Page 105 of Three Widows

She was about to walk away when she spied Dalton’s tall figure through the glass.

‘Come in.’ He stood to one side and she bundled in by him, snagging the strap of her bag on the handle. He undid it for her, then locked the door behind them.

‘How can I help you, Inspector?’ He sat heavily on one of the reception chairs.

Sitting opposite, Lottie said, ‘I need to establish some facts. Namely how well you knew Éilis Lawlor and Jennifer O’Loughlin.’

‘I only knew them as clients. Both professional relationships, I can assure you.’

‘Really? You weren’t tempted to get to know either widow a little better?’

‘No, because I’m in a serious relationship. I had nothing to do with either woman.’

‘And why should I believe you?’

‘Because I’m gay.’

‘Right.’ Lottie took a moment to consider this. Shit. Was Owen even worth pursuing?

‘I can see the cogs whirring in your brain.’

‘You can?’

‘It’s the energy you’re emitting. You’re wired. And for the most part, it’s negative energy.’

‘Result of the job I do.’ Why was she even sitting here with this man, talking about her mental health, when she had two murders to solve and missing women to find? But his soothing voice was lulling her into a false sense of security. She shook herself and turned towards him abruptly. ‘When did you last see Orla Keating?’

‘She was booked in for a class Friday morning but didn’t turn up.’

‘And what about Helena McCaul? You told me that she isn’t a member, but do you know her?’

‘I think she runs that little herbal shop in town. Is that who you mean?’

‘Yes. Do you know her?’

‘Only to buy herbal supplements.’

‘What time did you finish up here Thursday evening?’

‘Around nine p.m. I did another half-hour of meditation.’

‘What did you do after that?’

‘Hasn’t changed since last time you asked, I went home.’

‘So you’d have been home by…?’

‘Ten.’

‘You live on Canal View.’

‘Yes.’

‘Do you live alone?’

‘What has that to do with anything?’

‘Probably nothing. I’m just loosening up my mind.’