Chapter 1
Deacair geirrfhiadh chur as a’ dtor ná beidh sé.
‘It is hard to drive a hare out of a bush in which he is not.’
—Irish Proverb
20 March 2011
There they are!” Nuala pointed to the airport entrance as a young woman and man exited, pausing to look around uncertainly. “Alex!
Katie! Over here!” she called.
“I recognised you right away from our dream!” Nuala gushed as she embraced Katie.
Alex and Katie Stone, newlyweds and ‘kissing cousins,’ were reuniting with their Irish cousins whom they first met a year ago when Deirdre and Moira came to America. The Gallagher sisters had visited New England to investigate an ancestral mystery surrounding gold missing from a claim during the Alaskan Gold Rush three generations prior. Not only did they find the treasure, but they helped to reunite two branches of the family that had become estranged due to the disputed fortune.
Although Nuala had not accompanied her sisters at that time, she had connected with Katie via a shared dream that not only helped clarify the sisters’ quest but also created a bond between Nuala and Katie before they had even met in person.
“Nuala! It’s great to finally meet you! This is my fianc—my husband—Alex,” Katie said, turning to the tall, dark-haired young man next to her who was holding two large carryon bags.
“Here, let me help with those,” Deirdre said, stepping forward. “It’s so good to see you both again.”
She took one of the bags from Alex. “Moira is just over there, waiting with the van. This way,” she instructed, leading the way to the kerb where Moira was waving at them next to a rather vintage-looking VW van.
Deirdre and Alex stowed the luggage while Katie enveloped Moira in a hug.
“I can’t believe we’re finally here! Spring break was our first chance to get away. Well, there was Christmas, but we had to see the folks back in Massachusetts for Christmas,” she laughed.
“What do you want to do while you’re here?” Deirdre asked, once everyone was settled in the van.
“I’m interested in Celtic historical sites as well as our family history. I want to get down to Cork to see the family homestead, but also want to take advantage of having native tour guides. Can you show us things that tourists don’t usually see? I prefer ruined castles over the restored versions. After my visit from the Old Ones in my dream, I’ve wanted to learn more about ancient Ireland. Maybe see some Ogham stones? And isn’t Brú na Bóinne near here?”
Katie stopped to catch her breath. Her words had come out in a rush, as if she had rehearsed this speech and wanted to get it all out in one go.
“You pronounced Ogham and Brú na Bóinne very well,” Moira said.
“I’ve been practicing. Didn’t want to sound too much like a tourist.”
“We’re near Brú na Bóinne now; it’s not far from Dublin. But we’ll need a reservation. Let’s check to see if there are any slots available this morning if you’re up for it after that long flight,” Deirdre said.
“Believe it or not, we were able to get some sleep on the plane, so I’m ready to go. How about you, Alex?”
“Bring it on!”
While Deirdre called the Brú na Bóinne Visitors’ Centre, the cousins got caught up on the past year since they had seen each other. Alex and Katie enthused about Alaska, the amazing scenery, their new jobs, and the quaint cabin they’d built outside of Nome.
Nuala’s and Seán’s upcoming wedding was the big topic for the Gallagher sisters. Scheduled for September, they were kept busy with the planning of the big event.
“Oh, that’s wonderful! Congratulations, Nuala!” Katie said.
“Thanks; it’s all a bit overwhelming, but I’m excited,” Nuala returned.
“I know exactly what you mean. I still can hardly believe I’m Mrs Alex Stone,” she said.
“Okay, I’ve got us tickets for this morning. They don’t open the site until nine, but the visitor’s centre is open, and we got spots for ten o’clock. It’s just eight now, so we have time to get some breakfast,” Deirdre reported.
“Sounds great! I couldn’t stomach what passed for breakfast on the plane,” Katie said.
