Set a Devil to Catch...

By Terence Charles

Detective Jim Murnaghan working for the NSW Police in Sydney Australia is currently trying to solve many cases, missing persons, break and enters, and a home invasion. He is surprised when his partner returning from interviewing a suspect tells him that the suspect, has sent him a poem!
The surprise and concerns become deeper when Murnaghan finds out from his relatives in Ireland that the poem is the start of an ancient Celtic curse! Murnaghan's contact with these relatives via Skype helps him with his battles with this villain.One of his Irish relatives is a traditional Irish storyteller, a Sennachie, with the powers of second sight.
This is then the start of a long pursuit throughout Sydney and Melbourne where the detectives are tested to their utmost in numerous gun battles and chases with the Irish criminal adept and his accomplices..

• Language: English
• Publisher: Terence Charles
• Release date: Oct 3, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370290321

Terence Charles

Retired from the Police Force and now living in Sydney Australia, Terence Charles served in both English and Australian Police Forces, gaining long experience in various Police Departments. These experiences included being a beat 'Bobby', a Police Dog Handler, a sharpshooter (police sniper) as a member of a Special Operations Group, and as a part of a Detective Team investigating everything from missing persons, woundings, break and enters and burglaries, paedophiles, to murders.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Missing Girl

You sure you're all right then to take the statements and all? I mean if you're too tired or anything, or if you need an afternoon rest? Maybe a little nap now Jim? I can get you your blanket if you like?

Fuck off Rod, just get out of here and take the piss out of somebody else will you. You just get out and on the road, drive around in the nice shiny Police car, check out the girls and enjoy yourself. Go and play the big Policeman, eh? Leave me here with the paperwork once again, and don't get too pissed while you're at it! You know I hate having to talk sweetly on your behalf to the traffic squad!

The words sounded harsh and hostile, but the slight twinkle in Murnaghan's hooded eyes took the sting out of them. Detective Murnaghan was seated at the plain, scarred wooden desk in the CIB office at Ermington Police Station. He was scowling at his partner Rod Escount, who was standing half out of the office door.

When are they coming in? Rod smiled, flashing the even white teeth that had set young ladies hearts racing across New South Wales.

About ten minutes I think. It'll give me time to finish this report on the shop break from yesterday.

OK, I'll see you in about an hour and a half then at the 'Family'.

As Rod started to move completely out of the office Murnaghan said. Hey Rod, while you’re out and about keep an eye open for that mob I told you about yesterday. You know that Gypsy looking lot with the long-haired guy his red-haired mate, and the other two roughies.

OK, but what's the story with them? What have they been up too? They been gazetted?

No, I’m not sure really, just didn't seem right. The lads looked pretty rough, but there was something different about the long-haired guy. I was driving past and just glimpsed him, but he turned and the look he gave me was just about poisonous. They may be with that circus that's opened near the racecourse.

OK, see you then. I’ll keep my eyes open for them.

A short time later answering the telephone Murnaghan said Detective Murnaghan, OK Sarge' bring them straight down to the office I'm ready. Murnaghan slipped his suit jacket back on and straightened his tie and then moved towards the office door. A few minutes later a uniformed officer ushered a harassed looking middle aged woman, accompanied by a young child into the detective's office.

Mrs Jackson please take a seat. Murnaghan said moving two seats out from the front of the desk and gesturing towards them. Now can you give me a few details about your daughters’ disappearance, and why you have described it as being suspicious.

It's just not like her she's a good girl. She's only just sixteen, and she had this appointment yesterday with the hairdresser. She'd never miss that, she's going to be a bridesmaid.

Taking down the missing girls age and description, Murnaghan said, Now when was the last time she was seen?

Mrs Jackson looked at the child seated beside her, and said, Monica saw her three days ago, it was about three in the afternoon. She was on Victoria Road near the bus stop that goes in to Parramatta.

Did you speak to her then Monica? asked Murnaghan quietly.

The youngster peeked at Murnaghan from below the dark curls on her forehead. No I just saw Kathy, and she waved at me. I was going to Woolies to get some milk for Mum.

Did you see her get on a bus? Or get into a car?

No, I went in to Woolies got Mum's milk, and she was gone when I came out.

