One Coffin Too Many
Page 13
McFadden expelled a deep breath.
“ I can see your dilemma, Inspector and I want to be a good citizen but there is something else you should consider. Even though I’m the club secretary and I’m left to run the club as I please within reason the rules oblige me to consult the club president when something of major importance comes up. The gentleman in question is not only our club president he’s also our benefactor and a major one at that. In fact we wouldn’t even be here today without him. He gave us this land and was instrumental in getting this club off the ground so to speak. “
“ And he is? “
“ None other than Mr. Marshall, the big landowner. His mother passed away last week. Perhaps you’ve met him? “
“ I have. In fact only a few days ago. Seemingly there was a mix-up over coffins in the family mausoleum and I was asked to look into it. It’s probably nothing more than incompetence on the part of the undertakers – something innocuous but we can’t take a chance. It has to be looked into. “
“ Well, I imagine that would be distressing for anybody –let alone the Marshall family considering who turned up for the funeral: influential people, government and diplomatic corps, that sort. People you’d hate to tangle with – the sort who’d get onto somebody important right away if they thought they’d get away with something like going over your head. Do you get me? “
“ I do, Mr. McFadden. In fact I’ve one of them cooling his heels on a murder charge this very moment. He’s suspected of killing one of the men I referred to and probably implicated in the murder of another. He thought he was somebody special ; he thought he could get away with murder. But he was wrong. “
“ I see. I’m not trying to put obstacles in the way of justice, Inspector. I just think one should be aware of the road one is travelling on. “
“ Nicely put, Mr. McFadden and I appreciate your looking out for me. What can you tell me about these members without going into detail or mentioning names? “
“ Some of these people are valued members, Inspector. They wouldn’t appreciate any prying into their affairs without good reason. A lot of them have holiday homes around here – secluded even. I don’t want to appear snobbish, Inspector but I don’t particularly want to consult Mr. Marshall on this issue if I can avoid it. I don’t think he’d appreciate it if you know what I mean. “
“ He’s a flyer then? “ asked Devoy trying his luck.
“ Oh yes. Indeed. A much accomplished pilot with thousands of hours to his credit. In fact he’s the only member of the club to own a twin-engine plane. “
“ A twin-engine. Sounds like a big one. “
“ Indeed it is. “
“ And does he take off and land here? “ continued Devoy hoping McFadden wouldn’t see where this was going. “ I was under the impression the runway is a bit short for that sort of plane. “
McFadden was blinded was his enthusiasm and his respect for Marshall the benefactor.
“ And you’d be right, Inspector, “ answered McFadden. “ You’ve obviously taken on board what I said to you the last time. The answer is no. His aircraft is stationed at the regional. You see he needs a twin-engine to make it to Britain or the Continent. “
“ That’s some flying. “
“ Yes, it is, indeed but Mr. Marshall is one of the best. “
“ So how does he get from here to the regional – I mean it seems a waste of time to have a plane and then take a car to get to it? “
Oh, that’s no problem at all. Mr. Marshall takes one of the smaller ones to the regional and flies on from there in the twin-engine. Simple. “
“ Simple when you know how and when you have the means. “
McFadden’s face tightened as he considered Devoy’s response but Devoy didn’t let him dwell on it.
“ I had the impression before we got talking about Mr. Marshall and company that you were going to suggest something. Would I be right? “
McFadden’s face broke into a wide smile of relief.
“ You’re looking for somebody, right? “
Devoy nodded.
“ Maybe more than one. “
McFadden brought his hands up to his face and squeezed his nose.
“ Okay, here is what I suggest as a way out of the dilemma without ruffling any feather or getting up anybody’s nose. You give me a name, write it down on a piece of paper and I’ll consult the records. How about that? “
“ I think that would get us off to a good start, Mr. McFadden. “
“ Fine. Let’s have it then. “
Devoy wrote down the name and handed it to McFadden.
McFadden shook his head as if dismayed.
“ That name is too common in these parts. I need a first name, too. “
Devoy added the first name.
“ Excellent, “ replied McFadden. “ You give me a few minutes or so and I’ll get back to you. “
Devoy nodded his assent and McFadden disappeared down the corridor.
To kill time Devoy got up and wandered over to the window which overlooked the runway. The countryside looked calm just like the sea but he wondered what was going on underneath all that quietness. He was surprised when McFadden came back after less than ten minutes. He couldn’t read the man’s face. It was closed. He suspected bad news.
“ My, “ he said, “ that was quick. “
McFadden sat down and beckoned Devoy to do the same.
McFadden held up his hands as if surrendering.
“ Bad news, “ asked Devoy.
“ Fraid so, Inspector. I’ve consulted our membership rolls and there’s nobody with that particular name. “
“ I see. Damn! A dead end. “
“ However” added McFadden. “ I thought your search was rather limited if you don’t mind me saying so, Inspector Devoy. Perhaps you don’t appreciate the full nature of our club? “
“ Limited? Whatever do you mean, Mr. McFadden? I don’t get you? “
“ To put it in a nutshell we’re not just a flying club. “
“ Oh, “ replied Devoy his brow crinkling wondering what McFadden was going to say?
