Chapter TwoThe Grand Ballroom of the Hastings Hotel Europa was one of the most elegant banquet facilities in downtown Belfast. Its crystal chandeliers were set within the golden ceilings, its matching gold curtains draped along the dais where candelabras highlighted the impeccably-set tables across the spacious room. The staff lined up along the walls, quick to assist and serve the guests as they arrived for the historic event. The Sinn Fein delegates looked about apprehensively, identifying themselves as such though a large number were actually staff members of IRA battalions throughout Ulster. They were accompanied by hard-faced bodyguards who would rely on the guarantees of their hosts that they would not have to fight their way out of this meeting.
A band called the Emerald Strings pl
