One Coffin Too Many
Page 14
“ So what’s it to us, then? “
“ Look I was going to fill you in but events overtook us. Something occurred to me the Saturday we were at the cemetery when this thing started. You remember the low-flying plane? “
“ Yes, I remember. Why? “
“ The notion was perhaps a bit far-fetched. I had picked up a bone and was chewing on it. That’s why I didn’t tell you. But if it were just a bone then it isn’t any longer thanks to Mr. McFadden – he’s the secretary of the flying club – there’s plenty of meat on it now. “
Devoy glanced at his watch.
“ I’ve got to go. I’ll tell you the rest when I get back – ailerons too. “
“ Ailerons? “ They’re the flap things on airplanes we were talking about. I don’t see the connection. “
“ All in good time, Angela. I’ve got to fly – no pun intended. “
“ But you didn’t read the attached report, did you? “
“ I glanced at it, Angela. It told me all I wanted to know. See you later. “
Doctor Costello considered the fax from the Justice Department. As he read it his eyebrows shot up and down. Finally he took off his reading glasses and laid them on the desk.
“ I’m not getting the full story here, Inspector Devoy. You can’t expect me to be party to something I know absolutely nothing about. What’s all the mystery? You know as well as I do that Justice doesn’t give permission like this overnight. They like to consider things. They’ve been sitting on this for some time now. Would I be right? “
Devoy grimaced.
“ Look I’m sorry I dropped this on you like this. If you like I can go to the Regional Hospital if it’s too much trouble. “
Costello started laughing.
“ What’s so funny? “ asked Devoy.
“ You. You’re obviously in a bind, Inspector Devoy. I’m the pathologist not just for here but also for the Regional. Besides being split between two hospitals I’ve got an assistant to break in. Perhaps you know her: Helen Mason? “
“ I’ve seen her about. I believe she was at the nursing home on Monday. “
“ That she was. Did a good job, I believe. “
“ I didn’t realize your time was split between here and the Regional? “
“ Yes, I’m only here on certain days – especially when there are post mortems to be carried out. Your department had me kept busy this week. Two murders, wasn’t it. “
“ That’s right, Doctor Costello. Two. Miss Mason stood in for you for the second. “
“ So to get back to my original question: how long has Justice been sitting on this? “
“ Since last Monday. Acting Superintendent Sullivan got onto them Monday and this came through today. Seeing as it is Friday I didn’t want to waste any time. I certainly didn’t want to ruffle the feathers of Justice. “
“ You’re right. Always endeavour to stay clear of bureaucracy if you want my advice, Inspector. “
“ Thanks, Doctor. “
“ So are you going to fill me in on this, Inspector or do I have to ask Justice what I’m getting into? “
Devoy spread his hands.
“ There was nothing personal in all this, Doctor Costello. It’s a delicate matter. I’m sorry you were kept in the dark but being cops we had no choice. Let me explain. “
Devoy filled the doctor in on the story of the strange coffin. When he had finished the doctor nodded sagely.
“ Yes, I can see your predicament. Can’t say I blame you and Superintendent Sullivan. I’d have done the same under the same conditions. You still suspect foul play? “
“ It’s either that or we accidently stumbled upon some type of racket. Unfortunately we can’t advertise the matter. Think of the pandemonium that would ensue if people were to find out that maybe the coffins of their loved ones were still not buried. The minister and his department would be inundated with calls for exhumations. You can imagine the scene. “
“ Yes, I can see your dilemma. “
“ And the Marshalls are aware of this? “
“ They only know about the coffin and that it was found in their family mausoleum when Mrs. Marshall was laid to rest last Saturday. They don’t suspect anything else. Again I don’t want to walk on anybody’s toes. “
“ Yes, I can see that. You know I was at that funeral. Marshall seems to know everybody. You were right to keep the matter under wraps. If he suspected for a moment there was some bizarre goings-on there would be hell to pay. He’d be onto every minister and politician he knows not only here but also in France. “
“ Yeah, I’d believe that. I was given to believe there was a smattering of CD plates at the house after the funeral. “
“ Yes, that’s our Mr. Marshall. “
“ As soon as I’m finished here I’m off to see him. It’s only fair I seek his permission for the coffin to be taken out of his family mausoleum. “
Costello waved his finger at Devoy.
“ That, Inspector, is a really good idea. I wouldn’t mention what we’re up to if I were you. If he probes tell him it’s just par for the course with unknown coffins. “
“ Thanks, Doctor Costello. I appreciate your advice. “
“ Did you know they still have family in France? “
“ No, I didn’t realize that. “
“ Anyway, that’s another story as they say. So where does that leave us. You obviously want me to arrange things with Justice? “
“ It would be a great help, doctor? “
“ Well I can hardly refuse and Justice knows it. After all the state pays my salary just like yours. You can leave everything to me. Next Tuesday be okay? “
“ Perfect. I’ll see to everything else. “
Devoy stood up.
“ Thanks for being so understanding, Doctor Costello. I’ll make sure the coffin is here Monday afternoon at the latest. “
Both men shook hands.
