One Coffin Too Many

by Brendan O'Grady

  At the mention of ‘ sports ‘ Devoy felt Angela’s foot on his.

  “ So she had quite a circle of friends, then? “ Angela asked.

  Flood blinked a few times as if her brain had difficulty with the question.

  “ Yes, I suppose you could say that but I’d say more like acquaintances. She was into fitness, you know, health club. Played tennis from time to time, swimming. That sort of thing. “

  Devoy decided to ask a pointed question.

  “ She was obviously very much into women’s matters? “

  Flood’s eyes widened and her right hand went up to her chest.

  “ Women’s matters? Why do you say that, Inspector? “

  Devoy shrugged.

  “ Her work testifies to that. No men are mentioned. It’s as if they didn’t exist. The focus was entirely on women. “

  Flood smiled.

  “ I don’t think she was the marrying type, Inspector. Marriage and babies weren’t her thing. “

  “ You know she was a good friend of mine. “

  “ Oh, I didn’t know that. I never knew her to have male friends. “

  Devoy laughed.

  “ Oh, we weren’t bosom buddies or anything like that. Just a professional relationship. “

  “ Yes, if she was anything she was professional. Her work testifies to that. “

  Flood sat back happy with the way the interview was going.

  “ Tell me, “ asked Detective Moore. “ When did she come into your life? “

  “ My life? “ replied Flood scrunching up her eyes.

  Angela smiled.

  “ How did you get to know her? “

  Flood shrugged.

  “ Oh, one day she came here and introduced herself and asked would I be interested in having a piece done on me – professional women stance. “

  “ Did she ever say where she came from? Talk about family, brothers and sisters, that sort of thing? “

  “ No, she was very discreet about matters like that. “

  “ And you became friends/acquaintances? “

  “ Yes, you could say friends. “

  “ And you never thought to ask her about her background? Seems rather odd, don’t you think? “

  “ My, this seems like an interrogation. Why all the questions? “

  Devoy decided to step into the breach.

  “ Did she ever give you any inkling what she was up to? “

  “ Inkling of what, Inspector? “

  “ Her criminal activities. “

  “ Absolutely not – it’s hardly the sort of thing one would discuss with friends – with respectable, law-abiding people. “

  “ You know had she lived she would be facing years in prison. “

  “ That’s if she were proven guilty, Inspector. “

  “ You mean you have doubts about her culpability, Sister Flood? “

  “ It was never proven that she was actually at the scene of the crime – the arson attack on Mr. Horgan’s house. “

  “ That’s true but then she didn’t get those burns from a barbecue or too much sun either. We’ve no doubt she caused the fire. “

  “ I see. “

  “ Her prints were also found on the envelope that Mr. Horgan received at the prison containing ash. She was trying to send him a message of some sort. Have you any idea why? “

  “ I’ve no idea, Inspector. “

  “ Mr. Horgan’s solicitor, Mr. Dillon was waylaid and his office torn apart. His laptop was stolen and later recovered at Caroline’s cottage. Caroline was guilty. There’s no doubt about it. “

  It was Angela’s turn now.

  “ What we can’t figure out is why she was so preoccupied with Mr. Horgan. What had she got against him? Do you know? “

  Flood shook her head slowly.

  “ We’re in possession of her personal effects: camera, camcorder, computer, laptop etc. Everything is password blocked but our expert is working on it. Once he gets past it everything will tumble out. “

  “ Oh, “ Flood said. “ But surely that’s personal? “

  “ It won’t be made public knowledge except if it pertains to criminal matters. “

  “ I see, “ replied Flood whose chest was heaving at this stage.

  “ We also found certain items – personal items. “ added Angela.

  “ Personal items? “

  “ Personal, intimate items. “

  “ Oh. “

  The colour had now drained from Flood’s face. She was deathly pale. She started to purse her lips.

