One Coffin Too Many

by Brendan O'Grady

  “ Fuck you, Devoy, “ he roared and then set off again. He looked over his shoulder to see how far Devoy was behind him when he failed to see the bus approaching. The driver braked but Conway was going too fast and the bus caught him and propelled him into the air like a rag. He came down and lay still. By the time Devoy got there the blood was gushing out of him. Devoy knew right away he was dead. His head lay at an unusual angle. Broken neck, Devoy thought. The Nikon lay crushed below him and somehow the memory card had slipped out. Devoy quickly pocketed it and stood up. A group of medical people came running down the steps.

  “ Is he…” asked the first one, an intern.

  “ Yes, very much so. “

  “ Dreadful. Who are you? “

  “ I’m a policeman. Detective Inspector Devoy. “

  The doctor looked him up and down.

  “ Of course you are. “

  “ Undercover, “ added Devoy with a grin.

  “ Appalling. “

  “ Yes, “ replied Devoy. “ And it was such a good camera, too. “

  ✽✽✽

  CHAPTER 32

  Friday

  Superintendent Sullivan blew out his breath in disgust.

  “ Frank, today’s Friday in case you forgot. Friday is the day when desk jockeys like me get to clear up their paperwork, send it off to HQ and retire for the weekend. I even went out yesterday evening and bought a whole load of bait so I could spend the whole weekend fishing. I even had the folly to think I could get away early. Ah, but no such luck, Frank. No such fucking luck. And there I was thinking with you in hospital and out of harm’s way that maybe, just maybe I would have a chance considering all that has happened. But no, it was not to be. And what do I find on Friday morning a whole load of crap on my desk and it all goes back to you. “

  “ But…”

  “ Please, Frank, don’t say a word. Just let me get all this anger out of me before I explode. Okay? “

  Devoy nodded.

  “ Let me recapitulate. I thought we had agreed that in all future ventures you would keep me in the loop. It wasn’t too much to ask now, was it? I mean I consider myself a decent sort of man, I let my men and women go about their work without constantly looking over their shoulders like some superintendents I know. But this, Frank… “ Sullivan tapped the sheet of paper in front of him on his desk. “ This is over the top, Frank. Over the bloody top. “

  “ I can explain, Harry. “

  “ I know you can, Frank. That’s what I’m afraid of. “

  “ Let’s see and this is from the Director of the hospital and I quote. Sometime after six o’clock in the evening (visiting time), the quiet of the hospital was disrupted by the sight of two men running down the corridor, one bleeding profusely from his nose, the other clad in dressing gown and pajamas shouting police, stop that man. Of course, nobody paid the slightest attention to these entreaties called out by the second man as policemen are rarely running about in pajamas. Next a nurses’ station was overturned by these two brutes as they careered around corners pushing people out of the way and shouting obscenities at each other. Security men who came to the aid of the nursing staff were brusquely pushed out of the way and subjected to vile language especially by the second man who claimed to be a policeman. One of the security men broke his dentures in the scuffle. As if this wasn’t enough the individual with the bloody nose was run over and killed by a bus as he tried to escape his pursuer. The pursuer later turned out to be a detective inspector, or so he claimed. A certain Frank Devoy to be exact, a thoroughly disgusting individual by all accounts and, as it turns

  out, one of our patients. I mean, what is the world coming to? When he was questioned by a doctor to account for his behavior he informed him that he was acting undercover. I mean how glib can one get. And, as for his remarks on the poor unfortunate who lost his life, what can one say?

  PS. I forgot to add that another policeman was later found in Detective Inspector’s room later on suffering from injuries sustained while fighting the deceased.

  I think it would be best for all concerned to advise us of any further undercover activities in the hospital so that we can take precautions.

  Yours respectfully,

  Dr. Kevin Hyland.

