Taking the Town

by Ford Murphy

  ~ * ~

  Chief Superintendent McGill switched off the television and looked at his wife. “What a load of bullshit. He’ll get no support from the police on this. Yes, we’ll do our jobs, but no one is going to pursue this vigorously.”

  “What definite line of enquiry is he talking about?”

  Mike shook his head. “There is none. There was no evidence whatsoever. There weren’t even any signs of a break-in. It could have been an inside job for all we know since they appeared to have let the attacker in. We have nothing concrete that links anyone to the scene.”

  That was true. However, Mike knew exactly what Delany was doing. He was building a circumstantial case against Finn Lane.

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  February, 1984

  Three Years Earlier

  Less than hour after Finn had broken the sad news of Whitney’s murder in Chicago to Professor Spaulding, he assembled all of the chemistry post grad students in one of the labs.

  “I suspect by now most of you have heard the news about Whitney Campbell. She was indeed found murdered in Chicago.”

  No one spoke for a moment. In fact, the only sounds were sobs that escaped from Whitney’s heartbroken friends.

  Professor Spaulding continued. “Whitney was unique in so many ways. She was a smart, generous, beautiful, young woman. Outgoing and personable, she never met a stranger. While she came to KenTech on an athletic scholarship, it became immediately obvious that she was, in fact, a scholar. Her work here as a postgrad has contributed in a very meaningful way to our research. Her sparkling personality, skills and zest for life will be sorely missed.”

  He paused for a moment, appearing to consider his next words. “I am certain that you are also aware that Morgan Herman is missing and considered a suspect in Whitney’s murder. Please remember that he is only a suspect. There is still very little information and it is possible that Morgan too is a victim.”

  This last part was a hard sell to the majority of the assembled students who had by now decided that Morgan was completely guilty. Finn was still unsure. He had to admit that this seemed like the most realistic scenario but he found it hard to come up with a motive.

  Was it possible, in the heat of some argument, that Morgan had committed a crime of passion? Did he stage Whitney’s body to look like her mother’s in an attempt to draw suspicion away?

  If not that, the alternative was nearly unthinkable. Morgan undoubtedly knew the circumstances of Whitney’s mother’s murder. Could he have been so cold-blooded to have planned it in advance?

  Finn didn’t want to go there. Just as Spaulding said, it was possible that it was all just a tragic coincidence and that Morgan’s dead body could still turn up somewhere else. Finn’s head hurt. He didn’t know what to think.

  Professor Spaulding finished by telling everyone that there would be a memorial service that evening at the college for Whitney and that the funeral was to be held the following Tuesday in New Orleans. Finn was supposed to be back in Ireland by then but he changed his plans. Whitney had been important to him and he was going to attend the funeral.

  The memorial that evening ran the full gamut of emotions. There were moments of intense sadness, laughter and even happiness as friends and teachers remembered Whitney. A number of musicians turned up, playing a variety of music—some soft and reflective, others bright. In a way, Finn felt the mixture resembled Whitney herself.

  The turnout was immense as virtually every student at KenTech knew or knew of Whitney Campbell. A number of former classmates turned up as well as did members of the all- conquering tennis team. Whatever disagreements or disapprovals that people had were put aside for the night.

  Finn wore one of the Bruce Springsteen tee-shirts he had bought at the concert. He remembered how Whitney had teased him that he had to think of her every time he wore one. He doubted that the circumstance under which he was doing so tonight had entered her mind when she had said it.

  ~ * ~

  Finn and Paul traveled together to New Orleans. The hardest part for Finn was the viewing. The undertaker had done an outstanding job. Whitney looked as beautiful as possible under the circumstances. There were no signs of bruises or the mark on her throat. Finn just stood there and looked at her with a heavy heart. It had only been six months but he had gotten to know her so well.

  Paul had been right, Whitney had become Finn’s best bud at KenTech and he loved her very much. After a moment, he reached out and touched her. “I’ll see you, Whitney,” was all he said before walking quickly out of the room.

  Whitney was buried the next day. Morgan Herman’s parents turned up but were mostly shunned by people who considered their son guilty of Whitney’s murder.

  Finn made a point of going to speak to them and sympathizing with them. They were also heartbroken, for they had lost a child as well. They just didn’t yet know the circumstances, if they ever would. Finn pitied them. If their son turned up alive, he was most likely a killer and could face the death penalty. If their son turned up dead, he was as much a victim as Whitney. Either way, the road ahead was a hard one.

  Whitney’s foster parents, though they had suffered a tragic loss, at least had closure. Finn had never learned why she had estranged herself from them. He had asked on several occasions but each time she shut down the conversation swiftly. They seemed like very nice people. It must be killing them that they had only reconnected with her through her death.

  Three days later, Finn said his goodbyes to everyone and packed up to head home. There had been no send-off party at his request. He couldn’t contemplate the idea of one without Whitney being there. Paul drove him to the airport. They didn’t speak much on the way. Finn couldn’t help thinking about the contrast between this journey and the one he had made with Whitney on his first day.

