“What was she really like?”

  “Strong and sweet at the same time. Spunky and yet sensitive. There was something that set her apart. Tom said she didn’t belong here.” Susan tilted her head to think. “But I think she did.”

  “Is he in love with her?”

  “Aye. I see no point in sparing you, Claire. You brought a great deal on yourself. My thinking is that you deserve a bit of pain after what you’ve caused.”

  Claire’s eyes filled with tears. “I’m sorry, Susan. You have no idea how sorry I am.”

  Susan softened. She reached across the distance that divided them and squeezed her hand. “I’m sure you are, lass. I’m sure you are. I’m not one to place blame. We all have something to be sorry for.”

  Tom was conscious of a bitter taste in his mouth. It had been there since he left home this morning. He had no stomach for his errand. But it was unavoidable. Kellie needed answers and she wouldn’t wait forever. Dennis McGarrety was a law unto himself. He had nothing to lose. Tom wanted to assure him of his silence. He hoped that would be enough and that Kellie would be left alone.

  McGarrety ground out his cigarette and motioned Tom to a chair. They were in a house in West Belfast, shabby on the outside, comfortable within. “We have a bit of a problem.”

  Tom sat down and waited for him to continue.

  “Kellie Delaney has approached Davies.”

  Tom felt the heat rise from his chest to his face. Had there ever been a woman so stubborn? He’d specifically told her to leave it alone. He willed himself not to react. “So?”

  “She’s made a nuisance of herself, Tom. We can’t have her making accusations about Kevin Davies.”

  “She knows nothing about him,” Tom said. “I’ve told her very little. She’s harmless. Without me, no one has anything.”

  McGarrety smiled thinly. “Why are you here?”

  “I’ve built a life for myself. I want no part of the past. Kevin Davies is a decent man. I’ve no reason to tell anyone anything.”

  “What if you’ve no choice?”

  “How could that be?”

  “What if you’re called into court and sworn to tell the truth?”

  “That isn’t likely to happen, Dennis. No one knows that Davies and I worked together, no one except you.”

  “True.” McGarrety stared at the wall. “And Claire and now Kellie Delaney.”

  Tom’s head spun. Somewhere, outside this room, normal people went about the business of living. They woke to the alarm, ate their porridge and tea, kissed their wives, went off to work on the train and traded jests with other blokes. He wanted to be there, but first the ugliness here must be sorted out. “Are you suggesting that Kellie would bring up a suit?”

  “I’m saying that Kellie Delaney has reason to want this matter exposed. She’s proven that by going to Davies.”

  “If she had anything she wouldn’t have bothered to go there. She would have called the police.”

  McGarrety thought a minute. “Good point.” He looked at Tom. “Will you keep silent even if you’re called up in an investigation?”

  Tom looked his nemesis directly in the eye. “Aye.”

  McGarrety nodded. “Your word is good enough for me, Tom.”

  “There are conditions.”

  “There always are.”

  “I don’t want Kellie hurt.”

  “Then she’ll have to keep her mouth shut.”

  “I’ll tell her.”

  “Davies is having a dinner party for his contributors. Kellie will be there.”

  “How do you know?”

  “Caroline Davies was quite upset over Kellie’s allegations regarding her husband. She wants her to see Kevin in a different light. She issued her a personal invitation and Kellie has accepted.”

  Tom didn’t ask how McGarrety came by his information. He already had a good idea. “Will you be there?”

  McGarrety smiled thinly. “I wouldn’t miss it.”

  A flock of sheep blocked the single lane road leading to Banburren. Tom relaxed his hands on the wheel and mulled over his conversation with Dennis McGarrety. Objectively, he could see the man’s point. Kellie was a threat and a man like McGarrety would not be threatened. In fact, McGarrety would likely want to solve this problem the old-fashioned way— with a bullet.

  He stared out the window at the lad herding the sheep, a country sort with freckled cheeks, wild hair and a grin that brought the sun with it. Had his own life ever been so simple? Perhaps, once, a long time ago. As he gazed at the scene before him, Tom’s resolve hardened. He would reclaim that simplicity and he would start with Claire.

