The Silent Speak

by Val Collins

  ‘No, of course not. They were a sociable house. The kids’ friends were in and out every day. All the neighbours had been invited for drinks on New Year’s Eve, and they’d had a fortieth birthday party less than a month before the murder. There were fingerprints and DNA all over the place. But Shane Grogan’s were the only prints on the knife. His clothes were covered in his family’s blood. Everybody else had defensive wounds, even the little girl. Grogan had none.’ Conor’s phone pinged. He glanced at it, frowned, then shoved it in his pocket. ‘Okay, I’ll give you a very brief summary of the evidence, but then please let it drop. I was hoping I wouldn’t have to think about that dreadful case for a few weeks.’

  *

  Aoife knew it wouldn’t be long before Lisa approached her again and, sure enough, Lisa was standing at her car when she finished work.

  ‘How did you know which office I worked in?’

  ‘I called to your house, but Detective Moloney’s car was there. I saw your daughter playing outside. The teenage boy she was with told me where you worked.’

  ‘You’ve got to stop coming to my house, Lisa. You’ll get in trouble with the police if you keep harassing us.’

  ‘I’m not harassing you. I just want to talk.’

  Aoife unlocked her car. ‘Well, we can’t talk here. There’s a coffee shop at the end of the road. I’ll meet you there.’

  *

  ‘Did you speak to him?’ Lisa asked.

  ‘A cappuccino, please,’ Aoife said to the waitress who had approached them.

  Lisa ordered a black coffee.

  ‘When did you last eat?’ Aoife asked, noticing for the first time how pale Lisa was.

  ‘I don’t know. Yesterday, I think. What did Detective Moloney say?’

  ‘Excuse me,’ Aoife called back the waitress. ‘Could we have a plate of sandwiches as well, please?’

  ‘I’m not hungry.’

  ‘If you don’t eat, you’ll make yourself sick.’

  ‘I’m fine. Did you speak to Detective Moloney?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Thank you. When will he meet with me?’

  ‘He’s not going to meet with you, Lisa. As I said, he’s on holidays for a few weeks.’

  ‘What? Didn’t you tell him—’

  ‘I told him exactly what you said. Conor understands why you believe your brother is innocent, but he says all the evidence points to Shane’s guilt.’

  ‘But that just means the murderer did a very good job of covering his tracks.’

  The waitress arrived with a large plate of sandwiches and two coffees. Aoife pushed the plate towards Lisa. ‘You need to eat.’

  Lisa shook her head. ‘There’s something the police missed. There has to be.’

  ‘Do you know that the note was in Shane’s handwriting?’

  ‘Somebody obviously forced him to write it.’

  ‘And you know Shane didn’t have any defensive wounds? Do you think he would have allowed his attacker to cut his wrists without making any attempt to defend himself?’

  ‘He must have been tied up.’

  ‘There are no rope marks. No signs of restraint at all. There’s not even one other scratch on his body. Everybody else…’ She couldn’t bring herself to finish the sentence.

  ‘Their throats were cut, I know that, and you think a murderer would have cut Shane’s throat as well but, don’t you see, the murder wanted it to look like Shane killed his family. That’s why his wrists were cut.’

  ‘Forensics are positive Shane cut his own wrists. Apparently they can tell from the angle and the depth of the cut.’

  ‘Either they’re wrong or the murderer figured out a way to fool them.’ When Aoife didn’t reply, she said, ‘Do you have brothers or sisters?’

  Aoife shook her head.

  ‘Well, if you did, you would understand what I’m saying. I grew up with Shane. I knew him before he learned to hide the less acceptable facets of his personality. I know what he’s capable of.’

  ‘People change. Life happens, we grow up, we become different people.’

  ‘People’s attitudes and beliefs change. Their basic nature doesn’t. And anyway, I moved in with Shane after my relationship broke up. I lived with them for almost three months while I looked for a place of my own. I’d only moved out two weeks before the murder, and we all had dinner in my mother’s house the weekend before. Shane was perfectly normal on Sunday. You’re telling me he had turned into a homicidal maniac by Thursday? That isn’t possible.’

