by Val Collins
‘What kind of a sick scumbag are you? You would terrify my little girl and nearly give me heart failure for something that didn’t involve either of us?’
‘You know very well Amy wasn’t terrified. She had a great time in the park. She’s still talking about all the ice cream.’ Cian sat down again. He relaxed back in the chair, feet spread out in front of him. ‘I don’t hurt children.’ He smiled. ‘But rumour has it that some of the contacts I made in the art world would sell anything. I’ve even heard they might be into a little child trafficking.’
‘You bastard!’
‘Now, that’s not getting us anywhere, is it, Aoife? I don’t want to take your daughter. Keep your mouth shut and you have nothing to worry about.’
FIFTY-TWO
Aoife glanced at the knife block on the kitchen island. She had to get out of here before she attacked the scumbag. She ran to her car, sped out of the driveway, drove a hundred yards down the road and pulled over. Where was she going? She couldn’t risk calling the police. Orla! Where the hell was she? She had mentioned visiting her parents the previous week. It was unlikely she’d visit them two weeks in a row. Her friends hadn’t seen her. That only left Jack. Of course! She should have thought of that earlier. Orla had called to the halfway house on several occasions insisting Jack accompany her to lunch. If she found out Jack was at home sick, of course she would visit him.
*
It took almost an hour to get to Jack’s house. The entire journey Aoife tried to think of a way out of her difficulties. There wasn’t one. Orla might be able to come up with a plan. Although when Orla realised Cian had murdered Tadhg, she’d go off her head entirely. She’d want to go straight to the police. Was that a good idea? If the police raided Cian’s house, they’d find the paintings. They’d certainly bring Cian in for questioning, but would they arrest him? If she and Orla both said they were positive Cian was a murderer, would the police even listen? Would they think Orla was a jealous girlfriend trying to get revenge on the man who dumped her?
Aoife screeched to a halt outside Jack’s house and hurried to the front door. She rang the bell, hopping from foot to foot, counting the seconds before she could ring again. It began to rain and she pulled up her hood. Three rings later Aoife decided Jack must be out. Almost crying with frustration, she ran back to the car. As she was opening the door she looked back at the house and glimpsed a bald head peeking through the drawn curtains. Waving at the figure, Aoife rushed back to the house and waited.
When Jack opened the door, his few wisps of hair were tousled. He wore black jogging trousers and a black sweatshirt. She’d never seen him dressed so casually. ‘Aoife, I’m sorry. I heard the doorbell, but I was in bed, so I didn’t answer. What are you doing here? Is everything okay?’
‘No, Jack, everything’s far from okay. I need to talk to Orla, but she’s not answering her phone. Do you have any idea where she is?’
‘No. I’m not feeling great, so I haven’t seen anyone today. If I hear from her, I’ll ask her to phone you.’ He went to close the door.
‘Jack, can I come in? I need to talk to someone.’
‘Now’s not the best time, Aoife. I really don’t feel up to chatting. I’ll phone you in a few days when I’m better.’
He was closing the door when Aoife said, ‘I know who killed Tadhg.’
*
The door opened again. ‘Who?’
‘I need to talk to you.’
Jack looked up and down the street. ‘This is all I need. The neighbours gossiping that I’m letting young girls into the house when I’m not even properly dressed. Come in.’ He led her into the sitting room. ‘What’s all this about, Aoife?’
‘Cian broke into my house today.’
‘What?’
‘It’s a long story, but Cian admitted his father robbed the bank. Cian’s been living off the stolen money ever since. He spent most of it on a very expensive painting, which he keeps in the house. It doesn’t look like much, but Tadhg commented on it, and when we cleared out Tadhg’s room, we found a number of art books. I think Tadhg checked out the painting and discovered it was very valuable. Cian must have killed him to stop him from telling the police.’
Jack stared at her. He reached behind him for the arm of the chair and lowered himself into it. ‘Cian stole a painting?’
‘No, but he bought it with stolen money. He couldn’t afford to have the police looking into his finances. They’d realise he was spending far more than he could possibly earn.’
‘Cian admitted this?’
‘Not only that, he also admitted kidnapping Amy.’
‘Amy’s been kidnapped?’
