by C. J. Sansom
‘Was there any reply?’
‘No.’ He sighed. ‘Vandersteyn’s agents could discover no more. And then came Master Greening’s murder; we fled, hid in secret in the houses of good friends, keeping separate, moving from place to place while Master Vandersteyn arranged for a ship to come over and take us to Flanders. We knew we were being hunted. One of the households which sheltered Master McKendrick was attacked by ruffians just after he left.’ He looked at me. ‘None of that was arranged by you or your confederates?’
‘No.’
‘How did you know we would be at the docks tonight?’
‘It was not difficult to work out that you would try to get yourselves, and perhaps both books, abroad. Spies were placed at the docks. You were too confident, going through the customs house. You should have smuggled yourselves on board the ship.’
Leeman bit his lip.
‘Let’s get this clear,’ Barak said. ‘Your little group were Anabaptists, who want to overthrow not just the whole of established religion, but society itself—’
‘As we one day will! It is clear in the Bible—’
Barak cut in. ‘A group which was put together by the Dutchman Vandersteyn, who is part of a similar circle on the Continent, and whose particular goal was to obtain information that could incite the people to rebellion.’
‘Ay. The people are deceived by the lies of popes and princes. But believers such as ourselves are the leaven in the yeast.’ Leeman spoke as though chanting a prayer.
‘But,’ I said, angry now, ‘because you did not realize there was a spy in your group, someone – almost certainly working for a leading figure on the conservative side – has the Queen’s book in their possession, ready to give to the King at any moment, with the intention of making him angry with the Queen again just as this papal emissary arrives!’ Leeman lowered his head. I went on, ‘You needed money for bribes and materials in order to steal and publish the Queen’s book. Substantial sums. Where did you get them?’
‘Master Curdy has money. From his business.’ A spark appeared in Leeman’s eyes again. ‘You see, Master Shardlake, we practise what we preach, the holding of all goods in common.’
I sighed, and turned to Barak and Nicholas. ‘Both of you, a word in private. Nicholas, can you bring the candle?’ I turned to Leeman. ‘Do not even think of running, we will be near. Lie here and think on what you have brought about with your foolishness.’
We went out, leaving him in darkness.
Chapter Thirty-five
WE WALKED DOWNSTAIRS TO the dusty little entrance hall. I set the candle in its holder on the wall. Noises from the street came to us faintly. I had lost track of time – it must be far past midnight. I wondered when Lord Parr’s people would arrive.
‘Well,’ I asked Barak, ‘what do you think? The Bertano story first.’
Barak stroked his beard. ‘If it’s true, and the news got out, then Leeman is right, there would be unrest in the streets. I don’t mean a revolution, but trouble certainly. You have to hand it to them, their tactic of placing spies in sensitive places paid off. But – ’ he looked intently between us – ‘if you’re going to have a tightly controlled group, with secret knowledge, you have to be sure everyone in it can be completely trusted. But with some of the wilder radicals – ’ he shrugged – ‘duping them is easy. Provided the person concerned continually parrots the right phrases, I imagine they’re all too ready to believe they’re genuine.’
‘Yes,’ I agreed. ‘But you said, if it’s true about Bertano.’
Barak grunted. ‘Remember I’ve been out of politics for six years. But don’t forget that after Anne Boleyn was killed, there was no longer any impediment to the King’s going back to Rome. But he didn’t.’ He gave a cynical laugh. ‘He enjoys his power as Head of the Church too much, to say nothing of the money he got from the monasteries. But there’s something else.’ He furrowed his brows, making shadows on his face in the dim candlelight. ‘I know Lord Cromwell thought the key to understanding the King was to remember that he truly believes God has appointed him to be Head of the Church in England. That is why every time he changes his mind on the matter of doctrine, the country has to follow – or else.’ He shook his head firmly. ‘He wouldn’t hand all that power back to the Pope easily – not when he believes God himself has chosen him to exercise it.’
‘And when Henry dies?’ Nicholas asked quietly.
