Deadly Silence

by OMJ Ryan

  ‘Tea or coffee?’ he asked.

  ‘Coffee for me,’ said Phillips

  ‘Same for me, please.’

  ‘Right, three coffees it is. I’m afraid it will have to be Instant.’ Maguire switched on the kettle, then pointed to the kitchen table in the middle of the room. ‘Please take a seat.’

  A minute later, he placed three steaming cups of coffee on the table and took a seat beside them.

  Phillips took a tentative sip from the scalding liquid. ‘Father, we’d like to talk to you about the murder of Susan Gillespie.’

  Maguire shook his head sombrely. ‘A very sad business.’

  Entwistle moved his coffee to the side, then pulled out his tablet and portable keyboard, placing them on the table in front of him. Phillips shot him a look.

  ‘It’s for taking notes, Guv. Saves typing them up later.’

  She turned her attention back to Maguire. ‘Father, we believe you may have been one of the last people to see Susan alive. Can you confirm the last time you saw her?’

  Maguire took a sip of coffee before cradling the mug in both hands. ‘Susie was here until just after six. She was in charge of the cleaning group and was the last to leave. I had to lock up the church after she’d gone, which takes a few minutes. By the time I got back here to the house, it was about quarter past.’

  ‘Did you remember seeing anyone hanging around the church at that time?’

  ‘No, but it was dark and we have a lot of mature trees in the grounds. At night, it’s hard to see anything without a torch.’

  Entwistle tapped lightly on his keyboard as Phillips continued. ‘You say she was the last to leave. Who else was here that night?’

  ‘Mrs Kelly and Mrs Higgins.’

  ‘And what time did they leave?’

  ‘About ten minutes before Susie. You see, Susie always liked to catch up with me at the end and go through what they’d done.’

  ‘Do you know whether Mrs Kelly and Mrs Higgins went straight home?’

  ‘I can only assume so. They both live locally, and at their ages I doubt they had plans to paint the town red. They’re both octogenarians.’

  ‘Do you have their addresses?’

  ‘Of course. They both live on Sandringham Lane, but I can’t be sure of the exact numbers.’ Maguire stood. ‘I’ll go and get them from the office. Won’t be a moment.’

  Phillips and Entwistle sat in silence, but Phillips surveyed the room. It was furnished simply, and appeared untouched since the eighties. Definitely in need of some TLC. The cream-coloured crucifix hanging on the wall opposite looked nicotine-stained. Maguire returned a minute later, a bright yellow Post-it Note in his hand. ‘They live a couple of doors down from each other, number eleven and seventeen Sandringham Lane. It’s just a few minutes’ walk across the green.’

  Phillips thanked him and put the note in her pocket. She took another sip of her coffee, giving herself a moment to think. ‘Tell us about Susan, Father. What was she like?’

  ‘She was a wonderful woman, Inspector. A true Christian, and devoted to the church; particularly since her parents died. She was their main caregiver, you see, and when they passed, she seemed lost for a time. She had always played an active role in the congregation when they were alive, but it seemed to ramp up even more after they died, as if she was filling the void. She was here most days in some capacity, but also spent a lot of time at St Joseph’s Hospice, visiting patients without family of their own. She couldn’t bear to think of anyone dying alone in their final days. In fact, she was of particular help to Father Donnelly, our old parish priest who passed a few months back. Pancreatic cancer. It was mercifully quick in the end.’

  ‘Do you know if she was romantically involved in any way?’

  Father Maguire shook his head. ‘She was incredibly shy and seemed quite wary of men. Social situations were off limits unless they involved the church. Strangely, she seemed to blossom inside these walls.’

  Phillips changed tack. ‘Do you know how business is for the Gillespie’s?’

  ‘Fine, as far as I can tell. The family business has been going for over forty years, and Noel and Susie always seemed busy.’

  ‘No debts or finance issues?’

  ‘None that I’m aware of.’

  ‘And how about gambling. Did Noel or Susan gamble at all?’

