Girl Targeted

by Val Collins

  ‘If Delia was in a relationship, she would have told me.’

  ‘Maybe she wanted you to think she was working so you wouldn’t mind babysitting.’

  ‘Delia knew I’d take Ellen every day if I could. My husband and I can’t have kids. Ellen’s like my own daughter. Besides, I was always begging Delia to get a social life.’

  ‘Mention it to the police. I know you don’t want them following up that angle, but we need to know where Delia spent that time. She may have been meeting her murderer.’

  Aoife’s phone alarm beeped and she stood up. ‘I’d better get back to work.’

  ‘I’ll walk out with you.’

  They walked down George’s Street and parted at the junction with Dame Street.

  ‘You’ll let me know if you find out anything else?’

  ‘Yes, of course. Bye, Irene.’ Aoife was walking up Dame Street when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Everything happened at once. Aoife screamed and darted blindly in the opposite direction, she collided with something black, one foot slipped off the pavement, a horn blew, and a rough hand grabbed her arm and yanked her back on the footpath. A man wearing a black jacket, blue jeans and a baseball hat was glaring down at her.

  EIGHT

  ‘Aoife, are you all right? What were you doing? You could have been killed.’

  ‘Laura? I … I…’ She looked up at the man, who was still gripping her arm.

  ‘I’m sorry,’ Laura said to him. ‘She didn’t mean to crash into you.’ She turned to Aoife. ‘You nearly knocked him onto the street.’

  ‘I’m so sorry,’ Aoife said.

  The man muttered something in a foreign language, gave Aoife a final glare and stormed off.

  ‘Was it you grabbed my shoulder, Laura?’

  ‘I barely touched you. Why did you bolt like that?’

  ‘I thought—I’m just on edge today.’

  ‘Try not to get yourself killed, Aoife. One dead employee a year is enough.’

  As they were approaching the office, Laura said, ‘Was that Delia’s sister you were with?’

  ‘What?’

  ‘You said, “Bye, Irene”. How do you know her?’

  ‘She, eh, the police told her I’d discovered Delia’s body and she wanted to talk to me about it.’

  ‘What did she want to know?’

  ‘If I’d seen anything suspicious.’

  ‘Aren’t the police looking into that?’

  ‘Yes, but… Laura, you can’t tell anyone this, okay?’

  ‘Tell anyone what?’

  ‘Irene thinks Delia’s murderer works in DCA.’

  ‘That’s ridiculous. Why would one of us kill Delia? It was obviously a stranger who broke into the building. Delia was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.’

  ‘Why would a stranger break into the office? We don’t look like the kind of place that would have money on the premises, and we’re surrounded by shops. Why not rob one of them?’

  ‘Maybe he was high on drugs and not thinking properly.’

  ‘Would someone high on drugs lock the office door?’

  ‘Who knows what someone like that would do?’

  ‘How would he have known where to find the spare key?’

  ‘We’ll never know unless the police catch him, but that’s the only explanation that makes any sense. Why would anyone else lock the door?’

  ‘At least one of us would have known where to find the key. A stranger wouldn’t.’

  ‘The locked door is the only thing that makes it look like the murderer worked for DCA. If you were the murderer, would you be stupid enough to draw attention to yourself? But if you were high on drugs you could do anything. I wouldn’t pay too much attention to Irene. She’s obviously under a lot of stress and she’s not thinking clearly. How did she contact you?’

  ‘She… she saw on my LinkedIn page that I was working in DCA again and she waited outside the building until I came out.’

  ‘She’s persistent, I’ll give her that. I’ve been dodging her calls for months.’

  ‘Why?’

  ‘Dan doesn’t want anyone talking to her. He says the sooner the murder is forgotten, the better it will be for everyone.’

  They were in the lift when Aoife said, ‘Delia told Irene she worked late two nights every week. That isn’t possible, is it?’

  ‘No. One of us was always there until eight or nine.’

  ‘What do you think she was doing?’

  Laura shrugged. ‘If I was her I’d have checked into a hotel and got a few hours’ sleep. Sometimes I think I’ll never get a good night’s sleep again.’ She yawned. ‘The worst thing is I’m not sure it will ever get better. Mum said she slept well before we were born, but she can count the number of nights she’s slept without pills since she had us.’

