“What are you saying?” Isobel asked.
Eoin aced her. “She is saying that officially we’re investigating one crime and off the record we are investigating a lot more than that.”
“Well, that’s fine then, as long as you investigate.”
“But what it means, Isobel,” said Alanna, “is that we won’t always be able to use all of the advantages of being a garda.”
“Oh.”
Eoin looked at Alanna. “But, it has never stopped us before and it’s not going to stop us now. We’re going to catch this bastard and we’re going to send him away for a very long time.”
“Exactly.” Alanna turned to Isobel. “Eoin actually likes it better when everyone is against us. He functions better under pressure.”
Eoin grinned. “Yeah. I only like working with the crème de la crème. We probably get more done with a tight team anyway. And if we need a bit of help a few of the others will come over to the dark side.” He was laughing now.
Isobel couldn’t help smiling. “So one way or the other we’re going to catch this monster?”
Eoin looked at Alanna and grinned. She grinned back then they both turned to Isobel.
“Yes!” they said together.
Eoin sat down again and looked at Isobel, eyebrows raised. “So, aside from asking us about the superintendent’s reactions, was there anything else that brought you here today, Isobel?”
Isobel put her hands on the table and clasped them. “I was talking to a friend of mine about what has been happening.”
Eoin frowned. “Isobel, we’ve told you things that aren’t part of the public domain. We did that because you’ve helped us, but lots of the information we’ve shared with you we don’t want made public. Even with regard to issuing a safety warning to the public, the Super has contacted a police psychologist to check what we should say. We’re concerned about letting this guy know we’re on to him – the feeling of power it might give him to think of everybody being afraid of him. We are going to issue a warning, but we have to be very careful how we portray things. Please don’t go blabbing information indiscreetly.”
Isobel could feel her hackles rising. “Are you quite finished? That’s not what I’ve been doing.”
“I’m sure you haven’t,” Alanna said, “but we need to be very careful.”
Isobel took a deep breath. “Of course I know that. I’m not ‘blabbing information indiscreetly’.” She frowned at Eoin. “I was talking to someone I worked with on another investigation.”
Eoin started playing with his spoon, his impatience evident.
Isobel tightened her jaw and went on. “She suggested the idea of confidential or anonymous tip-offs.”
Eoin stilled his hands.
“I don’t know a lot about them or how they work. But, using that idea, I went back to Emer and made a recording of what happened to her. She’s not prepared to make an official statement, but she is prepared to answer any questions that would help you find the perpetrator.”
Eoin looked at Alanna. “What do you think?”
“It might work. Why don’t we hear it?”
Isobel took out her phone and played the recording. Hearing the story again affected her just as much as before.
When they had reached the end, Eoin sprang up and paced up and down, hands in his pockets, shoulders hunched forward slightly.
Alanna watched him. Then, she said, “What do you think, Eoin?”
“I think this could work. What she says about the suit, the mat – those things have come from forensics but how could this woman have known that? It means we have confirmation of some of the suggestions forensics have made and it confirms those lines of enquiry.” He stopped in front of Isobel. “So this colleague of yours suggested this?”
“You mean the one I mentioned that you didn’t want me to talk to?”
Eoin gave a sigh of exasperation. “Is she the woman you worked with in London on that Banks case?”
“Yes. Her name is Patricia. She’s a friend and her partner is a solicitor. They’re the only people I’ve talked to about the case, and it was in the course of that chat that this idea materialised. Emer wants to help. If you have questions for her, I’ll take them to her and she will record her answers.”
Eoin looked at her. “I’m sorry. This is a breakthrough. We’ll have to see what the Super says but this allows … this is good. Thank you. Alanna, we need to let the Super listen to this and hopefully we can then present it to the team. Maybe we can start looking into suits and sheets.” He turned to Isobel, “We might need a lot more clarification from this woman.”
Isobel stood up. “Well, she said she’s willing to answer any questions.”
He reached out and grasped Isobel’s hand. “Well done. Thank you.”
Isobel made her way out onto Henry Street. As she started to walk towards her car she heard her name being called. It was Eoin Ryan.
“Isobel, here’s my card and Alanna’s. Please stay in touch.”
Isobel took the cards and put them in her bag.
When she looked up again, he said, “I do appreciate all you’ve done.”
Isobel nodded.
“And thanks for not mentioning the hospital.”
Isobel nodded again.
He turned quickly and hurried back into the building. Perversely, the fact that he was glad of her secrecy about the hospital made her more curious about why he had been there.
Chapter 13
Isobel was at home when the phone rang at five o’clock that evening.
“Isobel, I thought I would have heard from you before now.”
Isobel felt a shudder of guilt. “Sorry, Patricia. I went for a long walk to think about everything. I’m just back.”
“How did it go today?”
“Well, your ears must have been burning. Inspector Ryan was thrilled with your idea of an anonymous tip.”
“So he thinks it will help?”
