One Coffin Too Many Read online

  “ Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Whoever killed him was wearing gloves. “

  “ So who burnt the files? Cremin or his killer? “

  “ Hard to say. “

  “ You said Wade might be able to help out there. We could cross-reference. “

  “ I phoned Wade this morning. He said he couldn’t figure out his father’s files. He invited me to have a look to satisfy myself. What about the Marshall family file I brought back here? Any prints found there? “

  “ They lifted a few prints but they’re not known to us. They could be anybody’s. “

  “ And the mystery coffin? “

  “ Oh yeah, loads but they’re probably Wade’s and Kennedy’s. “

  “ We’ll have to ask Kennedy and Wade to help us out there. Incidentally, Kennedy told me he found the mystery coffin extremely clean. He thought that strange. “

  “ So who do we bring in for a little chat, then? “

  “ As usual those who can’t account for their movements. “

  “ Very funny. That could apply to you, couldn’t it? “

  “ As yes, I suppose so but then Mrs. Walsh is my alibi. She can account for my movements. “

  “ And you can account for hers, no pun intended. “

  “ At least up to the time I arrived at Fallons. Prior to that I’ve no idea. Ah, I forgot she was at the station this morning. The taximan can alibi her and also the desk sergeant. “

  “ Do you want me to interview her – you know woman to woman. “

  Devoy grunted.

  “ Yes, I think that would be a good idea, Angela. Say everybody’s who was in any way connected to Cremin is being questioned as a matter of course. Perhaps you could start with Kennedy and then her. I’ll take Wade and Marshall. There’s something else you ought to know – somebody who might be in the picture that we haven’t thought about. “

  “ Oh who? “

  “ A certain Mr. Horgan – Councillor Horgan to be exact. I had a run in with him this morning. He confronted me in the street. Said I was hassling Cremin. “

  “ I see. And what happened? “

  Devoy switched on his phone and scanned the pages.

  ‘ That’s what happened. “ he said, holding up the phone to Moore.

  Moore peered at the photo on the screen. She started laughing.

  “ Yes, “ she said. “ That’s Councillor Frederick Horgan alright. Fred the Fixer as they call him. You want something done – get around building regulations, re-zoning etc. He’s your man. He’s also called the Zoner. “

  “ Is that a fact. A low –life, then? “

  “ You could say that but that’s unfair to the animal world. But you didn’t take that, did you? “

  Devoy shook his head.

  “ It seems a certain reporter happened to be in the area at the time and spotted Horgan tied to the door of his car and with his pants down. Irresistible, don’t you think? I bet her editor is delighted. “

  “ I love coincidences, Inspector. Don’t you? “

  “ I think they’re marvellous. “

  “ So where do we go from here? “

  “ Like I said: Kennedy first and then Mrs. Walsh. “

  “ Anything else? “

  “ Yes. Mrs. Walsh told me in confidence this morning that Cremin wanted her to be more than a receptionist etc. In fact they went out together and he even proposed to her. “

  “ So she was kind of a mistress to him? “

  “ She denied that but…”

  “ You know women ….”

  “ Yes, Inspector, I know women. I’m one of them. “

  “ Good, that’s settled, then. Under no condition refer to any of this. Let her make the play. Just get her to open up and we’ll take it from there. “

  She’ll probably think you let me in on her secret? “

  “ Well let her.”

  “ Oh, I forget to tell you. Roderick Marshall phoned to say that he and his sister were unable to locate the keys so far. They’re going to try the cellars. “

  “ I wonder where he was early this morning? “

  “ You think he might be involved? “

  “ Hard to say. There’s Kennedy too. And Wade for that matter. We haven’t got too many suspects. “

  “ And don’t forget Mrs. Walsh? “

  “ Yes, cherchez la femme as they say. “

  “ Strange, what started off as a unaccounted for coffin turns into a murder – a gruesome one. “

  “ Yes, asking Cremin for his files put his head on the block. I wonder what he discovered. Still it’s too late. Everything was burnt unless… “

  Devoy paused.