  ‘I think she was meeting Ellen’s father.’

  ‘Who is Ellen’s father?’

  ‘Nobody knows, but I think there’s a pretty good chance he’s the murderer.’

  *

  ‘Morning, Aoife. Lovely day, isn’t it?’ Dan said, heading for Laura’s office.

  ‘Laura’s interviewing for the Haslett manager role, Dan. Didn’t she tell you?’

  ‘I must have forgotten. I’ll wait.’ Dan pulled out Rachel’s chair and turned it around to face Aoife. ‘How are you enjoying working here?’

  ‘I love it. Laura’s a great manager—I mean supervisor—and I enjoy the work.’

  ‘What did you do before you came here?’

  ‘I’ve been with agencies since I left college. I worked for nine companies in ten months. This is the longest job I’ve had in ages.’

  ‘What did you study in college?’

  ‘I did an arts degree. English and French.’

  ‘You planned to teach?’

  ‘My parents wanted me to teach. I considered journalism at one stage but I couldn’t make a living at it, so I did office work instead.’

  ‘Journalism would be easier to combine with a family. Have you considered taking it up again?’

  ‘Office work suits me now. I might consider it when my daughter’s older, but right now I’m happy where I am.’

  ‘Maybe someday a scoop will fall into your hands and you’ll have the start you were looking for.’

  ‘I can’t see that happening.’

  ‘Life has a way of surprising us.’ He looked at his watch. ‘Tell Laura I couldn’t wait. I’ll talk to her later.’

  Okay, it’s not good, but it’s not a disaster either. You just have to keep an eye on her. See things don’t get out of hand.

  NINE

  As Aoife was leaving the building, someone called her name. She turned to find Robert grinning at her. The “McGonigle grin,” as it was known in DCA. Nobody would ever doubt Robert’s parentage. Looking at him, you got an idea how good-looking Dan must have been in his youth. Robert, although remarkably similar, was far less attractive. They both had dark, curly hair, although Dan’s scalp was now clearly visible, but whereas Dan was tall and broad, Robert had the width without the height, which gave him a stocky appearance.

  ‘Are you on your way home?’

  ‘Yes. If you’re looking for Laura, she’s still in the office.’

  ‘I’ve done enough work for one day. I need a drink. Can I buy you one? It’s time we got to know each other.’

  ‘Thanks, but I have a train to catch.’

  ‘Surely you have time for one drink?’

  Aoife smiled. ‘Us working mothers don’t have any time to socialise. I have to pick up my daughter by six.’

  ‘Your mother-in-law won’t mind if you’re a little late.’

  ‘How do you know my mother-in-law’s my childminder?’

  ‘Dad must have mentioned it.’

  ‘I didn’t tell your father.’

  ‘Oh, Dad knows everything. He has spies all over the place.’

  ‘If Dan wants to know about my childminding arrangements, he only has to ask. Excuse me. I have to rus
h.’

  ‘Aoife, wait!’

  Aoife ignored him. Taking advantage of a short break in the traffic, she darted across the road, popped down one of the cobbled streets and hid in a shop. She felt stupid hiding. Robert was hardly that desperate to drink with her, but within minutes, Robert rushed past. Okay, now she was being ridiculous, she told herself. Robert just happened to be going down this street anyway. To be on the safe side, Aoife hid in the shop another ten minutes, then took a parallel road to the quays. The cobbled stones were wet and slippery, and Aoife was concentrating on keeping her balance. As she was crossing the road, movement caught her eye. She looked across to the street where she had hidden earlier. Robert was coming out of a shop. She watched him hurry up the street, looking into each shop he passed. Was he looking for her? The first time they were introduced, Robert had barely glanced at her. Now he was so mad with passion he was running up and down the street searching for her? She shivered. Her stalker had appeared before she and Robert had even met. Were two men stalking her? Was she going nuts? What the hell was going on?

  TEN

  ‘Laura won’t be long,’ Gavin said, sitting on the couch opposite Aoife.

  ‘That’s okay, I’m not in any hurry.’

