by Val Collins
‘Where did you meet your husband?’ she now asked.
Aoife smiled. ‘We met our first day in college,’ she said and returned to her notes.
‘Now isn’t that perfect. A great education and a nice husband in one go.’ She laughed. ‘I know, I’m very old-fashioned, but what would you expect at my age? I’m eighty-two.’
‘I’d never have guessed. You certainly don’t look it.’
‘At my age I’m just happy to be in one piece. Tell me about this husband of yours. Was it love at first sight?’
Aoife closed her notebook. She could spare five minutes for someone who might not have anyone else to speak to all day. ‘Hardly. I didn’t even notice him. It was our first day in college, and I was with my friend Orla. We’ve known each other since we were kids. She was dividing the guys into “possibles” and “definites”. Jason, that’s my husband, was one of the “possibles”.’
‘But he preferred you?’
Aoife laughed. ‘You wouldn’t ask that if you’d ever seen Orla. She’s tall, a natural blonde and has an amazing figure.’
‘What are you talking about? You’re tall, you have beautiful eyes and what’s wrong with dark hair?’
‘There were hundreds of girls in Belfield like me, average height, average figures, all with the same long, straight hair. Orla was like a ray of sunshine in a dark cave. She dazzled every guy she met, still does, I’m sure. Other women might as well not exist when she’s around. She could be a top model if that was what she wanted.’
‘I’m not sure I like the sound of her. Your husband must be quite good-looking if she was interested in him.’
‘I think so, but he wasn’t her usual type. She was going through her “dark and serious” stage, but Jason was a little too serious. She asked him what he was studying and the minute he said “accountancy” he was out of the running.’
‘But you liked him?’
‘I thought he was cute, but I was eighteen. I wasn’t looking for a serious relationship. Jason didn’t know anyone, and he was so embarrassed after Orla practically ran away from him that I asked him if he’d like to join my group for coffee. For ages he was just one of the gang. I don’t remember ever making a decision to go out with him. It just sort of happened.’
‘How long have you been married?’
‘Three years.’
‘Did your parents mind you marrying so young?’
The familiar “punched in the gut” feeling came as a surprise. She’d thought she was past that. ‘They…they didn’t have any objections.’ She stood up. ‘I’m sorry, I have to go or I’ll miss my train. Enjoy your coffee.’
Aoife was in such a hurry to escape, she didn’t even notice the young man in a black hoodie who followed her from the café.
FIVE
Irene’s house was a standard three-bed semi. The windows gleamed and the garden was crammed with so many bushes, plants and intricate flower beds that there was little room for grass. Aoife took a deep breath, stuffed her notes in her pocket and rang the doorbell. The bell was still chiming when the door opened.
‘Aoife?’ A small middle-aged woman peered at her.
‘Yes, thanks for meeting with me, Irene.’
‘Please, come in.’
Aoife followed her into a spotless sitting room. The smell of furniture polish was overwhelming and the only indication that the room was ever used was a doll perched on top of a highly puffed cushion.
‘I’m so glad you want to write about Delia. It’s been three months now and everyone’s forgotten about her. You said you hadn’t been with DCA long. Did you know Delia well?’
‘I never actually met her. I joined the day she died and I started late that morning and had to leave early for a hospital appointment.’
‘That’s a pity, but I can tell you anything you need to know about her.’
‘You and Delia were very close?’
‘Oh yes, although there was nine years between us, so she was more like a daughter than a sister. I was made redundant the year before Delia had Ellen, so I offered to be her childminder. We saw each other every day except Sunday.’
Aoife took out her notebook. ‘Can you start by telling me why the police believe Delia didn’t commit suicide?’
‘There was never any question of suicide. The blow to her head couldn’t have been self-inflicted.’
‘She was hit on the head?’
‘I assumed you knew that. You found the body, didn’t you?’
‘Yes, but I barely glanced at it … I mean her.’
‘Of course you didn’t. Who would want to see that every time they closed their eyes? I wish I didn’t.’
‘The police let you see her like that?’
‘No. I didn’t see Delia until she was in the funeral home, but the weird thing is I have the clearest picture of … it … even though I never … I can even see the exact expression on her face.’ She sniffed. ‘Don’t mind me. Where were we? Oh yes, you can’t print anything about the way Delia died. The police kept that out of the papers. I wouldn’t have mentioned it if I’d realised you didn’t already know.’
‘That’s okay. I won’t say anything. Are the police investigating any particular lines of inquiry?’
Irene snorted. ‘They’re convinced Delia was in a relationship with someone. They interviewed a young girl who works in the chemist next door, and she said she saw a man hanging around outside and then slipping into the building when nobody was looking.’
Aoife felt her heartbeat quicken. This was easier than she had imagined. ‘What can you tell me about this man?’
‘I don’t listen to that rubbish. It’s obvious who killed Delia.’
‘It is?
‘Of course. It was someone who works in DCA.’
*
‘Why do you think that?’