  “ What are you thinking? “ asked Moore.

  “ Something Cremin said to me. Fallon. Fallon was the original owner. Cremin worked for him and then bought him out when Fallon retired. Cremin said he was in some local nursing home. Where, he wasn’t sure but he mentioned the old convent. Does that strike a bell seeing as you’re local? “

  “ Yeah, I know it. It’s out by the sea. “

  “ Maybe the old guy will remember something? “

  “ It’s worth a try. “

  “ Could you show me the way? “

  “ And what about Kennedy and Mrs. Walsh? “

  “ Somehow I don’t think either of them will be at Fallons today – at least not for business reasons. The place will be closed as a mark of respect to Cremin. I’d better give you Mrs. Walsh’s address. Pity I haven’t got her phone number. “

  “ Try Fallons. Maybe you’ll get her there? “

  “ Look I don’t want to speak to her if I can avoid it. I’d prefer you did the talking in case she thinks I’m setting her up. “

  Detective Moore dialled Fallon’s.

  “ Just as you said: listen! “

  Devoy brought the phone to his ear.

  He heard Margo’s voice advising him that due to the tragic death of Mr. Cremin, Fallon’s Funeral Home was closed until further notice. In case of emergency please call ….”

  Devoy hung up. Listening to her again brought back images of the morning to him.

  “ Something up? “ asked Moore noticing the strange look in his eyes.

  Devoy shook his head.

  “ No, nothing. Let’s go see Mr. Fallon before anybody else has the bright idea. “

  Detective Moore gave him a knowing smile.

  On the way to the nursing home Devoy started thinking out loud.

  “ Cremin burnt the files, you know. “

  “ How did you come to that conclusion? “ asked Moore.

  “ He started burning them early this morning. He felt he had to get rid of them. With the files burnt there was no material evidence left for anybody to see. But Cremin knew what was in those files so he had to be eliminated but not before he was tortured just to see how much he knew and who he had talked to. “

  “ Strange the way they pinned him inside the coffin. It was like a crucifixion. Symbolic in a sense. “

  “ That just might give us an insight into who that is. Whoever killed him wanted to make a show of it – an act of revenge. He wasn’t just content to kill the…”

  Just then an ambulance with lights and sirens overtook them on the road.

  “ Christ, “ said Devoy, “ he’s really tearing up the road. Must be an accident up ahead? Get onto control and see what it’s about? “

  Moore was about to radio in when they came around a bend and followed the ambulance into what looked like an old building.

  “ That’s it, “ said Moore. “ Slow down. That’s the nursing home! “

  Moore followed the ambulance into the ground and pulled up beside it. The ambulance men were already running up the steps.

  “ Must be a heart attack victim, “ Moore said. “ Most of the patients here are well into their eighties or nineties. “

  As they came up to the reception the two ambulance men passed them and ran back out into the grounds.

  “ Can I hel
p you? “ asked a stern faced woman dressed in white behind the desk.

  “ We’re here to see Mr. Fallon. Mr. Joseph Fallon. We believe he’s a patient here. “

  “ Mr. Fallon. And you are? “

  Devoy and Moore held up their ID cards.

  “ Police! My that was quick! “

  Devoy and Moore looked at one another perplexed.

  “ I don’t understand, Nurse. Quick? What do you mean? “

  “ I phoned the police less than five minutes ago and you’re here already. That must be a record. “

  “ And why did you phone the police less than five minutes ago, Nurse? “

  “ It’s Sister, not Nurse, Inspector and Mr. Fallon is dead. “

  “ You’re joking me, Sister? “

  “ I am not joking, sir. I don’t joke about matters of this nature. “

  “ So what’s the big deal, then, Sister. I’m sure people are dying here every day of the week. It’s an old folks’ home isn’t it? “

  “ Mr. Fallon was found less than ten minutes ago on the fire escape. He didn’t get out there on his own. “

  “ Oh, “ replied Devoy.

