A Malevolent Manner (Patrick Pierce #1)

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  “It’s been four days, and still no word.”

  “Do not trouble yourself my dear, I’m not.”

  “I just think we should have received news from your men by now.”

  “We are in the middle of a subtle game Jane. Unnecessary haste could undermine our plans,” explained Lord Lodge. “I’m sure my men could have gotten word to us the first morning of our stay here. However Cleaver would have discovered this just as quickly. I’d rather have no news than have him wise to our plans.”

  The pair were taking their regular walk around the grounds of the Crows Nest. The gated courtyard at the entrance to the cliff side lodge was the only place to easily walk around. They stopped by a railing that protected residents from a precipitous drop.

  “I’ve had very little luck with the Hobarts,” reported Jane gloomily, as she looked out over the valley below and the sea beyond. It should have been a wondrous and inspiring sight. Indeed many visitors to the Crows Nest found the view breathtaking. But to Jane the empty expanse of land from this prison view was disheartening.

  “What of the groundskeepers?” inquired Lodge.

  “I’ve only talked to two of them,” she answered. “One is a possible. The other could probably be convinced; however he seems so dim he might be more of a liability. The others are returning tonight, so I should know better by tomorrow.”

  “Very good, that’s better than I had expected.” Turning from the view towards the building he continued. “However, we must keep in mind that they all work for Cleaver and are reporting to him directly.”

  “If that’s the case,” she asked weakly, “what chance do we have.”

  “A very good one I believe,” he answered heartily. “We have some time before Dinner, shall we continue with your studies?”

  Jane lit up hearing this and she nodded enthusiastically. Since they could not leave the grounds, and were the only visitors, Lord Lodge had decided to use the library to extend Jane’s education. Though extremely clever and very intelligent, her formal education was incomplete. Lord Lodge found her appetite for knowledge a perfect way to spend their time.

  “I had planned on continuing with Plato,” said Lodge as they approached the main doors. “But under the circumstances, a change might be in order. Please fetch The Prince by Machiavelli from the library. It should prove more instructive under the circumstances.”

  Chapter 12