Football Queens & Kings

“Excellent to see you all,” I said, shaking the hands of the four Gareloch boys.“We wouldn’t miss this for the world.”, said Moses.In the back of my mind, I was grinning to myself. We practice three times a week, and athletics is our foundation. I explain the race format and give them a heat number … Continue reading Chapter 199 – Quarter Mile Race →

I find my fellow organisers of the inaugural Queen’s Park Athletics Festival, and we gather in for a briefing on the events ahead of us. Archibald Rae is in command, and he has been managed this with military precision. He hands us a running order for tonight’s events.“There are two races tonight. Like our football, … Continue reading Chapter 198 – Inaugural athletics festival →

Robert Gardner and I head to West End Park, spending two hours walking, talking and decompressing. We enjoy a sumptuous dinner in the Western Club in the evening, finished with smoking pipes and whisky. When David Mackintosh arrives to collect me and take me home, the world gently slows to a swirl.Sunday is a day … Continue reading chapter 197 – rest and recreation →

The last three weeks resembled madness. Work consumed every waking hour: work, work, and work. I look in the long mirror, which reflects coal bags under my eyelids. A veil of lethargy coats my skin, which is impossible to scour off. I am missing my life's core, Emilia and the children, and although their letters … Continue reading Chapter 196 – Clap Breaches Solace →

“And now there are eleven.”, I said, turning to face Mary, who always makes an entrance.“I hand-delivered the letters and explained our situation.”, said Mary.“Thanks. And their reaction?”“Your biggest clients are reasonable and will wait. Others are disgruntled and are moving to Carey & Fortis.”Underneath my skin, I could feel my blood boil, and my … Continue reading Chapter 195 – Challenge Into Opportunity →

"We must continue all essential work and put all non-essential work on hold.", I said to my assembled team.I turn to Charles, our recently appointed Lawyer, "How can we excuse ourselves from our contractual commitments?"Charles finished top of his class at Edinburgh Law School, "There is a new legal term, which recently entered English civil … Continue reading Chapter 194 – Act of god →

I stand in the middle of my Thompson & French team, and it reminds me of those football matches, where our Captain gathers us and restates our mission. I signal Margaret Scott to stand beside me.“Everyone, I have distressing news. Robert is seriously ill with Fever, and one-third of our staff are sick. The male … Continue reading Chapter 193 – The Team game →

My carriage awaits in front of the Berkeley Street Tenement, with David Mackintosh opening the doors.“David, for once, I will be your coachman. Robert is sick, a third of my workforce are not leaving this building until they are well, and in the meantime I will take back the Glasgow Office’s reigns.”David nods, hands me … Continue reading Chapter 192 – Devotion, Occupation, Vocation →

I walk up to Mrs Struth's top flat. This beautiful tenement building is immaculate under Mrs Struth's regimental cleaning regime, ensuring no speck of dust, stain, or blemish exists on the staircase. Above the top flat's door, a sign reads, 'Cleanness of body was ever esteemed to proceed from a due reverence to God, to … Continue reading Chapter 191 – Fever Stops All →

I knock on the door of the first flat in the tenement block, and Hugh Hudson answers with a troubled face. “What’s wrong?” I ask.“Robert is sick. He has a fever.”, said Hugh.My stomach sinks, “Has the doctor examined him?”“Yes. Mrs Struth sent for him immediately, and he prescribed everything possible. Only time will tell.”Mrs … Continue reading Chapter 190 – Sickness and worry →