the way you did at him either.

The drive would be at least 45 minutes as you told Lee to purposely take the longest route just to piss Gerry off.....so Lee happily obliged and took they highway that ran along the bay. It was all perfect. The windows down, the Atlantic ocean view and it's salt water smell blowing inside the car. You then did something, and waited for Lee's reaction. Popping in your "High N Dry" Def Leppard cd, you turned it to the song he referenced you to in his letter. Lady Strange.

His glance at you verified to him that you had read his letter, but he already suspected it since you had came to see him shortly after he had given it to Amy. Neither of you had fully talked about it yet, but you planned on doing so. There was a lot left unsaid but for the most part, the most important areas were addressed and would gladly do for now....and all his actions today spoke louder than words anyways. The way he protected you and not Elizabeth when the the windows blew out, him falling to his knees, crying in your lap....the dance and almost kiss...all still had you reeling. You had finally felt safe with someone, your heart included.

As the song blared, he began to sing it, and kept glancing at you with a grin while doing so. If you were so bold, you would climb over top of him right now, for he was driving you crazy with desire.....but you weren't that bold. The lost kiss still lingered about your aching lips, wondering what it would be like to feel his heart shaped pucker pressed against you, whether it was your lips or any other parts of your anatomy. That thought right there sent shockwaves through your intimate regions. Another Def Leppard song came to mind in that moment. Have you ever needed someone so bad....yes...yes you did. It wasn't just about sex though. When it came to Lee, you wanted the whole kit n kaboodle, you wanted all of him, something Gerry had deprived you of.

The song ended and you turned off the player because Lee had become quiet, lost in thought...and you were willing to bet it was about Gerry.

"So...as promised, I will tell you about Gerry...that's if you really want to know."

"Jo, if I have made you feel that you need to, I am sorry. I meant what I said, it's none of my business."

"But...I think that it is. Yes, we were engaged. I have had other relationships but the longest was with him, two years. I thought he was different, but to make that part short and sweet, he wasn't. Gerry cheated on me....and the person he did it with only made it that much more unforgiveable. My sister, Megan...the one who sent you those photos and lied about me and Orlando. She was always after any man I would show interest in and it's the number one reason I cannot stand her among many other reasons."

After mentioning Orlando, you suddenly remembered you were supposed to go to dinner with him tonight. Now what were you going to do? If you had received Lee's letter sooner, you never would have accepted. How were you going to tell Lee? You knew you had to at some point, but you continued on with your tale of Gerry.

"We were already having problems because of Jason. I'm not sure if you are aware, but Jason was in organized crime, which is another reason Gerry wants my statement so damn bad about the explosion. And then there was was the death of my half brother Bo, three years ago on Thanksgiving."

"God, Jo, I am so sorry. I didn't know you had another brother....and to have lost two of them now...Jo...I...you don't have to do this..."

"It's ok Lee....I...I don't talk about him. It's too painful...but I will with you. I trust you. He had a brain tumor that he hid from everyone until it was too late. God, I never understood why. He was only 48 and had a wife, a son and a daughter. Thanksgiving day, he collapsed and later died that night. I bet you could have saved him."

You began to lightly sob. Lee removed his arm from the back of your seat and took your hand into his.

"If I had had the opportunity, I would have done everything in my power to help him. I'm so sorry sweetheart."

His words, his touch...gave you the strength to continue.

"I know you would have. Bo was as stubborn and hard headed as they came....and he was damn good detective. Things were hard for him too with Jason with being his brother....and then there was Gerry, Bo's best friend and partner....and...also his brother. Yeah...so...he and Gerry share a father, a notorious Greek tycoon who was and is in crime up to his ears, so Bo and Gerry's relationship with him was pretty rocky. Victor Kiriakis, you may have heard of him. Lives in that secluded enormous mansion on the bay. Bo and Gerry are just a few of his many offspring. The man certainly had his way with the ladies, including my mother which resulted in Bo, the oldest of us remaining three. She was young and hadn't met my father yet...As far as Gerry, his mother lives in Scotland. When Gerry was in his early twenties, he found out about Bo and came here to find him. None of us knew about Gerry, not even Victor. Gerry's mother, Margaret Butler, strangely another Margaret like my mom, Margaret Brady March, had finally told him after the man he knew as his father, had died. Bo and Gerry became inseparable and Gerry eventually moved here. Bo's death brought me and Gerry closer together and then things just kinda happened and eventually, he asked me to marry him a year ago. I accepted and then soon found out what he did and I ended it. So there ya have it."

Lee squeezed your hand. "Jo...I am so sorry for all that you have been through and I thank you for trusting me with such a personal and sensitive matter. Your brother sounds like he was a really great guy. Wish I could have known him and even tried to help him....and I am really sorry for what Gerry did to you. I cannot even understand that, how any man could ever want another over someone like you."

Lee realized what he had said and pulled his hand away from yours with a look of shame upon his face.

"Lee? what's the matter?"

"I'm a hypocrite, that's what. Jo...that girl you found me with. I swear to god I didn't sleep with her. I know I already told you this but I am not sure if you believe me and I can understand why. I didn't want her and I know you probably believe otherwise after what you walked in on, but I swear Jo, I would never had gone through with it, even if you hadn't showed up. My mind, my heart...it was not and is not with her..."

"You mean Jess."

"Yeah...how..did.."

"I went to high school with her. A slut then, a slut still."

You took his hand back. "Lee...I believe you and let's not talk about her ever again ok?" you smiled and he nodded.

The rest of the drive there, the music played as you and Lee talked about normal things while your hand remained locked inside his. You couldn't bring yourself to ruin this moment by telling him about your pre-planned date with his best friend, which you were now inclined to terminate, but how was the question. You didn't want to hurt Orlando, for he had been nothing but good to you and there for you when you needed him.

Lee pulled into the parking garage, followed by Gerry. You went to get out but Lee wouldn't let go of your hand.

"Wait." he smiled and got out, trotting around the car and then opened your door. "My lady." he grinned, waving his hand down in front of him and bowing.

"Oh my god Lee, stop." you laughed and got out.

Gerry slammed his door and came marching over to the two of you, looking you up and down.

