Visions in Death (In Death #19)(65)

He had a ruddy face, a thatch of sandy hair, and eyes that skimmed and scanned the room like a cop's.

He'd be the man to see.

"I've never had a Guinness," Peabody commented.

"You're not having one now."

"Yeah, on duty and all. But I'm going to have to try one sometime. Except they look a little scary and they cost beyond."

"Get what you pay for."

"Huh. Yet another tip."

Eve stepped up to the bar. Its tender pushed pints into waiting hands, then worked his way down. "Officers," he said.

"You've got good eyes. Mr. O'Hara?"

"I'm O'Hara. My father was on the job."

"Where?"

"In merry old Dublin."

She heard it in his voice, the same lilt that crept into Roarke's. "When did you come over?"

"When I was but a green and cheery twenty, off to seek my fortune. And did well enough."

"Looks like."

"Ah well." His face sobered. "You're here about Lily. You want my help, or that of any here, to find the bastard who murdered that sweet girl, you've got it. Michael, take the stick. We'll sit down a moment," he said to Eve. "Will you have a pint?"

"On duty," Peabody said, a little morosely, and he grinned.

"Beer's next thing to mother's milk, but I'll pour you out something soft. Take that booth down there. I'll be right along."

"Pretty nice place." Peabody settled in the booth, looked around. "I'm going to come back with McNab, try the Guinness. Does it come in light?"

"What would be the point?"

O'Hara brought two soda waters and a pint to the booth, and slid his bulk in across from them.

"To our Lily then." He lifted his glass. "Bless her sweet soul."

"What time did she leave here that night?"

He sipped. "I know you're cops, but I haven't your names as yet."

"Sorry." She pulled out her badge as she spoke. "Lieutenant Dallas, Detective Peabody."

" Roarke'scop. I thought so."

"You know Roarke?"

"Not in a personal manner of speaking. I've a few years on him, and we ran in different circles back in the day. My father knew him," O'Hara said with a twinkle.

"I bet."

"Did well for himself, too, didn't he now?"

"You could say. Mr. O'Hara—"

"I don't know him personally," O'Hara interrupted, and leaned in, his eyes keen on hers. "But I know of him. And one of the things I know is that he's a man who tends to want and have the best. Would that include his cop?"

"I'm sitting here, Mr. O'Hara, as Lily's cop. And I'm going to make damn sure she's got the best."

"Well." He sat back, lifted his pint again. "Well now, that's a fine answer. She left about half-one. It was a slow night so I scooted her along a bit early. I should've had someone walk her home. I should've thought of that after what happened to that uptown woman. But I never thought of it."

"You've got good eyes, Mr. O'Hara. Did you notice anyone in here that made you look harder?"

"Girl, doesn't a week go by someone doesn't make me take a harder look. I run a pub, after all. But not what you're meaning. There was nobody I saw who made me think I'd need to worry for my girls."

"He'd be big," Eve continued. "A big man, strong-looking. He'd keep to himself, wouldn't socialize or make conversation. He might have worn sunshades. He wouldn't sit at the bar, unless there was no choice. He'd want a table—in Lily's section—and he'd make it clear he didn't want company."

"I'd remember someone like that." He shook his head. "But I don't. I'm here most nights. But not every."

"We'd like to talk to whoever worked Lily's shift."

"There'd be Michael, there at the bar now. And Rose Donnelly, Kevin and Maggie Lannigan. Ah, Pete, back in the kitchen at the dishes. Peter Maguire."

"Regulars?"

"Ah well. Why don't I write some of this down for you, get you addresses where I can. You can talk to Michael now, for he's a clever enough lad and can work the bar and talk at the same time."

"Thanks."

"Let me tell you something about Lily. She was a shy thing, and we teased her about it. She had a kind and quiet nature, and worked well. When she got to know you, got comfortable so to speak, she was easier. She had a smile for you, and she remembered your name and what you ordered. She didn't shine, but she was steady and sweet. We won't forget her."

"Neither will we."

Chapter Fourteen

The interviews took them past end-of-shift. And, Eve thought, unless she was going to screw up her personal life, she had to set the rest aside and head uptown.

"We could manage Rose Donnelly, that would finish it off." Peabody gestured west. "She doesn't live far."

"If it wasn't her night off, we might've caught her here. We can swing by, then I'll dump you and... Hold that thought." She dragged out her signaling 'link. "Dallas."