Galway Confidential

13

That very night, Geary was burned to death.

I was with Owen Daglish, one of the very few Guards willing to talk to me. To be even seen with me could have an adverse effect on their careers. We were in Hardiman’s hotel, previously.

The Mercyk.

The Great Southern.

And now in its new incantation, looking pretty much like its previous forms. We were there as it was unlikely we’d meet anyone we knew.

I was so angry I could spit. I snarled at Owen,

“What do you mean the Guards have no clue as to who burned my friend to death?”

Owen was a big man, Guinness and hurling had made him formidable and his temper was as short as my own.

“Watch the tone, Jack.”

We were drinking coffee and the caffeine was fueling my rage. I said,

“Surely the number of homeless deaths is suspicious to even the Guards?”

He said in a quiet tone,

“We have a special unit on it.”

I knew all about special units, meant you couldn’t quiz them or even know who was involved. A waitress was passing, and I asked her for a large Jameson, asked Owen if he wanted one, he did.

I said to Owen,

“Maybe you could set up another unit to find the psycho who is attacking nuns.”

He took a deep breath.

“You’re skirting very close to the edge here, Jack. I could be in deep shite for just being seen with you so how about you lower the sarcasm. I’m not the enemy.”

The drinks arrived. We didn’t have anything to toast so drank in fuming silence for a bit, then Owen said,

“There is a kid named Scott Williams who has been shouting his mouth off about ridding the city of winos.”

“Who is he?”

Owen took out a notebook.

“He’s a dumb fuck who has been in minor skirmishes with the law, but burning people, that would be a huge step up for him.”

I had to think about this. Owen added,

“Jack, leave this to the Guards. If he’s involved, then you can be sure we’ll nail him.”

I asked,

“There’s two of them. Who does he hang with?”

He shook his head.

“You have to back off this, Jack.”

I finished my drink, said,

“Thanks for the help.”

He looked at me.

“Thing with you, Jack, it’s hard to know if you’re being sarcastic.”

I gave him my best smile.

“If you’re in doubt, you can be sure it’s sarcasm.”