A Nice Clean Murder Part 7

She was giving me a strange look. aWhat are ya thinking about?a she asked.

aNothing really. Itas a beautiful countrya"a country of poets.a Bridget nodded as she looked around. aYes, it is. My favorite? Oscar Wilde,a she said and gazed out at the ocean. I said nothing, not wanting to break her pensive mood. aEach man kills the thing he lovesaa she said wistfully.

We were silent for a moment. aWell,a I said with a nervous chuckle. aI was thinking of a little Thomas Moore. I wasnat expecting you to recite from The Ballad of the Reading Gaol.a She looked right in my eyes then and a cold feeling swept through me. Then she laughed. aYou should see your face. We Irish can be romantically morbid, itas true. This was a grand afternoon, but the clouds are comina. Wead best get back.a aSo did you have a nice afternoon?a Teri asked absently as we were finishing dinner.

I had my fork to my mouth and stopped. aYes. I had a very nice time. Bridgetas a nice young woman.a I told them what Bridget said about the visitors from Dublin. aShe was curious and found out where they were from, but thatas all.a I sat back and thought about that.

aWho are these people? What has this land got? Okay, letas look at this. Some people from Dublin visit Brian. For two years after that, his family bothers him, probably till his death, to sell. Brian falls off a cliff. You inherit his estate. Someone tried to break into my house. Peter shows up stabbed. I get mugged and told to go home. Weave got to find out what is so important about this land. Is it the mill theyare after? Peter knows somethingaa I looked around. aHey, where is he anyway?a aHe told me he had a few things to do, but h.e.l.l, that was this morning.a I glanced at my watch. aLet me give Maggie a call,a I said.

The phone rang and rang. The answering machine came on and I took a deep breath and waited for her message to stop. aHi, itas Kate. I thought Iad give you a call, but youare out. Hope everything is fine. Weare not at the inn. Weare staying at the house now. Anyway, this d.a.m.ned machine will cut me off. Iall call you on Friday. Gabye, Maggie,a I said and banged the phone down.

Teri was standing in the hallway. aDid you get in touch with Maggie?a she asked.

aNo!a I snapped, not knowing why I was getting so irritated. This whole inheritance thing is getting to me. That was it. aI called over an ocean and got a stinking answering machine. I told her I would call. Where could she be? Anyway, I left her a message. h.e.l.l, Iam going to bed.a I lay in bed staring at the rain beating on the window. What in the world was happening? I needed to clear my mind and think about this. Someone tosses me down the cobblestone walk, probably the same guy who stabbed Peter. What next, I thought as another burst of thunder shook the window.

I turned on my stomach and put the pillow over my head as the thunder rolled.

I had a fitful sleep, dreaming about disembodied people chasing me. Bob was in it, Mac and Teri, Maggie; h.e.l.l, everybody was in it. They were calling for me, screaming, and I couldnat get to them. The harder I tried to get to them, the slower I went. I could feel someone coming up behind me.

I woke up in a sweat and sat on the edge of the bed breathing heavily and wringing my hands. Trying to calm my racing heart, I sat on the window seat, waiting for this wave of panic to subside. I ran a shaky hand through my hair. Christ, I hate that dream. I put my hand to the back of my neck; it ached horribly as I stretched it from side to side. As I lay back against the pillows, I drifted back to a restless sleep.

None of us slept much. I know the storm kept me up most of the night. Mac and Teri were in the kitchen, looking exhausted. I grumbled a good morning and they groaned back. I plopped down in the chair and Teri poured me a cup of coffee.

aWhat a storm,a I said, yawning. aDid you hear that thunder?a Both gave me an exasperated look. aStupid question.a We were finishing breakfast when we heard someone at the front door.

aIall get it,a Mac and I said at the same time.

I waved my hand tiredly. aBe my guest, lord of the manor. I wonder if Brian had as many visitors as youave had in the past two days.a I heard a manas voice and was immediately curious. My fatigue forgotten, I followed the voice to the foyer. There stood two older men with Mac.

aMike McAuliffe?a one of them asked. The other just stood there.

aYes, can I help you?a Mac asked. I poked my head around to get a good look.

aIam James McAuliffe and this is Tim Devereaux. Weare your uncles,a he said sourly. What a grump.

aFamily, Mac darlina,a I whispered in his ear. Teri pinched my arm.

aWell, come in, please,a Mac offered and pushed me out of the way.

