Page 48 of The Altar Girls

‘Yes. Because of the weather.’

‘Okay. My colleague Garda Brennan says you told her to keep an eye on the Kiernan children. Why did you say that?’

‘I want to be sure they’re safe. One child from that family has been murdered; the others could also be in danger. It’s good that you have an officer with the family.’

‘I get your concern, Father, but now that Willow Devine’s body has been found, I believe the threat spreads wider than just one family.’

‘Is that what you really think?’

‘I don’t know what to think, to tell you the truth,’ she said.

He nodded. ‘The Kiernans are an ultra-religious family. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, but the way Ruth talks about her husband, it’s as if she’s cast him out because he did a deal with the devil.’

His words shocked Lottie. ‘I don’t understand.’

‘This is only my opinion, but Ruth seems to have no compassion or forgiveness in her soul. To be Christian is to be able to forgive, and she refuses to forgive Isaac.’

‘Why does that lead you to have concerns for their children?’

He sighed, stood up and walked around the table, rubbing two fingers along his temple. He came to a stop beside Lottie and leaned down towards her. She could smell a soft floral scent from his skin. Speaking in a low tone, he said, ‘If one of her children does something she deems wrong, I fear she might punish them excessively.’

‘You have no proof of this, have you?’

‘It’s a gut feeling. I’m sure you have those too. I was thinking, what if those historical bruises discovered by the doctor on Naomi were not caused by child’s play? What if they were caused by her mother?’

Lottie stared into his eyes and saw only concern there.

‘What leads you to even consider this? You must know something. And how do you know about Naomi’s bruises?’

‘I can’t break any confidences. I just want you to be vigilant. I will do what I can, but you might have more power because you have a colleague in the Kiernan house.’

Lottie felt stumped and astounded. But there was some truth in what he was saying. ‘Isaac’s solicitor has applied to the high court to have him released. The judge may insist on a bond being committed to the court. The family have nothing. Would the Church fund it?’

‘Is it part of your remit now to beg for money to get people out of jail?’

‘No, but I thought you might like to help a grieving family. I think Isaac should be with his wife and children.’

‘I’ll see what can be done.’

‘Is it okay for me to pass on your name and number?’

‘The office details would be best.’

‘Okay. It won’t be much. Isaac is well into his sentence. He might even be released on compassionate grounds without a bond. Depends on the judge.’

‘And where is he to go if Ruth won’t take him back?’

‘She has to. She needs the support.’

Lottie felt she could do with a coffee, but she ploughed on. ‘I was talking to Maurice Connolly before I arrived here. The funeral director.’

‘Maurice? Whatever for?’

‘Part of our investigation.’

‘He is a little weird, but I don’t think he’d harm a fly.’

‘I never said he would, but we think the girls may have walked in the direction of his funeral home yesterday morning. Do you know him well? He said you’re a friend of the family.’