  ‘I wish I could say that. You and Laura have the life of Riley working part-time. I can’t remember when I last had time to myself.’

  Gavin wasn’t at all what Aoife had expected. She’d guessed he would be tall, but she had assumed he and Laura were approximately the same age. Gavin looked nearly fifty. He still had a full head of hair, but it was snow white, and the standard Garda haircut wasn’t doing him any favours.

  ‘Laura mentioned you work for a friend on your days off.’

  ‘I hope she’s not telling everyone. You know what people are like. If someone reported me to the tax office we’d be finished. My salary won’t support us, and what with Laura using the kids as an excuse to swan around the house all day doing nothing…’ He sighed. ‘Sorry, Aoife. You don’t need to hear my problems. How do you like working for DCA?’

  ‘Eh, I really enjoy it. It can be hectic at times, but—’

  They were interrupted by Cora, who raced in carrying a doll almost as big as herself. She stood in front of Aoife and said, ‘Would you like a cup of tea?’

  Aoife laughed. ‘No, thank you.’

  ‘She wants me to take out the biscuits.’ Gavin grabbed Cora and tickled her. ‘Little chancer, aren’t you?’ he said over Cora’s delighted screams. He put her down. ‘Talk to Aoife while I see what’s keeping Mummy.’

  ‘That’s a lovely doll, Cora.’

  ‘She’s Kylie. Mummy’s going to the dentist and she’s staying at Granny’s, but she’s not buying me a doll.’

  ‘Do you get a doll every time your mummy goes to the dentist?’

  ‘I got Kylie when Mummy was sick. Granny made her better and then she came home, but I don’t have to go to Granny when I’m sick ’cos Mummy takes care of me.’

  ‘Did you miss your mummy?’

  Cora nodded. ‘I didn’t cry. Mummy cried all the time when she was sick, but she doesn’t cry now and I had two birthday parties ’cos Mummy was too sick to come to my first one. I got two cakes with candles and loads and loads of presents.’

  ‘My, aren’t you lucky.’

  ‘Cora, get your coat,’ Laura called from the hall.

  *

  ‘This was a great idea. Let’s do this every Wednesday,’ Laura said as they relaxed on the bench, watching Cora feed the ducks.

  ‘Okay. Cora tells me you’re going to the dentist.’

  Laura laughed. ‘I tell her that any time I don’t want her whining to come with me. It’s Mum’s birthday and we’re having a big family get-together. Just me and my sisters, no kids.’

  ‘Gavin’s on childminding duty?’

  ‘Yep. Was he complaining?’

  ‘No, he didn’t even mention it.’

  ‘Good. Cora! Get back!’ A large angry swan had come out of the canal and was heading straight for Cora. Laura raced towards her. As Aoife turned to check on the triplets, she saw a man in a black hoodie duck behind a tree.

  ‘Did you see that?’ Aoife asked Laura, who was dragging a reluctant Cora back to the bench.

  ‘See what?’

  ‘There’s a man hiding behind that tree.’

  Laura squinted, trying to get a good look. Cora yanked her hand free and headed full speed for the ducks. Laura tore after her, one of the triplets screamed, and when Aoife looked towards the tree again, the man in the hoodie had disappeared.

  *

  ‘Make an effort, Jason, please,’ Aoife whispered when they were alone.

  ‘What do you mean?’

  Aoife sighed. The trip to the pub had been her suggestion. Not one of her better ideas. Jason had insisted on driving although everyone else wanted to walk, then he’d nursed his one glass of wine all night, ignoring every effort to include him in conversation. Gavin tried discussing every sport known to man, but Jason, who Aoife had to admit wasn’t really into sports, just nodded or shrugged. He’d shown a little more interest when the subject had changed to work, but Gavin was now on his favourite topic and spent ten minutes moaning that he couldn’t ever hope to be promoted as he had no time to study. Laura interrupted, suggesting he get another round of drinks.

  When Laura returned from the ladies’, she plopped down on the seat Gavin had vacated. ‘Aoife says you’re a management accountant, Jason. What is that exactly?’

