One Coffin Too Many

by Brendan O'Grady

  “ You did right. Look, I’m way out of town. About an hour away by road. Tell that prick Dillon I’m on my way. Okay? Right. See you. “

  Devoy switched off the phone.

  Angela was watching him from beneath the covers.

  “ What was that all about and what’s that about me lying beside you? “

  “ Somebody waylaid Dillon last night. He’s insisting that I turn up otherwise he’ll call Sullivan. “

  “ Oh no. “

  “ Oh yes. “

  “ And what’s this about me lying beside you? “

  “ That was Sergeant Power. He’s been trying to contact you and asked me did I know where you where? “

  “ So I told him you were too busy making love to me to be bothered with that crap on your day off so we have only ten minutes. “

  “ The full Irish? “

  “ Well we’ll see how far we can go before duty calls. “

  An hour and a half later Devoy, red-eyed and exhausted pulled up outside Dillon’s office in the main street.

  Sergeant Power was waiting for him. He was pulling on a cigarette when Devoy stopped the car.

  “ Where’s the prick? “ asked Devoy getting out.

  “ He’s inside, Frank. “

  “ Okay, Joe, let’s see what he has to say. “

  Devoy was led into Dillon’s office which looked as if a tornado had gone through it. Dillon was sitting in an armchair smoking a thin cigar.

  “ Ah, there you are, Inspector Devoy, “ he said when he saw Devoy. “ Good of you to come. “

  “ I’d hardly any choice, Mr. Dillon. What happened? “

  Dillon spread his hands in a dramatic fashion.

  “ This is what happened, Inspector. This! “

  Devoy looked around at the devastation.

  He pulled up a chair and sat down.

  “ I’m told you had a visitor, Mr. Dillon. “

  “ I’d say. “

  “ What were you doing here at this late hour may I ask? “

  Dillon took another pull on his cigar and folded his legs.

  “ I got a telephone call late last night – around ten. A voice told me that if I wanted to know more – know more, mind you – about the murder of Mr. Horgan then I should come here right away on my own. So I came. “

  “ And? “

  “ I was about to open the door and turn off the alarm when somebody waylaid me from behind and pressed what I took to be a gun into my back. “

  “ Man or woman? “ asked Devoy.

  “ I couldn’t tell. The voice was muffled. “

  “ And then? “

  “ A bag was put on my head and I was tied hand and foot to that chair over there. Then the searching started. “

  “ Did the person say what he was looking for? Did he ask any questions? “

  “ No, he or she just took my keys and opened every filing cabinet, every drawer in the desk and threw everything on the floor except what you see on my desk. “

  Devoy got up and walked over to Dillon’s desk. There was only one file on the desk top and it was open. The file related to Horgan – to his coming trial.

  “ This the only file you have on Horgan? “ Devoy asked.

  “ Of course. What else would I have? “

  “ Nothing on his private affairs, businesses, that sort of thing? “

  “ No, he only employed me to cater for his appearance in court. I suppose somebody else handled his other business. “

  “ Do you know who? “

  “ No idea. He was a private sort of individual. I had the impression he had a few solicitors looking after his affairs – different aspects of his life. Compartmentalization is what they call it, I believe. Makes it difficult for you types to get a grip on what he’s up to. “

  Devoy grunted.

  “ How did you manage to call us? “

  “ My wife began to wonder where I’d got to and I managed to switch on the desk lamp. A patrol car came by and spotted the light so there you are. “

  “ You weren’t roughed up? “

  “ No, what I took to be a gun was most convincing. I obeyed. “

  “ Why did you want to see Superintendent Sullivan? “

  Dillon shrugged.

  “ Why not? Nobody seemed to be taking Horgan’s murder seriously – especially you. I wanted to see what you’d have to say for yourself? “

  “ Horgan wasn’t murdered; he committed suicide. Didn’t you read the official report? “

  “ Of course I did but…”

  “ But what, Mr. Dillon? Some crackpot phones you up late at night, spins you a yarn and you fall for it. You, an accomplished lawyer. I’m surprised at your naiveté. What did you expect? Really, Mr. Dillon, you surprise me. “

  Dillon looked away in disgust.