After a few more questions to flesh out the description. The missing girl's clothing, height and weight and to ascertain that there had been no recent family arguments, Murnaghan shuffled his papers. He looked up at the anxious mother.. Thank you very much Mrs Jackson, and you Monica. I'll see you out and I'll get this information out to all of our patrols.

Thank you said the woman pulling out a paper tissue from her handbag and dabbing her eyes. You will let me know as soon as you know anything won't you. Kathy never goes out, boys or anything you know. She is a good girl, honestly.

Yes, of course we will. You know Mrs Jackson we are always most concerned when a young girl of sixteen is not heard from for a few days.

It was an hour later when Murnaghan strolled into the back bar at the Family Inn. The Family Inn, a relic of a hotel from the age of the 'Australian Six O’clock Swill'. A time when all workers at the close of work at five o'clock would rush to the nearest pub' to get some relief from the heat and dust of the day. To 'swill' down as much beer as humanly possible before the pub' shut at six pm. Consequently the 'Family' still has a number of long bars and a beer garden. In the bars the ice-cold beer is squirted efficiently into glasses with a beer 'gun' attached to a long transparent hose.

Taking a slow look around the bar and identifying mentally all the locals, and where they were sitting. Murnaghan walked up to Rod Escount, who was seated at a table against the back wall. He had a half empty middy glass of beer in front of him.

Do you want another? Murnaghan nodded at the glass.

Yeah, and a packet of chips or nuts if you're shouting.

Murnaghan came back from the bar with two glasses and set them down on the table. No chips Escount sniffed, How did you go with the mother?

Sounds like it is suspicious. The girl's only just sixteen, been in no trouble before never run away or taken any drugs and she's been missing now for three days. Mum says there's been no problems recently.

That's the third one we've had reported over the last couple of weeks Jim. Think there could be any connections between them?

"I don't know, the mother said that she didn't know either of the other girls. They're all about the same age and roughly from the same area though. Anyway, drink up we better get out and about. Oh by the way did you see those guys I mentioned?'

Escount swallowed audibly, Yeah I did and you're right the one with the long hair he is bloody strange. I clocked them in Church Street near the shops. I thought I was doing a good job watching them and keeping out of sight. Then he just turned around walked right up to me and said 'Is there something I can do for you?'

Cheeky bastard.

I know Jim. But that's not the best. I told him I didn't know what he was talking about. He said 'Well that's interesting, two of you cops watching me and neither of you knowing what you're watching me for. You tell the other one, the dark feller you're usually with, tell him this. Tell him I'm thinking of him and tell him I'll keep on thinking of him.

Escount looked serious and shook his head, "This is the best bit though Jim, he then said tell the dark feller I said for him ‘May the flowers turn their petals to the sun for you'. He really emphasised that last bit, then the cheeky bastard just smiled gave a funny little wave and walked away."

Murnaghan said He said that and smiled?

Yeah well it was more of a smile you'd like to take off with a bunch of knuckles. One of those slimy smirks. gritted Escount.

Murnaghan frowned and said, Tell me that thing again about the flowers and stuff. I've got a feeling I've heard something like it before somewhere.

Well as best as I can remember he said to tell you that he hoped the flowers may turn their petals to the sun for you. Perhaps he fancies you.

No I don't think so Rod, I'll have to look that saying up. I'm sure I've heard of it before somewhere.

Good old Google eh! He's a flash dresser as well as being a cheeky sod though.

Chapter 2

Skype

Hello is that you Rowan?

Yes, it’s me Jim, and you're as clear as a bell this morning.

I don't know what we'd do without Skype, said Murnaghan. I'd never be able to pay for these calls to home.

Rowan's cheery Irish brogue was prominent when To be sure to be sure came through the computers speakers followed by his deep rumbling laugh.

So Mary tells me that everyone's fit and well back there. Seems they're managing to keep you under some sort of control and in the emerald isle for a while?

Well just about, but you know me, I've always been a placid home loving kind of a feller, and again the rumbling laugh. "So are you still locking up most of Sydney over there, or have you started on the other cities now?

No, I'm still based here in Sydney, or Ermington to be precise and while we are chatting I'd like to test your memory if I can.

Well go ahead, there have been very few Guinness' today unfortunately to interrupt it.

Murnaghan said A guy sent me a message today, and I think he's probably Irish. He said in a message for me something about hoping the flowers would turn their petals to the sun for me. I know it seems rather friendly, or too friendly if you like, but it sort of struck a chord with me. Maybe something I heard when I was over there with you guys, a poem or something. I just wondered if there is more to it than that, and perhaps you or the family could shed some light?

