Black-eyed Devils Read Free

and married in two.’
    â€˜I’ll risk the gossip if Miss Watkins will.’ Tom smiled at Amy.
    Amy saw Tom’s smile and her heart started pounding rapidly again. But the last thing she wanted was for Father Kelly and Tom to think her incapable of looking after herself. ‘I’ve been walking to the picket for months without any bother from anyone, Father.’
    â€˜I know you have. I also know that as my nephew here isn’t a collier or a policeman both sides will be suspicious of him.’
    Tom wasn’t to be out off so easily. ‘They’ll not be throwing stones at a man who hasn’t taken sides.’
    â€˜It’s obvious from your cap and clothes, boy, you’re a working man. That puts you on the side of the colliers.’
    â€˜There’s no need for you to walk me, Mr Kelly,’ Amy protested.
    â€˜This is my first day in Tonypandy. I’d appreciate someone showing me the sights. And I am Father Kelly’s nephew.’
    â€˜But you’re not a priest.’
    â€˜No, I’m not, nor will I ever be,’ he laughed.
    Father Kelly realized that Tom was determined to stay with Amy. He also saw Constable Shipton watching them again. It was time for them to move on. ‘You’ll be safe enough with Tom, Amy, provided you can keep him from arguing with any more police officers.’
    â€˜I promise, no arguing with anyone unless they threaten, Miss Watkins. I’ll see you back at the soup kitchen in the church hall, uncle.’ Tom offered Amy his arm.
    â€˜As you’ve promised not to pick any more quarrels, I accept your offer to walk me to the picket line, Mr Kelly.’ Amy’s cheeks burned as blood rush into her face when she linked her arm in Tom’s. She was embarrassed. She hadn’t blushed since she was a child.
    â€˜You know your young countryman, Father?’ Sergeant Martin stopped Father Kelly after Tom led Amy across the road.
    â€˜Tom’s my nephew. My dead brother’s son. God rest his soul.’ The priest crossed himself.
    â€˜Strange time for him to come visiting you in the middle of strike.’
    â€˜His mother died a month ago. He came to say goodbye. There’s nothing left to keep him in the old country so he’s decided to try and make his fortune in America.’
    â€˜So, he won’t be staying with you long?’
    â€˜Give the boy chance to catch his breath, Sergeant. He only arrived in town on the midnight train last night.’
    â€˜I’ll give him a chance to catch his breath and say goodbye to you, Father. But I won’t give him time to meet with any of the other Irishmen who have suddenly appeared in Tonypandy. Do you need me to explain why?’
    â€˜I’m ashamed to admit that some of my countrymen have decided to turn blackleg and help Arnold Craggs and the colliery management to try and break the strike.’
    Sergeant Martin softened his voice. ‘There are Welsh as well as Irish blacklegs, Father.’
    â€˜Desperate men, all of them whose only concern in to feed their families. I must be off, Sergeant.’ The priest lifted his hat. ‘My compliments to your wife.’
    â€˜I’ll pass them on, Father. And I’ll try to control the officers under my command. But some of the men they’ve brought up from London like Constable Shipton are more hot-headed than we locals.’
    â€˜I’ve noticed. Good day to you, Sergeant.’
    â€˜Were you born in Tonypandy?’ Tom couldn’t stop looking at Amy. His uncle had been joking when he’d told Constable Shipton that Tom had never seen anyone like Amy before. But it was the truth. Tom had to stop himself from reaching out and touching the strands of silver hair that fell over Amy’s shoulders from beneath her hooded cape. Her eyes were the brightest, clearest blue he had ever seen. And when she spoke, the Welsh lilt in her voice sounded like music.
    â€˜My