One Coffin Too Many Read online

  “ Oh Frank. I thought you’d never ask. Let’s do it. “

  Margo stood up and started stripping off and while she turned her back to him he sneaked out his phone and photographed the contents of the safe before closing it.

  Later when they’d finished Devoy was in a pensive mood.

  “ I was wondering, “ he asked.

  “ Wondering what, Frank? “

  “ I was wondering . Now that Cremin’s dead what’s going to happen? I mean what’s going to happen to Fallons? Will it be sold off or what? “

  “ That’s a good question, Frank. I honestly don’t know. Probably Broderick’s will put in a bid for it. Then again maybe I’ll make a bid. “

  “ You! An undertaker, Margo. Jesus. “

  “ And why not? I know the business. “

  Devoy started laughing.

  “ If you do all the men in town will be dying to meet you – literally. Imagine a blonde like you handling every stiff. What a way to go. I think I’ll sign up now. “

  An hour later he sauntered into the police station. The desk sergeant and a few others were laughing their heads off as they read something behind the desk.

  “ What’s so funny? “ asked Devoy.

  They all looked at one another and then away.

  Sergeant Egan pointed his finger downwards while the other officers drifted off.

  Devoy came around the desk.

  The local newspaper was on the desk. A large photograph dominated the front page. It was of him and Horgan. The front of Horgan’s shirt was gone and Detective Moore was behind them holding a piece of bloodstained material to her face. The caption read:

  Horgan captured again. Sheds blood this time.

  A note at the foot of the photo advised readers to consult pages two and three.

  Devoy quickly turned the page. There was another photo of Moore straddling Horgan with her nose bleeding while she handcuffed him. This was followed by Devoy grabbing Horgan and ripping his shirt.

  “ Shit! “ shouted Devoy. “ Shit and more shit. “

  When he calmed down Egan held out a sheet of paper to him.

  “ Message for you. The chief wants you, boss. He’s waiting down in the office.”

  “ Thanks, “ mumbled Devoy and walked off.

  Devoy knocked on Sullivan’s door and entered.

  Sullivan was staring out the window.

  “ You were looking for me, Chief? “

  “ I was, Frank. I was. “

  “ If this is about the photos in the….”

  Sullivan shook his head abruptly.

  “ No, not about that. It’s Horgan’s lawyer. He was on the phone to me earlier. He wants to see you. “

  “ Okay, I’ll pay for the lousy shirt. “

  Sullivan shook his head again.

  “ Sit down, Frank. Buy the creep a shirt if you want to but it’s not about that. Horgan wants bail. His solicitor Richard Dillon will be making an application for one shortly. But he wants to speak to you first. Have you any objection to this, Frank? The judge won’t grant bail if we think there’s a chance Horgan will abscond or commit any further crimes. Seeing as it’s your case – yours and Detective Moore’s I’m leaving the decision to you – you being the senior officer. Besides by the time this gets into court I may not be here – I’ll most likely be catching fish not criminals. “

  Devoy started to scratch his head.

  “ Looking at you, Frank I can see you’re in two minds. You seem to be weighing something up? Do you want to share it with me? “

  “ Fair enough. Look, it’s like this. Horgan was caught red-handed in the nursing home. He was videoed on the staircase and on the third floor where Fallon’s room was situated. His prints are all over the place and he admits to being there and searching the room but that’s where the trail ends. His prints are not on the door leading to the fire escape, they’re not on the walls, they’re not even on the broken glass. Something‘s missing. “

  “ So what are you saying, Frank? Are you saying we’ve locked up an innocent man? Please, Frank. “

  “ I’m not necessarily saying that. I’m just saying there’s an inconsistency. My feeling is that Horgan is protecting somebody. I’d prefer he cools his heels in a cell rather than out on the street. I feel he’s a marked man now. He’ll be better off in custody for his own sake although he may not realize that now. It hasn’t dawned on him yet that two people connected with this business are dead one of whom asked him to do a few favours. “