  Maguire smiled wryly. ‘I feel confident saying that Susie would never gamble. She felt it was against God. As for her brother, outside of the confessional, Inspector, people rarely share their intimate secrets with a priest. Unlike his sister, Noel is what we would call lapsed when it comes to attending mass. Strictly christenings and funerals these days. In fact, the last time I saw him was at Father Donnelly’s funeral with Susie a few weeks back.’

  ‘And how did he seem?’

  ‘Same as anyone else on the day…quiet, mournful perhaps? Difficult to say with Noel, as he always looks a little troubled. I’ve often wondered what haunts him so much.’

  ‘I know what you mean. Would you know who benefits from Susan’s will, Father?’

  ‘I don’t. It’s not something we ever discussed. I would imagine Noel and the girls.’

  ‘His daughters?’

  ‘Yes, Susan’s nieces, Hollie and Chloe. She loved them like her own, Inspector.’

  Phillips finished her coffee and placed the cup on the table. ‘One last question, Father. Can you think why anyone would want to kill Susan?’

  Maguire closed his eyes a moment and took a deep breath. ‘I honestly don’t. If there were more people like Susie, the world would be a much better place. She really was an extraordinarily kind human being.’

  Phillips stood up, extending her hand to Maguire. ‘Well, thank you for your time. We should be going.’

  Entwistle followed her lead, quickly packing away his tablet and shaking Maguire’s hand on the way out.

  ‘Just one thing, Inspector,’ the priest called after Phillips as she stepped out into the church grounds. ‘When can we expect Susan’s body to be released? I’m thinking of the arrangements for the funeral, you see.’

  ‘It really depends on the coroner’s verdict. Hopefully not long.’

  ‘Thank you. I’ll wait to hear from Noel in that case.’

  Out by the roadside, Phillips turned to survey the church and wondered if Susan’s killer had been lying in wait in the shadows that evening. As thorough as they’d been at the house, they may not have been so considered away from the crime scene. It was worth checking out. ‘Entwistle, get forensics to go through the church grounds. See if we can find anything connected to the murder.’

  Entwistle pulled out his phone. ‘Yes, Guv.’

  ‘And get some intel on Susan’s will. There’s something about the grieving brother that’s not sitting right with me. While you’re at it, look into Noel’s financials, see if he’s in trouble. That house of Susan’s must be worth close to four hundred grand. If he stands to inherit it, that could be motive enough to kill her.’

  ‘On it.’

  Phillips opened Google Maps app on her phone and typed in the address from the Post-it Note Father Maguire had given her. ‘Right, let’s pay a visit to Mrs. Kelly and Mrs. Higgins, they only live down the road. And let’s hope one of them has some biscuits – I’m starving.’

  13

  Deidre McNulty poured the steaming tomato soup into a flask before placing it into her husband’s rucksack, alongside a Tupperware container filled with freshly made cheese and tomato sandwiches. She liked to ensure he was well fed during his nightshift at the airport while stuck in a cold warehouse, ferrying freight for the early morning flights. She knew his decision to move to nights six months ago had been a necessary one due to their financial issues, but she really missed him in bed. Nothing sexual of course; that had subsided eighteen months ago when she had undergone chemotherapy and a mastectomy for a malignant tumour in her breast. Feeling like she’d been hit by a truck had made just getting in and out of bed an effort; any
thing else was impossible. That horrific period of their marriage had changed the dynamic of their relationship forever. They had never been prolific lovers, but a couple of times a month had seemed to satisfy Kevin for most of their twenty years together. Since the chemo, he appeared as content as she was with the abstinence that had become the norm, and they were more like best friends than lovers now. No. What she really missed was his big arms, wrapped tightly around her in bed. That feeling of being safe and warm. Totally protected.

  ‘Right, love, that’s me.’ Kevin walked into the kitchen just before 8.30 p.m.

  ‘You really have lost weight, haven’t you?’ she said, observing him in the tight-fitting jumper he wore.

  He looked down at his belly, then back at Deidre. ‘You think so?’

  ‘Absolutely. All that time in the gym is paying off.’ She giggled. ‘I’ll have to watch you and those air-hostesses at work.’

  Kevin appeared embarrassed and turned away in search of his car keys.

  Deidre moved towards him, arms outstretched. ‘I do wish you didn’t have to work nights, love’.

