Thomas Berrington Books 1-3 (Thomas Berrington Historical Mystery Book 13) by David Penny

Author:David Penny [Penny, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rivertree Print
Published: 2017-01-06T00:00:00+00:00

Seventeen

Thomas found the captain of the Hermandos in the same room as before, set hard against the city wall. He imagined the man spent most of his time there, making some pretence at managing his men. It wasn’t the captain Thomas wanted. He had hoped the man might be able to tell him where to find Rodrigo, but the only information he gleaned was that the young constable would be in the city somewhere and was meant to be working until midnight.

“Don’t you know this is an important week?” said the captain. “My men have more important things to do than seek out a killer of women who won’t be missed.”

Thomas left the man while he was still talking and struck out east through the city. The wider streets were busier than in previous days, an air of gaiety on the faces of people and in the way they walked. Here and there he caught sight of men dressed in strange costumes and once he heard the sound of a horn and drum. As he made his way further into narrow alleyways normal life resumed. At least normal for this place. The inhabitants were less well dressed, dirtier, not meeting his eyes as he searched for Rodrigo. Eventually he saw a familiar alley and ducked into it. He hammered on the door of the brothel as Rodrigo had done the day before.

The aged madam of the house opened it and recognised Thomas.

“Why can’t you leave us alone?” She shook her head. “The other one’s inside. You might as well come in too, trade’s already ruined.” She turned and strode away.

When he entered the large room Rodrigo was standing over a girl slumped in a worn chair. He turned at the interruption, the expression on his face one of frustration, which faded the moment he saw Thomas.

“Were you following me?”

“No. Your captain said you were assigned other duties.”

“As I am, but this is more important. I arrived only a minute since. I’ve barely asked a question yet.”

Thomas joined him. “Does the girl know anything?”

“She says not.”

Thomas turned to the madam. “How many are here at the moment?”

She raised a shoulder. “Six? Ten?”

“Which is it?”

“How am I meant to know? They come and they go. I’m not their keeper.”

“For which they are no doubt grateful.” Thomas glanced at Rodrigo. “We should search the rooms, question everyone. If—” He snapped his fingers. “What was her name?”

“Christabela,” said Rodrigo.

“If this Christabela is the one who was killed someone here will know something.”

“You can’t just wander where you like in my house!”

Thomas reached into his robe and pulled out a purse. He rummaged within and drew out a handful of coin.

“This should cover our time.” He tossed the coins onto the low table. The girl Rodrigo had been questioning darted forward and grabbed at them. The madam pushed her away, sweeping the coins into her skirts.

Rodrigo gave a short laugh. “You could buy this entire establishment for a week with what you’ve given her.”

“I think I can resist the temptation.

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