I thought of the shambling wreck I had seen in Whitehall Palace, the groaning figure winched upstairs. ‘The Supreme Headship must pass to his son.’
Barak agreed. ‘Nothing would ever shake Henry on his right – his duty, as he would see it – to bequeath the Supreme Headship to Prince Edward.’
Nicholas asked, ‘But how can a little boy, below the age of judgement, decide the correct path in religion?’
I answered, ‘They’ll have a Regent, or a Regency Council, until Edward comes of age. Probably the King will decide in his Will who will rule.’ And, I thought, it will not be the Parrs, if the Queen has fallen. ‘The council will exercise judgement on matters of religion on Edward’s behalf, I suppose, till he reaches his eighteenth year. It’s theological nonsense, of course, but that’s what they’ll do. No, Barak is right, if this Bertano is truly coming over, he won’t return with a sworn allegiance from Henry in his pocket.’ I considered. ‘But I have heard all sorts of things are happening in Europe. It is said the Pope is attempting a dialogue with some of the Protestants through his new Council of Trent. I wonder if Henry thinks some sort of compromise is on the cards.’
‘What sort of compromise?’ Barak asked impatiently. ‘Either the headship of the Church lies with the King or with the Pope. There’s no halfway house in between. If there was, someone would have proposed it years ago.’
Nicholas shook his head. ‘But perhaps the King thinks there may be some way to compromise, short of accepting papal allegiance. Perhaps Bertano has been sent to explore that? After all, the King has been keen this year to try and make peace everywhere . . .’
Yes, I thought, because he knows he is dying. I nodded. ‘You could be right, Nicholas. A good point.’
‘It’ll never happen,’ Barak said scoffingly.
‘But who was the spy in their group?’ I asked. ‘And who was he reporting to?’
‘It certainly wasn’t Leeman,’ Barak said. ‘He’s a true believer if ever there was one. Nor Myldmore; he knew nothing of Bertano or the Queen’s book. Greening and Elias were murdered. Vandersteyn – I doubt it, he’s crossed the Channel in triumph with Anne Askew’s manuscript. That leaves Curdy, who’s beyond questioning, and the Scotchman McKendrick, who’s still out there somewhere.’
‘And McKendrick was Curdy’s lodger.’ Nicholas knitted his brows. ‘It has to be one of them, or perhaps both.’
‘If it’s McKendrick,’ Barak said, ‘he’ll be running to his master at court by now. Whoever that is.’
‘Someone who’s working with the conservative faction,’ I said. ‘But who? Secretary Paget runs the official spy network. But each of the courtiers has their own network: the Duke of Norfolk, Rich and Wriothesley who have hitched themselves to Gardiner’s wagon.’
Nicholas asked, ‘You think Rich could have been involved with the theft of the Lamentation?’
I sighed. ‘Rich was after Anne Askew’s book, and he didn’t seem to know anything about the Lamentation. But you can never trust that snake.’
Barak said, ‘Whoever is holding it may indeed be ready to reveal it to the King when Bertano comes. For maximum impact. That could explain why it hasn’t already been made public.’
I shook my head. ‘I am sure these men would have done it already, to bend the King’s mind further against the reformers and towards making an arrangement with Bertano when he arrives. Use it to turn the wind against the reformers again as soon as possible.’
‘Then where is it?’ Barak asked angrily. ‘Who has it?’
‘God’s death, I don’t know!’ I pas
sed a hand over my brow.
‘Could McKendrick have it?’ Nicholas said thoughtfully. ‘If he was the spy, and was given the book by the thieves, then maybe – if he’s been on the run with the others – he hasn’t had time to hand it over to whoever he’s working for?’
‘But it’s been nearly a month,’ Barak answered.
I said, ‘It’s unlikely. But anything is possible. I’ll have to discuss it all with Lord Parr.’
‘Or . . .’ Nicholas said.
‘What?’
‘What if the spy was playing both ends? What if McKendrick – assuming it is him – was indeed working to some master at court, but kept his own beliefs, and made sure the Lamentation did not fall into the wrong hands? Perhaps he had it stolen, but kept it himself?’
