and we’ll go o.tto Rathlin Island and
girl
included,
find the damned boat.”
“You think we will?”
“I always travel hopefully,” Jack Barry said. IT WAS LATE IN THE AFTERNOON WHEN DEVLIN arrived back at Kilrea Cottage. Dillon was sprawled beside the fire, eyes closed, and Hannah was reading a book when Devlin entered.
He looked tired and she got up, concerned. “Let me get you a cup of tea.”
“That ‘would be grand.” z47 He dropped into her chair and Dillon sat up. “Any luck?” “Well I saw Colum O’Brien, the present Chief of Staff, and satisfied myself that as far as he is concerned Jack Barry is not up.to anything. As for the rest, I’ve made discreet inquiries of various sources, some of whom I have to check back with tomorrow.” “So that’s it?” Dillon said.
“For the moment.” Devlin sat up straight as Hannah brought tea in. “Girl, you’re the wonder of the woHd.” He tOOk the cup. “When I’ve had this, I’ll have a bath and then take you for dinner.”
WH. EN SOLLAZO AND BARRY WENT INTO THE farmhouse they found Mori in the sitting room reading a book. He lOOked UP. “This is great stuff. A History of the Saints of Ireland. These guys make Mafia lOOk like-kindergarten.” “Where are they?” Sollazo asked.
“In the kitchen. She’s cOOking. I had to go and stand in the garden in the rain while her uncle dug up potatoes with a fork, also carrots. Then she got cucumbers and lettuce and tomatoes from the greenhouse.
She could be a useful little broad.” “Who’s killed at least three men to my knowledge,” Barry said.
“Exactly,” Sollazo told him.
Sollazo went into the kitchen. There was a good smell, Kathleen standing at the stove checking pans, Ryan was at the table mixing a salad.
“A woman of many talents, I see,” Sollazo said.
“You’d better believe it, mister,” she replied.
SEATED AT HIS DESK, THE PHONE IN HIS HAND, Ferguson said, “I’ve spoken to Dillon. Our contact, Devlin, has feelers out, but no results so far.” In his office in the basement at the White House Blake Johnson said, “Too much t°hope for an early result. As you know, the President is concerned in this matter: Do keep me posted, Brigadier.” “Of course I will.” Ferguson put down the phone and sat back. “Come on, Dillon,” he said softly. “Give me a result.”
DEVL1N, AS A FAVORED cuSTOMER AT HIS LOCAL pub, was given the best booth in the corner of the restaurant. He insisted on ordering for all of them so they started with a lentil and potato soup to be followed bY Irish ham in a whita, sauce with new potatoes and boiled cabbage.
Hannah said, “I’m sorry, Liam, I’m Jewish, you’ve forgotten. Ham is out.” He was immediately contrite. “Would poached salmon be in?” “That I could manage.” “I should tell you as a serving police officer that the emphasis is on poached.” ‘ “Oh, dear.” He mined to Dillon. “As for you, boy, forget your ideas about the Krug champagne. All they do is a house champagne here at twelve quid the bottle.”
z49
“Irish champagne?” Hannah said.
“Well the name on the label is French.”
Dillon raised his hands. “Order it, I surrender.” THE MEAL WAS DELICIOUS, THE CHAMPAGNE ALmost acceptable, and the conversation the most interesting Hannah Bernstein-had heard in years.
“So your granddad’s a rabbi, your father a professor of surgery, and you went to Cambridge.University?” Devlin said. “That’s a terrible weight to bear, and you a peeler? How did that come about?”
“I wanted to do something worthwhile. Money wasn’t a consideration. I’ve got plenty, of that.”
“God, you on the beat in a blue uniform must have been the rand sight.”
“Don’t be sexist, Mr. Devlin.”
“Liam. Do I have to telI yon again? But a nice Jewish girl like you. Imean, didn’t your da want you to marry and have babies?.”
“This nice Jewish girl shot dead Norah Bell,” Dillon said.
Devlin stopped smiling. “Jesus, big for the Protestant cause, that one.”
“And I killed the boyfriend, Ahem,” Dillon said.
“They were in London to knock off the American President.”