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Nursery
Introduction
It has been said that if Ireland's historic political parties did not recognize the massive changes that are necessary because of the recession and the pressures of the world's need for oil, food, and water, the people of Ireland may look to a messianic type leader.
The Nursery and Political Intrigue
The Nursery is a current events political intrigue story about two legislative TDs, Steven Hurley and Pat Gratton, who formed the Democratic Independent Party. Over a few years, they have identified and enlisted several TDs and Senators along with four Dubliners who have a strong desire to get even with the Government, The Phoenix Group. Two Fianna Fail Ministers and their Party Wip are murdered.
The Nursery's Secret
Steven Hurley, with the help of a retired chemistry teacher, made poisonous extracts from plants on sale in Hurley's Clonee Nursery. A lab in one of the nursery buildings prepares substances like Fox Glove, Yew, Daffodil bulbs, Sweet Pea, Lantana, and others as liquids, powders, or tablets—poisons to fit the need. MRSA and C-diff cultures are also on hand.
The Phoenix Group Members
The other three members of the Phoenix Group are a retired nurse, a retired Garda, and an expert in intelligence and surveillance.
The Investigation
Hospital doctors become suspicious of Minister O'Dowd's cause of death. The Attorney General is contacted, and the inquiry is turned over to detective Michael Gillen of the ISS intelligence group. The ISS is a secret organization to investigate highly sensitive government situations, known to fewer than a dozen people, including Michael Gillen and ISS head Sean Murphy.
Initial Findings and Suspicion
Michael is skeptical at first. He believes John Boyles' death was caused by a severe infection of MRSA and C-diff following a mugging. Sean O'Dowd's death was caused by an apparent overdose of hospital drug digitalis, triggered by a lethal tablet of Fox Glove extract, which led to organ failure. A mystery nurse had been at his bedside early that morning.
Personal Life and Surveillance
Michael and his wife Sheelagh, who loves gardening, live five miles south of Hurley's nursery. Michael's love for golf and Sheelagh's gardening lead to a short course in poisonous plants, making Steven Hurley Michael's prime suspect. Michael orders surveillance of Hurley's and Gratton's homes and offices. Meanwhile, Robert Sullivan, Hurley's intelligence man, alerts the Phoenix Group to Gillen's activities, prompting them to take precautions. A cat-and-mouse game begins.
Political Maneuvering
While Michael conducts his investigation, Hurley and Gratton are busy lining up candidates for the June local elections and the upcoming re-call election they plan to orchestrate. Robert Sullivan has identified seven Fianna Fail backbench TDs to be blackmailed into voting for a recall. They also plan to use a Dáil bar attendant to administer drops of daffodil bulb juice to cause diarrhea and vomiting in a TD or Senator for a day or two.
Election Success and Political Strategy
Hurley and Gratton continue assessing their candidates for Dáil seats following the late July recall elections. The recession has improved their chances. They hire one of Ireland's best newspaper reporters as their PR person, Janet Smith, who is well-versed in political games. The June local election is successful, with the Democratic Independent Party electing two of three bi-election candidates for the Dáil. They now hold four DI Party seats, plus the Magnificent Seven, three Fianna Fail, two Fine Gael, and one Labour TD switchers, totaling seventeen votes for a recall.
Uncovering the Guilt
Michael has identified the mystery nurse, Sara Logan, and is convinced of her guilt but has no proof. Hurley's staff did landscaping at Sara's home to cover her phone calls. Despite their efforts, none of the DI Party's successes would have been possible without this investigation.
