Once Upon a Time in Jamaica - Part 1

By Don D. Plinton

This book sheds light on important issues of the time, delving into the brutality of humanity and the consequences of violence in society. Readers will find the issues raised in this book both alarming and thought-provoking. The author examines the dark side of the human race and how some individuals are forever bent on mayhem and destruction.

However, the book also shows that even the most difficult adversity can be overcome with a little cooperation. The author highlights the power of collaboration and the need to root out bad influences before they become too strong to control.

Through powerful storytelling, the book highlights the harsh reality of Shakespeare’s famous words, that the “evil that men do lives after them; The good is oft interred with their bones.” The author provides insights into the merciless actions of those without sympathy for their fellow human beings.

In conclusion, this book urges readers not to sit back and watch as the ears of wheat and tears of humanity grow together until the day of harvest. Instead, the author advocates for immediate action to root out the bad influences in society and promote positive change. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the darker side of human nature and how we can work together to overcome it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Jun 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9781528938686

Don D. Plinton

Don D. Plinton is a retired civil servant. He always had the desire to write but never got around to doing so. Since retiring, Don has written articles but never tried to publish any. Not so long ago, he decided to do something about it. He published his first novel – one could say it was a trial run. The outcome wasn’t favourable but not because of him – the publishing was done hurriedly. Don got dismayed and gave up on the idea. However, at his family’s urging, he has taken up the baton once more.

Book preview

About the Author

Don D. Plinton is a retired civil servant. He always had the desire to write but never got around to doing so. Since retiring, Don has written articles but never tried to publish any. Not so long ago, he decided to do something about it. He published his first novel – one could say it was a trial run. The outcome wasn’t favourable but not because of him – the publishing was done hurriedly. Don got dismayed and gave up on the idea. However, at his family’s urging, he has taken up the baton once more.

Dedication

My sister died a few years ago. God rest her soul. She was paramount in my life every step of the way. I was encouraged by a member of one of our soap opera teams to write. I didn’t take the challenge; neglect you might say – who knows? My sister was always on my case. You’re wasting your time, she said, you’ll live to regret it, how true; today I wish I had started earlier.

Copyright Information ©

Don D. Plinton 2023

The right of Don D. Plinton to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by the author in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781528938600 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781528938686 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published 2023

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd®

1 Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London

E14 5AA

Acknowledgement

Mrs M. Beckford – this person was a great help to me in getting the book out. As a person who has worked alongside publishers, her words of advice were helpful.

Ms F. Cole – a young woman who was always going through the things I had written and discarded. Bill, you know you could write a book, she used to say.

Chapter 1

Once Upon a Time in Jamaica – Part One

This was a time of lawlessness, a time when men with guns ruled. Their homegrown produce of marijuana and cocaine from South America has crippled the country. With money-grabbing unscrupulous officials, some of whom aligned themselves with the illegal trades, the government cannot function effectively. Gangs fought for the lion share of the spoil, with that, killing came easy. Those of who can, fled the country, seeking a peaceful live elsewhere. The strong tourist trade that contributed to more than fifty percent of the country’s economy is no more. This was the time when people stayed away from this one-time peaceful paradise Island. The constabulary tried, but too many crooked men run the show; no one can be trusted.

Top of the list of bad men was one Harry Wells. In the era he lived, a teenager doesn’t become an adult until he or she was twenty-one. That criterion however didn’t apply to Harry. At the age of eighteen, he thought he’s a grown man, too old to be living at home with his parents. So, he up and left for the bright light of the city. His mother was heartbroken; she cried days and nights. As for his father, the feelings were different; he wasn’t too sorry to see him go. Harry his only son was becoming an embarrassment. He had developed a mean streak, and his temper seemed to be uncontrollable. In this district, it was never a good idea to get into an argument with him. It would end in someone getting beaten, sometimes quite badly. Some thought he was behaving that way from the strength of his father’s reputation. Daniel Wells was a self-sufficient man, well respected not only in the district but beyond.

