‘We’re not five minutes back from White’s Cross,’ said Katie, clasping Stephen Herlihy’s large right hand between both of hers. ‘It was a fierce shock, I can tell you, Stephen. The scene itself was bad enough anyway, but it put my heart crossways when I realized who it was. I just came over to offer you my sympathy. This is Detective Sergeant Ní Nuallán, by the way.’

Stephen Herlihy nodded at Kyna and then he said, ‘What happened exactly? Was it a crash?’

‘We don’t know for sure yet. So far as we know, there was no other vehicle involved, but of course we’re still waiting for Bill Phinner to tell us for definite.’

‘It’s a tragedy. A desperate, desperate tragedy. And such a brilliant career ahead of him. I reckon he could have been a Supreme Court justice one day, or even Chief Justice.’

‘He was the kindest judge I’ve ever known,’ put in one of the clerks. ‘He never forgot to thank me at the end of every hearing, and he had flowers sent to me on my birthday.’

Katie said, ‘I know it’s kind of previous, Stephen, but I need to ask you what arrangements you’ll be making for Donal Hagerty’s sentencing. We’re holding a media conference in a couple of hours’ time, and the press will be wanting to know. Let’s face it, it’s been the most publicized trial of the year, easy.’

‘Well, of course Mr Justice Quinn had been presiding jointly over the Hagerty trial with Ms Justice O’Rafferty, on account of it being so serious. But I’ve already had a conversation with Mr Justice Kelly and he assures me that it will be perfectly legal and proper for Ms Justice O’Rafferty to hand down the sentence by herself. She told me that she and Mr Justice Quinn had already agreed on a prison term, and what length it should be, and she has emails and notes to prove it, so there won’t be any necessity for a retrial.’

‘So when will he be sentenced now?’

‘After Mr Justice Quinn’s funeral, whenever that is. We want to show some respect.’

‘That’s kind of problematical. He still has to be given a forensic post-mortem.’

‘You’re not certain how he died?’

‘It’s a matter of routine, that’s all. I’ll let you know of course when we’ve had the results. In the meantime, though, I’ll tell you what you can do for me. Can you prepare me a list of all the trials that Justice Quinn conducted over – say – the past two years. Also a list of those defendants he convicted, and what fines or sentences he gave them.’

‘Of course, yes. It’s all in the court records.’