Both men sat on the couch looking at us.

aCan I get you some coffee or tea?a Teri asked a little shakily.

aThank ya, no,a James said with a frown.

aYes, I would like some tea, thank you, maaam,a Tim said in a kindly voice.

Teri went into the kitchen, and Mac stood by the fire. aSo, gentlemen, I take it you know about the will. Iad like to talk to you about it.a aIall tell ya right now, we donat like it one bit. Iall be honest with ya, we wanted Brian to sell the mill,a James said.

Tim said nothing but looked at his hands. I kept my mouth shut for the moment.

aI can only imagine how you feel. However, Brian had controlling stock, and it was his wish to keep the mill open.a He stopped as Teri came into the room with the tea and gave me a curious glance.

James looked at Teri. aWill you excuse us? Weare discussing business.a Oh, that was such the wrong thing to say. I winced and looked at Teri, whose face was now the color of her red hair.

aI beg your pardon?a she asked with her hands on her hips.

Mac said quickly, aNo, I will not excuse you. You will not come into this house and insult my wife. Now I think itas time for you both to leave.a He ended the conversation.

aI meant no disrespect. However, this is not over.a He nodded and walked out. aLetas go, Tim.a Tim stood there looking apologetic. aIam sorry for Jamesas behavior.a He extended his hand to Teri and she took it hesitantly. He smiled sadly and left.

aIn all my life, I have never been so insulted. The nerve of that man. Who does he think he is?a Teri fumed.

Listening to Terias tirade, none of us noticed Peter standing in the foyer until he cleared his throat. aDid I see James and Timothy drive away?a aYes, and James is quite the rude thing,a I said, avoiding my sisteras glare.

aI guess I canat blame him,a Mac said.

aMac, donat trust him,a Peter said.

Mac nodded. aI know. I do not intend to sell this mill, Peter. Not to anyone.a There was another knock at the door. aGood grief, itas like Grand Central Station,a Teri exclaimed.

aAre you guys on some sort of schedule?a I asked. aWe could pay for the maids if you charged admission.a Mac laughed as Teri opened the door. A tall thin man stood there with a briefcase in his hand. aIs Mr. McAuliffe about?a he asked.

Teri let him in and took his coat. Mac came up and shook his hand. aIam Mike McAuliffe.a aWell, sir, itas a pleasure to meet you,a he said, shaking Macas hand. His accent was definitely British.

Mac brought him into the library by the fire. Teri offered tea and he gladly accepted. aItas a bit chilly. The weather certainly changes quickly up here,a he said in a friendly demeanor. Camon, get to the point.

aWell, Mr. McAuliffe, Iam Jarred Collins. Iave spoken to your late uncle several times in the past. I wonat take much of your time. I represent The Omega Group.a He offered Mac his card. aWeave been interested in Oceanview Woolen Mill for quite some time. The last time I was in this country, I spoke with your uncle and he was very interested in selling the mill to our company. Unfortunately, before we could settle anything, he had the accident. I am sorry. I liked Brian, he was a good man,a he said.

Mac looked at the card. aWell, Mr. Collins, itas my understanding that Brian didnat want to sell. I have a letter from him that states that. So Iam afraid you came all this way for nothing.a aThat is curious. Brian seemed very interested five months ago. When was your letter written, if I may ask?a Mr. Collins said politely.

aIad have to look. I donat have access to it now,a Mac replied.

Mr. Collins nodded in understanding. He opened his briefcase. aThis was the proposal I gave Brian. Perhaps you can read it over, take it to a lawyer, and think about it. I know itas very soon after your uncleas untimely death. However, I think you might be pleasantly surprised at the offer.a He stood and shook Macas hand and Terias, as well. aMr. McAuliffe, it was a pleasure to meet you and you, Mrs. McAuliffe. Iall be staying in Donegal for a few days. Please let me know.a I watched as Teri and Mac walked Mr. Collins to the door. It was then I noticed Peter, who had been conspicuously quiet the entire time.