Old man Wells didn’t lose any sleep when he discovered his son was gone. Nevertheless, with Henrietta grieving, he made her a promise, he would seek him out and bring him back. A promise he’s got no intention of keeping. So, from time to time, he would pretend to be looking for him, but that was only a ploy to please Henrietta. Of course, there were those who were gladdened to see the back of him too, those of whom suffered at his hands. He was extremely unhappy and disappointed the way his son kept constantly dragging the family’s name in the mud and ruining his reputation. Harry Wells was a well-built young man, about six foot four; a handsome individual with good features, but that is where the niceties end. A man with very few friends, if any, he was mean as a pole cat.

After some two years, he returned, but the only person who was glad to see him was his mother. Since he left home, she had lost the will to live. So, in some respect, his father was pleased to see him. Of course, he’s got no intention of staying and lives among the good people of Herring Hill. No, sir; this was only a flying visit. Their only daughter, Marian, was doing quite well for herself, but she lives and works away from home. That however was of no comfort to Henrietta, her beloved son was home; to her, that’s all that matters.

It was a very hot night, Harry ended up in a dice game, the regular feature on a Friday night. He had an argument with a fellow gambler that ends up in a fight. The man was seriously wounded. Being bigger and stronger, he beats the man to a pulp while others looked on. Of course, no one was going to interfere, this is Harry. He thought the man was dead, so he didn’t tarry; he fled the scene under the cover of darkness. Once again, he was up and away without so much as a goodbye to his mother. Henrietta once again falls back into the dark place she once was.

As news travelled, it wasn’t long before words got out in the district and beyond. The man wasn’t dead, not yet. With no urgency, he was taken to the nearest hospital some eight miles away. At the hospital, there was no urgency regarding his condition; he had to wait his turn. Well, that’s how things were done, a man turned up at the hospital dying from a machete or gunshot wound, the doctor isn’t going to make him priority. He has to wait in line like everyone else. In some cases, he would die before the doctor sees him. That was the case for this unfortunate fellow; by the time the doctor got around to treat him, it was too late; he died where he sat.

Harry was charged with murder, except he was nowhere to be found. A murder investigation began at his parent’s home, but investigations like these were never thorough. After a week or so, the enquiries would peter out and soon be forgotten. Well, some people’s lives didn’t count for much. The killers and the more affluent would get away with many murders, yet there were those who were innocent but sent to prison, or to the gallows.

Harry Wells’s parents were people in their twilight years; they could do without all this bother, but they were his parents, and as such, they were involved. Ironically, in some ways, Mr Wells wasn’t surprised of his son’s beastliness. He tried to bring him up in a God-fearing manner, but his efforts fell plenty short. A decent law-abiding man was Daniel Wells, and even though it would break his heart, he will give the police whatever help he could without his Henrietta knowing. Devious one might say, but it’s all for the good name of the family and his wife’s sanity.

However, he could only help if Harry returns, but why would he if he knows he’s a wanted man, and if caught, he’d be charged and most certainly be hung. The hunt was on, but the way these lawmen skeeked out their quarry, there wasn’t a chance in hell of them finding him. These gunmen when committing their crimes, they would hide out in some of the most dangerous and inhospitable places in the country. Those are places where no lawmen ventured. As for the government, well, it was as though law and order was not at the top of their priority, and from the way the country was being run, it wasn’t difficult to see why.

Sometime later, Harry would return but under the cover of darkness; it seems he wants to see his beloved mother again. Of course, he knew his father much preferred he didn’t return. He was also aware that given the chance he would ‘shop him to the police’. So, he binds him so that he couldn’t go anywhere. Well, Harry could do that, a powerful twenty-five-year-old; he could restrain an axe.

His mother was in tears looking on. Harry! Please don’t hurt your father, she exclaimed tearfully. She was helpless to do anything. Old man Wells didn’t put up any struggle; it would be futile, and he knew his son only too well; this fellow can be brutal, even to him, his father. He remained calmed, hoping he would be gone soon. He’ll get his wish soon, but before he leaves, he told them why he had to flee the district. Of course, his parents already knew of his misdeed. At that moment, even though she will miss him, Henrietta would like to see him gone.

So, this is goodbye, Harry? she asked with tears flowing.