  “ Oh, indeed, Inspector. The poor man could hardly walk. I think he was thrown out the emergency door. He was murdered if you ask me. “

  “ Show us. “

  They followed the nun down the steps and out into the grounds. She pointed out the fire escape. On the first floor they could make out what looked like a bundle of rags entangled in the metal of the steps. One of the two ambulance men was jumping up trying to get a hold on the last rungs of the fire escape which were retractable.

  “ We better stop him before he does any damage to the scene. “ Moore said.

  “ Good idea, “ replied Devoy.

  “ Look, you get over there and keep the scene intact. Get onto the station. Get a forensic team here as soon as possible. I’ll go above and have a look. “

  Devoy turned to the nun.

  “ Sister would you be good enough to show me where this happened? “

  “ Of course, Inspector. Follow me. “

  Five minutes later Devoy and the nun were looking down at the remains of Joseph Fallon.

  “ We’ll have to leave him there until the forensic people get here, Sister. Tell me how did he manage to get this door open? “

  “ Obviously somebody did it for him, Inspector. Like I said he could hardly walk. He was approaching ninety. Besides, this door is always locked. The key is always kept in this box. As you can see it has been broken into. The key is missing. There’s no way Mr. Fallon could have done that. “

  “ So you reckon he was murdered? “

  “ I’m sure of it, Inspector. “

  “ Can you show me his room? “

  She nodded to the left.

  Devoy followed her down the corridor.

  “ In here, “ she said.

  Devoy baulked at the stench as she opened the door.

  “ You’re not used to old people, are you, Inspector? “

  “ Well, Sister, I have trouble enough looking at my ugly mug every morning when I’m shaving. That’s old for me. “

  The nun gave him a little laugh.

  “ Wait until you get to Mr. Fallon’s age. “

  “ I’ve no intention of waiting, Sister. I don’t want to end up like these people here. “

  “ Everybody says that but barring accidents it happens. It’s God’s will. “

  “ Is it indeed? I was never impressed with his sense of humour. “

  “ You’re not a believer, Inspector? “

  “ No, I gave it up. “

  The nun extended her arm.

  “ This is the late Mr. Fallon’s room. You can see some kind of struggle took place here. “

  Devoy cast his eyes around the room. Everything was in disarray. The stench of human incontinence along with vomit hung in the room. Devoy took out a pair of latex gloves and slipped them on.

  “ Try not to touch anything, Sister. I want this room sealed off. Nobody is to enter. No medical staff, no cleaners, religious, nobody. Do I make myself clear? “

  The nun gave him a grin.

  “ As you wish, sir. “

  Devoy searched the bedside locker first. The contents had been emptied and then thrown back in haphazardly.

  Next he went to the chest of drawers. There was nothing of interest there either. He tried the closet but all he found were clothes and shoes and a stack of old newspapers and magazines on the floor. He rifled through them but there was nothing of interest.

  The he spotted the food tray underneath the bed. He pulled it out. There was a soup bowl with a smudge of soup in it. Everything had been devoured save for a few crusts of bread.

  “ What time are the patients fed, Sister? “

  “ Between half-twelve and two o’clock. “

  “ I suppose there’s a lot of bustle while they’re being served? “

  “ Yes, you could say that. A lot of coming-and going. “

  “ So the stairs and corridors are chock-a-bloc with people? “

  “ Yes, that would be right. “

  “ And nobody pays any attention to them? “

  “ No, why should they. They’re delivering meals. “

  “ And I suppose they’re all dressed in hospital whites? “

  “ The nursing staff are but auxiliaries are dressed in pink and kitchen staff in blue. “

  “ So it’s easy to spot outsiders – visitors? “

  “ Unless of course they’re dressed otherwise. “

  A smile crossed the Sister’s face.