  “ Fine. Fine. Where are you with the book of evidence on Fallon? “

  “ Still too many people to interview. “

  “ And Cremin? He seems to have faded into the background. What’s the story on him? “

  “ I was hoping Horgan would throw some light on Cremin’s death. Somehow these two men are linked to one another and not just golf. There’s something in the background. I’m going to have to grill Horgan again. So far he’s my number one suspect but I’ve nothing to nail him with except

  promising to do favours for Cremin. I don’ know whether you looked at Cremin’s photos. There not an easy sight. Cremin was importing sections of cheap coffins from China and assembling them here. His body was found in one. He was stapled and nailed to the inside and killed with a nail through his forehead. Somebody was leaving a message for somebody else. I don’t honestly think it was Horgan. He’d hardly do a favour for somebody he was going to kill. It doesn’t make sense. “

  “ If he’s not giving you anything on Cremin then you could use that against him. See what he’ll give you in return for a consideration of bail. Otherwise block it. “

  “ That’s a good idea, Super. I’ll prepare something for tomorrow’s meeting with Dillon. “

  “ Frank, it can’t be tomorrow. Cremin and Fallon are being buried tomorrow. You’d better get onto Dillon and tell him. You’ll be representing the department. Okay? “

  “ Fine with me. You’re not going then? “

  “ I can’t. Something ‘s come up in Hartigan’s area. I’ll probably be gone all day. But keep me informed at all times. “

  “ You’ve got doubts now – is that it? “

  “ Something doesn’t rhyme, Angela. He’s confessed to everything except the murder. Anyway, we’ve got to prepare for tomorrow. Get the file together. I’m just come from Sullivan’s office. Dillon, Horgan’s solicitor was on to him today. Horgan is looking for bail. “

  “ Bail? He must be kidding. He’s under arrest for first degree murder and he wants bail. “

  “ That’s the way it is. If a judge grants it the price will be high. We’re talking maybe over a hundred thousand. Think he can afford it? “

  “ Why not? He’s been a councilor for years. You’ve seen his house. “

  “ Besides being a councilor what does he do for a living? “

  “ He’s an estate agent would you believe. “

  “ Nice. “

  “ Are we going to contest Horgan’s demand for bail? “

  “ Well, that depends, Angela. As you know we’ve practically got him nailed for Fallon but there’s no give on Cremin. Perhaps a little horse-trading is required? “

  Detective Moore shook her head.

  “ I don’t think the judge will be impressed, somehow. The public don’t like killers walking the streets even if they are councillors. “

  “ I’m hoping for Horgan’s sake it will be denied. My feeling is that Horgan’s life is in danger. He’s better off being in custody. I’ve already pointed this out to Sullivan. “

  “ And what did he say? “

  “ It’s up to us. “

  “ Right, then. Let’s get going. “

  “ Oh, I thought I’d tell you. I bumped into Mrs. Walsh today. “

  “ Oh really. How many times was it then? “

  “ Now, Angela, that’s not only bitchy but disrespectful to a senior officer who happens to be me. “

  “ I don’t like that woman. She’s f
ull of herself. “

  “ You’re not exactly her favourite policewoman, you know. She told me you gave her a hard time. In fact she called you a Rottweiler. “

  “ Did she now. Well I’d rather be a Rottweiler than a dumb blonde. “

  “ Oh, she’s far from dumb I can tell you. No cobwebs on Mrs. Walsh. “

  “ Well certainly not on her knickers, anyway. “

  “ Oh, please, Angela. “

  “ Oh very well, then. “

  “ Good, now that that spats over tell me what you managed to get out of her besides female spite? “

  “ She was tightlipped. She’s a widow. No family. Seemingly no background. She has to work for a living. Cremin gave her a break. Also she could account for her movements the day Cremin was murdered. She ordered a taxi at seven thirty and that checked out. Next she arrived here and deposited the files in reception and that checked out. Later she said you turned up at Fallon’s and you both went to Cremin’s house. You’re her alibi there. She can’t account for her movements before that as she lives alone. “

  “ Nothing else? “

  Angela shook her head.