They travelled a few kilometres north and pulled off in Stamullen at the Coco Heaven Coffee House. Despite the morning chill, they sat outside and enjoyed coffee and sausage rolls while Deirdre filled them in (at some urging) on Giulio Mancuso, the owner of the van, and the “special friend” she had been seeing for the past few months. “Tell us how you met,” Katie said, leaning forward, her green eyes sparkling with anticipation.
“We met jogging,” Deirdre answered.
“Aw, come on, Deirdre, give her the juicy version. How you rescued him. The reverse ‘damsel in distress’ story,” Nuala said with a grin.
“That sounds intriguing,” Alex said.
“It’s not a big deal. We were both at the park jogging (not together) when this woman’s dog got away from her and ran after a squirrel right across Giulio’s path, causing him to stumble. He fell over the dog and landed hard on his shoulder. I happened to come along behind him and stopped to help.”
“Deirdre always carries her mini first aid kit of tinctures and salves with her, so she administered some potent medicine on the spot, making a significant impression on Giulio,” Nuala added.
“What a great meet-cute!” Katie said. “What is he like? How long have you been dating?”
“‘Meet cute?’ I haven’t heard that before—some Americanism?” Moira asked.
“It’s the fun story of the first time lovers met each other. You know … how their romance began,” Katie explained.
“We met last autumn, so … about four months? He
came here a couple years ago for the study abroad program at UCD—did three semesters at Glendalough studying Irish Medieval history. He’d done some work in Palestine, and that interest expanded to the Irish monastic system. Now he’s doing graduate work in pre-Celtic history. He would have loved showing us around Brú na Bóinne, but he’s back in Glendalough this week with a group of undergrads he’s instructing. They took the school transport; that’s why I was able to borrow his van,” Deirdre explained.
“Now it’s my turn to ask … what is UCD?” Katie asked.
“Oh, sorry. University College Dublin,” Deirdre said. “It’s the college both Moira and I also graduated from.”
“It’s another half hour to get to Brú na Bóinne from here, so if we want to be on time for our reservation and still have a few minutes to browse the visitors’ centre beforehand, we should head out,” Moira said.
They arrived at the visitors’ centre well before ten to find caution tape across the car park and gardaí turning cars away. They parked on the verge and Moira and Deirdre got out and approached the gardaí.
“What’s happening?” Deirdre asked.
“The site is closed due to an emergency.”
“What emergency?”
“There’s been a death. That’s all I can tell you. Closed
until further notice.”
Moira and Deirdre returned to the van and reported the news, what little there was.
“Well, that’s disappointing! Now what do we do?” Katie said.
“More to the point, I’m wondering what kind of death? An accident? A visitor that became ill? This is concerning,” Alex said.
“Um … Moira … do you think you could discover anything about who died?” Nuala was staring at her sister, who had suddenly gotten a faraway look.
Without a word, Moira jumped out of the van and ran towards the woods bordering the visitors’ centre.
Everyone clambered out as well, and stared after Moira, who now had reached the tree line and stopped, looking back at them.
“I’ll just be a tic. Wait at the van for me. Someone is very agitated, just beyond the trees.”
“Shouldn’t we go after her? This could be dangerous,” Alex suggested as they watched Moira jog off.
“She’ll be alright,” Deirdre said, but she continued to look anxiously at the spot where Moira had disappeared into the trees.
Moira returned after a few minutes and walked back to them. “I’m pretty sure that was the victim. She’s disoriented and confused, and I definitely felt an angry vibe, but she wasn’t ready to talk to me. I think we should wait here a bit.”
“Wait, what? What do you mean, ‘that was the victim?’” Alex said, frowning.
“Moira doesn’t just get help for her cases from dreams, like the one Katie and I shared. She communicates with the deceased themselves and they enlist her help,” Nuala explained.
Both Katie and Alex were speechless as they stared first at Moira, then at each other. The silence lasted only a moment though, as Katie said, “Those policemen are looking suspiciously at us. I don’t think we can stay here.” She glanced nervously towards the caution tape and the two uniformed men standing on the other side.
