.THE PACKAGE

A
Play for Radio

by

Tony Carroll

The Old Post Office
Lincoln Road, Fulbeck
Nr Grantham. NG32 3JL United Kingdom
Tel 01400 273276

SCENE 1

THE HOME OF JOHN AND MARIA
TELEPHONE RINGING

MARIA :              (OFF) Will you get that John.

JOHN :                 I’m on my way. 
                       
                              Hello?

JIMMY :              (D) Hello John boy.  

JOHN :                  Jimmy?

JIMMY :               (D) I’ve bad news John… the priest is dead.

JOHN :                  Father O’Brien?

JIMMY :               (D) I’m afraid so…he was killed this morning.

                               Blew himself up so he did. 

JOHN :                  I can hardly believe it. What in gods name happened?

JIMMY :               (D) Well it true John, there’s no doubt about it.

                              Can you meet me?

JOHN :                   Right now?

JIMMY :                (D) I need to see you John.

JOHN :                  (RELUCTANTLY) OK, Jimmy. Where?

JIMMY:                 (D) Can you make it to the Tavern.

JOHN:               	Yes… I think so.

JIMMY :               (D) Good man, I’ll see you in half an hour.

MARIA :             What did Jimmy Foyle want?…John, what…

JOHN :                (OVERLAP) Its Father O’Brien, Maria. He’s been 

                             killed in some kind of explosion.

MARIA :            Dear god, are you sure ?

JOHN :               That’s what Jimmy  says.

MARIA :            It can’t be true. I’ll call Molly Wilson?

JOHN:                The housekeeper? I’m not sure.

MARIA:             She might know what happened.

JOHN :               No, I wouldn’t, besides if she was in the house when it 

                           happened she maybe injured. Anyway, I expect the 

                           police will be there.

MARIA:             I suppose your right, but we must do something.

JOHN:                 Listen, Maria, if the priest has been killed we’ll know 

                            soon enough. 

MARIA :            But I can’t just sit here and do nothing.

JOHN:                Let me go and see Jimmy, he usually knows everything 

                           that goes on at St Mary’s.

MARIA:             If your sure, but please don’t be long.

JOHN:	       I’ll be as quick as I can, but don’t do anything until I get 

                           back..

                          JOHN KISSES MARIA

MARIA:            Be careful John and don’t forget to find out about Molly

JOHN:               (MOVING OFF) I will... and try not to worry.

SOUND OF DOOR CLOSING AS
JOHN LEAVES THE HOUSE 

FADE

SCENE 2

PUB WITH LOW LEVEL CHATTER
                                                                   FROM OTHER DRINKERS

JIMMY:            Sorry we’re late John.

JOHN:               You said half an hour Jimmy, where the hell have…

JIMMY:            (OVERLAP) I had to pick Michael up on the way.

MICHAEL:       Let me get you another drink John… you look as if you 

                          need one.

JOHN:               No, not for me. I can’t stay much longer.

MICHAEL:       Jimmy?

JIMMY:            Mines a lager Michael… Now John, lets sit over there, 

                          its a bit quieter…Your looking tense John boy. It’s no
             
                          wonder, it’s a bad business… but it was bound to happen     

                          to one of us eventually.

JOHN:               Christ Jimmy, you’ve never mentioned explosives to me.

JIMMY:            Keep your voice down man. 

                         You never really wanted to know John…did you?

                         (OFF) Over here Michael.

MICHAEL:      Now John, we’ve a lot to talk about.

JOHN:              I suppose you’re here about the priest Michael.

MICHAEL:      God knows what he thought he was doing.

                          All I do know is that we now have a problem… and I 
                           
                          need your help to solve it.

JOHN:              I’m not sure I want to anymore.

MICHAEL:      You don’t have a choice John.

                         Now, we need you to take care of a package for us…

                         …just for a few days.

JOHN:              What kind of package?

JIMMY:           Its better that you don’t know John.

JOHN:              Can’t you find someone else?

MICHAEL:      There’s no time for that, besides, there are only a few 

                         people we can trust.

JOHN:              I don’t want to go on now, with the priest and... 

JIMMY :          (OVERLAP) Calm yourself man… 

MICHAEL :     Now listen to me John, this is important to us. 
             
                          You’ll understand that in a week or so…and after that 

                         we will talk about standing you down.

JOHN :             I don’t know Michael.

MICHAEL:     You must do this, yours is the only safe house we have.

                        Without your help this package will have to go back to 

                        Ireland and that’ll put republican lives in danger.

JIMMY :         He’s right John and then your life would be…

JOHN :            (OVERLAP) Don’t…don’t bother… just tell me when.

MICHAEL :    Tomorrow… maybe even to night.

JOHN :            I don’t have much choice. I must go.