“ We’re dependent also on our flying school. We give flying lessons. Expensive ones as you can imagine. In fact we couldn’t really exist without that revenue but that’s between you and me. Planes are expensive items to buy and even more expensive to run. “
“ Right. So what are you trying to tell me, Mr. McFadden? “
“ I found the person you are looking for. “
“ Ah, you did. Great. “
“ The person in question enrolled for flying lessons over two years ago and subsequently qualified as a pilot. In fact the person, no names now, mind you, was a natural and excelled at flying. Hundreds of amateurs have passed through here over the years and indeed I’ve trained a lot of them. But that person in question was more than good. That person could land a plane on a postage stamp although I hasten to add that by times I got the impression the said person had been behind the controls of a plane long before they came here. Mind you, it was only an impression like I said. “
“ I see. “
“ Occasionally the said person comes out for refresher lessons. “ added McFadden.
“ Really? “
“ Yes, really. “
“ And how long would a lesson last? One hour, two hours? “
“ That depends, Inspector on the duration and how much one is prepared to pay. “
“ I see. “
“ We’re not cheap, Inspector. But a refresher flight would usually be from here to the regional airport and back. “
McFadden quoted a figure.
“ That’s a hefty sum for someone working as a secretary- cum- receptionist. “
“ Indeed it is but you’re obviously unaware of something. “
“ Like what? The person in question is really a millionaire? “
McFadden shook his head.
“ No, you’re way off. The person in question had
a benefactor. “
Anger and jealously surged through Devoy as he envisaged all sorts of scenarios.
“ A benefactor. You’re joking. “
“ I’m not joking, Inspector. I’m giving you as much as I can under the circumstances. “
“ Sorry. Can I ask who? “
“ Of course, you can but I can’t tell you for the reasons that I already gave you. “
“ So we’re back to the wire, then? “
“ You could put it that way if you like but I’m asking you to bear with me and understand my position as I outlined it. I cannot break a confidence. Please respect that. “
“ I gave you my word, Mr. McFadden. I’m not going to break it. “
“ I’m glad to hear that, Inspector. “
“ However, I have to remind you that you could be breaking the law, Mr. McFadden but I have to state my position as a cop. “
“ So, it’s a so-called Mexican stand-off. Is that what it’s called? “
Devoy nodded.
Both men sat back and expelled air.
“ Tell you what, Inspector Devoy. “
Devoy leaned forward.
“ In the interests of law and order I’ll give you a clue. How about that? “
“ A clue is as good as a nod to a policeman. Shoot! “
“ The person in question won’t be benefitting anymore from the benefactor. “
“ Oh, how’s that? “
“ The benefactor is no longer among us. I said ‘ had ‘. He’s dead. He was murdered last Monday according to the papers. “
“ Fallon? “
McFadden looked away with a pained look on his face.
“ Cremin? “
McFadden faced Devoy. He wore a big smile on his face.
“ Well I’ll be damned, “ he said.
“ And it’s that person whose name I wrote down. “
McFadden nodded.
Just then Devoy’s phone pinged.
“ Excuse me, “ he said as he switched it on.
The photos came one after another, scenes from the graveyard as Caroline had promised. He froze one, enlarged it and showed it to McFadden.
“ Recognize anybody, Mr. McFadden? “ he asked.
McFadden stared at the screen.
“ That’s the one, Inspector Devoy. That’s her. I’d recognize her anywhere. She’s still a fine looking woman! “
Devoy’s heart sank.
“ Look, Mr. McFadden you’ve been more than helpful to me. You’ve saved the police an awful lot of trouble. I’m not going to mention your help as I don’t want to compromise you. I just want to say that everything that has passed between you and me over the past few days has to remain confidential. I have to ask you that. I know you’ll honour that. I don’t know where this investigation is heading but as a policeman I’m committed to following that trail wherever it may lead even if it involves treading on the toes of certain notables if you get my drift. “
McFadden nodded.
“ You have my word, Inspector Devoy. You’ve been fair with me. “
Devoy stood up and McFadden followed suit. They shook hands. Something occurred to Devoy.
“ I don’t suppose anything came of your enquiries at the regional airport about incoming aircraft going off radar for a while. “
McFadden smiled.
