One Coffin Too Many

by Brendan O'Grady

  “ Right. All present and correct. Let’s head off to the pen and see how our guest is getting on. “

  “ Officer Burke? “

  “ Yes, sir. “

  “ You can do the driving. Detective Moore and I will sit in the back. You know the way, don’t you? “

  “ I do, Inspector. “

  “ Good. Let’s go then. “

  An hour later they pulled up outside the prison. They showed their ID at the reception and were immediately escorted to a waiting room. There they were searched and their automatics taken away as a safety precaution. They then penetrated deeper into the prison where a prison officer led them to an interview room. Horgan and his solicitor Dillon were already there deeply engaged in a whispered conversation. Both men rose when Devoy and the others came into the room.

  “ Well good morning, gentlemen, “ began Devoy. “ You remember me and Detective Moore, of course. This man here is Officer Burke. Officer Burke is a specialist. He’s a specialist in psychoanalytical and behavioral science. “

  All heads turned to Burke who responded by putting on a puzzled look on his face.

  “ What all that means in plain English if you’re unacquainted with such matters is that this man here has been trained to analyze human behavior, to wit, facial expressions and tics, eye movements and body language. In short he’s an expert at detecting lies. And he’s just returned from the world-famous FBI unit in Quantico, Virginia where he completed his studies. Most criminals own up after he has sized them up. “

  A silence fell on the room as if everybody present felt they were under observation. Detective Moore held her hand to her face but she couldn’t conceal the mirth in her eyes.

  “ Oh, sorry, Mr. Dillon.” added Devoy. “ You’ll be glad to know he’s trained to exclude solicitors from his brief for obvious reasons, probably pathological ones. “

  Dillon stood up and glared at Devoy.

  “ I resent that, Devoy. I resent that very much. I may even cancel this meeting. “

  “ As you wish, Mr. Dillon. You may leave but Horgan doesn’t. He’s in custody don’t forget and the judge won’t be impressed by your histrionics. So please sit down. “

  Dillon sat down and immediately began tapping his biro on the table.

  “ So what’s this all about, then? “ he asked. “ My client has been stuck in this rat-hole for over a week and still there’s no case against him. “

  “ You’re the one who said you’d get onto me for bail so you tell me is there any progress. Ask your client? He’s been noticeably quiet since we came in. Anything to say, Mr. Horgan? “

  Horgan made a face.

  “ I’m innocent. I shouldn’t be in here. I want bail. “

  “ Don’t ask me – ask your legal eagle here. Mr. Dillon, did you hear that? Your client wants bail. What are you doing about it? Is there a quid pro quo in the wind? “

  Dillon was about to say something when Devoy held up his hand.

  “ Hold on folks, “ he said. “ I have to consult my man. “

  “ Are you getting a good read on this, Mr. Burke? “

  Burke nodded affirmatively and took out a notebook and biro.

  “ Sorry about that, gentlemen. I’m new to all this stuff. Where were we? Ah, yes, bail. And how do you propose to pay bail; Mr. Horgan. Your house no longer exists. It was burnt to the ground last Sunday morning with the aid of a lot of petrol. An arson job according to the fire brigade. So, if you’re counting on the insurance paying up you’re making a big mistake. Arson cancels out payment, you , criminal intent is what they call it and if by chance you weren’t involved in plotting the arson we’re talking about years down the line while they get their private investigators in. By that time they’re finished you’ll be ripe for the old folks’ home. Who knows you could end up like poor Mr. Fallon before he was murdered. How does that appeal to you, Mr. Horgan? “

  “ This is ridiculous, Devoy and you know it. We came here to sort out an accord of some sort regarding my client’s bail and here you are running off at a tangent. “

  “ Mr. Dillon the last time we spoke you gave me to believe that your client might be willing to offer me something – to expand on his testimony and he’s said nothing so far. So where do we go from here? Does he want to talk or not? “

  Dillon and Horgan went into a huddle.

