aWell, this is it,a Bridget said, as we all stood in front of the small building.
As we walked in, there was a woman sitting behind a desk doing paperwork. She looked up, smiled, and came from behind the desk. aGood day to ya,a she smiled. She was about fifty or so, dark graying hair, and blue eyes.
Bridget introduced Mac as Brianas heir. Her eyes widened and she shook Macas hand and ours, as well.
aIs Mr. Nolan about?a Bridget asked.
aYes, heas in the back. Iall get him straight away.a She hurried to the back.
We waited for a minute or two, and a tall lanky man came from the back. He had curly short brown hair and green eyes. His ruddy complexion made him look as if he had just come in from the cold. When he smiled, his entire face lit up. He looked straight at Mac. aMr. McAuliffe, itas a pleasure, sir.a He stuck out his hand and gave Mac a hearty handshake.
Mr. Nolan took Mac and Teri on a tour of the mill, and I stayed back with Peter and Bridget. We walked outside and stood by the cars.
aI think Rory likes your brother-in-law,a Bridget said, smiling at me.
aHeas an easy man to like,a I said.
aHeas a grand man. Youare all good people,a Peter said. aSo was Brian.a aPeter, how in the world did he stumble over that wall?a I asked.
aI donat know.a aWho was the man in America? Do you have any idea?a aI donat know that, either. Iam sorry,a he said and walked away.
Bridget looked at me. aIs this something I should know about?a aRight now, Miss Donnelly, I donat think so.a aIf itas something concerning Mac, being his lawyer, I might be able to help.a aI agree. If it comes to that, Iall let you know,a I said, ending the topic.
aYouare a mystery, Miss Ryan.a aI donat mean to be, and please call me Kate,a I said.
aIf youall call me Bridget.a With that, Mac and Teri came out with Rory Nolan. aWell, Mac, thatas the milla"small but efficient. All the workers are from the village, been workina the mill all their lives,a he said proudly.
aI see no reason to change that, Rory.a Mac shook his hand. aIam glad we got the opportunity to talk. My wife and I will be staying at the house in a day or two. Weall have you and Mrs. Nolan over for dinner.a Rory beamed. aThat would be grand.a He shook Terias hand and went back into the building.
aSeems like a nice guy,a I said.
aIf youall excuse me, I have to be getting back. I have a client at four,a Bridget said and turned to me. aKate, Iall see ya at seven.a She gave me a quick wink and I smiled, then caught the glare from my sister.
Chapter 8.
As I showered and dressed, there was a knock at my door. It was Teri of the scowling face.
aWhat is the matter with you?a I asked. aYouave been giving me dirty looks all day. G.o.d, you look like Mom.a aWhat are you doing?a she asked.
aIam only going out for dinner. Iam on vacation. Geez,a I said and b.u.t.toned my shirt. I glanced up and laughed. aWill you quit with the looks? Christ, itas just dinner.a aIt better be,a Teri said with a maternal tone.
I gaped at her. aIam an adult. I know what Iam doing. Good grief, you complain that I lock myself up in my cabin. Now... Great, now I feel guilty, and Iam not doing anything wrong. You are like Mom.a aHave you called Maggie again?a aYes, and sheas out again, probably with Allison. Maggie is an adult, too,a I said frankly, ending the discussion.
I stood outside Bridgetas office for a minute or two before I looked up to see her jogging across the street.
aI was delayed at the police station. I had to post bail for a client. Iam sorry,a she apologized.
aThatas all right, I understand. So whereas this restaurant?a We walked down the cobblestone pavement. It was chilly, my neck and back were starting to ache. I could never live here year-round.
aSo Peter tells me youare a photographer. That sounds exciting. You must have seen a great many places,a she said.