Chapter 11.

aThe Omega Group? What in the world is that?a I asked as I held the business card. aTheyare based out of London.a Then I had an idea.

aI wonder if Charlieas still in London. Maybe he can find something out about this company,a I said thoughtfully. aI was going to call Maggie anyway.a Of course, Maggie wasnat in, which was now beginning to annoy me. Hannah, on the other hand, was delighted to hear from me. I told her all that had happened. She was shocked.

aGood heavens, Kate, what is happening? You were mugged?a aHannah, I was not mugged, and donat tell Maggie about that. She said something like this would happen. All I need is an aI told you soa from your niece. What I need to know is if Charlieas in London.a I explained the situation.

aMy, your timing is perfect. He flew to London after Margaretas party. I have his number.a I called the number Hannah gave me. Charlieas voice came over the phone and I had to laugh.

aWell, Iall be! Kate, what in the world are you doing calling me?a I explained the entire mess to Charlie and told him what I needed.

aThe Omega Group. Hmm. For you, Kate, anything. What have you gotten yourself into this time? I canat believe Mac inherited that, good Lord. So how are you treating my sister?a aPlease, Charlie, one predicament at a time,a I said. Teri motioned for me to hand her the phone. aI think Teri wants to talk to you. Call me when you find out something.a I handed the phone to Teri.

Mac was in the kitchen reading brochures of Irelandas points of interest.

aTypical Mac, checking out the history.a aHey, you should read these. This place is crawling with history. Read the one about Grace OaMalley. She was a pirate, an honest to goodness pirate,a he said.

I read the brochure. aHmm. Apparently, she was pretty successful in her day, which was about four hundred years ago,a I said and continued reading. aBoy, she plundered quite a bit. Feisty little wench. Wonder if Maggieas related,a I said absently.

Teri came into the kitchen. aCharlie says to give you this,a Teri said and planted a big kiss on Mac.

aRemind me to thank him,a Mac said.

aI hope he can find something on this company. Whereas the proposal Mr. Collins gave you?a I asked. Mac handed it to me. aI still canat get over how much he offered. I think youad better show this to Bridget. Four million euros seems steep for a small, village-run woolen mill,a I said, handing it to Teri.

aThere has to be some mistake.a She handed it back to me.

aWhoa, thatas a lot of wool,a Mac said, staring at the paper. Teri nodded in amazement.

aThey all made me hungry. Iall make breakfast,a I said and rubbed my hands together.

As we ate, I picked up the brochures that were still on the table. aMac, everywhere you go, you get these brochures. Grace OaMalley, tough cookie for those days,a I said. I handed the brochure to Teri.

aHmm, plundering the Spanish Armada, pirating treasures.a I thought of Maggie, I donat know why. I could see her on the bow of a ship, yelling orders at everyone. Thatas why.

aYou know what we havenat done yet?a Teri asked.

I got very nervous, and as I glanced at Mac, I could tell he felt the same. A look of terror flashed across his face. aWhat, honey?a he asked.

aWe havenat gone into Duncorrib and met some of the locals. Youare their bread and b.u.t.ter. You should meet them.a Mac perked up, grateful she didnat mention a shopping spree, Iam sure.

aYouare right. Letas get squared away here and go into town and hobn.o.b with the local gentry,a Mac said. aFirst Iall call Bridget. Maybe she can meet us in the village. I want to show her this proposal.a We drove into town about midday. The day had turned cloudy, but the sun made an appearance every now and then. At least it wasnat the constant dampness. People knew who we were before Mac could introduce us. They all shook his hand and slapped him on the back. They told him how they loved Brian and how he took care of the town. Mac was gracious and a.s.sured them that he didnat want to change a thing. In short, they loved him.

Teri put her hand in the bend of Macas arm. aThey love you, honey. This will work fine. I feel much better.a aMe too. Itall take time to get adjusted. I want to talk to Rory Nolan again. I want to make sure everything is status quo.a I stopped and looked down toward the end of the village. There was a man in a dark coat with short black curly hair. I was thinking about the guy in Donegal who attacked me in the alley. I remembered his coat. It was black or navy wool. The guy back home looked the same.

The man was standing there, smoking a cigarette, and talking with two other men. One was a redhead. The other was bald with a gold earring in his right ear.

The man in the dark coat threw down his cigarette, turned up his collar, and walked across the street. The other two young men split up and went their own way. aThose two certainly donat look like they fit in this quaint little village,a I said as I watched them.

Mac slapped me on the back. aYou need a pint,a he informed me. He could be right.

