‘I have heard that, Owen, sure. We don’t live in some kind of ivory tower here in Anglesea Street. But it’s only a bad joke as far as I’m concerned and I’ve nothing to say about it. Cork is still the safest city in Ireland. I just want to close this briefing by saying that we have the most highly trained officers investigating both the tragic death of His Honour Mr Justice Garrett Quinn and the shooting of Billy Hagerty, and I’m confident that we’ll be able to make arrests very soon. Thank you.’

Katie stood up, but before she could turn to leave, Fionnuala Sweeney called out, ‘DS Maguire – before you go! Is it true that you were friends with Justice Quinn?’

‘I’ve known him for a number of years, of course, and we’ve worked together on more criminal cases than I could count. Naturally this was done on a friendly basis. It wouldn’t have been very professional if we’d been snapping at each other all the time, now would it?’

‘But were you ever friends outside the courtroom?’

‘I’m not sure what you’re getting at, Fionnuala.’

‘I’m simply asking if you were close, like. If you ever had a relationship that didn’t involve the law.’

‘Who gave you that idea?’

‘I can’t tell you who, but it was a pure reliable source, I can assure you of that.’

‘Well, whoever it was, I’ve no comment to make.’

‘So can I assume that’s a “yes”?’

‘You can assume whatever you like. I’m saying nothing.’

‘I’m told you identified Justice Quinn’s body by a claddagh band that he was wearing.’

‘Fionnuala – how can I make this any plainer? I’ve nothing further to say. Justice Quinn’s death is under investigation and you’ll be informed of any developments when we have them.’

‘How was it that you could identify this one particular band, ma’am? Thousands of people wear claddagh bands, don’t they, and they’re all basically the same – two hands with a crowned heart in between them.’

‘Like I’ve told you, I’ve known Justice Quinn for a good number of years, and I’m not the least observant woman in Ireland.’

‘Did you buy it for him, this band?’

Katie didn’t answer that, but gave Kyna a pat on the shoulder to tell her to move, and together they walked out of the conference room. The TV lights were switched off behind her, but she could still hear the sudden babble of conversation as the reporters surrounded Fionnuala Sweeney, asking her to tell them more about Justice Quinn’s claddagh band.