Rowan laughed his deep chuckle again and said I think you may have a boyfriend who's got the hots for you Jim. Can't say I remember hearing of anything like it, but I'll ask around the family and at least it'll be a laugh for them. You being the big hard Aussie cop, and a feller sending you romantic messages, flowers and petals and all. Sure it'll be chocolates and love hearts and valentine cards next!

Rowan you're lucky that we're twelve thousand miles apart or I might take offence at that. Murnaghan grinned.

Sure I'm shaking in my boots here Jim.

Well you take care Rowan, and I'll give you another call in a couple of days. Give my love to everyone, and when are you going to get a camera on that machine. So I can see if you're getting older and uglier like the rest of us?

Rowan chuckled and replied I'll look into it some time in the future. You know it's good for a feller to keep his secrets and mystique. Well it's been good talking. I'll look out for you on the computer and we'll talk again soon. Bye Jim. and with that the connection was broken.

Chapter 3

Response

Hello, this is Jim Murnaghan.

It's Rowan Jim, how are you?

Rowan what are you doing calling me at this time, and why are you calling on the phone and not Skype. Is everything OK with the family? Murnaghan blurted this all out in one breath the concern being evident in his voice.

Sure and everything is fine here, but you know you asked me to ask around about a romantic chap saying something to you about flowers petals and sun?

Yes, but I didn't expect you to waste any money phoning me up about a poem.

Rowan was surprisingly serious when he answered. I never expected to either, and none us knew anything about it but I happened to see Auntie Maire and I just mentioned it in passing. Well, she looked anxious and told me to call you at once. I wasn't to waste any time. Call you and get back to her she said.

Why?

"She told me I have to repeat what she said and ask you a question. She said. 'Tell Seamus this may be very serious'. She looked awfully worried too."

The names James or Jim to you not Seamus, and what's the question?

Now Jim you know Auntie Maire is unusual, being a Seanachie and with the second sight and all. She said I must repeat what she tells me to you word for word. Now I'm reading from a note here that she gave me. It says, 'Seamus must tell me if the message was MAY THE FLOWERS TURN THEIR PETALS TO THE SUN FOR YOU'. That's all in capitals by the way, and she said I'm to get back to her immediately with your answer.

Murnaghan with puzzlement clearly in his voice said Tell Auntie Maire that is exactly what I believe was said. But why is it important, and why don't you get her to talk to me directly on the phone, or better still on Skype. I'll call her if she thinks it's important or if she's worried about anything.

Rowan’s chuckle broke through again and he said, You'll never get Auntie Maire to talk on one of these 'modern contraptions. They are no use to a man or beast that lives in the real world'', and that's a quote. I'll pass your message on and let her know she was correct with the wording and we'll see what she says next. As for you contacting Auntie, well she doesn't even have any form of electricity in her cottage. Auntie says she intends to always live as her gods mean her to.

Murnaghan replied OK then Rowan well let her know then and you better put the phone down before you bankrupt the family.

Murnaghan's confusion was still obvious as he put down the phone and gazed into space, the look of puzzlement still on his face. He muttered to himself, Why would Auntie Maire worry about a bloody poem?

Chapter 4

A Late Phone Call

Hello, who is this? The impatience was clear in Murnaghan's voice, It better be important it's the middle of the bloody night!

Jim it's me, Rowan from Ireland. Auntie Maire said I must call you right away. So I have.

But it's three o'clock in the morning here, nothing can be that important.

Well, it sounds like it may be Jim. Aunt Maire says the message that was sent to you is the start of a very powerful Celtic Curse. She said it is vital that you don't approach this man until you have been able to speak with her about it.

A bloody curse. And how the hell am I supposed to talk to her if she won't answer the phone or talk on Skype. Grated Murnaghan stifling a yawn, I'm not about to leap on a jet.

She says that she'll be here soon. You and me should talk on the phone on Skype. Auntie will be in the room with me listening, and then she'll talk to you by talking to me.

So when will that be?

Rowan sounding surprisingly serious said, I'm not really sure Jim but could you be there waiting. I'll call on the phone and then you can start Skype?

Yes, I can do that, but I have to get to work for nine, and that's only six hours away.