‘Not now. It was weeks ago. She disappeared for a few hours. When we found her, there was a note in her pocket telling me to mind my own business or the next time Amy wouldn’t be returned. I thought it was a warning to stop investigating Danny’s murder, but I was also helping Orla investigate Tadhg’s death. That was what Cian wanted to put a stop to.’
‘You were investigating Tadhg’s death? Why didn’t you tell me?’
‘It was more of a planned thing really. I never got past checking a few of his phone calls. I gave up my investigations when I found that note.’
‘So Cian was behind everything?’
‘Yep. I should have guessed when Cian wouldn’t let me bring Amy to work. He was afraid she’d recognise him.’ Aoife paused. ‘Actually, she did recognise him.’
‘What?’
‘I was taking her to the park on Saturday when we ran into Cian and Orla. Amy held out her hands and said, “Ice cream”. I thought she was talking to Orla, but she wasn’t. She recognised Cian. She knew Cian was the person who brought her to the park and gave her ice cream.’
‘But who murdered Danny?’
‘Stephen Mannion. Danny must have discovered he was planning to rob the bank and threatened to expose him.’
‘Cian told you that too?’
‘No. He said his father wouldn’t murder anyone, but Cian can’t know what his father did that night. He wasn’t there.’
‘Well, that’s it, then.’ Jack looked at her with something approaching awe. ‘You’re amazing. Do you know that? You solved two murders in one afternoon.’ He shook his head. ‘I still can’t believe it. Have you told the police?’
‘Not yet. I need to talk to Orla. I can’t risk Cian coming after Amy again.’
Jack put both hands on her shoulders. ‘Listen to me, Aoife. You have got to go to the police right now. Amy’s with Maura, isn’t she?’
Aoife nodded.
‘Maura will make sure nothing happens to her. Get the police to arrest Cian and you’ll have nothing to worry about.’
‘I don’t know, Jack. I’m not sure it’s a risk I want to take, and I really should tell Orla first. She’s practically living with Cian.’
Jack raised his eyebrows. ‘She may be your friend, Aoife, but you know very well that Orla doesn’t love that man.’
‘Maybe not, but she’s fond of him.’
‘She’ll get over it. It’s more important that you go to the police right now. This man kidnapped your child. What else is he capable of?’
‘What if the police don’t believe me? I can’t prove anything. Amy saying “ice cream” isn’t exactly evidence.’
‘Hmm. Okay, phone that detective you know. Get him to help you explain it to the police. Maybe they could fit you with a wire. You could go back to the house and get Cian to admit everything on tape. That would stand up in court.’
‘You think the police would take my allegations that seriously?’
‘They would if the detective supported you. Ring him and explain what happened.’
‘Maybe I should just go back to Cian’s house and use my mobile to record him.’
Jack shook his head. ‘You can’t risk it. It would have been fine if you’d recorded your first conversation, but Cian’s not an idiot. He’s going to wonder why you want him to repeat everything. The polic
e will tell you how to steer the conversation in the right direction. This is our one opportunity to make Danny’s killer pay. We can’t take any chances.’
Aoife nodded, remembering far too late that she should have broken her news gently. She had forgotten Danny was the closest thing to a son that Jack would ever have. She took out her phone. She hated the idea of asking Detective Moloney for help, but Jack was right. This was the best way to protect Amy.
The phone went to voicemail. ‘Detective Moloney, this is Aoife Walsh. I know who murdered my father-in-law and kidnapped my daughter. I’m on my way to the local Garda station. Please phone me when you get this message. I need your help explaining everything to the police.’
‘You did the right thing, Aoife.’
Aoife nodded. ‘This is best for everyone. Although I wish I could have spoken to Orla first and I would have liked her to come to the police station with me. I hate going there alone.’
‘You won’t be alone. The detective will be on your side.’
Jack got up to let her out. As Aoife followed, she dialled Orla’s number again. A low buzzing sound came from beneath Jack’s sofa.
*
‘No wonder she wasn’t answering her phone.’ Aoife knelt down and pulled the phone from beneath the furniture. ‘When was Orla here?’
‘Yesterday evening. She stopped by after college to drop off some soup.’ Jack smiled. ‘She’s not a bad nurse. I was quite surprised.’