  ‘I know it’s hard to accept, but—’

  ‘I can’t accept it because it isn’t true. I don’t know how the murderer managed to fool the forensic guys, but I am absolutely certain that Shane didn’t kill anybody.’

  ‘I don’t know what to say, Lisa.’

  ‘I need you to understand.’ Lisa sipped her coffee, then put the mug down with a clatter. ‘It’s like this. Shane worked for my uncle. My uncle has this big firm that employs an entire sales department, but Shane and my cousin are his top salespeople. They’re both outgoing and can talk to anyone, but the difference between them is that Shane has a genuine interest in people. He loves everyone and wants to help them. My cousin is only interested in making money.’

  ‘I don’t see what this—’

  ‘The point I’m trying to make is I know my cousin almost as well as I know Shane. Keith spent most of his summers in our house when we were kids, and from as far back as I can remember, he was selfish and sly. He’d steal my toys, pinch me when nobody was looking and get me into trouble any chance he got. He hid that side of himself from the adults and, as he grew older, he learned to hide it from everybody. He’s conned people into thinking he’s a great person, but I know his basic nature. He’s not a nice guy. He never was and he never will be. I doubt he’d murder his wife or his kids, but I’d be prepared to consider it as a possibility. I know Shane even better and it simply isn’t in him.’ She swallowed. ‘It wasn’t in him.’

  ‘Even if you’re right, Lisa, there’s nothing Conor can do to help. He takes his job very seriously and he’s investigated everything thoroughly. The evidence just isn’t there.’

  Lisa reached for her coffee and took a sip. ‘I asked around about you and I looked you up. I read the article you wrote about your father-in-law’s murder. You were the one who solved that case, not the police.’

  ‘I got lucky.’

  ‘It was more than luck. Aoife, I need your help. If the police can’t prove Shane’s innocence, I need you to do it.’

  ‘What? No! I’m a journalist, not a detective.’

  ‘You solved one case, you can solve this one.’

  ‘No, Lisa. I’m sorry. I can’t. I wouldn’t even know where to begin and I can’t get involved in a case that Conor is investigating. I could get him into serious trouble.’

  ‘But he’s not investigating it. That’s the whole point. He’s decided Shane is the murderer.’

  ‘Conor says the investigation is ongoing. There are a few loose ends they need to tie up.’

  ‘What loose ends?’

  ‘I don’t know.’

  ‘You said Detective Moloney’s on holiday. Start your investigation by talking to his replacement and follow up with him. You don’t need to involve Detective Moloney at all.’

  Aoife shook her head. ‘I’m sorry, Lisa. If you want to conduct a private investigation, hire a professional. I can’t be involved.’

  ‘I would if I could afford it, but I can’t and Mum’s had all the funeral expenses. Private investigators charge by the hour and they don’t guarantee results. I’ll make it worth your while, Aoife. I’ll give you an interview.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘That article you wrote about your father-in-law’s murder was good for your career, wasn’t it? Think how much more attention you would get from interviewing Shane Grogan’s sister. I’ve had requests for interviews from newspapers and TV stations all over the world. This could make your career.’

  A
oife hesitated.

  ‘I promise I will give you a full one-hour interview, family photos, anything you want as soon as you have completed the investigation.’

  Aoife put down her coffee. ‘What if I find proof your brother was the murderer?’

  ‘You won’t, but if you do, I’ll still keep my promise. You’re the only reporter I will ever speak to.’

  ‘What if I don’t find any evidence at all?’

  ‘The interview is dependent on you finding evidence that proves Shane is either guilty or innocent. Either way, you win. Nobody in the family has spoken to the press. I’ll make sure they speak to you. You’ll still have the basis for a great story.’

  Aoife could feel her excitement rising. Her attitude to journalism had changed once Amy was born. She no longer dreamed of being a renowned journalist, all she wanted was a job that allowed her to work from home and brought in enough to pay the bills. Now she felt the tiniest stirring of ambition. International interest was unlikely, but Irish interest was all she needed. It would be a huge boost to her career.

  ‘I have two conditions.’

  ‘Anything.’

  ‘I can’t do it unless Conor agrees. I won’t risk damaging his career.’

  Lisa smiled. ‘I’d worry if he was your husband, but boyfriends tend to be on the agreeable side. What’s the second condition?’

