Midnight Queen by Anne Stevens

Author:Anne Stevens [Stevens, Anne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781520221588
Google: 34fbnAAACAAJ
Publisher: Independently Published
Published: 2016-12-23T07:16:26.960000+00:00

“Richard Rich!” Barnaby Fowler slaps the young man on the back, and falls in beside him. “We are well met, sir. This is a good omen, and no mistake. Where are you headed?”

“Grey’s Inn, sir,” Rich replies, warily. The fellow looks well enough dressed, but has the look of a rogue about him. “Do I know you? The face is familiar, but I can’t place it. Or think why.”

Barnaby Fowler turns the cuff of his short, black doublet, displaying the embroidered letter ‘C’ that marks him down as a Cromwell man. It is a device becoming well known about the city, and usually inspires either respect, or fear.

“Then that is how I know you,” Rich says. “I must have come across you around one of your master’s most excellent breakfast feasts.”

“Indeed, sir.” Fowler takes his elbow, and steers him from the main thoroughfare. “The way you go is dirty, and overcrowded. I know a better, quicker way.”

“But this leads only to the river,” the young lawyer protests, growing a little alarmed.

“That is so, Richard,” Barnaby Fowler replies, winking at the young lawyer. “I have a swift boat waiting at the dock.”

“A boat?”

“Yes, it is one of Master Cromwell’s. He has given me use of it, whenever the need arises.”

“A generous man, your Master Cromwell.”

“Indeed he is, Richard.” Fowler beckons to a big, rough looking boatman. “Let me introduce you to Master Henry Brough. Though folk call him Bad Hal, or Rough Brough, for some unknown reason. He is going to take you for a ride.”

“What is this?” Rich is becoming even more alarmed, and moves his hand to the hilt of his sword.

“Pray, do not make any rash moves, Richard,” Barnaby Fowler mutters, “unless you wish to anger Bad Hal. He is as like to snap your blade, or even your back. Just get into the boat, and behave your good self.”

“Where are you taking me to?” Richard Rich is a lawyer, not a fighter, and he sits, meekly, down on one of the cross benches.

“Why, to see Master Tom, of course.” Fowler has his instructions. He is to fetch Master Rich to a certain house on the river. Thomas Cromwell specifies that he is to be unharmed, but a little fear is acceptable. From there, he will be transferred to Austin Friars. “Afterwards, my friend Hal, will either row you back to the bridge, or drop you off it, after dark.”

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