by John Holt
“Then there’s Daniel Brendan Martin Mulligan, the third, who’ve you have already had the acquaintance,” O’Rourke continued.
Kendall looked over to the table in the corner. There was Mulligan oblivious to all around him, contentedly sipping on his drink.
O’Rourke gave a sigh. “So now who else is there?” he looked around. “Ah, to be sure there’s Derren.” He looked over and waved. “Derren Lynch, he runs the local boatyard, so he does. You need a boat repair and he’ll do it.”
Kendall looked over in the direction indicated, not exactly sure whether he would ever need to have a boat repaired or not. But you never know do you? A young man with a mop of ginger hair, and a short beard waved back.
“Should you be wanting to go out fishing, then I’m yer man,” he said.
Kendall nodded. More advertising, he thought, would it ever stop. The idea of going out fishing was not uppermost in his mind. In fact it was probably the very last activity he could think of.
“I’ll think about it,” he replied, smiling. “And I’ll certainly be sure to let you know.”
“So, Mr. Kendall,” a voice said. It was the Englishman, who now sat at the bar, next to Kendall. “Here on holiday then are you?” he asked.
“Well yes, and no,” Kendall replied. “I’m actually here in connection with Brian Charters.”
“Brian Charters,” said the Englishman, surprised. “The man who has been charged with that murder of the man on the beach, a few months back.”
Kendall shook his head. “Well now, there’s the thing you see. His cousin isn’t actually convinced that Brian did commit the murder,” Kendall said. “He actually sent me over to check a few ….”
“He did it right enough,” said O’Rourke, as he moved closer to Kendall. “There’s no doubting that. It’s as plain as the nose on your face. Just you take my word for it.”
“Well maybe you’re right,” said Kendall, taking a drink.
“So do you know him then?” asked Lynch.
Kendall shook his head. “I’ve never met him in my life,” he replied. “I don’t even know what he looks like. I just know his cousin, and I’ve been asked to look into it and see what I can find out. So here we are.”
“And what makes you think you’ll find anything different to our local police?” asked Quinn.
Kendall smiled and shook his head. “I don’t know that I will, maybe I won’t,” he replied. “I might end up agreeing with them, who knows.”
“If I were you I’d be forgetting all about it. Just accept it, it’s over and done with,” Quinn continued. “You should just be having yourself a nice little holiday. It’s beautiful countryside here abouts. Perhaps take a trip to Cork, or maybe up the coast to Killarney, or Galway.”
“That’s right,” added Lynch. “Get some fishing maybe, and I’m sure that the little Missy there would like to see our shops in Cork.”
Kendall looked at Mollie. Little Missy, indeed! She’s going to love that. She smiled but said nothing, much to Kendall’s surprise, she simply took a deep breath, and nodded. Kendall turned back to face Lynch. “Could be that you’re right,” he said. “But I really need to make a few enquiries, you know, I did promise his cousin.”
“Well now, I’m doubting that you’ll be finding out very much ....” O’Rourke began to say when he was interrupted by the noise of the entrance door opening.
He looked up as two men entered. Clearly it was still raining and, by the look of it, raining quite heavy. They looked over at O’Rourke, and moved to a corner table. They said nothing, but O’Rourke gave a slight nod of the head in recognition. “I’ll be with you gentlemen without delay,” he called out.
Kendall looked over at the two men. “More locals?” he asked pointing over to the corner.
O’Rourke shook his head. “Oh, no one important, just a couple of fishermen that’s all,” he explained. “They’re based in Kinsale, just a few miles south of here. They come here occasionally.”
Kendall nodded, but it seemed very odd that they didn’t go to one of the local inns in Kinsale, it was more than likely that one existed. Many more than one in fact. Kendall thought as he looked back at the men. Perhaps they just preferred this bar, he thought. It was quite possible. Maybe they had been barred from the locals. It really wasn’t anything to do with him anyway.
“Are they having a drink?” he asked. “On me I mean.”
