Dark Fire

  ‘Let us go, Barak,’ I said quietly, nudging him to the front door.

  WE WENT HOME. Though I felt light-headed and kept having to pause I prepared a statement for Forbizer and had Barak, who was in little better case, do the same. Reading his statement over, I was surprised at how neatly and fluently he wrote; the monks’ school had taught him well and no doubt he had needed writing for all the reports he must have sent to Cromwell. Afterwards we ate and then, for a second night, went wearily up to bed to sleep like stones.

  NEXT MORNING there was no further word from Cromwell. It was the tenth of June, the day of reckoning. As we breakfasted I looked out of the window. It was still cloudy and a little misty. The demonstration before the king would have been today. Greek Fire would have made a more extraordinary spectacle than ever on such a grey, wet morning.

  ‘Time to go,’ Barak said. ‘Are you fit?’

  ‘Just about. A little trembling and dryness of the throat is all.’ I forced myself to my feet. ‘Come on. We don’t want to be late today of all days.’

  At the Old Bailey everything was ready. Parsloe, the constable and three anxious-looking Wentworth servants were waiting in the outer hall; Parsloe had a collection of statements for me to look over. Joseph stood next to him, still pale though more composed than yesterday. For him, this was indeed a Pyrrhic victory.

  I took his arm. ‘Are you ready, Joseph?’

  ‘Ay. Edwin was unable to come, he is in a bad state.’

  ‘I understand. And he was not there yesterday, he has no direct evidence to give.’

  ‘I stayed with him last night. I think he will forgive me. I am all he has now.’

  I nodded. ‘He could have no greater support.’

  ‘I may see if I can get him to come to the farm with me. I shall go back there with Elizabeth. It will be a familiar place for both of them, with some happy associations at least.’

  ‘Yes. And it may be better to leave London. The pamphleteers will be busy again once this news is out, pox on their jeering cruelty.’ I turned to Parsloe. ‘Are we in open court with the rest of the cases?’

  He shook his head. ‘No. I have seen the judge. As it is simply a matter of Elizabeth’s discharge he will see us in his chambers when we are all here.’

  I took a deep breath. ‘Then let’s get it over. There’s his clerk.’ I looked over to where Forbizer’s plump assistant was bustling about. I remembered the day he had brought me the news of the judge’s change of mind, just before Barak had shouldered his way into my life.

  Parsloe, Joseph and Barak accompanied me to the judge’s chambers. Forbizer sat, already swathed in his red robe, behind a desk stacked neatly with papers. He looked at us coldly, his eyes lingering on Barak for a moment, then reached out and snapped his fingers.

  ‘The statements.’

  I handed them to him. Forbizer read them though, his face expressionless, occasionally pausing to frown and check something. It was all a charade, I knew, he had already heard the story from Parsloe and there was no alternative but to release Elizabeth now. At length he laid down the statements, straightening them so the edges were all in line, and grunted.

  ‘So she was innocent after all,’ he said.

  ‘Yes,’ I replied.

  ‘She should still have been pressed,’ he said coldly. ‘That was the correct sentence for a refusal to plead, that would have been justice.’ He stroked his grey beard reflectively. ‘I have been considering whether to sentence her to some more time in the Hole for her contempt of court.’ He looked at Joseph, whom I saw pale. I could not suppress a frown; this was sheer cruelty, revenge for the pressure Barak had put on him. Forbizer shrugged. ‘But I have a busy enough assize this morning without bringing her back into court. I will let her go. At least until the rest of her family are tried - she will need to be a witness then.’

  ‘Thank you, your honour,’ I said quietly.

  Forbizer drew a paper to him and I saw an order of release had already been drawn. He signed it, his lip curling over his beard again in that revolting gesture of contempt, then flicked it across the table to me.

  ‘There you are, Brother Shardlake.’ I reached to take it but he placed two fingers on the edge. I looked into his eyes. They were cold and angry.

  ‘Do not cross me again, Brother,’ he said quietly, ‘or, whatever political connections you might have, I shall make your life a very hell.’ He lifted his fingers and I took the order, rose and bowed. We filed silently out of the room. , Outside, Parsloe shook his head wonderingly. ‘You’d think he would be glad to see an injustice righted, a girl saved from a cruel death. But he’s an odd fellow.’

