One Coffin Too Many

by Brendan O'Grady

  At 3 o’clock they each went their separate ways. Devoy put off the task of going through the videocassettes and DVDs until at least 4. He didn’t relish the task but he couldn’t avoid it. It had to be done and the sooner the better.

  By six o’clock he had managed to get through half of them and got nowhere. He didn’t recognize anybody and he felt disgusted with himself at the rising tide of sexual longing that coursed through his body. Like most men he’d never seen women engaged in sexual acts and at first it intrigued and

  excited him but then he found it depressing and decided to call it a day. He put his feet up and fell asleep on the sofa. Sometime after seven he heard his phone ringing. He disregarded it and turned over. Then the house started to ring. Stupid with asleep he decided to answer it. It was Angela. She was crying and she sounded like she was drunk.

  “ What’s up, Angela? “ he asked.

  “ You’ve got to save me, Frank, “ she whined. “ I can’t take any more of this. I’m a woman, for God’s sake. I feel I’m being sucked into a web of corruption. I’m not one of these. Save me, Frank. Save me from this…this…horror. Come over here right away. I need you. Please come. I’m sorry I was a bitch. I’ll make it up to you, Frank. Just come. “

  The line went dead.

  When she answered the door she looked awful. Her makeup was awry, her mascara had run and her lipstick was smudged. She led him into the sitting room stumbling through it in her drunkenness until she halted in front of the TV where two women were frozen in a sexual act on the screen. For one terrible minute he thought he saw Margo for one of the women bore a strong resemblance to her.

  “ There she is, your blonde bombshell, Frank. See her as she really is. “said Angela.

  “ Mrs. Walsh? “

  “ Looks like her, doesn’t it? Shocked? “

  Devoy felt the bile rising in his stomach. All sorts of emotions washed over him, sexual longing, disgust, betrayal.

  “ Yes, I thought that would get you, Frank. “ Angela continued. “ Lovely carry-on. How do you feel now about Miss SiliconeValley. Waste not, want not. Is that her game? “

  Angela started laughing and collapsed onto the sofa. Devoy realized she had become hysterical. The images on the videos had pushed her over the edge.

  He shook her but she had fallen into a deep alcoholic sleep and started to snore gently. He put her feet up and let her sleep. Then he went into the kitchen and made himself a strong coffee. He savoured the coffee and reflected on the time when he had led a normal life of a married man with a foreign wife and a darling, beautiful daughter. And now where was he? Delving into the underside of the lives of people with abnormal desires but which were now considered normal and acceptable. He was never a prude but he now he felt contaminated as if he had wandered accidentally into something that he found at heart disagreeable. He drained the rest of the coffee and resolved to get to the bottom of things even if it involved a lot of pain.

  The image of the blond woman with Caroline sickened him. Caroline he accepted but the blond. Was it really Margo? He let the video play and watched as they romped through their sexual acts. Something wasn’t right, he thought. There was something there that was out of place. He rewound

  the tape and looked at it again and again and again. Then he spotted it. Something caught his eye. Something that gleamed like a nugget. The blond had begun to dominate the other woman, the pelvic motions that mimicked a man highlighted what looked like a necklace around her neck. Devoy froze the image and moved up closer to the screen. He used the remote to move the image frame by frame until he saw more clearly what the necklace held as it bounced around in the sexual frenzy. Finally he froze it and saw it for what it was: a crucifix. The necklace held a crucifix. Margo never wore a necklace of any sort let alone one carrying a religious emblem. It wasn’t her. He was sure of that. It was somebody who bore a startling resemblance to her but with slightly shorter hair. He heard somebody behind him. He turned. Angela had woken up.

