This was a first for any team. The difference being that he had shared with them the creeper’s origin. Why hadn’t he thought of this sooner? Mr French and Ms Coogan were industriously seeking out a means to subvert the inevitable. What other reason would have drawn them back to Tír Mallacht? They were doing his work for him.

‘Very good, Detective,’ Alec said, taking a wary sip of his coffee. ‘I would like to commend you on demonstrating such welcome initiative. Your efforts of this morning shan’t be forgotten, I assure you. And in view of this intelligence, you can collect any documents and devices from Ms Coogan’s household as soon a time as it suits you.’

‘Didn’t you want me to wait until Monday?’

‘Oh, I don’t think that will be necessary anymore. Good day to you, Detective,’ Alec said, dismissing the man. ‘I will expect to see you at a time when you know you are welcome.’

The phone’s receiver was returned to its home before Barry could disturb the morning any further. It was a hallowed time for peace and reflection.

Alec let his old bones ease into his chair. He listened to the rain playing timorously against the windows. It had become a common practice of his to send a team to Tír Mallacht every two years. But now, given this latest revelation, his excitement wouldn’t wait. The following year, in the spring, he would try again.

‘Whatever is he planning?’ he whispered, watching the steam rise from his mug.

Mr French’s scepticism had obviously been rattled the night before. Alec could only assume that they had both beheld the creeper’s face and the fear of it had instigated their departure. He was acquainted with its many descriptions, from his father and past recruits. But he had never seen it up close himself. To do so was to die, of course, and so Alec was content to make do with the accounts of others. And yet, throughout his life, his curiosity regarding the creeper’s appearance never waned. Could it possibly be as terrifying as they say?

Success was highly unlikely, and it was reasonable to assume that Mr French and Ms Coogan were doomed to die that night. The villagers would prove as disobliging as ever. And with such scant daylight to keep them safe, Alec couldn’t imagine any action on their part that would benefit his own circumstances. The next team, however, would prove more promising.

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