  ‘The arsehole didn’t like having his authority overruled,’ Barak said. He had sat down on a bench. He still looked weak and pale. I was glad to sit beside him.

  ‘How overruled?’ Parsloe frowned at us. ‘And what did he mean by political connections?’

  ‘Jesu knows,’ I said hastily. ‘Well, Master Parsloe, I am most grateful for your help. We must not keep you.’

  The magistrate turned away. I gave Barak a look. ‘You nearly had me in trouble there. Parsloe’s an old gossip, if you’d told him you’d brought an order from Cromwell to save Elizabeth, that story would be on a hundred pamphlets by tomorrow and Forbizer would be making my life hell as he promised. Though he’ll do his best to achieve that anyway if I ever come before him again,’ I added gloomily.

  ‘Not my fault lawyers are all such gossips. Besides, I’m knackered. I should be in bed.’

  ‘But sir,’ Joseph asked, frowning, ‘what did he mean about political influence?’

  I hesitated. But Joseph had a right to know, if anyone did. ‘Barak and I have been involved in a—a case for Lord Cromwell. It was very important, that was why I had so little time to give Elizabeth. It was his influence made Forbizer grant Elizabeth that stay. But, please, you must tell no one.’

  He nodded. ‘I will not, sir.’ He shook his head. ‘The earl. God bless him, God bless all the reforms he has brought.’

  I handed him the order. ‘There, take that to Newgate and Elizabeth will be released. Would you like us to come with you?’

  He smiled. ‘This is something I would rather do alone, sir. If you do not mind.’

  ‘I understand.’

  Barak and I watched as he left the Bailey, the precious document held carefully in his hand.

  ‘Well,’ I said, ‘it’s all over. What do you want to do now? I must go to Lincoln’s Inn, to catch up on business.’ I studied him, realizing, now that the parting of our ways was near, that for all his innumerable annoying habits I should miss him.

  ‘Might I come with you to Chancery Lane?’ he asked diffidently. ‘I won’t be able to sleep again, or settle to anything, until I hear from the earl.’

  ‘Very well. I feel the same.’

  ‘I wish there was some news.’

  ‘Maybe there is a letter at Lincoln’s Inn. We should go and see.’

  He studied me. ‘You did want the earl to win, didn’t you? Always you call him Cromwell, and with such an edge on your voice sometimes.’

  ‘Yes. I didn’t want him to have Greek Fire but I don’t want him overthrown. Norfolk would be a worse master. So I’m not quite like Lady Honor, who doesn’t much care either way.’ I hesitated. ‘I suspected her, you know, there in the warehouse. When they mentioned an aristocrat being behind all this. When Norfolk came in it was almost a relief.’ I sighed. ‘I wish I could have found the answer sooner. Saved some of those lives.’

  ‘Two of us against those ravening beasts of Norfolk’s? It’s a wonder we’re even alive. You should take more credit. For that and for bringing justice to Elizabeth.’

  ‘Perhaps.’

  We both looked round at the chilling sound of chains scraping along the floor. Another trail of ragged felons was led across the hall, dirty and trembling, accompanied by frowning constables. We smelt the gaol’s reek as they passed, then the courthouse door closed behind them. We
stood silently a moment. I thought of the hanging cart, of justice and injustice and how the two were not always easy to tell apart. Then we turned and went slowly out to the street, glad to be out of that place.

  AT CHANCERY LANE there was no message from Cromwell. Skelly was at his copying, still peering painfully at his papers but with less of an anxious air now. Godfrey, though, was gone. I went into his office to find a pile of papers stacked neatly on his desk, a note addressed to me on top.

  Please take custody of my cases, I know you will serve my clients well. I will send to you telling where to remit such fees as are due to me. Some friends and I are going to preach the Word of God in the towns, though we must take care of the magistrates; I had better not say where for now. Your brother, in the law and in Christ,

  Godfrey Wheelwright

  I sighed. ‘So that’s that,’ I said. I looked through the cases. Everything was meticulously in order, notes left for me summarizing what needed to be done. Then I went through to the outer office. Barak was sitting looking out of the window, his face gloomy. I sat beside him; my legs were still tired. I felt a spurt of irritation at Cromwell for keeping us waiting. But Barak was right, we were small fry.

