Murder in Ballyhasset Read Online Free PDF Page A

Wednesday afternoon. After she asked to speak to a private detective, Dawn buzzed Libby on the intercom, and she came out.
    Libby gazed at the woman, who weighed about six stone and stood leaning on a walking stick. A strong gust of wind would blow her over.
    Libby showed her into her office and the two of them sat.
    'My Bob is missing,' the woman said in a frail voice, 'he never came home last night.'
    'Oh, that's sad, I'm sorry to hear that. Why don’t you sit down on the couch here and tell me a little bit more about Bob,' Libby replied.
    'I'm terribly worried. He's on medication, and he hasn't been feeling the best lately.'
    Taking out a pen and notebook, Libby began to write. 'What's your name?'
    'Susan Keogh.'
    'What's wrong with your husband?'
    She stared at Libby, puzzled. 'Him? Oh, he's been dead for six years. No, it's Bob. He's the one I'm worried about.'
    'Who's Bob?' asked Libby.
    The old woman smiled. 'My Jack Russell Terrier, I've lost him. I want you to find him for me.'
    Libby smiled at her own misunderstanding. 'Where did Bob go missing?'
    'On Seapoint Beach, near that large rocky area. I heard both of you girls live around there. Bridie told me about your agency, she told me to give ye a call. Bridie's a neighbour of mine. I live near Seapoint too. That's why the little fecker strayed down there.'
    'I don't know Bridie, I'm afraid.' Libby said. 'But the large rocky area - I know it well, it's beside the area used for swimming. Give us a few more details and we'll search for Bob.'
    'Okay, as long as you don't clock up too many hours. I'm not a rich woman.'
    'I won't charge you.' Libby smiled. 'I've got a soft spot for dogs.'
    'Do you need a description of Bob?' The woman rummaged in her big handbag.
    'He's a Jack Russell isn't he?' said Libby. 'Don't all those little fellows look the same?'
    'No, actually he's quite unique.' The old woman flashed her eyes. 'He's got a black patch over one ear. Here, I have a picture of him.' The woman handed Libby a large photo.
    'You can keep the picture,' said the woman.
    'Fine, Mrs Keogh. We'll be in touch if he turns up,' Libby said, gazing at the close-up of Bob. 'He's quite pretty isn’t he,' and probably stolen, she thought. She turned to his worried owner. 'We'll contact the Kinsale pound and the police also.' She paused. 'Hopefully Bob will come home on his own when he’s finished snooping around the neighbourhood.'
    'Thank you so much, I appreciate your help. My poor little Bob doesn’t know how to be alone.' The elderly woman left, walking slowly and leaning on her stick.
    'I've a job for you,' Libby said, going up to Dawn at the reception desk. 'Looks like old Bob is taking a break from his owner.' Dawn, looking amused, agreed to take care of the matter.
     
    ***
     
    That evening, at around eight pm, Libby went for a walk with her young springer spaniel on the beach. The Ballyhasset vet had told her clearly that Buddy was a high-energy dog and needed daily walking. At the time, she had been angry with her son for not getting a small toy dog. That sort of dog would be happy to curl up on the couch all day. However, she was coming around to the idea that this exercise lark was not such a bad thing. It keeps me fit for chasing the odd criminal if I have to, she thought.
    She arrived at Seapoint Beach, delighted to listen to the sea lapping softly against the rocks. She loved the salty, fresh smell of the sea. The sky was orange and the hills beyond were a darker shade of orange. The sea appeared dark-blue. She walked down to the water's edge. Buddy paddled a little, but refused to follow a stick she threw further into the waves for him to chase. 'Coward,' she said to the dog. A light ocean breeze blew a strand of hair into her eyes.
    She walked the length of the west pier. At the furthest end, she saw two small fishing boats in bright shades of blue and green. They were moored along the edge of the pier. In the distance, she could see the town's hospital, high