“Ah now, there’s no need for that, Mr. Kendall, though I’m thinking that’s mighty generous of you,” O’Rourke replied. “They’ll be getting a drink all right, and no mistake, but you’ve no need to concern yourself. I’ll be seeing to this.”
With that O’Rourke poured two large whiskies, dropped in some ice cubes, placed the glasses on to a tray and went over to where the two men were seated. He placed the glasses on to the table in front of them. He bent down and said something to the elder of the two men. The man looked over at Kendall, and simply nodded, and then O’Rourke returned to the bar.
“Seems like they’ve been out around the cove,” O’Rourke explained. “They just thought they’d drop in for a quick one before heading home. Warm them up a little I guess.”
Kendall nodded, and checked his watch. It was just after seven. Out around the cove, he thought. Fishing, in this weather, this time of day. It didn’t make sense. Something wasn’t quite what it should be, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. Any further speculation was disturbed by the sound of a bar-stool scrapping the floor close by.
“You’re a police man then?” said the young man as he seated himself next to Kendall. “The name’s Lynch,” the man continued. “Derren Lynch. The boatyard remember?”
Kendall nodded. “Yes, Mr. Lynch, of course I remember you. I was miles away I’m afraid,” he replied. “You offered to take me out fishing.”
Lynch smiled. “That’s right,” he replied. “Any time you want to go, just give me a shout. I’d be pleased to take you out, might even do some whale watching.”
“I’ll give it some thought,” replied Kendall. “Now, what was it you just said?”
“I asked if you were a police man,” Lynch asked once again. “I mean, you investigating the murder and everything, it just seemed to me that you must be a lawman of some kind.”
Kendall shook his head. “Oh I see. No, I’m not a police man,” he replied. “I used to be, but that was some years ago now.”
“Don’t like the police,” came an announcement from Mulligan.
“You say that you used to be with the police?” said Lynch.
“That’s right,” replied Kendall. “I was with the NYPD – the New York Police Department - for ten years. Detective Second Class.” He paused and smiled at the memory. He could never make that break to detective First Class. Too laid back they said. He looked at Lynch, “Now I’m a private detective.”
“Don’t like private detectives,” Mulligan called out loudly.
“Remember what they said about Mulligan,” said Lynch, pointing towards the old man. “Don’t take any notice.”
“I remember,” replied Kendall, as he took a drink. “Does he actually like anything or anyone?”
Lynch shook his head, and smiled. “Not much I’m afraid. A drop of the hard stuff maybe,” he replied. “So you were saying why you were here.”
Kendall was about to answer when he was interrupted by a sudden noise behind him. He turned to see the two fishermen leaving. “Your friends are leaving,” he said to O’Rourke.
“My friends?” O’Rourke replied, puzzled.
“The two men you were talking to earlier,” Kendall explained. “Not very sociable are they?”
O’Rourke looked over to the door just as the two men were leaving. He gave a cursory wave. “Oh those two. I think they’re a wee bit shy, what with you being here and all” he said. “Not good with strangers that’s all. It’s not a problem.”
Kendall looked at the door as it slowly closed, and smiled. He was far from convinc
ed that was indeed all there was to it, besides, as far as he could see, they hadn’t actually paid for their drinks.
“So you’re here to investigate the murder then?” said Lynch.
“That’s right,” replied Kendall. “Or to be more accurate, I’m here to investigate what Mr. Charters’ involvement was, if any.”
“If any,” O’Rourke repeated. “Now what kind of fool comment is that? Of course he’s involved, he’s the murderer, what more do yer want?”
Kendall shook his head and took a drink. “Maybe, maybe not,” he replied.
“So you don’t think Mr. Charters is guilty then?” said Lynch.
Kendall thought for a few moments. “I never actually said that.”
“No you didn’t,” Lynch agreed. “So what do you think?”
“To be absolutely honest, Mr. Lynch ….” Kendall started to reply.
“Call me, Derren,” the young man interrupted. “And I’d be glad to show you my boat yard any time you care to say. And you Miss ....”
