One Coffin Too Many

by Brendan O'Grady

  Two hours later they were both sitting across from Wade in an interview room.

  “ This is your handwriting, Mr. Wade? “

  Wade nodded.

  “ Please say yes or no for the benefit of the recording, Mr. Wade. “ advised Detective Moore.

  “ It is. “

  “ And what is it? “ asked Moore.

  “ It’s a blow-by-blow account of my time since last Friday and how many funerals took place in the cemetery along with the names of the dead, the undertakers that buried them and the names of the two gravediggers. “

  Devoy scanned the pages.

  “ So let’s go over this again. You say here that the coffin was in the mausoleum last Friday. You’re sure about that? “

  Wade nodded and then replied ‘ yes ‘.

  “ Okay, Saturday morning there were three funerals. One from Fallon’s and the other two from Brodericks. So three graves had to be prepared? Am I right? “

  “ That’s exactly so. “

  “ When were they opened? “

  “ All three were opened on Friday afternoon. Two were old graves,that is there were coffins already buried there. The other one was a new grave. “

  “ So everything was ready for Saturday morning? “

  “ Yes, “ replied Wade. “ That’s the usual procedure. “

  “ So somebody could have sneaked in and buried our coffin in any of the three graves. “

  “ That’s a possibility although I have to add that the gravediggers would have thought the level was wrong. “

  “ That’s if they are honest, Mr. Wade. What if they are not? “

  Wade shrugged his shoulders.

  “ You’ll have to ask them, Inspector. I supervise the cemetery not the gravediggers but I cannot see these men doing that sort of thing. “

  “ I see you’ve marked these three graves out. “

  “ Yes, I thought that’s what you wanted. I wanted to be thorough. I’ve my job to think of. “

  “ Yes you have, Mr. Wade. Yes you have. “

  Devoy pointed to three names.

  “ These names here – they’re the people who were buried. Right? “

  “ Yes, that’s them. “

  Devoy scratched his chin.

  “ Fallon’s dealt with one of these funerals. Which one? “

  “ The new grave, “ replied Wade.

  “ And who attended to the funeral? Who drove the hearse. “

  “ Mr. Kennedy and another man. “

  “ I see. The mysterious Mr. Kennedy. “

  “ Mysterious? Why? “

  “ He’s incommunicado, Mr. Wade. Let’s hope he turns up at three o’clock. “

  Devoy stood up and came back with two large chains with massive locks. He placed them on the table in front of Wade.

  “ You see these, Mr. Wade? “

  “ Of course I do. “

  “ These are two brand new chains and locks. One is for the cemetery gates and the other is for the Marshall mausoleum. “

  Devoy handed him two sets of keys.

  “ We’re giving you one set of keys and we’re keeping the others. Everything has been squared with your bosses in the town hall. Sergeant Power will accompany you home. When you get there you will use these to lock the cemetery gates and mausoleum. Sergeant Power will see to it that you do it. Okay? Now Mr. Wade, it’s obviously too late as regards the coffin but if anything else disappears from that goddamned cemetery or if there is any skullduggery we’ll come gunning for you. Is that clear? “

  Wade nodded.

  Devoy pointed at the cassette recorder.

  “ Yes, Inspector, that is clear. “

  “ Okay, Mr. Wade you are free to go. You are no longer under arrest. “

  Wade stood up.

  “ And my things, my papers, ledgers….”

  “ We’re holding onto them until further notice. “

  “ I see. “

  Wade started to move out of the room.

  “ You’re forgetting the hardware, Mr. Wade. “

  “ Sorry. “

  “ And one other thing, Mr. Wade. “

  “ What? “

  “ Don’t get any fancy ideas about blabbering about this all over town. The less people know about this coffin business the better. You could find yourself out of a job if it got about that there were strange goings-on in the cemetery. Your bosses would be very put out. Do you understand that? “

  Wade nodded.

  “ And make that clear to your wife, too. “

  Detective Moore tapped Devoy on the shoulder.

  “ It’s coming up to three o’clock. “

  “ Christ, I almost forgot. Let’s go. “

  They followed Sergeant Power and Wade out into the corridor.