  “ So there you are, Frank. Any word on Sergeant Power? “

  “ He’s got two broken ribs. They’ll let him out tomorrow. “

  “ That’s three cops in hospital. Why, Frank? “

  “ Because of this, “ replied Devoy, taking the memory card out of his pocket and placing it on the desk in front of Sullivan.

  “ What’s this about? “ asked Sullivan.

  Devoy told him.

  “ And who tipped you off? “

  “ Tom Cronin, the editor of the Courier. Conway tried to sell him the photos. “

  Sullivan shook his head in disgust.

  “ The sick little bastard. He could have caused havoc. “

  “ Yeah, Cronin really saved the day for us. We owe him. He led Conway along and Conway took the bait. The scene in the hospital was engineered to some degree. We’d no choice. Had Conway lived he’d be up for attempted blackmail. It could have been messy. “

  “ So how are we going to manage this one seeing as the other one is still looming in the background? Have you got any ideas? “

  “ Well first let’s dispose of Conway’s passing. I think we should say that he was caught taking photographs inside the hospital without permission – was challenged and decided to make a run for it. Let’s keep it simple. “

  Sullivan nodded.

  “ You’ve got all this witnessed and secured? “

  “ Of course. Sergeant Power witnessed it personally from behind the closet and I recorded the whole incident on video. Nobody’s going to ask any difficult questions about that. “

  “ Okay, Frank, if the press want to know tell them that and nothing else. “

  “ As you wish, Harry. “

  “ One thing I can’t figure, Frank. How did Conway know you and Detective Moore were on the beach? It seems a bit of a coincidence to me. “

  “ It was no coincidence, Harry. Conway admitted he was tipped off. Probably by the same people who set me and Detective Moore up. We’re dealing here with dangerous people – people who will stop at nothing to achieve their ends. Leave things to me, Harry. I’ll sort the matter out when I’m up and running again. “

  “ Look, Frank, I can’t leave it to you. You have to keep me in the loop. I don’t want any more surprises. Any news on Detective Moore? “

  “ They’re considering letting her out on Saturday or Sunday. “

  “ Have you spoken to her yet? “

  “ No, I haven’t had the chance. I had to deal with Conway first. Get it out of the way. Keep the road clear before we tackle the other matter. “

  “ Do you think she’ll be able to cope, Frank? “

  “ Hard to tell, Harry. She hasn’t an idea what’s on the tape. “

  “ That’s what worries me. How do you think she’ll cope when he sees both of you together? I think she’s going to need another female to help her out. Let me phone around and see what personnel and social services can do. I don’t want her going over the edge, Frank. “

  “ I think she’s got a sister somewhere who may be able to help. I’ll ask her. “

  “ Somebody told me she’s a local girl? “

  “ That’s true but I don’t think she’ll fancy going back to Mom and Dad after this. Too much explaining to do. “

  “ Okay, I’m going to ask the police doctor to give her indefinite sick leave. We’ll have to get somebody from within the service to help her – a female. I’ll look around. There has to be somebody floating about like me waiting for an opening. Now normally considering the magnitude of this case or cases I’d have to kick this upstairs. But I’ve decided to keep this matter under wraps for the time being. In other words let’s keep the lid on it locally. If it gets out of control, Frank, I’ll have
no option but to bring in others. We have to avoid stop this blowing up in our faces and turning into an enormous scandal. I don’t need to remind you that I’ll be out of here in a few weeks’ time. Whatever happens won’t have the slightest effect on my pension. Those I leave behind will pay the price if

  things get out of hand. Remember that, Frank. As the next in charge you’ll be left holding the baby and dealing with the shit. “

  Devoy nodded.

  “ Incidentally, what did you say to the doctor who arrived on the scene? “

  “ He said it was appalling. “

  “ This was referring to Conway? “

  “ I thought he was referring to the Nikon. It was worth at least a grand. “

  “ Good day, Frank. Remember what I said. “

  “ I’ve taken everything on board, Harry. Don’t you worry. “

  “ But I do worry, Frank. I do worry. You handle this well, Frank and you could end up sitting on this side of the desk in no time. Make a mess and you’ll be chasing poachers and poteen-makers for years in armpit country. You’ve been warned! “

  ✽✽✽

  CHAPTER 33

  Saturday

  “ Stop here, Frank. Stop right here! “

  Devoy pulled over. He had collected her from the hospital earlier. She had insisted on going through the town for some reason although he wanted to avoid it.

