Free A Case Of Murder (Kendall Book 6) by John Holt

“You sound like old Mulligan,” he said. “I don’t like him, says you. Why not, says I? What’s wrong with him?”
    Now it was Mollie’s turn to smile. “You’re a fine one to talk,” she replied. “Only a little while ago you thought that he was too pushy, remember.”
    Kendall nodded. “Sure I remember, but that was before.”
    “Before what?” asked Mollie.
    “Before I spoke to Keiron, that before.”
    Mollie shook her head. “Well I still say you’re wrong.”
    “Well I have to say I was surprised, but according to Keiron, Brian Charters spent a lot of time at Lynch’s boatyard,” Kendall continued. “And it makes perfect sense to me. That’s why Lynch kept asking if I would like to go out on the boat. He wants to talk, in private.”
    “Well I don’t buy it,” Mollie pronounced. “I think it’s more likely that the friend was Mallory. That makes more sense to me.”
    Kendall shook his head, and heaved a sigh. “Why? Because they are both English,” he said dismissively. “Too obvious. No, if I was a gambling man I’d put my money on Lynch.”
    “Did you say something, Mr. Kendall?” a voice asked. It was O’Rourke, who had just entered the dining room.
    Kendall looked up. He hesitated for a moment. “Oh, I was just talking about Mr. Lynch,” he explained. “I was just saying that I might take up his offer, and go out on his boat.” He turned to look at Mollie. “Isn’t that right.”
    Mollie took a deep breath. “Oh yes, that’s exactly right,” she replied. “A boat trip sounds like fun.”
    “Ah now, isn’t that grand,” said O’Rourke. “Just as we said you should do. Forget about that nasty old murder, just enjoy yourself. Let us hope that the weather improves.”
    * * *
    It was just after nine, with dinner over, when Kendall and Mollie returned to the bar. As they walked in, Kendall leaned into Mollie and whispered. “Another thing Kieron told me, there’s nothing to do here, nothing at all.”
    Mollie began to smile, and looked around the bar. Mulligan and Mallory were still there. The young man, Lynch, had gone. Over in the corner a young couple were arguing about something. At the bar O’Rourke was deep in conversation with two young men. “Well he wasn’t wrong about that was he?”
    Kendall nodded. “Quite a bright kid I’d say.”
    Mollie said nothing, but continued to look around the bar. “I wonder where our Mr. Lynch is,” she whispered.
    Kendall looked over at the bar. “I expect he’ll be here, after all there’s nothing else ….”
    “Nothing else to do, I know,” Mollie interrupted.
    * * *
    O’Rourke looked up as Kendall and Mollie arrived at the bar. “Good evening, Mr. Kendall, and Miss Mollie, I was just giving these two young fellas here directions. They are on their way to Galway.” He paused and look at the men. The two men thanked him, turned and left.
    O’Rourke watch them go, then he turned to face Kendall. “Now then, what can I get you?”
    “A whiskey for me,” said Kendall. “And what will you have Mollie?”
    “I’ll have a Martini,” Mollie replied.
    “A martini it is,” repeated O’Rourke. “Would that be a double for you sir?”
    Kendall shook his head. “No, a single will do, thank you.”
    Mollie looked up at Kendall. “Not feeling well then?” she asked. Kendall merely shrugged.
    O’Rourke started to pour the drinks. “I hope that the dinner was to your liking,” he said.
    “The dinner was fine,” Kendall replied. Mollie said nothing but nodded and smiled.
    The door opened and the young man from the boat yard came in. “Ah, Mr. Kendall,” he said smiling. “’t’is himself.” 
    Kendall nodded. He looked at Mollie. “Told you so didn’t I?” he turned to face Lynch. “Back again I see.”
    “Oh yes, back again,” the man replied. “There’s not much else around here. The nearest cinema is thirty miles away, and that’s about it. So it’s either O’Rourke’s or the old box I’m