  “ You’re a lucky man, “ Devoy said to Wade. “ We’re escorting you home. “

  When they arrived outside Wade’s cottage Kennedy was sitting in a hearse smoking a cigarette and listening to the radio.

  Devoy went straight up to the hearse and tapped on the window. The window hummed down. Kennedy extinguished the cigarette and tapped his watch. He smiled at Devoy and Moore.

  “ Right on time as planned, “ he said and then he caught sight of Wade with the sergeant.

  “ Isn’t Wade supposed to be helping me? What’s he doing with the cop? “

  “ Step out of the car, Mr. Kennedy, “ demanded Devoy.

  Kennedy did as he was told.

  “ We’ve been looking for you all morning, Mr. Kennedy. We’ve phoned you, left messages, been to your house but you seem to have disappeared. Where have you been? “

  Kennedy straightened himself up.

  “ Why are you asking me all these questions? I’ve been busy if you want to know. “

  “ You were supposed to have been here this morning according to Mr. Wade but you didn’t turn up. Why? “

  “ Like I told you I was busy. “

  “ Doing what? “

  “ That’s my business. “

  “ Well we’ll see about that? “

  “ So what about this coffin? Don’t you want it removed or not? “

  Devoy laughed.

  “ What’s so funny? “

  “ The coffin has disappeared, Mr. Kennedy, “ Moore answered. “ It disappeared sometime over the weekend. “

  “ You’re joking. “

  “ We’re not joking. Somebody got in using the keys for the cemetery gates and the same for the mausoleum and took the coffin away in a hearse – just like this one here. “

  Kennedy backed away and held up his hands.

  “ Hey, I know what you’re thinking but you’re not going to pin that shit on me. No bloody way. I know my rights. “

  “ Good, I hope you do, Mr. Kennedy. A man down at the station would like to have a word with you and when he’s finished we’d like to have a heart-to-heart with you, too. “

  “ But I’ve work to do, “ pleaded Kennedy.

  “ So have we. Now you get into that hearse and bring me back to Fallon’s. Detective Moore will follow us. “

  “ Now, excuse me a moment I have to make a few phone calls. “

  When they arrived in the yard behind Fallon’s, Mrs. Walsh was standing on the steps with her arms folded. She didn’t look very welcoming.

  Kennedy parked the hearse and accompanied Devoy to where she was standing.

  “ What’s going on, Inspector Devoy? “ she asked.

  “ We’ve cancelled the hearse for this afternoon, Mrs. Kennedy. Mr. Wade discovered the coffin was missing and was immediately placed under arrest. He’s now free. If you or any other firm of undertakers have any business in the cemetery you’ll find the locks and chains have been changed as a security measure. Mr. Wade has the new keys. “

  “ I see and Mr. Kennedy? “

  “ Mr. Kennedy failed to turn up this morning and has developed a bad memory so he’s coming to the station to help us with our enquiries. “

  “ H
e’s not under arrest, now, is he? “

  “ No, Mrs. Walsh. He’s not under arrest. Not yet. “

  “ And how are you getting to the station, Inspector? “

  “ Detective Moore is waiting out front. You won’t mind if we go through your office? “

  “ No, I suppose not, “ she replied with a scowl. “ I see you’ve changed your aftershave. “

  Devoy didn’t use aftershave but he knew what she was getting at. He let it go.

  “ I’ll let you know how things turn out, Mrs. Walsh. “

  “ I’m sure you will, Inspector. I’m sure you will.

  ✽✽✽

  CHAPTER 16

  “ Now Mr. Kennedy I want to know where were you this morning? “

  Kennedy, sullen faced, folded his arms in a defiant gesture and looked away as if the question didn’t apply to him.

  “ I’ll ask you one more time and then I’ll consider placing you under arrest for hindering an investigation. Do you understand that? “

  Kennedy continued to ignore Devoy.

  “ Okay, can you account for your time over the weekend, say Saturday into Sunday morning? “

  “ I know what you’re up to. That fire at Horgan’s house. I had nothing to do with it. I don’t know why you’re trying to pin that on me. You’re trying to make a scapegoat out of me because I didn’t turn up for work this morning. There’s no connection, Inspector. You know it, I know it. You’re scrambling about in the dark. You’ve nothing on me. Not a thing. “

  “ What about the hearse? What were you doing with it this morning? “

  Kennedy kept his tongue.