  “ Didn’t speak about her ex-husband or how she came to be living here? “

  “ No, she gave nothing away. Didn’t volunteer any information? “

  “ I see. What’s your gut feeling, then? “

  “ I’d love to give her a good grilling. Get her in the interview room and sweat her. “

  “ On what grounds? “

  “ Oh, I’d think of something. “

  “ I’m sure you would, “ laughed Devoy. “ I’m sure you would. “

  Moore snorted.

  “ In that case let’s get the file ready for Dillon. But first let’s have a cup of something – tea or coffee. What would you like? “

  Angela made a face.

  “ Oh, I’ll do it then. “ replied Devoy and stood up.

  As he was going out the door Detective Moore put up her hand.

  “ Wait, “ she said. “ I may have something for you. “

  “ Shoot, “ replied Devoy.

  “ An aileron. Do you know what that is? “

  “ An aileron? Spell it. “

  “ A-I-L-E-R-O-N. “

  “ I believe it’s part of a plane. Why? “

  “ When I was leaving Mrs. Walsh’s house a small plane came in rather low over the roof. I ducked involuntarily but she didn’t. “

  “ And so? “

  “ Do you know what she said? “

  “ No, but you’re going to tell me. “

  “ She said that the pilot wouldn’t know an aileron from his arse. I hadn’t a notion what she was talking about. So I asked her. She explained in her usual arrogant way that aileron was the technical term for the flaps. You know those things on the wings that move up and down when the plane is coming in to land. “

  “ Yeah, now that you mention it. I remember. Not that I like looking at the wings when I’m on a plane. But when I think of it maybe the pilot of that plane was distracted. Maybe he came in low so that he could get a gander at Mrs. Walsh’s boobs. You know how she likes to display them. Some women cause car crashes because of the way they’re dressed. With Mrs. Walsh it’s planes! “

  Detective Moore gave Devoy a dirty look.

  “ Well If I may continue. I was surprised. I didn’t think a woman like her would be so acquainted with the bits and pieces of a plane – especially a technical term like aileron. “

  “ A woman like her. You mean a tall, blonde exuding sex appeal with men drooling after her. Would that be right, Angela? “

  “ Well I’d give her that – woman to woman. She knows how to use her charms. “

  “ And why not? You either have it or you haven’t. “

  “ And what you’re saying is I haven’t. “

  “ I never said that, Angela. As your boss and colleague I’m not allowed to make or pass remarks on my female colleagues. You know what the law says. I have to be neutral in these matters. You’re a colleague – admittedly of the opposite sex and a cheeky one to boot but a colleague nonetheless and nothing else. I am not venturing into no-man’s land. Happy? Policeperson. “

  “ Just as I thought. “ replied Detective Moore.

  “ You can’t blame Mrs. Walsh. She’s an attractive woman, a pin-up. Why shouldn’t she flaunt it? She’s not doing any harm. She’s got a right to be what she wants. Besides she’s divorced. You’d hardly expect her to act like a nun- at least the nuns I knew in my childhood. They preferred thrashing kids? “

  “ You don’t see women like her in convents. “

  “ Well that’s why they are in convents – because they haven’t got it. Okay? “

  Moore shook her head.

  “ Everything with men comes down to sex. “

  “ That’s what it’s all about. That’s how nature designed us. How do you think we’d bother to mate. There has to be an attraction. Otherwise the human race would die out. Anyway we’re going off track. We were talking about Mrs. Walsh’s esoteric knowledge of airplane parts. “

  “ Yes, we were. “

  “ Poor woman. Imagine the crap she’s have to put up with if she were a nuclear physicist. “

  “ Yes, imagine it. Poor thing. “

  “ Maybe you’d better get used to these catfights, Angela. I heard the ‘ towering inferno ‘ was sniffing around here recently. “

  “ The ‘ towering inferno ‘ ? That’s a film from the seventies. I don’t understand? “

  “ The ‘ towering inferno ‘ is better known in police circles in these parts as Detective Sergeant Marie Hayes – your nemesis. I didn’t know she was a redhead? “

  “ I don’t believe you! How could she? Besides, she’s another one of those bloody blondes. “

  “ Not anymore she isn’t. You should take a page out of her book. Some women change their looks to attract men just as much as fishermen change their lures – one to catch men, the other to catch fish as poor Hartigan found out. Do you still want tea? “

  Devoy was talking to the air. Moore had quit the office.