aIave been around the States mostly. Iave been to Ireland before, but this is the first time I have an a.s.signment abroad,a I said. aThis is a beautiful country. I hope I can stay awhile with Mac and Teri. I think I could get some beautiful photos of this countryside. Itas so wild and has an untamed feel about it. There must be a great many tales spun around the fire at night.a aThere is a great history in this part of the country. Our religious men were forced to hide themselves away. Sailing ships, pirate ships, Viking and Spanish invasions. This coast was quite busy a few centuries ago. So many countries have invaded Ireland. You know America is the only country weave invited,a she said as we continued down the walk.
aAnd we appreciate the invitation.a I smiled as she laughed. I was finding it easy to talk to her. aI know Mac and Teri are glad to be here, but sorry about the reason.a aYes, it was a shame. Brian was a good man. A quiet, simple fellowa"a humanitarian and a patriot.a aHe sounds like he shouldave been knighted.a aI guess I was partial to Brian. He was a good man.a aLoyalty is an admirable quality.a aThank you, Kate,a she said politely.
We got to the restaurant where, it seemed, everyone knew Bridget. aSame table, Brig?a the waitress asked.
aYou must come here often,a I said as I sat down.
aI do like this place,a she said, putting the napkin in her lap. aThe prawns are marvelous.a We talked of nothing in particular as I looked at her over the candlelight. I noticed how attractive she was. Her raven hair curled about her face and her blue eyes sparkled. Our eyes met for an instant and she grinned and quickly looked at the menu.
We ordered and Bridget cleared her throat. aI think you and I are cut from the same cloth, so to speak.a She looked right at me and smiled knowingly.
I raised my eyebrows. Well, any doubts I had were quickly dispelled. aSo to speak.a aGrand, wanted to make sure before we go any further,a she said and drank her wine.
I coughed nervously and ate my prawns. aThese are good. We usually donat get shrimp this big back home.a What did I say?
She laughed heartily. aWeave lost many a fishing boat to them, thatas for sure.a I laughed out loud at that one. She had the Irish gift of talking easily with anyone.
aWhat shall we discuss?a she asked.
aBrian McAuliffe,a I said frankly.
She frowned and sat back. aI thought you might want to talk about something a little more pleasant.a She looked disappointed, but I felt this topic would do fine. aWhat more can I tell you?a She had her lawyeras voice now, as she smoothed the napkin in her lap.
aWhy wouldnat he leave his estate to his immediate family?a I asked, drinking my wine.
aI donat know. He didnat get on with his brother, heas the greedy one. Then thereas Tim Devereaux, he was married to Colleen, Brianas younger sister. Sheas been gone these past four yearsa"left her share of the mill to Tim. Theyave been harping at Brian for years to sell. Theyare all younger, you see. Brian was sixty-nine and the oldest. Letas see. James is sixty-six and Colleen would be fifty-nine. Mother and father died twelve years ago. Brian never married, no children. I donat know why he never married, and I donat know why he didnat stay at the main house. And before you ask, Iall look tomorrow for the key to that door,a she finished in a huff.
I had my winegla.s.s up to my lips and stopped. aI-I, well, thank you,a I ended foolishly.
aIam sorry. I have a frightful temper.a aDonat apologize. Itas my lot in life to be surrounded by ill-tempered women.a I laughed and raised my gla.s.s to her.
aYa poor la.s.s. Itas a fate worse than death,a she said, smiling as she watched me over her winegla.s.s. aSo if ya donat mind my askina, why are ya here alone? I canat imagine a woman as attractive as you unattached.a aThereas nothing wrong with being unattached. How is that you are not otherwise engaged for the evening?a I countered affably.
aActually, I had a decision to make for this evening. Iam content with my choice,a she said, grinning over her winegla.s.s.
aYoung woman, you need to set higher goals for yourself,a I said and continued eating.
She raised her eyebrows and drank her wine. aThat was a sour thing to say.a I looked up at her and realized that it was. aIam not a very good dinner partner. Youare right. I apologize.a We talked absently over coffee. aSo tell me about the banshee,a I said.
