October 24, 1977

 

The next morning Peter and Bernadette slept in. They awoke when Mrs. Nguyen brought in coffee with fresh baked biscuits, bacon, and medium poached eggs. Peter was on his second cup of coffee when he switched on the morning news. He was half following a shooting and a fire in Fernandina Beach when he realized the local anchor was talking about Terry’s condo. People had called in a 911 report of gunfire very early in the morning.

When the 911 calls brought the police, they found two dead men in the entrance hall, another one on the staircase and a fire rapidly gaining headway. The fire department couldn’t save the house. Arson is suspected. All three men were found with weapons. “No identities as yet, but the condo is owned by a Mr. Terry O’Brien,” the TV reporter said.

Peter rushed into the bathroom and got Bernadette out of the shower. When she said, “What?” Peter said, “Come quick, look at the TV! Some people killed Terry last night! His condo has burned to a gutted shell. The reporter said two dead armed men were found in the entranceway.”

Bernadette screamed, “The bastards were after me and killed Terry to satisfy their crazy code. I’ll find them and kill every last one.”

“Yes! But not now! I won’t let you throw your life away. Terry died for you and me. Don’t let him down by making his sacrifice in vain. He wanted to give you a chance to live. You have that now. Respect him as a great warrior who loved you. He died a warrior’s death. He took at least two of them with him.”

“Oh, Peter! Will they never let me be? If I had stayed in Ireland with the IRA, Terry would be alive right now.” Bernadette, still wrapped in a towel, dropped to the floor with her head in her hands.

“No. It just doesn’t work like that,” Peter said, rushing to hold her. “First, Terry wouldn’t hesitate a second over giving his life for yours. Keep the good and happy memories of your remarkable uncle. . What do you think Terry did for a living? He constantly put his life on the line to perform some mission or other. Some worth it, some not.

“Protecting you was the best mission he ever had. I want you to remember your Uncle was a true hero and he loved you. His sacrifice caused your enemies to fail. Let’s keep it that way. Terry made many serious enemies in his decades of military and security work. I think the IRA was behind this, but we can’t be sure now. It is time to wait and let them thrash around looking for someone they now will never find. That is victory. That is a gift Terry gave you.”

No one from the Brandon house attended Terry’s funeral service. Peter knew the IRA could have someone there taking pictures. Bernadette was upset by not being able to get some closure from Terry’s military funeral. His remains were interred at Arlington.