Endgame: CSI Reilly Steel #7

by Casey Hill

  Chris sighed as they headed back outside into the sunshine. “This case is going to be a tough one, isn’t it?” he commented.

  “Is it ever any other way?” Reilly answered wearily.

  Already they had experienced multiple hostile and broken people, and it was only day one.

  7

  Later, Chris and Kennedy drove to interview the first of what would undoubtedly be a long line of witnesses; the kids in attendance at the Hackett party.

  When they stepped out of the car, the two detectives took in the scene.

  Chris took a deep breath of the heavier midsummer air and glanced down the street. The house they were standing outside now was much smaller than the Hackett’s house a couple of streets over, but still looked expensive. The house was painted a pristine white, sported a recently mowed lawn, though a couple of rogue daisies poked up through the ground in a determined pattern by the door.

  The crimes committed in the more salubrious parts of the city were less numerous or intense than those committed in the rougher side of town, but perhaps they were more impactful here because they were so unprecedented.

  According to the information Simon had given them, this was the house of Tiernan Williams, Graham Hackett’s best friend.

  Kennedy knocked on the door and the two took a step back to wait.

  It was a few moments before the door cracked open and a teenage boy looked out. His face went white when he saw the detectives standing on his porch. “My parents aren’t here,” he said, rubbing his eyes like he had just woken up. “They’re at work.”

  Chris smiled at him, trying to appear friendly, “That’s all right, Tiernan, we just want to ask you a few questions about last night. Nothing serious.”

  Tiernan seemed to deliberate for a moment, then he relented, opening the door for the detectives to come in. “Okay,” he said, his voice tired and sleep-ridden.

  The two men followed the teen to his living room, where he nervously sat down and gestured for them to take a seat on the couch.

  Chris was in awe of the house – each room they passed through looked like it came straight from a magazine. There wasn’t a surface in the house that went undusted, nor an object in a place it wasn’t supposed to be.

  Tiernan must have noticed the men’s reaction, because he cleared his throat and ran a hand through his red hair, “Yeah, my mum’s a bit of a neat freak.”

  Kennedy pulled his trusty notepad out and flipped it open to the last page he’d used. “Alright, Tiernan, what can you tell us about your friend Graham and what might have happened last night?”

  An intense look of sorrow passed over Tiernan’s face, and Chris recognized he was trying his hardest not to cry. He took a moment to clear his throat again before answering. “Graham was one of my friends – best friends. We play - played hurling together - he was an amazing player, and we hung around together all the time. He liked playing video games too, listening to music, hanging out - all the normal stuff really.”

  Chris nodded while Kennedy scribbled down some notes. “Did Graham have any enemies Tiernan? Did he ever do anything to give anyone a reason to attack him?”

  Tiernan swallowed and shook his head, “No, I don’t think so. Though, a lot of opposition players really hated him, you know, because he was so good. But that’s just match rivalry, I don’t think any of the lads would do anything to Graham personally. Not like … that.” When the detectives stared blankly at him, the teen explained further. “Well it’s just …when you’re on the pitch, you’ve got to hate the guy who’s marking you, don’t you? He’s got to be your number one enemy for the thirty-five minutes of each half. But when you step off the pitch, all that goes away. Well, for most people anyway.”

  “Can you give us the names of any specific people who might have had such ‘match rivalry’ with Graham?”

  Tiernan tentatively rattled off a few names, evidently feeling torn with guilt as he did so, terrified he’d get somebody innocent in trouble.

  “Okay, can you walk us through everything that happened last night, start to finish?” Chris asked, eyeing the boy. It was understandable that the kid would be upset and nervous in their presence given what had befallen his best friend, but Tiernan seemed a little bit too nervous, and he wanted to keep a close eye on him for any signs of deception. Though when dealing with teenagers could it ever be any other way?

  Still Chris knew the giveaways all too well – eyes glancing away, biting the lip, rubbing palms on clothing to be rid of nervous sweat.