“ I’m glad you asked. I tried to find out behind the scenes but it came to nothing. I was told in no uncertain terms that if I had any enquiries in that regard I was to make it official and state my interest. It seems I was wandering into areas that were of no concern of mine. In other words, mind your own business. “
“ That smacks of bureaucracy. Somebody watching over their turf. Maybe I inadvertently stumbled onto another operation? This phenomenon of going off radar came to the attention of others. Somebody’s always watching. “
“ It would seem so, Inspector. “
“ Look, you’ve stuck your neck out for me on that one. If you have any problems let me know. I’ll make it official if needs be. “
“ Thanks Inspector. That’s very good of you. “
Out in the car park Devoy sat in his car sickened, dismayed and disillusioned. His world was crumbling, his hopes dashed. The honeymoon was over. Reality was rushing back with a vengeance. He reflected on what McFadden had revealed to him: The questions came fast, cutting him up, fomenting bile in his gut and bringing on a headache. Christ, how was she involved? He would have to pry now, to dig. Find out all he could about her.Who was she? What was her background? Where did she come from? What was a sophisticated woman like here doing in a small town? It didn’t really add up. When did she become a widow? Questions, questions, questions hammered his brain. But maybe he was being unfair to Margo. After all, there was no law against taking flying lessons and if she hadn’t mentioned it to him then so what. There were lots of things she hadn’t told him apart from the fact she was a widow and he for his part hadn’t exactly been up front with her. He had never asked her about her husband and she had never really broached the subject of his marriage except in passing. They were too consumed in their carnality to bother with details. That’s the way it was. No probing. He was too besotted with her and her superb body and she with him. At least that’s what he hoped. Why upset the apple cart?
He took out his phone and brought up the photos that Caroline had sent. Margo came up on the screen. She was standing beside him with a handkerchief to her face. Kennedy was behind her along with some men he couldn’t identify probably fellow undertakers seeing as they were all dressed in black. He caught sight of Wade in the background. He scanned the rest of the mourners to see could anything come to him but he didn’t feel like any detective work today. He decided to return to the station. Dillon was expected in the afternoon. There was a lot of work to do and he needed a clear head to do it. Dillon, he heard had an excellent reputation for getting people off the hook but he came at a price.
Detective Moore was waiting for him when he came into his office. She held up a sheet of paper for him.
“ This fax arrived when you were out. “ she said in a reproachful tone.
Devoy took the sheet of paper from her hand and examined it. It was from the Department of Justice. They had okayed his request for the mysterious coffin to be opened. A forensic team along with a pathologist was available. They would arrive sometime next week provided the following was ready. Devoy studied the requirements and grimaced.
“ Have you read this? “ he asked.
Moore nodded.
“ We’ve got to get everything in place for these people for early next week. When everything is in place and ready we’ve to let them know. It’s going to be a busy week-end for us. Sullivan is really going to love this. “
Moore snorted.
“ How come that man is always away when the going gets tough – when we need him “
“ Probably has an intuition for detecting shit. All desk jockeys have a nose for it. That’s how they became desk jockeys in the first place. “
“ People like that make me sick. “ replied Moore.
“ So, let’s see, “ continued Devoy ignoring Moore. “ Who can we get onto first? We’re going to need a hearse and some undertakers to bring the coffin to a hospital. I was thinking of Fallon’s. What do you think, Angela? “
Detective Moore shook her head.
“ I’ve already been on to Fallon’s. They are closed. There’s a message on the line to that effect. They’re closed until tomorrow – Friday as a mark of respect to their late owner. Broderick’s are too busy at the moment taking the overflow from Fallon’s. They told me to call back. There’s no one else unless you want to go to another town. “
Devoy shook his head.
“ No, I’d prefer everything to be done here. The less people know about this the better. Besides, Fallon’s are already involved. I’d like to keep it that way. “
“ Maybe you should get onto Mrs. Walsh. She should be able to arrange
things if anybody can. I’m sure she’ll be delighted to help out. “
Devoy ignored the sarcasm.
“ Okay, I’ll get onto her. “
“ Who’s next? “ he added.
“ Wade. He’s got the keys to the mausoleum and the graveyard. “
“ Well that’s one for you. Could you get onto him? Tell him it’ll be sometime early next week when everything’s in order. He’s got to be on stand-by. If he gives you any crap tell him that’s an order from the Department of Justice. And tell him to keep his mouth shut. “
“ You know we haven’t questioned him yet. Maybe you like me to do that? “
“ Good idea. Before all this crap happened he phoned me to say he couldn’t make head or tails of his father’s records. Yes, I think he merits a call. “
“ Anybody else we’ve overlooked. “
“ Kennedy. I’d love to question again seeing as we know his background. You never know what he might let slip. “
“ Okay, then that Wade for me and Kennedy for you. “
“ Shit, “ said Devoy, “ I almost forget. Dillon. Isn’t he supposed to come here today to talk about bail for his client. In fact he should be arriving soon. “
Detective Moore held up her hands.
“ Look, I’m sorry. I forgot. Dillon phoned earlier. He said he didn’t feel right asking for bail today for his client in the light of what his client is accused of. He asked would tomorrow morning at ten be okay? “
Devoy nodded.
“ I’m okay with that if you are. “
“ I’m ready. “
“ Everything prepared? “
“ Nothing left to chance. “
“ Good. Then I’m off to the hospital? See can they accommodate Justice and its demands. “
“ Don’t forget to text Sullivan, Angela. Keep him informed. “
“ Good. See you at five. “
Devoy got up to head off.
“ What about these, “ Detective Moore asked holding up a plastic bag with two burnt out flares. A note was stapled to the bag.
“ Oh those. They’re flares. Burnt out flares. They were found at the side of the runway at the aerodrome when they were cutting the grass.”