  Kevin turned around and smiled, pulling her close. ‘We’ve been through this, Dee-Dee. You know we need the money. And it won’t be forever, I promise.’

  Deidre nestled her head under his chin. ‘I miss you, that’s all.’ At that moment, the dog padded over to join them and pressed her hindlegs against Kevin’s thigh. ‘And so does Cocoa. See? She doesn’t want you to go either.’

  ‘I’m being tag-teamed here, aren’t I?’ he joked. ‘Sorry Dee-Dee, I’ve really got to go or I’ll be late.’ He kissed her on the cheek before zipping up his coat and pulling on his woolly hat.

  ‘Are you sure you’re going to be warm enough?’

  ‘Yes, Dee-Dee. You ask me the same question every night, and my answer is always the same. I’m going to be absolutely fine. Once I get the truck warmed up, it’s actually quite cosy in the cab. It’s all good.’ Throwing his rucksack over his shoulder, he headed for the front door.

  Deidre followed him out into the narrow hallway. ‘See you later. Love you, babe.’

  ‘Love you, too.’ Kevin smiled faintly as he closed the door behind him.

  Deidre stood motionless as the sound of the engine filled the air. Then the headlights illuminated the glass in front of her and Kev reversed out onto the road. A moment later, he set off on the fifteen-minute journey to the airport, less than five miles away.

  When the sound of engine faded in the distance, she knelt down and rubbed the dog’s head. ‘Just us girls again, heh Cocoa?’ Then, standing up, she went back into the kitchen and started on the washing up.

  It was close to nine o’clock when she’d finished. Cocoa was snuggled down in her basket. ‘Time for a cuppa for me and a pee-pee for you.’ She went over to the back door and let the dog out, who trotted into the garden.

  The kettle boiled as she stood in front of the sink. Catching sight of her reflection in the window, she felt a sudden chill run down her spine and quickly closed the blinds. Leaving them open had never bothered her when Kevin was at home, but over the last few weeks she’d grown increasingly anxious when they were open after dark, almost as if she was being watched. Once again dismissing the idea as ridiculous, Dee-Dee made herself a sweet tea to take upstairs to bed.

  At 9.05 p.m., she opened the back door and Cocoa sauntered back into the kitchen. ‘Come on, you.’ Grabbing her mug, she switched off the kitchen light, ‘Up we go.’

  Deidre’s bedtime routine had never been elaborate, but since beating cancer she rarely wore make-up. She had lost interest in it, and after a quick once-over with a facecloth, followed by flossing and brushing, she was ready for bed.

  Switching off the bathroom light, she tip-toed across the landing to her bedroom, a strange habit she’d had since childhood. She couldn’t recall why it had started, but it had never left her. She flicked the hall light off and closed the bedroom door before climbing under the duvet, just as Cocoa jumped up onto the bed and curled up next to her feet. ‘I may not have Kev, but at least I’ve got you, Cocoa.’ She slid her feet under the big Labrador’s warm body. ‘Like a hot-water bottle, you are.’

  As usual, she managed just one chapter of her romance novel before she began to drift into the story, half awake, half dreaming. Catching herself nodding off, she closed the book and placed it on the nightstand. ‘Night night, girl.’ Cocoa was already snoring loudly as she switched off the bedside lamp.

  Deidre drifted off quickly, and felt as if she had been asleep for hours when she woke with a start. Instantly sitting upright, she peered into the darkened room. What on earth was that noise? It sounded like a giant rat scratching at the walls. She sensed something moving around by the door, but without her glasses she struggled to make it out. Fumbling a moment, she found the bedside lamp and flicked it on. Light flooded the room, and she screamed when she found herself almost nose to nose with Cocoa. ‘Jesus you scared me.’ She rubbed the dog’s head. ‘Why are you standing? That’s not like you.’

  Cocoa whined, glancing between Deidre and the bedroom door, a pained look on her face that Deidre didn’t recognise.

  ‘Are you okay, sweetheart? Did you have a bad dream?’ She reached for her watch, squinting to see the numbers. ‘Eleven o’clock? You’re kidding me, we’ve only been in bed an hour and half. Come on, you, get back on here.’

