“ I see, “ replied Devoy. “ Well, there’s nothing much we can do except keep an eye out for him. He wasn’t under arrest, anyway. “
“ Strange he did a bunk like that, isn’t it? “ Sullivan said. “ I mean he was only helping us with our enquiries. “
“ So why did he ask for a solicitor at this stage of the game? We hadn’t charged him with anything? “
“ I think I can help there. Did you notice the look on his face when I came in the door. His face went white. He thought he was seeing a ghost. In a way he was. Kennedy and I go a long way back. I prosecuted him and his gang some years ago. Then I was a barrister until I joined the ranks of the civil service. I put him and company away for a good many years. In those days Kennedy was already working as an undertaker. His racket was to get his mates to break into the deceased’s house while he drove the coffin to the graveyard. They only took money and jewellery – hence his nickname the Magpie. I don’t know what mischief he got up to here but I’m sure my presence touched off something in that devious mind of his. That’s why he scarpered. “
“ But how did you know it was him? I mean the name Kennedy is quite common in these parts. “
“ That’s true but something told me it was Robert Kennedy of old – the conjunction of the name and the fact that he was working as an undertaker sealed it. “
“ And you were right, Mr. Fitzgerald. “
“ I was and now you’re one suspect less because of my perspicacity. “
“ I wouldn’t dwell on it. We couldn’t have held him anyway. He would have been home before six. “
“ Strange he didn’t turn up on the computer? “ asked Sullivan.
“ He did, ‘ replied Detective Moore, “ but only for pilfering. “
“ Has his wife been alerted? “
“ Yes, we sent a patrol car to his house right away and explained to her what happened but she didn’t appear to be too put out. He’d probably phoned her before we got there. “
“ So, as regards tomorrow morning, “ asked Fitzmaurice. “ everything all set to go? “
“ Yes, “ replied Devoy. “ Everything’s all arranged. We go in at eight and the gravediggers have under three hours to dig up three graves. You see there’s a funeral at eleven. We hope to be well finished by then. A patrol car will be stationed at the gate and the cemetery will be sealed off. If anybody gets nosy Mr. Wade is to inform them that a beer party was held in the cemetery the night before and some cleaning up is being done. That’s the cover story for the papers too. So that’s it. See you all tomorrow at 7 am. “
Everybody stood up.
“ Oh, Detective Moore. The gravedigger’s names are William Flynn and John Kane. Could you run them through the computer before you go – just in case. Can’t afford to take chances now. “
Detective Moore grimaced and left the canteen.
When Devoy pulled up outside Margo’s house a bout of anxiety came over him. He got out and went up to her door. He cursed himself for not bringing flowers. He rang the doorbell and heard it chiming
somewhere in the depths of the house. Then the door opened and there she was in all her sexual splendor. His breathing became rapid as he took in her beauty.
“ Well don’t just stand there, Frank, “ she said. “ Come on in. You should know the way by now. “
He followed her down the corridor gazing hungrily at the movement of her buttocks under her tight skirt until she turned into the sitting room.
She invited him to sit down and she sat opposite him displaying her fine legs.
“ Well now Frank. You’ve being neglecting me for some time now. Don’t tell me you’re bored with me? “
Devoy smiled and ran his hungry eyes over her body.
“ I can’t imagine ever being bored with you, Margo. The day I’m bored with you is the day I die. “
“ I mean that much to you, Frank. Honestly. “
“ With all my heart, Margo despite the fact I’m married and with a child. “
“ Aren’t you forgetting something? “
“ I wanted to bring you flowers but by the time I finished the florists were shut. Sorry. “
“ Your cute little detective colleague, Frank. You’ve been sleeping with her, haven’t you? She didn’t leave her perfume on you so that you’d remember her. No, she left it on you so that I’d pick up the scent. That and the scent of her. I know her game, Frank. I’ve played it myself. “
Devoy groaned. She was going to put him through the mill again. He began to feel like a mouse caught between two cats. “
“ Look I know the two of you don’t get on. “
“ Don’t get on! That’s an understatement, Frank. She’s trying to take you away from me and you’re letting her. Why? Am I not sexy enough for you? Don’t I give what you want? What’s the problem? “
“ There’s no problem, Margo. You’re the one I want. But I have to work with her. I’m her boss, after all. I can’t get away from that. “
Margo snorted.
“ Well I suppose if the sex is on tap a woman can’t blame a man for taking advantage of it. Is that the way it is, Frank. You being the senior officer considering it a perk of the job. “
“ Look Margo this is getting out of hand. I’ve had a tough day and there’s even another tougher one tomorrow. I’m tired. I’m worn out. I just want a quiet evening. “
“ Well if you want a quiet life, Inspector I suggest you keep your zip closed. “
Devoy stood up.
“ Very well. I came here to make amends. I should have brought flowers. I didn’t. I’m sorry. “
“ So you’re off then? “
“ Well I’m obviously not welcome here. What’s the point in staying? “
“ You’ll run to her bed, of course. “
“ But of course. Don’t you know what type I am? The proverbial alley-cat. “
He brushed past her and felt her breath on his face as her anger fought anxiety and anticipation.