  “ Why here, Angela? “

  “ Because this is where the nightmare started last Monday. You got out of the car down the street and you asked me to keep an eye on Mrs. Marshall. I moved up here to ally suspicion and waited. I saw you going up the street, you went into a newsagents and then you came out. You crossed the road and I lost sight of you then. I was became anxious and wondered what happened to you and then suddenly Mrs. Marshall’s Range Rover pulled out and went past me. I followed her. “

  “ And what happened then? “

  “ She drove for kilometers and kilometers down winding secondary roads and winding lanes for what seemed like ages. I lost track of where I was. I wanted to phone you but I couldn’t – I had to keep my eyes on the road and then I lost sight of the car. I seemed to have come to a dead end. I got out of the car and then nothing …darkness. “

  “ It couldn’t have been Mrs. Marshall. When I discovered Horgan’s estate agency was closed I went into the nearby coffee shop to wait. I was reading the paper which I’d bought as a cover when who should turn up at the table only Mrs. Marshall. I was about to call you just to check in but what was the point? Our target was sitting opposite me and she was offering to put me in touch with Caroline’s friends. So I relaxed and let her talk. We had coffee and cakes – all very civilized and I was then invited to a viewing normally strictly reserved for ladies to talk to these women. I took her up on this offer and I walked into a dark hole. “

  “ So it was somebody else in the Range Rover? “

  “ It had to be. It couldn’t have been Mrs. Marshall or Beatrice as she asked to call her. “

  “ Beatrice. Very middle class. I bet she’s convent educated. “

  “ Probably and a graduate of the Sorbonne. Wears animal furs to all occasions if only to provoke people. “

  “ Yes, I know the type. “

  “ So we were literally taken a for a ride – the two of us. “

  “ Why? “

  “ We got too close for comfort. I think my observation about the wedding rings provoked it. Sorry. “

  “ Sorry? Why, Frank? “

  “ Let me get you home, Angela. You’ve had it rough. We’ll discuss it over a cup of tea. Okay? “

  Angela nodded.

  Devoy put the car in gear and drove off.

  Angela sat opposite Devoy and sipped her tea.

  “ God, am I glad to be out of there. “

  “ You’re home now, Angela. Relax. It’ll take some time. “

  “ You’re obviously back on duty, Frank? “

  Devoy nodded.

  “ Yes, you could day that. But don’t forget it’s Saturday. “

  “ And the criminal class can’t afford to take time off so ditto the cops. “

  “ Spoken like a true policewoman. “

  “ So when can I go back on duty, Frank? Monday? “

  Devoy shook his head.

  “ You’re on indefinite sick leave, Angela. Doctor’s orders. “

  “ And if I refuse? “

  “ Superintendent’s orders. It was Sullivan’s decision. You’ve to stay here. “

  “ Sit here for weeks trying to figure out what happened that day to me. No thank you, Frank. “

  “ You’ve no choice, Angela. Don’t fight it. Sullivan and the doctor thought it was the best thing to do. Everything will come back to you. “

  “ Everything? “

  “ Look Angela it’s not that simple. It just wasn’t you – it was me too. “

  “ What do you mean, Frank? The same thing happened to both of us?

  “ I don’t think you can cope with what happened to you for the moment. I think you should let matters lie and take one day at a time. Take the pills the doctor gave you and try to relax. You’re only out of hospital a day. Give it time. “

  “ They did something to me, didn’t they, Frank? “

  “ I’m afraid so, Angela. “

  “ So why don’t you tell me? You’re my colleague and boss and also my lover. If anybody is close to me it’s you, Frank. Tell me. Please. “

  “ It’s too early, Angela. “

  “ You’re hiding something from me – something horrible. What is it? “

  “ They did the same to me, Angela. But I’m a man, I can wear it. “

  “ And I can’t because I’m a woman. Is that it? “

  “ Yeah, in a nutshell. That’s it. I don’t want to be explicit. “

  “ I was raped? Is that it? “

  Devoy took a long time replying.

