Very worried now, terrified that something has happened to him, Madge McGettigan walks over to the man. She is relieved, almost euphoric when she realises it is not him. Close up she sees his pasty white face, the sweat flecking his brow. He tries to speak.
        'What is it? Are you all right? Will I get you a drink of water?' She can see the poor man is very sick.
        'I need to speak with him…' He gets the words out with difficulty, as if he is choking. Before she can do anything else, the man starts to pitch forward; he tries to reach her for support, misses and falls on the wet grass in front of her.
        'Jesus Mary and Joseph,' Madge McGettigan says, crossing herself. She kneels down to feel his pulse and is not able to find it. Bending towards him, she whispers an act of contrition in his ear, remembering poor Paudie, shot dead without a prayer said for him.
        She goes back into the house and takes the mobile phone he gave her to call him in an emergency only.
        He listens carefully. 'I'm nearly at your place. I'll call in in five minutes and collect my eggs and make sure you're all right.'
        The rain has stopped and a weak sun appears now and then. Madge McGettigan goes into the house to get an old tablecloth to cover the man. As she kneels to spread it over the body, she hears the car, which he leaves on the road. She looks up as he walks quickly down the drive. When he reaches Mrs McGettigan, he puts his hand on her shoulder and gives it a squeeze. Then he squats down and looks closely at the body.
        'Any idea who he is?
        'No. I never seen him before in my life.'
        He thinks about this. 'What did he say exactly?'
        'Something about he wanted to speak to him.' She is confused and can't remember exactly what the man said. He carefully checks the man's pockets, pats him as if he is looking for something. He stands up.
        'You must call the PSNI,' he tells her.
        This confuses her further. 'Call who?' she asks stupidly.
        Patiently he says slowly, 'The police. Ring the police.'
        Madge McGettigan flinches, hesitates. 'The RUC?'
        'Just phone them,' he says gently but firmly. 'Just don't tell them I've been here.'
         'You can be sure I will not,' she says firmly.
        'Make the call now,' he says still gently but as firmly. 'Will you do that for me?'

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