  Devoy put a sheet of paper in front of him along with a biro.

  “ I want you to account for your time since you quit work last Friday. Write it all down there. Mr. Wade was very helpful with us. Perhaps you’d like to accommodate us too? “

  “ What’s the charge, Inspector? “

  “ Non- cooperation with a police enquiry and using company property without permission. How’s that for starters? “

  Kennedy shook his head and laughed.

  “ That’s a load of bollocks and you know it. You’ll have to do better than that to keep me here. “

  “ Okay, I have to leave the room for a while. Detective Moore will stay with you. Maybe you’ll open up to her. Let’s hope so. “

  Devoy left the interview room and walked down the corridor to Sullivan’s office. He expected Fitzmaurice to be there. He wasn’t disappointed.

  “ Ah, Detective Inspector Devoy, “ Sullivan said when Devoy entered the office. “ Mr. Fitzmaurice got your call. “

  Both men nodded at one another.

  “ Perhaps you’ll begin by explaining to Mr. Fitzmaurice why his presence was required today? “

  Devoy sat down.

  “ Mr. Fitzmaurice expressed an interest this morning in seeing Mr. Kennedy who works for Fallon’s. As I already explained to Mr. Fitzmaurice Mr. Kennedy claimed last week that the coffin was not only lead-lined but of foreign origin too. Hence the interest. “

  Sullivan nodded.

  “ I’d no idea. “

  “ And where’s Kennedy now? “

  “ Kennedy is presently in an interview room with Detective Moore. He’s refusing to answer any questions as to why he failed to turn up for work this morning at the cemetery. “

  “ And obviously you suspect him of some complicity? “

  “ I do. “

  “ Could I see him now? “ asked Fitzmaurice.

  An idea had struck Devoy and he wanted to air it in front of the official from Justice.

  “ I wonder before you do that could I air a certain matter with you? “

  Devoy looked to Sullivan for confirmation. The superintendent nodded.

  Devoy paused a moment to gather his thoughts.

  “ This is really a police matter but we’re going to need the Department of Justice to help us. “

  “ I see, “ said Fitzmaurice wrinkling his brow. “ I was wondering what you had in mind? “

  “ I’ll try to be brief. From questioning Mr. Wade I was able to establish that only three funerals took place on Saturday morning – the cemetery being closed in the afternoon.Two were from Brodericks – that’s another establishment, Mr. Fitzmaurice and the third from Fallon’s. Two were existing graves – Brodericks ; while the third, Fallon’s was a new one. All three of these graves were opened late Friday afternoon for Saturday morning. It’s a possibility that our coffin is interred in one of these graves. “

  “ so you want the graves opened? “ asked Fitzmaurice.

  “ In a nutshell. It’s the only way we can rule them out. “

  “ And when do you propose doing this? “

  “ Tomorrow morning at the earliest – with your department’s permission. “

  “ Ah, “ retorted Fitzmaurice. “ I’m finally getting the picture. “

  “ What do you think, Mr. Fitzmaurice? “ interjected Sullivan. “ You’d certainly save us a lot of preparatory paperwork and of course, you’d be present. “

  “ So I would. So I would. “

  “ And have you talked yet to the gravediggers? “

  “ There was little point in talking to them until I had the department’s permission. “

  Fitzmaurice ran his tongue over his teeth a few times.

  “ I don’t see why not. I just hope the papers don’t get a hold of this. We’ll have to be very discreet, you understand, Inspector. “

  “ I’ll check with Wade and the gravediggers to make sure there are no funerals scheduled for tomorrow morning and if I get the all clear I’ll get back to you this afternoon. Are we agreed? “

  Fitzmaurice nodded.

  “ And Kennedy? When do I get to see him? “

  Devoy looked at Sullivan and the Superintendent nodded his agreement.

  “ Follow me, “ he said and both men went out into the corridor. They stopped in front of an interview room.

  Devoy knocked on the door.

  “ Just give me a second or two, Mr. Fitzmaurice. I want to see has Detective Moore made any progress. “

  Fitzmaurice nodded.