  He would begin with trying to expedite Claire’s dole agreement and find her a safe haven, and then he planned to get on with the rest of his life.

  The road was now nearly clear of sheep. The boy lifted his hand. Tom waved back and pressed down on the gas pedal. Banburren was twenty miles away. With luck he would make it before dark. It would still be early enough to arrange for a flight. He was going to England. If Kellie insisted on taking matters into her own hands, he would tell her exactly what she was up against.

  Kellie drummed her fingers on the table and stared out at the Thames. The tea she’d ordered twenty minutes before was tepid and her temper was beginning to rise. John Griffith was already late by nearly thirty minutes. She would give him another five and then—what? What would she do? Go to the police, or better yet, the press? The BBC would crucify Kevin Davies. The thought calmed her. She had alternatives to John Griffith and Scotland Yard.

  She was nearly out the door when he walked in. “I’m terribly sorry, Miss Delaney. I underestimated the time. I hope you weren’t waiting long.”

  “As a matter of fact, I’ve been here for quite some time.”

  He frowned. “You’re angry. Shall we reschedule our appointment or do you have time to see me now?”

  Damn the man. She needed him. Already he had the advantage over her and he knew it. “I am angry, Mr. Griffith. My brother was murdered and your department has done nothing at all to bring in his killer. I don’t understand. Why am I the only one who cares? I’ve told you about Kevin Davies. Why can’t you move forward with the information I’ve given you?”

  Griffith pointed to a bench near the water. “Shall we sit down? I’ve an idea I’d like to share with you.”

  When they were seated he explained. “If we confronted Mr. Davies, he would deny that he’d ever spoken to you. It would be his word against yours and, Miss Delaney, the result would be in his favor. He’s a popular politician and you are—” He paused.

  “Not that important,” she finished for him.

  He nodded. “I’m afraid so.”

  She was beyond taking offense. “You said you had an idea.”

  He nodded. “I’d like you to wear a wire to the Davies’ dinner party. Engage Davies in conversation. Get him to refer to the murders he told you about. If he says something incriminating on tape, we’ll have grounds for an investigation.”

  “How would that work?”

  “You’ll wear a small microphone taped to your chest underneath your clothing. It will transmit your conversation to a tape recorder.”

  “Where will the tape recorder be?”

  “Inside a lorry parked near the Davies’ home.”

  “Where will you be?”

  “There will be three of us inside the lorry—a driver, a technician and me.” He ticked them off on his fingers. “I must warn you that it could be dangerous. On occasion the microphone has malfunctioned.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “It makes a whistling sound.”

  “How often does that happen?”

  “Hardly ever, but it is possible.” He smiled at her. “Are you up for this, Miss Delaney?”

  “Is it the only way?”

  “I believe so.”

  “All right, I’ll do it.”

  Kellie stared into the full-length mirror and widened her eyes in surprise. How long had it been since she’d looked at herself? Had she lost weight or was it the dress she’d found at Simone’s? The straight lines and tiny darts at the waist emphasized her slimness and the sandals lengthened her legs. She looked tall and slender and quite put together. She’d even gone to some effort with her hair, using a volumizing shampoo and blowing it dry until the edges curved around her face in feathery layers. The small microphone taped to her chest was completely invisible under the soft silk.

  “Understated,” Gillian paused on her way into the kitchen, “and gorgeous.”

  Kellie applied a touch of mascara and lip gloss. “I’m nervous.”

  “Don’t be. You look wonderful. Think of it as parent night at Silverlake. There are enough posh people there to make anyone afraid of using the wrong fork. Irish expatriates can’t be all that stuffy. I’m impressed that you got an invitation, even if you do have to go all the way to London.”

  Kellie shrugged. “I’m not complaining. I’ve decided to take my car.” She said nothing to Gillian but she knew exactly why Caroline Davies had called her and why she’d accepted. If John Griffith needed evidence of the MP’s duplicity, she would give it to him.