MICHAEL:     We need you with us on this one John, 

                         then in a few weeks we’ll talk, I promise you that.

JOHN:             If you say so.

MICHAEL:     There is something else you have to do John.

JOHN:             What?

MICHAEL:     Father O’Brien’s death is bound to put his congregation in 

                        the spotlight.  Now, you may not be Irish John, but your  

                        family name will attract attention, so you must be careful.

                        The police will be looking closely at all of us.

JOHN:            I understand… Now, can I go.

JIMMY:         (OFF) I’ll call you later John boy.

JOHN:           (MOVING OFF) OK, Jimmy.

MICHAEL:   (OFF) Take care now John.

JIMMY:         Will you have another Michael.

MICHAEL:    In a while…I hope we can trust him Jimmy.

JIMMY:         Do we have a choice?

MICHAEL:    No, this job has to go ahead. It’s expected.

JIMMY:         Don’t they know the priest’s death has put us in a spot.

MICHAEL:    Just so Jimmy and you more than anyone… that’s why we 

                       have to go ahead quickly and then get you out.

JIMMY:         What about yourself Michael?

MICHAEL:    That’s for others to decide. Right now the pressure is on 

                       the British and I intend to keep it that way.

                        Now, I think I’ll have that drink Jimmy.

                       And then we must to go over the plan again.

                       There are few a changes we have to make if we’re to keep

                        you out of hands of the police.

FADE

SCENE 3

SOUND OF DOOR SLAMMING
AS JOHN ARRIVES HOME

MARIA:        Thank goodness your home. Where have you been?

                               You look dreadful John.

JOHN:           I’m sorry Maria. I just cant believe this is happening.

MARIA:        Did Jimmy tell you... how he died?

JOHN:           Sort of. It was an explosion, but it could have been 

                     avoided.

MARIA:        What do you mean?

JOHN:           Maria… the priest was a republican. He was killed by a

                      device he was holding for the IRA.

MARIA:       (OVERLAP) Oh dear God… and are you involved?

JOHN:          I’m afraid so Maria. I am so sorry. I couldn’t tell you.

                     It was better that you didn’t know. And anyway, all I ever 

                     did was keep things safe for them… I’ve never been  

                     involved in anything else.

MARIA:       All those mysterious packages in the shed, were they 

                    bombs?

JOHN:          I don’t know. I never touched them and never asked any  

                     questions. Deep down I didn’t want to know.

MARIA:      Who else is involved?

JOHN:         Jimmy, Michael O’Farrell and the priest, that’s all I know.                     

MARIA:      Its unbelievable and to think that you kept bomb’s in our        
                    
                     garden shed when you knew we were here in this house. 

                     How could you expose us…

JOHN:         (OVERLAP) Maria, please, I never knew what was in those

                    packages and to ask, or tamper, would have risked our lives.

MARIA:     (ANGRY) But that just what you did.

JOHN:        I had to do as I was told.

MARIA:     Are you telling me that once your in the IRA there’s no way 

                  out.

JOHN:        Maria, for them it’s a war and desertion, or, betrayal would 

                    be severely punished. Except…

MARIA:      (OVERLAP) Except what?

JOHN:         I have to do one more job for them and then, I think, they 
  
                    will let me go.

MARIA:     What is the job, another package, another bomb?

JOHN:        Yes…tomorrow…even tonight.

MARIA:      (CRYING) John, you must be crazy… 
     
                     …I won’t stay in this house if you do this.

JOHN:        There’s no choice, I have to.

MARIA:     Have you not thought where this bomb may be going

                     and how many it may kill. 

JOHN:          It doesn’t have to be a bomb Maria.

MARIA:      Just like the one Father O’Brien was holding I suppose.

                     If you do this I will leave John.

JOHN:          Maria, please see this through with me. You can go to your 

                     mother for a few days if you must, but please don’t leave 

                     me, I’ve never needed you more than I do now.

MARIA:      (SOBBING) But John, your not putting me first are you?

JOHN:         I know it looks that way, but you must know, if I don't

                     help them I will be killed. Maria this will be the last time, 
       
                     I promise.

MARIA:       But you’ve been a friend to terrorists. Don’t you realise that 

                    you will always be looking over your shoulder, wondering if 

                    the law, or the IRA have come for you.

JOHN:         I know, my father still lives with that fear.

MARIA:      Your father?

JOHN:         He was in the IRA during the forties, before he came here.

                    It was different then.

MARIA:      (REGAINING COMPOSURE) Did your mother know?

JOHN:         I don’t think so. They met here in 1947 and married the 

                    same year. It wasn’t until I went to his fathers funeral in 68 

                    that he told me about his past. It was my first time in Ireland 

                    and at the funeral he met a lot of old friends. At the 

                    wake everyone talked openly about the struggle against the

                    British, even predicted that the troubles would start in 69.