Yes, Mom, this is it, he said with that callous look of defiance. Goodbye, Mom, goodbye, Dad. Dad, I’m sorry to tie you up, but I had to. His apologies fell on deaf ears; his father just wanted him gone. It was about two in the morning when he was about to depart. Dad, I’m going to untie you and I must ask you, please, Dad, don’t go to the police. Old man Wells, a strong minded individual, he gave him an ultimatum.

You promise me we’ll never see you again, and I promise you I will not go to the police.

Don’t worry, Dad, this is the last goodbye; you’ve got my word. And his mother cries.

Two days later, Sister Marian was home; when she learns of her father’s predicament, she was livid; she knew only too well of her brother’s beastly nature. Henrietta was still grieving; Marian tried to console her. This family is in mourning and will be for some time. Old man Wells won’t go to the police, he promised he won’t, and he wasn’t going to go back on his promise.

At this time, killings have never been out of the news; dead bodies been turning up all over the country, and Harry Wells was linked to many, reports the Gleaner. One Saturday evening in broad daylight, a man was murdered, shot down on the street with people looking on. The gunman casually walked away, and no one saw anything. That was the pattern of things now and things to come.

Palma, the capital of the island, had recently seen some brutal murder, but things were to get worse. The constabulary had a bad reputation; most of the people who wore the uniform were corrupt and even some of those in government. No one could be trusted.

It was believed that these people were tied in with the gangs and took bribes. It’s also evident that the police force is no match for the gunmen, and because of that, the people are left helpless, so they gravitated to the gunmen. It was said, whenever there’s a murder, the police were involved one way or the other. Any form of investigation was all a sham, no one would be held accountable.

It was becoming clearer that the man behind some of these brutal killings was Harry Wells and his gang. After months of assume investigations with no result, the Gleaner began to run articles about the constabulary; they were told to hand off Harry Wells. Was this propaganda? One can make one’s own assessment, but there’s got to be some truth in it, and why? Well, Harry wasn’t hiding out like other gunmen, he was seen in town from time to time; one wouldn’t think this man was a murderer.

If the order not to bring him in was issued, from whom it was given? Well, if the piece the Gleaner ran was to be believed, the word came from high up in the government. In this city, everyone reads the Gleaner, and those who can’t would ask someone to read it to them, and they’ll tell you this government is corrupt. Apart from the Gleaner’s reports, very few people are saying anything and for a good reason. If they protested or talked too much about the government’s corruption, their lives could be in danger. One must not rain on these crooked politicians’ parade.

Sometime later, there would be an even bigger surprise; it seems Harry had landed on his feet. He was seen keeping company with the Nelsons, one of the most affluent and notorious family in the country and a big landowner. This family was supposed to have links with the cocaine cartel. Of course, the police knew that but some were tied in with them.

So, what was Harry’s role in this family? He’s the front man for the largest gang in the marijuana business; joining force with a drug baron would make him very dangerous. He walked about in town like any honest decent citizen; one wouldn’t believe this man was at the centre of some of the most horrific killings. Yet there he was, walking about as though he hasn’t done anything wrong. Some think he was making a point. Let everyone know he runs things around here. The man was like a movie star; he was being revered. It wasn’t unusual for him to be seen rubbing shoulders with prominent members of government and other VIPs.

On this particular day, there were some disturbances down town, a man was killed, shot through the chest, and a woman was injured. There was nothing new or unusual about that, an almost daily occurrence. Except this was someone of repute. The crowd gathered, and the people tried to get answers. The crowd was restless and getting out of control. The police were powerless to do anything about it; of course, the lack of trust in the constabulary makes it even more difficult. So, in walked Harry and took control; he behaved as though he was the law. He brings the situation under control; of course, his gunmen were always close at hand. The police looked on; they themselves are probably supporters of Harry and his gang.

On this island paradise lives a few affluent people; they’re not too bothered about the rules of law; they are a law unto themselves. They’re certainly behind some of the killings here; of course, no one was able to prove otherwise, and no one tried. However, when a crime was committed, it wouldn’t be by their own clean fair hands but by their gunmen. It has been said that the authority knew of them but dared not touch them. The police would tell you it’s a case of lack of evidence, that’s ‘poppy-cock’; the cocaine barons have got them in their pockets.

