One Coffin Too Many

by Brendan O'Grady

  “ I see. “

  “ So, in order to figure out Cremin’s racket we’re going through every funeral that Cremin dealt with and seeing where the caskets ended up. “

  “ So what we have been looking at is the number of coffins going in. “

  “ That’s true. “

  “ But thousands of people die every year here but how many die abroad. Not as many as who die here. So what we have to look at is how many people died abroad and came back in lead-lined coffins. “

  “ So how do we find out? “

  “ Yes, how do we find out? Well for a start we can exclude the UK as it’s only an hour away by plane. That opens the field to Continental countries. “

  “ And repatriating the dead is going to involve paperwork. So a trail of who’s dead has to be established. Got it. So where do we start, Andy? “

  “ We start with the travel agencies. Everybody who books a holiday has a return ticket return. So who didn’t avail of his return ticket? Somebody who died abroad. We’re talking about insurance here and of course, undertakers and paperwork, lots of it. “

  “ Jesus, Andy, you’re a genius. I think you’ve cracked it. “

  “ You do? “

  “ Of course, Andy. So where are you going to start? “

  “ I think that seeing as the coffin ended up here, I’ll start here. As far as I know there are only two travel agencies in town so if the coffin ended up here the chances are the person inside came from here and wanted to be repatriated and buried here. We’re talking about a paper trail. Makes sense, Inspector? “

  “ Perfect sense, “ Devoy replied.

  “ So what do you want me to do? “

  “ First, get out of that uniform again and into civvies. You won’t need the gun this time. I want you to start an investigation into the provenance of this coffin. Start with the travel agencies and then government departments. Make good use of the phone. The local airport might have a track of every coffin that came in from abroad or in transit from Dublin or Shannon. If you encounter any difficulties push people onto me or Superintendent Sullivan. I’ll notify him of the excellent progress you made. “

  “ Thank you, Inspector. “

  “ Don’t mention it. I forgot to ask. How did it feel carrying a gun? “

  “ Awkward to be honest. It’s not me. “

  “ Well Andy if you want to go up the ranks you’ll have to carry a gun one day and know how to use it. Otherwise…”

  “ Otherwise what? “

  “ Maybe you should consider going back to your studies? The service is going to need guys like you as the world gets more and more complicated. You were invaluable with Horgan in my view. “

  “ Do you think so? “

  “ Without a doubt. Look, I’ve got to go. Got to speak to Mr. Haynes. See what he has to say. Don’t forget to keep me in the loop, Andy. This coffin business has gone on for far too long. “

  Devoy listened as the receptionist announced who he was calling.

  “ Mr. Haynes is expecting my call, Miss. “

  “ Ah, yes. You’re Detective Inspector Devoy? “

  “ Yes, that’s me. “

  “ Putting you through now, Inspector. “

  “ Good afternoon, Detective Inspector Devoy. Thank you for returning my call. “

  “ Not at all, Mr. Haynes. I’m sure your partner, Mr. McHale told you why I was calling. “

  “ Yes, he did. I’m given to believe our client, Mr. Horgan passed away in dreadful circumstances. “

  “ Yes, suicide in prison, Mr. Haynes. “

  “ And may I ask what was our client doing in prison, Inspector? “

  “ He was under arrest for the murder of a local man, Mr. Haynes. “

  “ Strange we weren’t consulted. “

  “ The late Mr. Horgan chose a local man by the name of Dillon to represent him. “

  “ I see. “

  “ The thing is we were wondering did he leave a will? You see his estate here includes lots of properties including an estate agency business so his employees are going to need some guidance. Obviously you know his accountant? “

  “I believe we do. We’ll have to check that out. “

  “ I believe he has a brother somewhere? “

  “ Ah, yes. That would be Raymond Horgan. I believe he’s abroad. Still I suppose we can handle matters for him. I’m told he’s not too keen on living here. The climate doesn’t suit. “

