‘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.