‘It’s far-fetched, but it’s possible. Thank you, Nicholas.’ The boy looked pleased.
‘Now, Jack, it is late. Nicholas and I will wait here, but you must get back to Tamasin. Where did you tell her you were going tonight?’
‘Only that I was meeting old friends for a drink.’
‘But the taverns are long closed. She will be worried. And on your way back,’ I added, ‘remember those two killers are still out there, and that we were watched tonight. Be careful. Nicholas, will you stay here with me to guard Leeman until Lord Parr’s people return?’
‘You can trust me.’ He shook his head. ‘Leeman’s nothing but a rogue and a villain.’
I sighed. ‘He was doing what he believed was right.’
‘And that justifies all he has done?’ Nicholas answered hotly. ‘The betrayal, the bribery, this – chaos? The threat brought to the Queen by stealing her book?’
Barak turned to him, his tone indulgent. ‘He gets soft, Nick, it’s his way.’ He looked up to the top of the stairs. ‘But better have God’s true representative bound and gagged in case he starts shouting if the students come back. I’ll help you.’
Nicholas said with a sort of appalled admiration, ‘That Dutchman, Vandersteyn. He already has informers working on the Continent who found the information about Bertano. Meanwhile he is over here, recruiting fanatics who might be able to spy on those in high places in London.’
Barak said, ‘He knew the atmosphere here was seething with plots and religious discontent. Decided to come over and further his revolution in England, no doubt.’
‘And found Leeman, then Myldmore. Men with access to two sets of writings that could cause great stir.’ He shook his head. ‘He must truly think God is working through him.’
Barak snorted. ‘He got lucky. Twice. But not really lucky: it sounds as if what Anne Askew wrote would be damaging only to Wriothesley and Rich, and they’re not the top players. And releasing the Lamentation would do the radical cause more harm than good. But some in his group were too bone-headed to see that. If they’d found evidence that Gardiner had been in bed with a choirboy, say, that would’ve been real luck.’
I said, ‘Vandersteyn has probably been running schemes like this on the Continent for years. He was skilful in weeding out those among the radicals who might be of use to him.’
‘Not skilful enough to notice he had a spy in his midst,’ Barak said.
I nodded agreement. ‘No.’
LEEMAN WAS SITTING ON the side of the bed. He blinked in the light. ‘Are they here for me yet?’ he asked in a quiet voice, with a slight tremor. Being left alone in the darkness had given his fear time to grow.
‘No,’ I answered.
‘What will they do with me?’
‘You will be taken somewhere safe for now. I will tell them you have cooperated fully.’
He looked at me keenly. ‘Do you know, lawyer, I think perhaps you have it in you to see the light.’
‘Do you?’ I replied heavily.
‘Perhaps. Like me, you were brought up on lies and I think you see that. Read the New Testament, read Revelation. These are the last days before Christ’s return. It is foreordained.’
‘The Book of Revelation, is it? You and your people have found the key to that text?’ Anger spilled out of me. ‘You should know, Leeman, I once uncovered a killer who slaughtered several innocent people, who believed himself inspired by Revelation! I wish you could see the trail of blood and torture he left.’
Leeman did not answer. After a moment he asked, ‘Will you tell the Queen’s officials about Bertano?’
‘Yes.’
‘Then at least they will be warned.’
I looked at him. ‘They will undoubtedly want to question you further.’
He swallowed. ‘They will torture me, then kill me. I suppose I must prepare myself.’
‘You broke an oath to the Queen. Nonetheless, I shall plead with her for your sorry life. I am not even sure why.’
‘We’ll keep you with Nick to guard you for now, matey,’ Barak added in a matter-of-fact way. ‘I’m going to bind your hands together, so stretch them out. No trouble, or we’ll do it by force.’
Leeman put out his arms. Barak bound them tight with strips torn from Leeman’s own shirt. ‘Have to gag you as well, matey, though I know you love to gabble on. Nicholas’s fellow lodgers may be back sometime.’
‘Can I go to the jakes first?’ Leeman’s face reddened with embarrassment. ‘My guts trouble me.’
