Read Online When Irish Eyes Are Haunting: A Krewe of Hunters Novella by Heather Graham - Free Book Online Page B

we’re quaint and outdated here, but our forensic work is done in Dublin County with some of the finest and most qualified doctors and technicians in the world. I know you feel that we’re lacking—after all, Brendan and Seamus called you and your wife over here. But, as you’ve all told me, Brendan was alone just a matter of minutes. Seamus, Kelly, Michael, and Aidan had just been with him. There was no threat. There’s been no break-in; no one in the courtyard saw any kind of a disturbance. Just as Collum Karney was alone in his room, Brendan was alone here. They were both big men, living hard. They believed themselves to be powerful, strong like the warrior lords of old who ruled here. If you can find anything suspect, I’d be more than grateful to hear about it.”
    Rocky looked at Murphy. “Sheriff, I have no doubt that you’re extremely capable and I’m sure in many ways you and your people surpass our expertise. I can’t help but find it odd that one man dies of a heart attack and his brother is found unconscious and nearly dead barely two weeks later—surrounded by weapons as if he were defending himself.”
    “You don’t know the village,” Aidan said softly.
    “He means you don’t know how superstitious we are,” Michael told Rocky.
    “You mean about the banshee wailing last night at midnight?” Sheriff Murphy asked. “Oh, indeed, I heard about it early this morning. The sound was heard clear down the slope. Yes, we are a superstitious people. Whether a legend is true or not is not really the point, though, is it?”
    “You mean you think that both Collum and Brendan believed it—and had heart attacks?” Rocky asked.
    “Possibly,” Sheriff Murphy said. “We’ll have to pray that Brendan comes out of this—and if he does, perhaps he’ll tell us just what he battled. As it stands now, I’ve nothing to investigate. There’s no sign of forced entry anywhere, there’s no witnesses— there’s no harm can be seen that was done to either Collum or Brendan .” He turned to Rocky again. “Young man, seems you’re a fine enough fellow yourself. If you find anything I can go on, I shall be delighted to throw myself and all my forces against it.” He turned to Michael. “What will we announce to the people? We have to get something out on the radio—Father Flannery must say something at mass. ’Tis a hard thing. The castle has always been the center of our celebration, and St. Patrick’s Day is a saint’s day and holy to us. Day after tomorrow. Do we allow our five days of festival to go on?”
    Michael and Aidan looked at one another. It appeared, Rocky thought, that the brothers didn’t want the responsibility of making a decision.
    “Would be Seamus needs to answer that question now, Sheriff,” Michael said.
    “Seamus is at the hospital with his brother,” Sheriff Murphy said. “As is Kelly. This decision lies with the two of you.”
    Rocky was startled when they turned to look at him.
    “There’s tradition,” Michael said.
    “And bad taste, too,” Aidan added.
    “It was one thing with Collum dead and buried,” Michael said.
    “But now Brendan! Aye, and both of them, fine men,” Aidan said.
    “And traditionalists,” Michael said. “Rocky, what would you do?”
    “I say carry on,” Rocky told them. “Brendan isn’t dead. Not that we know. And Brendan would want the celebration of the saint carried on.”
    Michael nodded and turned to the sheriff. “We carry on,” he said.
    “And you’re satisfied, Mr. Rockwell?” Sheriff Murphy asked.
    “Until I have something to give you, sir, as you’ve said,” Rocky told him.
    Michael walked with Murphy to the door. Aidan stood awkwardly by Rocky. He looked at him. “You think that something is going on here, don’t you? I suppose you think we’re all a bit daft, thinking that there be leprechauns and banshees and all. They’re just legends. Stories we’ve been told for years. Like Dracula and all that.” He