“Adams,” Mollie replied. “It’s Brenda Adams, but my friends call me Mollie.”
“Right you are Mollie,” said Lynch. “I’d be more than pleased if you called on me.” He turned back to face Kendall. “You were saying, Mr. Kendall, before I rudely interrupted you.”
Kendall took a drink, and smiled. “I was saying that to be perfectly honest with you, I don’t know if Mr. Charters is guilty or innocent,” he explained. “That’s the reason why I’m here, to investigate.”
“He’s guilty I tell you, Mr. Kendall,” O’Rourke advised. “There’s really no need to waste your time any further. As yer man, Patrick, over there said, you should just forget all about it, and enjoy a little holiday.”
“Well you might be right. You probably are, but seeing that I’m here I might as well give it a shot. I did promise remember,” said Kendall, draining his glass. “A few questions here and there can’t do any harm.”
“I’m not so sure about that Mr. Kendall,” said O’Rourke. “People don’t like strangers asking a lot of questions, especially if the questions have already been asked, and the answers already given.”
“What do you mean?” Kendall asked.
“Simple, Mr. Kendall,” replied O’Rourke. “The murder took place, when, a few months ago now.”
“It was actually three months,” Mallory added helpfully.
“There you are,” O’Rourke continued. “Three months ago. The local police investigated thoroughly, and the evidence clearly showed that Charters is guilty, there’s no doubt about it. He did it all right, and no mistake.”
Kendall shook his head, and sighed. “Well, I’d still like to see what I can find out, if that’s okay.”
“It’s a waste of time,” repeated O’Rourke.
“Well it’s my time,” Kendall said. “So can anyone tell me what actually happened, up on the beach I mean?”
There was no response.
“I did warn you,” O’Rourke said as he started to clean the bar. “Anyway, you’ll be wanting to wash up before dinner I’ll be thinking.”
“Oh yes, that’s a good idea,” said Mollie, sounding relieved.
Kendall looked at Mollie and nodded. If truth be known he felt exactly the same. “Yes, that’s a good idea alright.”
“Your rooms are at the top of the stairs, to the right, at the end of the corridor,” said O’Rourke as he placed two keys on to the counter. “Room two is yours Miss Adams, and number four is Mr. Kendall’s. Dinner is at eight.”
* * *
Chapter Seven
Something To Hide
“So what did you think of that?” Kendall asked Mollie, as they made their way up the stairs, and to their rooms. “That was a bit abrupt, wasn’t it?”
Mollie nodded. “More than a bit,” she agreed. “I felt like I’d just been dismissed by my teacher Miss Taylor, back in fifth grade.”
Kendall shook his head. “I can’t believe it,” he said. “I mean O’Rourke was so definite that Charters was guilty. What did he say, something about me wasting my time, and I shouldn’t bother.”
Mollie shrugged. “Well maybe he’s right,” she said. “I mean after all he was here when it happened.”
“So he was here, I agree,” Kendall replied. “Does that mean I just take his word for it? Pack up and go home?”
Mollie knew Kendall, and there was no way that he would just take anybody’s word for anything. Oh no he needed to be convinced in ten different ways, and even then he would want everything re-checked, and double checked.
“Well you have to admit that the murder was investigated by the police. They got the evidence, and they’ve charged Charters with the murder,” Mollie continued. “They must know what they’re doing, mustn’t they?”
Kendall wasn’t convinced. “Well, I have to say that it has been known for the police to be wrong occasionally, you know,” he suggested.
“Maybe,” agreed Mollie. “But there’s no smoke without fire.”
Kendall shrugged. “Perhaps,” he grudgingly agreed. “But I still say those people in the bar were acting mighty odd.”
“What do you mean?” asked Mollie.
Kendall heaved a sigh. “Well, as I said just now, they seem very eager for us just to forget all about it, don’t they?”
Mollie nodded. “That’s right,” she replied. “Forget it and just take a holiday, that’s what O’Rourke suggested. And that other guy, whose name I can’t remember, he said exactly the same thing.”
