Unbroken Secrets, Lies and Enduring Love

‘ Our outside door came crashing in. Deafening thumps, steel banging on steel and shrill, piercing whistles filled the hallway. Faraway voices called out in the dark: “ Armed police.” Others, coming nearer, shouted orders: “ Get down on the floor.” ’ On 28 October 1996 Glaswegian Michael Gallagher is arrested in an armed dawn raid on the London flat he shares with long-time partner, Mary Attenborough. Accused of playing a role in the IRA mortar attack on Heathrow Airport in March 1994, Michael proclaims his innocence. Mary meanwhile throws herself into the battle to free him and highlight what she sees as just another example of British ‘ justice’ getting it wrong. Told in the alternating voices of the two authors, the dramatic story unfolds with Michael struggling against the harsh conditions of incarceration, while Mary focuses on organising his legal defence, battling to stay positive in the face of soul-destroying setbacks and emotional hardships. Yet behind it all lies a secret that could tear the couple apart. How can their love survive?

Michael Gallagher is an award-winning author of short stories. Following his release from prison, he set up a web development company, The Webbery, along with his partner Mary. Michael is currently working on his first novel. Mary Attenborough is a mathematician, former lecturer and author of two third-level engineering books. She also writes poetry and songs.