Death in the Burren Read Free Page A

HAPTER 3
    “I T WAS A BEAUTY OF A PUNCH I must admit, despite my misgivings.” Susan chuckled as she sat briefly with McAllister at breakfast.
    They were discussing the events of the previous night and her quirky sense of humour allowed her to see the bizarre encounter in the Orchid Hotel the previous night in a lighter perspective.
    “Yes Frank surprised me even though I know him of old. He always had a reputation for quick reactions, but I thought at his age he might have been more restrained. He’s normally so laid back, even more so now since he met you.”
    McAllister then asked her about Hyland.
    “Oh he’s alright, a bit of a lout as Frank said. His brain power wouldn’t register at all on an IQ test. Hyland just seems to resent newcomers moving into the area, but I do agree his objection to Frank in his roving photographer role is a bit obsessive. For some reason best known to himself it seems to bug him and that’s what he was slobbering on about.”
    “How is Frank this morning? I thought he might have been circulating at this hour especially with breakfast in full swing”
    “He decided to lie on. Probably a bit embarrassed. So you may not see him before you go.”
    McAllister looked at his watch. “Oops I’d better be off. I’ve got to see Mrs McBride at Gregans Castle at 10.30. She’s a stickler for time but she’s a brick. Patsy will have everything organised to a tee so I’ll only have to devote my mind to the lectures while she makes sure everything I need is at my fingertips. What a woman!”
    “Oh by the way,” said Susan, “I nearly forgot to mention there’s a concert of Boccherini quintets in Ennis this evening. Would you like to come with us?”
    “That’s unusual,” said McAllister. “OK, I’d like that.”
    Half an hour later he cruised up the driveway of Gregans Castle Hotel. His journey had taken him south for a few miles, then inland above Lisdoonvarna, through Toomaghera and into the heart of the Burren. He eventually descended the aptly named Corkscrew Hill into the long fertile valley which made it’s way up from the coast at Ballyvaughan, and which was flanked by two long imposing hills of limestone. Cappanawalla guarded the valley’s descent to sea level on the left.
    The hotel was situated snugly at the head of the valley among trees, and surrounded by rolling grasslands. From it’s entrance one could look north over Galway Bay, and beyond, into Connemara.
    McAllister eased himself from the Sierra and stood looking down the valley towards the sea. He tried to appreciate the peace and beauty of what he saw but it eluded and yet overwhelmed him. He felt inadequate. He would need time to succumb and become a part of it. Total peace could not be easily achieved.
    “There you are John. Bang on time. Great to see you.” A stentorian voice exploded behind McAllister and he quivered momentarily.
    He turned to face the imposing figure of Patsy McBride. Fifty eight years of age, five feet ten inches tall ,broad shouldered, handsome features , tanned complexion with short cut brown hair showing just a few flecks of grey , she exuded health and stamina and yet was curiously feminine. Her smile was all consuming as she bore down on McAllister.
    “Patsy. It’s you.” He said somewhat inadequately as he returned her smile.
    “Of course it’s me. Come on coffee’s waiting.” She put an arm affectionately around McAllister’s shoulders and led him inside.
    Gregans Castle was an exclusive country house hotel. One had a sense of slipping back in time in the comfortable interior. Thick carpets and generous curtaining absorbed all but the most penetrating sounds , and these were few. Just the odd clink of cutlery and glass as the unseen staff made advance preparations for lunch somewhere in the distance. They entered a large, comfortably furnished lounge which featured a welcoming log fire, despite the clement weather. A stairway curled away at one end and a venerable