"You kiddin me?" is all he said as he was pissed off that you had taken the long way there...which is what you were hoping for.

He took a step forward and Lee dauntlessly placed two fingertips on Gerry's chest.

"Back off." he lionheartedly commanded.

Both men were a lot of boy, but Lee stood three inches taller than Gerry and peered down at him fearlessly. Gerry was far from intimidated and now even more pissed off as he stared down at Lee's hand, then brought his focus back to you.

"You wanna call your pit bull off before I take him to the pound and have him out down?" Gerry snapped with sarcasm.

"Gerry, shut the hell up."

"I'd like to see you try." Lee snarled as he lowered his hand but didn't move or take his eyes off the witty detective.

Gerry removed his sunglasses and pursed his lips.

"Ok...stop...both of you!"

You took Lee's hand and tugged at it, making him look at you.

"He's not worth it. Come one, let's go get this over with."

"Oh hold up there sunshine. The tenacious doctor here isn't going anywhere with you. You can tie him to a leash in the lobby while I take your statement."

"What if I want to stay?" Lee adamantly retorted.

"Wow, he seriously needs some training Josie. Where'd you find this one? On some street corner rooting through the trash? You always did have a soft spot for strays." Gerry also retorted.

"I took you in didn't I, the stray brother from Scotland? He comes with me or no statement. End of story Gerry."

Your words stunned and stung Gerry.

You did instantly feel bad for saying what you did, but you weren't going to let him belittle Lee like that. As Lee had defended you, you were going to defend him also.

"Yep...fine. Let's get this the fuck over with. After you." Gerry barked and waited for you both to go.

You and Lee both sat down beside each other on a couch in Gerry's office that was the size of an entire living area. He was the big wig around there aside from Commissioner Hernandez, who was in a relationship with Bo's widow, you're sister in law and also a detective, Hope. You had wished she could have taken this case but she was on leave visiting her daughter Ciara in another state who had just had a baby. Bo's son Shawn was also on the force but he went with his mom to meet his new nephew. So Gerry got stuck with you, and you knew he was more than thrilled to do it. He still pined for you and had tried so hard to win you back after what he had done, but you just couldn't forgive him or trust him anymore.

Gerry walked in and folded his arms over his chest.

"Alright...tell me everything about the day of February 1st, 2023."

You took in a breath and sighed it out heavily as you closed your eyes.

"Hey...Jo..." Lee took your hand and sweetly smiled at you. "Just breathe."

It was the same thing Lee had told you in the hospital that day and he knew you would remember. You took in another breath, released it softly and then smiled back at him. He was your rock. There was no way you could relive that horror without him.

You began your tale, but tweaked it some, because what you knew could put you six feet under like Jason, which is the entire reason you avoided this all together. Jason had taught you well on how to get around the police and Gerry knew it, which was part of the issues you and he had in your past relationship with him.

"I...I went to meet Jason for lunch at the Floating Rib down at pier 55." Tweak one, you left out the part of you meeting with him just 4 hours earlier and how he spoke about his funeral arrangements. "It was about 2 pm. We were there about one and a half hours. After we were finished eating, I left. As soon as I walked out the door, the entire place.....exploded...and I woke up on the ground with EMT's tending to me. I was able to get up and I didn't see Jason anywhere. I panicked and tried to run back inside but some firemen stopped me...and then I collapsed and woke up in the ER. They treated my arm which had been cut, did a bunch of tests and then released me. That's it..."

"That's it? Like hell Josie. You and Jason were as tight as my asshole and I know when you're hiding things as well as I know every mole on your body. If this was all there was to it, you wouldn't have eluded me all this time. What did you both talk about? How was Jason's demeanor? What did you have to eat?" Gerry harshly grilled.

"Hey, take it easy on her! She's been through a lot!" Lee snapped.

"You seriously need a muzzle. This is my job and she's not being forthcoming with me. Now answer the questions Josie."

"Ok seriously? Jason and I talked about life. We hadn't been spending much time together. He seemed fine and I had a shrimp basket and he had a plate of ribs and a baked potato...with butter and sour cream..oh and I had an iced tea with a fucking lemon. Can I go now? I don't want to talk about this anymore. There's nothing more to tell Gerry.""

"Yes there is. You said you went to go back inside? Did you see anything, or anyone unusual before or after the explosion? You said you left before Jason, what was he doing?"

Tweak number two. "No...nothing...or no one. Jason went to use the bathroom."

But when you had walked out to leave, you saw a man all dressed in black looking at a cell phone... a man you recognized as Julian Jerome, a member of one of the crime families. He had told you that you better be moving along.

He hit a button on his phone and bolted. Two seconds later the place blew up.

The Jerome's were major rivals with Jason's mob boss, Sonny Corinthos. You had tried to turn and scream for Jason, but it all happened too fast.

You felt your chest constricting and broke down, throwing your hands over your face while Lee rubbed your back.

You knew Jason was the victim of a mob hit, and you also knew that he knew it was going to happen soon. He had actually been on his phone frequently throughout your luncheon and seemed on edge. He didn't finish his meal and told you he needed to go take care of something and would see you soon. You didn't question him because you knew he was always like that, taking off at Sonny's beck and call. Jason hugged you and then said he was going to the restroom, and told you to go wait in the car, which he was quite adamant about but not enough to alert you to danger...and that never clicked with you until after it all happened. He knew there was a bomb and whomever he was texting, had warned him....at least that's what you believed.

"Alright, this is enough. Look how upset she is. Are you satisfied now?" Lee angrily snapped.

"Oh, I'll be satisfied when she tell me the WHOLE truth and I am about losing my patience with the both of you. You're forgetting about how much I know Jason Morgan's dealings and this? This was no accident, it was a fucking bomb and people are dead, one of them being your brother Josie! Do you not want the people responsible to be brought to justice??! Julian already got his karma...and you could have been killed too! So stop protecting your brother because he's gone!"

Now you were really bawling. Gerry was an all out blatant guy, he had to be in his line of work...but he was never like this with you. You knew it was because Lee was there and he could see how happy he made you.

"Stop! Please make it stop...I can't do this...I wanna leave. Lee please, get me out of here."

