Read Online Death and the Black Pyramid by Deryn Lake - Free Book Online Page B

Black Pyramid after the bout were swiftly dashed. The fighter was instantly surrounded by a large crowd of Exeter rips – who had obviously wagered deep on his winning – and was carried out of the field, shoulder-high. Hurrying behind him was Nathaniel Broome together with various hangers-on and assistants. Scurrying along, John managed to detain the manager just as he was leaving the field. Broome looked at him in some surprise.
    â€˜Hello, Mr Rawlings. I didn’t expect to see you here.’
    â€˜I saw an advertisement stating that the Black Pyramid was fighting so I came with the express purpose of watching him.’
    Nathaniel gestured to the crowd ahead. ‘As you can see he is rather taken up.’ He roared with laughter at his own joke, his small gingery face creasing.
    â€˜So I observe. Tell me, my friend, did you know that William Gorringe was killed during the night we all stayed at The Half Moon?’
    â€˜Yes. Terrible business. The Constable caught up with us at our current hostelry and informed us of same. The Pyramid was quite shaken I can tell you.’
    John thought that the Blind Beak could do with this particular Constable as a Runner. As a paid employee of those whose turn it was to act in the hated job, he was turning out to be splendid.
    â€˜I’m sure he was utterly shocked. Was he able to throw any light on the case?’
    The pale blue eyes – set too closely, giving Nathaniel a somewhat pathetic air – held his own. ‘No. Why do you ask?’
    â€˜No reason. I just wondered,’ John answered somewhat lamely.
    â€˜Well, he told the man that we never set eyes on Mr Gorringe until that coach ride. And there the matter rests, Mr Rawlings. There the matter rests.’ Nathaniel drew a watch from his waistcoat pocket. ‘Gracious me. I’m running late. I must be off. I hope we meet again one day.’ He gave a slight bow. ‘ Adieu. ’
    And he was gone, scuttling along behind the Black Pyramid who was still shoulder-high and being transported rapidly towards the town.
    John stood still for a moment, trying to assemble his thoughts. But the impression he had most strongly was that today several people had stated quite baldly that they had no knowledge of William Gorringe – and that he had believed none of them.
    Having deposited Sir Clovelly Lovell back at his home, John Rawlings remounted his horse and set off in search of that remarkable fellow, the Exeter Constable. Having no idea at all where the man lived, the Apothecary decided to make enquiries in a tavern and being near the West Gate entered The Blackamore’s Head, an inn he remembered from his honeymoon.
    It was quiet inside, there being only one or two old codgers staring moodily into their pots of ale. They looked up as John entered but, having eyed him, soon lost interest and went back to contemplating their drinks. At the back of the bar a lanky potboy was whistling tunelessly beneath his breath and made his way in a slow and somewhat unwilling way to where John was sitting.
    â€˜What be you drinking then?’
    â€˜I’ll have some ale, please.’ The Apothecary produced a coin which he held between his thumb and forefinger. ‘Can you give me some information?’
    â€˜Depends.’
    â€˜Do you know the local Constable?’
    â€˜Why, you in trouble then?’
    Without moving from his seat, John gripped the boy’s ear and twisted it. ‘That will be enough of your backchat. Answer me. Do you know the local officer of the law?’
    â€˜Yes, I knows him,’ the boy answered, rubbing the side of his face and grimacing.
    â€˜Well, can you tell me where I can find him?’
    â€˜All you have to do is go to his house.’
    John was getting angry. ‘If I knew where that was I would.’ He gripped the ear again. ‘Do you want this coin or don’t you?’
    â€˜Yessir. I wants it. He lives halfway up the High