Page 134 of Three Widows

Madelene looked from one to the other. ‘It sounds like you have a personal interest in the case, Detective. To me, that’s a conflict of interest.’

Kirby expected her to smile like she’d won the battle, but she remained expressionless.

‘Life is a conflict of interest, Madelene,’ he said.

Lynch made to stand, then sat. ‘You said Kathleen Foley is a client here. Did you know that she once fostered Amy?’

That was when Kirby saw Madelene’s expression change. Her mouth drooped and her eyes darkened.

‘What is it?’

‘I can’t say anything further. I think you should leave.’

His hands were now sweating profusely. This woman had information to help them, he was sure of it. ‘Madelene, too many women have already died. You have to help us.’

‘I have said all I can say. I’m sorry.’

Kirby knew he was beaten. He stood with Lynch and reluctantly left Madelene to her thoughts. What he would give to read them.

83

The wounds on Lottie’s neck and shoulder had been stitched up quickly in A&E, and armed with a prescription for strong painkillers, she left the hospital with Boyd.

‘If I never see the inside of a hospital again, I’ll be happy.’

‘Me too.’

‘Where is Garda Lei?’

‘He got a couple of stitches too. I sent him home to rest.’

‘Any update on Amy?’

‘She’s in theatre for work on her leg. No internal injuries on her scans. She should make a full recovery.’

‘Physically maybe, but what about mentally?’

‘That, I cannot answer.’ He pulled the car out of the tight space where another vehicle had almost blocked him in. ‘I’m tempted to stick a note on the windscreen. You know that one… next time leave a tin-opener.’

‘I’m trying to get the timeline right in my head.’

‘I was there first, and then that arsehole parked—’

‘I’m talking about Amy and whoever abducted her. Kirby thinks she was taken last night. Orla was in the shop this morning. Then she wasn’t. Then we found Amy. Where is Orla? Where is Helena? Could they both be involved?’

‘Anything is possible,’ he said, ‘but there are so many similarities between the victims’ injuries that I believe it’s one highly organised killer. And he, or she, is escalating.’

‘We don’t even have a viable suspect yet.’

‘Watch where you’re going!’ Boyd yelled out the window at a driver who had cut across him.

‘Will you ever calm down? I haven’t seen you this animated in a long time.’

‘Maybe it has something to do with the fact that my ex-wife has returned and is making all sorts of threats.’ He clamped his mouth shut and Lottie knew he was holding out on her.

‘What threats?’

‘It’s not for now, Lottie. We have too much at stake to talk personal problems. You told me to focus and I’m trying. We need to find Helena and Orla. One of them could be next on the killer’s list.’