He had given the go-ahead for the construction of a palatial residence at Drumcondra to replace the four-storey Georgian house on Rutland Square, which his predecessors had found adequate as a base from which to direct their flock. Scores of acres of land were being bought up by the Catholic Church close to the location of the new episcopal palace. There would be colleges, seminaries and training centres for priests and teachers. And it was common knowledge that he was seeking a site upon which to construct a new cathedral that would put the city’s two Protestant cathedrals, Christ Church and St Patrick’s, in the shade.

Swallow sat opposite Mallon’s desk in the Lower Yard office.

‘I understand that, chief. What does Commissioner Harrel say?’

Mallon picked up the minute. He grinned mirthlessly.

‘He’s had a strong note from the archbishop. Willie claims that any Crown officer questioning one of his priests is acting outside the law. And he’s outraged that the slightest suspicion should be attached by “low-ranking detectives from Dublin Castle” to one of God’s anointed ministers. Scandal and innuendo. You can imagine the rest. So tell me, Swallow, what were you doing interviewing this Father Cavendish?’

Swallow recounted his interview with the dead girl’s brother and his suspicions about the priest.

‘You might have told me you were going to interview him under caution,’ Mallon grumbled.

‘Actually, I did tell you I was going to interview a suspect, chief,’ Swallow answered. ‘But I must have forgotten to say who it was.’

Mallon’s eyes narrowed.

‘You mean you didn’t tell me because you thought it better I didn’t know.’

‘Ah, you’ve enough on your mind, chief. So how are you going to reply?’

‘I know what I’d like to say, but first I’d like to hear what you have to tell me. At all events, I need a full briefing on the investigation.’

‘There isn’t much progress, I’m afraid. No new witnesses. Nothing coming in from the usual informants around the city. The footprints at the scene show a size nine shoe or boot. No nails or studs, so probably a city dweller. We’ve interviewed her employer at the New Vienna. The German fellow, Werner. Can’t say I warmed to him. He says she had become troublesome at work, but there doesn’t seem to have been anything that could have led to violence. The investigating team is interviewing the employees one by one, of course.’

He flicked to the next page of his notebook.