Will the authority position change regarding these cocaine barons? It’s hard to see how. Officials who wanted to take action against them has been known to end up in wells. It’s a matter of don’t interfere and you’ll live. Harry’s friendship with the Nelson was now public knowledge. Whether it was a consensual friendship or one that the Nelsons were forced into, no one knows. He was now driving an American car, a Buick; it belongs to the Nelsons. It was always washed and polished. He would drive right in through the big gate, as though he owned the place. He wasn’t seen brandishing a gun anymore but carried a pistol on his person.

It’s a strange friendship, Harry and the Nelsons. A friendship some thought must end in tears, or more to the point, death. They have nothing in common; those people are way out of his league. So how was it that this killer charmed his way into these rich people’s confidence? Some thought there could only be one explanation; Harry made them an offer they couldn’t refuse. Well, as the wind shifted, so did their friendship. Harry was now a regular companion of Janet Nelson. It was clear he had taken over. This had now become a talking point in the capital, Janet behaving as though she’s got a new man in her life. She was no longer seen out with Vincent, her husband; in fact, he hasn’t been seen out for some time. There were whispers that Harry might have done him in.

Later those assumptions were to be realised. One morning in June, the alarm is raised, Vincent Nelson was found dead in a swimming pool but not his, his neighbour’s; he was shot through the head. This is going to be a big story, one of the richest man in the country murdered; someone must be held to account.

It wasn’t long before the police arrested someone, but that someone was innocent. He was being used as a scapegoat. The authority wanted to be seen to be doing something. If they suspected Harry Wells, and they probably did, they certainly couldn’t arrest him; so, they apprehended this poor innocent man. Snoopy (as he is called) was a well-known house breaker but murder certainly wasn’t his style. In all his years of larceny, he had never attempted to burgle the rich people, those premises were beyond his capability, and there was no record of him ever murdering anyone. This poor petty criminal was innocent but could be hanging and the authority saved face.

This is an outrage reported the Gleaner, why should an innocent man be charged for something he didn’t do, while the culprit or culprits were still at large? Along with the Gleaner, the people’s protest grew but only by a few. They decided to be brave and spoke out. The frame-up of this innocent man is too blatant and obvious. The action was gathering momentum, and fast. Soon there were many others.

More and more people were turning up at Members-of-Parliament’s offices to voice their displeasure. Now the pressure was mounting on the government, and this they couldn’t ignore. Nearly two weeks after he was arrested, Snoopy was released. The police were made to look a shame. Now they must go and find the real murderer or murderers and bring them to book. However, that was unlikely; Harry and his hoodlums got nothing to fear. If the police want him, they knew where to find him. It was almost a certainty that no one would be charged. As for Janet, she took it all in her stride; no doubt, she contributed to her husband’s demise; now she’s got a new man in her life.

Chapter 2

Harry Wells

The question everyone was asking: why was Vincent Nelson murdered? He was supposed to be deep in the cocaine business, and is Harry got anything to do with it? It doesn’t seem likely. If a man in the marijuana business murdered a man in the cocaine business, there could be a gang war, these people are the rich elites of the island. It’s been said, the island is the gateway for the drugs distribution to Europe. So why was this man murdered? The truth probably will never be known.

Then what about his wife Janet? Was she the mind behind the cartel, and did she kill her husband to shack up with Harry Wells? The public seems to think so. However, after many a months and no one were charged, the authorities under extreme pressure to try again to bring someone to book. Will they arrest another innocent man? They couldn’t be that naïve. To be caught once with their pants down is scandalous but to be caught a second time would be disgraceful. They had some hard thinking to do, but what? They need to do something for this government to save face, but they seem to be out of ideas.

Realising they haven’t got the means to solve this or any of country’s problem, they decided to ask for help. But whom would they ask, and what would they ask for? Well, the British, and they would ask for help to man the constabulary. The island is independent, but they’re still a member of the brotherhood of nations, the Commonwealth, and Britain is still recognised as head of that body. There was no one better to ask.

This requirement however was never going to be welcomed by the islanders; they believed that their internal affairs should be managed by one of their own. But they are so naïve, gluttons for punishment. The people they wanted to control their internal affair were the same people who were wrecking the country.

