Jack Fleming Character Analysis in Old God’s Time

Detective Superintendent Fleming is Tom’s former coworker and superior. Although he did not work directly on the case against Byrne and Matthews, he was aware that Tom and Billy’s efforts to get the priests arrested were stymied by their superiors and the church at large, and he was sympathetic to the two detectives’ frustration. As a result, when young detectives Wilson and O’Casey are assigned to reinvestigate Matthews’s murder, Fleming asks Tom to consult on the case. However, Fleming has another motivation for contacting Tom: he suspects Tom of murdering Matthews, not knowing it was Tom’s wife June who committed the crime. Fleming’s position is complicated by the fact that he was a major source of support for Tom during the deaths of his wife and children. As a result, he dislikes the idea of arresting Tom for killing a pedophilic priest and is relatively transparent with Tom about his suspicions and intentions.

Jack Fleming Character Timeline in Old God’s Time

The timeline below shows where the character Jack Fleming appears in Old God’s Time. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...sits down to talk with the detectives. They tell him that their chief, Detective Superintendent Fleming, told them that Tom would be willing to help them with an investigation. Tom unhappily... (full context)

...neck, drops it in an empty umbrella stand, and opens the door to find Superintendent Fleming dressed in full uniform. Tom is surprised to see it’s nighttime, even though he feels... (full context)

Fleming greets Tom and explains that he’s attending an annual dinner nearby—a surprise to Tom, since... (full context)

...he is and has been loved by many people, such as his family and even Fleming. However, Tom struggles to see this love when he is awake, only benefiting from its... (full context)

...as companions in his solitude. Later, he awakes for good and resolves to commit to Fleming’s case. He makes himself strong tea, goes out to sit on his wicker chair, and... (full context)

Tom intends to go see Fleming that next day, but Winnie shows up unexpectedly. He’s delighted to see her, as she... (full context)

Personal Trauma vs. Collective Trauma Theme Icon

...assailed with traumatic memories of the 1974 bombing of Dublin. During the tragedy, he and Fleming investigated the explosions and thus became first responders who bore witness to the horrific carnage... (full context)

...that he recognizes, including of two priests, Byrne and Matthews, that invoke contempt in Tom. Fleming, O’Casey, and Wilson enter the room along with a newer detective, Maureen Scally, whom Fleming... (full context)

Tom is in Fleming’s office along with Wilson and O’Casey. Tom admits that he didn’t read the case files,... (full context)

Fleming asks Tom about his involvement with the case. Tom explains that Fathers Byrne and Matthews... (full context)

Fleming then asks Tom about the other priest, Matthews, who has since died. Tom says he... (full context)

The next day, Fleming comes to Tom’s flat to review the case with him. He tells Tom that the... (full context)

Fleming explains to Tom that Byrne recently testified about seeing a man attacking Matthews from a... (full context)

Fleming leaves. Tom wonders what Fleming thinks of the situation, and he thinks that the blood... (full context)

The next day, Tom decides that he’ll comply with Fleming’s request to provide a blood sample. As he makes his way to the station, he... (full context)

...treatment for a month. She was clean for a few months but died after relapsing. Fleming did what he could to support Tom, who understood Winnie’s death even less than he’d... (full context)