  “Well, we were on the way to Graham’s gaff when he sent the word out about the free house. We had just finished practice, and stopped at the chippers to get something to eat.”

  “Who’s we?” Kennedy asked. “Give us some names, son.”

  “Sure. Just a few of the other lads on the team.” He listed off the names of his companions as the detectives made note of the particulars to compare against the list of attendees they’d already compiled. “We all went back to Graham’s then and had a few scoops while waiting for people to arrive.”

  “Where did you get the alcohol from?”

  Tiernan swallowed hard and a warning light went off in Chris’s head. “It was already there,” he protested, rather unconvincingly. “it was Graham’s parents’ stash I think. Then more showed up as more people came, and his brother’s mates brought some too but I don't know where they got it.”

  “Right…” Kennedy said, his tone overly sarcastic.

  “So when was the last time you saw Graham last night?” Chris asked, referring to the rough timeline they’d established so far. Simon had reported seeing his brother last sometime between twelve and one AM, before he left for the club, and according to his phone already in evidence, Graham had sent out his last WhatsApp message – ever – just after midnight.

  “I don’t know to be honest,” Tiernan said, pulling at his trousers, “I don’t usually watch the clock when I’m on a night out. It was probably around half twelve, maybe? He was out on the deck with Holly, then she went upstairs with him so I thought maybe they’d be getting back together.”

  She went upstairs with him … Could Holly Glynn have been in the bedroom when Graham was attacked? And was her attacker one and the same? According to Reilly, the girl insisted she didn't know the guy, and that the attack was just some random stranger pouncing on her on her way home.

  But what if she was lying?

  “What about Simon?” Kennedy asked then. “What was Graham’s relationship with his brother like?”

  Tiernan shrugged. “I don’t know, decent enough I suppose. We all used to play club hurling together before Simon went off to uni. They’re like … normal brothers I suppose, except…” He grew very quiet for a moment, as though realizing something.

  “What were you going to say?” Chris asked, wanting to get it out of the kid before he thought about it too much.

  “Yeah,” Tiernan said, “last night … Simon and Graham got into a fight out in the garden, or an argument at least. I don’t even know what it was about. They were yelling and arguing anyway and I think Graham threw something at him - a bottle maybe? I remember something shattering anyway.”

  “How was the fight resolved? Or was it?” Chris asked, eager to follow this line of questioning. Simon certainly hadn't mentioned anything about an argument this morning.

  “They both stomped off after a couple of us got between them. That was when Holly and Graham disappeared upstairs.”

  “So no resolution? The two brothers were still angry at one another for the rest of the night?”

  “I think so but …” He ran his hand through his hair. “Christ man, you don’t think that Simon … surely he wouldn’t … I mean they’re brothers!”

  “Relax, we’re not suggesting anything, Tiernan. Just trying to establish what might have happened at the party. Everyone seemed drunk so reports are sketchy. You know that Holly was attacked too, don’t you?”

  His face drained of colour. �
��What? Attacked, like Graham you mean? Is she OK? Christ I had no idea.”

  “No, not like that. She was set upon by someone on her way home to her house. We’re not sure if it’s related. She’s still pretty shaken up but OK.”

  “Christ. No, I had no idea. Like I said we were all pretty drunk…”

  “OK. One last question before we go,” Chris said, gathering his things, “where were you between one and five am this morning Tiernan?”

  The teen’s face whitened again. “Jesus, I had nothing to do with that! I went home after Graham and Simon got in that fight, and like I said Holly was still there at that stage. A lot of us left around then actually. It was kind of a downer.”

  “Did anyone see you leave?”

  “Well, the other lads - and then - yes, when I came home my mom was here, waiting for me. That was around oneish,” Tiernan perked up a little then, at the thought of a trusty alibi. “I wasn’t supposed to be out late, cos even though the others’ exams are finished, I still have a Construction Studies one left, and she caught me as soon as I tried to sneak in. It was just after one - definitely. You can check with her if you like, she’ll confirm the time.”