  “ So what do you think this person was looking for then, Inspector Devoy? “

  “ I can’t say for sure but I’ve an idea. Obviously whoever he was suspected you were his family solicitor. That’s why the office was ransacked. He needed you to get in. He didn’t find what he was after. Now he’ll go after the family solicitor whoever that may be. “

  “ So what do you propose? “

  “ He won’t bother you again, Mr. Dillon. That’s for sure. “

  “ Dreadful carry-on. Dreadful. “

  “ Now that Mr. Horgan is no longer with us and you’re no longer his solicitor is there anything you could tell us that could throw some light on this business. “

  “ I can’t think of anything offhand, Inspector. Perhaps after a brandy and a good night’s sleep something may occur to me. “

  “ You don’t want to go to hospital then? “

  “ Are you joking. Spend all night waiting for a doctor in an emergency room. No thank you. I’ll settle for the brandy. “

  Dillon nodded a few times at Devoy. Devoy looked behind him. Sergeant Power was standing near the window.

  Devoy had the impression Dillon had something to say but wanted to say it out of earshot of Power.

  “ Sergeant Power, you can go now. Thanks for holding the fort until I came. I’ll look after things from now. “

  Sergeant Power nodded and then yawned.

  “ Fair enough, Inspector. I’ll be on my way then. Goodnight. “

  They waited until the door closed behind Power and Devoy waited for Dillon to speak.

  “ I hope you don’t mind, Inspector. What I have to say is between you and me – no disrespect to the sergeant. He’s a local man, you see. I don’t think he’d appreciate what I’m going to tell you. “

  “ I don’t think he minded at all. It was his night off after all. He came here to please you. “

  “ Oh, I see. I’m sorry. “

  “ Tell that to him and his family – not me. “

  Dillon disregarded Devoy’s sarcasm.

  “ Well, as I was saying. You wanted to know about Horgan? Well, I’ll tell you. Horgan had a reputation, you see. In business and politics. A fixer. You know the type. He wasn’t the sort of person I sought out or encouraged. You could say he wasn’t one of us. That may sound snobbish on my part but that’s the way it is in these small towns. We have our values. To put it bluntly he was an outsider

  – a blow-in. I suppose he was resented by the local gentry – they resented his know-how, his go-ahead, his brashness, his business acumen. Seemingly, he came here some years ago, bought a beach bungalow of some sort, noticed there were loads of dilapidated chalets along the beach, got some money together , bought them up, renovated them and hey presto, Mr. Horgan became the so-called overnight success. He then appeared on local radio and TV and ultimately became an estate agent and later a politician. Need I say more? “

  “ I get the idea. He wasn’t old money as they say. So if you weren’t his solicitor how come he found you? “

  “ Well I’m not in the Yellow Pages if that’s what you mean. I don’t advertise. Somehow he got my number. After all I’m listed under solicit
ors. But I got the impression I was recommended to him. He played golf, you see. Probably one of his cronies? “

  “ And you decided to defend him? “

  “ That’s what I do best, Inspector Devoy. “

  “ Yes, I heard that. You come well-recommended even from a cop’s perspective. “

  “ I’ll take that as a compliment, Inspector. “

  “ It was intended as such. “

  “ Do you fancy a coffee along with a brandy, Inspector seeing as we’re no longer sparring partners? “

  “ I was an hour’s drive away from here, Mr. Dillon. I was staying in a hotel. I’ll take the coffee. The brandy will have to be for another time. “

  “ As you wish, Inspector Devoy. As you wish. “

  “ Anything else while I’m here, Mr. Dillon. “

  Dillon cast his yes around the mess that was his office.

  “ No, I don’t think so, Inspector. Wait….”

  Dillon spotted something out of place on his desk. He went over and pushed Horgan’s file aside.

