Read Online Shroud for the Archbishop by Peter Tremayne - Free Book Online

bishop. She pursed her lips reflectively wondering if it was merely fear of a conflict on the north-western edge of the world that made him so anxious. There was no decision to make. She inclined her head.
    ‘Very well, but there are conditions.’
    ‘Conditions?’ Marinus caught the word and frowned suspiciously.
    ‘Which are?’ Gelasius invited.
    ‘Simple enough. The first you have agreed to, that Brother Eadulf is my equal partner in this investigation and our decisions must be unanimous. The second condition is that we will have full authority in the conduct of the inquiry. We will be able to question everyone who we need to question and go where we need to go. Even if we need ask a question of the Holy Father himself. There can be no limitations on either of us.’
    Gelasius thin features relaxed into a smile.
    ‘You are aware that some parts of the city, areas connected with the Holy See of Rome, are closed to any foreign-born clericos?’

    ‘That is why I make the conditions, Gelasius,’ replied Fidelma. ‘If I am to conduct such an inquiry and my path takes me here or there, I must be sure that I have such authority as to tread that path.’
    ‘Surely there is little need? We already have the culprit. All you have to do is confirm his guilt,’ interrupted Marinus.
    ‘Your culprit pleads his innocence,’ Fidelma pointed out. ‘Under the law of the Fenechus of Éireann, a man or woman is considered innocent until it has been demonstrated beyond all doubt that he or she be guilty. I, too, will proceed from the viewpoint that Ronan Ragallach is innocent until I have proved his guilt. If you wish me merely to state that he is guilty now then I cannot undertake this investigation.’
    Gelasius hesitated and exchanged an unhappy glance with Marinus. The Superista of the custodes was frowning in annoyance.
    ‘You will have what authority you need, Fidelma,’ Gelasius conceded after a moment or two. ‘You and Brother Eadulf may conduct your inquiry in whatever way you see fit. I will ensure that the Praetor Peregrinus is informed. But you must remember that you may only inquire and may not take the law into your own hands. In the administration of the law you are subject to the judicial procedures of this city under the immediate jurisdiction of the Praetor Peregrinus. Marinus will draw up that authority and I will ensure it is signed by the Praetor .’
    ‘That is well,’ Fidelma accepted.
    ‘When do you wish to start?’
    Fidelma stood up abruptly. ‘There is no better time than the present.’
    They came almost reluctantly to their feet.

    ‘How will you proceed?’ asked Marinus gruffly. ‘Presumably you will wish to see this monk Ronan Ragallach?’
    ‘I will take matters step by step,’ Fidelma replied, glancing at Eadulf. ‘First we would see the domus hospitale and the chambers of Wighard. Has his body been examined by a physician?’
    It was Gelasius who answered.
    ‘By the Holy Father’s own physician, Cornelius of Alexandria.’
    ‘Then Cornelius of Alexandria shall be the first whom we shall question.’
    She began to stride towards the door, hesitated and turned back to Gelasius.
    ‘By your leave, lord bishop?’
    Gelasius was uncertain whether her voice held a mocking tone but he waved a hand in a helpless gesture of dismissal. While Eadulf turned and bowed low over the bemused bishop’s hand, brushing the man’s ring with his lips, Fidelma was already at the door.
    ‘Come, Eadulf, there is much to do now,’ she urged softly.
    ‘I will take you to Wighard’s chambers,’ offered Marinus, going to accompany them.
    ‘That will not be necessary, Eadulf will conduct me. I would be obliged, however, if you made out our authority as soon as possible and ensure we have the written approval of the Praetor Peregrinus before the midday Angelus.’
    She had opened the door and was aware of the young officer of the custodes who had escorted her from her lodging. He was still standing