Page 87 of The Altar Girls

‘You heard me. The office on Church Street.’

‘Erm. I was there for a few hours.’

‘Can anyone vouch for that?’

‘I was there alone. Connie was supposed to be in, but she ended up being stuck in a snowdrift, from what I heard.’

‘That’s a no then.’

‘What is this about? I thought you wanted background on the Kiernan family.’

‘Yes, and I also need you to account for your movements on Monday.’

Realisation spread across Bradley’s face like a window blind being raised.

‘You think I hurt those children? Listen here, Detective, my job is to protect them. I am passionate about my work.’

‘Like the Kiernan family are passionate about their religion.’

‘I don’t like your tone,’ he sneered.

‘You spoke with Sinead Healy, the reporter. Why was that?’

‘I wanted to tell her a few home truths about Ruth Kiernan and what she was capable of.’

‘Care to share them with me?’

‘No.’

‘But you went to her home.’

‘So? She contacted me first. Sent an email saying she wanted to talk. As I happened to be in town, I went to speak to her. End of.’

‘And what was that conversation like?’

‘I filled her in on the abuse that Naomi had suffered at the hands of her parents. And now I hear that Isaac Kiernan has been released from prison. The justice system in this country stinks to high heaven.’

‘His daughter was murdered. He is out on compassionate grounds.’

‘You need to arrest Ruth. I’d wager she killed her daughter and that other girl, the one who was reported missing. Don’t you think it’s suspicious that Naomi wasn’t reported missing?’ He paused. ‘I do.’

Boyd had to agree there, but he didn’t voice it. ‘Tell me about your interactions with the Devines?’

‘The family of the other girl who was murdered? I don’t think I know them.’

‘Does the name Zara Devine ring any bells?’

Bradley’s face flushed again. ‘I meet a lot of people in my job. Should I know her?’

‘You tell me.’

‘Look, you can stop this line of questioning. If you have something to accuse me of, go ahead. I’ll have my solicitor down on you like a ton of bricks. You need to tread carefully around me.’

Boyd wondered what had spooked him. ‘Are you threatening me?’

Bradley smiled slyly. ‘I know all about your missing son.’

Boyd was stunned. It was as if Bradley had thrust a knife into his heart and twisted it. The piped music was grating on his nerves, and he felt like putting a bullet in the speaker above his head.