  “ What are you offering, Inspector? “

  “ That depends on what he says. So far he’s up for first degree murder. He can’t escape that. We have him on film, don’t forget. His prints are all over the room. He even admitted to being there. That’s a tight one, Mr. Dillon. Any judge looking at that will come to the same conclusion. Gulity! And you can say adios to any bail. No judge will wear it, Mr. Dillon. “

  Dillon gave a little laugh.

  “ Ah, but we’re not talking about the same thing, Inspector. You’re assuming too much. “

  “ I am. How that’s? “

  “ You’re assuming it’s first degree murder, Inspector. It isn’t. It’s a long jump from seeing a person on video in the place of a murder and coming to the conclusion the same person killed the deceased. It doesn’t necessarily follow. My client just happened to be in the same place at the wrong time. That’s all. He’s even admitted to being in the room to see the deceased and searching the room hence his fingerprints but that doesn’t make him the killer. It won’t wash, Inspector and it won’t even stand up in court. “

  “ And what about his crony, Mr. Cremin? “

  “ Once again you’re clutching at straws, Inspector. You’ve no reason whatsoever to connect my client with the murder of Mr. Cremin. The link is very tenuous to say the least. “

  “ So why are we here? “

  “ You’re the one who asked for the meeting. We didn’t. We’ll be applying for bail as soon as we can. You wanted to meet us so here we are. No judge can blame us for not been reasonable. “

  “ And what about your claim of manslaughter? “

  “ You haven’t been listening, Inspector Devoy or maybe you don’t want to. You’re so intent on getting my client into court you’re forgetting the details. You got nothing on my client except the fact that he was there. That’s all. You haven’t even established a motive. “

  “ That’s what you say. How about Mr. Horgan? Does he want to gamble on that? Twenty-five years is an awful long time in a cell. “

  Horgan leaned in to Dillon and whispered something.

  “ Against my better judgment Mr. Horgan has asked what are you offering? “

  Devoy leaned back in his chair and smiled.

  “ Let’s run a manslaughter scenario past you. This is what I was thinking. Mr. Horgan, your client, for reasons best known to him and motive unknown, takes it upon himself as a town councillor to engage in the corporal works of mercy, in this case to visit the sick. So let’s say in the course of this visit he discovers that Mr. Fallon is the former owner of Fallon’s which has since come under the ownership of Mr. Cremin. Something or the other arouses some suspicion in the mind of your client and he asks Mr. Fallon to expand on such. Mr. Fallon being aged and a victim of Alzheimer’s hasn’t a notion what Mr. Horgan is asking and plays dumb. Mr. Horgan, frustrated, loses his rag and starts tearing the place apart, trying to find out whatever it was that aroused his interest. Mr. Fallon in a moment of lucidity gets in the way of Horgan and ends up on the floor accidentally. He manages to get up and uses his last defence against the intruder and vomits all over Horgan. Horgan, disgusted drags the old man out of the room and manages to open the door of the fire escape with the intention of aiding Mr. Fallon to come to his senses. Alas, alas, poor Mr. Fallon, smelling fresh air lunges forward and falls to his death. Manslaughter, Mr. Dillon. Manslaughter. Maybe I’ve left out a few details but it’s a scenario like that. How about it, Mr. Horgan? Are you buying it? “

  Diilon began whispering to Horgan.

  “ Do you want an answer today, Inspector? “

  “ Today wil
l be fine but Friday’s the deadline. After that I’m going in for the kill. Let’s be clear about this. I won’t be coming here again. There’s no more bargaining. Either your client gives me something not only on Fallon’s murder but also on Cremin’s. You know as well as I do the judge will be expecting some meat. All you’ve given him so far is the bare bones if that. I can’t help you there. You meet me

  half-way, I can arrange for your client to be brought to a local jail, help with the demand for bail and so forth. Don’ t close the door, Mr. Dillon. Leave it ajar. “

  As Devoy left the room he stopped and handed a card to Horgan.

  “ That’s my mobile number, Mr. Horgan. Call me if you have something concrete to say to me. I’ll be expecting your call – anytime. “

  Outside Devoy asked Burke to wait for them in the car. When he was out of earshot Devoy turned to Moore.

