A little after two o’clock Kevin Wade was marched from his cell to an interview room down the corridor by two policemen where his solicitor Robert O’Neill waited for him along with Devoy and Burke. A cassette player lay on the table between them with a cassette still enclosed in cellophane on top of it.
Devoy nodded at Burke who tore the cellophane off and inserted the cassette in the recorder.
Devoy announced the day, date and time, and also who were present. He also stated the charges.
“ Well Kevin, “ began Devoy, “ I really have to hand to you and Robert Kennedy now deceased. You took me for the proverbial ride with that coffin. There was nobody in it and it wasn’t foreign nor was it lead-lined. It was there as a smoke screen – the proverbial red herring. And why was it clean? The answer was simple. No prints, no implication. What do you say to that, Mr. Kevin Wade? “
Wade looked at his attorney who shook his head slowly.
“ I haven’t a notion what you’re talking about, Detective Inspector Devoy. “
“ Fine, Mr. Wade. Fine. Now try this. How much do you earn as a caretaker of a cemetery? “
Wade smiled.
“ You already know the answer to that, Detective Devoy. “
Devoy shuffled the papers in front of him.
“ And how much were you earning as an able-bodied seaman – I’m excluding the smuggling sideline you had going for you? “
“ That’s easily verifiable, sir. “
“ You mean what you were earning as a seaman or the smuggling? “
“ As a seaman. “
“ And the other source of revenue? “
“ I don’t know what you referring to. “
Devoy opened another file in front of him.
“ Well the Americans, the Canadians, the French and the British would tend to disagree with you there. In fact they’ve been looking for you for some time now. The Americans in particular. In New Orleans. I heard their state prison is a real holiday camp. Some prisoners prefer to be executed rather than spend any time in the place. “
“ Is that really necessary, Detective Inspector Devoy? “
“ Well I thought I’d give your client a tour of the other countries that are already looking for him. That’s only fair, don’t you think. Life in some American states means precisely that. Feet first exit. “
“ With all due respect you’re scaremongering. “
“ Am I. It seems the scare is already in. I can see why your client decided to opt for dry land and look after the dead. “
“ So your client knows nothing about these charges of smuggling, I presume? “
Wade made a face.
“ I may have smuggled a few packets of cigarettes every now and then but that’s all. “
Devoy gave a little laugh.
“ Our cousins didn’t go into details but I suspect it was something somewhat more stimulating than tobacco they were interested in. The DEA would like to talk to you. They’re not really interested in fags by the way. And do you know what those initials stand for, Mr. Wade? No, lost your memory? Drug Enforcement Agency. Yes, the Feds. Heavy hitters these fellas. Anyway let’s leave that aside for the time being. Have a look at this, Mr. Wade, and this, and this. “
Devoy pushed three sheets of paper across the table at Wade.
“ Nice bit of arithmetic there, Kevin. You and your wife. There you are scrimping a living as a caretaker, living in cheap, rented accommodation, driving a wreck of a car that’s at least twenty years old and with all this money in the bank. I didn’t think the mourners gave out handsome tips at funerals but then maybe I’m wrong. Maybe it’s quaint custom in this part of the country? “
“ And let me tell how I think you got it. You and Bob Kennedy were involved in some racket involving cheap coffins coming in from China and flogging them off to the unsuspecting public as genuine Irish ones, made from Irish wood and by Irish craftsmen. You were importing them broken down and reassembling them in that factory behind Cremin’s out of the way mansion. For some reason or the other you all fell out probably over money and Cremin ended up being tortured and killed in one of his cheap coffins. Not a nice way to go. Having one’s ears stapled to the inside of a coffin and ending up with a six-inch nail embedded in one’s forehead. No, not a nice way to go, at all, Mr. Wade and your prints as well as Kennedy’s are all over the place especially the tools. “
“ You can’t get us on that. Kennedy and I worked there. Why wouldn’t our prints be there? “
“ You’re right but thank you for confirming it. It just might be another nail in your coffin, Kevin. “
Devoy looked at his watch.
“ It’s nearly three o’clock. Anybody else got any further questions? “
Everybody remained mute.
“ Fine. Well in that case I’m suspending this session until further notice. “
Everybody got to leave.
“ Oh, just one more thing, Kevin. “
Wade looked over at Devoy.
“ It’s this, Kevin, “ he said, shoving a large coloured photo of the head of Cremin in the coffin with his ears nailed to the sides and a nail in his forehead.
“ I’d like you to reflect on that over the weekend. At your handiwork. I’m sure the jury will be impressed. “
Kevin Wade ignored the photograph. Devoy took it back and returned it to the folder.
“ Mr. O’Neill we let you know when the session resumes. In the meantime…”
Just then all conversation was drowned out by the sound of sirens.
“ What the devil’s going on? “ asked Devoy.
Officer Burke left the room and went down the corridor to the reception area. He came back quickly.
