‘Well, Jeremy did, of course. Something big like that? I know my limitations. No, Jeremy was reluctant at first but once he’d decided, he swung into action. And it worked with military precision, right down to the last detail. I was really nervous. But having Jeremy on speakerphone in the car all the way to Rhona’s house and back, my nerves disappeared. He’s a great actors’ director, you know. Everyone says that.’

‘I’m sure he’ll be a great addition to the prison drama group,’ Lenihan said.

47

Stone built, with classic proportions, Ionic columns, and black cast-iron gates and railings to the front, the place looked innocent enough, if you didn’t know better. But Green Street Courthouse was a fortress, set squat on a narrow street, easily controllable at both ends. There were two small front doors, but only one was open to the public, and that could be closed fast at the first hint of trouble. The side yard was surrounded by walls too high to climb and topped with metal spikes in case anyone was foolish enough to try.

Inside, the bitter tang of disappointment tainted the air. If you were in the dock here, you were probably going down. In the old days, that meant hanging, transportation to Van Diemen’s Land, or maximum security in Portlaoise Prison. More recently, since the Special Criminal Court had moved to Parkgate Street, the place had gone soft. Drug Court was held here now, where judges and probation officers worked with long-term addicts who wanted to get clean, stay out of jail, and live a better life.