Murder in Burnt Orange by Jeanne M. Dams

“She said that something had happened—no, that something had developed. ‘There has been a development,’ that is it. And she said she would not tell me about it.”
    â€œAnd that’s all?”
    â€œShe said, over and over again, that I was not to ask any more about the troubles. ‘There is great danger,’ she said. But she would not explain.”
    â€œWell, me dear, I can tell you what the development is. About the danger, the added danger, I mean, I don’t know. But as to what Aunt Molly wouldn’t tell you—it’s not good news, darlin’ girl.”
    â€œPatrick! What?”
    â€œI’m not even sure I should tell you, not like this, over the telephone. People are maybe listenin’. And I’d rather be with you.”
    â€œYou are as bad as Aunt Molly! You are teasing me, Patrick.”
    â€œI wouldn’t tease about somethin’ this serious, You’re not goin’ to like it, Hilda, but—well, Clancy’s back.”
    There was dead silence save for the crackles on the wire.
    â€œHilda? Hilda, you there?”
    â€œI am here, Patrick. You are right, I do not like it. I remember what Clancy did to me, and to Uncle Dan.” Three years before, Clancy had been involved with a group of men who, among other things, had murdered a man, had kidnapped Hilda and left her to die, and had badly mistreated Uncle Dan—his own father. Granted, Clancy had not done the deeds himself, but he had known of them and had abetted the others. Hilda shivered at the memory. “He is not a good person, your cousin Clancy. Why has he come?”
    â€œThat’s what he’s not tellin’, or not tellin’ me, anyway. He came to see me in my office, just to taunt me, but he wouldn’t say what he wanted.”
    â€œWhatever it is, it can be nothing good.” She paused. “I am afraid, a little, Patrick.”
    From Hilda, that was a devastating admission. “I’m comin’ home, darlin’,” said Patrick.
    â€œNo, Patrick! Wait! Is Clancy still there, at the store?”
    â€œHe was a minute ago. I think he still is, in talkin’ with Uncle Dan.”
    â€œThen stay and find out what you can about Clancy’s purpose. He has a purpose, Patrick. He did not come back here yoost to see his family.”
    â€œAnd well I know that! He’s not sentimental, our Clancy, not like most of the Irish. Family means nothin’ to him atall. He’s out for himself, for money and more money, and if it means he has to do mischief to get it, that doesn’t bother him.”
    â€œHe likes it, I think. Mischief. Menace. He is a gambler, and a bad man. When you know what he wants, come home and tell me. I will feel safer when you are here.”
    â€œI’ll be there the minute I can. Lock the doors, Hilda.”
    * * *
    Meanwhile, Dan Malloy was having a difficult interview with his son.
    â€œI told you not to come to the store, Clancy.”
    â€œAnd where else can I see you? Riggs won’t let me in the house, and I can guess by whose orders.”
    â€œYes, my butler is obeying my orders, and they’re for your sake as much as mine. Have you forgotten, boy, that you’re still in deep trouble in South Bend? That affair of Bishop’s murder is still an open case, and it wasn’t all that long ago. You left this city in disgrace, with the understanding that you were not to come back. I’m not the only one in town who knows how heavily involved you were.”
    Clancy’s face darkened. “Yes, you and Ma and me lovin’ cousin and that meddlesome girlfriend of his! He took on a pile of trouble when he married that one.”
    Dan ignored the outburst. “We had a bargain, Clancy. I refrained from turning you over to the police, and gave you enough money for a good start elsewhere. You appear to have prospered, and I’m happy for you if it was done honestly, about