  “ We discovered she was a lesbian, Sister Flood. Did you know she was a lesbian? “

  “ Well, it’s not the sort of thing one would ask, is it? “

  “ But a normal woman would have a suspicion, wouldn’t she, Sister Flood? “

  “ A normal woman? “

  “ Yes, a woman interested in men. A heterosexual. “

  “ I don’t know. It’s not something I dwell on considering my position. “

  “ But even if you are a nursing sister you know what I’m getting at? “

  “ And what are you getting at, Detective. I’m rather lost here. “

  “ Women know these things instinctively, Sister Flood. A nudge here, a touch there. I’m not going to insult your intelligence by spelling it out for you. “

  “ You don’t have to spell anything out for me, Detective. I know the facts of life. “

  “ So you’d be aware of these things among women? “

  “ I suppose so. But it’s not something I’d be on the lookout for. It’s not part of my vocation. “

  “ Agreed but you’d be aware of it, nevertheless? “

  “ It’s not a crime, is it? “ asked Flood defensively.

  “ No, it’s not. “

  “ So? “

  “ But blackmail is. “

  “ Blackmail? I don’t understand. “

  “ Yes, we suspect blackmail is involved. “

  “ Blackmail! But who’s blackmailing whom? “

  “ That we don’t know for sure but ever since the death of Mr. Fallon here we’ve been looking round the edges. “

  “ The edges? What do you mean? “

  “ Horgan admitted to being here and even in the room of Mr. Fallon but he strenuously denied murdering him. He’d no motive, Sister Flood, none that we are aware of. “

  “ But he’s on the video tape. You saw it yourself in this very office. “

  “ That’s true but apart from that and his fingerprints in Mr. Fallon’s room there’s nothing else linking him to the murder. “

  “ But you were going to convict him for the murder? “

  Devoy shook his head.

  “ Wrong, Sister Flood. We prepare the case, present the evidence, the Director of Public Prosecutions examines the evidence and a jury convicts. Nobody else. “

  Flood looked at her watch.

  “ I’m sorry. This has taken up a lot of my time. You’ll have to excuse me. “

  Sister Flood stood up.

  “ You’ll keep us informed, Sister if something occurs to you – anything to throw some light on Caroline. “

  “ But of course, Inspector. I’ll help in any way I can. “

  “ That’s fine, Sister Flood. If we find anything interesting on Caroline’s computer and her library of CDs and DVDs we’ll let you know. “

  “ Caroline’s computer? Her library? “

  “ Yes, it seems she liked to record things. We’re presently ploughing through her collection of videocassettes, CDs and DVD’s. It seemed she liked to keep a record of all her interactions with everybody who stayed in her cottage. “

  “ You said interactions. What do you mean? “

  “ It seems she belonged to some sort of club – a woman’s club. I haven’t enough information to hand to determine what sort of club it was. However, time will tell. All I can tell you what we discovered so far is very compromising. In the hands of the wrong people it could do a lot
of damage. We suspect somebody has their hands on it already. “

  Devoy and Moore looked at Sister Flood. She seemed to have diminished in stature since they began the interview.

  “ Am I under suspicion for some reason, Inspector? “

  “ Why do you think you’d be under suspicion, Sister Flood? “

  Flood twisted and turned in her seat.

  “ I don’t know. I just have the impression this line of questioning is leading somewhere. “

  “ And do you know where that somewhere is, Sister Flood? “

  “ No, I don’t. “

  “ Well, like I said this is routine. “

  “ Routine, you say. It’s hardly routine, Inspector. You’ve been grilling me for over ten minutes now, insinuating certain things. “

  “ Like what? “

  “ This whole conversation has been angled to the fact that Caroline was a lesbian. Perhaps she was. I have only your word for that. But what I feel you’re trying to say is that if Caroline was a lesbian then she had lesbian friends. Is that what you’re trying to get at, Inspector Devoy? “

  Devoy spread his hands as if to state it was a reasonable assumption.

  The colour was now returning to Flood’s face. She was fighting back.

