“It was a man,” Kate said, “We all saw him run away.”
“I don’t feel it’s the same man as who did the killings recently,” he said.
“Why not?” Sarah asked.
“They were done quietly without drawing attention to the killer. This one sounds like he was a lunatic, roaring and shouting for everyone to hear him, and early in the evening too in a full house,” Mullins explained. They were silent for a moment and all but Mary were probably thinking the same thing. “Could it have been Spencer?” Mullins asked. He had been in the loony bin after all until his escape and he’d painted Mary last year, showing an interest in her more than most people did. They all looked to her for her answer.
“I don’t think so,” she said, but also had to admit, “I couldn't be sure it wasn’t him though.”
“Probably best if you don’t spend any time on your own for a while, Mary,” he said, at least until Spencer is captured.
“He seemed so fine and normal when I visited him,” Mary said.
“Who?” Mullins asked.
“Spencer,” Mary said, “I went to see him in the hospital not a week ago. He says he didn’t commit any of the murders he admitted to and he wanted me to help him prove it.”
“How?”
“He wants me to get all the dates of the murder together so he can go through them and see if he has any alibi for those nights.”
Chapter 42
It had been a close shave the day before. Oliver Shandy’s ankle was swollen but he was not as hurt as he could have been. He still could not believe what he’d done in jumping from the roof of the house and did not understand how he was still alive at all. When he’d landed, he got straight up and ran for cover to the ditch that separated the field at the side of the house and the one that led to the ‘Outhouse.’ There he lay for a time watching the house, seeing Hodges on the roof looking around and James and Edwards running about on the ground circling the house. It became clear that no one had seen him leap. Looking at the height of the house from down there in the ditch, he felt sick at the thought of what he’d just done. If it had not been for the adrenaline bursting through him he would never have been able to do such a thing.
Now Shandy sat in his hut with Owens, resting and hoping not to be called upon to do anything strenuous for a while. Owens had been all talk about the Alderman nearly being killed and Shandy feigned total shock and disgust at the idea of attacking someone in that way. He did, however, also suggest that perhaps the gargoyle had simply come loose over the years and fell off after the storms of the last few days. Owens thought this was probable, but he also said the idea that it was the same person who killed Thompson could not be ruled out. Perhaps James is getting close to him, Owens said.
This was something Shandy could not comment on; he didn’t know what the Alderman thought about the Thompson killing. He wondered if he’d made any progress at all or had anyone in mind for it. It was something Shandy wouldn’t mind having solved before James died if it came to it.
There came a light tap on the door and Shandy got up and answered. He was surprised to see the maid Lisa standing there.
“Is Mr Owens here?” she asked.
“Yes, I’m here,” Owens said coming up behind and crowding Shandy at the doorway. Shandy stepped aside and let the eager man through. ‘He must have a fancy for her, he’s acting so pathetic’ Shandy thought watching Owens' display. “What can I do for you Miss?” Owens asked.
“The Alderman is looking for you down at the house, you are to go down there immediately,” Lisa said.
“I see,” Owens said. He turned and took up his coat and Shandy couldn't help but notice Lisa step into the hut as he did this.
“You’re to meet him at the front steps,” she said to Owens and then ushered him out the door. He looked for a moment as though he expected her to walk with him but she stood firm. “Don’t wait,” she said, “He’s waiting.” With a mild look of disappointment on his face, Owens turned and started to walk towards the house. Lisa closed the door.
Shandy regarded her with suspicion; she’d never come in to his hut like this before. In fact, Lisa was very rarely in the ‘Outhouse’ at all. She was a favourite of the Lord and lived in the servant’s quarters in the house itself.
“What is it?” he asked her getting to the point. Without warning and with great speed Lisa was suddenly upon him, grabbing his shirtfront and slamming him hard against the wall.
“I know it was you who tried to kill the Alderman!” she spat. Though she was stronger than he would have ever thought, she was still no match for Shandy and he pushed back against her, taking her by the wrists and removing her hand from his clothes.
“What in hell are you talking about?” he growled.
“Don’t come the innocent with me,” she said, “I saw you skulk into the ditch yesterday hiding like a scared little fox.” There was a mean streak to her that he had never known about but he was seeing it now.
“I wasn’t even here yesterday!” he shot back.
“I saw you!” she said struggling free of his grip. She was determined, he could see that, and he thought for a moment that he might have to kill her to keep her quiet about what she’d seen, but something told him that wouldn’t work out well for him. People knew she was here and she’d raise some ruckus if he tried anything with her. He let go and stumbled back a few steps. They stood on opposite sides of the room, staring at one another.
“What are you going to do?” he asked her.
“That depends on you,” she answered.
“Meaning what?”
“I don’t know yet,” she said, “But I’m going to keep quiet about what I saw for now.”
“In return for?” he asked.
“I’ll tell you what I want from you when I want it. You just be ready to do whatever I ask.”
