In Like Flynn (Molly Murphy Mysteries, #4)

He was smiling now, such an unpleasant smile. “Goodness me, Molly Murphy—won't your newfound relatives be surprised when theyfindyou arrested and dragged home in chains?”


When I had left Ireland, I was a peasant girl with no one to speak on my behalf. But I'd had to stand on my own feet ever since and I'd learned a thing or two in the process.

“And why do you think that I might be arrested, Mr. Hartley?” I turned to face him.

“For attempted murder, of course. You're damned lucky that it wasn't for murder itself. If my dog hadn't run home and raised the alarm, the doctors say I should have bled to death. Instead, I had to endure months in the hospital and I'll never be truly fit again.”

I didn't let my gazefalter.“It’s strange that you should see it that way, Mr. Hartley. I saw it as trying to defend myself against attempted rape. And if it’s any consolation, I never meant to hurt you.

I was just trying to push you away from me. It was purely accidental that the floor was slippery and you went over backward and hit your head on our stove.”

“No matter what the circumstances, it was a vicious attack that left me almost dead. People have swung for less.”

“In Ireland maybe, where we are ruled by foreign invaders and where we Irish have no voice. But this is America, Mr. Hartley, where all are equal in the eyes of the law and where forcing your attentions on a young woman against her will earn you a trip to Sing Sing across the river. So it would be your word against mine, and”— I challenged him with my eyes—“I happen to have a very good friend who is a senior captain in the New York Police, who will come to my aid at the snap of my fingers. If you want to risk it, Mr. Hartley, go ahead, but I warn you, I'm not the helpless little peasant girl who ran away a year ago. I have plenty of powerful friends in these parts.”

With a thrill of recognition I saw that he was surprised, alarmed even.

“And I suppose you'll be telling me next that the Senator really is your cousin?”

“Why should I not have discovered a newfound cousin in America?” I demanded, not wanting to resort to the outright lie. “As you know yourself, we Irish breed like rabbits. I probably have cousins all over the place. Cousin Bamey Flynn has been very good to me, and he’s another powerful man, one who would not take kindly to any rogue who attacked me.”

I could see that I had him. His eyes darted nervously toward the door.

“You exaggerate,” he said. “It certainly wasn't an attack. How was I to know you didn't welcome my attentions?”

“I thought the words ‘no’ and ‘get out of my cottage’ were quite self-explanatory.”

“I thought you were just playing hard to get.” He laughed nervously.

“You ripped the front of my dress,” I said. “You told me that you owned me as much as any of the animals on the farm. You forced me onto the kitchen table and you would have raped me. It was an attack. And it wouldn't go down too well in an American court oflaw.”

“I'm sure I didn't—” he began.

“If you want to put it to the test, I'm game to take you on,” I said. “Go on. Call in Mrs. Van Gelder. Admit to what you did to me in front of all of her guests. Then come over to Adare and tell my cousin Bamey who is grieving the death of his wife.”

Justin’s mouth dropped open. “Mrs. Flynn?”

“Died last night. And I'm needed by my grieving relatives. So if you will excuse me—”

I opened the door and he didn't stop me. I came out of the study to find Mrs. Van Gelder hovering by the French windows.

“Ah, Miss Gaffney. There you are. It must be such a strain, having to convey such bad news. You look quite pale, my dear. Would you like to sit down? Should I have the chauffeur drive you home?”

“No, thank you. I can walk back the way I came, along the river,” I said.

“At least take a glass of lemonade with us before you go,” she said. “We will have to break your news to my guests, and I'd appreciate your support. I fear the poor dears will be so disappointed when they hear there is to be no dancing tonight.”

I really didn't want to have to face a bevy of strangers at this moment but I had no alternative. Mrs. Van Gelder took afirmgrip on my wrist and I was literally dragged out to the terrace. The croquet game was still going go and more guests were watching from the terrace steps. It seemed that the Van Gelders had invited an impressive number to their house party.

“Your attention please, everybody!” Mrs. Van Gelder clapped her hands as if she was bringing a class of schoolchildren to order. “I'd like to introduce you to Miss Gaffney from Ireland. Miss Gaffney is a cousin of Senator Flynn who lives next door and she has come, I'm afraid, with the most tragic news.”