I closed my eyes at the memory of the sudden stillness in Chancery’s eyes. He had died of shock as much as loss of blood and I blamed myself; for days I had ridden him beyond endurance through London in the heat. The poor old horse, with his quiet gentle ways. Young Simon wept when I told him Chancery was dead. I had not realized the boy was so fond of him; he had seemed more taken with Barak’s mare.
I remembered the day I bought Chancery. I had been eighteen, not long in London, and he was the first horse I had bought for myself. I remembered how proud I had been as I led the pretty white creature with the broad hooves from the stables, how gentle he had been from the start. I had promised myself I would put him out to grass, but now he would never enjoy those last years in the orchard behind my garden. Tears formed at the corners of my eyes again. I wiped them away.
There was a cough at my elbow and I turned to find Barak, looking hot and dusty.
‘What’s happened? The boy tells me your horse has died.’
I told Barak of the attack. He frowned as he sat beside me. ‘Shit, that’s more bad news for the earl tomorrow. How did they know you were going there?’ He thought a moment. ‘It was Bealknap’s property. That’points to him.’
I shook my head. ‘Bealknap had no idea I was going there today. No, I think Toky was following me again. I wasn’t looking round me as I should, I was careless. I had an - an - encounter with Sir Edwin Wentworth at the Guildhall. They knew who you are,’ I added. ‘They know you have been looking for them.’
‘Word’s got around.’ He shook his head. ‘What did Lady Honor have to say?’
‘I didn’t go to see her. I was covered in dust and blood and sore shaken.’
‘We’ve only eight days.’ He eyed my face. ‘Have you been weeping?’
‘For Chancery,’ I said, my voice gruff with embarrassment.
‘God’s death, it was only a horse. Well, I’ve been working while you’ve been sitting here. I’ve found a man Bealknap used as a compurgator, vouching for the good character of people he’d never heard of.’
I sat up. ‘Where is he?’
Barak jerked his head towards the house. ‘In there. He keeps a clothing stall in Cheapside, works for Bealknap on the side. I’ve put him in the kitchen. Want to talk to him?’
I followed Barak to the kitchen, trying to pull myself together. A middle-aged man sat at the table. He was plump and respectable looking, which no doubt was why Bealknap had chosen him. He rose to his feet and gave a deep bow. ‘Master Shardlake, sir, a pleasure to meet you. Adam Leman, sir.’
I sat down opposite him, while Barak stood looking on.
‘Well, Master Leman, I hear my brother in the law, Stephen Bealknap, has employed you as a compurgator.’
Leman nodded. ‘I have assisted him.’
‘To swear to the good character of men held in the bishop’s gaol under benefit of clergy.’
He hesitated. I noticed his eyes were watery, and his nose a mess of broken red veins. A drunk, probably unable to run his stall properly and in need of extra cash for strong beer.
‘Master Bealknap is kind enough to pay me a retainer,’ he said cautiously. ‘Perhaps I do not know all the gentlemen whose character I swear to as well as I might, but I feel I am doing a Christian service, sir. The conditions in the bishop’s gaol—’
I cut through his nonsense. ‘You pretend to know people you have never heard of and pervert the course of justice for money. We both know that. Now, have a beer.’ I nodded at Barak, who fetched a jug from the cold cupboard. Leman coughed, then sat up in his chair.
‘Bealknap hasn’t paid me, sir. I said I’d do no more work for him till he did. He’s the meanest man alive, he’d skin a flea for its hide and tallow. Makes a point of never paying anyone if he can get out of it.’ He nodded self-righteously. ‘Well, now it’s caught up with the bastard. I’ve told your man I’ll help you nail him and I shall. Thank you.’ He took a cup from Barak and gulped noisily. ‘That’s good in this hot weather.’ He looked at me sharply. ‘You can give me immunity?’
I ever preferred a rogue who would come to the point. I nodded. ‘In exchange for an affidavit to go before the disciplinary authorities of Lincoln’s Inn. But once we’ve completed the affidavit I want you to come with me and tell Bealknap to his face what damage you can do him. Will you do that?’
He hesitated. ‘How much?’
‘A pound for the affidavit, another for coming to see Bealknap.’
‘Then it’ll be a job I’ll be happy to do, sir.’ His looked at me curiously. ‘You got some grudge against him yourself?’
‘You mind your business,’ Barak said.
I rose. ‘Come then, Master Leman, let us go to my study and prepare this affidavit.’
I spent an hour with the rogue. He signed the document with a scrawled flourish and I sent him on his way with five shillings on account for his fee. As I rubbed sand over the florid signature to dry it Barak laughed.
‘I’ve never seen an affidavit taken before. The way you kept him to the point.’
‘It’s an art you learn. Now I am hungry. I’ll get Joan to make us an early supper.’