Friday evening at the Dublin Castle was no different from any other evening of the day at the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation - the work was always and everywhere, the criminals, unfortunately, did not live in the rhythm of office plankton. Michael glanced from the doorstep at the anthill, which was made up of long rows of tables between which detectives and their numerous assistants came in and out, and sighed heavily. I didn't want to work creepily, I wanted to go home to the fireplace, and preferably with James. But James still had to be forged out of here.
- Oh, Superintendent Fassbender! - His appearance, at last, was noticed by the local first lady - beautiful and smart detective Jennifer Lawrence. She should be in the movies with such appearance, not chasing criminals. However, Michael knew that such comments are better not to make - the blow Jen put the master of his business. - What destinies? If it was for Jamie, I wouldn't give it to you!
- Hi, Jen. Yes, James had already complained about being paired up again. I suggested he bring a bottle of Scotch whiskey to Superintendent Singer as a bribe, but...
- Michael, what are the odds? - Superintendent Brian Singer appeared as if from under the ground, once again confirming the rumors of a mystical instinct for any mention of his name in vain. - And why are you pushing my subordinates to break the law? Moreover, you know that I don't drink whiskey...
- ...since you haven't been allowed home since the last time we got drunk. Yeah, I remember. - Michael shook his hand out with a smile. They started working with Brian many years ago, and he was still a simple detective. When he became head of homicide and was admitted to the circle of those on the other side of Dublin, their cooperation slowly turned into a good friendship. - I was actually on business. Sir Ian asked me to stop by and see the women who had arrived.
- Oh, you think that... Singer made an uncertain hand gesture. Jennifer looked at Michael with a bewildered look from her boss.
Michael waved his head:
- James didn't see anything on the first body, and we hadn't talked on the second. But if Sir Ian asks, I can't say no to him.
- Okay. Jen, will you take Superintendent Fassbender to the morgue? Tell us everything you have to say about this case at the same time. - Singer turned to Michael again. - If you'll excuse me, I've commissioned Lawrence and McAvoy to investigate. If it turns out that McKellen's fears are not in vain, it will be easier for you to work together.
- Yes, thank you. - Michael slapped Singer on the shoulder and looked at Jennifer. - Shall we go?
The pathologist's fiefdom and the funniest man in the whole bureau was in the basements of the Dublin Castle. Once there were wine racks, now there were refrigerators. Ian McKellen was in every sense the oldest employee of the bureau, but it did not affect his work or life position - more bully and fun Michael did not meet in his life. Except for James. Apparently, the Scottish roots of both were making themselves felt.
- Oh, Michael, my boy, you finally honored us with your presence - an ordinary and powerful voice with a strong London accent (for which Sir McKellen was not called otherwise than "Sir"), as you used to gossip under the arched vaults. - And I thought you'd forgotten all about old Ian.
- What would you, Sir Ian, I would never..." He let himself look like a guilty schoolboy and supported Michael's game. - But you know, things, things...
- Husband of a young house, again...
- Sir Ian! And believe me, I'm home more often than he is!
- Yes, I know. Because I have it more often than you! If it weren't for my years, I wouldn't have missed the chance to take the boy away," McKehlan laughed and winked at Jennifer standing next to them. Then he shook Michael's hand. - Come on, I'll show you the new guys. James was just messing with them.
- Good evening. - Michael saw McKellen's assistant in the projection room, besides James, who smiled weakly at him. - What do we have here?
- Two dead bodies. The women, forty and fifty-four years old," Jennifer said quickly and clearly, as he had written. Although Michael was sure she wasn't getting a notebook to write. - The names are set - Anne Lizbeth May and Sandra O'Shelley. The bodies were found at Glasnewinski cemetery. Anne Lisbeth was found the night before last, and yesterday afternoon the body of Mrs. O'Shelley was reported dead. Both were found near the columbarium.
Michael was pondering about the bodies in front of him. None of the women had been visibly injured.