Page 5 of The Altar Girls

Similar to Lottie’s mother, who would have a stroke herself if anyone called her old.

‘Do you know where Mrs Coyne lives?’

‘John’s Terrace. I can get you the full address.’

‘Thank you. Any reason for her to be wandering around here at this time of the evening?’ And in a snowstorm, she thought but didn’t say.

‘Because of the phone network issue she mustn’t have got the text in time.’

Lottie returned her gaze to the boy. ‘Alfie, can you tell me what happened after you went behind the church?’

‘It was dark, but the light was shining out that window.’ He nodded towards the large stained-glass feature on the end wall. ‘It made the snow look like a rainbow on the ground. Then I saw her. Lying in the rainbow.’ He whimpered and traced his hand under his nose. She noticed his bitten nails and chapped lips. ‘I thought she was messing. You know, playing snow angels. But she wasn’t moving.’

‘Did you walk right up to her?’

‘Not really. I didn’t touch her or anything like that. I just looked and… and then Mam was here.’

‘That’s right,’ Jacinta said. ‘I’d rushed back and first had a look in here for him. Then I went outside and I found my poor boy just standing there, and little Naomi just…’

‘Naomi?’ Lottie asked.

‘Yes, the… the dead girl is… was Naomi Kiernan. Oh God, this is a nightmare.’ Jacinta convulsed in sobs and tightened her grip on her son.

‘Hush now,’ Father Maguire said. ‘I’ll make more tea.’

‘No thanks, Father. I want to bring my son home.’ Jacinta’s tear-logged eyes pleaded with Lottie.

Wanting more information about the little girl, she asked, ‘Was Naomi in the choir?’

‘Yes,’ the priest said. ‘She lives at Carberry Grove.’

‘Do you know her or her family, Jacinta?’

‘Not really. Please, can we go now?’

‘Okay.’ Lottie relented. ‘I’ll need your address and phone number. We’ll have to follow up with more questions tomorrow. Detective Kirby will see you to your car. And get a good night’s sleep, Alfie.’

Though she knew in her heart that the boy might never get a good night’s sleep ever again.

6

Father Maguire began fussing with the cups, stacking them onto a tray.

‘This must be hard for you,’ Lottie said. ‘How did you come to be here with Jacinta Nally and her son?’

‘I heard a scream. I was in my room. First floor.’ He pointed to his left, indicating the priests’ house next door. ‘I had the window open a little; the heating system is ancient and it was like a hothouse.’

‘We have a similarly dysfunctional system at the station. How long have you been here in Ragmullin, Father Maguire?’

‘Two years. I was based in the north-west before that.’

‘You’re a long way from home, then.’

‘Not really. My family home is just out the road. I’m originally from Gaddstown.’

‘Is it unusual to be posted so close to where you grew up?’

‘Not at all. The bishop sent me here, and I was happy with the transfer.’