Tombland

‘He said something about going to talk to a friend for a moment. He likes to talk when he gets the chance, does Edward.’ Her face became sad. ‘Usually about how the commons are oppressed. He took our being thrown out of our home by Master Henning’s children hard. People can be cruel.’ She smiled wanly. ‘But you know that, sir, you knew my father.’

‘Yes,’ I agreed sadly.

‘I am sorry Edward was rude to you yesterday. You must understand, he feels so bad that he cannot properly provide for us. He’s a good man, he cares much for me and Mousy.’

‘I see that.’ Mousy’s name reminded me of the heath, and I stared up at the dark escarpment beyond the river. A light shone at the top, no doubt some caretaker now living in the Earl of Surrey’s old mansion.

Josephine said, ‘I have been thinking of suggesting to Edward that we return to London. We might have a chance of getting work in service there. Perhaps – perhaps you could even help us –’

‘If that is what you both want, I will—’

At that moment Edward returned, looking round at us cheerfully. ‘Ah, more drinks,’ he said with a smile that seemed slightly forced. ‘Let us have a toast. To Master Shardlake, for bringing old friends together.’

* * *

WE LEFT THE Blue Boar at nine, saying we had an appointment. Edward and Josephine accompanied us as far as Tombland, then headed off to the south. We entered the Maid’s Head and went up to my room. I asked a servant to lend us a horn-lamp. The innkeeper, Master Theobald, was passing and gave us a strange look, noticing the swords we carried and our lowly costume.

Toby, meticulous as ever, produced a sketch map of northern Norwich. ‘The cockpit is up at St Martin’s Lane, north of the river. To get back to their grandfather’s the twins will be coming along Colgate, then down to Blackfriars Bridge. There’ll be nobody about at that time, though the watch will be on duty. There are many little yards north of the bridge. I suggest we wait in one for when they pass, then step out after them, follow them a little way, then ask to talk to them. Hopefully, they’ll see they’re outnumbered, and won’t want a fight. And then, Master Shardlake, you can ask them what you want.’

‘What if they have friends with them?’ Nicholas asked Toby.

‘From what I’ve heard of the gentlemanly young thugs they mix with, if there’s a crew of them, we’ll have to call it off. But as they’re coming back early, it’s unlikely.’

Barak smiled, hefting his sword with his good hand. ‘It’s like the old days, when I worked for Master Cromwell.’

‘No it isn’t,’ I answered seriously. ‘We stay strictly on the defensive, unless there’s no alternative.’

Chapter Twenty-four

We set out for the district of Coslany, or Cosny, as Toby called it, crossing Blackfriars Bridge. The area beyond was much poorer, with a rotten smell in the air which Toby told us came from tanneries. But it was still light, Midsummer Day only a little way off. Once we were stopped by a pair of patrolling constables, their suspicions aroused by three men with swords, but although the others had kept the clothes they wore at the Blue Boar, I had put on my robe at the inn and was able to get us through by saying I was on a visit to a dying client and needed protection in this poor area. Barak was strolling along confidently but I wondered how well he could use a sword with his left hand.

Toby led us up what he told us was Oak Street. The buildings were mainly old courtyard houses. The courtyards were empty and dim. It was one of these which Toby selected, with a short passage leading into it under an arch. We stood in the yard, which smelled of piss. Toby hid the lamp behind a water-barrel, and I sat uncomfortably on its lip, for my back hurt.

A little group of gentlemanly revellers passed by soon after, but the twins were not among them. But then, shortly after, we heard more footsteps, and a pair of familiar, identical voices.

‘That big cock with the spurs was quite a fellow, wasn’t he?’

‘See the other one? Didn’t know there was so much blood in a bird.’

There was laughter, and then a familiar pair of stocky figures, walking shoulder to shoulder, swords at their belts, passed the entrance. After a moment we stepped out quietly behind them.

The twins were, though, sharp as cats. They looked round immediately, putting their hands to their swords. Gerald laughed, ‘Fuck me, Barney, it’s the leeching lawyers again. What’s that they’ve got with them, another cripple?’ Without hesitation, they drew their swords from their scabbards. An old woman bent under the weight of a pile of faggots quickly crossed to the other side of the road. Toby and Nicholas had put their hands to their swords, but had not drawn them.

‘What d’you want, bent-back?’ Barnabas asked. ‘How did you know we were here?’

‘Your grandfather said you’d be at the cockfighting, and coming home early.’

They looked at each other. ‘Granfer told you we’d be here?’ Barnabas asked, unbelieving.