Page 82 of Hidden Daughters (Detective Lottie Parker #15)

Bryan O’Shaughnessy was sick to death of Detective Sergeant Matt Mooney, and when he saw the detective’s car pull into his yard, he felt like sprinting for the hills. Instead, he remained standing at the wall, spade in hand, ready to use it if his temper was ignited.

‘The very man,’ Mooney said.

‘What do you want this time?’

‘I wanted to congratulate you for punching Denis Wilson in the eye, but that doesn’t seem appropriate now, in the sad circumstances.’

‘What sad circumstances do you mean?’

‘Ann Wilson is dead. Murdered.’

‘What…?’ Bryan looked one way then the other, conflicted at Mooney’s news. ‘I’m sorry to hear that. Grace will be so shocked. But it has nothing to do with me.’

‘I think it does. Whether directly or indirectly, you assaulted Denis yesterday afternoon, and now his wife is dead. Where were you last night?’

‘Do you get off on this, Mooney? Accusing innocent people day in and day out. No wonder you haven’t found the killer.

You’re too busy hounding me. Read my lips.

I did not harm anyone. But if it saves you time, I admit I hit Wilson.

He deserved it. I certainly did not kill his wife.

I don’t believe I’ve ever met the woman. ’

‘Your bride-to-be met her. On numerous occasions.’

‘Grace? You are a fucker, Mooney. Grace got her to make her wedding dress. She paid for it and collected it yesterday. You think that’s a motive for murder? As far as I know, she was happy with Mrs Wilson’s work.’

‘I don’t believe Ann’s death has anything to do with Grace, but it may have something to do with you.’

‘You are clutching at the proverbial here, Mooney. I was at home all night. Grace can vouch for me. Now fuck off and find someone else to blame.’ Bryan tightened his grip on the spade.

‘Calm down. I’m not blaming you. I will have to interview you shortly, but my priority at the moment is to warn you to be careful. Denis Wilson will be like a loose cannon now…’

‘He’s always been a loose cannon.’

‘… and he may well target you for revenge.’

‘Revenge for what? Clocking him yesterday?’

‘For his wife’s murder.’

Bryan lifted the spade and took a step forward. ‘I told you, I was nowhere near his wife. Not yesterday, not ever.’

Mooney stood his ground. ‘You will have to offer proof of that at the station. Wilson knows you were arrested and released without charge. He believes you murdered all those people. He will definitely think you killed his wife. I’m here to warn you and your lovely Grace to be careful.’

‘I suppose you’re going to provide me with protection as well as an empty warning.’

‘Just be vigilant, Mr O’Shaughnessy. Call into the station later today. I need details of your whereabouts for the last twenty-four hours.’

Bryan watched the detective get back in his car and drive off. Grace came out to the yard.

‘What’s going on, Bryan?’

‘I wish I knew.’

As Mooney’s car disappeared around the corner, another drove into the yard.

‘Mark, Sergio!’ Grace cried, running towards them. She bear-hugged the boy.

Boyd raised an eyebrow. Bryan shrugged. Grace didn’t do hugs. Not normally. She took her nephew by the hand and led him into the house, talking about hot chocolate and marshmallows.

‘Was that Mooney driving out?’ Boyd asked.

‘Yeah,’ Bryan said. ‘The fucker now thinks I murdered Councillor Wilson’s wife. It seems that if someone sneezes around here, Wilson will want my ugly mug pasted on wanted posters.’

Boyd studied his future brother-in-law, reading the worry etched in the deeply furrowed lines around his eyes. ‘Has Mooney got cause to suspect you?’

‘Maybe.’ Bryan leaned on his spade. His dog circled his legs before lying at his feet protectively.

‘You see, I thumped Denis Wilson yesterday. The bastard arrived here shouting and roaring at me. I’d had enough abuse at that stage, so I drew out.

Got him good and proper.’ He smiled fleetingly at the memory before the grave look returned, dragging down his expression.

‘It was a mistake. I shouldn’t have let him vex me so much.

It’s just… at a time that should be the happiest of my life, I feel the world is against me.

I know Grace is hurting and I haven’t a clue how to deal with any of it. ’

‘Maybe you need a holiday.’ Boyd struggled to find the right thing to say. ‘Have you a honeymoon planned?’

‘I don’t even think there will be a wedding. How can I marry your sister with all this suspicion hanging over my head?’ Bryan paused to take a laboured breath. ‘Will you see if Lottie can talk to Mooney on my behalf?’

Boyd cringed. He didn’t want to tell Bryan that she was one of those who was sceptical of his innocence. ‘I’m afraid Lottie and I aren’t on speaking terms at the moment.’

‘Oh, I forgot. Grace told me she asked her to leave. Sorry about that.’

Boyd squinted through the misty sun. Bryan seemed to have aged considerably over the last few days. ‘I didn’t know that had happened. God, now Lottie will be furious at me. Why did Grace do that?’

‘I think they had words. Lottie is staying at a hotel. Go talk to her.’

‘No, I’m done with talking. She’s bull-headed, and when she gets on her high horse, there’s no talking her down.’

‘I’m so sorry. All this is my fault. I should never have asked her to get involved in the first place.’

‘Don’t worry about it. I know Lottie. She’d have found some way to get involved. Trouble has a habit of following her.’