‘Yeah, Orla can surprise you alright.’ Aoife buttoned her rain jacket. ‘I really don’t want to go to the police station on my own. Any chance you could come with me?’
Jack hesitated, then shrugged. ‘Maybe the fresh air will do me some good. I’ll just slip on a coat. It wouldn’t do to let the neighbourhood see me dressed like this.’
Aoife could hear him pottering around the kitchen.
‘I always thought there was something odd about Cian,’ he called.
‘That’s what Jason said. Tadhg said it too. I should have listened to them.’
‘I’ll bet Jason was delighted to have been proved right.’
‘I’m sure he will be. I’m going to let Maura tell him.’
Jack came into the hallway and rooted in the closet. ‘One good thing came out of all this. At least the police won’t be bothering Maura anymore. That must be a relief to her.’
‘Yeah, silver linings and all that. Can I help you find something, Jack?’
‘I’ve no idea where I put my coat. Would you mind checking upstairs? It’s the last room on the right.’
Aoife ran up the stairs. She pulled the door handle, but nothing happened.
‘Did you say the last door on the right, Jack?’
‘Yes, is the door stuck again?’
‘It seems to be locked.’
‘Locked? That’s strange.’
A few minutes later, Jack joined her in the corridor, a large bunch of keys jangling from his hand. ‘The cleaner was here yesterday, but I can’t imagine why she would lock the door.’ Aoife stood aside to let him insert the key. Five minutes later, Jack had tried every key twice. None of them worked. ‘I’ll have to phone Mrs Slattery and ask her what she did with the key.’ He took his mobile out of his pocket. ‘Try all the keys again, Aoife. Maybe I missed one.’
The second key Aoife tried worked. ‘I got—’
The shove sent her flying through the door.
FIFTY-THREE
Aoife landed on the ground with a thud.
‘What the—? Jack, what the hell are you doing?’ She shuffled into a sitting position and looked around. The room was pitch black. Jack stood over her, but it was so dark she couldn’t read his expression. This couldn’t be what she thought it was. ‘Jack! What’s going on?’
‘Why did you have to come here, Aoife? You’ve ruined everything.’
‘I don’t know what you’re talking about. Let me out of here.’
Jack removed a penlight from his pocket and shone it on her face. She blinked and put her hand up to shield her eyes.
‘Let you out of here? For God’s sake, Aoife, I never wanted you here in the first place. Why the hell couldn’t you stay out of my way? The last thing I wanted to do was hurt you.’
Her mouth was dry. ‘H—hurt me?’ she croaked.
‘You can’t say I didn’t try. I barely spoke to you. I never touched you and I tried not to be in the office when you were there.’
‘I—I—what?’
‘Give me your hands.’ When Aoife didn’t react, Jack grabbed her arm and led her to the corner of the room. She could just about make out the shape of a kitchen chair. Jack put one hand on her shoulder and pushed her into a sitting position. It was then she noticed the roll of duct tape in his left hand. He tied her arms to the back of the chair.
‘Jack, I don’t understand. Why are you doing this?’
‘Shh.’ Jack pulled her legs in front and bound them with the tape. ‘I don’t have enough equipment to tie you up properly, so I’m going to have to make do until I decide how I’m going to fix this.’
‘Fix what?’
‘You, of course. I can’t just kill you. I have to make sure nobody can tie me to your death.’
FIFTY-FOUR
‘K—kill me? Why would you want to kill me? We’re family.’
‘Poor Aoife! You’re not very bright, are you?’
*
When he had tied her securely, Jack paced up and down the room. ‘Let me think. You didn’t tell anyone you were coming here, but your car’s outside my door. Anyone could have seen you pull up.’
‘Jack, I don’t understand what’s going on here.’
‘Shh. Okay, you came to my house looking for Orla. We had a cup of tea and a chat. You told me about Cian. I convinced you to phone the police. You phoned the detective. Then you had second—’
‘Jack, what are you doing?’
‘Be quiet, Aoife.’ He resumed his pacing. ‘You had second thoughts, so I had to spend ages convincing you it was the right thing to do. But how will I explain that your car is still outside my house? I can’t drive it away. Someone might see me.’
‘I could drive it away.’
Jack laughed.
‘I mean it. We could drive away together, and we could walk back after dark.’