Lee put his arm around you and pulled you against him.

"Are you finally fucking satisfied detective?!" Lee shouted. "You're a real piece of work. Let's go Jo."

Lee helped you up and escorted you out as Gerry watched in remorse. He never meant to break you like that but he felt it was the only way to get you to be honest...and he failed miserably.

All the way back to Lee's, you stared out the window, still and silent as he drove. He wanted to pull you over to him and hold you so bad but he didn't want to push anything on you. Lee knew what Gerry did hurt you really bad and you just needed some space to work through it on your own.

Lee pulled into his driveway, shut the car off and sat for a moment, not knowing what to do or say.

You wanted to tell him the entire truth that you hid from Gerry and everyone else, but you couldn't...you wouldn't put him in any danger because of you. The less he knew, the better. Julian Jerome had wound up swimming with the fishes shortly after the explosion and you knew it was Sonny's doing, and this was all something you did not want Lee involved in. You couldn't live with yourself if something happened to him because of you.

You both went inside where you knew you then would have to tell Lee about Orlando, as it was 3 pm and Dr. Bloom was supposed to pick you up in three hours.

Lee stood at the closet and took his shirt off, revealing the navy blue tee underneath that he was wearing earlier.

"Hey, go relax on the couch while I clean up the glass and secure the windows. God knows I am never going to get this house fixed now. I'll order us some food in a bit if you'd like? Maybe watch some movies?"

His smile was so beautiful, yet devastating to you because you were about to take it away.

"Lee...I...I have to tell you something. But..I swear I'll fix it."

"Tell me what Jo? If it's about Gerry, you do not need to do that. You've endured enough today with him and you have already told me everything didn't you? Come...stay with me and chill out for awhile. I love spending time with you. For the most part, today was really nice. Maybe I'm a bit selfish, but I just don't want you to leave."

Fuck! How were you going to do this? Rip out the little shreds of happiness he had left, happiness that you brought him. You didn't want to leave either. Cuddling with him on the couch is all you wanted to do and hopefully pick up where you left off with that almost kiss.

"Lee...please. Just let me get this out. I don't want to keep anything from you.... if I don't have to."

You had to thrown that last little bit in since you couldn't tell him the full story on that day with Jason.

"Ok? what is it Jo?" he asked as his smile faded. He could tell it was something serious.

"Just know that...if I had known...if I had received your letter sooner....ugh damn it! Lee....Orlando...he asked me out for dinner tonight and I had accepted."

There, you just blurted it out and watched Lee remove his shoes and look at you with an addled stare.

His response was not what you expected. You figured he'd at least try to talk you out of it...or something.

"Oh...well...then you should go." he flatly said.

"Wait...what? Lee, no. I want to tell him I can't go."

"No...don't do that. I've always known he was sweet on you. I know him better than anyone does. It's not your fault that I didn't get to you in time. You committed to a date, so you should go."

"But, that's exactly it. I committed to it without knowing anything. Lee...when I met you in the hospital...I tried to talk to you again. I asked Orlando to tell you I wanted to speak with you but he later told me you had already left. I wanted to..."

"Wait...you asked to see me? when exactly?"

"The next day, just a few hours before I was released that morning. Why?"

"What time?"

"What time? why does that matter?"

"Jo...please. Just humor me. What time was it?"

"Ok...I...I don't know, I believe it was around 6 am. I later left about 9."

"That son of a ..." Lee mumbled and turned away.

"Lee? what...what is going on?"

"Jo...I didn't leave the hospital until 8 am. Orlando had came into my office fifteen minutes before I left...and he never said a word about you....and now...after all this time...he still has said nothing about that."

"Lee, I am sure he just forgot. He had no idea we even knew each other then....well I mean, he knew that we had met but...I don't know...that morning, some bitch of a nurse was giving him a hard time about his handwriting and..."

"Jesus...so it was you he told me about...that got upset at the nurse."

"Told you about?"

"Yes, here...the night he came over to help with the house...the night before you came over the next day to check on me. He fucking knew all that time who you were and said nothing about you asking for me....and he knew when I told him about...I sat right there in the kitchen and told him of a patient I met...he knew who...he fucking knew."

"Lee, calm down. He knew when you told him about what?"

"You Jo...I was talking to him about you. I didn't mention your name...Look, when he got here, he smelled your perfume. It was all over my shirt from the day before when you had helped me up off of the floor...so then he started grilling me about having a woman here....and he caught on in the continued conversation from my discreetness that it was you, but the little shit never said a word....and still didn't when he later saw you here. Now it all makes sense."

"Lee...I'm sure it wasn't intentional?"

"Jo, did you not just hear a thing I said? The hell it wasn't intentional. He had interest in you and he picked up on the fact that I did too at some point. Most likely when you had asked for me when I wasn't your doctor. He didn't forget Jo...and what's his excuse after all this time huh? And now he has asked you out. Common sense right there."

"Ok...so, what if you're right. Is it that much of a big deal? I told you I will cancel it because I would like to stay here with you."

"No Jo...you already told him you would go....and for you to accept...you must have some interest in him? And now...you're defending him too after knowing what I told you, which verifies that interest. You're right, it's no big deal. We had a moment, but like you, I have had too many bad moments to let another one happen. Just go Jo. You don't want to be late."

Lee walked to the front door and opened it, waiting for you to do as he told you.

You stared at him for a moment and then just sighed out a sarcastic breath in disbelief as you walked onto the porch and turned to look at him.

"Really Lee? After everything, you're gonna pull the noble asshole card?"

He was speechless as he gazed at you with furrowed brows and his mouth slightly hung open.

"I wanted to be here tonight. After all the bullshit today, I just wanted to be here with you...and I wanted to be honest with you, so I told you about Orlando...and I was willing to cancel that so I could be with YOU because for the first time in forever, I had actually felt safe and happy around someone...that someone being you...but that was just not good enough for you was it? We've both been through some shitty relationships obviously, with cheating partners, but I'm not Elizabeth Lee! I have had my own walls up just like you and I swore that no one would ever break through them...and then...I let my guard down and let you in...Maybe I was wrong about you...trusting you and all, because you're obviously too far gone to see what the fuck is right in front of you."