MARIA:      Is that when you got involved?

JOHN;         Not straight away. It turned out that someone at the funeral 

                    was from Belfast and in 1970 he managed to find my father.

                   They were looking for safe houses in England.

                    He was clearly under pressure, but didn’t want to get 

                    involved...so I volunteered.

MARIA:      This must have been just as we were getting married.

JOHN:         It was.

MARIA:      And you didn’t think to mention it to me.

JOHN:         Maria, this was at the beginning of the troubles.

                    No one had been killed on the mainland…bomb or bullet.

MARIA:      You soon found out how wrong you were.

JOHN:         By then it was too late and I realised they wouldn’t let go.

                    I was too useful.

MARIA:     (ANGRY) You still are it seems.

JOHN:        It was a big mistake Maria. I did it for my father.

                   Surely you understand…I don’t want to argue.

                   Go to your mothers for a few days until I get rid of this

                   package and then we’ll sort things out. 

                   Perhaps we should think about moving when its over.

MARIA:     Perhaps, but some how I don’t think it’s as simple as that.

TELEPHONE RINGS

JOHN:        I’ll get it…It’ probably for me… Hello?

JIMMY:     (D) John there’s a change of plan. The package is on its way 

                   now, it can’t stay where it is.

JOHN:        Christ Jimmy, what the hell is going on.

JIMMY;     (D) Calm yourself John. Now, I also have a message from

                    Michael. He knows how you feel and wants me to tell you 

                    that this will be the last time… just as you wanted.

JOHN:         Thank god.

JIMMY:      (D) Now, you only have to keep the package for a few a 

                   days, ok?

JOHN:         Yes, I suppose so.

JIMMY:      (D) John boy, in less than a week you’ll be clear of us.

                     Just hold your nerve and everything will be alright.

              LOUD KNOCK AT THE DOOR

JOHN:         Jimmy there’s someone at the door.

JIMMY:      (D) If its your man just take the package and put it away.

                    It is safe, so don’t worry and don’t mess. I’ll talk to you later

PHONE DISENGAGES
2ND LOUD KNOCK         
MARIA:      Shall I go?

JOHN:         NO… I’ll do it.
JOHN OPENS DOOR

JOHN:        (OFF) Is that for me?

MAN:         (OFF) Are you joking.

JOHN:         (OFF) Sorry.

MAN:          (OFF) Just take the dam thing.

DOOR CLOSES

MARIA:      So, a change of plan. It looks so small for something so 

                   deadly.

JOHN:         Maria, neither of us really knows…

MARIA:     Your such a fool John. Take it away before it does to us what 

                  it did to the priest.

JOHN:         Maria, this really will be the last time.

MARIA:      Do you honestly believe that?

JOHN:         Of course, Jimmy has just told me. 

MARIA:      The IRA don’t seem the sort to just let go. 

JOHN:       They will. They trust me and I have to trust them. 

MARIA:     I’m frightened John.

JOHN:        Maria, just get ready to go to you mothers while I put this 

                  away.

 TELEPHONE RINGS

MARIA:     You go on, I’ll get it…Hello

MOLLY:    (D) Hello Maria. 

MARIA:     Molly, I’m so glad you’ve called. I’ve been so worried.

MOLLY:   (D) You’ve heard about Father O’Brien I imagine.

MARIA:    Jimmy Foyle rang earlier. Molly, are you alright.

MOLLY:   (D) I’m OK, just shaken up…but I was there.

MARIA:    You were lucky not to be hurt.

MOLLY:    (D) I’m that alright… he’d gone to the garage and I was up 

                   stairs when I heard this loud bang. All the windows at the 

                   back were blown out and when I looked out the garage was 

                   almost gone. I went outside to see what I could do, but it was 

                   impossible. His car was on fire and I couldn’t go near. 

MARIA:    Where are you now Molly?

MOLLY:   (D) The police brought me home a while ago.

MARIA:    You shouldn’t be on your own. I’ll come over?

MOLLY:    (D) I wouldn’t Maria, the police are outside. 

                   They say I’ll get unwanted visitors. The press I suppose.

MARIA:      Have they told you what caused the explosion?

MOLLY:     (D) They say that the Father was probably making a bomb

                     that went off accidentally, or someone attached it to his car.

                     Either way I don’t believe any of it.

MARIA:      None of it makes any sense Molly.

MOLLY:     (D) The police seem sure it was a bomb, but I can’t believe 

                     the Father would be involved with the struggle, not in that 

                     way at least. He was a god fearing man, not a republican.

MARIA:      What are you going to do now?

MOLLY:     (D) I really don’t know. I’m so shaken up I can’t think 

                     straight. The police say they want to talk to me again, so I

                     can't go far.They did ask if there might be a list of regulars 

                     at church. How would I know of such a thing.