  ‘That arsehole’s here,’ he said, nodding to where Stephen Bealknap was crossing the quadrangle. He looked tense, his thin shoulders hunched. He stopped at some noise, casting a fearful glance around him.

  I laughed. ‘Let us put him out of his misery.’

  Barak accompanied me into the courtyard. Seeing us, Bealknap hastened over. ‘Brother Shardlake, is there any news?’ There was a look of appeal in the rogue’s pale eyes.

  ‘You need fear no more, Bealknap,’ I said with a smile. ‘The issue of Greek Fire is settled. You are quite safe.’

  His shoulders relaxed and he sighed with relief. ‘What happened?’ he asked, his eyes suddenly eager with curiosity. ‘Who was behind it all? Does Lord Cromwell have Greek Fire?’

  I raised a hand. ‘Those matters remain confidential, Brother. All I can say is that you may resume your normal life in safety.’

  His eyes narrowed. ‘And the case about my houses? You’ll be dropping that now you know of Sir Richard’s interest?’ I reflected it had taken no more than a minute for Bealknap’s predatory instincts to reassert themselves.

  ‘Why, no,’ I replied. ‘I am still instructed by the Common Council. I shall be going to Chancery.’ And Cromwell, I gambled, would not stand in my way. He owed me too much.

  Bealknap drew himself up, frowning. ‘You would take a fellow barrister to court! That is dishonourable - I shall make sure it is known. Brother, you do not need to do this,’ he added in sudden exasperation. ‘The system works to all our advantage and there is much gold to be made with little effort if one chooses the easy path.’

  I thought of those hovels, the people made to use that stinking cesspit, the neighbouring houses spoiled. And all the houses like it, mushrooming all over London from the shells of the old monasteries.

  ‘You are a son of sin and death, Bealknap,’ I said. ‘And I shall fight you every way I can.’

  I turned as Barak nudged my arm. A man was running towards us from the gate, red-faced. It was Joseph. He reached us and stopped, taking deep whooping breaths. I felt a terrible apprehension.

  ‘Elizabeth—’ I asked.

  He shook his head. ‘She is safe at my lodgings. But in the City, I heard—’

  ‘What?’

  He took a shuddering breath. ‘Lord Cromwell has fallen!’

  ‘What!’

  ‘It has just been announced. He was arrested at the council table early this morning, for treason. He is taken to the Tower. They say his goods have been seized, you know what that means.’

  ‘Attainder,’ I said. My lips felt heavy, bloodless. ‘He’ll be condemned unheard.’

  ‘They say the Duke of Norfolk himself ripped the seal of office from his neck. Arrested at the council table itself! All his associates are being arrested too, Wyatt’s been taken!’

  I took Joseph’s shoulder and led him away. Bealknap stood goggle-eyed for a moment, then turned and hastened to the hall to spread the news.

  ‘I thought you should know at once, sir.’ Joseph said. ‘After what you told me this morning, I thought - you may be in danger—’

  I turned to Barak. ‘But our message! Grey said he had it. It should be Norfolk that’s arrested—’

  ‘Master Grey?’ Joseph asked. ‘The earl’s secretary?’

  ‘Yes. What of him?’

  ‘They’re saying he’s turned his coat, given evidence against the earl. Half his people have. And no one stood in his favour at the council, not even Cranmer.’ He clenched his fists. ‘The rogues.’

  ‘Grey!’ Barak whispered. ‘The bastard. He never even gave the message to Hanfold. It was him all along, feeding news of our doings to our enemies.’

  ‘I’ve known Grey years.’ I laughed bitterly. ‘I thought it couldn’t possibly be him, but oh, Barak, when we were wondering who was working against us we should have thought of someone at the court, someone in that great cesspit.’ I leaned against the wall, overcome. ‘We’ve failed after all. And Norfolk’s won.’

  Barak looked at me intently. ‘And we’re in the shit.’

  Chapter Forty-seven

  ARE YOU QUITE SURE of this?’ I asked Joseph. My heart was racing almost as hard as when I had taken the poison.

  ‘Yes. It was the talk of the streets when I left Newgate.’ He bit his lip. ‘It is terrible.’

  ‘What was the mood?’

  ‘Most seemed pleased, saying they were glad the earl had gone. After all he has done for true religion. But others were frightened, wondering what would happen now.’

  ‘Any word of the Duke of Norfolk?’