I waited for a good story. Bridget did not disappoint. aThey are very real ent.i.ties. Every family has one. The banshee wails foretelling a death. If ya hear her wailing, someone in the family is near death, ya can be sure of it.a I watched her. She was serious. My grandmother used to tell us of the banshee, but I always thought it was an Irish ghost story. Bridget looked at me so seriously, she scared me. aGood grief, woman. You believe in them?a I asked as my skin crawled.
She nodded and finished her coffee. aI do indeed. Itas no joke.a She looked at her watch. aJaysus, itas almost midnight. Iave got court at nine. Iam sorry. Iave got to get goina. Do ya mind?a aOf course not,a I said.
We walked through town back to her car in silence. aThanks so much for dinner. It was grand.a She held out her hand.
aI had a good time, too.a aThe fog is settlina in. Can I give you a lift to the inn?a she asked and I declined. She leaned over and kissed my cheek. aYouare a grand one, Kate. Iall be seeina ya, you can be sure.a She got into her car and slowly drove down the narrow road.
The wind picked up and it started to drizzle. Great, I shoulda let her drive me back.
The light fog had indeed settled in. There was no one on the street. The fog-shrouded street light was the only illumination. I turned up my collar, as if that would help, and headed up the cobblestone walk. I heard something behind me and turned around, but there was no one. I continued and heard it again. I was sure someone was following me. I stepped up my pace and still had a feeling someone was behind me. Then I stopped and heard nothing. I continued but didnat hear anything. Geez, this countrya"spooks everywhere. At least I wasnat hearing my banshee wailina for me.
I came to a corner and was about to cross the empty street, when someone grabbed me from behind. I yelped as a hand clamped over my mouth.
aShh, now, la.s.s,a a voice said in my ear. He had his arm around my neck and held tight. aGo home, Yank.a Then whoever it was unceremoniously tossed me down and I rolled a.s.s over everything else I owned. I could hear him running as I finally got to my knees and looked back. I only got a glimpse of a dark coat turning the corner.
In the light fog and darkness, all I heard was the eerie sound of clattering footsteps on the cobblestone. I limped back to the inn, thanking G.o.d it was only a half block away. I flew through the doors and into the lobby.
The desk clerk jumped. aHeavens, miss, are ya all right?a I limped to the desk and leaned on it. aFine. Fine. I tripped over a patch of fog,a I said, wheezing. I limped upstairs to Mac and Terias room and knocked.
Mac answered the door and was shocked. aWhat happened? Get in here.a aWhat in the h.e.l.l happened to you?a Teri asked anxiously as I plopped myself into the chair.
I took a breath and explained the entire ordeal. I must admit I was a little rocked by it. I flexed my knee and winced. aI must have banged it on the cobblestone when he threw me.a Mac was extremely angry, to say the least. He left the room and Teri watched as he left.
aWhereas he going?a I asked.
Teri shook her head. aAre you all right?a aNot damaged, just scared.a aI called the police,a Mac said as he came back. aI know you didnat get a look at him, but I donat want this to continue. If the word is spread that the police are involved, theyall stop.a He looked at me. aDonat argue with me on this.a I stared at him. aI wasnat going to argue with you. I agree.a aMac, take it easy, sweetie.a Mac softened. aSorry, Sherlock. Iam getting a little rattled.a The police arrived quickly. Constable Reardon entered the room. He was rosy cheeked and looked like he was fifteen. We all stared at him, saying nothing.
aWell, good evenina.a He took off his cap and looked at me. aNow what happened to you?a I looked at him closely, searching for signs of p.u.b.ertya"like facial hair. I explained what happened while trying not to laugh. I donat know why I wanted to laugh. I avoided Mac and Terias faces as I finished.