‘Aoife, please. I’m trying to concentrate.’
She could barely make out his outline as he paced. Finally he returned to look down on her. ‘This is what we’ll do. You’ll phone Maura and tell her you’re going into town to meet a friend and you need her to keep Amy overnight.’
‘Jack, please tell me what this is about. I’m sure we could work something out if you’d just talk to me.’
‘There’s nothing to work out. The damage is done.’ He removed her phone from her pocket, untied one hand and gave it to her. ‘Unlock it, please.’
‘No.’
‘If you don’t do as I ask, I’ll phone Maura, tell her you’re at my house and that you want her and Amy to join us. Do you want them both involved in this?’
‘Involved in what?’
When he didn’t answer, Aoife entered the code to unblock her phone. Jack scrolled through the numbers until he came to Maura’s. ‘Are we agreed? You’re meeting a friend in town and you want her to keep Amy overnight. Sound convincing. If Maura even suspects anything is wrong, I’ll have to kill her too.’
Kill her? Too! Who was this monster?
Jack switched the phone to speaker. Aoife delivered the message exactly as instructed. When Maura asked where she was, Jack disconnected the call, then removed the SIM card.
‘I should have done this to Orla’s phone last night, but I couldn’t find it. I was afraid to phone it in case she hadn’t brought it with her. I didn’t want the police to discover I was her last caller.’
He felt in his pocket and pulled out Tadhg’s lighter. Aoife watched him walk to the other end of the room. The flame from the lighter was so strong she could see he was burning two SIM cards int
o a mug. ‘Now we’re going to sit here and wait until it’s dark enough for me to move the car without being seen.’
*
‘What—what have you done with Orla?’
‘Nothing yet. You completely ruined that for me, Aoife. She’s the first girl I’ve taken in fifteen years. You can’t even imagine how hard it’s been for me. I had it all planned. I was going to take my time and really enjoy it. Then you turned up.’
‘You took all those girls? Not Buckley?’
‘Oh, it was Buckley. I wasn’t even in the country when most of those girls disappeared. And I don’t normally take girls from developed countries. It causes too much fuss.’ He lit a cigarette. ‘War-torn countries are the best. Obviously not ones where I might get killed, but ones where there’s occasional guerrilla action. So long as the family is poor, the authorities barely bother to register the death.’
‘Did you kill Triona?’
‘Poor little Triona. She was the only Irish girl I ever took. I knew it was a bad idea, but I was still young enough to have difficulty controlling my urges. I’d been stuck in Ireland for over a year and I was getting desperate.’
‘And you killed Danny.’
‘I didn’t want to. I made the mistake of getting too close to Danny. I thought of him as my own son. People like me can’t afford feelings like that.’
‘You told him the truth?’
‘No, of course not. Aoife, I used to think you were intelligent, but you’re being extraordinarily slow today. I used to have lunch with Danny every Friday. When I took the girl, I cancelled. I told Danny I had to go to a funeral down the country. I’d forgotten I’d given Bridget a key to my house. Danny was cutting his mother’s grass, so he decided to do my garden at the same time.’
‘He found you with the girl?’
‘That was the worst day of my life. It had gone okay with the girl, but afterwards I felt the usual guilt. I’d been up all night with her, I was completely exhausted and there was no possibility of getting rid of the body until dark. There didn’t seem any harm in taking a nap. I didn’t even hear Danny come in. When the lawnmower woke me, I didn’t know what to do. I’d hidden the body in the garage, you see. Danny hadn’t noticed it when he took out the lawnmower, so I thought maybe everything would be okay. I decided to go out to him and say I’d been too sick to go to the funeral but now I was feeling better and I’d finish the grass myself. Before I got there, Danny ran out of petrol.’ Jack extinguished his cigarette. His hands shook as he lit another. ‘Isn’t it amazing how things work out? If only I had refilled the lawnmower before I put it away or I’d come up with some other excuse for not meeting Danny.’ He sighed. ‘But that wasn’t our fate. It nearly broke my heart to kill Danny, but what else could I do?’ Jack put his hand out and touched Aoife’s face. She flinched and jerked her head away. ‘Danny didn’t suffer. I came up behind him and stabbed him before he even had time to work out what was happening. You won’t suffer either, Aoife, I promise.’