  “ Found what you were looking for, Frank? Confirmation? “

  “ You were wrong, Angela. It’s not her. It’s not Mrs. Walsh. “

  “ How do you know then? “

  “ Let’s say my intimate knowledge of Mrs. Walsh allows me to state categorically that it’s not her. “

  “ Your intimate knowledge of her body tells you it’s not her? “

  “ Yes, now that you put it that way. “

  “ So who is it then? “

  “ I don’t know. I’ve a suspicion. All I can tell you is that Mrs. Walsh does not wear religious objects around her neck. Somewhere along the line we came across something like this but I can’t put my finger on it. I’m trying to get something together in my head but it’s not gelling. We have to keep on searching. “

  Angela yawned.

  “ I’ve already done my bit for the day. I’m sick of looking at those bitches. I’ve had enough. “

  She pointed at a stack of videocassettes on the floor with yellow post-its attached to them.

  “ See those, Frank. They feature facial close-ups. Even with the masks we could identify those women to some degree. You’ve forgotten we already have videos of Mrs. Marshall and that nursing sister called Flood. “

  “ So what do you suggest, then? “

  “ We go with your idea. Flush them out. “

  “ And how do we do that? “

  “ We go see them on some pretext relating to Caroline. Tell them we are clearing up a few loose ends. Improvise as we go along and see their reaction. “

  “ Tell me how do you as a heterosexual woman get a read off a lesbian? How do you determine a certain woman is a lesbian? “

  “ How do you as a hetero man get a read off a homosexual? “

  “ It only happened to me once when a man asked me for a light. I lit a match and cupped it for him so the wind wouldn’t blow it out and he cupped his hand around mine and squeezed it. “

  “ There you are. That’s the tell. “

  “ And with lesbians? “

  “ I suppose a certain look would come into it. An attempt to feel. That sort of thing. Bitch or butch. I suppose a hint of some sort. I don’t honestly know. Maybe an invitation, a veiled suggestion? There’s really no reference book for this sort of thing, Frank. You only know it when it happens. “

  “ I think we should pay them a visit and drop a few hints. If they won’t bite tell them what we found and see their reaction. Then confront them. They just might crack. “

  “ So even if they admit they are lesbians, so what? It’s not a crime. “

  “ I know it’s not a crime but my instinct tells me there’s something behind this circle – something criminal. Maybe it’s blackmail? I honestly don’t know. But I know one thing: we’re getting closer and closer. Look at the progress we’ve made so far. We’ve got to keep probing. We’ll know we’re getting close when the complaints come pouring in – when we start to get up people’s noses. “

  “ So do you propose we do that -I mean get up people’s noses? “

  “ We’re going to pay some of them a visit. I was thinking maybe this nursing sister out at the nursing home. I think she’d be worth quizzing. Who knows she may even try to hit off you. “

  “ Now wait a minute, Frank. I don’t want you using me as bait for these bitches. Forget it. “

  “ Only joking. You’d never pass for a butch anyway – maybe a bitch. You’ve had plenty of practice being one with me. “

  Angela waved her finger at him.

  “ Don’t try to provoke me, Frank. I’m not in the humour for it. Looking at those women doing what they do has made me feel inadequate. I feel my femininity has been soiled. “

  “ I’m sorry, Angela. It was a stupid remark. It’s Friday, let’s go out to dinner? “

  Angela shook her head.

  “ No, I don’t want to go out. I want to stay here. If I go out to a restaurant now I’ll only be scrutinizing women to see if they are lesbians or not
. Why don’t you go out and get a takeaway. Yes, a Chinese takeaway. Something spicy. Anything to take the taste of what I saw out of my mouth. Can you do that, Frank, for a real woman? “

  “ Anything in particular? “

  Angela winked at him.

  “ I’ll leave that to you. You’re good at that sort of thing. “

  When he came back twenty minutes later and knocked on the door he heard her undoing the bolts and locks. She beckoned him into the sitting room and then darted up the stairs telling him she’d be down soon. He went into the kitchen and sought out a few plates along with knives and forks. He placed everything on the coffee table and opened a bottle of wine. He took his jacket off and sat down on the sofa. He poured two glasses of wine and when Angela didn’t reappear he took a good draught of his. His stomach started to rumble as he opened the cartons and laid out the meals. Then he heard her coming down the stairs. He looked up from the food and his jaw dropped. The appetite that he had just felt was now replaced by another one. His mouth went dry. Angela was dressed in a long black skirt with high heels. She made her way across the room to him her hips moving provocatively as she maneuvered on the high heels. When she came up to him she lifted up one leg and placed it on the coffee table exposing a long length of thigh adorned in sheer black stockings ending in a garter. Devoy was mesmerized. He tried to swallow but his tongue was thick in his mouth.

