One Coffin Too Many Read online

  “ Hey, that’s personal. I didn’t insult you? Why are you insulting me? “

  “ Because you’re insulting my intelligence, Councillor. So think again. “

  Horgan snorted.

  “ Fair enough. Fair enough. “

  Horgan nodded his head a few times as if he were debating what to say. His solicitor placed his hand on his arm to counsel him.

  “ It’s like this, “ he began. “ I admit I was there in Fallon’s room after dinner time. I went to see him because Cremin asked me. It seems some sort of key or keys were missing and Cremin asked me to ask Fallon about them. He didn’t tell me that Fallon had Alzeimer’s. The man didn’t know what day it was for Christ’s sake so there was little point in asking him questions. He was on another planet as far as I could see. So I searched every corner of his room, every drawer, the closet, the chest of drawers, under the bed while he slurped his soup and ate his bread all the time making dreadful pig-like sounds and breaking wind. There was nothing there, believe me. Nothing. So I left empty handed. “

  “ We only have your word for that, Councillor. “

  “ Well it’s true. “

  “ Sure you didn’t put some pressure on poor old Fallon? “

  “ You can pin that on somebody else but not me. I left him there eating like a pig. Besides, I couldn’t stand the smell. Really disgusting. “

  “ Anything else to add? “

  “ Absolutely nothing. I’ve nothing more to add. “

  “ Why did you try to run away this afternoon when we arrived at your house? “

  “ I thought you were out to get me because of this morning. “

  “ Who are you protecting, Councillor Horgan? “

  “ I’m protecting nobody but myself, Inspector. “

  “ Well in that case, I’m arresting you now for the murder of Joseph Fallon. “

  Devoy turned to Moore.

  “ Read Mr. Horgan his rights, Detective Moore. “

  As Moore read him his rights Horgan heard the rasp of handcuffs being opened. Looking again at his image on the screen he turned his back to Devoy.

  “ You’re making a big mistake, Inspector. I didn’t kill Mr. Fallon. I had no motive to kill him. “

  “ Take him away, Detective. “ replied Devoy. “ You know the drill. Photographs and prints. “

  “ Two in one day, Devoy. Aren’t you overdoing it. I mean … I came down here to get a break from those savages up in Dublin and twiddle my thumbs until my pension kicked in and now you’ve presented me with two stiffs and on a Tuesday morning, too. “

  “ I’m sorry about that Superintendent but that’s the way it happened. “

  “ So where do we go from here? “

  “ Well there’s a horde of reporters outside clamoring for news. We’ll have to give them something otherwise we’ll never get any peace. “

  “ You ever done this sort of thing before? “

  “ Not for murders but I know the script. “

  “ Good. I’d like to keep a low profile on this one if I can. Tell you what. Let’s schedule the press conference for nine tomorrow morning. That will give us time to prepare ourselves. In the meantime you go out there and give them a few bones to chew over. Keep it short and sweet. Tomorrow morning at nine then. Okay? “

  Out in the corridor Devoy sent an SMS to Caroline outlining the story. He didn’t want her fouling up his patter once he got rolling.

  ✽✽✽

  CHAPTER 8

  Wednesday

  Twenty four hours later everybody including the media was gathered in the police canteen which was the only place suitable for such a large number of people. Superintendent Sullivan in full dress uniform sat at a table flanked by Inspector Devoy on his right and Detective Moore on his left. On the table in front of them stood a battery of microphones, miniature cassette recorders and mobile phones. Devoy cast his eyes over the assembled crowd of reporters and TV people but recognized only Caroline who was in the front row. He wondered how the news had got out beyond the county borders. There had to be some stringers in the area he wasn’t aware of.

  Sullivan stood up and launched the proceeding.

  “ Ladies and gentlemen, he began. “ I’m Superintendent Sullivan in charge of this station and this is Detective Inspector Devoy and Detective Moore. Both officers are running these cases.