  “Good idea,” replied Gillian. “That way if you decide to stay the night, there won’t be any worrying about train schedules.”

  The Davies’ London town house was awash in light and laughter. Gillian was right. It was very like Silverlake. Bearded gentlemen in dark suits and ladies artfully painted and manicured conversed in groups. A caterer offered Kellie a glass of sparkling wine. She accepted and moved toward the group where her hostess held court.

  She was ushered into the circle immediately. “Kellie,” said Caroline Davies, “I’m so pleased you came. Allow me to introduce you.”

  Kellie smiled, glanced at one inquiring face after another, and blanked. After the woman’s introductions, she had no idea who anyone was, but apparently no one expected it. Moving from one group to the other, she made her way around the room until she’d said something to everyone. Then she excused herself to go to the washroom. The plush carpet muffled her footsteps. The hallway was dimly lit. On a cabinet in the hall sat an array of family photos. The Davies’ marriage was obviously a joining of families and Caroline was definitely English. Kevin Davies had come a long way from Portadown. She didn’t blame him for not wanting to go back. He looked every inch the English gentleman.

  After locking the door to the powder room Kellie checked her wire—it was still safely secured and completely invisible. Looking up Kellie stared at her reflection in the mirror. She didn’t belong here with these glittering people who knew nothing about her. Oddly enough the evening had cemented her decision. She was going home to her own kind, if not West Belfast, then to somewhere else in Ireland.

  Back in the dining room she was seated between a nondescript woman and a man whose name she couldn’t remember. The woman picked up a threepronged fork and spoke first. “I can never remember what this one is for.”

  Startled, Kellie looked at her. “Shellfish,” she said automatically. “We’re probably having shrimp.”

  “I suppose you’re used to this kind of thing,” the woman said.

  “Not at all.” Alcohol had loosened her tongue. “I’m more like a poor relation come to visit.”

  “You don’t look like a poor relation.”

  “Thank you.” Kellie introduced herself. “I’m Kellie Delaney. I don’t remember meeting you earlier.”

  The woman smiled and extended her hand. “I’m Jessica Hammond. I’m the acting dean of Dresden Academy. I understand you’re a teacher.”

  Kellie was startled. Had she mentioned her profession? “I am,” she said slowly, “although I’m on leave for the term.”

  “I’m looking for an English teacher until the end of the term. Are you interested?”

  Kellie’s eyebrows rose. “Just like that? You know nothing about me.”

  “Caroline Davies is an alumna. Her recommendation is enough. If you could commit to the end of the fall term, I think I could use you.”

  Caroline Davies had recommended her! “May I think about it?”

  The woman pulled a business card and a pen from her purse and wrote on the back. “Take a week. As soon as you’ve decided, let me know.”

  “Is Dresden nearby?”

  Jessica shook her head. “Not really, Dresden is in Salisbury, but the salary is exceptional.” She named a figure so out of the ordinary that Kellie could barely swallow. What did it mean, this invitation and a cushy job offer? Was Davies actually bribing her? Did he really think she would look the other way, forget the murders of her brother and nephew for a job? Her food tasted like steel wool in her mouth. If she did nothing else in her life, she would spend it taking this man down.

  Dessert and coffee were served in the formal living room. Kellie was so intent on her thoughts she barely glanced at the man who stood in the entry. When she recognized him, her hand moved to her throat. The air felt suddenly thin and she fought the dizziness that closed in on every side.

  Twenty-Four

  Kellie waited until he made his way to her side. He reached her at the same time Kevin Davies did.

  “Hello, Tom,” he said smoothly. “I didn’t realize you were in England.”

  “I just arrived.” Tom’s eyes never left Kellie’s face.

  Davies lowered his voice. “We need to talk.”

  “When?”

  Kellie moved closer.

  “Not here. Where are you staying?”

  Tom looked at Kellie.

  “He’ll stay with me,” she said, very conscious of the microphone attached to her chest.