OK Jim, I'll be in touch, one way or another.

Good night then Rowan, and thank you, I suppose.

Murnaghan hung up the phone and turned over in bed, shrugging the blankets up closer to his chin. He didn’t fall back to sleep immediately, puzzles and conundrum’s always had a firm grip on his mind. A grasp that wouldn’t release until he had resolved them.

Chapter 5

The Curse

Hello there Jim, Auntie Maire's here with me.

Murnaghan put down the phone and then clicked onto Rowan's link on his computer

Hi Rowan, well this is a much better time to chat, and Hi to you Auntie Maire. I hope you can hear me as well.

Jim Auntie Maire can hear you fine, but she'll only talk with you by talking to me.

Well, that makes a lot of sense, but where do we go to from here, if you think I've got a curse on me Auntie.

Jim, Auntie Maire has passed me a paper with writing on it, and she says you must copy it down.

OK, just a sec' while I get a pen. OK, go ahead.

Jim she says it's all right for you to write it down as it should be in the old language and the old people's writing to have power. Also, she says I must tell you that to place this curse the man must be a most powerful shaman. A Tuaths even, and now I'll read out her writing which she tells me is the full wording of the curse. Are you ready?

Rowan I have no idea what a Tuass is, but go ahead I've got paper and pen and you've both got my full attention.

Rowan breathed heavily and said, OK here we go, it's pretty strange, so start writing now I'll speak slowly. He then intoned the following.

"May the flowers turn their petals to the sun for you.

May their leaves drink the rain that falls for you.

May their roots consume your flesh and bones,

and may the Barghest devour your soul!"

Rowan sighed and said, That's it apparently did you get it all?

Yes I got it, but what the fu... Sorry, what does it mean, and ask Auntie Maire what the dickens is a Barghest?

Jim, she says this is a really old and a most powerful curse that can affect the person it is cast on completely. Oh, and by the way she says a Barghest is monstrous evil black dog, a foul thing, that can turn itself invisible.

Charming, can't wait to meet it, I'll have to stock up on bones, but what's this about a tuass?

Aunt Maire says not Tuass but Tuaths, I'll spell it, T U A T H s. They were the originals here in this land before the Romans, some people call them Druids, but Auntie says they were here before them even. Masters with the old religion she says.

So what does this all mean Auntie?

She says Seamus, you must avoid meeting this man until you have received a parcel from her. It is on the way to you and it has an explanation in the parcel. It could mean the difference between life and death for you and others.

Well, Auntie if you feel it is that important I will wait, but I must get to work soon. Murnaghan glanced at his wristwatch, and then his brows twisted with a puzzled thought. Why would this man send a message to me with only half of a curse? I haven't even spoken with him, I just looked at him across the street.

Jim, Auntie says he must have recognised you as a threat. She says what is in the blood in your veins would warn him that perhaps you could be the one to stop him and his schemes. Sending the message to you means that the curse has a hook in you. It will act even faster and harder if he gets the chance to cast it personally.

Well that sounds great, thank you both. I'll keep away from him until I get your parcel. What's in it by the way Auntie?

Jim, Aunt Maire says wait until you get it, there's a letter that will explain everything.

OK, then. Bye Bye to you both.

Murnaghan broke the connection with them, again with the puzzled expression on his face as he switched off the computer

Chapter 6

An Informant

G'day Jim. You look like shit, lets get an espresso. Rod Escount smiled obviously enjoying Murnaghan's discomfiture.

Sounds good, I do feel like crap. Been up most of the night it feels.

So what's on? A new lady?

No, been talking on the phone half the night with the family in Ireland. I'll tell you about it all later. Let's get to that coffee.

After parking the car in the car park they strolled over to Gloria Jeans. One long black, one latte with an extra shot, and a couple of your pink doughnuts. Escount said to the attractive girl behind the counter, looking at Murnaghan to provide the payment. So why were you talking late at night to the family in Ireland? Never heard that one from you before.

Murnaghan collected the coffees and buns and nodded to a nearby table and chairs. Just a minor family drama that they wanted to keep me in the loop with. God, Rod do you still spoon three sugars into your coffee?

Hey man when you're young and have to merge with the urge you have to keep everything on a hair trigger. Escount flamboyantly shot the cuffs of his pale lilac coloured shirt. Purposely flashing the large silver rectangular cuff links beyond