  Devoy opened the door and put his head inside. He beckoned to Moore. She came out into the corridor.

  “ Anything, “ asked Devoy.

  Moore shook her head.

  “ Tight as a clam. He wants to see a solicitor. “

  “ Fair enough, ‘ replied Devoy, “ we’ll accommodate him. “

  Devoy nodded to Fitzmaurice.

  “ Mr. Fitzmaurice here would like to have a few words with Kennedy. I have to go and arrange some grave openings for tomorrow. Can you take care of things? “

  “ Leave it to me, Inspector. “

  Devoy turned to Fitzmaurice.

  “ He’s all yours, Mr. Fitzmaurice. First let me make the introductions. “

  All three entered the interview room. Fitzmaurice was the last. Kennedy’s face became pale as he set eyes on Fitzmaurice. A smile crossed Fitzmaurice’s features and his dark eyes opened wide in surprise as he set eyes on Kennedy. Devoy was on the point of introducing Fitzmaurice to Kennedy but the Justice man beat him to it.

  “ Well, well, well, “ said Fitzmaurice. “ If it isn’t the Magpie himself – Mr. Robert Kennedy to be precise. I see you migrated south-east this time. “

  Devoy and Moore looked at one another flabbergasted.

  “ You know each other, “ asked Moore.

  Fitzmaurice laughed while Kennedy scowled.

  “ Do we know each other? More than you could imagine, Detective. “

  “ In that case I think everyone should take a seat. Unfortunately I have a prior date so I’ll leave you all to it. Back in a few hours, I hope. “

  An hour later Devoy sat outside Fallon’s funeral home. He had tied up with Wade and the two gravediggers all arrangements for the following morning. The only snag was a funeral scheduled for eleven o’clock. A uniformed officer was to be placed at the
gate from opening time onwards to keep visitors out with the explanation that there had been a beer party the night before and the cemetery was being cleaned up. The same story was to be issued to the media.

  Devoy felt content with himself. Things were finally coming together. He got out of the car and looked in the window. She was sitting at her desk engrossed in the screen of the computer. The bell rang as he entered. She looked up immediately.

  “ Well, well, “ she said. “ look what the cat dragged in. “

  “ I’m sorry, Margo. Duty calls. I’m here now. “

  “ Oh, thinking of changing your aftershave again, Inspector? “

  “ You know perfectly well I don’t use aftershave, Margo so why go on about it? “

  “ I know you don’t so why have you taken to using women’s perfume or is that too delicate a question? “

  “ I really don’t know what you’re getting at, Margo. “

  “ She really left her mark on you, didn’t she, Frank. I bet she left scratch marks on your back like the hot cat she is. “

  “ Please, Margo. Who are you referring to? “

  “ Your darling colleague, of course. Who else? “

  Just then Devoy’s phone rang. He answered it right away.

  It was Angela.

  “ I don’t believe it, “ he said. “ Give me five minutes. I’ll be there. “

  “ You look like you’ve seen a ghost, Frank. What’s up? “

  “ Kennedy has done a runner. He skipped the station. I’ve got to go. “

  He reached out and caressed her cheek. She didn’t withdraw.

  “ Can I see you later, duty permitting? “

  “ I’ll be there, Frank. Just don’t keep me hanging on. “

  Back at the station Devoy found everybody in the canteen which doubled as a conference room. They were grouped around a table. Sullivan, Fitzmaurice, Moore and Sergeant Power. Devoy took a seat.

  “ So how did it happen? “

  All heads turned to Detective Moore who sighed.

  “ When Mr. Fitzmaurice had finished talking to Kennedy, Kennedy asked was he under arrest. I said no but we’d appreciate his cooperation. He then asked for a lawyer. I left the room to phone one and when I came back Kennedy asked could he use the toilet. I said yes. So I escorted him to the gents and stayed outside the door. A long time passed and I went in. I had never been in the gents before so I wasn’t aware of the window. It didn’t have bars on it for some reason but then the public toilet was way down the corridor behind reception. Anyway to cut a long story short Kennedy was not there in any of the cubicles and the window had been forced. He was gone about ten minutes. “