  She then withdrew her leg and then reached up to her shoulders. She undid the strap and the dress whispered sexually as it fell to the floor. She had nothing on underneath. She took him by the head and made him look up at her.

  “ Frank, “ she said in a husky voice, “ seeing as I’m a real woman with a real woman’s needs I thought we’d start with dessert first if you don’t mind. “

  “ I don’t mind at all, Angela, “ Devoy replied. “ Whatever you want. “

  “ This is what I want, Frank. “

  Devoy’s appetite for food quickly diminished as his appetite for sex kicked in.

  ✽✽✽

  CHAPTER 28

  Saturday

  On the way out to the nursing home not a word passed between them. They has spent so much of the evening and night before being one there was nothing more to say.

  As the car ate up the kilometers one or the other of them reached over to feel the other just for reassurance. Devoy found it hard to keep his eyes on the road with its slick of rain that had fallen the night before symbolically washing away the dirt and depravity they had witnessed. Angela’s comforting hand came to caressing his crotch and remembering the night before his inclination was to pull over at a secluded spot and have her again against the side of the car. Her searching hand continued until he finally turned into the grounds of the nursing home.

  It was just coming up to ten o’clock when they parked the car and made their way to reception. When they entered there was nobody there manning the desk. All around them elderly and odd-looking people with vacant stares slumped in armchairs and sofas looking at nothing in particular. One man grabbed Devoy’s leg as he passed muttering something that Devoy couldn’t make out. Devoy had to unlock the man’s fingers from his leg. The man’s face reminded Devoy of Jack Nicholson’s antics in the Shining. Devoy managed to escape and went back to the desk. ‘ Police ‘, he shouted. “ Is anybody there? “

  Devoy and Moore looked at one another and shrugged. Then footsteps sounded. A small figure of a woman dressed in white materialized behind the counter.

  “ Can I help you? “ she asked in an American accent.

  Devoy took her to be Filipina.

  Devoy took out his police ID and flashed it at the woman.

  “ I’m Detective Devoy and this is Detective Moore. We’d like to see Sister Flood. “

  “ Have you got an appointment? “

  Devoy shook his head.

  “ Okay, “ replied the woman and picked up a house phone.

  She said something quickly in her own tongue and replaced the receiver.

  She smiled revealing perfect teeth like a toothpaste advertisement.

  “ Sister Flood is in a meeting. She will see you in fifteen minutes. That okay? “

  Devoy nodded.

  “ Follow me, “ she said.

  Devoy and Moore followed her down the corridor. Devoy knew they were heading to Flood’s office from his last visit after the murder of Fallon.

  The nurse stopped outside the office and gestured with her arm.

  “ Wait in here, please. “

  Devoy and Moore went into the office and sat down.

  After a few minutes of waiting a man came out of an inner office carrying a toolbox and a carton of videotapes. Devoy knew that the office held the surveillance system.

  He seemed surprised to see Devoy and Moore waiting.

  “ Oh, sorry.” he said, confused. “ I was just getting the new surveillance system in operation. I didn’t think anybody would be here. “

  “ Oh, that’s alright. We’re waiting for Sister Flood. “

  “ When she comes back will you tell her I’m checking the cameras on the other levels? “

  “ No problem, “ replied Devoy.

  The man left the office.

  An idea that had been running around in Devoy’s head for some time suddenly surfaced. He got up and went to the door.

  “ Angela, stay here, will you. I have something to do. “

  “ Don’t be long, “ she pleaded.

  Devoy followed the man out into the grounds. He caught up with him beside his van as he was loading his gear into it.