  “ The bastard, “ he said. “ He’s taken my laptop. Now all my files are out in the open. Damn. The swine. “

  “ You’ve made copies, I’m sure? “ Devoy asked.

  “ Of course but I’m compromised now, Inspector. Can’t you see that? These are legal files. “

  “ Of course I can. Damn bloody computers. You can’t bank on them. “

  “ Don’t tell me you don’t use one, Inspector. “

  Devoy laughed.

  “ Only reluctantly, “ he replied.

  “ So who does the computer work? You hardly use a typewriter now? “

  “ No, Detective Moore is our whizz-kid, computer-literate cop. I depend on her. “

  “ You really should make the effort, Inspector. Computers are invaluable. “

  “ Are they really? I’ve seen thieves running off with laptop computers under their arms but I’ve yet to see one running down the street with a filing cabinet on his back. “

  Dillon snorted.

  “ I get your point, Inspector. Let’s have that coffee now. I’m beginning to develop a headache. “

  “ As you wish, Mr. Dillon. “

  Dillon suddenly stopped.

  “ Something’s just occurred to me. Yes, I it’s coming back to me now. The smell. There was a sort of medicinal smell off the person. You know the type of smell you get it when you go into the pharmacy. Like an ointment if you know what I mean? “

  “ Would you recognize it again? “

  “ I think I would. Maybe we should try out a few ointments. Why, does it mean something to you? “

  “ Not at the moment but it’s a clue. “

  Dillon started to make his way through the jumble of files on the floor when suddenly he lost his rag and started shouting fuck, fuck, fuck to nobody in particular while at the same time kicking the paperwork out of his way.

  Devoy started to laugh as he watched the starched legal creature that was Dillon lay into the files, his long bony limbs shooting out as he focused his anger on his paperwork. Suddenly he stopped and turned to face Dillon. His long, lank hair had fallen over his forehead highlighting his window’s peak and covering his deep-set eyes. He sat back on a desk and pushed back his hair. He nodded as if acknowledging his out of character performance.

  “ Sorry about that, Inspector, “ he said. “ That shouldn’t have happened. I suppose considering all’s that happened this evening I should be allowed a little latitude. I should never have had anything to do with that man. He was trouble from the start. “

  Devoy went up to Dillon and patted him on the shoulder.

  “ Look Mr. Dillon, you’re suffering from shock. You really should have seen a doctor. I’ll get one if you like. “

  Dillon was about to say something when he suddenly slid down onto the floor. He looked ghastly. Devoy undid his tie and loosened his shirt. He then rushed outside and told the cop standing guard to call an ambulance right away.

  ✽✽✽

  CHAPTER 23

  Sunday

  Dawn was breaking as Devoy related to Angela what had happened. She was curled up on the back seat trying to make up for her disturbed night. He had gone back to the hotel after seeing Dillon off in the ambulance. He had paid the bill, had some breakfast and sat around while Angela lingered in bed. He was dog-tired but he had to keep his eyes on the road.

  Angela yawned.

  “ Do you think it was a heart attack? “ she asked.

  “ No, just shock. It was all too much for him. The man’s way over sixty. “

  “ I just hope for his sake that his laptop contains only legal files. “

  “ Why do you say that? “

  “ Oh it was a case I had years ago before you turned up. Businessman’s laptop went missing and what it contained was just out of this world – porno-wise with him as the main star. He had a heart attack when the thieves started looking for blackmail money. “

  “ Well I for one am glad that I’m semi-literate computer-wise. “

  “ You never look up the internet, Frank? “

  “ I’d be afraid I wouldn’t be able to get off it. “

  Angela shook her head and started laughing.