  ‘No, none.’

  I looked at Barak. ‘So he hasn’t been given Cromwell’s place, or not yet.’

  ‘Treason,’ Joseph said incredulously. ‘What could that mean, treason? No one could have served the king more faithfully—’

  ‘It’s just an excuse,’ I said bitterly. ‘An excuse to get him out of the way, bundle him into the Tower. If he’s attainted before parliament there won’t need to be a trial.’

  ‘He’s fallen off the tightrope of the king’s pleasure at last,’ Barak said, more slowly and seriously than I had ever heard him speak. ‘He always feared he would. But he didn’t see the end coming; in the end that little shit Grey saw how the wind was blowing more clearly than my master.’ He looked at me seriously. His face was pale, he was shocked, but he kept a clear mind. ‘We have to get out of here,’ he said quickly, ‘both of us. If they’re arresting the earl’s associates, it would be the ideal opportunity for Norfolk to put us out of the way before we tell any tales.’

  ‘Tales?’ Joseph asked. ‘What tales?’

  ‘Better you don’t know,’ I replied. I stared out of the window at the gatehouse, imagining riders coming through the gates and leading us away too, to the Tower. But more likely it would be a knife thrust in the dark from some ruffian like Toky. I turned back to Barak.

  ‘You’re right, Jack, it’s not safe for us in London. Grey. By God - he started as a lawyer.’

  ‘And learned to dissemble.’ Barak frowned. ‘Why didn’t he kill Kytchyn and Goodwife Gristwood? He knew where they were.’

  ‘He was almost the only one who did. If they’d been killed the trail would have led back to him. Besides, they’d told us all they knew. I hope they will be safe now, given what they know too.’

  Barak shook his head. ‘We can’t hang around to find out.’

  ‘But where will you both go?’ Joseph asked.

  ‘I’ve got people who’ll keep me safe over in Essex,’ Barak replied. He turned to me. ‘You could go to your father’s place - at Lichfield isn’t it?’

  I nodded. ‘Yes, that’s safest. It looks like I will have a sojourn in the country after all. Joseph, you should leave. Better you are not seen with us.’

  Joseph was
looking at the gate, where a messenger in the king’s livery was dismounting. He ran across the courtyard to the hall. ‘They’re bringing the news to the lawyers,’ I said.

  ‘I’m off,’ Barak said.

  ‘Are you fit enough?’

  ‘Ay.’

  He stared at me with those keen dark eyes, then reached out and shook my hand. To my surprise his eyes were moist. ‘We gave them a good run, eh?’ he said. ‘We did all we could?’

  I returned his grip. ‘Yes. We did. Thank you, Barak, for everything.’

  He nodded, then turned and walked rapidly away across the yard, pulling his cap down low. The messenger had disappeared into the chapel. I felt alone, unprotected. I sat down again.

  ‘Are you truly in danger, Master Shardlake?’ Joseph asked quietly.

  ‘I could be. I shall leave now, go home and pack some things, then ride out. There is just one visit I have to make before I go.’ I shook his hand. ‘Go, Joseph, now. Take Elizabeth and your brother to Essex.’

  He shook my hand firmly. ‘Thank you, sir, for everything. I shall never forget what you have done.’

  I nodded. I could think of no words.

  ‘If anyone asks, I’ll say I don’t know where you’ve gone.’

  ‘That would be best. Thank you, Joseph.’

  A bell began ringing through the misty morning, calling the members of the Inn to hear the news. A puzzled throng of lawyers appeared, crossing to the chapel. I saw Bealknap darting among them, announcing the news, his face flushed with pleasure at knowing before everyone else. I stood a moment, gathering all the reserves of strength I had left, then went back to my chambers.

  I LEFT SKELLY SOME money and instructions to refer Godfrey’s and my cases to barristers I trusted with the work. I told him I did not know how long I would be away. Then I slipped out while everyone was in the chapel and walked quickly home. Joan was out; she had taken Simon with her on some errand. The house was still and empty in the quiet morning. I was glad I did not have to explain this latest disruption to her.

  I took some money from the store in my room, leaving the rest for her with a note. Then I went out to the stable. Barak’s mare Sukey was already gone, but Genesis was standing quietly in his stall. I patted him. ‘Well, I think we may be stuck with each other. Lord Cromwell will not be wanting you back.’