  “ I have to tell you, Inspector Devoy and you Detective Moore that I strongly resent your line of questioning. I think you should both leave now – right away! “

  Devoy and Moore stood up.

  “ As you wish, Sister Flood. “

  They both headed to the door.

  “ I’d just like to add that I have no intention of letting the matter rest like that. I’m going to take this up with your superior. Now, please leave. “

  Outside Angela dawdled to speak on the steps leading down to the parking area but Devoy hurried her along to the car.

  “ Save it for later, Angela, “ he said. “ Quickly, let’s get out of here. I want to see where she goes. “

  They both got into the car and drove out the gate.

  Just up the road from the entrance to the nursing home Devoy asked Angela to pull over.

  “ Watch, “ he said.

  A car suddenly came through the gate and headed in their direction.

  “ Is it a white Volkwagen? “ asked Devoy.

  “ Yes, “ replied Angela. “

  The car passed them.

  “ How did you know it was her? “

  “ I saw her get into it at Caroline’s funeral. Only the religious would drive around in a white car. They think their religious status puts them above the law. It’s their way of avoiding speeding tickets and parking fines. You see they are on God’s business, so to speak, or so they like to believe. God’s anointed with a blank cheque. A dangerous recipe. “

  “ You really don’t like them, Frank, do you? I can see you’re salivating at the thought of getting your hands on Sister Flood. “

  “ Perhaps, “ replied Devoy.

  “ How did you know she’d do that? “

  “ She didn’t want to use the phone. She thinks we’re listening in. Loose talk loses lovers. She’s going to warn the others or at least one of them. Let’s go. Don’t get too close to her. “

  “ You’ve really put the car among the pigeons now, Frank. “

  “ What did I tell you about getting close, Angela? “

  “ That people would start complaining because we’re annoying them. “

  “ So chalk one up for Sister Flood. “

  Ten minutes later they watched as Sister Flood parked outside a boutique. In the window was displayed lingerie leaving nothing to the imagination. A few men passed by, looked in, scanned the merchandise and hurried on hoping they wouldn’t be observed or asked in. Flood hesitated a few seconds, looked around and then entered the boutique.

  “ Hardly a nun’s outfitters, “ observed Devoy. “ I bet that belongs to Mrs. Marshall. I’d give a lot to know what’s going on in there. “

  “ So would I, Frank. “

  “ Yeah, it’s a pity you showed your face to Flood. I could have sent you in there to try on some of the sexy lingerie and see what the ladies are up to. I’d say this is where they measured up the talent with double mirrors. “

  “ You mean they look at women when they’re trying on something? “

  “ I wouldn’t put it past them. They may even arrange soirees for trying this gear on. That way they can see what’s available and take it from there. Who knows maybe we’re also dealing with bi-sexuals? Has that ever occurred to you? “

  “ I never gave it any thought. And you? “

  “ Nothing surprises me anymore. “

  “ And you expect me to go undercover as a lesbian? “

  “ Well it wouldn’t involve much, Angela. All you’d have to do is take your clothes off. “

  “ You really ask too much, Frank. I’m taking my clothes off for nobody and certainly not a bunch of lesbians. You deliberately left me alone in there with her. What were you trying to do? Trying to lead her on with me as bait? “

  “ Far from it. An opportunity presented itself and I took advantage. “

  “ What are you on about? “

  Devoy explained about the technician and the box of videocassettes.