  “ I bet it doesn’t, Mr. Haynes. It’s a lot hotter here than where he is. “

  “ Oh, how’s that, Inspector? “

  “ Mr. Raymond Horgan is well known to the police. He’s wanted for a series of crimes including fraud etc. In fact there’s a warrant out for his arrest. He’s on the run, Mr. Haynes. We just want to establish that he is the brother of your client and that he may inherit the estate of his brother. That, of course, depends on the will. Needless to say the courts will be putting a stop on matters if you get what I mean? “

  “ Indeed I do. But Mr. Raymond Horgan is not our client, Inspector. “

  “ I realize that but he’s going to contact you, wouldn’t you say if you haven’t contacted him already. “

  “ A message was left on his answering service, Inspector to tell him of the bad news. We haven’t heard anything since. “

  “ Fine. I’ve nothing more to say. I’ll refer all further enquiries regarding the estate of Mr. Horgan to your practice and especially to you. Is that okay with you? “

  “ That’s my job, Inspector. I’ll be here. Goodbye.

  Walter Haynes rang off.

  Something occurred to Devoy. He went back to his office and found Angela rummaging through the cartons of evidence they had taken from Caroline’s cottage.

  “ Getting anywhere? “ he asked.

  Angela shook her head.

  “ I don’t even know what we’re looking for. Right now I’m trying to catalogue things so that we can make sense of them. “

  “ Look, I’m going to see Dillon. I think he should be informed of what Caroline was up to. After all he was a victim. “

  “ Do you want me to come? “

  “ No. I think a one-to-one would be the better course. I’m really hoping he might divulge something about his former client. After all he’s nothing to lose now. “

  “ You’ll be wanting his lap top, then? “

  “ It’ll make a nice peace offering. “

  Angela laughed.

  “ True to form, Frank. True to form. “

  “ What’s so funny? “

  “ It’s something you said to me when we first got together. “

  “ Oh, was this on the job or in the bed? I get confused sometimes. “

  “ Knowing you probably the bed. “

  “ So, what is it, then? “

  “ You said one day that you don’t give something for nothing. “

  “ Did I? “

  “ Yes, you did and this is a prime example. “

  Much to Devoy’s surprise Dillon himself answered the door of his home. He held out the lap top before Dillon could say anything else. He wanted to get inside and get Dillon talking.

  Dillon’s eyes immediately latched onto the computer.

  “ Ah, you darling man, Inspector Devoy. You got it back. Come in, come in. “

  Devoy followed the figure of Dillon who seemed to have aged since the attack. He looked unkempt. He wasn’t his usual debonair self.

  “ The wife’s away doing some shopping. I hope they didn’t break into it? “

  Devoy shook his head.

  “ Not a chance, Mr. Dillon. You were smart enough to have it password protected. That’s how we found it. “

  Dillon sat down on a settee and motioned Devoy to do the same. Dillon then lit up a cigar.

  “ Hope you don’t mind, Inspector. I’m not a drinking man but I do enjoy a good smoke. “

  Devoy waited for him to settle in.

  “ Did you find anything out a
bout that evening? “

  “ Indeed we did and what I’m going to tell you I want you to keep under your belt until we tie up a few loose ends. I’ll need your word on that. “

  Dillon gave him a sharp look.

  “ Really Inspector! I’m a man of my word. “

  “ We’re still not on the same side, Mr. Dillon. What I’m going to tell you may result in you taking some form of legal action and you’re entitled to do that. All I’m asking is for you to hold your fire. You may have issues – legal issues. That’s for you to decide. I’m not going to put words in your mouth but I think you know what I’m getting at. There’s the arson attack to consider, then there’s the attack on you and the theft of your computer. You’ve a right to redress. You know that being a solicitor. Why don’t you wait to consider what to do after I relate the story and who was involved. “

  “ Fair enough, Inspector. Fire away. “

  Devoy proceeded to relate the story of Caroline and her criminal acts. Dillon listened attentively disregarding the long length of ash as his cigar burned between his fingers. Finally after ten minutes Devoy finished his tale.