MARIA:       All they have to do is be at mass tomorrow.

                     Will you be there?

MOLLY:      (D) I will… the Father would want us all to be there.

MARIA:      He would.

MOLLY:     (D) I’d better go Maria. I’ll see you at church, god willing.

MARIA:      Yes, tomorrow. Goodbye, Molly.
                                                                 TELEPHONE DISENGAGES
MARIA TAKES A MOMENT BEFORE 
                                                         REPLACING THE RECEIVER 

JOHN:        Who was on the phone?

MARIA:     It was Molly. She was there when it happened.

                  Thank god she wasn’t hurt.John, is it possible that Father 

                  O’Brien could have been a target.

JOHN:         I don’t know. Why?

MARIA:      Well the bomb went off in his garage.

JOHN:         Perhaps they think someone attached it to his car.

MARIA:      Well, apparently the police say it’s a possibility.

JOHN:         It’s much more likely that he tampered with it.

                   What else did she say?

MARIA:      The police want a list of churchgoers.

JOHN:         Oh shit.

MARIA:      Don’t worry, she didn’t have one.

JOHN:         In time they will and then I’ll be questioned… so will 

                    Jimmy. This whole thing is becoming a terrible nightmare.

MARIA:      Pull your self together John. There are lots of Irish living in 

                    this neighborhood and quite a few go to St Mary’s.

JOHN:         But the police will eventually find out about my fathers past.

MARIA:     Maybe, but your father’s an old man and hasn’t been to 

                    church since your mother died. He’s not an obvious suspect.

JOHN:         Lets hope your right. 

                    Now, shall I help you get ready to go to your mothers?

MARIA:     I’m not going... I think I should stay here with you.

JOHN:        Are you sure?

MARIA:     I just wish we didn’t have that thing in our garden shed.

JOHN:        It will be safe if we don’t go near.

MARIA:     I do hope so. 

JOHN:        Now, the most important thing is to try and go about our 

                   lives, almost as if nothing happened.

MARIA:     But it has, our priest is dead…and everyone who knew him 

                   will be upset and want to know what really happened.

JOHN:       Perhaps we should go to church.

MARIA:    Many will…it’s the natural thing to do.

JOHN:       Then we should go as well. Come here.

                  (CLOSE) Thanks for staying Maria. I couldn’t get through 

                  this without you. I need you here…with me.

MARIA:    (CLOSE) I will always be here for you, don’t you know that.

JOHN:       (CLOSE) I’ve been so stupid, but, I really thought you 

                  would leave me if you found out.

MARIA:   (CLOSE) I’m still afraid John. It’s hard to believe that these 

                  people will ever let go.

JOHN:       (CLOSE) They will and in time we can put this sorry 

                  episode behind us.

MARIA:   (CLOSE) Oh John… We must pray for that and for the soul of

                 of Father O’Brien…poor man.

JOHN:       (CLOSE) Hadn’t we better be off to church then.

MARIA:   Yes, I suppose we should. I’ll get my coat.

FADE

SCENE 4
OUTSIDE ST MARY’S CHURCH
THE CHURCH BELL IS TOLLING

POLICEMAN:    Pardon me… sir…madam.

JOHN:                 Yes…officer. 

POLICEMAN:    We’re trying to have a few words with everyone as they 

                            leave church. I hope you don’t mind. 

                            It’ll only take a few minutes.

JOHN:                 How can we help?

POLICEMAN:   Can I take it that you are regulars here at St Mary’s.

MARIA:             We are officer and we knew Father O’Brien very well.

                            Can you tell us what happened. We’ve heard so many

                            stories it’s hard to know what to believe.

POLICEMAN:   I can only tell you that he was killed in an explosion

                            this morning, just up the road there in his garage.

JOHN:                 People are talking about a bomb.

POLICEMAN:   It looks that way, but we’re not sure yet.

                            Do you recall when you last saw Father O’Brien?

MARIA:             Yes, it was last Sunday... at mass.

POLICEMAN:    And before that?

MARIA:              The previous Sunday.

POLICEMAN:    And you sir?

JOHN:                 Err... the same.

POLICEMAN:     Have either of you visited the priest’s house recently?

MARIA:              No…I don’t think we’ve been there for over a year.

JOHN:                 That’s right officer, not since Father O’Brien conducted 

                            my mother’s funeral... Look, this is all very up setting.

                            The priest was a good friend and his death has come as 

                            quite a shock, but I really don’t know how we can help.    

POLICEMAN:      I understand. Its just that we’re at a bit of a loss and  

                            thought that the regulars here might be able to help.

JOHN:                  I’m sorry, I don’t think we can.

POLICEMAN:     There is one more thing. Do you know the church 

                            caretaker, James Folye.