“ Don’t Frank, “ she pleaded. “ Don’t go. Spend some time with me. I need you. “
He turned to face her. There were tears in her eyes. He pulled her into him and felt the comfort of her breasts push into him.
“ Stay a while, “ she said.
“ I’ve got to see how Sienna’s getting on. She’ll be home in an hour. “
“ Well, then, we’ve got an hour. Let’s not waste it. “
Just then his phone pinged in his pocket.
“ It could be her. “
Margo nodded.
Devoy switched on the face and he cringed. There was a message indeed but it wasn’t from his daughter. The message read: Enjoying the cream now? Al Cat.
Margo caught the look on his face.
“ Is she okay, Frank? “
“ It wasn’t from her, Margo. It’s the station. Kennedy hasn’t turned up yet. He’s still missing. “
Devoy continued to stare at the message.
“ Aren’t you going to switch that thing off, Frank or are you going to keep me waiting? We’ve already lost ten minutes. “
Devoy switched off the phone and placed it in his pocket. He then took off his jacket and loosened his tie. Margo took him by the hand.
“ I’ve been thinking about this all week, Frank. “
“ Me too, “ was all he managed to mumble before he succumbed to her passion.
When Devoy finally got home two hours later he found Sienna sitting watching the television sipping a coke and eating a large pot of ice-cream. On the table in front of her lay the remains of two Chinese takeaways. Sienna was so engrossed in the film that she failed to hear him. A wave of disgust washed over him. He sat down beside her and pecked her on the head. She seemed indifferent to his touch as if he were a stranger to her.
“ Where did all this come from? “ he asked pointing at the cartons.
“ I was waiting for you and you didn’t turn up. Angela came along in her car and offered me a lift. She as
ked me where you where and I said I didn’t know – that maybe you were delayed. She brought me home, told me to take a shower and came back later with a Chinese takeaway for me and for her. She stayed until I finished and then said she had to go. “
Sienna stared at him with her big brown innocent eyes. It bothered him that she didn’t ask him where he’d been.
“ Don’t you want to know what delayed me, Sienna? “ he asked.
She shrugged.
“ Oh, I suppose it’s your job. Can’t you get a nine to five one sometime? That way we could have a family life. “
“ It’s supposed to be nine to five but things happen. Crime happens when it happens. Criminals don’t work set hours. They prefer to work to their own schedules. “
“ Don’t worry about it, Dad. If you don’t mind I’d like to see this film. “
“ And what’s the film about, Sienna? “
His daughter sighed.
“ Dad, it’s about a family. There’s a mother, there’s a father, there’s a little girl. And they’re all together. They’re happy. “
Devoy went over to his daughter and patted her head. There were tears in his eyes.
“ We’ll be like that again one day, Sienna. “
“ Will we Dad? “ she asked in an imploring voice. “ Mam’s coming back? “
“ One day, sweetheart. One day. “
“ You always say that, Dad, but she never comes. “
“ I know darling. “
Sienna switched on the TV.
CHAPTER 17
Tuesday
At eight o’clock the following morning Devoy, Fitzmaurice and Sergeant Power watched as the mechanical digger proceeded to dig up what they termed grave number one. The two gravediggers stood leaning on their shovels while the earth was piled to one side. Wade stood to the side with a measuring rod to determine the depth and every now and then he held up his hand to stop the machine and to measure the hole. Number one grave contained three coffins – the last being buried the previous Saturday morning. Half-an-hour later they were through. The nameplate on the third coffin had been checked against Wade’s list and all was as it should be. Fitzmaurice had taken a few photos for good measure. The machine rumbled away while the gravediggers tamped down the soil and replaced the wreaths.
At the next grave which contained only two coffins the procedure was repeated. There was nothing amiss and Fitzmaurice added more photos to his collection. It was now nine- fifteen. One grave to go.
The third grave though deeper yielded nothing except the presence of the single coffin which had been interred the same Saturday. Fitzmaurice took another set of photos. At ten o’clock they thanked the team of gravediggers and dismissed them. Wade handed all three men envelopes, courtesy of the Department of Justice. They weren’t disappointed later when they opened them in the nearest pub.
The gates were opened, the uniformed cops drove off, Wade said he was going home for a cup of tea, Fitzmaurice said he had a report to write up and drove off and Devoy and Moore were left standing alone with nothing to say and trying desperately to avoid each others’ eyes.
Finally Devoy spoke.
“ Find anything? “
Moore shook her head. While the exhumations had been going on Detective Moore and two officers had searched every grave and crypt for signs of disturbance and found nothing of any consequence.
“ Nothing. “
“ Well, that’s that then. We gave it our best shot and left no proverbial stone unturned. Whoever took that coffin used some other means to get it out of the cemetery. “
“ Maybe it’s still here, “ suggested Detective Moore. “ If it went anywhere it went underground. That’s my guess. The old part of the cemetery is probably honeycombed with passages going back
centuries. Didn’t Kennedy say something about that? That if anyone knew then it should be the Marshalls. It’s their mausoleum after all. “
“ Come to think of it I remember he said something like that. But we’ve already searched the mausoleum. You were there. It’s a dead end – literally. “
“ Maybe we didn’t look carefully enough. My guess is you’d have to spend at least a day in there searching with plenty of light and maybe you’d have to know what you’re looking for. “
Devoy shook his head.