Your words rocked him to his core.

You marched down the steps and then spun back around.

"I"ll go out with your best friend, but only because you told me to, and you can sit here all alone knowing I could have been here, right where I wanted to be! But you're too damn petulant....or better yet...you're what you said you were...your own worst enemy."

You ran to your car and sped off. Lee stood on the porch watching you leave as he recalled that day he told you that, standing at your car in his driveway listening to that song.

What did he just do, he asked himself...and WHY? He had the most precious thing right in his grasp and he let it slip right out of his hands. He knew why...and he admitted it to himself in that moment. He was scared...scared to death..... because he knew he was truly, madly, deeply and irrevocably in love with you.

"You think the shadow of doubt is hanging over my head, it's just an angel who's wings hide the sun. It's myself I betray, I cannot wish this away. Took my chance, now the damage is done. All I want is everything. Am I asking too much?"

@redeemer46

#lee pace #lee pace fanfiction #love stories #dark stories #slow burn #slow build #gerard butler #gerry butler #doctors #cops #detectives #salem massachusetts #def leppard #Youtube

[unfortunate-arrow]

𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐎’𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐤𝐞 | hphl character profile

warnings: mentions of gambling addiction, death, implied child (verbal) abuse & neglect

✧ IDENTITY ✧

Full Name: Brianna Florence O’Rourke 

Nicknames: Bri, Anna

Name Meanings: Brianna → Irish, “strong, virtuous, and honorable” ; Florence → Latin, “flourishing” or “prosperous” ; O’Rourke → Irish, “descendant of Ruarc.” 

Date of Birth: March 26, 1876 (at 8:38 pm)

Gender: Female 

Sexuality: Bisexual 

Blood Status: Pureblood 

Nationality: Irish 

Residence: O’Rourke Castle, County Cavan, Ireland (birth to 22) ; TBD ; Clover Cottage, County Wicklow, Ireland (TBD to death) 

✧ APPEARANCE ✧

Hogwarts Faceclaim: Amybeth McNulty

Adult Faceclaim: Charlotte Spencer

Height: 5’4”

Build: Average 

Hair: Red hair that is usually in braids or kept down 

Eye Color: Blue 

Scarring:

Childhood & Hogwarts: Brianna has two scars, a small y-shape on her left knee and a small, jagged line in her right shoulder blade. 

Adulthood: None

Modifications: (glasses, piercings, tattoos, etc.) Her ears are pierced

Other Distinguishing Marks: A lot of freckles, sprinkled across her cheeks and nose 

Clothing Style: Dresses ; boots ; jumpers ; shirts ; blouses ; sweaters ; puffed sleeves ; simple clothing ; jackets

Accessories: A small locket ; scarves ; hats ; a parasol 

What’s in Her Pockets: Her wand 

What’s in Her School Bag: Textbooks ; quills and ink ; parchment ; handkerchief ; notes from friends, siblings, and Elias

✧ SPEECH & LANGUAGE ✧

Voiceclaim: Amybeth McNulty ; Charlotte Spencer

Accent: Irish 

Dialect: Ulster English 

Languages Spoken: English

Languages Understood: English, some Irish Gaelic

✧ PERSONALITY ✧

MBTI Type: INFP — the mediator 

→ A Mediator (INFP) is someone who possesses the Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Prospecting personality traits. These rare personality types tend to be quiet, open-minded, and imaginative, and they apply a caring and creative approach to everything they do.

Enneagram Type: Type 9 — the peacemaker 

→ Nines are defined by their desire to maintain a sense of inner peace and harmony, and to avoid conflict or other emotional disturbances. They are typically agreeable, calm, and easy to be around. Nines rarely rock the boat, but they can be stubborn. While they typically go with the flow, they dislike being controlled and will respond with passive resistance if pushed too far.

Positive Traits: Empathetic, generous, open-minded, creative, passionate, loyal, compassionate, supportive, thoughtful, perceptive 

Neutral Traits: Pragmatic, idealistic, reserved, stubborn

Negative Traits: Overly idealistic, can be self-critical, unfocused, easily stressed, can feel inadequate, cunning, generally conflict-averse 

Common Stressors: Her mother ; exams ; grades ; the family’s troubles ; her father ; finding out what she wants to do with her life

Comforting Things: Embroidery ; watercolors ; reading ; flying ; piano playing ; fiddle music 

Interests & Hobbies: Watercolors ; dancing ; embroidery ; poetry ; flying ; horse riding ; piano playing ; fiddle playing 

Description: Brianna O’Rourke was a dreamer, with more idealism and less pragmatism than her older sister. She had a big heart, which, despite being very well guarded, was open to most people. She had an empathetic soul, as well, and aimed to see the best in people. However, she can also be self-critical, getting annoyed by things that she perceived as her own failings. Brianna is also a loyal friend and person, usually offering second chances. In addition, Brianna has a hidden manipulative and cunning side. This doesn’t come out often, reserved for those who hurt those she cares for… and occasionally, herself. 

✧ MAGIC ✧

Wand: Brianna’s wand is made of pear wood with a unicorn tail hair core and is 10 ¼ inches with an unyielding flexibility. 

→ Pear trees produced wands of splendid magical powers. Possessors of pear wands were, in the experience of the learned wandmaker Garrick Ollivander, usually popular and well-respected and he never knew of a single instance where a pear wand had been discovered in the possession of a Dark Witch or Wizard. They were also the most resilient.

Other Magical Abilities: None

Patronus: Wild rabbit 

Patronus Memory: Receiving her Hogwarts letter 

Boggart: Her mother scolding her aggressively 

Riddikulus: Her mother becomes dressed in something that Deidre O’Rourke would never wear 

Amortentia:

Brianna smells like lavender, roses, hot chocolate, and cinnamon. 

Brianna smells rose water, peat, petrichor, and blackcurrant. 

Mirror of Erised: Brianna sees herself completely and totally happy. How that is represented often changes, but after they fall in love, Elias (and later, their children) are the main constants.

