“Ailbe, take caution. We have no idea who is behind these deaths. The police think both are suspicious. I don’t want unseen forces taking one of our top professors at GMIT.”

Ailbe/s face heated. “Thank you, Dr. Riordan. I will exercise the utmost care.”

“I will rest easier knowing you are aware of the risk.”

“Yes, sir. And count on me to help with the police investigation.”

Dr. Riordan stood. “Thank you, Ailbe. I’ll be in touch should the need arise.”

Ailbe stood and shook Dr. Riordan’s hand, and departed his office.

He walked back across the campus, excited Dr. Riordan thought he might be in danger. Perhaps the police also took the focus off him and turned it to an unknown individual. Brilliant!

When he arrived at his office, Chief Superintendent O'Brien stood in the hallway. Ailbe dreaded the visit.

“Chief Superintendent, it's a pleasure.” Ailbe plastered an insincere smile across his face.

“Dr. MacGowan, for me as well. May I borrow a moment of your time?”

“Of course, Chief Superintendent. Dr. Riordan called me to his office to share the tragic news about Fergus Rafferty. I’m shocked yet another student met an untimely end to his promising young life.”

Ailbe unlocked his office, holding the door for O’Brien to enter first. O’Brien sat in one of the chairs in front of Ailbe’s desk. Ailbe removed his coat and scarf, hanging them on the coat tree near his desk before taking his seat. “Now, what can I do for you?”

“Did any student mention Rafferty talking by cell phone to Moynihan the evening of his murder?”

“Murder? Did Garda determine homicide is in play here, Chief?” Ailbe recalled their initial conversation and the uncertainty O’Brien conveyed about the cause of death.

“While we do not have a weapon or a motive, we also have nothing to suggest otherwise. Are you aware Rafferty and Moynihan conversed the evening before a jogger found him floating in the river?”

“No, Chief.”

“Do you have any reason to believe Rafferty faced danger?”

“Mr. Rafferty is a brilliant student. I cannot imagine why any student would be a threat to someone, much less in danger.”

“We are puzzled too, Dr. MacGowan. That's why we are investigating his death.”

“Do the police have any reason to believe he died at the hands of an assailant?”

“The death does not appear accidental, Dr. MacGowan. Of course, no possibilities have been ruled out. Still, preliminary evidence from the crime scene indicates a strong probability of murder.”

Ailbe feigned shock, pausing for a moment as if gathering his thoughts. “I’m surprised, Chief Superintendent. I cannot imagine why anyone would harm Fergus Rafferty.”

“We cannot either, Dr. MacGowan. Did Rafferty work on anything unique in your course?”

“Only the regular course project.” Ailbe continued the charade.

“The same project Keenan Moynihan worked on?”

“Yes,” Ailbe nodded. “All students work on the same project. As I explained before, each student handles an individual piece, but all pieces fit together into a whole.”

“I do recall you mentioning the parts fitting a whole, Dr. MacGowan.” O’Brien paused to write in this small notebook, hoping to unnerve Ailbe.

“Did Rafferty get along well with his fellow students?” O’Brien asked.

“He did. Well-liked and popular.”

“Did any jealousy arise from other students?”

“No. In fact, after Kennan Moynihan disappeared, Fergus always helped those who struggled.”

“Have you seen any unknown individuals hanging around the facility?”

“No. Not many people are interested in our technology program, so we don’t have many visitors.”

“Can you think of any reason anyone would want to harm Mr. Rafferty?”

“No reason at all, Chief.”

O’Brien folded the notebook and put it and the pencil in his pocket.

“Thank you for your time, Dr. MacGowan. I apologize if I disturbed your work.”

“I’m glad to help, Chief O’Brien. This is indeed a tragedy.”

O’Brien rose, put on his hat, and left.

* * *

At the Gardaí station, O’Brien settled into his office. “Healy!” he shouted.

“Yes, Chief.” Sergeant Healy appeared in the doorway.

“After my conversation with Rafferty’s neighbor Grace Hallion, and from the details of Glenn Cross’s conversation with Garrett Burke, I’m concerned for the safety of the other students. I want you to meet with Pearson and Cross to discuss my concern. This is best done in person rather than over the phone.”

“Yes, sir,” Healy responded. “I will set something up with them.”

"How about you and Todd meeting them for drinks or something.”

“Todd, sir?”

“Healy, I don’t want to take advantage of your relationship, but do you think Todd would mind playing along?”

“Sir, Todd will help if I ask him.”

“Well?”

“I’ll ask him.”