One Hundred Names (Special Edition)

couldn’t fit on the bus today.’
    They laughed.
    ‘I had no idea what it was that Constance wanted me to write but the more I speak to you, the more I get to know you, some so far better than others, the more I feel the story is writing itself because you are all remarkable people with fascinating stories and I thank you for sharing them with me. Particularly at a time when …’ She heard the shake in her voice and she stopped to compose herself. That got the complete attention of everyone, all eyes on her, even Molly’s. ‘Keep your eyes on the road,’ Kitty said, which broke the tension and she was able to finish. ‘Particularly at a time when I really needed this. I know that I have pestered and annoyed many of you, that I’ve showed up in your lives when you haven’t wanted me to, to talk about things you may not have wanted to talk about, but again I appreciate your patience and hope that you understand that I have invested everything into you, into getting to know you, into hearing your stories, into doing your stories justice. I have learned a lot from you all, you have moved me and, dare I say it, made me a better person and helped me back on track.’
    She could see Ambrose in particular staring at her with that powerful stare.
    ‘So. Let me introduce you all. We have a long way to go so I’m sure you all will have the opportunity to speak to one another and discover each other’s stories, apart from this man.’ She pointed out Steve. ‘He is not here for his story, he has none, he’s just my friend so don’t talk to him.’
    They all laughed and Steve threw her a face.
    ‘Maybe he’ll tell us your story, Kitty,’ Jedrek shouted from the back, and they laughed.
    ‘No, believe me, you don’t want to hear that.’
    ‘You should have read the paper on Sunday,’ Steve shouted down, and those who understood the joke laughed.
    ‘Thank you for that, Steve. But first I’d like to introduce you to the main woman. Our birthday girl, Birdie Murphy.’ There was a round of applause and everybody started singing ‘Happy Birthday to You’.
    The atmosphere couldn’t have been any more special as everybody mixed, mingled and there was a real sense of celebration and jubilation on the bus. When she sat down next to Steve, Kitty couldn’t hide the contented smile on her face.
    ‘Look at you, happy head,’ he said, ruffling her hair affectionately.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
    Most of ‘the names’ had gathered at the back of the bus to hear Jedrek and Achar speak about their record attempt.
    ‘It is a two-man one-hundred-metre pedalo dash,’ Jedrek explained seriously. ‘The current world record is one minute fifty-eight point six two seconds. We can do it in one minute fifty.’
    They received many pats on the back for that.
    ‘You’re going to attempt the record in Cork?’ Eva asked.
    ‘Our desire was always to do this with our families as witnesses,’ Jedrek said a little sadly. ‘They have been with us for the entire journey, for them not to be here …’
    Achar stepped in, more enthusiastic. ‘Unfortunately they could not come with us on this trip but the reason we are with you now is because we know of an adjudicator who will be here in Cork. If we can convince him to come to view our record attempt we can be officially accepted into
Guinness World Records
.’
    ‘Though we do not need a judge to make a record attempt,’ Jedrek was quick to jump in.
    ‘No,’ Achar conceded, ‘but their presence is the only way we can immediately know our record attempt has been successful. If you want instant approval of your record, to boost the status and news appeal, then the adjudicator is the way to go. They can give you the official presentation of a framed
Guinness World Records
Certificate. We enquired into getting an adjudicator but it costs five thousand euro to fly one over for the event. We learned that there is an adjudicator in Cork today at a corporate event. If we can convince him to witness our attempt then we will have instant confirmation.’
    ‘Yes, but it is not compulsory to have a judge at the event,’ Jedrek said again. ‘I just do not want you to get your hopes up for no reason.’
    ‘What is wrong with getting my hopes up? It seems it is you who has no hope at all already,’ Achar said.
    They argued this in front of the others until Archie spoke up. ‘But it’s worth a try, fellas, isn’t it? And if you can’t get the judge? You can do it for all of us as