“ The Mitchell mansion is on fire. In fact it’s half-destroyed. Every fire tender is out there. They’ve asked for reinforcements and volunteers. “
Devoy’s phone started to buzz across the table. He picked it up and switched it. There was SMS for it. He pressed the screen and the message appeared. It simply said: Mission Accomplished.
Robert O ‘Neill, Wade’s solicitor came over to him.
“ Detective Inspector Devoy. You were about to say something? “
“ Ah, yes, sorry, Mr. O’Neill. We hope to resume on Monday. Kevin Wade will be held over until he is transferred to the local prison. I’ll keep you informed. “
“ You’ll be opposing bail, I presume? “
“ For first degree murder. Of course. “
“ Very well then. See you Monday. “
Devoy was about to place the phone in his pocket when it buzzed again. This time it was a call. He didn’t recognize the number.
“ Detective Inspector Devoy? “ he heard a man’s voice ask.
“ Yes, who’s this? “
“ McFadden. Out at the flying club. You remember me? “
“ Of course I do. What can I do for you, Mr. McFadden? “
“ Two things. “
“ Yes? “
“ Somebody left a four-wheel drive for you out here in our parking. It’s been there some time. A JEEP. Do you know anything about it? “
“ I do. And the other matter? “
“ Well I’d prefer to see you in private about that if you don’t mind. “
“ I’d like to accommodate you, Mr. McFadden but I’m up to my neck in things. “
“ I can understand that, Detective Inspector Devoy but if you’ll spare me a few moments some of the questions you were asking me some weeks ago have borne fruition. Let me explain. “
Devoy listened.
“ Four o’clock you say. I’ll be right there. Give me ten minutes. “
Devoy turned to Burke.
“ Something’s come up. You’ll have to get out to the Marshall home or what’s left of it on your own. Better sign out a car. I’ve some fish to fry. “
Fifteen minutes later McFadden was explaining to Devoy how he came to be in possession of a second set of keys belonging to the JEE
P.
“ A fellow called Mike Scully, one of our members gave me the package yesterday afternoon. It seems the owner of the JEEP was late for a connecting flight from the Regional airport and asked him could he ferry her to the airport. She paid him 500 Euros and he deposited her there. She then gave him this envelope addressed to you and there you are. “
“ I see. And the other matter? “
“ I was about to phone you when I received a call from a woman claiming to be the law clerk of a local firm. She said she was calling on behalf of a widow called Mrs. Kennedy whose husband was a member here. I checked it out on the computer and indeed we had a Kennedy there – a Robert Kennedy. She went on to say that she was authorized to collect any belongings that belonged to the late Mr. Kennedy and would I be there at four o’clock tomorrow to receive her? “
“ I agreed and it was only after I attended to other more pressing matters that I realized today was Saturday. I phoned back to speak to her but the receptionist at the law firm said she’d never heard of this woman – a certain Pauline Clarke and, besides, they were closed on Saturdays. So that was that.“
“ So what made you contact me now? “
“ The whole day I’d been reflecting on this matter and all the questions you asked me ages ago so I decided to see what Mr. Kennedy had in his locker. “
“ So you had a look? “
“ Yes, I did. I had no choice. Besides, I smelt a rat. The office has a spare key. See for yourself, Detective Inspector. All will be revealed. “
McFadden undid the lock and opened the door. Devoy couldn’t believe his eyes.
“ Quickly! Lock it up again. We’ll set a trap for the little lady – for Miss Pauline Clarke. You open the lock for her and make yourself scarce. In case the lady is the violent type. I’ll handle it from there. “
At a quarter to four a small grey car eased itself into the Aero Club’s small parking space. A small woman wearing sun glasses and a hat got out of the car. She then unloaded a large suitcase from the boot along with a shoulder bag which she hoisted onto her shoulder. She looked at her watch and then around her. She began walking slowly towards the building. She didn’t bother looking up otherwise she would have spotted Devoy and McFadden looking down at her. She paused at the sign outside the door that indicated the various departments around the flying club. She took off her sunglasses and then entered the building. Inside she consulted another sign for directions and saw that Mr. McFadden’s office was on the first floor. She looked around for a lift and seeing none proceeded to mount the stairs lugging the large suitcase up each step. She was about halfway up when she saw a man wearing a dark blue suit coming down. He smiled at her.
“ Would you be Miss Clerk by any chance? “ he asked.
She looked up at him and nodded.
“ I’m sorry, Miss. I should have met you at the entrance. “
He came down the stairs and stood beside her.
“ Let me help you with that, Miss. I’m James McFadden by the way and I run the flying club. Maybe we spoke on the phone? “
“ Yes, that was me. “
McFadden reached for the suitcase.
“ It’s okay, Mr. McFadden. I’ll hold onto it. “
“ Right. I believe you’re looking for the late Robert Kennedy’s personal effects? “
“ That’s true. I believe they’re in a locker, Mr. McFadden. “
“ Yes, every member has his own locker. Have you got the key? “
“ Yes, his widow furnished me with it. “
“ Well in that case follow me. The locker room is on the ground floor so it’s back down again. “
The woman followed McFadden down the stairs and into a room at right angles to it. He held the door open for her and then pointed out the late Robert Kennedy’s locker. He switched on the lights to accommodate her.