  Inspector Devoy will now outline the course of events that led to the arrest of an individual this afternoon following the murder of Mr. Joseph Fallon at the old convent nursing home. When he’s finished he will field questions. Thank you. “

  Superintendent Sullivan sat down and brought his hands up to his face.

  A hush descended on the canteen.

  Detective Inspector Devoy up .

  “ Ladies and gentlemen, “ began Devoy. “ Thank you for being here today. “

  “ On Monday afternoon after lunchtime the body of a man was found on the fire escape of the old convent nursing home outside of town. The remains were subsequently identified as those of Mr. Joseph Fallon who was a long time patient there. At first it was thought that perhaps Mr. Fallon had somehow made his way out onto the fire escape but this was ruled out when one considered the difficulty one had in opening the fire exit at an advanced age. Mr. Fallon was ninety and obviously incapable of such an act.

  After further investigation by the police and with the added help of Nursing Sister Regina Flood it was established that Mr. Fallon had been thrown to his death. We also discovered his room had been ransacked. It was then suggested to us by Sister Flood that perhaps we could have a look at the security videos. This we did and a man was identified who seemingly had no motive for being in the nursing home at that time.

  The suspect was traced to his home where he refused to account for his movements and also to answer questions. In fact the suspect tried to escape.

  The suspect, a Mister Frederick Horgan also known as Councillor Horgan was arrested and brought to the station. He is currently on remand. “

  Devoy looked up and squinted into the television lights.

  “ Any questions? “

  There was a babble of voices until Devoy raised his hands for order.

  “ I’ll take one at a time, “ he suggested.

  Caroline took the prompt and stood up.

  “ Inspector Devoy, “ she said in a nice tone.

  “ Yes, Miss. ..“

  “ Caroline Gleeson of the Courier. Is there any connection between this killing and what happened in the early hours of Monday morning at the residence of Mr. Cremin who was also found murdered? “

  On hearing this there was a babble of voices as other reporters digested this piece of information. Devoy brought his arms up again for silence.

  “ Yes, well we believe there might be a connection but as yet it has to be established. The only evidence so far is circumstantial. I can’t tell you more than that at the moment. “

  Before Devoy could continue everybody started asking questions, chief among them was who is Cremin?

  Devoy brought his hands up again.

  “ Let me explain something here. A press conference was scheduled for yesterday afternoon following the murder of Mr. Cremin. However, in pursuing our investigation we were overwhelmed by events, that is to say, by the death of Mr. Fallon whom we had hoped could help us with our investigation. Unfortunately we were too late. “

  “ So there’s a connection? “ asked a television reporter.

  “ Indeed there is, “ replied Devoy. “ Mr. Cremin used to work for Mr. Fallon of Fallon’s Funeral Home. When Mr. Fallon retired Mr. Cremin took over the business. “

  “ So, “ asked another reporter, “ apart from being owners of the same undertakers is there any other connection? “

  “ That we are still trying to establish. Mr. Horgan was unable to throw any light on the matter despite repeated questions. “

  “ Rather odd that both were murdered within hours of one another? “ asked another voice.


  “ We are still investigating the murder of Mr. Cremin. Our enquiries are far from finished. “

  “ Two murders in the one day is a lot for such a small town, isn’t it? “

  “ Yes, two murders is two murders too much even for a small town. “

  “ It may have nothing to do with the murder but why was Councillor Horgan handcuffed to his car yesterday morning with his pants down? “

  “ I think he was waiting for a photographer. I’m given to believe Mr. Horgan is a great seeker of publicity. “ replied Devoy to all round laughter. “ That’s it, ladies and gentlemen. We’ll keep you informed as events unfold. Thank you. “

  Sullivan, Devoy and Moore waited until the media had cleared the canteen.

  Sullivan clapped Devoy on the back.

  “ That was a nice performance, Frank. I couldn’t have done better myself. Look, I’ve got some reports to make. I’ll see you later. “

  “ Any news from Justice about the coffin? “ Devoy asked.

