Deliverance: A Justice Belstrang Mystery by John Pilkington (top 10 most read books in the world .TXT) 📗

As I expected, it was Francis Mountford who entered.

Neatly dressed as ever, and girded with a fine sword, he walked easily to the centre of the room and halted. Behind him came the ruffianly fellow in the hood, whom I had seen guarding the door to Sir Richard’s chamber: a precaution, of course. Getting to my feet, I eyed my host who was now my jailer.

‘Good morrow, sir… did you sleep well?’ He began, assuming a thin smile. ‘I can have breakfast brought in, if you wish.’

‘I’ll make you a promise - sir,’ I said, with an effort. ‘That soon you will pay for your crimes, by due process of law. I dare say your wife will make a pretty widow.’

The smile remained, however. And before I could stop myself, I had my hand on my sword-hilt… but at that, the heavily-built guard stepped forward. His expression was eloquent enough: he could break my arm, he intimated, before I even drew blade.

‘So,’ Mountford went on, seemingly unconcerned. ‘You chose to refuse the favours that were offered you last night. I’m impressed by your self-control. Few men can resist Katherine’s charms… I speak from experience.’

‘Let me leave here - now!’ I snapped. ‘This is madness. You cannot detain a man like me – a former magistrate. Moreover, Justice March knows I’m here, as does-’

Just in time, I stopped myself: something warned me not to reveal any other names. Thinking fast, I added: ‘It’s a reckless thing you’ve done, and you know it. Your schemes are uncovered, hence-’

‘Hence nothing, sir,’ came the sharp riposte. ‘And I suggest you pay heed to me now while you can, for I’ll not offer such terms again. Will you listen, or not?’

I wanted to tell the man to go hang, but on impulse I decided against it. Might this be an opportunity, I wondered, for me to get him to reveal more? Instead I forced a nod, and threw a pointed glance at the bodyguard, whereupon:

‘William is stone deaf,’ Mountford said, with a sigh of impatience. ‘Do you still underestimate me?’

‘Well, perhaps I have done,’ I replied. I was making an effort to calm myself, for I saw no other solution than to humour him. ‘But if you think I’m a man you can easily bribe, I should say-’

‘Bribe?’ Lifting his eyebrows, the other cut me short. ‘Nay, sir, I would not insult you so. I speak of opportunities…’ he paused, his eyes going to the window where sunlight streamed in. ‘Can we not sit, and discuss terms like civilised men?’

I managed another nod. Whereupon, observed closely by the bodyguard, I moved to the window seat while Mountford caught up a stool. We sat down, each as watchful as the other.

‘I will be forward with you, Belstrang,’ he said, speaking quietly. ‘For you’ve uncovered more than I would have thought you capable of… I might even applaud your diligence. But you must see that you’ve put yourself in mortal danger.’

I met his gaze, and waited.

‘You should know that the matters you have referred to are too important to be thwarted by any man – let alone you,’ he went on. ‘However, I can offer you a simple choice. I suspect you know what it is.’

‘You spoke of opportunities,’ I said, after a moment. ‘Do I take that to mean an invitation? An offer to join you and others, the-’

‘Concordia.’ Mountford’s voice was flat. ‘You used the term yesterday, yet I advise you not to use it again. You spoke of it with distaste, as if it were some sort of disreputable cabal. Whereas I assure you that my associates and I are simply men of business, who see where the wind blows.’

He fell silent, awaiting my response. Men like him, as I know only too well, always assume that others have their price, and merely require the right kind of inducement. Drawing a breath, I made an attempt to appear interested.

‘And yet… even if I were to consider this, you understand,’ I said carefully, ‘you would doubtless expect some kind of investment. I’m not a man of great wealth-’

‘Nor are all the others,’ Mountford broke in. Was I mistaken, or did I detect signs of eagerness on this part? ‘The returns are proportionate,’ he went on. ‘And someone who knows the workings of the law is always useful – even though there are others in our company with similar expertise.’

I must have stiffened visibly at that, for the other seemed to regret his words. ‘Not that the names should concern you, Belstrang,’ he added quickly. ‘All you need know is that there are profits to be garnered, beyond your wildest expectations. And so…’

Abruptly the man stood up, catching me unawares, and looked down at me. ‘In short, sir, I desire an answer from you now. Work with me… join us, if you will, and you may depart from here with much to look forward to. After all…’ this with a sardonic smile, that stopped short of a sneer. ‘What prospects are there for an ex-magistrate of modest means, who’s no longer young? You might even call this the day your fortunes changed - for the rest of your life.’

I returned his gaze. My mind was busy, yet I fumbled for the right words. Should I feign acceptance of the offer to join him and his treacherous circle, to buy more time? It would allow me to leave Foxhill, at least, whereupon I could go to the High Sheriff… yet, I was uneasy. This man was no fool, and would smell deception in an instant.

‘Well, I confess you make a most powerful argument,’ I said at last. ‘May I ask what would happen if I spurn your offer?’

At that Mountford sighed,