Contents
Twelve
Overview
Cal parses last night’s subtle warning and pivots to a quiet inquiry. He interviews Brendan’s ex, Caroline, who rules out suicide and hints at fear, then learns from Garda O’Malley of a March intruder report at Patrick Fallon’s farm. Sheila Reddy rebuffs Cal, clearly warned. Cal links these threads to the sheep killings and resolves to question Donie McGrath.
Summary
Cal wakes late after the poteen night, recognizing he’s been publicly “warned” and likely for his protection. Lacking official tools, he decides against confronting Donie yet and instead seeks a low-profile lead: Brendan’s ex-girlfriend Caroline at the gift shop.
Posing as a shopper, Cal gains Caroline’s trust. She describes Brendan as optimistic, sometimes unrealistic but reliable, unlikely suicidal, and not mentally ill. She squashes rumors that he raped her or assaulted others, noting Ardnakelty’s bias against Brendan’s family, and portrays him as caring toward his siblings. She offers no insight into any criminal plan and grows fearful when Cal presses further.
Cal visits Garda O’Malley, who reveals that on March 16 Patrick (P.J.) Fallon reported intruders and a possible farm equipment theft, then withdrew the complaint when it seemed a mistake. O’Malley chalks it up to local youths; Cal notes the timing and P.J.’s name.
Cal stops at the Reddys’ house to return socks and ask about Brendan. Sheila Reddy, clearly anxious about gossip and seemingly warned, shuts down the conversation, insisting Brendan is fine and closing the door when Cal suggests passing news to Caroline.
Cal brings cookies to Mart, confirms no sheep activity was seen, and floats Donie as a suspect; Mart laughs it off. Back home, Cal reviews his notes, sketches local farms, and weighs connections among P.J., Mart, Francie, and Bobby, the sheep killings, and Brendan’s disappearance. Concluding the warning centers on Brendan, he prepares to rattle Donie under the pretext of pub tensions and keeps the toy sheep as he reflects.
Who Appears
- Cal HooperRetired cop investigating Brendan’s disappearance; conducts a careful interview with Caroline, queries Garda O’Malley, visits Sheila, and plans to confront Donie.
- Caroline HoranBrendan’s ex; rules out suicide, defends his character, reveals town rumors and her fear, but withholds any concrete plan Brendan had.
- Garda Dennis O’MalleyLocal garda who checks records and reports a March 16 intruder/theft call from Patrick Fallon later withdrawn.
- Sheila ReddyBrendan’s mother; wary of gossip and seemingly warned, she rebuffs Cal and ends the conversation quickly.
- MartNeighbor who hosted the poteen night; downplays Donie as a threat and reports no new sheep incidents.
- Patrick (P.J.) FallonFarmer neighbor; reported intruders and possible equipment theft in March, then retracted the complaint.