Page 112 of Hidden Daughters

But it seemed to defuse the situation. Grace smiled and brought him inside. Bryan followed them in after he’d calmed and secured his dog.

While she busied herself with mugs and tea bags, Bryan brought Kirby into a musty-smelling living room.

‘This is my den. Grace has the rest of the house looking like a new penny, but I like to retain some of my old life in here.’

Kirby thought the room could do with a window being opened now and again. However, he welcomed the smell of cigarette smoke. A kindred spirit.

‘I’m not here to judge the decor or to judge you, Mr O’Shaughnessy, but I do have a few questions.’

‘It’s Bryan. Do I need my solicitor present?’

‘That’s up to you.’ Kirby was surprised by the question but recognised the wary look in O’Shaughnessy’s eyes.

‘You see, I’ve been questioned twice already and arrested once before being released without charge.’

‘I heard. I understand.’

‘Where are my manners? Please, sit.’

Kirby took the couch and almost sank to the floor. He thought he felt a spring twang, then buckle beneath him. Bryan sat on the recliner armchair.

‘You’ve lived here all your life then?’ Kirby tried to not look as uncomfortable as he felt.

‘On and off. The land was left to me by my brother when he died.’

‘And you’re all set to be married now. Grace is a lovely woman.’

‘She is one in a million.’

‘Have you had other relationships over the years?’

‘That’s an odd question, if you don’t mind me saying so.’

‘The thing is, I’m investigating a murder that occurred this week in Ragmullin.’

Bryan visibly bristled. He puffed out his chest, and even though he was sitting, his height seemed to stretch. ‘I don’t believe this. While Mooney is trying to pin three murders on me here in Galway, you think you can make me responsible for another one?’

‘Not at all. I’m just after some information.’

‘Who am I supposed to have murdered this time?’

‘I did not accuse you of anything.’ The way the man was acting, Kirby felt like adding ayetto that statement.

‘Fire ahead, but I warn you, I am at the end of my tether with all this.’

‘The woman who was murdered in Ragmullin, in the most vicious way, was named Edie Butler. Did you know her?’ He watched for a reaction.

Bryan raised an eyebrow, leaned his head to one side then shook it. ‘Can’t say that I did.’

‘It appears, and this is hearsay, that you dated her for a time when she lived down this way. She was originally from Salthill.’

‘Have you a photograph of her?’

‘I do.’ Kirby scrolled through the photos on his phone, then stood, with difficulty, and handed it over.

‘Shit. Yes. She looks different, but I did know her. Long time ago. She was Edie Martin back then. And she’s dead?’

‘Murdered.’

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