  “ Nothing to contribute today, Detective Moore? “ he asked.

  “ Stuff your sarcasm, Frank. That was a lousy thing to pull on Burke – you really put him on the spot. Shame on you using a younger officer. You really are a creep when you want to be. “

  “ I would have used you but you’ve become an aggressive, cheeky, insubordinate bitch and …”

  Devoy was expecting a reaction but not a slap in the face. He caught it on the nose causing the blood to spurt out, cascading all over his clothes. He brought his head back but he couldn’t stop the flood. It shot out of him like a fountain.

  Detective Moore stood there paralyzed by her action.

  “ Jesus, “ she said. “ What have I done? “

  Devoy fell to his knees as he gagged on the blood.

  “ Get help, for God’s sake, “ he managed to say as he coughed out blood.

  He heard Moore calling for help on her phone.

  “ Hold on, Frank, “ she said. “ They’re sending somebody from the infirmary. “

  A few moments later two men dressed in hospital whites came running out the prison door. They helped Devoy to his feet and led him inside. He was followed by Moore and Burke.

  “ How did it happen? “ asked the nurse.

  “ I bumped into something hard, “ replied Devoy enigmatically.

  “ Of course, “ said the nurse. “ It’s always something hard. “

  In the infirmary they sprayed something cold up Devoy’s nose and inserted two wads of cotton wool into his nostrils and told him to sit back and relax.

  Devoy lay back on the bed and stared at the ceiling. Detective Moore and Officer Burke watched him from the open door.

  “ Officer Burke, “ said Devoy. “ I have to hand it to you. You really did a great job of acting in there with those two. “

  “ Acting?” replied Burke. “ I wasn’t acting, Inspector. That was for real. I did psychology at university and I’m two years into a PHD. I worked for a while in human relations before I decided to become a cop. I thought that’s why you asked me along? “

  “ You’re pulling my leg now, Officer Burke? “

  “ I’m not, Inspector and you can call me Andrew or Andy. Everybody else does. “

  “ So how come you’re not up in Dublin in a specialist unit? What are you doing down here, for God’s sake? “

  “ It’s rather complicated, Inspector. My fiancé who was an officer in Customs was transferred down here to the port and I asked for a transfer to be near her. “

  “ And? “

  “ And, well one day she stopped some guy in a Maserati, an Italian heading back to Italy and that was that. “

  “ Mafia? “

  Burke shook his head slowly as if remembering something awful.

  “ No, plain old lust. Latin lover. You know the type. “

  “ And do you want to get your own back on Romeo? “

  “ Well…”

  Devoy pointed to Moore.

  “ Get onto Detective Moore there. She’s very adept at sorting out lovers, Latin or otherwise. Isn’t that right, Detective Moore? “

  “ You were told to keep quiet, Inspector. “ replied Moore.

  “ Anyway, it’s too late, “ continued Burke. “ She’s expecting now. Leave them be. Besides, I’ve met somebody else. I’m in a cycling club now. It’s great down here. Lots of quiet country lanes. I even come into work on my bike. “

  “ So, what’s your take on the meeting, Andy? Give us your professional opinion while my nose heals. “

  “ Oh, he was lying. There’s no doubt about it. A shifty type, an inveterate liar, dishonest, a tendency to criminality. “

  Devoy laughed.

  “ Well, what do you expect of a low-life local politician-cum-estate agent, it’s in their DNA.“

  “ No, Inspector, you’ve got it wrong. I wasn’t referring to Horgan. That was Dillon I described, the solicitor. “

  “ And what about Horgan, the prisoner? “

  “ He didn’t say very much, did he? “

  “ No, he didn’t but I was hoping you may have read something in his facial expressions or body language. Anything to get a read on the low-life. “

  “ Oh, that I did. “

  “ You did? So what’s the verdict? “

  “ The man’s in a catatonic state – that means he’s unable to move or show any reaction to things because of illness or shock. I’d say it’s the latter in his case. Perhaps the prison doctor might be able to throw some light there? “

  “ Now there’s a good idea, Andy. Perhaps Detective Moore would be good enough to fetch him for us while we discuss the negative points of the opposite sex. I was also thinking a nice cup of tea would go down well before we head back. What do you think, Andy? “

  “ I agree with you. I’d love a cuppa. “

  “ Excellent. Detective Moore could you ask for some tea to be sent here seeing as I’m incapacitated. I’m sure the doctor wouldn’t like me to be disturbed. “

  As soon as they arrived back at the station Devoy asked Burke to meet him in the locker room.

