The King's Examiner by Anne Stevens

Author:Anne Stevens [Stevens, Anne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: TightCircle Publications
Published: 2015-11-04T00:00:00+00:00

“The word of a filthy Christ Killer?”

“I spoke in haste.”

“And must repent at leisure,” Mush replies, sheathing his knife. He turns to leave, and Dudley takes his chance. The harbour master snatches up the primed and loaded pistol he keeps in his desk. It is cocked, and almost levelled when Mush spins, throws, and draws a second knife. It is not needed. The first has lodged itself in Dudley’s throat, and he is desperately trying to pull it out.

“Now, why do that, sir?” Mush says, kicking aside the loaded pistol. “For I must find my sister’s cogs unaided now. The big dock agent slips down to his knees, his eyes glazing over in death, and Mush retrieves his knife. A gout of blood soaks the floor.

“Dear God!” A little man is standing in the door, shaking in fear. He cannot even turn and run.

“Who are you?”

“Master Dudley’s clerk, sir.”

“Do you know me?”

“No sir, I swear. I shall not even have seen you, if that is your wish. Please, spare me.”

“The man tried to kill me with that pistol,” Mush says. “You saw that, did you not?”

“I did,” the little man says. “You acted in self defence. I swear you did.”

“Good.” Then an idea comes to Mush. “You are my sister’s new harbour master now.”

“I am?” The little fellow smiles, and draws himself up to a full five feet. “Jaunty Ince at your service, Master Draper … I presume?”

“Call me Master Mush,” Mush says. “You will have this rogue’s house, and all within it. Though you must labour under the debts he leaves behind. He stole three cogs from Mistress Miriam.”

“They are hidden in a cove, not five miles distant, sir,” Jaunty Ince informs him. “Master Dudley also has a strong box in the house, where he keeps … kept… his stolen wealth.”

“Come, let us take possession, Master Ince,” Mush tells his new harbour master. “I will take the value of the stolen cargoes, for Miriam, and we will share the rest.”

“Half each?”

“Half each,” Mush confirms, slapping the man on his meagrely fleshed back. “Stay honest, Jaunty, and we shall do well together. Now, let us consign the foolish Master Dudley to the deep.”

“A few chains will keep him on the bottom,” Jaunty says, happily. “We do not want him bobbing up inconveniently.”

“I doubt anyone will miss the fellow.”

“His wife will set up a cry.”

“Did she love him then?” Mush asks.

“Lord, no. She is a young tavern girl, who married above her station, and will want gold for her silence.”

“Is she pretty enough?”

“Yes.”

“Then marry her. She will not care whose bed she warms, if the money comes in.”

“I am already married, sir.”

“Is your wife as pretty.”

“She is not, sir.” Jaunty considers for a moment. “Not at all.”

“Then make her your housekeeper, and bed the pretty one.”

“That might work,” Jaunty Ince says, rubbing his unshaven chin. “Though it might be better were my wife to disappear along with Master Dudley.”

“I do not murder women, my friend,” Mush replies, sharply. “Now, let us

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