A Demon Summer by G. M. Malliet Read Free Book Online Page B

There was fruitcake remaining in Lord Lislelivet’s larder—there always is; fruitcake does linger so—and it was sent to the police lab for testing. But I think diplomacy might be what is needed right now, more than business savvy or analytical skills. Whatever is going on, we need to keep Mr. Gorey satisfied that we are conducting an open and thorough inquiry. Calm him down until we know what is what. The same goes, of course, for Lord Lislelivet. In his case, I rather get the impression he is weighing whether news of an attempted attack against his person would ruin or enhance his reputation. While he is deciding, there is still time.”
    Max smothered a laugh. Lord Lislelivet was known for waffling on every issue under the sun, from the care of children to that of old-age pensioners. He voted not with his heart, God knew, and not with his pocketbook, but with the flair of the born politician looking for whichever angle would ensure his survival. If he was up against Abbess Justina and she was as smooth an operator as the bishop said, he may have met his match.
    The bishop, catching and misreading the smile playing at Max’s lips, said, “Good. So you’ll do it. I admire your can-do attitude, Max. Always have. That’s set then. Just be sure someone covers your duties at St. Edwold’s for a few days. See if Father Arthnot is available. Good-bye and keep me posted.”
    â€œErm…” Max knew he should be used by now to these sudden dismissals, but somehow the bishop always caught him flat-footed.
    â€œOh, by the way,” the bishop turned from his computer, where an incoming e-mail had caught his eye. “Try to get there before nine tonight.”
    Tonight ? Who had said anything about tonight? “Why is that?” Max asked.
    â€œThey keep the Great Silence after Compline, which is at nine p.m. You won’t get a word out of them until after Lauds the next morning. This is a such conservative group.” The bishop seemed to feel that fact could not be emphasized enough. “Oh, I’ve had chats with them here and there over the years, little pep talks, trying to egg them further into the twenty-first century. I could grant special dispensation to let them talk to you, but under the circumstances I think it best that you see them as they are and not ruffle any feathers by throwing them off their usual schedule.”
    If a possible attempted murder by poisoning hadn’t done that already, Max didn’t know what would, but he saw the bishop’s point. Better to cause the least disruption possible on first arrival.
    â€œI could celebrate the Eucharist for them while I’m there,” he offered.
    â€œA sort of special guest appearance! Yes, yes—that’s a good idea. I’ll see that Father Riley is notified—he is their usual celebrant. Some of the nuns, the highly, highly traditional ones, still prefer a male priest. Which is odd when you think about it. Anyway, I’m sure they would welcome the little change in routine.”
    â€œI’ll do what I can, but—”
    â€œYou can be there tonight, can’t you?” The bishop reached for the immaculate pile of paper printouts stacked at one side of his desk.
    Max said, “Not for at least a day, Bishop, I shouldn’t think. Loose ends to tie up at St. Edwold’s before I go, you know the sort of thing.”
    â€œOh.” The bishop did a poor job of hiding his disappointment. “Well, that will probably be all right. Lord Lislelivet has said—quite loudly—he will be on his guard while he’s there.”
    â€œWhile he’s there ?”
    â€œOh, didn’t I say? Yes, he is there this week. I don’t know for how long. I’m surprised he hasn’t hired a food taster, but what he means of course by being ‘on his guard’ is that he won’t eat anything that isn’t offered to the community at large.