As Devoy was going out the door Costello called him.
He turned back.
“ Yes, Doctor? “
“ The next time something like this happens, Inspector Devoy. Keep me in the loop. “
Devoy nodded.
“ But of course, doctor. “
“ Make that, James or Jim, Frank. Okay? “
Devoy nodded.
“ Fine with me, Jim. “
“ Ah, Inspector Devoy, you’ve come about the keys. Come in. “
Devoy followed Roderick Marshall into his stately home. He couldn’t remember from the last time who occupied which side of the house. Marshall who seemed to have read his thoughts escorted him down the wide hallway and led him to the left.
“ Have a seat, Inspector Devoy. “
Devoy sat down on the settee that he and Detective Moore had occupied the last time.
Marshall sat down opposite him in a matching armchair.
“ Can I get you anything? “ he asked. “ Tea, coffee. “
“ No, Mr. Marshall. That’s fine. I won’t take up much of your time. “
“ It’s about the keys, isn’t it, “ began Marshall.
“ Well, yes and no. “
“ We can’t find them anywhere. The solicitor drew a blank, too. They have to be somewhere around here but where? This house, “ he added and grimaced.
“ How about your wife? Any luck there? “
Marshall shook his head.
“ Housekeeping is not her forte, Inspector, “ he replied glancing around him. “ She’s very much into horses, you see. Ask her where anything is in the stables and she’ll tell you. But here? “ Marshall made a face.
“ Actually it’s about the coffin that was found in your family mausoleum. That’s why I’m here. “
“ I see. You found an owner, then? “
“ Well not quite. Seeing as nobody has claimed it we’re taking it away. It seems the best thing to do under the circumstances. “
“ When you say ‘ we ‘ who do you mean? “
“ I see. “
“ And when is this going to happen? “
“ We hope to move it this coming Monday. We’re arranging it with Mr. Wade and the undertakers. Mr. Wade has the keys. You haven’t got any objection, have you? I mean it’s your mausoleum. Your family are interred there. It’s private property. We’ll be very discreet. I can assure you of that. “
“ I’ve no objection at all, Inspector. No, none at all. “
“ I’m glad to hear that, Mr. Marshall. I thought I’d consult you out of respect for your family and especially your late mother. “
“ That’s very good of you, Inspector. Your kindness is appreciated. Of course you may go ahead. I’ll let the family know. “
Devoy stood up to leave.
“ I’ll be on my way then, Mr. Marshall. Mr. Wade will keep you informed. “
Back in the station Detective Moore regarded him over a cup of coffee.
“ So everything’s arranged for Monday, then? “ she asked.
“ Everything from my end except the undertaker. Fallon’s will have to wait until tomorrow. And Wade. What did he have to say for himself? “
“ I told him what was going on. He’ll have everything ready on Monday. “
“ And his father’s records. Anything there? “
“ Wade’s records are up to date but the old man’s are a mess. “
“ I see. When things quieten down you and I are going to go through those files with a fine comb. “
“ So, what’s the story on those flares? You told me you’d enlighten me when you came back. “
“ Well, I have you to thank for my curiosity. Remember the ailerons and Mrs. Walsh. That set me off but I have to admit I’ve been pursuing a line of enquiry all on my own for some time now. “
“ I see. Like what, for example? “
Devoy related what he had found out at the aerodrome. How McFadden the secretary had filled in a lot of blanks for him and enlightened him on aspects of flying.
“ So you reckon there’s some odd goings-on out there at night? “
“ The flares prove it. Somebody used those flares to illuminate the runway. Somebody went to a lot of trouble of conceal their identity. There are no fingerprints on those flares. They’ve either been wiped clean or the person in question was wearing gloves. It’s just too slick for my liking. “
“ I see. So what do you think is going on? “
“ Haven’t a clue. McFadden let it drop that Marshall is a flier. In fact he bankrolled the club. Land used to be his. His plane is stationed at the regional airport. The runway at the aerodrome wouldn’t be able to accommodate him. But he’s not the only one. Some very wealthy people own planes
there. McFadden in his enthusiasm for the benevolence of the Marshall family alluded to the fact that there are hidden holiday villages scattered along the coast accessible only by private roads and the sea. I was wondering if the well-off might include the late Mr. Cremin as one of their former neighbours? Maybe Horgan the estate agent might be able to throw some light on that matter. What do you think? “
“ I think we’d better put in for some weekend overtime. Some maps would be in order. Let’s see what we have here. And then maybe the Town Hall will be able to help us. They should be able to tell us who owns what around here. “
“ Oh, before we go any further everything that McFadden made known to me over the past few days is strictly confidential. I could have got it out of him with a warrant but I didn’t want to go down that road. He has been very helpful to me explaining aviation matters to me and generally filling in gaps in my knowledge. In fact with his wealth of knowledge he has allowed me to pursue other avenues of investigation that would never have occurred to me. I wasn’t allowed to have a look at his records as he had to abide by the club’s rules. Nevertheless we came to a gentleman’s agreement and nobody lost face. You’d be amazed what I found out. Of course it cannot be used. It’s only hearsay at the moment. But if we beat the bushes you never know what might come out. “
“ I see. So what do we do now? “
“ We continue with our enquiries but discreetly. “
“ You’re the boss. “
“ Your observation about the ailerons. Guess what? “
“ What? “
“ Mrs. Walsh would you believe is a qualified pilot. In fact she qualified here. “
“ No joking. I knew there was more to her that meets the eye. “
Devoy laughed.