“You’re talking about Quinn, the storekeeper,” said Kendall. “Patrick Quinn.”
Mollie nodded. “That’s the one. Just do some sight-seeing, he said. It’s beautiful round here. Or perhaps do some fishing or something.”
“And don’t forget the suggestion from Lynch. Remember shopping in Cork,” added Kendall.
“How about that guy?” said Mollie. “All that he cares about is his boatyard.”
Kendall nodded. “That’s right. And if he offers to take us out in his wretched boat just once more, I’ll personally put a hole in it and sink it,” he added. “You wouldn’t get me on his boat in a thousand years. I’m telling you, if I want fish I’ll go to the market.”
Mollie started to laugh. “And how about that Little Missy comment he came out with?” she said.
Kendall started to laugh. “I couldn’t believe you just sat there and took it, and said nothing.”
“Well I’m certainly not going on his boat, that’s for sure,” replied Mollie.
“Nor me,” agreed Kendall. “And another thing. They had nothing to say did they? None of them. I asked a simple question, what happened at the beach that day, and no one said anything. It was almost as though they had something to hide.”
“Oh don’t be ridiculous,” said Mollie. “I agree that they’re odd, but what on earth would they have to hide?”
“If I knew that, we could wrap this whole thing up and go home,” said Kendall. “But there’s something not quite right, I’m certain of that.”
“You’re just imagining things,” said Mollie. “Remember this is a small village. Perhaps they’re just not used to outsiders poking their nose around asking questions.”
“Yes it is a small village,” Kendall agreed. “But because it is such a small place, you would think that having a murder so close to home, would be a conversation piece for months, and months. I just would have expected them to show a bit more interest.”
“They are probably just being cautious, that’s all,” suggested Mollie.
Kendall reluctantly had to admit that there could be something in what Mollie had said. Nonetheless he wasn’t entirely convinced.
“But what about those two fishermen, or whatever they were?” Kendall continued. “If they were fishermen, then I’m the British Prime Minister.”
“Perish the thought,” said Mollie.
“And who would be out fishing in that weather?” Kendall continued.
“Perhaps it w
asn’t raining when they started,” Mollie suggested.
“Well they were hardly friendly were they?” Kendall continued.
“Well, Mr. O’Rourke did say that they didn’t like strangers, didn’t he,” said Mollie.
Kendall nodded. “You might be right,” he said. “But I wonder what they were talking about with O’Rourke.”
Mollie started to smile. “Us maybe.”
Kendall nodded. Certainly the guy had looked over. “Could be,” he agreed.
“What did you think of that old guy, Mulligan?” asked Mollie. “Don’t like Americans, don’t like the police.”
“He didn’t like anything, did he?” said Kendall. “Except maybe a drop or two of whiskey.”
“I guess he was harmless enough though,” added Mollie. “Just a little odd that’s all.”
Kendall shook his head. “A little odd did you say? A little round the bend you mean,” he said. “One fine day he’ll come to a bad end I’m telling you. Mark my words.”
“Oh I guess he’s harmless enough. Nutty as a fruit cake but harmless. He doesn’t really bother me,” said Mollie. “But it’s that English guy that gets me.”
“Mallory you mean?”
“That’s the guy,” replied Mollie. “He spoke a lot didn’t he, but he said very little.”
“I know what you mean,” replied Kendall. “I don’t know what to think. I mean I know that the British are a bit reserved, and don’t like to push themselves forward, but that guy was so laid back. Friendly enough, but he just seemed so false to me.”
“Well, I guess its early days yet,” said Mollie. “Maybe we’re judging them a bit too soon.”
“Maybe, maybe not,” agreed Kendall. “But someone in that bar knows something, and I intend to find out what it is.”
“I wonder if the guy that worked with Charters, was down there, at the bar,” said Mollie.
Kendall took a deep breath. “I’m guessing that he was,” he replied. “After all in a small place like this it’s likely that everyone knows everyone else, he would certainly be there. You can bet on it.”
Mollie smiled. “Perhaps he doesn’t drink,” she suggested.