  Jason launched into a detailed description of his job, and Aoife relaxed. She had hoped he and Gavin would like each other immediately, but it was early days yet. Laura could talk to anyone, and Jason seemed absorbed in their conversation, so Aoife joined Gavin at the bar. ‘I’ll give you a hand with those,’ she said, taking two of the drinks.

  ‘Thanks. I’m just waiting for the mixers. This was a great idea of yours. I can’t remember the last time I had a night out.’

  ‘I thought we could all do with a break. Jason works so hard, though not as hard as you, of course. And it must be so stressful for Laura, trying to manage four young kids and a job.’

  ‘What does Laura know about hard work? Three days a week she sits at a desk for seven hours. That’s not work.’ Gavin’s face flushed. ‘My very first day working I had to help remove the mangled body of a teenager from the train tracks. Then I had to tell her parents their only child killed herself. That’s work. And it hasn’t got any easier.’

  ‘I’m sorry. That must have been—’

  ‘No, Aoife. I’m sorry. I don’t mean to moan. I know Laura isn’t the only woman who wants to spend time with her kids, but if she didn’t want to work, she should have said so before we bought the house. It’s too late now. My salary won’t cover the payments. I can’t make her understand there’s no choice here. If we’re going to keep the house, she has to leave the kids with the childminder and get a full-time job.’

  ‘Jason hates the idea of Amy going to a childminder.’

  ‘Why? It’s not ideal, but it’s modern life. Everyone has to do it.’

  ‘If Laura had a full-time job, she’d have much less time for you and the kids.’

  ‘At least we’d still have a roof over our heads, and we should be saving for college fees. We’ll have three kids in college at the same time. It’ll cost a fortune.’

  ‘I hadn’t thought that far ahead.’

  ‘I worry about it all the time. Those kids didn’t ask to be born, and God knows I never intended…’ He cleared his throat. ‘The point is they’re here now and they deserve the best possible start in life. At the very least they deserve two full-time parents.’ He frowned and sipped absentmindedly from one of the drinks.

  He was silent for so long Aoife said, ‘I’m sure Laura wants that too.’

  ‘Excuse me?’

  ‘I’m sure Laura wants the best for the kids as well.’

  ‘Yes. Well, if they could have a roof over their heads, a decent educatio
n and a full-time mother, that would be perfect. But if Laura doesn’t start working full-time soon, we’ll either lose the house or I’ll die of exhaustion, and what kind of future will our kids have then?’

  ‘She’s on a good career path now. When the kids are older she can get full-time work as a manager.’

  ‘If any of us live that long. No, I’m waiting for a soda water and a Diet Coke,’ he said to the barman. ‘Sorry, I’m doing it again, Aoife. How are things with you? Laura tells me Delia’s sister contacted you.’

  ‘Yes, she’s very upset, naturally, but there’s not much I can do to help.’

  ‘Delia must have meant a lot to her. Laura claims everyone in DCA hated Delia, but her family obviously cared about her.’

  ‘I suppose people can be quite different outside work. Irene seems a very decent person. She wasn’t at all upset that Delia was lying to her about working late. She said she was always happy to take Ellen.’

  ‘She’ll have her all the time now. I wonder if her husband’s okay with that.’

  ‘She never really mentioned her hu—’

  ‘What’s keeping you two?’ Laura joined them at the bar. ‘Jason and I are dying of the thirst.’

  ‘We were talking about Delia. Do you think she was a different person outside work?’

  ‘I don’t know and I don’t care. I worked with Delia for five years and I’ve spent enough time thinking about her. With all my heart, I wish she hadn’t been murdered, but I just don’t want to think or talk about her any more.’

  ‘Laura!’ Gavin said.

  She rounded on him. ‘Don’t you dare “Laura” me.’

  Aoife felt Jason’s hand on her back. Ignoring his glare, she said, ‘Sorry we left you on your own, sweetheart. Why don’t we take these back to the table, and Gavin and Laura can bring the mixers?’ She handed him the glasses she was holding, took the remaining two from the bar, smiled at Laura and said, ‘You’re right, of course. No more talk about work. We’re here to enjoy ourselves.’

  *

  ‘It was so good of Maura to keep Amy. I can’t remember what it’s like to sleep through the night.’ Aoife lay on the bed, arms outstretched.