Contents
Chapter One
Overview
Cal navigates small-town banter at Noreen’s, glimpsing tension between Eugene Moynihan and Rachel. Lena drives Trey and friends after a football win as plans form for dinner. At Seán Óg’s, Bobby returns from Lourdes boasting a new romance and handing out holy water. The pub crew suspect Tommy Moynihan’s piecemeal land buys aim to exploit potential factory rezoning, planting unease and foreshadowing conflict.
Summary
On a wet November afternoon, Cal Hooper shops at Noreen’s, deflecting relentless teasing about his engagement to Lena. Tommy Moynihan breezes in, boasting and buying sweets, while Eugene waits outside with Rachel, who seems withdrawn. Noreen worries the couple is in trouble; Cal stays neutral.
Meanwhile, Lena drives Trey and friends home from a victorious match on treacherous mountain roads. The teens bicker and flirt, revealing Aidan’s plan to become an electrician despite family pressure. Cal calls; they plan a celebratory dinner and attempt a soufflé before the kids go out.
Back outside Noreen’s, Cal’s old cop instincts prickle as Tommy, Eugene, and Rachel depart. Mart lures Cal into Seán Óg’s, where farmers crowd the alcove. Bobby Feeney, newly back from a Lourdes-and-France trip funded by selling land to Tommy, distributes holy-water Mary bottles and recounts trying new foods.
Ribbing escalates until Bobby reveals a new girlfriend, Róisín, met on the bus tour. The men cheer; Francie begrudgingly apologizes (to a Mary bottle) after calling her a floozy. Bobby’s confidence swells.
Conversation shifts: Francie distrusts Tommy, noting his rapid purchases of scattered fields near Kilhone and the Forge Field, and warns he’s “up to something.” Mart theorizes Tommy expects rezoning tied to a rumored factory and will flip quick-built housing. The group’s suspicion hardens, hinting at larger stakes for Ardnakelty’s land and future.
Who Appears
- Cal HooperRetired Chicago cop in Ardnakelty; shops at Noreen’s, notes Eugene and Rachel’s tension, fields engagement teasing, and joins pub talk; instincts prickle.
- Noreen DugganShopkeeper; banters about Cal and Lena’s wedding, worries Rachel looks unhappy, and sells Tommy sweets and sausages.
- Lena DunneCal’s partner; drives Trey and friends after a match, manages rowdy banter, and agrees to Cal’s soufflé dinner plan.
- Trey ReddyTeen close to Cal and Lena; wins her football match, jokes with friends, and plans to celebrate before going out.
- Tommy MoynihanLocal big shot; buys sweets, orders sausages, and is later suspected of buying scattered land to profit from rezoning.
- Bobby FeeneyFarmer just back from Lourdes/France; gifts holy water, claims new girlfriend Róisín, and shows newfound confidence.
- Mart LavinCal’s neighbor; drags Cal into Seán Óg’s, jokes through the session, and suggests Tommy’s plan tied to a rumored factory.
- Francie GannonGloomy wit; distrusts Tommy’s land buys, insults Róisín, and is pressured into a mock apology to a Mary bottle.
- Senan MaguireBobby’s blunt friend; leads ribbing, mocks Tommy, and fuels suspicion about land purchases.
- P.J. FallonGentle farmer; processes slowly, supports Bobby, and offers a simple view on land hunger.
- Eugene MoynihanTommy’s son; waits outside with Rachel, appearing tense; avoids Noreen’s scrutiny.
- RachelEugene’s girlfriend; stands withdrawn in the rain, prompting concern about the couple.
- BartyPublican at Seán Óg’s; serves pints and manages the lively Saturday crowd.
- KateTrey’s teammate; celebrates the win, trades barbs, and earns Cal’s praise via phone.
- AidanTeen charmer; flirts, claims usefulness, plans to be an electrician against his dad’s wishes.
- RossMischievous teen; stirs teasing about relationships and reacts to soufflé talk.
- CiaraTeen friend; embarrassed target of matchmaking jokes during the car ride.