‘Three reasons.’ Irene held up a finger. ‘One, nobody in DCA will speak to me. Well, not since Dan came to the house to discuss Delia’s death in service benefit. At first he was so kind. He said Delia was a great asset to DCA and would be missed by everyone. He even asked if he could see Ellen. He brought her a lovely toy, although I imagine Annette picked it—’
‘Annette?’
‘His wife. She came with him. She was lovely too, but the minute I started asking questions they practically ran out of the house, and now Dan won’t return my phone calls. I’ve phoned the HR office, but nobody there will talk to me either. What do they have to hide?’
‘What do you think they’re hiding?’
‘Delia knew something was going on in DCA. She never told me the details, but she said she was determined to get to the bottom of it. I think she found out whatever it was the day she died.’
‘Why do you think that?’
‘She phoned at lunchtime that day to check on Ellen. I could tell by her voice that something was wrong, but all she said was it had been a hectic day and she’d tell me about it later. Somebody killed her before she could say anything.’
‘Did you mention your suspicions to the police?’
‘Yes. They interviewed all the DCA staff but everyone said nothing unusual happened that day. They said Delia had two meetings in the morning and spent the afternoon in her office working on a report.’
‘You think they’re lying?’
‘Something major had happened by the time we spoke, and if Delia never left her office, it must be related to DCA, mustn’t it?’
‘I don’t know. You said Dan wouldn’t answer your questions. What did you ask him?’
‘I asked if he was aware of anyone who held a grudge against Delia and if she had seemed upset that morning. When he practically ran out of the house I knew he was involved in some way.’
‘You think Dan’s the murderer?’
‘Maybe. He knows something. I’m sure of it, and I think he told HR they weren’t to speak to me. Why else won’t they return my calls?’
*
‘Did the police mention DNA or fingerprints?�
��
‘They said they found samples belonging to several employees, but that was to be expected as Delia had regular meetings with individual members of staff. Only two samples are still unidentified. All the offices were painted last year, and the police think one of the samples belongs to the painter.’
‘Why can’t they rule him out?’
‘They can’t find him. They’ve spoken to his employer, but he was a casual worker and East European. He told some of his colleagues he was thinking of returning home, but nobody remembers what country he came from and they don’t have any contact details. The police are still trying to identify the second sample.’
Irene left Aoife scribbling her notes and returned carrying a sliver tray laden with tea, warm homemade scones and tiny dishes of jam and cream.
‘How did the police react when you said you suspect Dan?’
‘They don’t listen to me. They smile and pretend to take me seriously, but they’re convinced Delia was in a relationship with the murderer. They say in cases like this the murderer is almost always the partner. That’s the second reason I know it had to be someone in DCA. There was no man in Delia’s life.’
Irene filled two china mugs and handed one to Aoife. ‘Delia worked so hard there was no time for anything in her life but DCA and Ellen. I was in her house every day, so I know. She worked until eight or nine twice a week, and she always worked until midnight on Friday. When she wasn’t working, she was home by six. The only place she could have made enemies was at work.’
‘She must have known someone outside work. Neighbours, other parents in Ellen’s school?’
‘She said hello to the neighbours and she encouraged them to let their children play with Ellen, but I was the one who knew them. The same kids are in Ellen’s preschool.’
‘What about Ellen’s father?’
‘Delia never told anyone who Ellen’s father is.’
‘She must have been seeing someone at the time. Have the police looked into that?’
‘The only person they’ve been able to come up with is Brian and we all knew about him. He and Delia started dating when they were teenagers. They lived together for over ten years, but they broke up long before Ellen was born.’
‘Maybe they got back together.’
‘The police checked. He’s living in New York.’
‘He could still be Ellen’s father. He must come home occasionally. Maybe they met up.’
‘Delia wouldn’t have had anything to do with him. She never forgave him for the way he treated her.’
‘Was he violent?’
‘Brian’s not like that. He thought he was too young to settle down, but Delia thought it was time she had kids. They argued about it until he was offered a job in New York. Delia would have gone with him, but Brian said they needed some time apart. A month later he broke up with her. Shortly afterwards he married a girl he met out there and the following year he was a father. Delia was livid. She wouldn’t even mention his name. She certainly would never have spoken to him, let alone met with him.’
‘Have you told the police that?’
‘Of course, but they’re obsessed with the mobile.’
‘Delia’s mobile?’
‘There was no sign of it. The murderer must have taken it. The police think that’s proof they were in a relationship. That the murderer destroyed the SIM card so there would be no record of his contact with Delia.’
‘You don’t agree?’
‘Delia had a brand-new iPhone. Any criminal would have stolen it and replaced the SIM card so it couldn’t be traced.’
*
‘You said there were three reasons.’
Irene put down her mug. ‘Delia’s office was locked and the cleaner’s key was missing. How would an outsider know where the key was hidden?’
‘Did you ask the police what they think?’
‘They say as Delia was in a relationship with her murderer, the key could have come up in normal conversation, something like “I hope the cleaner put the key back in the cupboard” or “I checked every inch of the canteen but I couldn’t find the key”. That’s nonsense because Delia was extremely conscientious about the confidentiality of the HR files. She told me she was very reluctant to authorise a spare key being issued to the cleaner. I’m sure she thought the cleaner took the key home with her each evening. I don’t think she had any idea it was kept in the canteen.’
