Murder at Broadstowe Manor (Stephen Attebrook 8) by Jason Vail

Author:Jason Vail [Vail, Jason]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2018-12-29T22:00:00+00:00

“You believe her, then,” Gilbert said, doubt in his voice. His eyes were sunken holes due to the shadows cast by the single low candle on Stephen’s favorite table in the Broken Shield.

“It’s always a mistake to trust a woman,” Harry said. “She’ll lead you astray for the fun of it.” He said this with a smile and a glance at Joan. “Ain’t that right, my dear?”

“I do expect you to do as you’re told,” Joan said. “Sometimes a little white lie is necessary for that purpose.”

“I do believe her, I think,” Stephen said. He puffed at the flame to make it dance. “Her story is easily checked. Besides, if Matilda got any money from the robbery, she’d have had no need to attack me.”

“What,” Harry said, “you’re just going to walk up to Squinty Peg and say, and oh, about that robbery at the FitzHerbert house, did you have a hand in that? And what about those two murders after? How long do you think you’ll last if you do that?”

“About two heart beats,” Gilbert said. “Then her boys will fall on you, truss you up, and deliver you to FitzAllan. I doubt he’ll be much concerned about your pledge of surety.”

“What else can I do?” Stephen asked. “This path is a dead end.”

“Looks like I’ll have to do it,” Harry said. “There’s too much chance that Stephen will be recognized. And either of you will just muck it up, anyway.”

“You!” Joan exclaimed.

“Sure,” Harry said. “I know Grope Lane. Been there more than once. Know Peg as well from years back. No one will think a thing if I thump through there with my ear to the ground.”

“Well, you’re not going alone,” Joan said. “You can no more protect yourself if things go wrong than a puppy.”

“I don’t know about that,” Stephen said, remembering a night last year when Harry had killed a man who had come to assassinate Stephen in Gilbert’s stable. “He’s a man of surprises.”

“Nonetheless, he isn’t going alone,” Joan declared.

“It’s a good idea not to argue with her,” Harry said. “You’ll just lose. Pretend as if it’s your idea. That’s what I intend to do. My dear, I could use your help on this perilous mission. Would you care to assist me?”

“Good boy,” Joan said, patting Harry on the head.

“See?” Harry asked the others. “She is damp clay in my hands.”

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