✧ HOGWARTS ✧

House: Hufflepuff 

OWL Classes:

Astronomy — Acceptable 

Charms — Outstanding 

Defense Against the Dark Arts — Exceeds Expectations 

Flying — Poor 

Herbology — Exceeds Expectations 

History of Magic — Acceptable 

Potions — Outstanding 

Transfiguration — Acceptable  

OWL Electives:

Care of Magical Creatures — Exceeds Expectations

Study of Ancient Runes — Exceeds Expectations 

NEWT Classes:

Charms — Exceeds Expectations

Defense Against the Dark Arts — Acceptable 

Herbology — Exceeds Expectations

Potions — Outstanding

Study of Ancient Runes — Acceptable 

Extracurriculars: Prefect in her fifth and sixth years ; head girl in her seventh year

✧ EMPLOYMENT ✧

Affiliations: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry ; The British Ministry of Magic ; TBD

Professions:

Age 18 to 24 - Secretary for the ministry of magic

TBD

✧ FAMILY ✧

Father: Tiernan Senan O’Rourke Sr. [1845-1898]

Born in 1845, Tiernan was the only child of Senan and Prudence O’Rourke. He had a complicated childhood, as his father was a known gambler and lost the majority of the family’s fortune. Senan O’Rourke also passed away when Tiernan was fifteen, leaving his family with a significant debt. Luckily, Prudence O’Rourke’s dowry had mostly gone untouched allowing for the majority of the large debts to be settled. She passed away when Tiernan was seventeen. Upon starting Hogwarts, Tiernan was sorted into Slytherin, like the majority of his family. He became a prefect, but was not selected for head boy, much to his disappointment.

After he graduated from Hogwarts, Tiernan began working for the ministry of magic in the central department. He quickly moved up through the ranks, with no true ambition to reach the minister but with an ambition to get the highest salary. Unfortunately, Tiernan also inherited his father’s gambling problem, albeit to a lesser extent. 

At the age of 26, Tiernan married Deidre Brady, two years after they had first met and Tiernan had wooed both Deidre and her father. Their marriage was based on duty, respect, and honor, but there was little love between the two beyond a reluctant friendship. On September 6, 1873, his first child, Orla Deidre, was born and a little over two years later, on March 26, 1876, his second and third children, Tiernan Senan Junior and Brianna Florence were born. 

Tiernan passed away in 1898, at the age of 56, after suffering from a heart attack shortly after seeing his youngest daughter married. 

Brianna has a complicated relationship with her father, although it is less complicated than her relationship with her mother. Her father had standards that were generally easy to reach and he never spent that much time with Brianna, preferring to spend time teaching his only son the ways of the house. Brianna still loves her father, though. 

Mother: Deidre Florence O’Rourke née Brady [1851-1900]

Born in 1851, Deidre was the only surviving child of Dennis and Florence Brady as her three siblings all passed away before the age of eleven from disease. She had a stable, if cold, childhood, and as the only surviving child, Deidre was expected to be perfect. Upon starting Hogwarts, Deidre was sorted into Slytherin, something that inordinately pleased her mother and father as it preserved their cultivated family image. She had a quiet time at Hogwarts, sticking to the middle of the pack and never excelling where women of the time weren’t expected to.

After graduating from Hogwarts, Deidre spent a little time helping her parents run their shop. She did not care for the work and had absorbed her parents’ perfectionist attitudes, which then influenced her marriage choices. She married Tiernan O’Rourke when she was twenty, in 1871. The marriage was built on respect, duty, and honor, although that foundation cracked when Deidre discovered the gambling in her husband and his family history. Her first child, Orla Deidre was born on September 6, 1873, with her two younger children, Tiernan Senan Junior and Brianna Florence, were born a little over two years later, on March 26, 1876.

Deidre expected perfection from her children, especially her two daughters. This desire for perfection and the perfect image led to Deidre deciding that her children would not know of Tiernan’s gambling problem or the fact that they were always one debt away from having to sell everything. She did not react well when the news of their finances got out. Deidre helped her husband orchestrate marriages for her children.

Deidre passed away at the age of 49 in 1900. 

Brianna has a very complex relationship with her mother. She never felt good enough for her mother and Deidre pressed her standards very hard. Being sorted into Hufflepuff did nothing to help and Brianna grew frustrated with her mother. There’s moments where Brianna loved her mother, but mostly she felt indifferent at beast and resentful at most.

Sister: Orla Deirdre O’Rourke 

Born on September 6, 1873, Orla was the first child of Tiernan (Sr.) and Deidre O’Rourke, two years older than Brianna, and a Slytherin. They generally had a good relationship, but Brianna sometimes wished that Orla would let her handle her battles on her own. However, they connected quite easily and are similar in personality, leading to an easy camaraderie between the two sisters. 

Faceclaim: Megan Follows

Brother: Tiernan Senan O’Roukr Jr. 

Born at 8:30 on March 26, 1876, Tiernan was the second child of Tiernan (Sr.) and Deidre O’Rourke, eight minutes younger than Brianna, and a Slytherin. A beater on the Slytherin quidditch team, Tiernan was the apple of his parents’ eyes as the only son. He had mixed feelings about that, not really caring fully either way. After graduating from Hogwarts, he followed his father’s footsteps into the ministry of magic and married the daughter of another rich pureblood.

Brianna has a good relationship with her twin brother. Tiernan was always a bit of her life line, as his company really prevented loneliness once Orla started at Hogwarts. They’re very protective of one another and Brianna loves him a lot. She enjoys his company and tries her best to be a rock for him. 

Faceclaim: Harry Gilby

Pets: 

Childhood: A barn owl named Apollo

Adulthood: TBD

✧ ROMANCE & CHILDREN ✧

Love Interest: Vincent Augustus George Fitzroy

Daughter: Nola Elizabeth Fitzroy

Son: Rourke Augustus Fitzroy

✧ OTHER RELATIONSHIPS ✧

Best Friends: TBD

Close Friends: TBD

Friends:

Cordelia Duncan (@cursedvaultss)

Acquaintances: TBD

It’s Complicated: TBD

Hogwarts Dormmates: There are four open spots in Brianna’s dorm!