“ I’d say any man who met her would agree with you. “
“ Still obsessed with blondes. “
“ Oh please, let’s not get into that blonde business again. “
“ Whatever you do don’t under any circumstances mention what I said to her. I don’t want her getting any ideas that we’re investigating people at the airport. “
On the way out Devoy was struck by an idea.
“ Angela, “ he said. “ I’ve forgotten something. I have to deal with it right away. You go ahead to the Town Hall and see what they’ve got. Make sure you use your authority and don’t take any crap from anybody. I’ll be along shortly. “
Devoy headed back to his office. He phoned Caroline. She answered right away.
“ What’s up? “ she asked. “ Another corpse? “
“ No, nothing like that. I need your help again. “
“ Fire away, Frank. “
“ You’re a local girl, right? You know this area like the back of your hand, right. “
Caroline answered affirmatively all questions.
“ Why don’t you get to the point, Frank? “
“ Okay, fair enough. What do you know about hidden-away, secret holiday homes in out of the way places up and down the coast? “
“ Ah, the out-of-sight holiday homes. That running saga. You must have been talking to fat boy Horgan recently? “
“ Well, actually no. I’ve been talking to his solicitor, Richard Dillon about bail but not about holiday homes. Am I missing something here? “
Caroline snorted.
“ Are you missing something? You’ve got to be kidding, Frank. This is all ancient history. This story has been running for years. That fat pig Horgan was the mastermind behind all that shit. He’s the one who drove a carriage and horses through all the planning laws. He’s not an estate agent and local councilor for nothing. The guy knows every trick in the book when it comes to planning. You should be grilling him not me! “
“ Christ, you really are annoyed, Caroline. This sounds like something personal. “
“ Listen Frank, I don’t like crooks and I don’t like public representatives on the make. I’d do anything to get even with that bastard. “
“ I see. We’ve got to meet. I never thought that Horgan’s antics went back that far. “
“ You’ve no idea, Frank. “
“ So can you tell me what you know about these villages? “
“ I can tell you everything and a lot more. “
“ I need to know where these villages are situated? I’m onto something here. “
“ So what do you need? “
“ Do you know anybody who has a plane? “
“ Sure I do. Why? “
Devoy explained to her what he needed.
Caroline laughed.
“ You don’t need a plane for that. Besides, a plane would arouse suspicion. Flight plans and all that. Radar. “
“ So a dead end then? “
“ No, not at all. Think of modern technology. “
“ Like what? “
“ A drone, Frank. A drone. You know one of those pilotless aircraft that whizzes about the place and can take photographs. They look like mini-helicopters. “
“ A drone? And where am I likely to get my hands on a drone? They hardly sell them in the local supermarket.
And I can’t put in for an authorization just like that with my superiors. I’d be writing out excuses and reasons from here till Xmas. Give me a break, girl. “
“ No, Frank they don’t sell them in supermarkets not yet but they sell them over the internet. “
“ I see. And how long will it take to get one of them on the quiet? “
“ Why don’t you come by and I’ll show you, Frank. Make it after six and bring a bottle of wine. It’s about time you compensated me. “
“ I love the sound of that, Caroline. Consider it done. I’ll bring two. “
Caroline lived in a cottage set well back from the road overlooking a beach. Devoy parked his car and had a look around. There seemed to be no other dwellings for miles around. As he made his way down to the cottage he became aware of a buzzing sound like an electric saw. He looked up and began to understand what Caroline had been getting at. A black object suddenly dropped out of the sky and began to buzz him. It was a drone. The drone followed him down the path, hovered for a while as if examining him and then disappeared behind the house.
When he arrived at the front door a note attached to it asked him to go around the back. He made his way around the side of the cottage and found Caroline manipulating a complicated- looking remote control. The drone lay on the grass with its four propellers still spinning. She seemed unaware of his presence as she concentrated on the remote control. To get her attention he plonked the two bottles of wine on the table in front of her.
“ That’s some toy you’ve got there, Ms. Gleeson. “
Caroline looked up.
“ You’re early, Frank. “
“ Early bird and so on. “
“ Right. So this is what I wanted to show you. “
“ Oh, only that, Caroline. I’m disappointed. “
She looked at the two bottles.
“ A rosé and a red. I think you’re going to try and get me drunk, Inspector. “
“ I notice you said ‘ try ‘. Looks like I’m in for a hard time. “
“ Well, we’ll see. “
“ Only if I’m a good boy. “
“ Do you want to try it? “
“ The drone? “
“ Of course the drone. We’re too sober for anything else at the moment. “