Deirdre turned back to Moira. “Are you suggesting this death was violent? Was the woman murdered?”
“That’s a very strong possibility,” Moira answered.
“What do you think about calling Inspector Keating in Dublin? She may have some sway to get us into the area. Maybe if you were closer to the place of death, you could discover more?” Deirdre suggested.
“That’s a great idea! Deirdre, can you try to get her on your mobile? Call the station first, and if that fails, try the private number that she gave us during our last case together. She said to use it anytime, but I don’t want to abuse it.”
Deirdre was connected to Inspector Keating at the station and while they were talking, they heard the thwop-thwop-thwop of a helicopter overhead. It disappeared beyond the tree line where Moira had seen the phantom woman.
Deirdre put the inspector on speaker as she was explaining the situation.
“They’ve called in the Emergency Response Unit, as the homicide appears fresh and there is concern that there may be an active threat in the area. It is out of my hands at the moment, but once the ERU has given the ‘all clear,’ I can see if they’ll let you into Newgrange, which is where the body was found. That sounds like the helicopter arriving now. They’ll drop off the unit to secure the area and evacuate the victim’s body. Seems you have serendipitously arrived just as things are getting interesting there. Gotta go. We’ll be in touch.”
After waiting about thirty minutes, debating what they should do, one garda began walking towards their van. “Uh oh! Do you think we are in trouble?” Katie asked.
No one answered her as they watched the garda approach. Deirdre rolled down the driver’s window.
“I don’t know why you bunch are so special, but I’ve
got a message to let you drive down to the incident site at Newgrange. You’ll have to go around the long way via the N51 … take you about twenty minutes from here. I’d have you come through the visitors’ centre but all the bus drivers have been dismissed for the day until this is sorted out and that’s the only way to get to the site from here. I’ve called ahead and the gardaí there are expecting you. They’ve been told to give you their full cooperation.”
“Thank you! We appreciate your help,” Deirdre said as she started up the van. He backed away from the vehicle as she pulled out onto the road.
“‘Full cooperation!’ I had no idea you were such celebrities!” Alex said.
“Nothing of the sort; we’ve just worked hard to establish a good relationship with the gardaí … in Dublin, at least. We’ve been successfully working together now for over a year, and after we helped Garda Keating bring three murderers to justice last autumn, she was promoted to Inspector. Let’s just say she’s very appreciative and responsive whenever we call.”
“Yes, it’s been nice to have someone who is understanding and doesn’t push to know the how of our methods. She smooths the way for us to be helpful,” Moira added.
“We haven’t had to call on that relationship before
now, but I’m glad it worked. Let’s just try to keep a low profile here and not get in anyone’s way, alright?” Deirdre said.
“Well, I for one, am very interested in hearing the ‘how’ of your methods,” Alex said.
No one responded as they pulled into the parking lot outside Newgrange and Deirdre’s mobile trilled.
“Inspector Keating! Thanks for your help. We are just arriving at the site now,” Deirdre said, answering the call.
“Good. I’ve told them you are consultants to the Dublin gardaí. Make me proud and good luck!”
They were met at the gate by an escort of two gardaí, who did not look very happy to have that assignment. Deirdre took the lead, as she tended to be more diplomatic than Moira ever could.
“Thank you for allowing us access. We appreciate your consideration,” she said.
“Just stay out of the way. The ERU have just gone, so a few of us are left here to guard the area and keep people out until we get the word that it’s open to the public again,” he said, unsmiling.
“We understand,” she said.
“Would it be possible to see the location where the body was found?” Moira asked.
“I guess. Follow me.”
They walked the path to the left of the tumulus to the entrance. Alex and Katie stared open-mouthed at the massive retaining wall of white quartz cobblestones. Katie looked as if she wanted to speak but didn’t, keeping her lips pressed tightly together. The two Americans meekly followed the Gallagher girls and tried to look a part of their entourage.
