The Fortunate Dead by David Penny

Author:David Penny [Penny, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rivertree Print
Published: 2018-11-13T00:00:00+00:00

Twenty-One

While Diego picked through drawers and cupboards in search of pretty objects to take home, Thomas set Will to watch over him while he went to find someone who could fit decent locks on the doors and bars across the windows. It took him a while before he found a man willing to perform the task immediately, in exchange for a sum that might be regarded as robbery had Thomas not possessed enough wealth to buy all the houses in Malaka three times over. As the thought crossed his mind, he remembered that most of that wealth remained in his house in Gharnatah. All he had brought with him was a small box containing gold coins and some fine silver jewellery. He smiled, wondering if Diego might want to play with it. He had stopped feeling guilt at the way he had acquired such riches. When he returned, Will was on the doorstep trying to stop a man and woman from entering and about to fail.

“What’s going on?” Thomas demanded.

“I was housekeeper here,” said the woman. “I left some possessions. I only want to retrieve them.”

Thomas looked her up and down, found nothing threatening. Her husband the same. He nodded.

“Come in.” He accompanied them, following the woman as she ascended the wide staircase.

“I can find my own way well enough,” she said.

“Like as not, but this house has already had items stolen from it.”

“I am no thief!”

“Good. Then you won’t object when I come with you.” He glanced at the husband, who remained at the foot of the stairs. “Will, if he leaves that spot shout at the top of your voice.”

“Shout,” said Will, demonstrating the power of his young voice, determination on his face, and Thomas tried not to laugh.

After a significant waste of time it appeared the woman was mistaken and had not left anything behind after all. As she turned a circle one last time the scowl on her face told a story of failure. She and her husband had expected the house to be empty. As housekeeper, she no doubt knew exactly where Diego’s father had kept his riches. Thomas shot the bolts across the door after seeing them out and shook his head, then returned to the room she had spent most time in. It was sparse, with a single window overlooking a side alley. A desk in the middle of the room faced away from what small view was available. Five swords hung from nails on one wall. Each showed more skill in its construction than the last, and Thomas wondered if they were gifts to Diego’s father from his master.

He walked the floor, examining each board, but found nothing that might indicate a hiding place. Perhaps this was not the room. Perhaps there was no hidden wealth and his suspicions were unfounded. He was about to leave when Diego came in, his hand in Will’s, who had to reach up to hold it, but even so it was clear which of the two was in charge.

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