Barak looked at me. ‘Might as well,’ I said. Barak raised his eyebrows. I snapped impatiently, ‘We don’t want a mess in here. Where’s your jakes, Nicholas?’
‘Out the back, in the yard. But watch it’s not a trick. No noise, or I’ll knock you out again.’
‘We’ll all go, bring him back, then Jack will go home, while you and I – ’ I took a deep breath as I looked at Nicholas – ‘will wait with him for Lord Parr’s people.’
WE WENT BACK DOWNSTAIRS, Barak and Nicholas holding Leeman between them. He was almost as tall as Nicholas and broader, the build of a royal guard. But he gave no trouble. As we descended, a church clock somewhere struck one. ‘No sign of your friends,’ I said to Nicholas, relieved.
‘They probably won’t be back at all now; they’ll have fallen drunk in a corner.’
‘I remember those student birthday celebrations. A bit rowdy for me.’
‘There’s a surprise,’ Barak said warmly.
We opened a creaking door to the little backyard, where a ramshackle wooden shed stood in a corner of an untended garden, against a stone wall separating the students’ garden from the one next door. By the smell, the cesspit beneath badly needed emptying. Nicholas opened the wooden door, and we all stepped back at the stink from within. Barak said to Leeman, ‘Get in, then.’
He hesitated on the threshold, so powerful was the stench.
That hesitation killed him. There was a thunderous noise from the neighbouring garden, and a brief flash of light. In the second before Leeman crashed to the ground I saw, by the light of the lamp, that he had lost half his head. We stood there, shocked for a few seconds, then Nicholas threw me to the ground, just as there was a second flash and a bang, and the smell of smoke. Glancing aside I saw that Barak had also thrown himself down. He kicked over the lamp he had been holding and it went out, leaving us in almost total darkness. I smelled gunpowder in the air.
‘Quick!’ Barak whispered. ‘Back inside. Before he has time to reload. Nick, you know the way in the dark!’
Nicholas scrambled to his feet and, with his long body bent over, made for the back of the building, which was visible only as a slightly deeper darkness. Barak followed, and then I, biting my lip as a muscle in my back went. There was another bang, another flash, and something hit the wall ahead of us. Then I heard the door creak open, and Nicholas pushed me unceremoniously inside. Barak followed, kicking the door shut behind him. Outside dogs had begun to bark and someone in a neighbouring house, woken by the noise, shouted, ‘Hey! What’s going on?’
Nicholas led us to the front of the house and the shelter of the stairs. We stood in the darkness, breathing hard. I said, ‘What in hell – ?’
; ‘A gun,’ he answered. ‘An arquebus. I’ve seen them used in hunting. They’re deadly, but take an age to reload. Leeman – ?’
‘Dead,’ Barak answered flatly. ‘It took his head off. So we were followed here, by someone who brought an arquebus. Clever idea to post the assassin in next door’s garden; we were bound to come out to the jakes sooner or later. Great way of killing a person from a distance. There may be more of them out the front.’ He walked cautiously to the front door and peered through the keyhole. ‘Can’t see anyone. I’d guess it was Leeman they were after. To stop him talking to us.’
‘At least they failed there,’ Nicholas said defiantly.
‘Come on, back upstairs. Thank God we kept the window of your room shuttered.’
We returned to Nicholas’s room. ‘Sir,’ he said urgently, ‘it would be dangerous for Jack to go out now. There may be more of them waiting in the streets.’
Barak shook his head. ‘I should think they’ve run, now we’re safe indoors. But you’re right. We should all wait here till Lord Parr’s men come from Whitehall.’
‘But why didn’t they follow us in when we first arrived?’ Nicholas asked me.
‘Perhaps because they thought the house might be full of students, and they’d have a fight on their hands.’
‘Tamasin will be in a state,’ Barak said. ‘but it can’t be helped – ’ He broke off, staring at my neck. I put my hand to it. My fingers came away covered in sticky red-and-grey slime. At first I thought I had been hit, then I realized what it was: I was looking at Leeman’s brains.