  Aoife nodded at the plate that lay between them. ‘You have to eat every one of those sandwiches.’

  *

  ‘You’re sure you’re okay with this?’

  Conor pushed his hand down the side of the sofa and fished out three coins. ‘The detective in me isn’t happy about it, but your partner can see it would be good for your career, and I am on holidays for the next few weeks.’ His voice was muffled as he stuck his head under the sofa. ‘You haven’t asked who’s taken over my cases while I’m out.’

  ‘Not Derek?’

  ‘Who else? He is my right-hand man.’

  Aoife flicked through a pile of magazines. ‘Well, I can rule out any hope of getting your replacement to talk to me off the record. Derek isn’t exactly the chatty type.’

  Conor grinned and she threw a cushion at him. ‘You’re enjoying this!’

  He caught the cushion and tossed it on the sofa before heading for the bookshelves. ‘A little bit. I’m not going to try to talk you out of your investigation, but I don’t like reporters sticking their noses into my cases. Not even reporters as beautiful as—hey, I found it.’ He held up her car key. ‘It was behind this book. Amy must have hidden it. We’re going to have to hide that stepladder.’

  ‘If there was chocolate up there, Amy might risk it, but she’s afraid of the top step. She wouldn’t climb up there for books.’

  ‘It must have been you, then. You’re getting very absent-minded lately, honey. Are you okay? Is this case stressing you out already?’

  ‘There’s no way I put my keys there.’

  ‘Well, I certainly didn’t. Who else is—? You’re not saying you think Blaine did it, are you?’

  ‘Who else could it have been?’

  Conor’s voice hardened. ‘Blaine would not do something like that, Aoife. I know you and he have a difficult relationship, but don’t blame him because you’re absent-minded.’

  ‘You really think I came home, walked through the hall, past the kitchen and my office and came in here to stick my keys behind a book?’

  ‘No, I think you were looking for a book and you absent-mindedly left the keys down on the shelf. You turned the oven off while the dinner was cooking a few days ago too, remember?’

  ‘I don’t think that was me.’

  ‘Are you saying Blaine turned off the oven and hid your keys? Why would he do something like that?’

  ‘Because he resents me.’

  ‘He doesn’t resent you. He’s just not comfortable around you. If you give him time, he’ll come around, but not if you start blaming him for every single little thing that goes wrong around here.’

  Aoife sighed. ‘Let’s not fight. Maybe I was wrong.’

  Conor didn’t reply.

  ‘And I shouldn’t have accused Blaine without any evidence. I’m sorry, okay?’

  Conor planted a quick kiss on her head and then pulled away. ‘You’re going to be late for work.’

  He walked her to the door and kissed her again but he didn’t smile and she could see the worry in his eyes.

  EIGHT

  Things were a bit tense between them the following day, but Conor was back to his normal self by the time they went to his work function on Thursday.

  Usually Aoife hated those events. Conor’s team were too cliquey and they made little attempt to include outsiders in their conversations. The first of Conor’s work events Aoife had attended, she’d sat in silence for over thirty minutes while one of the guys did impersonations of people she’d never met while Conor and his friends roared with laughter. It was Derek’s wife, Jenny, who’d rescued her. Despite the age difference, they’d become good friends and both regretted that they lived so far apart. It was one of the reasons Jenny had convinced Aoife to join her book club. They would make a night of it, Jenny promised. First they’d go for a few drinks, then book club followed by a late dinner. Aoife had been quite excited and had even tried to talk Orla into joining.

  They had been in a Starbucks when Aoife made the suggestion. Orla had laughed so hard she spilled coffee all over her brand-new Stella McCartney top.

  ‘Not my kind of club, Aoife,’ she had said when she recovered her breath.

  Aoife wished Orla could be with her tonight. She could do with a bit of moral support. As they approached the door of the hotel, she took a deep breath and glanced up at Conor.

  ‘It will be fine. You look great.’

  Aoife gave a fake smile. When Conor lifted an eyebrow, she laughed out loud.

  Arm in arm, they headed for the function room and almost bumped into Jenny as she came out of the ladies’.

