A Malevolent Manner (Patrick Pierce #1)
Page 17
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Dr. Cleaver stood with his hands clasped behind his back, staring coldly through the window overlooking Rook’s Bay as Jane entered with his glass of whiskey.
“I can’t be sure, but somehow he was able to effect this recruitment during my brief absence. I have questioned Drummond and while his honesty can be lacking, so too is his cunning. He is ruthless and cruel, but only like a child playing with insects, giggling as he burns them with a magnifying glass. When dealing with superiors he is cowed like the small man he is. It’s actually one of his better qualities.” Dr. Cleaver mused over the problem sitting in the pub below.
Jane knew better than interrupt him when he was in one of his dark moods, so she merely stood silently beside him. Her anxiety from the morning turned to pure fear as she felt the growing anger emanating from Dr, Cleaver. If she wanted to get through this unharmed she’d have to keep her composure and be as helpful as she could. She’d always been careful to never work against Lord Cleaver and she had no intention of starting now. Plus if she were able to assist him in resolving this issue without her part becoming known, the rewards could be very impressive indeed.
“Clearly he was able to persuade one of the servants to aid him in this, and Drummond followed protocol like the mindless bureaucrat that he is. Don’t you agree Jane?” He asked as he turned to face her, accepting the glass of spirits on her tray.
“It seems like the best possibility. Shall I discreetly question the servants for you? If we can find his accomplice…” Cleaver cut her off with a sharp wave of his hand.
“It is too late for that. Most of the servants have even less guile and I don’t believe any of them are truly in league with him. They undoubtedly assisted him without knowing his mind. If he can get the help of one of the servants while locked away in the Manor, then he will surely coerce others for similarly small tasks. The problem is that when added up these small tasks could have monumental consequences.”
“Then he cannot be left in the Manor,” offered Jane shrewdly. “That is why I am back at this Pub is it not, my Lord?”
Cleaver appraised the maid and felt confident in his choice of accomplice. Here was a woman equally gifted with beauty and cleverness, a very useful ally indeed. However he did not wish to reveal his confidence in her with praise. Better to leave her feeling off balance.
“Of course that’s why you’re here,” he exhaled with feigned exasperation. “My men will conduct the transfer tonight under the cover of darkness and bring him to the room on the top floor. They shall enter in by the back door, so you must ensure it is open so as not to arouse unnecessary suspicion. He shall have no contact with anyone save yourself and my men. No one is to know of his existence in this place.” With this final proclamation he drained his glass and started towards the door, only to stop upon reaching for the handle.
“There is another thing. The anomaly sitting downstairs that could unravel everything.”
“He doesn’t seem like a threat.”
“That’s precisely the problem. He doesn’t seem like anything. He has the appearance of a soft, reserved young man. However he bested two of the Hounds without a weapon. He is an unknown quantity and that makes me apprehensive. I feel confident in my ability to predict the actions and motives of the rest the Hunt. I have researched and lived with each and every one of them for some time.” He was now pacing the length of the room, airing his dilemma in its entirety. “But this Pierce, he was recruited too soon. Our files on him are incomplete; he should be another 15 years older! Instead of the heartless official with blood on his hands we have a young man without even a parking ticket to his name.”
“Shall I look into his character for you?”
“Yes. Please do, but nothing too conspicuous.” Dr. Cleaver had now recovered from his brief lack of composure. “But you must be mindful of the fact that he was brought here for a reason. We do not know his true purpose, perhaps he doesn’t either.”
“Perhaps you could devise a test of some sort,” offered Jane thoughtfully, eager to show her usefulness. “You might be able to discover his intentions if not his direct motivation.”
“Your thought intrigues me, pray continue.”
“The next excursion is placed under the control of Pierce and some other members of the Hunt. But they return to his time,” She explained slowly, the plan still forming in her mind. “If he is conscious of the reason he was recruited, he will undoubtedly return to the Manor when the excursion is complete.”
“Go on,” Cleaver ordered.
“However if he is truly here by mistake or does not know the reason for his presence at the Manor, he might make use of the opportunity to return to his home.”
Dr. Cleaver recommenced his pacing, however this time at a pace more suitable for analytical thinking rather than airing dissatisfaction. Jane silently watched his procession from the corner of the room. His face was the picture of concentration; brows furrowed, a steely stare beyond the room, a twitching frown upon his face, and again his hands clasped tightly behind his back.
When he stopped pacing he released his hands and turned toward Jane with deliberation. His eyes focused on her and his frown relented momentarily.
“Very well, I shall implement your proposal. Meanwhile you shall seek him out and discover the reason for his presence amongst us.”
Jane nodded in agreement then hesitantly enquired, “what happens if he returns from the excursion?”
“Leave that to me, my dear,” he responded as a sly look crept upon his face. “He will find more obstacles in front of him if he dares return.
“I’m going back to the Manor, but I don’t feel like having him trail behind me like a lost dog. Please make some excuse and entertain him. I’ll leave out the back.” He turned and slowly walked towards the door, stopping briefly to inspect himself in front of a mirror. From the reflection he looked at Jane behind him, the slyness replaced by a hard and dangerous veneer.
Chapter 5