Approaching the entrance to the mound, they could see that the iron gate was open, the lock broken in pieces on the ground. One garda led the way into the passage, the other brought up the rear. They all squeezed through the upright stones that stood as sentinels to the interior. When the passageway opened up and they could finally stand erect again, Alex and Katie continued to gape and turn, taking in the cruciform chambers and their contents. Katie turned to Alex and whispered, “I’m glad we read up on the site beforehand, so we know some of its history and significance.”
“It’s nothing like I imagined though, even after seeing pictures. This is amazing!” Alex whispered back.
“She was found here this morning, in front of this westernmost chamber. When the employee came to open the gate and found the lock broken, he came inside and found her. She was laid out straight with her hands over her chest. Her throat had been cut.” The garda’s tone was hushed as if he were in a church or some other sacred place. He looked to Moira to see how his words had been received, but it was Nuala who spoke.
“Has she been identified? Do they know anything about her?”
“That I wouldn’t know. ERU have taken her to Dublin where the autopsy and other identifying methods will be done. She was young; probably mid-twenties, I’d say. I saw her as they brought her out. She had no shoes on …”
Moira had by now already started back through the entrance, so the rest followed her. Once outside, she thanked the gardaí and said she’d like to walk around the site a bit, if they didn’t mind?
She then turned to Deirdre and said, “She’s not here. At least, she’s not inside the mound. I’m going to walk around. I’ll catch up with you all back at the van in a tic.”
Moira left them and continued around to the back side of the site. She trudged up the hill until she found herself at the very top of the mound. Here she sat and tried to clear her mind of the chaos of questions that the visit to the chamber had prompted.
Who are you? How can I help? I know you’re scared and unsettled. I’m here for you.
Chapter 2
Ceileann searc ainimh is locht.
‘Love hides blemishes and faults.’
—Irish proverb
You look frustrated,” Deirdre observed as Moira made her way back to the group. “No luck?” “Nothing,” Moira answered. “But it’s my fault. I can’t seem to focus now and quiet my thoughts enough to listen. This incident came so out-of-the-blue when I was in a different mode—sight-seeing mode—with you all. Let’s head over to Seán’s and get you two settled in.”
“We can wait; as long as it takes,” Alex assured her.
“Moira’s right; you both must be exhausted. I’ve checked with the visitors’ centre—they have a recording stating any tickets issued for today and not used due to the closure will be good for any time in the future. We’ll come back. Meanwhile, Seán will be waiting for us. He’s made up a suite for you and is excited to meet you and show you around his estate,” Deirdre said.
They made the trip to Kildare in a little over an hour, which provided a nice nap for Katie, who had fallen asleep almost as soon as the van began to move. Nuala had called ahead so Seán was on the drive when they arrived.
Barely waiting for the van to stop, Katie jumped out and ran to Seán, giving him a hug and thanking him for accommodating them. She was followed by Nuala, who also hugged Seán, but for different reasons. She and her sisters would be staying at the estate as well for the next few days, offering their services as tour guides to their American cousins.
Once inside and with the Stones settled into their suite to rest, Nuala, Deirdre, and Moira filled Seán in on the death at Newgrange.
“Do you think it was ritualistic in any way? Like someone trying to resurrect the druid practices?” Seán asked.
“There is no indication that druids made sacrifices at Newgrange or any of the other passage tombs. But you’re right. It may be possible that we’re dealing with someone who thinks that was one of the purposes of the mounds,” Moira said.
“Actually, today is the vernal equinox, and although Newgrange’s orientation is more specifically aligned with the winter solstice, you may have something there. Our murderer could be trying to make some ritualistic statement around this significant time of year,” Deirdre said.
“We just won’t know until Moira can ask the victim … or some other clue comes to light. Maybe Inspector Keating can get us the results of the autopsy,” Nuala suggested.
Just then, Alex and Katie entered.