  ‘My God, Aoife! What a dress! It makes me feel old.’

  Aoife twirled, aware that Orla’s figure-hugging dress showed off curves she hadn’t even realised she possessed. ‘Do you really think so? Orla lent it to me, but she’s so blonde. It’s not a colour I’d normally wear.’

  ‘Oh, you’re young enough to wear any colour. Now if I tried to wear white, I’d fade into the background. People would think I didn’t exist.’

  Aoife laughed. ‘Anyone would think you were a hundred. You’re not old, Jenny.’

  ‘I’ll be forty in six months. Of course I’m old. Come on, we kept you a seat.’

  Aoife caught the tightening of Conor’s mouth. ‘Why don’t we mingle for a while first? Any newbies?’

  ‘Two or three. They look very young. I wouldn’t be surprised if most of them are first dates. We’ll probably never see them again.’ She poked Conor with her elbow. ‘You lot would scare anybody off.’

  ‘What are you talking about, Jenny?’ Conor said in mock outrage. ‘You could not find a nicer, friendlier bunch of guys anywhere.’

  ‘Hmm.’

  ‘Hmm, indeed,’ Aoife said. ‘You look very smart, Jenny. I love your hair.’

  ‘Thanks. I had to do something to make up for having to wear the same dress for the hundredth time.’ She patted her updo. ‘The colour came out rather well, didn’t it? There’s nothing worse than badly dyed blonde hair.’

  Aoife made a gesture to Conor. He squeezed her arm and slipped away. It was always a challenge enjoying Jenny’s company at these events while making sure Conor didn’t get stuck with Derek. This time she wanted Conor to stay away as long as possible. She was hoping she could get Derek to relax enough to discuss Shane Grogan’s case before he learned Aoife planned to investigate it.

  They spent a few minutes introducing themselves to the newest additions to the group, then Jenny led Aoife back to the table Derek was holding for them.

  ‘Hi, Aoife.’ Derek stood, extended his hand and smiled. He was always very
formal. At last summer’s barbecue, he had turned up in a suit and tie. Tonight all the guys wore suits. To mark the formality of the occasion, Derek had added a waistcoat and a bow tie.

  ‘I love the tie, Derek.’

  Derek smiled and straightened the emerald-green bow tie that was the exact shade of Jenny’s dress.

  ‘The girls gave it to him as a Christmas present. He’s been waiting for an opportunity to wear it ever since. Aoife, would you mind taking our photo? I’ll send it to the girls. They’ll love it.’

  Aoife examined the photo before handing the phone back. ‘You both look very smart. And that dress may not be new, Jenny, but it really suits you.’

  ‘Derek thinks it’s too revealing.’

  ‘You must think my dress is shocking then.’ Aoife smiled at Derek, willing him to join in the conversation.

  ‘Your dress is very beautiful, Aoife, and I wouldn’t presume to tell any woman how she should dress, especially my wife.’

  Jenny smiled. ‘You don’t need to say anything, darling. I saw the way you looked at it when I put it on. I have gained a bit of weight lately and it’s a tiny bit too tight, but compared to most of the young girls here, I’m dressed like a grandmother.’

  ‘If so, you’re the most beautiful, glamorous grandmother I’ve ever seen.’

  ‘Ah! You two are so sweet!’

  Jenny laughed and leaned back against her husband. ‘I found myself a good one when I picked you, Derek Lehane.’

  As they chatted, Aoife noticed that all the detectives stopped to say hello and shake Derek’s hand. Not one stayed to chat. Aoife’s phone beeped. ‘Sorry, I just have to check this.’

  The text was from Conor. ‘Want me to rescue you?’ She gave a quick reply. ‘Fine here. Enjoying talking to Jenny. See you later.’

  ‘Is everything okay?’ Derek asked.

  Aoife nodded. ‘I just had to check in case anything was wrong with Amy.’

  ‘Of course,’ Derek said. ‘We always worry about our girls too. Especially now our eldest is a teenager.’

  ‘They grow up so fast, don’t they?’ Aoife sipped the drink Jenny had bought her. ‘Amy’s in preschool now. She’ll be starting school in two years’ time. Jason thinks she should start next year, but I’d rather wait until she’s five.’