MARIA:               We do. He’s a regular worshiper here, like many of us.

                             Why, was he hurt in the explosion?

POLICEMAN:     No, it’s just that we don’t seem to be able to find him.

MARIA:               If you don’t catch up with him today I’m sure he’ll be

                            at mass tomorrow.

POLICEMAN:     Yes…I hope so.

JOHN:                 Is there anything else?

POLICEMAN:     Only your name and address. 

                            Just in case I need to talk to you again.

                            Would you mind writing it on my note pad.

JOHN:                  Not at all, but I really don’t think we can help.

POLICEMAN:     Well, just in case.

                             Thanks for that Mr…Cahill. Have I got that right?

JOHN:                  Yes, my family are…

MARIA:               (OVERLAP) It’s starting to rain John, we should go .

                             (MOVING OFF) We’ll be at mass tomorrow if you

                             want to speak to us again officer.

POLICEMAN:     (OFF) Thank you. I might do that.

BRING UP THE CHURCH BELLS

FADE

SCENE 5
DOOR CLOSES AS MARIA
AND JOHN ARRIVE HOME

JOHN:         I’m so glad we’re home.

MARIA:      That was a bit of an ordeal.

JOHN:         But we were only doing the same as everyone else…

MARIA:      Except Jimmy Foyle.

JOHN:         That policeman didn’t seem to have much of a clue.

MARIA:      I’m not so sure. We shouldn’t under estimate the police.

                    Its not every day a priest gets blown up, so they’re bound to

                    call on specialists from London, who will soon work it all out.

                    out. I just hope that Jimmy isn’t known to them.

JOHN:         Perhaps I should call him?

MARIA:      No, call Michael… Jimmy’s probably with him anyway.

JOHN:         Your right.
JOHN PICKS UP THE PHONE AND DIALS

MICHAEL:  (D) Hello?

JOHN:          Michael its John.

MICHAEL:  (D) What is it John?

JOHN:          Michael the police are looking for Jimmy.

MICHAEL:  (D) How do you know?

JOHN:          We went to church about an hour ago and the police 

                     stopped us on the way out… said they couldn’t find him.

MICHAEL:  (D) Are you at home?

JOHN:          Yes.

MICHAEL:   (D) I think you should stay home. 

                      Will you be at mass tomorrow?

JOHN:           Yes, I think so.

MICHAEL:   (D) I’ll see you there.

JOHN:           What about Jimmy.

MICHAEL:   (D) He’s alright…now make sure you stay home.

TELEPHONE DISENGAGES

MARIA:        Was Jimmy there?

JOHN:           I don’t know…he just said he would see us tomorrow.

MARIA:        Strange man. Do you know much about him?

JOHN:           Not really and perhaps that’s how he wants it.

                      Our only connection is through the church… 
                     
                      …just people who share the same religion.

MARIA:        If the police start to believe that the priest was an IRA man,

                      they are bound to think that someone else at church is too..

JOHN:           I guess Jimmy and Michael will have worked that out.

MARIA:        I wonder if we’re all going to be watched.

JOHN:           Surveillance? That might spoil things for Michael.

                      And make it difficult to move the package.

MARIA:        I hope not. It can’t stay here.

JOHN:           I’ll talk to Michael tomorrow.
         KNOCK AT DOOR

JOHN:           Who the hell can that be?

MARIA:        Let me go.
DOOR OPENS

JIMMY:        (OFF) Maria, can I come in? I need to see John.

MARIA:       (OFF) I’m not sure you should be here Jimmy.

JIMMY:       (OFF) I know…I can’t stay long.

JOHN:          Do you know the police are looking for you Jimmy?

JIMMY:        I’m not surprised. Its time to make a run for it.

MARIA:      You can’t do that Jimmy…you’ll be caught.  

                     Go home and wait for the police,

JIMMY:       I can’t do that…its back to Ireland for me.

JOHN:          Jimmy your only the caretaker, all the police…

JIMMY:       (OVERLAP) Don’t be stupid John…they will connect me to  

                     the priest. I have to go, there’s no choice.  

JOHN:         Well you will be caught, you must know that.

JIMMY:       Michael will take care of it for me, but I need a place to stay

                     for a few days, until its safe to go.

MARIA:       Not here Jimmy. You can’t stay here…the police are bound

                     to come.

JIMMY:       (SARCASTIC) I know that. I shouldn’t be here now.

                     Your father’s house would be safe John and I know I could 

                     lie low there…but I need you to take me.

JOHN:          No way, my father shouldn’t have anything to do with this.

                     He did his bit for the IRA long ago.

JIMMY:       All well and good John boy, but I might know your father

                     better on this one. Just take me, we’ll see what he says.

MARIA:       And what about the package? When will it be gone?

JIMMY:       It’ll go back to Ireland with me…don’t fear.