  At the airport, he embraced Paul, thanked him for being such a good friend and boarded his flight.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Monday, August 11, 1986

  Week Eight: Day One

  Finn woke up at the crack of dawn as usual. He thought briefly about getting up and doing his normal routine, starting with a workout. But then he looked at Julia lying fast asleep next to him and decided against it. He wasn’t ready to leave this haven. He snuggled closer to her.

  She groaned. “Is it time to get up? Please say no.”

  “It’s not. Go back to sleep.”

  Later as they drove out to Roan, Julia was oddly quiet.

  “Something on your mind?”

  “I’m just wondering what people are going to say this morning.”

  “About what?”

  “About you. About me. About us. I suspect there will be a lot of questions.”

  “It’s all good. I’ll just say I saw you walking out and stopped to give you a ride.”

  “Yeah, that’ll work, genius.” She chuckled. “Good luck with that.”

  Julia was right. They did cause quite a stir. When people had left work on Friday, it was clear that Finn and Julia were not even on speaking terms and now on Monday they were driving to work together like the happiest couple in the world. This coupled with the universally held view that Finn was responsible for the attacks on Saturday night, made for plenty of gossip.

  Laura, who as usual for a Monday looked a bit worse for wear, could hardly contain herself. “Sooooo, how was your weekend?”

  “Quiet. I had too many pints on Saturday night in Nutt’s Haven so I basically laid low yesterday. How was yours? You and the boyfriend still at it? By the way, when am I going to get to meet him?”

  She ignored his question. “So, if your weekend was so quiet, how did you end up driving Miss Julia to work?”

  “Her car broke down,” he deadpanned.

  “Liar. But I’m too tired to argue so I’ll give you a pass this time.”

  The rest of the day passed by in a blur. Finn decided not to risk going to the canteen so he ate in his office. On his way to make a cup of coffee, he bumpe
d into Brendan Macken.

  “Finn, there you are. I thought you might be interested to know, six machine operators didn’t show up for work today.”

  Finn adopted a neutral expression. “Really?”

  “And if you ask me, they’ll never be back.” A big grin spread across his face. “Things just get better and better.”

  Finn nodded, but didn’t respond.

  Brendan didn’t seem to need a response as he kept right on talking. “By the way, it was good to see you in Nutt’s Haven on Saturday night. You looked like you were having a grand old time sculling pints to beat the band. I was actually still there myself when you left. I remember thinking it’s a good night on the town that doesn’t end until after one in the morning.” Brendan smiled and nodded his head thoughtfully. “One o’clock, right enough. I guess it wasn’t you after all who did the deed on those four. There’s no one capable of being in two places at one time. And there was a bunch of us who saw you there. We remember that very clearly. Very clearly, indeed. You were there all night, sure.” He looked at Finn for a moment then put out his hand.

  Finn took it and they shook.

  “You’re a good man, Finn. We all know that.”

  Finn met Julia by the front entrance a little after five that evening and they walked to his car together.

  Once safely ensconced in the car, Julia glanced sideways at him. “Interesting day. Very interesting.”

  He gave her a mischievous grin. “Well I hope the night is even more interesting.”

  “One track mind.” She frowned but her eyes twinkled.

  “Shall we pick up take-away or just get straight to the interesting evening?”

  She laughed. “How about you drop me at my house first? I’ll cook something for dinner and afterwards we can head back to your place. I need clothes for tomorrow and clean knickers.”

  Finn opened his mouth but she put up a hand. “Don’t you say it. I know exactly where your filthy mind is going.”

  “Okay. Clean knickers.” He winked at her. “So as long as I get to pick them out.”

  She laughed again. It was a sound he hadn’t heard enough of and was beginning to crave.

  He drove to Julia’s house and leaned over to give her a kiss before she got out of the car. “Mmmm. That tastes like more.”

  “Consider it a starter. Be back by seven-thirty.”

  He sighed. “Okay. Seven-thirty.”

  She got out of the car but leaned her head back in and gave him another quick kiss. “Don’t be late. And I promise, later, I’ll make it worth your while.”

  “Ah, punctuality may become my newest virtue.”

  She laughed and waved before entering her house.

  This was perfect. It would give him plenty of time to get changed and pick up a nice bottle of wine.

  At six forty-five, Finn’s doorbell began ringing incessantly, as if someone were leaning on it.

  “Someone’s eager,” he muttered as he headed to the door. He opened it to find Mike McGill and six other police officers standing there.

  McGill looked grim. “Finn Lane, I’m arresting you on suspicion of assault with the intention of causing grievous bodily harm. You are not obliged to say anything unless you wish to do so, but whatever you say will be taken down in writing and may be given in evidence. Please turn around, so that my officers can handcuff you.”

  McGill was clearly upset, as if this was the last thing he wanted to do.

  Finn wouldn’t make it harder. He turned around and joined his hands together. McGill gave instructions for him to be handcuffed but none of the police officers moved. Finn guessed they weren’t too keen on it either.

  “Do it now,” McGill snapped.

  An officer stepped forward and muttered, “Sorry, Finn,” before handcuffing him.