Rivals: TBD

Enemies: TBD

✧ HISTORY & BACKGROUND ✧

Place of Birth: O’Rourke Castle, County Cavan, Ireland 

Hometown: O’Rourke Castle, County Cavan, Ireland 

Childhood: 

Born at 8:37 pm on March 26, 1876, Brianna was the youngest child of Tiernan (Sr.) and Deidre O’Rourke. She joined twin brother, Tiernan Jr. (born at 8:30) and older sister, Orla (then 2). Things appeared to be stable and Brianna never wanted for much. However, her parents were cold and distant and expected perfection from their children, especially her mother. She never felt like she reached her mother’s expectations and was always the disappointing daughter, even though her sister wasn’t considered the perfect daughter. Like her sister, though, the portraits of O’Rourke Castle were surprisingly encouraging.

Brianna learned of her arranged marriage at nine, the same year that her sister discovered the arranged marriages. Orla and their parents rowed and Brianna vowed to make the best of it. However, her first engagement fell through when the truth behind the family finances were revealed in the winter of 1887. Her parents scrambled to find a new match, but continuously fell short of that.

Hogwarts Years:

Upon starting Hogwarts, Brianna was sorted into Hufflepuff after seven minutes of the hat deliberating between Hufflepuff and Slytherin. Brianna settled into the house quickly, despite knowing that her mother and father would be greatly disappointed and Brianna became the first O’Rourke in Hufflepuff in approximately a century. However, she made friends and began to come into her own.

Adulthood:

After graduating from Hogwarts, Brianna began working as a secretary for the ministry of magic. This lasted until she was twenty-four and Brianna hated every minute of it. She married Vincent Fitzroy at the age of 22. They had two children together, a daughter named Nola Elizabeth and a son named Rourke Augustus.

Old Age:

Brianna spends her final years with her husband and children and grandchildren. She indulges in a range of hobbies and visits a few different countries in Europe. 

Death: 

Brianna passed away in her sleep at the age of 99 in 1975. She had a long and fulfilled life, leaving behind two children, four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

✧ MISCELLANEOUS ✧ 

Favorite Color: Teal 

Favorite Foods: Peppermint toads ; licorice wands ; roast beef sandwich with boiled potatoes 

Favorite Drinks: Chocolate ; Butterbeer 

Favorite Weather: Sunny 

Favorite Season: Spring 

Favorite Book: Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen 

Dislikes: Fish ; gambling ; feet ; cauliflower ; bullies 

Trivia:

Brianna was a hatstall between Slytherin and Hufflepuff. It lasted for seven minutes before Hufflepuff was finally decided on.

Brianna is two years younger than the average HPHL MC.

She inherited Clover Cottage in County Wicklow from her maternal great-grandmother. 

She is the great-great-aunt of Cian, Ryan, Cara, Sara, and Conor O’Donnell as her older sister, Orla, is their great-grandmother. 

Important Links:

Brianna’s tag [#brianna o’rourke] 

#brianna o’rourke #hphl #hogwarts legacy #hphl character profile #my character profile #my aesthetic #she’s still technically under construction…

[mariacallous]

England never gets Scotland right. Last week the prime minister, Rishi Sunak, repeated Downing Street’s familiar gloat over another reverse for Scottish home rule. London’s supreme court dismissed the Scottish National party’s bid for an “advisory” plebiscite on whether to hold another independence referendum. Just go home, said Sunak, and run Scotland better. He seemed to think the SNP’s Nicola Sturgeon would apologise for wasting his time. He merely reinforced her party’s antipathy to London and all its doings.

The court’s decision was legally robust but politically inept. Sturgeon’s poll would have been purely advisory. The court appeared to be saying that independence was a forbidden subject to Scottish opinion, lending force to her claim that “the notion of the UK as a voluntary partnership of nations … is no longer a reality”. In the unlikely event of the Scots “advising” another referendum, then real questions might be asked as to what independence involved.

Why not ask them now? Sunak’s best policy would be to take the initiative. He should appoint a commission to ask what devolved powers does Scotland lack within the UK. Federal constitutions across Europe have exhaustive experience of “devo-max”. Scotland already controls its own health, education, transport and planning. It enjoys extensive fiscal discretion, notably over income tax. It could have more, as over corporate and sales taxes. But the quid pro quo would be the steady removal of the Barnett subsidy – £35bn last year – which underpinned a Scottish budget deficit that was 22% of GDP. It has since fallen to 12.3% of GDP, but if an independent Scotland were to seek admission to the EU, rules state this would have to reduce to 3% – a crippling adjustment.

European federalism takes many forms: Swiss, Spanish, German or Italian. All offer models and lessons and it is hard to see why Westminster is so dismissive of them. The instinct against home rule for UK nations recalls the fierce hostility to Irish devolution in the 19th century that led to total independence. It has been a long haul, but this year Ireland had the highest rise in GDP of all OECD countries. The UK is 38th. If I were a Scot looking to Dublin, I would find independence an attractive goal.

Maximising Scottish devolution must make sense. One issue is Europe, with EU membership overwhelmingly favoured by the Scots. The Northern Ireland protocol is now being fashioned to enable it to remain within the UK, but as a member of Europe’s single market. There is no reason in principle why Scotland should not follow suit. Things might get messy along Hadrian’s Wall, but there is a similar EU border between Norway and Sweden, and Germany and Switzerland. Where there’s a will there’s a way.

London should be proactive not reactive. Scotland is evenly divided on independence, which is a solid base for a federalist conversation. Sunak’s commission should ask simply what Scotland feels it shares with the rest of Britain and what further powers it wants for itself. It should be challenged on its deficit and fiscal autonomy. The debate should be on realities not legal niceties. Then the Scots can vote.

[stellar-waves]

staring down the sun [22]

⏯ chapter index

⚠ warnings: suggestive sexual themes, angst

. . .

you can never look back

. . .

For a moment, she forgets to breathe when Connor looks at her.

This is not how this is supposed to go. And she realizes she’s been saying that to herself over and over and over again ever since the MacManus brothers entered her life…ever since Connor entered her heart. 

Forget what would’ve—could’ve—should’ve happened in that motel room. The evil they are chasing is bigger than whatever they are feeling. 