  Davies nodded. “I’ll be in touch.” He looked around. “Have some coffee. Blend in.” He clapped Tom on the back. “Good to see you, old friend.”

  Kellie waited until he left them. “What are you doing here?”

  “I might ask the same of you.”

  His eyes were intensely blue and the hot white flare in their centers frightened her. “What’s wrong?”

  “I told you to leave this alone.”

  “I’m going to finish it.”

  “No, you’re not,” he said evenly.

  “Who do you think you are?” she asked, her voice trembling with anger.

  He pitched his voice so that only she could hear. “They’re dead. You’re not However, if you continue to stir the pot, you very well might be. Connor Delaney died because he got close to something very ugly.”

  “I know all about that.”

  “Then you must know what will happen if you do the same.”

  A voice came close to her ear. “Listen to the man, Kellie.”

  She turned around and stared into the face of Dennis McGarrety. He smiled brilliantly.

  Trying to remain calm she forced the words through her teeth. “My goodness. Is this a coincidence, Mr. McGarrety?”

  “You’ve been very busy,” McGarrety said.

  “I have nothing to say to you.”

  “Perhaps not, but I have something to say to you. You’ve been warned once already,” he said. “This is your second notice. You won’t be getting another.” He walked away.

  Kellie waited until he disappeared into a circle of people on the other side of the room. She turned to Tom. “Tell me again that Davies is a decent man and that he has nothing to do with McGarrety.”

  “That doesn’t matter,” said Tom. “The warning stands. You’re in danger, Kellie. Let the professionals handle this.”

  “The professionals won’t touch it without evidence. Davies is a popular politician.” Kellie’s voice was thin and hard.

  “What are you saying?”

  She looked around. People were beginning to stare. “We can’t discuss this here.”

  “Where?”

  “I’ll leave first. My car is outside about halfway down the street. It’s a white Rover. I’ll wait for you.”

  “Give me fifteen minutes to arrange a meeting with Davies.”

  Kellie’s heart pounded. “I want to be there.”

  Tom nodded. “Wait for me.”

  Kellie looked at her watch several times to be sure the battery was still working. Huddling down inside her coat, she refused to look at it again. He would come as quickly as he could.

  Finally, the passenger door opened and he climbed inside. “Sorry. I couldn’t get away.”

  Kellie pulled out of the parking space and headed toward the motorway.

  “Where are we going?” he asked.

  “Back to Oxford to a friend’s flat. That’s where I’m staying.”

  He looked at his watch. “That’s quite a drive.”

  “It’s only ten o’clock and neither of us has anything to do in the morning. Besides, it will give you plenty of time to explain why you’ve come.”

  She edged through a late-turning light and he winced. “Christ, Kellie, be careful.”

  She ignored him. “Start explaining.”

  “McGarrety is dangerous. He had your brother murdered. He already knows you’ve approached Davies. What do you think he’ll do to you?”

  “Kevin Davies did a despicable thing and everyone hushed it up. Why didn’t you say anything?”

  “You can see where it got Connor.”

  “Are you saying you didn’t talk because you were afraid?”

  Tom rubbed his chin. “Aye,” he admitted. “I was afraid, but not at first. It was only after I came to my senses that I was afraid. People were dying all around me. At first I thought I was immune. Then I realized I was just lucky. That’s when I began to be afraid. After six years in prison there was no need to talk anymore. In the meantime Kevin had reformed. He was a politician making his mark. I was hardly one to point fingers.”

  He looked at Kellie, her profile pure and clear in the moonlight. “I’ll warrant that your brother had more than a few things to hide. If he worked for British Intelligence, he saw his share of death.”

  She’d thought of that herself and rejected it. She refused to have her image of Connor tarnished. “I won’t allow this to go unpunished.”

  “Give it up, Kellie. For God’s sake, what will it take to make you understand how dangerous this is for you?”

  “They offered me a job,” she said bitterly. “They invited me to dinner to bribe me to keep my mouth closed.”