“Yes. When I left, he and Sergeant Finnegan were going to play the recording of Emer for the superintendent. If he accepts it then they can use the information. Eoin thinks that having definite reference to the rubber suit and the sheet adds strength to some of their lines of enquiry. Forensics had suggested these but having the tape, well …”
“That’s great. You must be flavour of the month with Inspector Ryan now.”
“Well, things are better than they were. It was strange though. I saw him at the hospital. He was coming out of the psychiatric ward. When I met him at the Garda Station, he didn’t mention it. And when I was leaving, he followed me out and thanked me for not saying anything about bumping into him earlier. It all seems a bit mysterious.”
The line was quiet.
“What do you think? Patricia, are you still there?”
“Why were you at the hospital?”
Isobel winced.
“You had no appointments scheduled the last time I asked, so what has changed?”
Isobel knew that not saying anything was different from telling a lie but she didn’t want to do that to her friend. For eighteen months every conversation with family and friends was primarily about her health – of course everyone was concerned. She had enjoyed working the case with Patricia in London because she and Peter didn’t initially realise that she had been sick. They treated her like a professional. It was so good not to be always talking about health and energy. And now here she was again, with her health becoming a focus. It couldn’t be helped. She took a deep breath.
“I found something on the other side. It might be nothing. I’m hoping it’s nothing, but I have to get it checked out.”
“Of course you do. What did they say?”
“I have a mammogram on Monday at eleven o’clock.”
“Are you worried?”
“Yes. I’m glad that they can fit me in so quickly.”
“Who is going with you on Monday?”
“No one. I haven’t told anyone yet.”
“Why not?�
��
“I just can’t bear the thought of stressing everyone again. It may be nothing. It seems so unfair if it is nothing to create all of that anxiety.”
“Come on. Everyone would want to know.”
“And, I suppose, I don’t want to believe that I might be back again facing treatment … and, by not telling anyone …”
“I can sort of understand what you’re saying but I don’t think that you should go alone. I could come over and go with you.”
“It’s OK, Patricia.”
“To be honest, I was thinking of coming anyway. All I can think about is your investigation. I thought if I came over and we put our heads together we could see if we could figure out a bit more about how he finds his victims – maybe do the different walks and get a feel for the places.”
“That would be great! At least with the case I feel that I can do something – with my health I just have to wait and see.”
“I’m already online looking at flights into Shannon.”
Isobel crossed her fingers.
“It looks like I could come tomorrow, arriving at half past ten in the morning. Would that suit you? I can stay until you know what’s going on with the hospital.”
Isobel could feel tears prickling in her eyes. “Are you sure?”
“I’m sure. Holmes and Watson back together again. We’ll probably have the case solved by Monday.”
“And just to clarify, I was Holmes, wasn’t I?”
“Well, it was my idea about the confidential tip, but if you have to feel you’re Holmes what can I say? I’m sure Eoin would agree that I’m Holmes.”
Isobel laughed. “I’ll pick you up in Shannon Airport at half ten.”
Chapter 14
Saturday 22nd June
Isobel showed Patricia into her bedroom and then carried on into the kitchen to put the kettle on. Patricia joined her a few minutes later.
“You have so much space here. It’s fantastic. I can’t believe we’re only fifteen miles from Limerick City and you have this view.”
“I guess you’re a city girl.”
Patricia laughed. “London born and bred.”
They settled down with their cups of tea.
“I got a call from Eoin late last night,” Isobel said. “He wants us to go in to the station for two o’clock.”
“Did he say why?”
“Not really. He said he wanted my, well, our help with things. I told him you were flying in.”
“That’s a bit of a turnaround. Do you think he’s going to let us in on the investigation the way Simon did in London?”
“I don’t know. He didn’t explain but he sounded upbeat and busy. Maybe he wants us to check out some things with Emer.”
***
It was almost two o’clock when Isobel led Patricia into Henry Street Garda station. Alanna was waiting for them. Isobel introduced Patricia and Alanna shepherded them along the corridor to the interview room. Eoin was already there.
Isobel introduced Patricia.
“So we have you to thank for the idea of the confidential tips,” Eoin said.
Patricia glanced at Isobel. “Yes.”
The door swung open. Eoin and Alanna rose promptly to their feet.
Eoin said, “Isobel, Patricia, this is Superintendent Jim Carruthers.”
Jim Carruthers was six foot two with white hair and a tanned face. He was well muscled and fit-looking. His eyes were blue, and he had a wise look. Isobel guessed that he was a man who had seen it all.
“Hello, Isobel.”
Super Carruthers extended his hand and Isobel shook it. Then he turned to Patricia and clasped her hand. “Patricia.” The assessment was frank and interested. “Eoin and Alanna have played the recording for me. I’ve spoken to the forensic team. I have no doubt but that this young woman Emer was attacked by the same man as the one in our murder case. Eoin and Alanna tell me that you know of a second woman. I’m very concerned about what is happening in our city. I’ve thought long and hard about how I can handle this situation.” He paused. “How to investigate crimes that we know happened but have not been reported.”
