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

as well as the Council… but no matter. Sandys is clear enough: his wish is that I remain in the post for as long as I choose. In short, until I become infirm or start falling asleep in court… you may speculate at will.’

I looked up, and found both of them gazing at me as if struck dumb.

‘By heavens, what wondrous news…’ Childers was the first to find voice. Shaking his head, he lifted his cup and called for a toast: to the man who would once again be Justice Bestrang.

‘Justice Sir Robert,’ Hester corrected. ‘Soon to be, anyway.’ But she too lifted her silver cup, and threw me a smile that spoke a great deal.

‘And what good timing,’ she added, as we all drank. ‘After all that’s passed of late, I was beginning to fear that your weakness for throwing yourself into other people’s troubles was becoming a habit, if not a compulsion. In truth, being an ex-magistrate has proved more tiresome – and more dangerous - than being a serving one. Would you not agree, sir?’

‘Perhaps,’ I replied. But as the truth sank home, I found myself somewhat lost for words. Childers’ phrase was yet in my mind: I would once again be Justice Belstrang.

Later - some weeks later – I would make another decision: that I would set the tale of the past three years down on paper: a sort of private chronicle, if you will, of events that had begun with my Year of Astonishment. But just then, with the prospect of a long ride on the morrow, I was content to experience a feeling of deep calm, and to drain my cup.

Outside, the wind was getting up; but inside Thirldon a good fire burned, and a warm glow stole over me. Further toasts were proposed: I might even have said God save the King, but restrained myself without too much difficulty.

And now at last, I am done.