Badger's Moon by Peter Tremayne Page A

slowly, as if the question were new to him.
    Fidelma was firm. ‘He wanted to marry Beccnat. I have been told that your daughter was going to marry Gabrán in spite of your objections. What reason would he have to kill her?’
    For a moment Lesren hesitated, seeming to gather his thoughts together.
    ‘Because,’ he said quietly, ‘some days before her body was found, she told me that she did not want to cause her mother and me any upset. She said that she was not going to many Gabrán. She said she had discovered that he was using her. She realised that he was not a suitable choice of husband. Then she went out and never came back. She went to tell Gabrán of her decision to break off her relationship. I know that he killed her because of it.’

Chapter Five
    Fidelma had become aware of a woman who had approached them during this conversation and now stood quietly at Lesren’s side. It was evident that she had been attractive in her youth. Although grey now streaked the blackness of her hair, her light-coloured eyes, the fairness of the skin and the comeliness of her features were not diminished by age. However, she carried herself with a careworn air. Although Lesren made no attempt to introduce her, Fidelma knew instinctively who she was.
    ‘Are you the mother of Beccnat?’
    ‘I am Bébháil, Sister.’
    Lesren turned with a sarcastic sneer towards his wife. ‘This is the king’s sister, woman. A dálaigh , come to snoop about Beccnat’s death.’
    The woman blinked and hung her head. The thought crossed Fidelma’s mind that it was in shame at her husband’s boorishness.
    ‘You have heard your husband state that Beccnat had changed her mind about marrying Gabrán and went out a few nights before she was found dead with the intention of telling him so. Were you a witness to your daughter’s change of mind?’
    The woman glanced nervously at her husband and then nodded hurriedly. Her eyes were suddenly tear-filled and she was clearly still distraught at the return of the memories.
    ‘So the girl told you both of her intention and then left?’
    ‘It is as my husband has said. I can say no more.’ The woman called Bébháil moved hurriedly to the bothán , closing the door behind her.
    Lesren smiled bitterly.
    ‘Are you satisfied now, dálaigh ?’ he sneered.
    Fidelma returned his gaze with a stony expression. ‘Far from it. You are still forgetting one thing. Whether your daughter changed her mind or not, whether Gabrán had motive or not, Accobrán has stated that Gabrán was proved to have been twelve miles from here on the night of her death. But do not be concerned; I shall check that out. I shall satisfy myself of the facts.’
    ‘Do so, dálaigh . I am waiting for justice.’
    ‘Have no fear. Your wait for justice may not be long. I shall be returning here.’
    Once they were out of earshot, Eadulf said quietly: ‘He was lying, I am sure of it. Lying ahout his daughter changing her mind. The wife was clearly frightened to say anything in front of him.’
    ‘I have no doubt that there was some tension between them,’ agreed Fidelma. She glanced at Accobrán in curiosity. ‘Does he really have such a hatred of Gabrán and his family? What about this fine imposed by Aolú on the boy’s father – Goll?’
    The young tanist shrugged. It seemed a normal appendage to his speech.
    ‘There has been some enmity between Lesren and Goll for years. I would not have thought there was sufficient cause to bring it to this. Accusations of stealing are one thing, but of murder – triple murder – are something else.’
    ‘What do you know of this accusation that Gabrán’s father is a thief? Presumably this was the reason why a fine was imposed?’
    Accobrán shrugged, ‘I know little about that. I have heard stories. For the truth you must consult Becc, for he was sitting in judgement with Brehon Aolú at the time.’
    Fidelma paused thoughtfully. Then she said: ‘If we have time now, I would like a