Cold Cruel Winter by Chris Nickson

Author:Chris Nickson [Nickson, Chris]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Mystery, History, Crime
Publisher: Severn House
Published: 2011-01-01T05:00:00+00:00

Seventeen

For once, Nottingham didn’t have to wait to see the Mayor. The clerk, a harried, anguished man, ushered him through as soon as he arrived. This, the Constable thought bleakly, is where the fight for the Henderson brothers begins.

Edward Kenion put down his quill, scattered a little fine sand over his words to dry the ink, and sat back in his chair. His stock was glistening white and perfectly tied, the periwig neatly powdered and fresh. But his eyes were tired, the flesh of his cheeks mottled.

‘I’ve heard from Alderman Henderson.’

‘I’d be surprised if you hadn’t. I’m sending his sons to the Assizes.’

Kenion sighed. ‘What charges?’

‘The murder of Isaac the Jew.’

The Mayor was silent for a few moments, running his tongue across his lips.

‘That’s very serious.’

‘I know,’ Nottingham agreed. ‘I have the evidence.’

Kenion nodded. ‘How solid is it?’

‘We found Isaac’s pack and two suits of bloody clothes at Henderson’s, in the brothers’ rooms. And a woman who recognized Peter’s voice as they ransacked Isaac’s room. The jury will convict.’

‘They’ll hang.’

‘They should. That’s the law.’

Kenion looked awkward, a man caught between duty and class. ‘The alderman will do everything he can to get them off. They’re his sons.’

Nottingham chose his words carefully. ‘As long as he stays within the law, that’s his right.’

‘And he’ll do all he can to discredit you.’

It was a warning, but one the Constable didn’t need.

‘He’ll have plenty of ammunition if he discovers what Wyatt’s done without being caught,’ Kenion told him.

‘We found Wyatt’s second victim this morning, too.’

The Mayor sat up sharply. ‘His back?’

‘The same.’

Kenion stood and started to pace, his footfalls silent on the thick carpet. He gazed down at icy Briggate from the window. What did he see there, Nottingham wondered. Did he look at the people, did he think of the way they lived?

‘I’m not keeping this quiet to protect you,’ he told Nottingham. ‘It’s for the city. We can’t have a panic here. Just make sure no one else knows about this.’

The Constable nodded. Henderson wouldn’t be the only one wanting someone new in the job if they discovered the truth.

‘How close are you to finding this man?’ He paused to look full at Nottingham. ‘And an honest answer this time.’

Did Kenion really want the truth, or did he want hope? Or something in between?

‘I think we’ll have him soon.’

The Mayor’s hand slapped his desk, the sound sharp and angry.

‘For Christ’s sake, I said be honest, Nottingham. I’m not a bloody fool.’

Shamefaced at his stupidity, the Constable began again.

‘I’ve got men watching the judge whenever he leaves home. Wyatt’s not going to get close to him.’

Kenion nodded his approval. ‘But?’ he asked.

‘We’ve been looking everywhere, asked everyone who might help, and no one has any idea where Wyatt is. Another week and I’ll have the book with the skin of the second victim.’

The Mayor sat back, thinking. Nottingham waited anxiously in the silence.

‘Just get him. I don’t care what you have to do.’ He paused to allow the point to sink home. ‘And when you find him, make sure this never comes to trial.

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