  “ Excuse me, “ Devoy said. “ You said you were getting a new surveillance system in operation. Would they be the old tapes? “

  The man looked at Devoy puzzled.

  “ They would. Why do you ask? “

  Devoy took out his police ID.

  “ I’m Detective Inspector Devoy. A copy was made of one of those tapes a few weeks ago following a murder here. We were able to identify the killer but the tape was very vague. Do you think we could have the original? “

  The man shrugged his shoulders.

  “ I don’t see why not if it’s in the interest of justice. Do you remember which one? There are hundreds more in the van. This is the last lot. “

  Devoy rummaged in the carton of videocassettes.

  “ The little bit of plastic at the back should be missing to stop the tape being used again. “ added the technician.

  “ I think it’s these ones. There’s a label on it saying it’s this month. “

  The man examined them.

  “ Yeah, that’s them. “

  Devoy looked past the man at the side of the van.

  “ I see you do enhancement and transfers to digital. “

  “ Yes, we do that, too. Why? “

  “ I was wondering could you possibly enhance the images on the last tapes and transfer it to a DVD/CD. “

  “ You’re talking about a lot of time and effort, Inspector. “

  “ Your cooperation would be appreciated Mister…? “

  “ Carmody. Larry Carmody. I’m already on your computer, Inspector as a matter of fact. “

  “ Oh, how’s that? “

  “ One of your colleagues booked me for speeding coming into town. I don’t mind paying the fine but I wasn’t supposed to be here in the first place and if my wife sees the ticket there’ll be hell to play. You know what I mean. “

  “ I’ve a good idea. So you’d like me to scratch your back for you, Mr. Carmody? “

  “ You scratch mine and I’ll scratch yours, Inspector. “

  Devoy nodded.

  “ Consider it done, Mr. Carmody. Write down the details here. If anybody gets nosey tell them you were doing a job for me. Okay? “

  “ Okay. I’ll get onto you when it’s ready. Give me your number. “

  Devoy gave him his private number.

  “ Incidentally, this is all highly confidential, Mr. Carmody. I’d appreciate your discretion in thi
s matter. Not a word to anyone and certainly not to Sister Flood. We’re still investigating two murders and one suicide. Places like this don’t exactly welcome bad publicity. “

  Devoy placed the videocassettes in his car and returned to the office. He got a surprise. Sister Flood was already there engrossed in conversation with Angela. Angela gave him a dirty look.

  “ Ah, there you are, Inspector Devoy. Detective Moore and I thought you had lost your way. “

  “ Sorry ladies. Call of nature. “

  “ Please take a seat, Inspector. Detective Moore was telling me you are trying to tie up some loose ends about poor Caroline. “

  “ That’s true. She didn’t appear to have any family and we saw you among the mourners and thought maybe you knew something about her. It’s just routine, of course. “

  Sister flood’s eyes flicked from Devoy to Angela and back again.

  “ Well it came as a terrible shock to those of us who were close to Caroline…”

  At the mention of the word ‘ close ‘ Devoy almost guffawed as the image of her and Caroline engaged in a sexual frenzy shot through his mind. Luckily, he managed to convert the guffaw into a cough.

  “ Are you alright, Inspector Devoy? “ Sister Flood asked standing up. ” Maybe a drink of water? “

  Devoy spotted a can of air freshener on the filing cabinet next to Sister Flood. He pointed to it.

  “ Sorry, Sister. I’m allergic to that type of air freshener. I’ll be okay. “

  As she leaned forward he tried to see was she wearing a crucifix on a chain but her blouse was buttoned up to her neck cutting off any view of the full breasts that were concealed there. It seemed to Devoy that Flood wouldn’t wear anything that would draw attention to her chest including a bra.

  Sister Flood nodded a few times as if mentally reassembling her thoughts.

  “ Well, as I was saying it was a terrible shock. Caroline was a well-known personality in this town. She had done pieces on me and a few other professional women and, of course, she loved sports. “