We were to meet Bridget at a small pub at the end of the village at one oaclock. We sat there having our drinks when she arrived.

aHow are the happy McAuliffes and Ryan this fine day?a she smiled and sat down. She looked at me. aYou look well, Kate.a Her hand lingered on my shoulder.

Mac told her about Mr. Collins and the proposal. She scowled as she listened. aHeas back, is he?a aWhatas the deal with him?a I asked.

aHe came round about two years ago. I think he might have been one of the ones from Dublin, but I canat be sure. Heas been a pest ever since. He wants the mill, why I donat know. It doesnat produce enough for a big company.a aI donat know, Bridget, they seem to want it bad enough.a Mac sighed and handed her the proposal. aHe suggested I show it to a lawyer.a Bridget frowned and took a drink of her beer while she read. She showed little emotion, like any lawyer. She finished and took a very long drink of Guinness. aWell now, this is quite a sum of money,a she said, frowning.

aThatas putting it mildly. Why would a company offer so much for so little? It doesnat make sense,a I said. aThereas more to this.a I wished Charlie would call. I felt sure head find something. All this was connected. I was sure that the Irishman back home who had stabbed Peter was the same man who tossed me around the alley. Now a company is willing to pay four million for property thatas not worth one. I ran my fingers through my hair in a frustrated gesture. Now where in the world was Peter?

aSherlock, are you with us?a I heard Mac ask.

aSorry, I was thinking,a I said absently.

Bridget gave me a curious look. aMy, you were far away. Sherlock? As in Sherlock Holmes?a she asked. aAre ya a detective then, Kate?a aNo, Iam curious, thatas all,a I said, trying to end the discussion before it got started.

Bridget looked to Teri, who explained about our father being a policeman. Bridget looked at me. aIam impressed. Maybe you can figure out why The Omega Group is willing to part with four million,a she said.

aMaybe,a I said as I watched her, and for a moment, our eyes locked.

aWhat are ya thinking, Sherlock?a she asked. aProfessor Moriarty?a Bridget was about to continue when Peter walked in looking tired and dirty.

He came over to the table. aGood afternoon. Howas everyone?a he asked, smiling.

I noticed he had boots on that were muddied and his pants were wet.

aWhere have you been?a Mac asked.

aOh, Iave been at the stableas cleanina up,a he said and sat down. He glanced at Bridget for a moment.

I looked up as the door opened and in walked the two young men from the morning. They glanced at our table and sat at the bar.

aKnow them?a I asked Peter as he watched them.

Peter shrugged. aNo.a Mac, Teri, and Bridget continued talking about the proposal. I noticed a short older man walk in. He smiled and waved at Peter. aWell, Sully, what in the world were ya doina down by the sh.o.r.e? You daft boy, you couldave been swept away.a Peter immediately sprang up, went to the old man, and put his arm around his shoulder and guided him to the bar.

Once again, The Quiet Man came to mind. This little man looked like Barry Fitzgerald from the movie. Short, funny, with an unquenchable thirst, he had the devil in him for sure.

I watched Peter for a moment. The sh.o.r.e? What was he talking about? Peter had said he was at the stable. I looked at Peteras boots. They were muddy, but also his pant legs were damp below the knee. I was sure he was up to something and I was determined to find out what.

The two young men were standing next to Peter and one of them b.u.mped into him. Peter turned and apologized. The bald youngster gave Peter a shove. Peter looked angry but apologized again. Then the redhead also stood by Peter. aWhattaya mean, shovina me friend,a he said to Peter.

aI apologize. I didnat see him,a Peter said affably and turned away.

aDonat be turnina your back to me,a the redhead said.

Mac got up and walked over to them. aHi, fellas. Whatas the problem?a The bald Irishman said, aStay out of this.a He then pushed Mac.

aUh-oh,a I said and pushed my chair back.

Teri fumed and started to get up. I looked at her. aSit down, for chrissakes.a aLook, I donat know what my friend did here, but I a.s.sure you he meant no harm. Let me buy you a drink and be done with this,a Mac said and put out his hand. The redhead slapped it away.

aOh, this is going to be very unpleasant,a I said and instinctively sat on the edge of my chair. I had no clue what I could do, these were big boys.

Mac glared at him and put his hand on Peteras shoulder. aLetas go.a He turned and the redhead grabbed him by the shoulder and took a swing at Mac, who ducked in the nick of time. Mac grabbed the young man by the back of the neck and threw him across the bar.