“And if I don’t?”
“I’ll go to Stapleton about what I saw,” she answered flatly. They were silent again and then he asked her,
“Why do you care what happens to James?”
“I want to get out of here; I want a job from him in Dublin.”
“I can get you to Dublin; you could find a job anywhere up there.”
“Why did you try to kill him?” she asked.
“He had my brother shot in the army,” Shandy answered. He saw the look of surprise in her eyes for a moment and got some satisfaction from that at least.
“That’s understandable, I suppose,” she said. “But wait until he is back in Dublin and I am working for him. At least then I could get something else from whoever takes over his house.”
“I don’t think I have a choice now do I?” he said. James was going to be on his guard now; there was no doubt about that. Shandy has missed his chance. For the time being.
Chapter 43
Mary walked on Winetavern Street, her basket of potatoes held in front of her. It had been a brisk morning and this was her third basket of the day already. People had been going out and getting what they needed early recently so as to be home long before darkness fell. It seemed that more people than ever had learned the lesson the murders in Dublin had taught them over the last few years. This suited Mary as it meant she could have a good day and still be back at the stall with Sarah early in the day. Just as she decided to start working her way back to Templebar, she heard her name whispered from a doorway nearby.
Mary froze in terror. The only thing she could think was that this was the man who had tried to come after her with an axe a few days previous.
“It’s me,” the voice said and now she recognised it as Colonel Spencer. She looked at the doorway which was only open a crack and saw his tired face. She was about to say something when he said, “Don’t make much noise, come over and pretend to be selling me some potatoes.” Mary looked around and walked over to the building. Spencer smiled at her.
“It’s good to see you, Mary,” he said.
“What are you doing here?” she asked look
ing the doorway up and down; she assumed he must be renting a room here under some false name.
“I can’t leave Dublin without clearing my name or I’ll never be free a day in my life,” he said.
“Everyone is looking out for you,” she whispered taking some potatoes in to her hand and passing them to him. “They all think you have killed more people.”
“I know,” he said his face downcast, “I’ve heard already.”
“You shouldn’t have run away from the hospital,” she said.
“I know that too, it was a stupid spur of the moment decision, but hopefully it will all work out for the best. Did you manage to get my diary?” he asked her. Mary blushed,
“No,” she admitted, “I went to the house a couple of times, I even found the key, but I was too afraid each time to go inside on my own.” Spencer nodded,
“I understand,” he said. “Do you have the key with you?” She shook her head. “Can we arrange to meet somewhere for me to get it from you?” Mary thought about this a moment and didn’t like the idea of coming out after dark—as it would have to be—to meet him for this task.
“It’s in a house I don’t live in at the moment,” she said. At this, he looked alarmed,
“Will you be able to get it?” he asked.
“Oh yes, in fact...” she stopped and made a decision of her own on the spur of the moment. “If you have any belongings in there, get them and come with me,” she said.
“Where?”
“I have a place where you can stay that will be safer for you. You will be on your own there and it’s the same place your key is right now.”
“I have nothing but the clothes on my back,” he said. Mary looked up and down the street to be sure no soldiers were around.
“Come on, we can be there in ten or fifteen minutes,” she said. Spencer hesitated a moment and then came out into the daylight beside her.
They set off at once without a word towards the river. Mary was rushing and her heart pounded in her chest as she moved. What would Kate and Sarah think if they knew what she was doing? It suddenly excited her and she smiled when she thought, ‘What would Mullins say if he knew what I was doing!’
“Where are we going?” Spencer asked nervously when he saw they were crossing to the North side of the river. That was where the rich of the city generally lived and he was much more likely to be recognised there than the Southside.
“Don’t worry,” Mary said anticipating what he was thinking, “We’re only going to those buildings down there,” she pointed.
They rushed along the quays and soon came to the building in question. Mary opened the front door and led him up the stairs to the room. The large hole in the door greeted her with surprise; she didn’t know why she assumed someone would have fixed it by now.
“What happened here?” Spencer asked running his fingers over the splintered rim of the hole.
“Never mind, get inside,” she whispered. Spencer did as he was told.
As soon as he was inside he looked around and turning back to Mary said,
“This place is very familiar; I think I may have been in here before.”
For a moment, Mary thought this was nonsense but then recalled who owned the place and knew that it was very likely Spencer had been here before.
“Mr Edwards owns this building,” she said.
“Edwards!” Spencer said with alarm.
“Don’t worry he doesn’t come here.”
“Why are you living here?” Spencer asked warily.
“Never mind that,” she said going to get the key to the servant’s entrance to Spencer’s old house. “It’s a long story,” she said as she popped the key into his hand.
“You’re sure he won’t come here?” Spencer asked speaking of Edwards.
“Hasn’t since I’ve been here,” Mary said. “Just keep to yourself here and you’ll be fine.”
“I’ll wait until dark and then go to the house for the diary,” he said.
