Break Point
Things broke very quickly after that. I can't say Padraig’s death was a turning point, but it appears so. A night in Nestor’s, the barman took me aside, said, “No lectures right, but I used to drink like you do. Which is fine, but I think you have unfinished business.”
“What are you on about?”
“You have the face of a man who needs to be elsewhere. So, here.”
He handed me a packet. I was at my most belligerent, growled, “What the hell is this?”
“Beta blockers. Chill you right down. Like cocaine without the damage.”
“What makes you think I…”
But he shushed me, said, “Try these… chill… and when you’ve finished whatever the hell’s haunting you, come back… settle into a sedate life of the newspapers, a few pints and a decent pub.”
Then he was gone. I said, “You need help, yo