                     It’ll be gone in less than a week. Now John, lets go.

JOHN:          Jimmy, I want your word that you wont force him. 

JIMMY:       No problem. Now, can we go?

	FADE

                    

SCENE 6

TWO CAR DOORS SLAM AS JIMMY AND 
JOHN ARRIVE AT HIS FATHERS HOUSE

JOHN:         I still don’t think this is fair.

JIMMY:      It has to be this way John.
JOHN KNOCKS THE DOOR

JOHN:         Take it easy will you Jimmy. My father’s getting to old for 

                   this sort of thing.

JIMMY:       He’s a respected a republican and I will treat him that way.

   JOHN’S FATHER OPENS THE DOOR                                 
                           
JACK:         Well goodness me John… and Jimmy Foyle as well.

                    You’d better come in. I haven’t seen you in a while Jimmy.

                    It must be serious.

JIMMY:      It is Jack. You’ll have heard about Father O’Brien.

JACK:         It’s been on the news. He was good republican.

JOHN:         You knew dad.

JACK:         We’re all republicans John, even if you’re a priest.

                    Tell me what happened Jimmy.

JIMMY:      The priest kept a package for us from time to time. This one

                     wouldn’t have been so lethal if he hadn’t messed with it. 

                     Jack, its put me in a spot…I could do with a place to lay low 

                     for a few days. Will you help me?

JACK:          I don’t know about that Jimmy.

JIMMY:       Jack, I’ll be arrested if you don’t. I just need a few days

                     until Michael can arrange  safe passage back to Ireland.

JOHN:          Dad, I have a package at home.

JACK:          Jimmy, is it the same as the one the priest was holding?

JIMMY:       It is, but don’t worry, it’s safe.

JACK:          You’re a fool Jimmy. Michael is using you. When you 

                     disappear it will throw them of his scent.

JIMMY:       I’m not the fool you think Jack, but you of all people know

                     that I have to obey an order.

JOHN:          Dad, Michael has promised that this will be the last 

                     package.

JACK:           Did he now?

JIMMY:        Michael may be ruthless Jack, but he can be trusted.

JACK:           I hope so. My son should never have become involved.

JIMMY:       Well its nearly over Jack. Will you help me?

JACK:          I will, but only for a few days, mind.

JOHN:          Are you sure dad?

JACK:          Now John, you must keep that package well away from 

                     the house and don’t you dare touch it.

JOHN:          Don’t worry dad. 

JACK:          I’ve spent a life time trying not to worry, never quite 

                    knowing if the past would eventually catch up.

JOHN:          You don’t have to do this dad.

JACK:          Whether I wont to or not, doesn’t matter. I have to do this 

                    for you son, as much as for Jimmy.

JIMMY:      He’s right John.

JACK:         It’ll be alright, if we’re careful. Now you best be on your 

                    way and give my love to that wife of yours. And John,
           
                    I don’t think you should come here until Jimmy’s gone. 
          
                    And no phone calls either. We must be very careful.

JOHN:        (MOVING OFF) I understand dad… Take care Jimmy.

JIMMY:     (OFF) Thanks for everything John. And don’t worry about  

                   the package. I will be round to fetch it in a few days.

FADE

SCENE 7

OUTSIDE ST MARY’S CHURCH AFTER 
MASS THE FOLLOWING MORNING  
THE CONGREGATION IS LEAVING
THE CHURCH BELL IS RINGING

MICHAEL:      (APPROACHING) Morning to you both. 

JOHN:              Morning Michael.

MARIA:           (OVERLAPING) Michael.

JOHN:              Not a bad service this morning.

MICHAEL:      All things considered.

                         I only have a moment, to many police about the place.

                         Did everything go off alright last night?

JOHN:              It did, but you shouldn’t have involved my father.

MICHAEL:      It’s a pity you don’t have your father’s backbone John.

JOHN:              I don’t believe in your war Michael.

MICHAEL:      Well you’ll be out of it from Thursday.

                          Jimmy will be there at six to take the package away.

JOHN:              And that will be the end of it?

MICHAEL:      You won’t see me again, accept at church that is.

                         So, yes, it’s at an end, provided you keep your mouth 

                        shut. Understand?

JOHN:              I might not like what you do Michael, but you can trust 

                        me.

MICHAEL:      Trouble is John, those policemen over there will soon

                        make you feel very uncomfortable and I’m not sure you 

                        can take it.

JOHN:              (DEFIANT) There’s only one way to find out.

MICHAEL:      You may think its only the next few days that are going 
  
                         to be difficult,but the real test will be the months and 

                        even the years ahead.

JOHN:               We’ll cope.

MICHAEL:       (MOVING OFF) I must go before the police make too

                          much of us chatting. Be very careful both of you.

MARIA:           (OFF) Goodbye Michael.
 