Isobel glanced at Alanna and Eoin, but they were both looking at the Super.
He continued. “Which makes the case we have much bigger and more serious than is officially known. For now, it has to stay that way.” He lifted his chin. “I’ve also spoken to an officer in the Met. He apprised me of the role you both played in the investigation in London.”
Isobel resisted the desire to look at Patricia. This was news to her.
“I want you to help us to find this man who is attacking women in our city.”
“Of course,” said Isobel, while Patricia nodded vehemently.
“At the moment you will not be included in official team briefings but Eoin and Alanna will keep you informed and will share information with you. Your status may change depending on what information becomes official but,” he frowned, “I want all the help that you can give my officers. I think we all have concerns that there are more victims that we don’t know about.” He shook his head.
“What about the future risk to women?” Isobel asked. “Surely there needs to be a warning?”
The Super pursed his lips. “I know. I have a daughter. Yes, we do need to warn people. We’re going to issue a statement, warning of a rapist who is targeting walkers. The press secretary is drafting it at the moment. My boss is not inclined to be swayed by our confidential informant. Despite his insistence on only dealing with the cases reported to us, I have been able to insist on a warning.” For a second his face looked strained. “That’s the best I can do for now. If I can get you made official advisors I will, but right now my hands are tied.”
“You’re going to be working with us parallel to the official investigation,” Eoin said. “In fact, you’re probably going to be chasing information for us that’s not part of the official investigation.”
“Eoin and Alanna are doing this with my knowledge and approval.” Superintendent Carruthers stood up. “I’ll leave you to it. Eoin, Alanna, keep me informed of everything, day and night. Isobel, Patricia, thank you for your help.”
He left and for a moment no one said anything.
Eoin spoke first. “His boss is a stickler. He heard the tape but is not convinced it’s related. He refuses to allocate any more resources and doesn’t want the tape played for other officers. The man is a fool but also very political. He doesn’t want the scandal of a rapist who’s been operating in the city with impunity.” He clenched his fists. “He’s a gobshite.”
Alanna reached out and touched his hand. “We’re lucky that the Super came up through the ranks and knows how these things go.”
“Yeah, he’ll do everything he can to help us.”
“What do you need?” said Patricia.
Eoin gestured to Alanna, who pulled out her notebook. She glanced at both of them and then down at her list. “Do you think that the second lady you spoke to would make a recording?”
Isobel chewed her lip. “I don’t know. She’s very vulnerable.”
Alanna nodded. “OK. See what you can do. It would help to have as much information as possible. She may remember something that the first lady didn’t notice or forgot but which might help us catch this man.”
“Alan from forensics has something he wants you to do.” Eoin opened a folder on the desk and handed Isobel a number of pieces of material. “Alan wants you to show these plastic pieces to the women. Unfortunately forensics haven’t found any sample of the suit or ground sheet in the grass or under Michelle Cavan’s fingernails. Alan is hypothesizing that the women may remember the feel of the material so he has sent over these samples. Basically they are what the lab geniuses could come up with as possible sheets: tarpaulins, camping ground sheets. There is also a wet suit and something like the suits we wear at crime scenes. It’s a long shot but we have to try everything.”
Isobel pursed her lips. “I’ll ask the women but, if they re
fuse, I’m not going to push them. Trying to remember the feel of the material seems to me a very traumatic thing to do.”
Eoin nodded. “I know. Do your best. If the women feel it’s too much I can understand that.” He looked at Alanna. “Was there anything else?”
“The warning for women walkers is going out on the local news and papers tonight. We’re also asking for anyone who has seen men loitering on walks or acting suspiciously to come forward.”
Eoin said, “We’ll probably get loads of calls, not all helpful, so the team is going to be busy following up on any new leads. Basically we need some information, a break really, because we have precious little to go on. In fact, the leads you’ve brought from your two women are the strongest ones we have yet.”
Isobel blew out her lips. “OK. We’ll see what we can do.” She raised her eyebrows at Patricia who nodded and stood up.
Eoin stood too. “Why don’t we have lunch tomorrow so you can fill us in on what you’ve found, if anything?”
“How about the The Steakhouse?” Alanna said. “At two o’clock?”
Isobel nodded. “OK. See you then.”
Chapter 15
Isobel and Patricia left the Garda Station and walked towards the river. They reached the barrier and Isobel looked upriver towards King John’s Castle.
“Lovely view,” Patricia said.
“Yes.” Isobel turned to Patricia. “What did you think of that? Do you think that a general warning to walkers is enough? Are we putting women in danger?”
“What else can we do?” Patricia asked.
“I don’t know. I think this rapist is a terrible threat to women. God knows how long he has been doing this. We know of a rape in September, another in January and then the rape and murder in June. How many more could there be in between?”
“I know. I think that’s why the Superintendent is treating us the way he is – because he knows that too. But equally they have no evidence of that and …”
Broken Silence: A tense psychological thriller Page 8