Page 125 of Dirty Padraig: Dirty Dusters

“It’s all so complicated. I’m glad I’m a one-man woman. Anyway, did you find out anything else from Molly’s phone?”

“I haven’t had time to check. In fact, I’m glad you mentioned that, as I need to put it back on charge.”

I walk into the living space to get the phone. I left it beside the little music box on the dresser in the hallway. I stare at the empty space when I get there.

“It’s gone.”

“What’s gone?”

“The phone. It’s gone. Along with the music box I found at the church.”

“Did Eoin take it?”

“No. He brought them here then passed them to me, so why would he take them away again?”

“Roisin?”

“She seldom comes down here, and even if she did, she wouldn’t take something without asking. She knows I’d notice.”

“The only people who’ve been inside the house recently have been family, partner.”

I pause. “Jessie, can I tell you something in the strictest confidence?”

“Of course.”

“I’m convinced Sophia has got something to do with all of this.”

It’s her turn to pause. “You can’t just accuse her, Jaine.”

“I realize that.”

“So, what are you going to do?”

“Go through the rest of the data from Molly’s phone. See if I can find any proof.”

“But if you don’t have…”

“I downloaded everything to my laptop before I left for the church. If the person who took the handset thinks I can no longer see everything that was on there, then more fool them.”

* * *

I stareat the message exchange between Sophia and Molly. I’m not really sure what to do with this new piece of information. It’s probably irrelevant now anyway.

Should I tell anyone? I mean, they’re happily married. Why would I want to rock the boat?

Because he deserves to know the truth. He’s been told enough lies as it is.

It may be a case of history repeating, but what’s done is done. It’s old news. It’s for Sophia to come clean about, not me. Perhaps she’s already told him. Maybe I’d just look like a tattle tale for telling him something he already knows.

I dial Jessie’s number.

“Twice in one day. I should feel flattered, but instead, you’ve got me worried, partner.”

I can’t stop the smile from crossing my face. “Jessie, I’ve found something else on the message exchange between Molly and Sophia, but you can’t breathe a word if I tell you.”

“I never breathe a word about anything we discuss, Jaine. You know that. I know you have a good relationship with Dyl. That if you wanted him to know you’d tell him yourself.”

She’s right. I would. “I need to read something out to you.”

---