JOHN:              I hope that’s the last we see of him.

MARIA:           Some how I doubt it. These people seem to make a habit 

                          of knocking on your door when you least expect it.

JOHN:               All the more reason to move.

MARIA:            We will, but even if we change our name they will still
 
                          find us if they really want to.

JOHN:               There are quite a lot of police about Maria.

                          It looks as if they’re trying to catch people leaving 

                          church and there’s the policeman who spoke to us last 

                          night.

MARIA:            He’s coming over.

JOHN:               (OFF) Morning Officer.

POLICEMAN:  Good morning. Quite a lot of people here today.

MARIA:            Everyone wants to join together at a time like this.

POLICEMAN:  Quite so…I’m sorry to say that we haven’t found Mr 

                          Foyle yet, unless you’ve seen him.

JOHN:               No, no what do you think it means.

POLICMAN:     I don’t really know, but it is beginning to concern us.

MARIA:            He could be so upset that he’s just gone away for a day 

                          or two. He and Father O’Brien were good friends.

POLICEMAN:   Were they?

MARIA:             Grief affects us all. Wouldn’t you be upset.

POLICEMAN:   Yes, I’m sorry if I…

MARIA:            (OVERLAP) Is there anything else.

POLICEMAN:   I will need to take statements from you in the next few 

                         days.

JOHN:               Is that really necessary?

POLICEMAN:  The regulars at St Mary’s can help us build up a picture

                           of Father O’Brien’s life. There’s nothing to worry about. 

                          You can see other officers trying to talk to everyone.

MARIA:            We understand.

POLICEMAN:  Good, now would some time next Thursday be possible.

MARIA:             I don’t see why not.

JOHN:                (OVERLAPING) Not before?

POLICEMAN:   I’m afraid not, unless you think it’s important?

JOHN:                No, no, just as long as it’s in the evening, after work..

POLICEMAN:   That’s OK, shall we say eight O’clock?

MARIA:             Yes, you have our address.

POLICEMAN:   I do. Oh, one more thing, that gentleman you were just 

                            speaking to…

JOHN:                 (OVERLAPING) Michael O’Farrell?

POLICEMAN:    Yes, I couldn’t catch him before he left. Do you know 

                             where I can contact him.

JOHN:                  Can’t help you there, try the phone book, he’s local.

POLICEMAN:     Good idea, I should have thought of that.

MARIA:               We’d better be going.

                             (MOVING OFF) We’ll see you on Thursday officer.

BRING UP THE CHURCH BELLS

FADE

SCENE 8
THE HOME OF JOHN/MARIA
ON THURSDAY AFTERNOON.
THE RADIO CAN BE HEARD 
AS JOHN ENTERS 

MARIA:         (OFF) Your home early.

JOHN:            I wanted to be sure I was here when Jimmy arrives.

                       Can you turn that off.

MARIA:         You look tired.
              MARIA TURNS THE RADIO OFF.

JOHN:            I am, the last few day have been absolutely awful.

MARIA:         You’ll feel better when Jimmy’s been.

JOHN:            At the moment I’m more concerned about that policeman.

                       God knows why we agreed to see him tonight.  

LOUD KNOCK AT THE DOOR
                       That’ll be Jimmy.

MARIA:         Take your time John.
DOOR OPENS

JOHN:             (OFF) Come in Jimmy. Your early.

JIMMY:          (OFF) I’ve been waiting for you. Where is it?

                        I haven’t much time.

JOHN:             It’s in the shed. I’ll get it. 

MARIA:          Why the urgency Jimmy?

JIMMY:          I’ve a lot to do Maria. You know how it is.

MARIA:          Is Jack alright.

JIMMY:         He’s grand. Looked after me well, so he did.                              

MARIA:         I don’t suppose we’ll see you again?

JIMMY:         For all our sakes I hope not. 

MARIA:        And Michael, is he going?

JIMMY:         Not unless he’s told too.

JOHN:            Here it is Jimmy.

JIMMY:         Good man. Now I must go.

JOHN:            Take care with that thing Jimmy.

JIMMY:         Don’t you worry.

                       (MOVING OFF) And John boy, it’s all over for you now.

                       Just hold on to your nerve.

JOHN:           (OFF) I’ll do that Jimmy.
DOOR CLOSES

MARIA:        Thank goodness that’s gone.

JOHN:           Well at least it’s the first load of my mind.

MARIA:        You try and settle your self. I’ll put the TV on, it might

                       take your mind off things.

MARIA TURNS ON THE TV.     

FADE

LATER THAT EVENING

JOHN:         (YAWNING) I must have dropped off. Is that the time?

MARIA:      I didn’t want to wake you.

JOHN:         It’s well past 8 o’clock Maria. Where’s the policeman?