  “ Nothing yet, Inspector. Bureaucracy. I’ll let you know as soon as an answer arrives. And Inspector? “

  “ Yes, Superintendent? “

  “ Thanks for keeping me in the picture. I appreciate that seeing as I’m not here all the time. “

  “ Thanks Superintendent. “

  They both waited until Sullivan had closed the door behind him.

  “ Nothing to say about how I handled the press, Angela. “

  Moore pulled a face.

  “ Handled the press? I was under the impression you were being handled. “

  “ Oh, how do you come to that conclusion? “

  “ The blonde. Who’s the blonde, then? “

  “ The blonde? “ asked Devoy. “ Who are you referring to? “

  “ The one who was on her feet before you could say ‘ any questions ‘. I mean, it was so obvious. “

  Devoy wore a pained look on his face.

  “ Please Angela, what are you on about? “

  “ I’m referring to that blonde reporter who seemed to be well briefed even before you opened your mouth. “

  “ Aw, give me a break, Angela. You’re talking about Caroline of the Courier. She’s a local woman. Obviously she’s been on the trail. It’s a small town. “

  “ This is the same one who managed to find Horgan handcuffed to his car with his pants down and his picture ends up on your phone. How very convenient and coincidental. And you say you don’t believe in coincidences. The hell you don’t. “

  “ Please, Angela? “ pleaded Devoy.

  “ What is it with you men and blondes? “ she continued. “ First the blonde in your car at the scene of crime this morning with nothing to say and now another one in the afternoon with all the right questions. How come they seem to be all reading the same hymn sheet or is it just me? “

  Devoy thought he’d have a little fun with his assistant.

  “ Look, there’s something I have to tell you. Sullivan and I had a heart to heart very early yesterday morning. You know he’s only temporary. He’s just filling in time before his pension kicks in. He doesn’t want any complications, okay. He’s flitting between here and the next area keeping the chair warm for whoever is going to fill it. Hartigan hasn’t been replaced yet so two superintendent positions are up for grabs: O’Shea’s and Hartigan’s. It’ll all be sorted out by the end of the summer when the career vultures are back in town sporting tans and egos and measuring themselves up for a superintendent’s uniform. “

  “ So where does that leave you? “

  “ Me? Oh, I’m happy enough here. I like being a detective inspector. I don’t particularly like being desk- bound with paperwork. “

  “ And if you’re promoted to superintendent? “

  “ If I am and it’s a wild shot I suppose I’ll be posted elsewhere. Rumour has it that Detective Sergeant Marie Hayes might come here seeing as she’s used up her welcome over Hartigan or as some people are saying under him. “

  “ Detective Sergeant Marie Hayes! Surely you mean Detective Marie Hayes? “

  “ No, my sources say she’s a sergeant. Why? “

  “ That bitch. She was in a class lower than me. How come she made it to sergeant before me? I‘ve better grades than her and more seniority. “

  “ Whoa, take it easy there, Detective Moore. You’re talking about a senior officer now. She could have you back in uniform with that kind of talk. “

  “ I bet she made it via the couch. She was always a tramp. “

  “ Well it was actually the desk. Maybe the couch was worn out? She and Hartigan seemingly spent a lot of time working the desk and government-issue furniture is not constructed to take that kind of

  punishment. Anyway, he’s out of it now pushing up daisies and she’s looking for another number in these parts.”

  “ Another blonde bitch! What’s so special about blondes anyway? “

  Devoy shrugged.

  “ I’m told they’re better in bed but it’s only a rumour. And of course they’re easy to see in the dark unlike brunettes. “

  Moore shook her head in disgust.

  “ Men can be such pigs. Does your wife know this? “

  “ Probably suspects it like most brunettes with a gripe but I’m hardly about to advertise it. “

  Detective Moore snorted and walked off.

