From his reading of her file and case history, it seemed that it was Ellie’s physical condition, rather than her mental one, that had been the chief cause of concern in her early days at St Michael’s, especially when she had been force-fed intravenously. Was her decision to eat and drink again based on the realisation that her punishment would be greater alive rather than dead? He felt sure that the surrender of her life and freedom had settled far too easily on Ellie’s shoulders.
He considered whether or not he should notify anyone else of Ellie’s latest revelations, but he couldn’t lose sight of the fact that he was dealing with a long-term patient. At this point, everything had to be assessed slowly. No matter how genuine Ellie might have appeared in her discussion with him, she could simply have been relaying her own version of events, none of which could be validated at this juncture. Whatever happened in Wexford had happened a very long time ago; waiting a little longer wasn’t going to hurt anyone.
Meadow View
HE WAS GLAD HE HAD GONE FOR A RUN; HE FELT reinvigorated in both body and mind. The garda car outside Jessica Barry’s house was no surprise. He had heard on the news that the police were planning to release a photofit and she was the only one who could supply it. Perhaps he should have taken care of her earlier, but, then, the girl had barely looked at him. Perhaps it was Kate Pearson’s involvement that had encouraged the girl to open her big mouth? Kate Pearson was quickly becoming the most interesting aspect of the investigation, and one he intended to study very carefully. If she hoped to get inside his mind, it would prove difficult, but would be well worth watching.
Remembering the young boy huddled over his father’s shoulder, he reflected, not for the first time, on how little those who receive love appreciate it. Maybe Amelia and Caroline had been errors of judgement: both had let him down and had been far too immature to appreciate the importance of the situation. Perhaps what he needed now was an equal, someone with both the sensitivity and experience to understand him. As a firm believer in fate, he couldn’t deny that Kate crossing his path meant something. Was she sent to test him, question his resolve? Or were there more interesting aspects to be revealed?
The first time he had noticed her wasn’t long after he’d moved into Meadow View. He had passed her running in Herbert Park. There was something special about her even then, a certain determination, an alertness that he could see immediately. He recognised her drive, she was pushing herself, her level of concentration, focused, striving, thrusting herself beyond the boundaries of pain, showing her hunger to succeed. His curiosity aroused, he had followed her home, seen her with the child, and then later with that husband of hers. He had been too quick to dismiss her, had not known her full potential. But he had been drawn to her, there was no denying that.
Tomorrow he would go to Cronly Lodge and, if necessary, he would take time off work the day after. He had already taken time out earlier in the week, and considering how little his services were appreciated, it shouldn’t prove difficult to do so again.
He had regrets. Not about Amelia. Killing her had been necessary. Caroline was different though. The place he had chosen for her was perfect. The elderberry tree must have been at least twenty feet high. When it had all turned so badly wrong with Caroline, the place had come to mind immediately. In fact, the more he thought about it, the more he knew he couldn’t have chosen anywhere better. His mother used to say that berries could grant you a long life. He wanted to remember Caroline the way he’d left her: safe and sound, looking like a perfect angel.
Mervin Road
Saturday, 8 October 2011, 10.00 p.m.
WHEN KATE GOT HOME, SHE WAS NERVOUS IN CASE Declan asked about her plans for the following day. O’Connor would be setting up the next meeting with Jessica Barry, which meant she needed to keep her time free. She knew it would be tricky to discuss not being around again.
She found Declan in the sitting room, watching television, a glass of wine in his hand. When he looked up, his face was softer than earlier. He seemed more approachable, willing to talk.
‘You look tired, Kate,’ he said as she took the armchair opposite him.
‘I am. You look a bit tired yourself. How are you doing?’
‘Okay.’
‘I hope that was a nice bottle of wine.’ Kate looked at the empty bottle on the coffee table.
‘It was – I did offer to share.’
‘I know you did.’
Declan turned up the volume on the television: the double murder was the top news story. They listened in silence as the newsreader gave an update:
Gardaí from Crumlin and Harcourt Square have now joined forces with detectives from both Rathfarnham and Tallaght garda stations in the hunt for the killer of the two murdered schoolgirls, Caroline Devine and Amelia Spain. Chief Superintendent Nolan, who is heading up the investigation team, has issued a statement requesting the public to remain calm, and to contact the Helpline number, which is at the bottom of the screen, with any information. A photofit has been released, and the public’s help is being sought in relation to identifying this man, who they hope will come forward so he can be eliminated from their inquiries.