  “ A woman by God. A woman. I was waylaid by a woman. Wait until my wife hears about this. “

  “ Please Mr. Dillon. Keep all this from your wife and everybody else for that matter. I still haven’t told you about Horgan’s brother. “

  “ I didn’t know he had a brother. Don’t tell me there’s something fishy there I’m not aware of? “

  Devoy told Dillon all about Raymond Horgan and his adventures.

  “ I see, “ Dillon said when he realized the pedigree of his former client. “ I always suspected there was something not quite kosher about Horgan. I can see now why he was never accepted locally. “

  “ That’s the Horgan family, I’m afraid, “ concluded Devoy. “ I don’t suppose now that Mr. Horgan is no longer with us you could give us an idea why he engendered so much hostility on the part of Caroline Gleeson? I mean did he ever in the course of his discussions with you drop anything- give you any hints? “

  Dillon scrunched up his eyes as if considering what to say.

  “ I can’t think of anything offhand. Horgan was an odd fish. I had the impression of this man that he was always holding something back – protecting himself. But that was his character. I was not there

  to judge him – my duty was to protect him, get him a fair trial. I still think he was innocent by the way. Some type of fall guy. Sure he was there in the hospital but that was all. In the wrong place at the wrong time. I think you suspect that already, Inspector. “

  “ And the suicide? You still think he was murdered? “

  “ I’ll leave my thoughts on that for another time, Inspector Devoy. We have spoken enough. Cleared the air so to speak. When’s the funeral? “

  “ Tomorrow morning at ten. I’ll keep you informed. Let me give you the number of Crosby, Haynes and McHale, a Dublin practice. They’re handling Horgan’s estate. Mr. Haynes is the man dealing specifically with it. “

  ✽✽✽

  CHAPTER 26

  Wednesday

  Devoy came up behind Margo Walsh admiring her walk before he confronted her.

  “ Well, well, what’s a bad girl like you doing in a depressing place like this, Mrs. Walsh? “

  Margo turned around.

  “ The dead arose and appeared to many. “ she replied. “ What are you doing here, Inspector Devoy, sir? “

  “ Paying my respects and doing my job, Margo. What are you doing here? “

  Margo snorted.

  “ I didn’t think Caroline consorted with policemen. “

  “ She didn’t. At least not in bed like some. “

  “ And what’s that supposed to mean, Frank? “

  Devoy looked around. The mourners were breaking up and drifting away among the tombstones.

  “ I need to talk to you in private, Margo. It’s important. “

  “ And what do you want to talk about, Frank? Us or the contents of my office? “

  “ I’ll give you the contents back soon. I’m thinking of your welfare. “

  “ My welfare. You’ve been neglecting that recently. Treating me like dirt. “

  “ I never treated you like dirt, Margo. I know about the money. “

  “ Do you? “

  “ Look Margo I’m trying to save you. I don’t know what’s going on. You’ve got to be frank with me before it’s too late. “

  “ So you’re going to put the cuffs on me? “

  “ Listen Margo, the money they found in the safe had only a few real notes on top. The rest of the money is unknown. The Central Bank is checking it out. My guess is that it’s some type of monopoly money. The money was switched. “

  “ So, you think I’m behind that? “

  “ I don’t know what to think, Margo. What I do know is that the fingerprint technicians are examining that money for prints belonging to people in this town. Do you get my drift? If you are somehow involved the cuffs will be put on you and I won’t be able to help you. “

  “ Margo, go straight to your house and wait for me. Okay? Do it now. “

  Margo stormed off. Devoy watched her go admiring her figure. As she got into her car she looked at Devoy and then displayed her long legs getting in. Devoy’s gaze shifted from her legs to her face. She was smiling at him. He waited until she was out of sight and then went over and shook hands with some of the mourners that he knew. Cronin came up to him and informed him that the obituary he had written was on the front page. Devoy nodded.