“I guess my nap in the car ruined any chance of sleeping any more. The view from our room is gorgeous though. Could we get a tour, Seán?”
“Of course! Did you find everything you needed in the suite?”
“Everything is perfect. Your home is amazing. Better than any hotel we could have stayed in,” Katie said, and Alex nodded in agreement.
They all headed out to the stables and Nuala was the one who took charge of the tour. “Seán has done an amazing job of getting the breeding operation up and running in such a short time. He’s got six brood mares
and at least three clients already.”
“I’ve been fortunate to have hired some excellent help who have given me the boost I need and the credibility in the industry—people who already have an established reputation as trustworthy and knowledgeable. That has really been the making of it,” Seán said.
“This is an amazing facility, Seán,” Alex said. “These horses are beauties.”
“I have to agree with you there. Some of the horses came with the estate; a couple I’ve acquired on my own.”
They wandered over the property, highly appreciative of all that they saw. When they passed the family cemetery on the way to the pastures, Katie noticed the new headstone among the much older graves.
“Who is Patrick Mahoney and why is his stone so new?” she asked.
“Ah, that was one of our cases soon after we got back from America. A restless spirit Moira was able to help on his way,” Deirdre explained.
“I would love to hear more about your cases, Moira,” Katie said.
“Oh, we’ll see …” Moira said, noncommittally.
“Moira is pretty modest about her gift,” Nuala said. “She doesn’t talk about it much.”
“I understand. But if you feel you’d like to share, I’m happy to listen.”
“Thanks, I’ll think about it,” Moira replied.
After the tour was over and they wandered back to the house, Seán brought out a spread of cheeses, cold meats, bread and fruit for their lunch. They dug in heartily and made plans for the next few days of sightseeing.
But Moira’s heart was not in it. “Nuala, Seán, what do you think about assuming tour-guide responsibilities for a bit? I’d like to go back to Brú na Bóinne tomorrow; try again to reach the unfortunate spirit who met her end so violently today. And I was hoping Deirdre would go with me.” She turned from Seán and Nuala and raised her eyebrows in Deirdre’s direction.
“Of course,” Deirdre said.
“I’ll make arrangements to be away from the estate this week,” Seán added.
“Whatever you need, Moira, “Nuala said.
“We don’t want to be a burden,” Alex said. “We can always rent a car and make our own way.”
“Nonsense; I should check in with Ma at the inn anyway. She’s dying to meet you and wants to go with us to the family farm,” Nuala said.
Alex turned to Moira. “Um, Moira, I was just wondering … do you have to be at the scene of the death to be able to connect with the … departed?”
“Not necessarily. But in this instance, I did feel her presence there at Newgrange; she just seemed reluctant to manifest to me. That’s the only place I know where she could be, but I could just as easily go to a cemetery, or just a quiet place where I’m alone, allowing safe surroundings for the spirit to come forward. They tend to be a bit skittish in crowds.”
“Fascinating!” Alex replied. “Do you mind sharing how this all started for you? Have you always been able to see and hear the dead?”
“I was just a wee lass when I saw my first spirit being. It was my playmate, Julia. I had just seen her get run over by a car in front of me, but then the next moment there she was, standing beside me. We stood together and watched as our parents came running out, Julia’s ma screaming and wailing. My ma grabbed my hand and quick-stepped me into the house. I kept looking back at Julia, who was watching her ma kneeling over her broken body in the street.
“Julia came often after that to visit me, and she told me about the Otherworld. When she could no longer answer my questions, my Nana Brigid started visiting me. She’s the one who has taught me the most about what is waiting on the Otherside.
“Now it seems that spirits gravitate to me, reaching out, somehow knowing I can help them in some way. I try my best to assist them, as it’s the ones who are having
trouble moving on that I seem to encounter.”
“I wish I could see a spirit … and not just in my dreams,” Katie said.
“Be careful what you wish for,” Seán replied. “I’m pretty sure there are still a few unsettled spirits roaming around this place.”
