Page 90 of Three Widows

True, she thought, but the idea that someone like Damien O’Loughlin would want her, never mind marry her and worship her daily, had filled her with confidence .

‘I’m waiting,’ he said, closing his notepad and slotting it into the battered brown leather satchel that he used as a briefcase.

With a sigh, she succumbed to his pleas and sat beside him.

‘It can’t be that bad.’ He took her hand in his.

‘I overheard a conversation at work today and it got under my skin. I was passing a cubicle and… Look, I don’t want to say who it was yet. I know, I know.’ She held up a hand to halt his protestations. ‘I trust you, but it might be just gossip. Then again, if it’s true, it’s disturbing.’

‘Must be, to have you in such a tizzy.’

She pondered holding back, but since she’d overheard it, her mind was in overdrive. As the words spilled out of her mouth, his hand grew cold in hers and he shifted uneasily before jumping up.

‘Who have you told about this?’

‘No one. Only you.’

‘Please keep it that way.’

‘But shouldn’t I go to the gardaí?’

He shook his head vehemently. ‘No way. It’s just hearsay. You have no proof of any wrongdoing.’

‘Damien, I can’t sit on this.’

‘You have to. Look, This information… it could get you killed.’

Jennifer felt the blood drain from her face and her hands shook uncontrollably. ‘You can’t mean that?’

‘I’m serious. If this is true, God knows what is going on. Just forget it.’

‘Can’t you do something about it? Maybe talk to Madelene? She could advise me on what’s best.’

‘I know exactly what Madelene Bowen will say.’

‘And what’s that?’

‘Same as I said. Hearsay. No proof.’

‘What if I got proof?’

‘You can’t put yourself in harm’s way. Let me think about it.’

‘Are you okay, Damien? Your colour…’

‘I actually feel a bit sick. I… Give me a minute.’

He rushed from the room and she heard him retching in the downstairs bathroom. This wasn’t the first time in the last few weeks that her husband had been ill and tried to hide it. She needed to park her own anxiety and get him to a doctor. That was her priority. Then, once she knew he was okay, she could decide what to do with the information she’d overheard. Gossip or not, it had her rattled.

I cringe at the memory of her words to me. Her actions thereafter started my mission. And there are more to die yet.

58

At the station, Lottie bumped into Garda Lei in the corridor as she headed for the toilets. Her bladder was ready to burst and she knew he took ages to get to the point.

‘Can it wait until I come out?’

‘Of course, sorry, it’s just, you see, Fallon’s pub… Sorry. I’ll wait.’