“Ye sure about this, lass?” he asks her again, his body visibly tensing up under his peacoat as they stand in the dark alley behind the bar. 

Elena fluffs her hair, letting it fall carelessly around her face. She rubs her lips together, licking them enough to create a sheen of glossiness over her pout. “You have your big guns, I have mine,” she says with a mix of confidence and flirtation. 

Murphy chuckles as he pats Connor’s shoulder. “Aye, remember? Girl can take care of herself.”

She sees the jealousy in Connor’s face, the urge to protect her from something that hasn’t happened yet. But there’s no way their usual Saints-like approach to apprehending a bad guy will work here. She relaxes her shoulders and her voice, “Cops are all the same. Especially the dirty ones. And if there’s one thing guaranteed to lower their guard, well…” But Elena hesitates as she watches Connor’s jaw tighten, the anger growing in his face much like that night they killed Lombardo. “Connor…”

He shakes his head, his features softening ever so slightly. “Just…be careful, yeah?” his tone is warm, vigilant. And Elena forgets to breathe again.

“Always,” she finally exhales. She adjusts her shirt, making sure the low V-neckline cradles her cleavage perfectly. Despite her self-assurance, a sliver of doubt fills her throat, and she raises her eyes to look at the boys. It’s been so long since she’s dressed more feminine, since she’s sought a man’s attention. 

Murphy smiles, raising his eyebrows yet keeping his gaze from lingering down her body. “Ye look great, lass.”

Blushing, she diverts her hopeful eyes to Connor. His mouth falls open as he stares at her, slowly bringing his eyes back to hers. He doesn’t need to say anything, it’s written all over his face. 

Elena bites her lip, swallowing the urge to kiss him as she reviews the plan. “And if I’m not out within half an hour, you two go back to the church.” Both MacManus brothers press their lips together, still not entirely in agreement with leaving her behind if things go awry, but they nod in compliance anyway. “Good,” she exhales a bit of relief and turns back down the alley to round her way to the entrance of O’Malley’s. “Muinín dom.” 

. . .

“Men are fallible,” Smecker reminded her over the payphone a few days before. His words echo in her head as she moves into the bar, and she smiles. The place reeks of spilled beer and cheap aftershave. Several pairs of eyes fall on her, following her body as she leans against the polished wood and orders a Jameson. 

She carefully looks around, her face seductive as she scans for the cops from Billy Valencia’s list. The bartender sets her Irish whiskey in front of her and announces the amount owed, but as she reaches into her pocket for cash, another man sets an empty glass next to hers. “I got it, Mikey. Just put it on my tab,” he says with a wink. “And I’ll have what she’s having.”

The line makes her want to laugh, but she holds her tongue as she thanks him. “You really shouldn’t have,” she smiles, entirely in character, as she recognizes his face. “My name’s Megan.” She offers a handshake, but he takes her hand and kisses it like he’s some stereotypical knight in shining armor. Hopefully, he doesn’t feel her nerves vibrating with disgust under her skin.

She keeps smiling, though, because she has to for all of this to work. The man holds her hand, rubbing his fingers over her knuckles, the touch briefly reminding her of Connor. 

“Name’s Johnny. Johnny Beck.”  

Why some men, cops especially, always want to give their full names, she’ll never understand. He lets go of her hand to raise his glass, waiting for her to do the same, and they tap their whiskeys together. Elena keeps her eyes on him as she takes a small sip, enough to wet her lips again. 

His eyes not so subtly fall to look at her mouth, and he draws his voice out. “So what’s a girl like you doing in a place like this?”

She lays the lie on thick. “Oh, my boyfriend just broke up with me, and I had nowhere else to go.”

He takes another sip of his drink. “Well, sounds like he’s a damn fool. I can help you forget all about him, sweetheart.”

Elena flutters her eyelashes. “I already have.”

Beck inhales with a smile. “That so?”

“Mmhmm,” she hums as she takes another conservative sip of her whiskey, keeping her eyes locked with Beck’s brown gaze. He is attractive, she’ll give him that, with his ‘70s-era Robert Redford aesthetic. But her heart is somewhere else, even if she can’t admit it. And she has a job to do…for the greater good. 

“Is there somewhere where we can talk more…privately?” she drops her tone, leaning in closer and grazing her fingers along his forearm. 

“Absolutely,” he purrs, taking her hand and leading her to the back of the bar. 

They dip into the hallway that runs between the restrooms and the door to the alley. Beck pushes her against the wall and kisses her. But Elena doesn’t let his lips linger, as she pulls her mouth away to coax him to her neck. She rubs his shoulders, making all of the motions as if she actually feels lust for this man. But she has to get him outside somehow, so she takes his face and presses her lips against his again, clumsily pushing him toward the back door. 

They stumble into the alley, and Elena leads Beck away from the light. She shoves him against the brick wall, kissing him and sliding her hands under his shirt. And in one smooth movement, she breaks the kiss and cocks his off-duty gun at him. 

He laughs in the dim glow. “You’re making a huge mistake, sweetheart. Holding a New York City Police Officer at gunpoint behind a bar full of cops?”

“I’ll take my chances,” she smiles back, knowing that Connor and Murphy are now standing behind her as Beck’s face falls in defeat. “Let’s go somewhere where we can talk…sweetheart.” 

. . .

“Ye know who we are, yeah?” Murphy asks the crooked cop, shoving him to sit in the chair in the middle of the abandoned building. Their only light source is the constant glow of the city filtering in through the dusty windows, casting a subdued array of colors over everything. 

“We know what you did, so we can deliver you right fucking now if we wanted to,” Connor threatens cooly.

“Okay, fine. I’ll talk,” Beck concedes, dropping his shoulders. The twins have their guns pointed at him from both the left and the right, with Elena standing face-on, forming their now signature triangle stance around their hostage as he shakes his head. “I thought Lombardo was just blackmailing me to cover up his drug and sex trafficking rings. But it turned out he was part of this secret organization called Obsidian.” 

Elena feels her eyes slightly widen. She pulls the paper with the geometric design drawn out from her pocket, holding it for Beck to see. “Is that what this symbol is? For Obsidian?”