  “ I don’t know, Frank. I really don’t know. The expressions you come out with. It’s a good job you ‘re A-okay in the bed otherwise…”

  “ Otherwise what? I don’t like the sound of this. Doesn’t quality count over quantity anymore? “

  “ I’m only kidding you, Frank. I’ll show you the ropes one day. Who knows you may even feature as a police star. I can imagine you wielding the baton and handcuffs dressed in your boxer shorts and your belly. “

  “ Give me a break, Angela. “

  “ Okay Grumpy. So whoever waylaid Dillon doesn’t know yet who Horgan’s solicitor is? “

  “ In a nutshell, yes. But he isn’t going to waste any time finding out. “

  “ What do you think is going to happen? “

  “ This person isn’t stupid. He’ll either get onto Horgan’s accountant or failing that he’ll target Horgan’s estate agency. And that means Valerie Traynor is going to have a very unwelcome visitor so we have to get to her first before he does. “

  “ Oh Christ! I’d forgotten about poor Valerie. “

  “ Yes, oh Christ. It’s getting rough again. “

  “ What is he after? “

  “ Anything that may incriminate him or others. You see, Angela, we’re getting close. Considering what happened last night I think we’ve started to make the other side show their hand. Unfortunately poor old Dillon paid for it. Collateral damage as the military term it. “

  “ You mean you set something up? “

  “ In a manner of speaking, yes. “

  “ Are you going to keep me in the dark about it? “

  “ No, I’ll tell you my suspicions as soon as I get you home. I could sleep for a month, you know. “

  “ Really, well I won’t let you. You owe me a weekend, Frank so be prepared. “

  Around mid-day Devoy woke up and took in his strange surroundings. Then it hit him. He was in Angela’s bedroom. They had arrived back in town at around six o’clock and he hadn’t got the energy to go on to his own house.

  He got up and went down the stairs. Angela was standing over the cooker, preoccupied with the meal she was preparing. He heard eggs crackling and the spit of sausages frying. The toaster went pop and she turned around.

  She started laughing.

  “ What’s so funny? “ he asked.

  “ You – standing there in your bare feet and boxers. You look terrible. “

  “ I feel terrible – I really do and I don’t feel like talking. I just want to eat and go back to bed. “

  “ I thought you were going to tell about your suspicions, Frank?

  “ Let me eat first and I’ll tell you everything later. I just don’t feel up to answering questions now. “

  “ Well before you sta
rt eating you’d better answer your messages. Your phone’s been hopping for ages. I think it’s Sienna. “

  Devoy got his phone out of his jacket pocket and switched it on. It was indeed Sienna. She had arrived safely and would phone later. He switched off the phone and turned to eat the breakfast that Angela had prepared for him. For the first time since he had turned fifty he felt he was slowing down. Perhaps it was time to get out. For some time now he was beginning to see his father’s face in the shaving mirror every morning. It was disconcerting but it was there and it was his. And there wasn’t anything he could do about it.

  He tucked into the breakfast thankful that he had a woman by his side who catered to his needs – all of them without complaining too much. The thing was she was twenty years younger than him and it bothered him. And then there was his baggage. A marriage on the rocks and he was doing nothing to get it afloat again even for the sake of his beautiful daughter, Sienna. The apple of his eye, his life and his future.

  He thought he heard Angela saying something to him.

  “ Pardon, “ he asked.

  “ Oh, Frank, “ she replied. “ You were off in another world. What’s come over you? “

  “ I’m sorry, Angela. You’re right. I was in another world. Last night really got to me. I’ll have to slow down. This town is getting to me. I’m beginning to think of it as an end of line town. “

  “ An end of line town? What’s that? “

  “ It’s an American expression. I think it originated on the West Coast. It applies to people who’ve tried every other town until the train deposits them at the end of the line or where the ocean begins. This town is like that. An end of line town. And an end of line town usually has a preponderance of unsavioury types. And considering what happened here over the past few weeks I think we’ve an unusual high deposit of them. We’ll have to start digging into the past of everybody concerned and see what it yields. We’ll do it starting Monday. Okay? “

  Angela nodded as she usually did.

  “ You’re the boss, Frank. Do you think it would be any use having a look at who turned up at the funeral? We could do it later. Finish your breakfast and relax. We have all day. “