  As they escorted him to the awaiting vehicle, Finn turned to McGill. “Can you do me a favor, please, Chief Superintendent? Julia is waiting for me at her house. She’s cooking dinner and expecting me in about thirty minutes. Can you tell her what has happened, please? I don’t want her to get worried when I don’t show up.”

  ~ * ~

  Finn’s request tore at McGill’s heart. “Sure, Finn.” He instructed his officers to escort Finn to the station for processing before climbing into his own car. As he drove to Julia’s house, he reflected on the day’s events that had led to Finn’s arrest.

  Midmorning, word had come down that Finn was to be arrested on suspicion of assault. He’d asked what evidence was being used to support the arrest, but was quickly shut down. Not put off, he’d called the Police Commissioner, making a case for not arresting Finn too hastily. He argued that there was no evidence and that emotions were running very high in the town. He feared, in the absence of solid evidence, an arrest would trigger public unrest. The Commissioner agreed with McGill but he maintained that orders were orders and had to be followed.

  When McGill walked to Julia’s door, he was certain he’d be faced with angry tears, but to his surprise, she was quite sanguine about Finn’s arrest and genuinely didn’t seem angry or upset with him.

  “You do know there are witnesses who will swear that he was in Nutt’s Corner all night until after one in the morning. Unless, you can place him at the scene, I don’t know how you can hold him.”

  “We’ll look into everything, Julia. I promise.”

  ~ * ~

  Julia was heartbroken that Finn had been arrested, but she did not despair. She was confident that, lacking any evidence against him, he would be released. She turned on the television to watch the news, hoping to hear more about whatever case they felt they had against him.

  The broadcast led with the shocking story of Finn’s arrest. This time Joe Delany was in the studio for the interview, looking smug and self-satisfied. “This is a big night for justice.” He practically crowed. “It just goes to show how efficient this office is at prosecuting criminals.”

  The reporter didn’t appear convinced. “That’s interesting to hear you say that, when your office has been accused of not following up on criminal activity in Lissadown in recent years and of even turning a blind eye to criminal activity by the very gang these men are alleged to be members of. How do you respond to that?”

  “Absolute nonsense,” a clearly annoyed Delany blustered. “I won’t dignify that comment with a response.”

  The news show then went live to Declan Byrne, the Midlands reporter in Lissadown.

  “Declan, I believe you’ve discovered some information pertinent to this case?”

  “Yes that’s right. Two witnesses have come forward who can vouch for Dr. Lane’s whereabouts on the night in question. I’m here with Brendan Macken and Niall Murphy, both of whom were in a pub with Dr. Lane on Saturday night when the attack took place. Mr. Macken, can you tell us what you know?”

  Brendan Macken looked steadily into the camera and began to speak in a calm and measured voice. “Finn Lane is innocent of this charge. He was in Nutt’s Haven on Saturday night from before eight until after one in the morning. I saw him, Niall saw him too and so did many others. As soon as we’re done here, I’m heading over to the police station to sign an affidavit, swearing that I was with Finn in Nutt’s Haven at the time of the attack. Niall here is going to as well and I’m calling now for everyone else who was there on Saturday night to do the same. This man needs our assistance. We must stand up and be counted now. For too long, we’ve been afraid and stayed silent. No more. No longer. Join me and Niall. If you were in Nutt’s Haven on Saturday night, go to the police station and sign the affidavit. Do it tonight. Put an end to injustice in this town.”

  Declan Byrne turned back to the camera. “Well, powerful stuff indeed. Back to you in the studio.”

  The reporter addressed Delany. “Mr. Delany, how do you respond to the fact that there are at least two witnesses, and maybe more, willing to swear an oath that Finn Lane could not have carried out the attack?”

  “Quite simple,” Delany snapped an
grily. “They’re lying.”

  The reporter’s eyebrows shot up. “They’re lying?” His voice was incredulous. “Why would they do that? Our sources maintain you have no physical evidence against Dr. Lane placing him at the scene. And yet, you discount statements from credible witnesses who can place him elsewhere. How can you defend that?”

  Delany stared at him coldly. “I’m not going to comment on what evidence we have or make any further statements.”

  The reporter turned to the cameras. “Clearly, there’s a lot more to this unfolding story so stay tuned, we’ll update you as we learn more.”

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Tuesday, August 12, 1986

  Week Eight: Day Two

  If Brendan Macken thought for one moment that his televised plea would result in the thirty or so patrons of Nutt’s Haven last Saturday night going to the station to sign an affidavit in support of Finn Lane, he had sorely miscalculated.

  Of course, he hadn’t counted on Lissadown’s small, weekly newspaper, The Lissadown Examiner. The paper was published locally every Tuesday and was largely ignored by the majority of people in the town. That changed when it printed an editorial commentary right on the front page:

  It has been suggested that there were approximately thirty people in Nutt’s Haven last Saturday night who can vouch for Finn Lane’s presence during the time the attack for which he has been accused took place. It was further proposed that those approximately thirty people were honor bound to sign a sworn affidavit testifying to this.