MARIA:      He rang a little while ago. He’s going to be late.

JOHN:         That’s a relief, what time.

MARIA:      He wasn’t sure. (APPREHENSIVE) John…two bombs

                     have gone off in Birmingham.

JOHN:         When? How do you know?

MARIA:      There was a news flash on television…

JOHN:         (OVERLAP) Oh Christ, did they say anymore.

MARIA:      Apparently there are a lot injured…and some dead.

JOHN:         Oh Maria, Maria, this cannot be happening.

MARIA:      They don’t know for certain, but it looks pretty bad.

JOHN:         Jimmy must be the bomber.

MARIA:      How can you be sure?

JOHN:         There were two packages in the bag. It has to be him.

MARIA:       So… it was all planned. Jimmy was going back to Ireland 

                      anyway and the priest’s death was an untimely accident. 

JOHN:           It looks that way and we’ve been conned in the process.

MARIA:        I tried to tell you.

JOHN:           I can’t believe that innocent people have been blown up

                       by bombs we kept in this house.

MARIA:        There was a time when you could have stopped it. 

JOHN:            I lacked courage Maria and hid behind my father.

                       But, I can make sure that they never do it again.

MARIA:        (ALARMED) It’s not that simple anymore. Michael and 

                      Jimmy would be replaced by others die hard republicans 

                       and their first job would be to kill you.

JOHN:            (DISTRESSED) I don’t think I care.

MARIA:         John, what’s done is done. It’s terrible, I know, but you 

                       have think about your family now. We would all become 

                       targets if you betray these people. You must know that.

JOHN:            I have to do something.

MARIA:         Your not listening John, its too late to be a hero.

                      Think about your family, put them above everything else.

JOHN:             I just don’t know anymore.

MARIA:          (CLOSE) John, how do you think I feel. This is my 

                        nightmare as well. Please don’t betray me.

LOUD KNOCK ON DOOR
 JOHN:            Oh god, that’ll be the police.

MARIA:         You have to pull your self together John. You can’t see 

                        him like this. Shall I go?

JOHN:             No, No, just give me a minute. I’ll be alright.

MARIA:          Are you sure? I can send him away.
2ND KNOCK 
                                  
JOHN:             I better go.

MARIA:          Take your time and think about this John, please think.

DOOR OPENS

POLICEMAN:  Sorry I’m late. You’ve probably heard the news.

JOHN:               Yes… we have. It sounds pretty bad. 

POLICEMAN:  It is… Are you all right?

JOHN:               I don’t know anymore.

POLICEMAN:  You look like a man with a lot on his mind.

JOHN:               You could say that.

POLICEMAN:   Perhaps you have something to tell me?

JOHN:                Yes…you better come in.

FADE

EPILOGUE

NARRATOR:   21 people died and over 160 were injured by the       

                          Birmingham pub bombs. It was the 21st November 1974
  
                          and later that night six innocent men were arrested for 

                          their part in the atrocity. They were subsequently                  

                          convicted and sent to prison for life. It wasn’t until 1991 

                          that all six were freed when the Court of Appeal in 

                          London overturned their conviction. No one else has                             

                          been charged with any offence connected to these 

                          murders.

END

The Package
By
Tony Carroll

SYNOPSIS

Throughout the seventies the Provisional IRA waged a bombing campaign across Britain. The success of these operations often depended on a network of safe houses where weapons and explosives were stored.This play is about one of those houses, where the owners, John and his innocent wife Maria, have regularly stored ‘packages’ for the IRA. The play is set in the suburbs of Birmingham, just a few days before the pub bombs in 1974. It opens with the death of a priest who has been killed after tampering with a package he was holding for the IRA. His death sets in train a deeperand more frightening involvement with the IRA for John and Maria.

The Package

List of Characters

JOHN: aged 26, is English and a man lacking confidence who is easily 
influenced by others. He is not an emotionally strong person, especially in difficult situations, although he does have moments when he try’s to assert himself.

MARIA: aged 24, Maria is English and a confident woman with inner 
strengths that only emerge in a crisis. She loves her husband John and 
understands his weakness. Unlike her husband Maria is pragmatic.

JIMMY: Aged 30, he is Irish and very street wise. On the surface he is easy going, but is, non the less, a fanatical republican.

MICHAEL: in his mid forties, Irish and a dedicated life long republican. He is well educated, with a quiet menacing manner, which he uses to effect.

MOLLY: aged 55, Molly is Irish and a dependable, salt of the earth woman.

POLICEMAN: aged 35, the constable is experienced with a well developed understanding of human nature. He is deliberately understated.

JACK: in his late sixties, Jack is an old republican and father to John. He has good instincts developed through many life experiences.

The Old Post Office
Lincoln Road 
Fulbeck
Nr Grantham
United Kingdom
NG32 3JL