  “ So you think there might be something there? “

  “ I don’t know. Carmody, that’s the technician, is going to enhance the image for us. Who knows what that will come up? “

  “ And when did this occur to you? “

  “ I had my suspicions all along. The evidence that was presented to us might have been altered evidence. “

  “ Altered evidence? “

  “ Yes altered. Horgan fitted the bill so he was shown to be guilty. But maybe we saw only what we wanted to see. After all we only have Flood’s word and videotape. I wonder what else was on the tape? “

  “ But it was you that discovered Horgan on the tape. “

  “ That’s true but that’s where I stopped. I found what I was looking for and left it there. I should have continued. God only knows what I missed. “

  “ So there could be something else there? “

  “ Exactly. “

  “ And you’re hoping this man Carmody might be able to brighten up the images. “

  “ That’s the general idea. I’m surprised Flood let those tapes out of her sight. She may regret it. So, getting back to Flood, did she try anything on you? “

  “ No, no thanks to you. “

  “ So, was it her in the video – the blond? “

  “ I’m almost certain. It’s hard to tell with the clothes on. But I’d say yes. And you? “

  “ I tried my best to peep into her blouse to see was there a crucifix there but she was too buttoned up. Obviously it’s not a good thing to excite elderly male patients dangling between one’s cleavage. But I’d say it’s her. “

  “ So what do we do now? “

  “ We wait. My bet is that one or the other will come out soon and head off to alert somebody else. We just have to sit here and wait. Do you think you could get out there on the street and take a discreet photo of them together when they come out. It could come in handy later. “

  Angela got out of the car and positioned herself behind a publicity panel.

  Ten minutes later both Mrs. Marshall and Sister Flood came out of the boutique. Mrs. Marshall locked the door and they both got into Flood’s Volkwagen.

  Angela came running back to the car.

  “ Did you get them? “ asked Devoy.

  “ No problem. They didn’t even look around. “

  “ Well done, Angela. Let’s see where they go. “ said Devoy.

  They followed Flood’s car out of town until it finally turned into the drive of the Marshall property.

  “ Damn, “ said Devoy. “ I was hoping they’d split up. I was anxious to grill Mrs. Marshall. I bet they’ll get onto Sullivan now. Start pulling up the drawbridges. “

  “ And us? “

  “ Oh, I think
after all that a drink is in order. Let the sisterhood stew for the weekend. “

  “ That’s the sisterhood, Frank. What about a real woman? “

  “ Oh, I’ll think of something, Angela. “

  When Devoy came home there was a long message for him on his computer. It was from his wife.

  Hell Frank, I know we’re separated. But could you at least think of our daughter, Sienna. She’s always asking about you and when you will phone. Do your duty, Frank. Call her. Madame Devoy.

  “ Bad news? “ asked Angela.

  “ Madame and Mademoiselle Devoy are reminding me of my lack of attention – telephonically speaking. “

  “ Oh, Frank. You shouldn’t neglect your daughter. She’s a little doll. “

  “ Not my fault. Too much on my plate. “

  “ You should make time. You’ll only regret it later on. “

  “ Listen, I was wondering. Are you free this afternoon? “

  “ Is this a date or more police work? “

  “ Both. “

  “ Why? “

  “ Something just occurred to me. The way Flood was going on. She triggered something in my mind. “

  “ The videos you saw. Do you remember anything about the décor – where it took place, for example? “

  “ Vaguely. Why? “

  “ We overlooked Caroline’s place. We assumed all the action took place there. But what if it hadn’t? If all the action took place in Caroline’s place then they’d have nothing to fear. But if it took place elsewhere and somebody had arranged a little camera work then they were open to blackmail. Blackmail could be the key to all this and it could explain why Horgan was targeted. What better way to have him eliminated courtesy of a frame up.“

  “ Are you saying Horgan had some sort of hold on these women? “

  “ Yes, I’m going to go with that. Maybe they rented out one of his cottages and he decided to have a look hoping for some good pornographic material but instead he tumbled on a bunch of lesbians. And they were not wearing masks. “

  “ So you want to have a look at some videos and then Caroline’s cottage? “

  “ That’ll bring us a step further. “

  “ Okay, let’s eat and then we’ll have a look. “

  Just after two o’clock Devoy and Moore stood outside Caroline’s cottage listening. When they were satisfied there was nobody inside they entered the cottage. They closed the door after them and locked it just in case they had visitors. They went through the cottage examining every room just to be on the safe side. When they were satisfied they both sat down on a couch.