  “ You think maybe somebody sneaked in dressed as one of us? “

  “ It’s a possibility, Sister. “

  “ Yes, I suppose you’re right. “

  “ Where do the patients keep their valuables, Sister? “

  “ All valuables are in lockers below in the office with combination numbers and the combination numbers are kept in a safe. “

  “ And the office is manned all the time? “

  “ Yes, there is always somebody there – even at night. “

  “ What about security? What’s that like? “

  “ We’ve a man at the front door and cameras on every floor and at the back. Another man patrols the grounds just in case. “

  “ Do you think I could have a look at the videos? “

  “ Follow me, Inspector. “

  Devoy stopped.

  “ Look Sister, I’m sorry to be bossy. I need someone reliable to stand watch over the room and the fire escape. Do you think you get somebody up here until more police arrive? “

  “ Let me make a call, Inspector. “

  The nun made a call on her house phone and a few minutes later they were approached by an orderly.

  Devoy gave him instructions and he and the nun took the lift down to the ground floor.

  “ In here, Inspector, “ she said, showing him into an office behind the reception area. “ I’ll set it up for you. “

  While he waited Devoy got on the phone to Moore and told her where he was.

  The nun pulled up a chair and Devoy sat down. She showed how to operate the video machine. Devoy set the machine in motion. He started at this morning.

  “ I’ll get you a cup of tea or coffee if you like, Inspector. Milk and sugar? “

  “ Thanks, Sister. Coffee would be great. “

  “ Oh, I forgot to ask. When’s visiting time? “

  “ Officially two to four and seven to nine but we’re quite liberal seeing as they are elderly. “

  “ And all visitors have to present themselves at reception? “

  “ That’s what they are asked to do but I suppose someone could slip in through the kitchen or the morgue. “

  “ And these are covered by the cameras? “

  “ No, only the reception and the corridors leading to the stairs and lift. Anybody taking either is filmed. “

  “ Great. I’ll get going then. “
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  Ten minutes later Devoy was getting bug-eyed from scrutinizing the screen. He stopped the machine and rubbed his eyes.

  The nun came in with a tray and a pot of coffee.

  “ I’m sorry I took so long. Your colleague asked me would I mind if the fire brigade came into the grounds. Seems it’s the only way to get poor Mister Fallon’s remains down. “

  “ Good thinking. Anything else happening out there? “

  “ It seems your colleague has everything under control. “

  Devoy took a mouthful of coffee and set the video recorder in motion again. He was flicking through the images trying to speed everything up when he spotted something. He ran the tape back and then forward again slowly.

  “ You fat pig you, “ he said out loud. “ I’ve got you. “

  “ I beg your pardon, Inspector! “

  Devoy spun around in the seat.

  “ Oh, Jesus, Sister, I’m real sorry. I just spotted somebody I know. I’m sorry for my outburst. I wasn’t referring to you. “

  “ I should hope not, Inspector. I’m hardly what you’d call fat nor am I a pig. “

  “ That you aren’t, Sister. That you aren’t. My apologies. “

  “ And please don’t use the Lord’s name in vain. “

  “ Again sorry. “

  “ Accepted. “

  Devoy froze the image.

  “ Is there any way to enlarge this? “

  The nun shook her head.

  “ It’s an old machine, Inspector. “

  “ Could you make a copy for me? “

  “ I can’t do it but I’ll get somebody onto it right away. I’m no good at this sort of thing. “

  “ Tell you what, Sister. I’m going out front to see what’s happening. Maybe you could get the copy done while I’m outside? “

  “ I’m not promising anything but I’ll try. “

  “ Excellent Sister. We just might have a murderer on her hands on that piece of tape but that’s between you and me for the moment. “

  “ I can keep a secret, Inspector. You can bank on me. “

  “ Great. When it’s ready give me a call. Here’s my number. I’ll be out in the grounds. “

  Devoy finished his coffee and went out into the grounds.

  The firemen were bringing Fallon’s body down when he got there. On the ground the technical people had spread a groundsheet. Moore had let the scene of crime technicians get on with their work. She had a notebook in her hand.