Baby Face Reardon looked serious, taking notes and nodding. He cleared his throat professionally. aThereas not much to go on, is there now?a he said simply and scratched his head. aI donat want ya to be thinkina bad of us now. We really love you Yanks.a aConstable, we wanted to make you aware of the situation. Thatas the point I want known. Weare staying,a Mac said. It almost sounded like a threat. Teri put a cautious hand on his arm.
The young policeman turned red and said with more authority than I thought he had in him, aMr. McAuliffe, I a.s.sure you this will be brought to the chiefas attention, and I will personally make sure the word is out. I liked Brian McAuliffe. You remind me of him in a way. He was protective and loyal as yourself. Iall do me best, sir. If you need anything at all, you call me.a He shook Macas hand.
On his way out, I stopped him. aConstable, was there an investigation into Brianas death?a The young officer gave me an odd look. aIt was an accident, Miss Ryan. There was no investigation and no sign of foul play.a aWould it be possible to meet me at the cottage tomorrow morning, then you can show us the scene of the accident? Iam very curious and my family would like to be sure.a He scratched his head and nodded. aI understand. Iall met ya there around ten oaclock. Howas that?a I shook his offered hand. aThank you.a aWhat was that all about?a Mac asked after the constable left.
aI donat know. Just a feeling,a I said with a shrug. aIam going to take a hot bath and go to bed.a I gave Teri a wink. aMac, you savage. Go to bed. Tomorrow weave got some figuring to do, now that the whole town will know weare staying.a I got up early the next morning and met Mac and Teri in the dining room for breakfast.
aHow was dinner?a Mac asked as I poured a cup of coffee. aWe didnat get a chance to ask you with all the excitement.a aIt was fine. Sheas a nice woman and we had a nice talk,a I said and drank my coffee. I looked up to see Bridget coming our way.
She looked worried and came over to me. aI heard what happened. Are ya all right?a She put a hand on my shoulder and searched my face.
aBoy, word gets around fast,a I said. aIam fine, thank you. Would you like to join us?a aFor a minute, if you donat mind,a she said as she sat.
I poured her a cup of coffee and Teri was once again giving me the eye. Just like Mom.
aDid ya not see him at all?a aNope. Only a fleeting glimpse of a dark coat,a I said.
Bridget frowned but said nothing. aOh, I nearly forgot.a She handed Mac a large skeleton key and a much smaller one on the same ring.
aThe large one is for the cellar door Iam thinking, but I donat know what the smaller one is. Itas an odd-lookina key,a she said and looked apologetic.
Mac studied the keys and handed them to me. It was an odd-looking key. aThis will keep you busy for a while, Sherlock,a Mac said, smiling.
aMrs. McAuliffe, the girls are tidying up the main house as we speak. They should be done by this afternoon if thatas to your liking.a aThank you, Bridget. Maybe we can stay there tonight?a aIf you like,a Bridget said. I heard a tone of uneasiness in her voice.
We decided to look at the property once again. The day had turned cool and cloudy as we pulled up to the thatched cottage. The girls had certainly been there. The place was spotless and there was wood in the fireplace ready to go. They had the fridge stocked and the bedrooms were cleaned. Teri was impressed, I could tell. So was I because basically, Iam a slob.
aBoy, Iad love to stay here. Why donat you guys stay here? This is great.a Teri shook her head. aI want to see how the big house looks after itas all cleaned up and ready to go.a As we left the cottage, I glanced at my watch. The constable should be arriving soon. As if on cue, I saw his car coming up the private road.
aGood morning, all,a he called out.
aGood morning,a I said. aYouare right on time, thanks.a aI know youad like to get on with your lives and I want to help. So let me show ya exactly where the accident took place.a He took us about twenty yards down the road and stopped at the section of stone wall as it curved slightly. aRight about here. This is where we figure he stumbled and fell.a aYou donat know for sure?a I asked and glanced at Mac who frowned deeply.
aHe was alone when the accident happened. When I came here in the morning, I found his pipe right here,a he said and pointed to the spot.
