Murder at the Wake (Detective Inspector Skelgill Investigates Book 7)
Page 28
‘On which note we need to pay a little visit to the Gilhooleys.’
His colleagues are perplexed.
‘The Gilhooleys?’
‘Aye – they might have just won the lottery, Leyton.’
‘Come again, Guv?’
Skelgill makes a telephone with his thumb and little finger.
‘Professor Jim Hartley?’ (DS Leyton nods his understanding: that Skelgill refers to the call a few minutes earlier.) ‘His Irish pal has unearthed an interesting story. The Gilhooley family was originally in partnership with the O’Mores – we’re talking centuries back – to the time of the Triangular Trade. Seems they had a big bust-up over some valuable ‘asset’ obtained by dubious means from an African trader. There was legal action and the Gilhooleys came off second best – the whereabouts of the ‘asset’ couldn’t be established. The costs were punishing and they ended up being bankrupted. The O’Mores took some sympathy in victory – looks like that’s when they granted the Gilhooleys their tenancy. But now – if the ‘asset’ has turned up – there’s a chance that the historical claim can be revived.’ He grins at DS Jones. ‘The Gilhooleys might not be as batty as we thought – or as poor.’
Skelgill consults his wristwatch.
‘Come on – we’ve just got time before the Taj opens.’ (This suggestion meets with suspicious glances.) ‘Don’t worry – it’s on me.’
DS Leyton chuckles.
‘That’s what holding a billion-dollar diamond does to you, Guv – it’s scrambled your brains.’
‘I’ve got no brains to scramble, Leyton – and, anyway, it’s better than that – I’m on a promise from Perdita.’
Skelgill’s thoughts appear momentarily distant – and DS Jones looks a little alarmed. But he gives a shake of the head, and grins self-effacingly.
‘She’s offered me the set of first edition Wainwrights from Declan’s library – I just have to find the will in Mullarkey’s office.’
DS Jones stretches her lithe form up onto her tiptoes, and then slowly sweeps the fingers of both hands through her hair.
‘Maybe you’d benefit from some back-up this time, Guv?’
Skelgill is regarding her with interest.
‘Don’t worry, Jones – I never make the same mistake twice.’
‘In which case, Guv – that hat’s got to go.’
***
Next in the series... ‘Murder in the Woods’ by Bruce Beckham
WHEN A DOG WALKER discovers a decaying corpse in Harterhow Woods it is surely just a matter of time before the police will close in upon the murderer. But despite a nationwide appeal the distinctive remains defy identification.
Skelgill believes he knows the perpetrator – but his team have other ideas. As they unearth contradictory clues Skelgill becomes impatient – an arrest is made. But when the victim is finally named a new prime suspect emerges.
Skelgill is determined to prevail – but the facts don’t fit his gut feel. And yet, as they search for a vital witness it dawns on him that there may be not one but two killers at large. And one of them may be compelled to strike again.
‘Murder in the Woods’ is available from the Kindle Store
Table of Contents
1. Grasmoor – Sunday 2.50pm
2. Crummock Hall – Sunday 3pm
3. Inheritance – Sunday 5pm
4. Headquarters – Monday 9.15am
5. Perdita – Monday 10.30am
6. Martius – Monday 10.45am
7. Cassandra – Monday 11am
8. The Twins – Monday 11.15am
9. History Lesson – Monday 1pm
10. Keswick – Monday 3.45pm
11. Crummock Water – Tuesday 10.30am
12. Crummock Hall – Tuesday 1.30pm
13. Headquarters – Wednesday 11am
14. The Second Funeral – Friday 11am
15. Thwaites – Saturday 8am
16. Frozen – Saturday 1pm
17. Dublin By Night – Saturday 8.30pm
18. The Archives – Sunday 8am
19. Reconstruction – Monday 10am
20. Reflections – Wednesday 9pm
21. The Handbook – Friday, midnight
22. Drawing Conclusions – Saturday 3pm