Barak said, ‘Whoever is holding it may indeed be ready to reveal it to the King when Bertano comes. For maximum impact. That could explain why it hasn’t already been made public.’
I shook my head. ‘I am sure these men would have done it already, to bend the King’s mind further against the reformers and towards making an arrangement with Bertano when he arrives. Use it to turn the wind against the reformers again as soon as possible.’
‘Then where is it?’ Barak asked angrily. ‘Who has it?’
‘God’s death, I don’t know!’ I passed a hand over my brow.
‘Could McKendrick have it?’ Nicholas said thoughtfully. ‘If he was the spy, and was given the book by the thieves, then maybe – if he’s been on the run with the others – he hasn’t had time to hand it over to whoever he’s working for?’
‘But it’s been nearly a month,’ Barak answered.
I said, ‘It’s unlikely. But anything is possible. I’ll have to discuss it all with Lord Parr.’
‘Or . . .’ Nicholas said.
‘What?’
‘What if the spy was playing both ends? What if McKendrick – assuming it is him – was indeed working to some master at court, but kept his own beliefs, and made sure the Lamentation did not fall into the wrong hands? Perhaps he had it stolen, but kept it himself?’
‘It’s far-fetched, but it’s possible. Thank you, Nicholas.’ The boy looked pleased.
‘Now, Jack, it is late. Nicholas and I will wait here, but you must get back to Tamasin. Where did you tell her you were going tonight?’
‘Only that I was meeting old friends for a drink.’
‘But the taverns are long closed. She will be worried. And on your way back,’ I added, ‘remember those two killers are still out there, and that we were watched tonight. Be careful. Nicholas, will you stay here with me to guard Leeman until Lord Parr’s people return?’
‘You can trust me.’ He shook his head. ‘Leeman’s nothing but a rogue and a villain.’
I sighed. ‘He was doing what he believed was right.’
‘And that justifies all he has done?’ Nicholas answered hotly. ‘The betrayal, the bribery, this – chaos? The threat brought to the Queen by stealing her book?’
Barak turned to him, his tone indulgent. ‘He gets soft, Nick, it’s his way.’ He looked up to the top of the stairs. ‘But better have God’s true representative bound and gagged in case he starts shouting if the students come back. I’ll help you.’
Nicholas said with a sort of appalled admiration, ‘That Dutchman, Vandersteyn. He already has informers working on the Continent who found the information about Bertano. Meanwhile he is over here, recruiting fanatics who might be able to spy on those in high places in London.’
Barak said, ‘He knew the atmosphere here was seething with plots and religious discontent. Decided to come over and further his revolution in England, no doubt.’
‘And found Leeman, then Myldmore. Men with access to two sets of writings that could cause great stir.’ He shook his head. ‘He must truly think God is working through him.’
Barak snorted. ‘He got lucky. Twice. But not really lucky: it sounds as if what Anne Askew wrote would be damaging only to Wriothesley and Rich, and they’re not the top players. And releasing the Lamentation would do the radical cause more harm than good. But some in his group were too bone-headed to see that. If they’d found evidence that Gardiner had been in bed with a choirboy, say, that would’ve been real luck.’
I said, ‘Vandersteyn has probably been running schemes like this on the Continent for years. He was skilful in weeding out those among the radicals who might be of use to him.’
‘Not skilful enough to notice he had a spy in his midst,’ Barak said.
I nodded agreement. ‘No.’
LEEMAN WAS SITTING ON the side of the bed. He blinked in the light. ‘Are they here for me yet?’ he asked in a quiet voice, with a slight tremor. Being left alone in the darkness had given his fear time to grow.
‘No,’ I answered.
‘What will they do with me?’
‘You will be taken somewhere safe for now. I will tell them you have cooperated fully.’
He looked at me keenly. ‘Do you know, lawyer, I think perhaps you have it in you to see the light.’
‘Do you?’ I replied heavily.
‘Perhaps. Like me, you were brought up on lies and I think you see that. Read the New Testament, read Revelation. These are the last days before Christ’s return. It is foreordained.’
‘The Book of Revelation, is it? You and your people have found the key to that text?’ Anger spilled out of me. ‘You should know, Leeman, I once uncovered a killer who slaughtered several innocent people, who believed himself inspired by Revelation! I wish you could see the trail of blood and torture he left.’
Leeman did not answer. After a moment he asked, ‘Will you tell the Queen’s officials about Bertano?’
‘Yes.’
‘Then at least they will be warned.’
I looked at him. ‘They will undoubtedly want to question you further.’