I squatted with him and looked closely at the wall. aWho called you?a aMary Farrell. She and Sean were worried about him. He had a bit too much to drink, they said, and with it being so late, I came out that morning and had a look. I found his pipe, which I thought was curious. I had a look around. It was then I saw his body lying on the rocks below. Iam sorry,a he said.
I examined the area while he talked. aConstable,a I said and stood. aIf he stumbled and fell over this rock wallaa I stopped and leaned against the heavy rocks. As I pushed them, a few gave way. aWouldnat there have been some rocks misplaced? I mean this wall isnat cemented. Itas just built layer on layer, am I right?a The constable frowned and nodded. aI see your point, Miss Ryan. But who would want to kill Brian? It was late, Brian had too much to drink, and he fell. Also, the wind was fierce that night, believe me.a aIf he stumbled, hit that wall, and fell over it, those rocks had to move. A man who was stumbling drunk falls into a pile of rocks and just falls over?a I asked absently and leaned over the edge. As I leaned against the rocks once again, a few of them moved. Bridget and Mac reached out and grabbed my arm.
aChrist, Kate,a Mac exclaimed.
I gave the constable a questioning look. aSee what Iam getting at?a He swallowed and nodded. aWell, Miss Ryan, with no evidence of foul play and nothing unusual at the scene of the accident, if what youare saying is right, the killer replaced the rocks and tidied up the area. That would make it a nice clean murder.a I shot a look as he hid his grin. aOkay, I get it. Itas just a thought.a Constable Reardon held out his hand. aIam not making light of Brianas death, miss. I truly believe it was an accident. Iall tell the chief of your theory, nonetheless. How would that be?a he asked kindly. aNow if youall excuse me, Iave got to be goina.a We watched him drive out of sight. aWhat are you thinking, Sherlock?a Mac asked.
aI donat know. Something just doesnat seem right to me. I must be over-tired,a I said with a shrug. aLetas get to the main house before I come up with another theory.a We walked back to the car and drove up to the main house. There were four girls cleaning, one in each room. We left them to their work, walked around the property, and noticed something we hadnat seen before. Behind the house, about a hundred feet or so, was a gray stone mausoleum set on the edge of the woods.
aHow did we miss this monstrosity?a I whistled and shook my head.
aWhat in the h.e.l.l?a Mac said as we slowly walked up to it.
The heavy door was locked. Mac looked up and across the top of the door in big letters carved into the stone was the name McAuliffe. There was a crucifix on the roof and gray pillars on each side of the door.
aGood grief, is that what I think it is?a Teri asked and looked at Mac in horror. aBehind the house?a I grinned. aYep, the familya"buried right outside your kitchen.a We looked at each other and burst into laughter. aHow many do you suppose are buried in there?a Teri asked, amazed.
aI donat know, but it gives me the creeps.a We stood there staring at it in silence.
aWhat are ya doina, folks?a Peter said from behind us. I noticed Peter was wearing gla.s.sesa"those black horned-rimmed kind. It changed his appearance completely.
aChecking out the family plot,a I said and Teri nudged me in the ribs.
aIs my uncle buried there?a Mac asked.
aHeavens, no. He wanted to be buried in the ground, not in a tomb. Heas laid to rest in the cemetery outside of town. We drove by it when we came in the other day.a aWhoas in there?a I asked and looked back at the mausoleum.
Peter scratched his head in contemplation. aI think thereas four McAuliffes laid there. Going back two hundred years, Iad say, from the looks of it.a He looked at us suspiciously. aYa donat want to see aem now, do ya?a aGood grief, no,a Teri and Mac both said, grimacing.
I was curious, but didnat want to be the odd man out, or a ghoul, so I declined.
Peter breathed a sigh of relief. aGrand, you had me worried there. I thought you might turn out to be morbid Yanks.a He laughed nervously and Teri and Mac joined in.
aHow can you tell its two hundreds years old, from the looks of it?a I asked curiously.