  “ I know it’s early days yet but you won’t forget us, Inspector Devoy. “ asked Cronin.

  “ If something’s going to happen like a press conference you’ll be the first to know. You can take my word on that. You’ve first option. “

  Cronin thanked him and turned to join the rest of the people from the newspaper who were waiting for him in a huddle.

  When the crowd had dispersed and the cars had driven off Devoy hid himself behind a hedge. He watched as the stragglers came out of the gates of the cemetery. Then Detective Angela Moore came out putting away her camera into her bag. She looked around her and discovered she was alone. Devoy forgot he had brought her to the cemetery. She had no way of getting back to the station except on foot. She took out her phone and tapped out a number. Devoy’s phone started to vibrate in his pocket. He took it out and switched it off. He knew she was going to chew him out for this and they probably wouldn’t be speaking for days as she went into a huff. He saw her shrug her shoulders and head off. She looked so forlorn to him and he felt like a creep.

  Devoy contemplated his position: one woman waiting for him, another seeking him out. A frisson of excitement ran through him as he contemplated what might be waiting for him at Margo’s and if that came to nothing there was always Angela. He considered how lucky he was, how he could be the envy of any red-blooded man or any man for that matter. Caught between two women and revelling in it. His passion overcame him dismissing any thoughts of regret for Angela. He returned to where he had parked the car in a side street after he dropped off Angela earlier so she could be in position to video the funeral discreetly. He would have to take the long way to Margo’s house otherwise he would be spotted as he crossed the town.

  As expected Margo was waiting for him. She was still dressed in black and the contrast with her blonde hair was stunning. Devoy had seen men’s heads turn as she followed the cortege. All eyes were on her. She was that sort of woman.

  She went to the drinks cabinet and paused.

  “ You took your time, Frank. Lost your appetite? “

  Devoy smiled.

  “ I don’t think that will ever be possible with you. In fact I was doing my job. “

  “ Will brandy be okay. I know you like it. “

  She poured two brandies and then sat facing him displaying her long legs to him.

  “ And I thought you had forgotten me? “

  “ I’ve been dr
eadfully busy, Margo. I’ve been dealing with the aftermath of Horgan’s death. Besides, I thought you didn’t want to speak to me over the files business. I felt persona non grata. “

  “ Well all you had to do was call. I would have understood. “

  “ Would you, Margo? Would you have understood? “

  “ You have your job to do. I have mine. So, did you find anything to incriminate poor old Mr. Cremin or me? “

  “ Nothing yet. What makes you think the search was about you? “

  “ I don’t know. You couldn’t get Cremin so I was available. An easy target. A woman. A woman on her own. An attractive woman. Contamination. Cherchez la femme. Isn’t that what they say in the detective novels? “

  “ Listen Margo you should know that some of your actions gave me to believe that you were somehow involved in something. I couldn’t put my finger on it so we had to do things the hard way. We had to go through everything to satisfy our curiosity. “

  “ So you found nothing? “

  “ You could say that. Nothing incriminating. Anyway, everything will be returned to you shortly. We have found a way to bring things to a climax. “

  She laughed.

  “ That’s a word I’ve been missing for some time. I thought it had gone out of fashion or I was becoming a plain Jane. “

  “ Oh, there’s no danger of that, Margo. You’ve got all it takes and more and you know it. Still, it’s nice to be reminded every now and then by an admirer, isn’t it? “

  Margo raised her glass.

  “ Cheers, she said. “ Here’s to climaxes. “

  “ I’ll second that. “

  “ I’m sure you would. “

  “ Any news about Kennedy? “

  “ Why are you asking me? The man’s gone. Why don’t you get onto missing persons. I’m sure his wife has. “

  “ I noticed Fallon’s arranged the funeral of Caroline. How did that come about and more importantly why were you at her funeral? I didn’t know you were friends? “

  “ You’re making it sound sinister, Frank? What’s wrong with attending a friend’s funeral? “

  “ Were you her friend or was there something else? “