  Cocoa’s whining grew in volume. She turned her head back to the door before padding over to it and scratching at it noisily.

  ‘Stop it, Cocoa. You’ll ruin the paintwork. Kev’ll go mad.’

  The dog continued scratching and whining.

  ‘Get away from there, you daft thing.’ Deidre jumped out of bed, went over to Cocoa and grabbed her collar. ‘Come on now, stop being silly. There’s nothing there, see?’ She yanked open the door.

  ‘Well…that’s not strictly true.’ The voice from the darkness was ice cold.

  Deidre screamed in terror as she came face to face with a man wearing a surgeon’s mask.

  ‘Now, now. There’s no need for that, Dee-Dee.’

  Before she could react, the man lifted his arm and sprayed something into her face.

  A moment later, Deidre McNulty’s world went black.

  14

  His heart pounded as he waited for the sedative to wear off. The rush he’d felt killing Susan had taken him by surprise, but he felt better prepared for this kill. Everything was ready, and he would enjoy this even more.

  Standing at the bottom of her bed, he looked with some regret at the lifeless chocolate Labrador laid out by the door. As much as he’d liked the old girl, a barking dog was too much of a risk tonight.

  Finally, Deidre began to stir. He watched intently as she became aware of her position on the bed, her wrists and ankles securely tethered with a series of connecting cable-ties to the metal bedposts above and below her. The black gaffer tape across her mouth ensured any screams were stifled as her eyes met his.

  ‘Wakey wakey, Dee-Dee.’

  The terror on her face was exactly as he had fantasised so many times before. A wave of satisfaction surged through him. ‘Dee-Dee. I am going to take the tape off your mouth, and you are going to stay calm and quiet. Do you understand me?’

  Her eyes bulging, Deidre nodded vigorously.

  He leaned over and ripped the tape off, causing her to yelp. ‘There, that’s better. Now we can have a proper chat.’ He perched on the bed next to her, like a doctor visiting a patient. ‘By the way, I’m very sorry about your dog.’ He drew her attention to Cocoa’s position on the floor.

  ‘Oh my God! What did you do to her?’

  ‘Let’s just say she won’t be needing to use the garden tomorrow night.’

  Deidre began to sob.

  His voice was almost soothing. ‘Don’t cry, Dee-Dee. She was very old. She can’t have had more than a couple of years left at best.’

  She stared at him, eyes wide. ‘Wh-who are you? How do you know my name?’
<
br />   ‘Tsk. Tsk, Dee-Dee. You really don’t remember me?’

  Deidre shook her head.

  ‘I don’t know whether to be offended or take that as a compliment. I’ll admit, I have changed in the last twenty-eight years.’

  She pulled at her restraints. ‘What are you going to do to me?’

  ‘All in good time. For now, we should concentrate on jogging that memory of yours. I can’t leave here until I’m convinced that you not only remember me, but remember what was done to me all those years ago. Back when you chose to look the other way, just like Susie.’

  This seemed to jog Deirdre’s memory, and her face began to change in front of him. He smiled broadly. ‘It’s coming back to you now, isn’t it? I can see it in your eyes.’

  Deirdre looked him up and down. ‘It can’t be.’

  He smiled. ‘It can be, and probably is. Come on, Dee-Dee…’

  ‘Winnie?’

  His smile vanished at hearing the nickname that had caused him so much pain as a child. ‘I do not answer to that stupid nickname anymore.’ He walked over to the chest of drawers opposite the bed, his back to Deidre. Picking up the plastic bag, he pulled it taut in his hands, checking its strength. It had worked perfectly on Susan Gillespie, and he had every faith it would do likewise with Deidre.

  Behind him, he heard her breath quicken. ‘Are you going to kill me?’

  He turned to face her. ‘That very much depends on you,’ he replied, revelling in the power he now wielded. How times had changed.

  ‘Did you kill Susan?’

  ‘Yes, I did.’

  ‘Oh my God!’

  ‘I did it for a good reason. Do you want to know why?’

  Deirdre remained silent, clearly afraid to speak.