The Doll's House

‘You know what they say about new money, Kate? It can fuck you up fast.’


‘Hardly new, he’s been successful for over twenty-five years.’

‘About the same age as his latest female companion,’ O’Connor retorted, with emphasis.

‘Well, apparently men never grow old, O’Connor, if they have enough money.’

‘I’m screwed so.’

Kate laughed, and O’Connor smiled, looking more like his old self. ‘Kate, I was thinking. Maybe at some point the two of us could meet up for a drink.’

‘I’m not sure – it’s kind of awkward. Declan’s away.’

‘It’s just an idea, don’t worry if you’d prefer not.’

‘No, it’s fine – perhaps when my case work gets a little less manic.’

‘Grand so.’

When Devoy returned, he handed O’Connor the list, looking pleased with his efficiency. ‘Anything else I can help you with, Detective Inspector?’

‘No, thank you, Mr Devoy. We know where you are, should anything else come up.’

‘Great.’

Outside, O’Connor received a call from the station. Kate took it as her opportunity to leave, merely waving goodbye.

Why had O’Connor asked her out for a drink? Her head felt in a mess. And why had Declan bloody well not called? Driving to Ocean House, Kate put the conversation with O’Connor to the back of her mind. She had a long day ahead and plenty on her plate, not only this case but working out a strategy for Imogen Willis. But she couldn’t shake the thought that O’Connor wasn’t the kind of guy to ask female friends or colleagues out for a quiet drink, unless there was something on his mind.





Parnell Road


I followed the two of them from the temporary shelter in Camden Street last night. It was the final one on the list, and I was hoping it wouldn’t have room for Jimmy and his pal. Opportunity will beckon soon enough. I need to control my rage. Clodagh has a habit of knowing which buttons to press. I can’t afford to allow silly emotions get in the way.

The first killing was easier than I’d thought it would be, easier than the anger. My mind has slipped all too readily into this half-life. I have held conversations keeping up the pretence. I have even closed my eyes, as if I’m entitled to sleep, as if I remain the same man. And, as night follows day, the next deed will be done.

He’s with that tramp called Ozzie Brennan again. It’s hard to miss that thick grey curly hair of his, not to mention his drink-ridden face. Calls himself a poet, he does. Well, maybe he is. My gripe isn’t with Ozzie. He can write a lament about his friend Jimmy when he’s gone.

I light a cigarette, keen to get some nicotine inside me. The two old lads will be together for the rest of the afternoon. They’ve already picked their special bench, with its folded cardboard layers to keep them snug, and their ringside view of the canal, Ozzie thinking he’s Kavanagh, mourning the dead poet, while Jimmy does what he’s always done: sweet fuck-all.

Give the two of them enough cans, and the boys will start arguing. Night will come soon too, and if they separate, then Jimmy and I can have our date with Destiny. He won’t see it coming. I’ll make sure of that.





Mervin Road


At Ocean House, Kate checked if she’d missed a call from Declan – still nothing. Blast him to Hell. If he didn’t want to check in on their son, that was his problem. Her next appointment wasn’t until later in the afternoon so she contacted Imogen’s social worker to set up the family meeting. After that she began her preliminary report on the Jenkins killing.

There were set norms in the psychological investigative cycle, the first stage of which was information-gathering. Every detail was important, no matter how obscure it might seem. In the early stages of an investigation, there were any number of ways could go, but irrespective of this, the facts as presented were the solid blocks from which everything else followed.

Preliminary Report on the Murder of Keith Jenkins

Compiled by Dr Kate Pearson

Crime-scene characteristics

? Primary crime scene

? Middle-aged male victim, age 57

? Well-known public figure

? Public location – Grand Canal (below Leeson Street Bridge) ? Cause of death: drowning

? Other factors: multiple stab wounds to lower chest ? Slash markings on victim’s right arm

? Knife attack at secondary location

? Estimated time of death five a.m.

? Last sighting pending CCTV footage: late-night shop, Charlemont Street ? Wedding ring missing

? Scarf missing (based on witness statements from earlier sightings) ? All other valuables left with victim

? Victim semi-conscious: capable of walking while aided prior to death ? Assailant and victim arrived by car