  “ Come on, Frank. Tell me. “

  Devoy nodded.

  “ Yes, you were raped. “

  “ The bitches. “

  “ No, not them, Angela. “

  “ Then who? “

  Devoy stood up and walked over to the window.

  “ You know the person? “

  “ Of course I do. “

  “ Then who, Frank? “

  “ Me, Angela. It was me. I was the rapist. I violated your body. “

  “ But…? “

  “ There are no buts about it, Angela. It was me. “

  “ But how do you know it was you, Frank? “

  “ They videoed us, Angela. They’ve got us on DVD. Jesus. What can I say? “

  “ Oh, Frank. “

  “ Yes, Angela. They’ve got us on film. “

  “ Have you seen it? “

  “ Yes, I have, “ lied Devoy.

  “ And…”

  “ And nothing is left to the imagination, Angela. We were drugged up to the eyeballs but there it is. “

  “ Has anybody else seen it? “

  “ No, “ lied Devoy. “ It was taped to my body. There was a message attached to it. “

  “ What did it say, Frank? “

  “ It said: Don’t dig where you don’t have to dig!

  “ We got too close to the lesbians, didn’t we, Frank? “

  “ Yes, that and something else. “

  “ What? “

  “ I haven’t a notion, Angela. “

  “ Why am I off work, Frank and not you? “

  “ They were afraid of your reaction. Somebody took photos of us naked in the car on a beach. “

  “ Who? “

  “ You remember that young reporter doing a stint at the Courier? “

  “ Yes, why? “

  “ It was him. “

  “ But how did he know? “

  “ He was tipped off, Angela by the same people who kidnapped both of us. He tried to sell the pictures to Cronin but Cronin tipped us off and we were able to trap Conway. He tried to blackma
il me. “

  “ So what’s going to happen to him? Blackmail is a serious business. “

  “ Well as far as Conway is concerned it’s a dead end. He ran under a bus at the hospital trying to escape from me. “

  “ And the photos? “

  “ I managed to snatch them where he had been killed. “

  “ So who knows? “

  “ Cronin saw them but that’s all. He refused to have anything to do with Conway’s scheme. “

  “ And nobody else? “

  “ As far as everybody else is concerned they don’t exist – never existed. They died with Conway, the little shit. “

  “ So when are you going to show me the DVD, Frank? “

  “ I don’t want to show you the DVD, Angela, please. “

  “ What’s the big deal? We’ve been banging each other for weeks now. We’re lovers. What’s new? “

  “ What’s new? I’ll tell you what’s new. The DVD is only a copy, Angela. They’ve got the original. They have us by the proverbial short and curlies. They’re trying to make themselves fireproof. From now on we’ll have to walk on eggs around them. Do you understand that? “

  “ Yes, Frank, I can imagine what they have hanging over us. “

  “ Good. As long as you understand that, Angela. They’re holding all the aces and for the moment I can’t think how to trump them. There has to be a way. We’ve got to find it. I don’t know how we’re going to do it but we have to. Otherwise we’re finished here in this town. Especially me. You can survive this. You are young. I’ll take the rap. I owe you that. I shouldn’t have left you alone that day. I’ll always regret that no matter how things turn out. I let you down as your superior officer. My male ego got the better of me. “

  “ Oh, Frank. “

  ✽✽✽

  CHAPTER 34

  Monday

  Devoy ambled in to the reception area of the police station at half-past eight. He was so preoccupied he forgot to say hello to the desk sergeant.

  “ Morning, Frank, “ he heard him say. “ Welcome back. “