  Kennedy threw in his own final question. “Forensics found some pills in Graham’s bedroom, Tiernan. Know anything about those?”

  The kid’s face went white and he bit his lip, as though trying to decide what to say at this juncture.

  “It’s in your best interest to just tell us son,” the detective said, his eyes narrowing.

  “Graham was… juicing,” Tiernan admitted, the words spilling from his lips, “some of the other lads on the team do it too but not me I swear…”

  “Relax,” Chris said, “we’re not drug enforcement. We’re just trying to figure out what happened to Graham. Do you know where he might have gotten those pills?”

  Tiernan licked his lips and shook his head, “Um…”

  Chris raised his eyebrows, “Like I said, Tiernan, we’re not drug enforcement but if you aren’t willing to help us out, we’ll have no problem going to them. I have a good mate in that department.”

  “Dean,” Tiernan blurted, immediately looking guilty, “one of the lads, Dean Cooper. He sells them to the team. I don’t know where he gets them, though. I just know that’s where the others get their stuff.”

  “OK, thanks for that - you’ve been very helpful,” Kennedy said, wrapping up. “And you’re right to stay clean too. Hurling should be about all the game, not about winning at all costs.”

  Chris raised his eyebrows at this unexpected nugget of sporting wisdom from his decidedly non-sporty partner.

  The big man never failed to surprise him.

  “CHEERS,” Kennedy said afterwards, as a steaming shepherd’s pie was slid into onto his place mat. “Lovely stuff.”

  Chris looked down at the wholegrain spinach and grilled chicken pita he had ordered from the barfood menu of a nearby pub, and tried to tell himself it was just as good as the shepherd’s pie.

  “So this Tiernan kid,” Kennedy asked, “what did you make of him?”

  Chris shrugged. “He’s a teenager. Not as innocent as he makes out to be.”

  “Just polite because he’s talking to authority,” Kennedy agreed, “Christ, I really hated those assholes when I was in school. The ones that were total dickheads when they were around you, then butter wouldn't melt as soon as the teacher walked in. At least the other dickheads were dickheads all the time, and not just when it suited them.”

  The thought of Kennedy in school made Chris chuckle. Him sitting there, pimply faced and concentrating on what the teacher was saying, taking detailed notes while others around him goofed off. For all his bluster, Kennedy was definitely a nerd in school, he decided.

  “Do you think he’s our man?”

  “No,” Chris said, “I mean, while everyone has to be a potential suspect at the moment, I don’t think Tiernan is tall or strong enough to be our man for a start. The likes of Hackett would eat a dweeb like him for breakfast. And he was a bit too forthcoming with information. Our man would have been a little more nervous than Tiernan. And, although he may well be a different kid behind the scenes, I think he was genuinely too affected by his friend’s death to be his killer. To say nothing of the fact that he has an alibi. Yet to be confirmed mind you, but my gut tells me he’s OK.”

  Unfortunately, Chris thought, knowing Tiernan wasn’t the killer did not bring them much closer to figuring out who was.

  8

  CMc2020: What the actual f**k!! Just heard about G……can’t believe this! Was coming on here to say what a great night it was. RIP HackR, hope they catch the bastard responsible before I do. This shit is F****D UP!

  KrustyClown: Can’t believe it either - what the f**k happened……didn’t notice a bit of aggro last night, everybody was havin the craic afaik. Don’t know what to say… #RIPHackR.

  Missislippy: OMG! So sorry to hear about Graham. Thought it was pretty chilled out last night when I left. Then I hear about this and that poor Holly was put in hospital as well - I will never be allowed leave the house again!

  ConorMc2020: Seriously, Sarah? That’s your take from all this s**t? One of your friends is dead and your best mate was attacked, but all you can think about is the negative effect on your social life… #stayclassy

  PuckingNinja: I actually just found out about Holly from the cops when they called to my house earlier. She was attacked as well… f**k, can’t believe this.