  “ Don’t forget you’ve a rendez-vous with the blonde Mrs. Walsh today. Perhaps you could ask her why blondes are so successful while you’re questioning her? “

  Detective Moore’s response was to slam the door after her.

  Laughing Devoy made his way to his office. It was while he was typing up his report for the benefit of Superintendent Sullivan that his phone pinged.

  He picked it up and examined his messages.

  It was an SMS from McFadden. It read.

  I think I may have something for you, Inspector Devoy. Best you see for yourself!

  Fifteen minutes later Devoy accompanied by McFadden and the driver of a tractor were examining the newly-cut grass lining the sides of the runway.

  “ I thought that might interest you, Inspector Devoy considering your line of questions the other day. Would I be right? “

  Devoy picked up the object that looked like the casing of a small artillery shell.

  “ Yes, I see what you mean, Mr. McFadden. “ Devoy replied turning the cylindrical object in his hand.

  “ And you say this is a flare of some description, Mr. McFadden? “

  “ Oh, there’s no doubt about it, Inspector. That’s a flare. And it’s not the only one. Barry here found them caught in the blades of the mowers. “

  “ Strange I didn’t notice them the last time. “

  “ The grass was too long. Maybe you didn’t look far enough. They’re quite a distance apart - at least twenty to thirty meters. You see we only keep the grass on the runway proper short for obvious reasons. The sides we leave until it’s too long – like today. “

  “ Thanks for calling me. Tell me how many people handled this particular flare? “

  “ Barry, myself and now you. Why? “

  “ These flares have to be ignited by somebody? Right? “

  McFadden nodded.

  “ Of course. How else are they supposed to ignite? “

  “ Just asking. So somebody had to hold it in their hands before pulling something to set it alight? “

  “ In a nutshell, Inspector. “

  Devoy took out his handkerchief and reached into the blades.

  “ I’ll take two of these if you don’t mind. They should be in an immaculate condition apart from the prints of the person who ignited them. Lie I said we’re narrowing down suspects, Mr. McFadden. Perhaps you could let me have a large envelope? “

  Back in his office McFadden said he had something else for Devoy.

  “ Something occurred to me when Barry the groundsman alerted me to the presence of the flares – something that I read in an American aeronautical magazine. �
��

  “ Like what, for instance? “

  “ It seems that American drug couriers en route from the Caribbean to the United States to avoid detection announce over their radios to ground control that their instruments are behaving oddly. Then they drop below the horizon – go off radar for a few minutes, land in some isolated field, jettison their cargo of drugs on the improvised runway and immediately take off and resume radio contact. Nobody pays much attention especially during a storm – especially an electrical one. Just thought you’d like to know. “

  “ That’s very interesting, Mr. McFadden. Very interesting. “

  “ Of course they would have to have filed a flight plan for the local airport in which they were expected to land. That way all would be above board so to speak apart from the little hiccup of going off radar. In our case the local airport would be the regional one. “

  “ So I should turn my attention to the regional airport to get an idea of who’s coming and going in these parts with a slight hiccup on the way? “

  “ Exactly, Inspector. One swallow does not a summer make but a few if you get my meaning? Why don’t you leave things to me? I’m sure you’ve enough on your plate without getting bogged down in

  technical details. I’ll get in contact with you when I have something more substantial. And you can take it from there. “

  Devoy thanked McFadden and headed back to his car.

  As he was getting in his phone pinged. He switched it on. It was an SMS.

  Well hello pig, the script read, and what a piggy you are letting your female Rottweiler loose on me.

  That was really below the belt sending her in and I would have told you everything you wanted to know if only you’d asked and under more tantalizing circumstances.

  But you didn’t. You’re a coward. Anyway I didn’t tell Detective Moore everything. I kept something for you. If you want to know what that something is call me right away.

  I’m driving, incidentally so be patient.

  Margo

  With the excitement rising in him Devoy called Margo right away.

  She answered immediately.

  “ Ah, there you are, Inspector. “