  “ You said you come to work on a bike, Andy? “

  “ Yeah, that’s right. “

  “ You’ve got foul-weather gear? “

  “ Of course. With our climate. “

  “ I have a special assignment for you, Andy. Do you remember Cremin’s house? You know the neo-Georgian redbrick out in the country. “

  “ I do. “

  “ Have you got one of those phones that takes photos and sends them to another phone? “

  “ Yes. “

  “ Right. It’s now coming up to eleven. I want you to cycle out there and station yourself in the woods and high grass opposite Cremin’s house. Have you got that? “

  Andy Burke nodded.

  “ Good. Make sure you are hidden. I want you to photograph every car, any vehicle that stops at the gate. I want you to photograph the vehicle, the registration plate and if you can the drivers who try to open the gate. “

  “ You want me to stay there all day? “

  “ Not really. You shouldn’t have to. Wait until this car turns up. It should arrive before 2 pm if my calculations are right. “

  Devoy handed him a piece of paper. On it was written the make of car, colour and registration along with a phone number.

  “ When that car turns up photograph it and the driver and send it to me at this number right away. Try and get as many photos as you can. “

  “ And then? “

  “ That’s your job done for the day. You’re free after that. “

  “ Could I ask what this is in aid of, Inspector? “

  “ It’s an ongoing uncover operation. We suspect a leak somewhere. We’re going in tomorrow to serve search warrants on various establishments. This is an integral part of it. I’m depending on you, Andy. Not a word to anybody. Okay? “

  “ Okay, Inspector. See you later.”

  Devoy immediately sent an SMS to Margo informing her he’d see her at 5.30 outside Cremin’s house.

  Devoy watched Burke cycle off and then re-entered the sta
tion. As he came into the reception area he got some strange looks from the officers. He continued on to his office where he knew Detective Moore was waiting for him. When he entered she jumped as if expecting trouble and stood up.

  She stared at him.

  “ How’s your nose? “ she asked.

  “ Sore and blocked. “ he replied.

  “ You know you’re developing two black eyes? “

  “ Am I? “ he asked. “ And whose fault is that? “

  “ You…you…you know, you’re beginning to look like panda. “ she replied laughing.

  “ I don’t think it’s funny, Detective Moore. Not funny at all. “

  “ So you’re going to report me then? Is that it? “

  “ Well what do you think I should do? Let it go at that. You’ll have to learn to control your temper. I’m your superior, don’t forget. I can’t have you pouring hot coffee over me and striking me on the nose when something displeases you. What’s got into you, anyhow? “

  “ I don’t know. I don’t like the way you get at me. It’s not right. It’s not professional. “

  “ And neither is disputing your superior’s right to make changes. Maybe you need a change? “

  “ I was thinking that myself. Maybe I should have stayed out sick.”

  “ Yes, maybe you should have. You would have saved everybody a lot of trouble including yourself. “

  “ Well that was a waste of time this morning with Horgan and Dillon. All you did was run over old ground. “

  “ Old ground – yes and no. Sure we ran over old ground but we… I mean I freshened it up a bit. We now know something frightened Horgan. I’d say it was the fire. Somebody’s trying to send him a message to keep his mouth shut. He has retreated back into his hole. I gave him a scenario to entice him out. Mark my words. We’ll hear from him soon and not necessarily through his solicitor. “

  “ So what happens now? Can I call you Frank again? “

  “ That depends on your conduct, dear Angela. Up to now we’ve been chasing our tails but not anymore. Tomorrow will yield results one way or the other.