“ Last one on the right, Miss Clarke. I’ll leave you to it, then. “
She nodded and he turned and left the locker room.
Devoy watched her open the lock and look inside. He heard her gasp and with good reason. She looked around quickly to make sure McFadden was gone and then proceeded to open the suitcase. Then she reached into the locker and dragged out a duffle bag. It was heavy. She undid the fastener and peered inside. A great smile crossed her face. She closed it and squeezed it into the suitcase. Then she turned back to the locker and pulled out another one. She checked the contents of this bag, too. Satisfied she placed it alongside the other bag and leaned on it for good measure. She locked the suitcase and stood it on its castors. She gave a little squeal of delight and started to walk out of the locker room. When she came to the door she switched off the light and pushed the door open. She immediately made for the door leading to the planes. She was half way across the floor when she heard a plane start up. She increased her pace until a cylindrical object rolled across her path. She stopped and followed the progress of the object as it continued on its way until it came up against a pillar. When she brought her gaze back she saw another object of the same type following the path of the first. This time she looked to the right to the right to see where it was coming from. That was when she saw Detective Inspector Devoy in the shadow of the staircase. He was grinning at her. He had another flare in his hand. Her jaw dropped in surprise and her face blanched.
“ You forget the flares, Mrs. Kennedy when you were clearing out your husband’s locker. You really should have stayed for Bobby’s funeral. Whatever will your neighbours think now. “
Theresa’s Kennedy’s face now went red in anger.
“ Fuck you, “ she replied. “ You lousy cop. Why don’t you get yourself a real job? “
“ I’d love to, Mrs. Kennedy but I’m up to my neck chasing crooks like you. I just haven’t the time. “
Theresa Kennedy turned back to the door that led to the airfield but a uniformed policeman was standing there blocking the way. She turned the other way to the entrance and it was the same story. She was trapped. She left go of the handle of her suitcase and moved away from it as if it were contaminated.
“ Don’t do any foolish now, Mrs. Kennedy. The game’s over. We know what’s in those duffel bags. Put your hands on your head and get down on your knees like a good woman. “
Theresa Kennedy did as she was told. The two policemen came in and handcuffed her. When she stood up Devoy came up to her.
“ Theresa Kennedy I’m arresting you for complicity in torture, murder, and robbery. You have the right to remain silent ….”
Theresa Kennedy didn’t hear the rest. Tears were streaming down her face. She cast a look at the board posting the flights scheduled for that day. She saw Mike Scully’s name scrawled on the board – the flight that was supposed to have taken her to the Regional airport fifteen minutes away and freedom. She heard the engine of his plane rev and then he was hurtling down the runway leaving her behind. She was still sobbing when they put her into the back of the patrol car and placed her suitcase in the boot. She took a last look at the airfield knowing full well she wouldn’t be seeing one for a long time, a very long time.
✽✽✽
CHAPTER 44
Sunday Evening
Devoy watched Helen Roche make short shrift of the crab’s claw as she cracked it open with the pincers and then using a long metal object like some instrument from a dentist’s surgery proceeded to ferret out morsels of white flesh from the shattered limb. She took another sip of the chilled white wine and shook his head. Helen Roche stopped eating and looked at him.
“ You look disgusted, Frank. What’s up? The salmon not good? “
“ The salmon’s was excellent and is the wine. “
“ So why the grimace? “
“ All that cracking, breaking and searching the limbs of a poor crab. What a lot of effort for a morsel of meat. I’m sure you’re exhausted after all that. “
“ It’s not exactly a crab, Frank. It’s an araignée. It’s supposed to have more flesh. I’d have thought yo
u would have known that seeing you’ve a French wife. “
“ I see you’ve done your homework on me. “
“ You could say that, Frank. Be prepared and all that. “
“ Anyway, just in case you’re going to accuse me of being a steak and chips man I actually prefer seafood. “
“ So why the fuss, then? “
“ I suppose it’s because I like my fish like I like my women – without the armor. “
“ Right. I can see you’re in a macho mood tonight. It must be because you wrapped up all those cases. “
“ My, oh, my, isn’t the sisterhood militant tonight. “
The waitress came over to their table and poured another glass for them. As she went off Devoy watched her intently.
Roche shook her head.
“ You’re wasting your time, Frank. Take it from me. She’s already booked. “
“ Is that a fact, then, Helen? “
“ It’s a fact, Frank. Just believe me. Okay. “
They both looked around at the other patrons.
“ I was talking to John Carroll. He’s the head of the local fire brigade. He couldn’t get over the fact that only one side of the Marshall mansion went up – that and the fact that the ruins stank of petrol everywhere as if the place had been torched. “
One Coffin Too Many Page 51