The Druid's Dagger: Murder comes to the Aran Islands (The Galway Murders Book 3) by Derek Fee

Author:Derek Fee [Fee, Derek]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-01-13T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

It was approaching midday when O’Flaherty’s van pulled up in front of the cottage Dangerfield rented in Kilmurvey. O’Flaherty’s brother-in-law was running late and hadn’t yet arrived. Strings of yellow crime scene tape crisscrossed the door.

‘When did you put the crime scene tape up?’ Fiona asked Clarke whose face was more florid than usual.

‘This morning, I was afraid that some of the locals might use the occasion to collect personal items they could later sell.’

Tracy ripped the tape off and used a key to open the door. He stood aside to permit his boss to enter.

Fiona’s nose began to twitch as soon as she entered the room. She turned around quickly and stared at Clarke. His colour rose to a light purple. ‘I knew you were an idiot, but I had no idea that you were this big of an idiot.’

‘What’s up?’ Tracy asked.

‘Ginny Hinds is what’s up.’ She marched over to Clarke until their faces were almost touching. ‘She’s been here, and this idiot is the one who let her in. Because the doors and windows have been closed the remnants of her perfume are still in the air. Isn’t that right, Garda Clarke?’

‘I d-d-didn’t think it was any harm.’ Clarke forced the words out.

‘Come off it,’ Fiona said. ‘Permitting a civilian to enter what could have been a crime scene. How much did she pay you?’

Clarke was rooted to the spot.

‘You’re already on report for dereliction of duty. If you’ve taken money, and I know you have, I’ll add a charge of corruption. If you come clean, I’ll stay with the former charge, otherwise, I’ll throw the book at you.’

‘She gave me five hundred quid. She said what was the harm of five minutes to look around.’

‘Did she take photographs?’

‘Yes, on her mobile.’

‘Did she take anything away with her?’

‘No, she had a root around and then we left.’

‘Get out of my sight, you gobshite, and that five hundred quid is going to charity.’

Clarke left the cottage.

Fiona noticed that the landlord had joined them. She walked over to him. ‘We’re looking for a place where your tenant might have hidden something, something small. You know this place well.’

The landlord scratched his head. ‘It’s not the largest so there couldn’t be too many places, but he’s been here a year which would have given him the chance to create a hiding place.’

‘What about loose stones or floor coverings?’

‘I had the cottage fully renovated two years ago. If there were any loose stones or floor coverings, they would have been dealt with.’

‘Then I’m sorry for you because we’re going to have to take this place apart.’

‘Good God, no, this is my livelihood.’

‘Any damage we do will be fixed by workmen from the Office of Public Works in Galway. The sooner you think of a place that could be used for hiding documents the better.’ She turned to Tracy. ‘Let’s get at it partner.’

Tracy went to the bookshelves. ‘I’ll start here.’ He took a pile of books from the shelves and began searching behind them.

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