  KrustyClown: Hey T, what else have you heard? Cops tell you anything?

  Missislippy: F**k you @ CMc2020 - that was a joke, you insensitive prat!!! Of course, I’m devastated about what happened last night. We don’t all go around swearing vengeance macho man-style. @ PuckingNinja So sorry about Graham, Tiernan. I heard Holly’s ma found her in an awful state this morning, she’s in the hospital now. Lisa’s mum is besties with Mrs Murray, and she heard it’s pretty serious. Apparently, Holly’s in an induced coma!

  PuckingNinja: S**t, this feels like a nightmare. Wish I could have told the cops something more useful. Tbh, I don’t remember much after all that cider…

  MuddyPaws: Guys, not wanting to point the finger, but can we please post only what we know to be fact. Holly is not in an induced coma Sarah, that’s bulls**t. I texted her brother this morning, the whole family is going apes**t. She was badly shaken up after some weirdo tried to attack her on the way home. I don’t want to say anything else until I speak to her myself, but everyone better have a long hard think about what happened last night. The cops are supposed to be coming to see me too, so I’d say they’re working their way through everybody. I haven't a clue what happened to either of them but poor G.

  Missislippy: Sorry Megan - I was just repeating what I heard, glad Hol’s OK - tell her we’re all asking for her OK?

  CoolChulainn: Same as. Well, I’ve had no contact from the cops yet about G or Hols. But I’ve a couple of things I’d like to tell them…

  9

  When much later that evening, Reilly unlocked the door to her flat and walked in, the sun’s strength had dissipated and even though it was supposed to be the height of summer, it was cold.

  She turned the heating on and made her way to the kitchen to make something to eat, but her stomach told her that she couldn’t eat, even if she needed to.

  Reilly brought some current case files with her into bed, sorely missing her usual glass of red wine, and looked over the various associated lab reports with excruciating concentration, until her back started to hurt.

  She tried to reposition her pillow, but found that she couldn’t reach it without causing an awful pain in her side.

  After squirming in an attempt to make herself comfortable, she eventually put the files away and tried to sleep. Then as she lay in her bed, a pang of hunger shot through her stomach.

  Typical…

  Instead of getting up and making herself a bite, she dropped her head into a pillow, thoroughly annoyed. Though there were man
y downsides to having a roommate, times like this having someone in the flat with her would be nice.

  Someone to help her with things, someone to talk to. Although she did enjoy the peace and quiet of her Ranelagh flat most days, there were times when she felt the undeniable loneliness that came with living alone.

  Yes, at times she wholeheartedly preferred the life she had – living by herself (besides Glubs the goldfish) eating by herself most nights, and handling all of her personal affairs as she saw fit. However, she would be lying if she said she never felt like human contact occasionally.

  Which reminded her. Todd Forrest, her baby’s father was coming for a visit from the US next week. They hadn’t yet finalized the final details, but she was certain he expected to stay at her place while he was here, rather than spring for a hotel.

  And she wasn't sure how she felt about that.

  Obviously they needed to talk about the baby and what would happen - if anything - when it arrived. Todd was adamant he wanted to help out as much as he could, but he lived in Florida, an ocean away, so realistically how could he help?

  And Reilly wasn't sure she wanted to have the conversation with him anyway. It was embarrassing enough that she and Todd had ended up in this situation, following a glorified one night stand while she was in Florida on what was supposed to be a sabbatical. Fat lot of good that had done her.

  Her stomach growled again and she grabbed one of the pillows to her left, pushing it over her face and sighing into the pillowcase.

  Despite a tiring day, Reilly knew another sleepless night was on the cards. And no doubt, many more thereafter.

  THE FOLLOWING DAY, she was up before the sun and the chirping birds. The early morning sunshine streamed optimistically through the open window and warmed her bare skin. Her back still ached and her head was pounding, but she got out of bed anyway, pulling on her clothes and grabbing her gym bag.