Read Online HS04 - Unholy Awakening by Michael Gregorio - Free Book Online Page B

corpse should be taken, and what should be done with it.’
    Glatigny rubbed his nose, then asked: ‘How did she die?’
    ‘She was found at the bottom of a well. I’m sure the sanitation officers told you that. But it is the way in which she was murdered which is the cause for concern. Wounds to the neck. Just here,’ I indicated, touching the artery in my neck with my fore and middle fingers. ‘She quickly bled to death. But in the village where she lived, they are saying that she has been attacked by one of those…those infernal creatures 1 which feed on the blood of living people. Here in Lotingen, most of the inhabitants believe these tales. Do such legends exist in France?’
    Glatigny’s eyes gaped wide. Was it my impression, or did he look paler than before?
    ‘Long ago,’ he said. ‘Not any more. We have sent our legends to speak with Madame Guillotine, monsieur. The supernatural…’
    ‘There’s nothing supernatural about it,’ I hurried on. ‘But until I can arrest the killer, the panic will spread. Especially if the corpse is brought into the centre of town. That’s why I had it carried here. I need to examine the body with care. I need to explain to myself – and to every one else in Lotingen – exactly what has happened. As soon as I have finished my investigation, Colonel Claudet will have my full report.’
    His soldiers were standing some way off. They had not heard a word that we had said, and I was glad of it. The rank-and-file French trooper is an unschooled peasant for the most part, and just as likely to be terrorised by the legends as our Prussian villagers. All the same, I knew that they would obey their officer.
    ‘Major,’ I proposed carefully, ‘I would be grateful if you and your men remained here on guard. I cannot be inside and outside the chapel at the same time. The people must be kept back, by force of arms if necessary.’
    I glanced towards the cemetery gates, and I saw the expression on the face of Merson. During the epidemic he had been supplanted by the French, and their new French cemetery beyond the river. With things getting slowly back to normal, it was evident that he resented their continuing presence in his cemetery.
    ‘As a precaution,’ I added for the gravedigger’s sake. ‘In case any Prussian hotheads return with more serious ideas about what ought to be done,’ I specified loudly.
    Glatigny glanced towards his men, then turned to me again. ‘Are you asking me to prevent anyone from entering the cemetery, monsieur?’
    I nodded quickly. ‘As soon as I have finished with the body, they can carry it across the river, and bury it there. Would that be acceptable?’
    Glatigny considered this proposal. I was issuing orders, asking him to put his men at my disposal. I was asking a lot, but I was hoping that the recent presence of the mob would convince him of the urgency of the case, and of the danger if precautions were not taken.
    ‘I will follow your recommendations,’ he said at last. ‘The men will stay. I will have to report the matter, however.’
    He turned to his soldiers, and told them to do as I instructed.
    I watched Glatigny march off to town to speak to the colonel, while the troops took up their positions along the road. Now, I would have to exercise my powers of persuasion over the Prussians, too.
    ‘Knutzen,’ I said, calling him over, and placing my hand on my secretary’s shoulder. For an instant, he shrank back from me, as if he feared that I might attack him. I smiled, instead, to set him at his ease. I needed him at that instant; his punishment could be meted out at any time. ‘Go to my home and speak with my wife. Carry her this message, and say nothing more. Do you understand me?’ I said, squeezing hard at his shoulder. ‘Tell Helena that a body has been found, and that I must stay in town tonight. I do not know when I will be home.’
    Knutzen opened his mouth to reply.
    I held my finger up at him. ‘Not a word, Knutzen.