He nods. “They had recruited some other cops to join. Sold it as working with the mafia ‘for the greater good.’ I didn’t…” he trails off, dropping his head again almost as if he’s holding something back. “I didn’t know they’re actually angling toward something…bigger. What exactly, I don’t know. By the time I realized that, it was too late. They control everything.”

Elena, Connor, and Murphy all look at each other with confusion, and maybe a hint of fear. Connor speaks up, asking, “What the hell does that mean?”

Beck doesn’t turn his head, but shifts his eyes to the side and takes a deep breath. “It means, they have powerful people working for them, people who can make things disappear from existence.”

“Like they work for the government or something?”

He shrugs. “Surely, but I don’t know who or how. All I know is one guy I knew, a vice guy from Brooklyn…he was a part of this too, but something happened, and he just…no one knows where he is, if he’s dead, nothing.”

Elena feels her skin crawl from the vague information, remembering that vice cop who helped prep her all those years ago was from Brooklyn. Hopefully, that’s just a really fucked up coincidence. 

The thick silence between them breaks when Beck’s cell phone rings in Elena’s other hand. She holds it up to him so he can see the caller ID, and his eyebrows go up fast. “Shit, it’s my lieutenant.”

Elena nods slightly, handing him the phone. “Go ahead. Answer it.” 

“Yeah, boss?” The twins cautiously step around toward Elena, adjusting the angle of their triangle so they can face the cop better. Beck’s eyes widen with worry as he listens to his boss on the other end. “Jesus…yeah, yeah I’ll be right there.” He flips the phone back shut, his eyes darting around as the concern builds on his face, erasing all of the arrogance he had displayed earlier. “Saint Agnes is on fire,” he says in a somber tone. 

Elena feels her very being hollow out, emptying every last remaining bit of faith she barely hung onto. The church that took in those girls…

The boys’ telepathic conversation vibrates around her, but she can’t bring herself to move. “Anyone get hurt?” Murphy asks, his voice having softened almost in an instant. 

Beck shakes his head. “I don’t know yet. Doesn’t sound good though.” He rubs at his jaw, and looks at Elena. “I’m sorry. I gotta go.”

Her eyes unfocus, staring through the cop, only to finally blink when Connor says her name. “Let him go, Elena.” She feels Connor’s hand carefully take Beck’s gun from her. “He won’t talk.”

“I won’t,” the cop calmly assures. “I promise.”

He moves to stand up, but Elena suddenly shoves him back into the chair. That silent rage fills her lungs again, and she grabs at Beck’s shirt collar with both hands. Connor just as quickly hands the cop’s gun off to Murphy, wrapping his hands around Elena’s upper arms. He tries to pull her back firmly as she leans her glowered face in close to Beck. 

“If anything happens to those girls, I will kill you.”

“Elena, come on,” Connor urges in a low voice. 

She feels Connor’s hands still holding her, and she releases her grip on Beck, allowing her Irish counterpart to draw her back. Returning the cop’s gun, Murphy quietly signals for him to leave, while Connor wraps an arm over Elena’s clavicle and pulls her against his chest. 

Her heartbeat steadies under his grasp, allowing the anger that had bubbled up inside to slowly dissipate. Connor rests his cheek against her hair and rubs her shoulder in small circles with his thumb. 

And for a moment, she remembers to breathe as Connor holds her.

. . .

⏮ [21]

[23] ⏭

#boondock saints fanfic #connor macmanus x oc #the boondock saints #boondock saints #connor macmanus #murphy macmanus #fanfic #staring down the sun

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 1.7 (before 1950)

49 BC – The Senate of Rome says that Caesar will be declared a public enemy unless he disbands his army, prompting the tribunes who support him to flee to where Caesar is waiting in Ravenna. 1325 – Alfonso IV becomes King of Portugal. 1558 – French troops, led by Francis, Duke of Guise, take Calais, the last continental possession of England. 1608 – Fire destroys Jamestown, Virginia. 1610 – Galileo Galilei makes his first observation of the four Galilean moons: Ganymede, Callisto, Io and Europa, although he is not able to distinguish the last two until the following night. 1708 – Battle of Zlatoust (1707): Battle between Bashkir and Tatar rebels and the government troops of the Tsardom of Russia. It is one of the events of the Bashkir rebellion of 1704–1711. 1708 – Bashkir rebels besieged Yelabuga. 1738 – A peace treaty is signed between Peshwa Bajirao and Jai Singh II following Maratha victory in the Battle of Bhopal. 1782 – The first American commercial bank, the Bank of North America, opens. 1785 – Frenchman Jean-Pierre Blanchard and American John Jeffries travel from Dover, England, to Calais, France, in a gas balloon. 1835 – HMS Beagle, with Charles Darwin on board, drops anchor off the Chonos Archipelago. 1867 – The Kingstree jail fire kills 22 freedmen in Reconstruction-era South Carolina. 1894 – Thomas Edison makes a kinetoscopic film of someone sneezing. On the same day, his employee, William Kennedy Dickson, receives a patent for motion picture film. 1904 – The distress signal "CQD" is established only to be replaced two years later by "SOS". 1919 – Montenegrin guerrilla fighters rebel against the planned annexation of Montenegro by Serbia, but fail. 1920 – The New York State Assembly refuses to seat five duly elected Socialist assemblymen. 1922 – Dáil Éireann ratifies the Anglo-Irish Treaty by a 64–57 vote. 1927 – The first transatlantic commercial telephone service is established from New York City to London. 1928 – A disastrous flood of the River Thames kills 14 people and causes extensive damage to much of riverside London. 1931 – Guy Menzies flies the first solo non-stop trans-Tasman flight (from Australia to New Zealand) in 11 hours and 45 minutes, crash-landing on New Zealand's west coast. 1935 – Benito Mussolini and French Foreign minister Pierre Laval sign the Franco-Italian Agreement. 1940 – Winter War: Battle of Raate Road: The Finnish 9th Division finally defeat the numerically superior Soviet forces on the Raate-Suomussalmi road. 1948 – Kentucky Air National Guard pilot Thomas Mantell crashes while in pursuit of a supposed UFO.

#Events