The Deepest Grave by Jeri Westerson

Author:Jeri Westerson [Jeri Westerson]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Severn House Publishers
Published: 2018-02-27T16:00:00+00:00

ELEVEN

Crispin was in the room in an instant, grabbing Martin and hauling him back, tearing the curtains from their rings as he did so.

‘What are you doing here?’

‘He came to see me!’ cried Christopher. ‘Let him alone!’

‘I’m talking to Chigwell, if you don’t mind. What have you to say for yourself, Chigwell?’

‘Nothing. I’m saying nothing.’

‘I can make you talk.’ He lifted him higher and shook him.

Suddenly, little fists were pounding at his back.

‘Leave him alone! Put him down. You’re cruel, just like Master Horne. I don’t like you very much, Master Guest.’

The words pierced his chest like a dagger thrust. He released Martin and swiveled toward Christopher. ‘Can’t you see that I’m trying to save you?’

‘I don’t want you to save me. I want you to leave him alone.’

The boy had a stubborn curl to his lip. It was most familiar. He turned away from the boy and fastened his gaze on Martin. ‘Well?’

Martin blinked rapidly and glanced at Christopher. ‘He’s my friend. And they wouldn’t let me see him. So I climbed through the window.’

‘Who wouldn’t let you see him? Madam Walcote?’

‘No. Madam Horne. Doesn’t want me here anymore. But I don’t know that she … well. She might not be my mistress anymore either.’

‘Has she let you go?’

He shrugged petulantly.

Christopher grabbed his arm and clung to him. ‘You can work here, Martin. I’ll see to it. My father will have you.’

‘He’s already got an apprentice. Many of them.’

‘He’ll make room for you. I’ll tell him to.’

‘You’re a good friend, Chris.’

Christopher raised his face to Crispin and frowned. ‘I want you to go.’

But Crispin stood his ground. ‘Now both of you, shut your mouths and listen to me. This isn’t a game. The sheriffs mean to hang you and I am trying to stop it. You both must talk to me.’

Two solemn faces stared back at him. They were silent and still.

‘Now. I heard you two arguing just now before I came in. What were you arguing about?’

‘Nothing,’ cut in Christopher.

‘For the love of God, boy, close your mouth. I want Chigwell to answer me.’

But Martin kept looking at Christopher and the boy pleaded with his eyes. Martin hung his head. ‘We argued over … a game. A game we play.’

‘It was a game,’ said Christopher hastily.

Crispin folded his arms over his chest. ‘Is that so?’ Christopher stared at him defiantly, while Martin looked at the floor. ‘Very well. We’ll leave that for now. Tell me about that day. You first, Martin. And before you say anything, the maids Nesta and Clarice saw you both there, one after the other, talking to Master Horne. And they saw you, Christopher, in the solar … where the relic was kept.’

‘It was a red cow,’ said Christopher. ‘I always liked that cow. I didn’t know why they kept it there or thought so much of it.’

‘Because a saint’s bone was inside it. And it’s very valuable.’

Christopher wiped his nose. ‘That’s what Nesta always told me. I mustn’t touch it. It’s valuable.’

‘And did you?’

‘Once.

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