“Do you think that’s a good idea?” Mary asked looking at him with concern.
“When else could I do it?”
“Perhaps daytime would be better. Someone may see you but during the day it’s likely no one would bat an eyelid.”
“Whereas at night, it would look suspicious,” he finished her thought nodding in agreement.
“Who knows what might happen if you were found prowling around at night,” she added, “There would be no clearing your name then.”
Chapter 44
Though James had been shaken at first by the suspected attack on his life, he’d been through so much in the last few years that it didn’t stay with him for long. He thought of it as a suspected attack as there was no sign of a way someone could have gotten to the roof and some of the remaining gargoyles and busts were not well cemented to their bases either. It was possible it had been an accident after all. Still, on the chance it had been purposeful he was going to keep his wits about him.
That evening, he met Daniel Deek in the hallway on the way to dinner. They had not seen one another all day as Deek had not dined for lunch at the hall but had been out exploring the area on his large black horse.
“I hear you had a scare this morning, Mr James,” Deek said as they shook hands.
“A near miss to be sure,” James said trying to sound like he was brushing it off.
“Still, you are lucky to be alive,” Deek said and he nodded down the hall.
“Yes, very lucky,” James said following the nod. Lisa was farther down the hall cleaning a large mirror. “She saved my life,” he added on seeing her. Once more, he couldn't help but admire her beauty as he looked upon her.
“Do you think your life was spared for a reason?” Deek asked.
“I don’t get your meaning?” James said looking at him.
“Perhaps it is planned for you to do something later in life, something bigger than what you have done before?”
“God’s plan, you mean?” James asked. He could see that Deek was seriously asking and that he was not making fun of James. Though he had made his own belief's clear on the night of his arrival, Deek has shown nothing but genuine interest and respect for the beliefs held by others.
“Yes,” Deek said.
“That is something I won’t know myself until it either happens or it doesn’t,” James answered. He looked down to Lisa again and saw her move a large bookcase with only the use of one leg. He thought it remarkable she could be so strong like that, it looked like it had taken no effort at all, but then he considered all of these servants and house people probably possessed great strength from working manually all day every day.
“That uncertainty must be difficult,” Deek said as they started walking again towards the dining room.
“Is there any more certainty in your own beliefs, Mr Deek?” James asked.
“The only certainty in my view of the Devil is that everything will come down to either his will or his entertainment.”
“You think the Devil does evil for fun?”
“Very much so,” Deek replied, “I think that is the root cause of why there is so much evil in the world. He wants to see what we will do next!”
“That does not sound like a world worth contemplating,” James said in a haughty tone.
“Is the world you live in much different to this?”
“The world I live in is nothing like this,” James said, “Man has been given free will by God, and only man can do the evil that will lead him astray from heaven.”
“But your faith tells you the Devil is real does it not? What part does he play in all of this?”
“He plays the part of instigator and leader astray,” James said. Deek nodded at this.
“That is certainly part of it, I think,” he said.
They were outside the dining room now and they had stopped once more.
“Do you think the Devil has a plan for us all?” James asked.
“No,” Deek said with confidence. “The De
vil I have followed this far is capricious, vengeful and cruel, those are not the hallmarks of a being with a complicated plan.”
“So it goes back to his own entertainment again?”
“Not so,” Deek smiled, “I don’t think the Devil created the world, but I think he’s been doing his best to try to control it for as long as history.”
“But to no avail so far?”
“I think the tide may be turning in his direction,” Deek said though he did not look joyous at the prospect.
“I can’t deny the rise in evil I myself have seen these last ten years,” James conceded, “But in that time I have seen no diminishment in the amount of good either.” Deek shrugged at this,
“I suppose it may be a point of view as to what one sees as either good or bad.”
“I think the two are clearly demarcated,” James said.
“You think so?” Deek pressed and James nodded,
“I do.”
“Take your friend, Mr Edwards,” Deek said, “He is a ‘good’ man, no?” James looked at Deek firmly, wondering where he was going with this.
“You don’t think so?” he counter questioned.
“I don’t say that,” Deek said, “But I see something in him, something dark.” James couldn’t argue with this. He knew of plenty of amoral things Edwards had done over the years but for some reason he felt compelled to come to Edwards’ defence.
“I have never noticed anything ‘dark’ about him,” James said.
“Perhaps I am mistaken,” Deek said with a bow, “I have offended you?”
“No, not at all,” James said. He felt foolish now for what he’d done. In a reversed position, James had no doubt Edwards would not have done the same for him.
“Forgive me, I shall not bring it up again, Mr James,” Deek said.
“There’s no need to apologize,” James assured him and put his hands out for Deek to enter the room first. Perhaps if there were more people in the world like Daniel Deek, Edwards wouldn't have such an easy time of things getting his own sinister ways, James thought. He looked down the hall one last time in the hope of seeing Lisa before going inside, but she was gone. He sighed and entered the dining room.
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