Amongst all the protest, the government had to do what was best for the country, and fast. As expected, the British Government was quite to comply, they weren’t going to see one of the family nations suffer; they offered their support. Negotiation talks didn’t take long, terms and conditions were agreed; they’ll be sending a man to Jamaica, and he’ll be the commissioner of police.

It was on a sunny day in July Mr Wade arrived in the country. He had visited the island twice before; it was said he was fascinated by it. His arrival was low-keyed, few people saw him arrive, and those who did, booed.

After meeting with Home Secretary Mark Burns, he took up his post, replacing Commissioner Don Michael. A day later, he had a brief encounter with Prime Minister Young. Sometime later, they’ll have a more formal meeting. Back in England, he had a reputation to be a hard man; here he will have to be. He’ll be dealing with killers and some of the island’s most hardened criminals. He will also discover he’ll be dealing with some of the most corrupted people whoever had the opportunity to be part of the government.

Among his assignments will be: to try and win over what is a hostile public. He will soon discover that these people are no friend of the constabulary; they’re more in line with the gangs. Mr Wade however was not going to be deterred. A man of strong will, he came here to do a job, and however much obstacles were thrown in his path, he was determined to get it done. He soon learnt that his boss, Home Secretary Mark Burns, and his deputy commissioner, one Mr Miller, was on the take.

He was told about Harry Wells; he was the big man around here. His reputation precedes him. Most of the locals would gravitate to him. Of course, some of the adoration would be out of fear. Speak ill of Harry and you might get a visit from a gunman.

Then what about his affluent sweetheart, Janet Nelson? Where did she fit in the gang? Well, with her lover being Harry Wells and her link with the cartel, she could do whatever she likes. However, since the arrival of the commissioner, their walk about in town came to an end.

The lawless has increased, with dead bodies being found all over the island. It seems as though the gang’s stepping up their activities. Some say it was to show the new Commissioner his arrival wasn’t going to make an iota of difference. Were they right? Not while this Commissioner was in charge, their free for all ravaging and killing will have to stop.

A few months later and things were changing, not a great deal but changing nevertheless. After a meeting with Prime Minister Young and Home Secretary Burns, they made a declaration, to root out these bad weeds from the constabulary. The commissioner should make it his priority. It won’t be easy; these rats don’t ‘grass’ on each other. However, he hopes there’ll be a few loyal officers who would co-operate. He’ll try to identify those who have links with the gangs.

This criminal factor ran right through the establishment. Some if identifies will be probably killed. That the general pattern, when these crooked officers are of no further use to them, they eliminate them.

It’s been said Britain has the most efficient police force in the world; could the English man buck the trend and rid the island of these killers? Only time will tell.

His campaign to win over the public isn’t going too well, but there’s no let-up in his effort. He knew if they took him in their confidence, he would be greatly benefited. Some of these people had suffered at the hands of the law enforcers, so they had no wish to help them in any way, as the commissioner will soon find out.

From the offset, there were to be stumbling blocks, there was to be coverups and deceptions. Their stories were mostly lies, one can’t rely on anything they say. The civil servants involved were receiving back-handers to shield whoever they are supplying with information.

It was Saturday afternoon, and after a discussion with Miss Scott (the secretary he inherited), the commissioner decided to pay Janet Nelson a visit. The case of her murdered husband was closed, but he would like to re-open it. Janet Nelson was a beautiful white woman of about thirty-seven. Soon after she got married, her father returned to England leaving her the estate. Her husband, a white Dominican, he was a mystery. How he got to the island and ended up marrying a rich man’s daughter, no one knows or cares to.

The visit to the estate turned up nothing, except he discovered Janet’s callous and couldn’t care less attitude. She and her kind think nothing of the law, probably thinking she was untouchable. A day later, two police officers were found dead close by. When the news broke, some police officers got the jitters. The commissioner hasn’t done much since he arrived, but his presence was causing concern to some officers. Harry Wells was believed to be behind this killing, so why wasn’t he arrested? Well, Harry wasn’t around anymore; he hasn’t been seen for some time.

The question that was on everyone’s lips, will this new