SIX
‘He’s a pretty strange murderer,’ Maura said. ‘First he kills her, then he strings her up. Why would anyone do that?’
Amy had fallen asleep on her lap, so Aoife put her into the buggy. ‘I don’t know. He was hardly trying to fake a suicide. Not with her head bashed in. He might have been afraid the blow hadn’t killed her.’
‘It must have been pretty obvious she was dead.’
‘Maybe he was so enraged, killing her once wasn’t enough for him.’
‘Wouldn’t that be more consistent with someone losing their temper and lashing out? Delia’s murder was obviously planned. The killer brought a rope with him.’
‘He could have lost his temper, rushed out, got a rope and killed her before he had time to calm down.’
‘Where would he find a rope in the middle of the city?’
Aoife paused. ‘There are plenty of hardware stores around.’
‘Was the rope brand-new?’
‘I didn’t look.’
‘It couldn’t have been, Aoife. The police would have checked the local hardware stores and picked him up on CCTV.’
‘Irene thinks Dan may be the murderer.’
‘Because he left when Irene asked if Delia had any enemies? Would you want to be the one to tell her everyone hated her sister? The bit about the key was pretty convincing, though. How would an outsider have known where to find it?’
‘But the man outside the building must have been an outsider. I need to talk to the girl in the chemist and to everyone Delia worked with. I haven’t even met most of the staff in the Stephen’s Green office. Maura, would you mind keeping Amy on Friday night?’
‘Of course not.’
‘Eilis, one of the girls in Accounts, turns twenty-one at the weekend and she wants to start her celebrations by going to the pub after work on Friday. It would be a good chance to meet everyone.’
‘That’s a great idea, Aoife. Have you told Jason about the investigation yet?’
‘No, it’s too soon. I’ll tell him I’m going for a few drinks with the gang from work. To be honest, I’m dreading mentioning it.’
‘You’re not doing him any favours by pandering to him, Aoife. Jason has to learn to cope with his fears without driving everyone around him nuts.’
‘He doesn’t drive me nuts.’
‘Never?’
‘Okay, sometimes he irritates me a little. But it’s comforting to know that Jason loves me so much he can’t bear the idea of losing me. He’s not the only one with abandonment issues, Maura. It means everything to me that Jason would never even consider leaving me. I know he can be overprotective at times, but he’s improving. Did I tell you I offered to turn down the DCA job?’
‘No.’
‘I’d promised if you couldn’t take Amy, I wouldn’t work. I think Jason convinced himself you’d say no. He was so upset, I couldn’t bear it. When I said I wouldn’t take the job, his eyes lit up, but then he said he wanted me to be happy and insisted I take the job on a trial basis.’
‘Good.’
‘Anyway, Laura lives in Naas and we’re getting the train home together, so he won’t have any reason to worry.’
‘Is she the tall girl with the glasses, the one I met at the hospital?’
‘Yes, she came every day. She had several miscarriages and her triplets were in intensive care for months, so she knew what I was going through.’
‘What age are her kids now?’
‘Cora’s five and the triplets are eighteen months.’
‘I don’t envy her trying to jug
gle work and four young kids.’
‘She wanted to give up work after having the triplets, but they couldn’t afford it. Her husband’s a guard and he does nixers for a friend, but they barely make ends meet. They must have a huge mortgage.’
‘Well, at least you don’t have that prob—’ Maura’s eyes widened in horror. ‘I’m sorry, Aoife. I wasn’t thinking. You’re so much a part of my family I forget you had one of your own.’
‘It’s all right. Obviously I’d rather have my parents than a house, but things could be worse. If Mum and Dad hadn’t taken out life insurance I wouldn’t have either.’
‘You seem a lot happier these days.’
‘I was a bit of a wreck when I first got pregnant. My hormones must have gone haywire. I kept thinking Mum and Dad would never see their grandchild. Every time I was alone I bawled my eyes out.’
‘You should have told me.’
‘There’s no point depressing everyone around me. One day it occurred to me that I didn’t want my baby growing up with a depressed mother. I remembered reading somewhere that if you act normally, after a while you’ll start to feel normal, so that’s what I did.’
Maura got up to make the tea, but Aoife beat her to the kettle. ‘I’ll do that, sit down.’
Aoife took milk from the fridge. ‘It didn’t have much of an effect at first, but a few weeks later I was listening to this woman being interviewed. I can’t remember who she was or what she’d been through, but it was pretty horrific. She’d gone on to live a great life and when she was asked how she coped, she said it never helped to dwell on the past.’ Aoife put two mugs of tea on the glass table. ‘I decided that’s what I was going to do. I was never thinking about what happened again. It’s in the past. I have my own family now and that’s what I need to concentrate on.’
‘Mmm. I’m glad you’re feeling better, love, but I’m not sure that’s the best way to handle it.’
‘Oh, it is. Look at me. I’m a different person. You must have thought I was a real sap when Jason brought me home. I’d no “get up and go” in me at all. I barely spoke the first few months.’
‘You were depressed.’