  “ Don’t forget, one sugar, “ he shouted after her. “ And a hint of milk. “

  With Angela out of the way he ruminated on what Detective Moore had told him. Ailerons, now how could Margo have come across such a technical term? It didn’t make sense. Flaps was the common expression. Most people could hardly spell the word. It didn’t sound English. Perhaps there was an easy explanation but Devoy’s detective nose him there wasn’t. He couldn’t let it drop. He had to find out.

  He reached for the phone and dialled a mobile number. It was answered right away.

  “ Well, well, Caroline. That was some spread on pages one, two and three today. Are you trying to get me sacked? “

  “ Thanks for the compliment but I thought I was helping you to put that creep Horgan behind bars for a long time. “

  “ Well, we’re hoping to put him behind bars but that’s not up to me. You’re forgetting the trial, judge and jury. I just don’t want anybody accusing us of police brutality, you know muddying the waters. Even if he didn’t do it he’s a nasty piece of work. “

  “ Do I detect doubt there, Frank? “

  “ He has to be proven guilty, Caroline. You know that. “

  “ Well thank you for the lesson in law but I smell something. “

  “ Look Caroline if anything develops I’ll let you know. You play ball with me and I’ll play ball with you. Don’t start jumping to conclusions. “

  “ Fair enough. So what have you got for me? “

  “ Listen, are you going to Cremin’s funeral tomorrow? “

  “ Of course, Frank. I wouldn’t miss that for anything. “

  “ Good. I’ll be there too. Can you photograph everybody at the graveside especially the blonde woman. “

  “ Which blonde woman? Everybody’s blonde these days, Frank. You’ve been married too long. Rumour has it they are more appreciated. “r />
  “ I can vouch for that. “

  “ You old dog, you. “

  “ Oh, you’ll notice this one. I’ll be right beside her. “

  “ Consider it done. “

  “ Oh, one more thing. “

  “ Yes? “

  “ You didn’t hear it from me but Horgan’s looking for bail. “

  Next Devoy called Dillon’s secretary and advised her he wouldn’t be available tomorrow as it was Cremin’s funeral.

  The third call he made reluctantly and with a heavy heart. It was to McFadden at the flying club.

  ✽✽✽

  CHAPTER 11

  Thursday

  “ Please take a seat, Inspector Devoy. “

  Devoy sat down and faced McFadden. Behind him small planes were taking off and landing. He couldn’t hear a thing. It seemed to him the planes were like large flies caught behind a wall of glass. McFadden wasn’t his usual open self, Devoy thought. He was now guarded as if Devoy was an intruder. He wondered why the wall had now gone up.

  “ Inspector Devoy, “ began McFadden. “ I’ve considered your request and I regret I can’t let you go through our membership records just like that. I know you could get a search warrant very easily and I’d hate it to come to that but I feel as secretary of this flying club I’d be in breach of the club’s rules if I let you go ahead as you propose. I’m also aware that if it goes to the wire then you’d be tipping your hand as I would have to consult the club membership. I sincerely hope it doesn’t come to that. “

  Devoy considered McFadden’s response.

  “ Mr. McFadden, “ he replied. “ You’ve been more than helpful to me over the past few days without knowing what’s going on. The most I could tell you was that there was a police operation going on. You didn’t inquire further and I was grateful for that. I’ve just come from the funeral of a man who was murdered – perhaps you’re aware of his identity. No doubt you’ve read the papers. I’ve reason to believe that man’s murder is in some way connected to this club or at least to somebody who’s connected to this club. I can’t for security reasons be any more explicit than that. This afternoon another murdered man will be laid to rest. I don’t like these types of coincidences, Mr. McFadden. All I’m asking you is to bear with me? “