“ Sullivan’s not going to waste any more time or resources on this coffin, Angela. He wants to move on. We got him Fallon’s murderer now he going to want Cremin’s. Strange we heard nothing more from Dillon. He was supposed to contact us on Saturday if you remember but not peep out of him. Now it’s Tuesday. “
“ You know Frank it occurred to me that Horgan probably had his own house torched to destroy any evidence it contained – anything that could incriminate him. “
“ That probably explains why we didn’t hear from him. Maybe he just wanted bail so he could do the job himself. As it happened he got somebody else to do it for him. I think we owe him a visit. It’s high time we squeezed him a bit more. “
Devoy’s phone rang. He listened for a while and then hung up.
“ That was Sullivan. Fitzmaurice is heading off. He’d like to see us before he goes. “
“ Do you think you could give me a lift Frank? I didn’t bring my car. I left it at the station. “
“ That’s no problem. Come on. “
They both got into Devoy’s car and continued to avoid each other’s gaze. After a while Devoy broke the silence.
“ I’m indebted to you for last yesterday evening, Angela. It was a nice gesture. “
Angela shrugged her shoulders.
“ It was nothing. It’s the least I could do. The child looked lost. I only did what a responsible adult…” She regretted her words even before she’d finished.
Devoy finished the sentence for her.
“ What any responsible adult would have done in the circumstances. Well thank you Angela, thank you for your sermonizing. I badly needed that as an errant father. I suppose that SMS last night about the cream came from you. I mean, Christ almighty, what’s going on in your mind? “
“ You’re a pig, Frank. A dirty, rotten pig and I hope you have a heart attack the next time. Stop the car. Stop it now! “
“ Why? “
“ I want to get out – now! “
“ But you’re on duty, Detective Moore. “
“ I don’t care. Besides nothing says I have to be in the same vehicle as you. I’m walking back and F you. “
Devoy stopped the car and Moore got out. Devoy brought the passenger window down.
“ I really enjoyed the cream last night, Detective Moore. It was delicious and I’m going back for more – soon! “ He brought the window back up and started to pull away but not before Moore aimed a good kick at the car door.
Fifteen minutes later he sat facing Sullivan. Fitzmaurice sat beside him.
Sullivan consulted his watch.
“ It doesn’t look like Detective Moore is coming. Are you sure she’s all right? “
“ There were a lot of people at the pharmacy. Perhaps she’s stuck in a queue. “
“ Well in that case we’ll start. Mr. Fitzmaurice? “
Fitzmaurice spread his hands.
“ We’re pulling out. No coffin, no case, no investigation from our point of view. I’d just like to thank you gentlemen for your cooperation and your professionalism. It was appreciated and will be noted. I’ve already written out my report and I’ll submit it to the minister when I get back. All that remains is to thank you gentlemen again and wish you the best in your work. No doubt you’ll be keeping a weather eye out for foreign coffins. “
Everybody laughed.
Fitzmaurice stood up and shook Sullivan’s and Devoy’s hands. As he came to the door he turned back.
“ You know where to find me if your luck changes. “
Sullivan and Devoy nodded.
“ And my regards, of course, to Detective Moore. “
Both men wai
ted a few moments before they decided to get down to police business.
Superintendent Sullivan rubbed his face with both hands.
“ Well, that’s that then. To think that one bloody coffin could cause so much shit. Unbelievable! Just unbelievable! “
“ So where do we go from here? “
Sullivan rummaged through the papers on his desk.
“ Ah, “ he said. “ let’s get these out of the way first. “
He picked up a sheet and examined it.
“ Right. This is from the fire chief. They had the ashes from Horgan’s house analyzed. There’s no doubt about it. It was arson. The place stank of petrol and other combustibles. They want us to open a criminal investigation. “
“ Join the queue, “ added Devoy.
Sullivan picked up another paper.
“ Ah, yes. The gravediggers, Flynn and Kane came out clean. Nothing to report on them. “
“ And here’s the third and last one. The warden of the jail says Horgan had limited access to a phone. A warder was beside him when he phoned his solicitor Dillon. That’s it. “
“ And nothing on Kennedy? “
“ Absolutely nothing. We’re still watching his house and his wife. The airports and harbours have been alerted. That’s all we can do. Any ideas, Frank? “
“ Did uniform pick up anything on witnesses to the fire at Horgan’s house? “
Sullivan pointed to a heap of reports compiled since the weekend.
“ Sorry, I didn’t have time. Fitzmaurice took a lot of dealing with. We have to keep these civil service types sweet, you understand? “
Devoy nodded.
“ Don’t worry about it. I’ll deal with them when I have a chance. “
“ I can tell from the expression on your face that something’s eating you up, Frank. “
Devoy explained that every time they were onto something somebody else got there before them.
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