The Judas Blade by John Pilkington Read Free Book Online Page A

hand.
    ‘Soon,’ he said. ‘First, I have things to say to you.’
    He was standing near the window, where he had been since Betsy entered. Now he moved to a small table on which lay papers and writing materials, and sat down beside it.
    ‘I’m Joseph Williamson,’ he said. And when Betsy showed her surprise, he added, ‘I see the name’s known to you.’
    ‘You’re Lord Arlington’s deputy,’ she murmured, naming one of the Cabal – the King’s closest ministers.
    ‘His Under-Secretary,’ Williamson corrected. ‘But you will know me always as Mr John Lee.’
    Putting on a respectful expression, Betsy gave silent thanks to Eleanor for telling her to wear suitable clothes. This severe man had no time for flummery, she thought, and no doubt little for actresses. She could only hope the plain russet gown andblack bertha would serve. She glanced at Peter Crabb as another thought struck her – then saw that Williamson had anticipated her.
    ‘You guess correctly,’ he said. ‘Crabb is not this man’s real name. As you will use that of Beatrice … provided, that is, you continue in my service.’
    ‘
Your
service, sir?’ she echoed. ‘I thought I was in the employ of Lord Caradoc.’
    ‘Then you were mistaken,’ came the swift reply. ‘His lordship is a loyal friend, and has often helped our office in the past, but the gathering of intelligence is my task.’
    ‘You mean … spying?’ Betsy blurted out.
    A frown crossed Williamson’s brow. ‘I advise discretion, Beatrice,’ he murmured. He picked up a sheet of paper and ran his eyes down it. ‘However, Crabb’s report is favourable. You have acquitted yourself well inside the King’s Bench – far better than I expected.’
    Betsy looked at Peter Crabb, who threw her a brief smile. ‘Some of us had work to do while you slept,’ he said – whereupon she sat up sharply.
    ‘Is that what you were doing inside the prison?’ she asked. ‘Spying on me?’
    Williamson answered instead. ‘It’s not important,’ he said shortly. ‘Crabb can answer your questions later, if he’s a mind. You and he will be spending some time together – that is, if you agree to work for me.’
    But now, Betsy was forming a picture. ‘Do you mean to tell me the days I spent in that vile place were merely a test of some kind?’ she asked. ‘Then, what of Venn? And what of—?’
    The other raised his hand again. ‘Please. I know what you have endured, and yet—’
    ‘Do you indeed, sir?’ In spite of the man’s status, Betsy’s temper was rising. ‘Do you also understand the dangers I faced there? Exposed to sickness, let alone hunger and cruelty—’
    ‘Enough!’ Williamson was impatient now. ‘I know very well what the prisons are like,’ he snapped. ‘As do my agents, most of whom have suffered far worse hardships than you in the service of His Majesty – even paid with their lives.’
    Silence fell. With an effort Betsy calmed herself, whereupon the man continued in a softer tone, ‘Believe me, mistress, when I tell you that your stay in the King’s Bench was more than a test – far more. I’m not so well supplied with agents that I can afford to waste such opportunities as may arise.’ He paused, then: ‘You spoke with the conspirator, Venn. Are you ready to tell me all that he told you?’
    ‘I suppose I am,’ Betsy answered after a moment. ‘Although I believe I could have learned more, had he not been murdered. He was awaiting important news, he said. But I’ve committed every word he said to memory.’
    ‘Good!’ The under-secretary leaned forward so suddenly that Betsy blinked. There was a gleam in his eye that seemed out of character. This man relished his work, she thought. On impulse, she spoke up.
    ‘Why did you say Mr Crabb and I would be spending time together, if I agreed to work for you?’
    Williamson paused, then, ‘Are you telling me that you would consider doing so?’
    Now Betsy was silent. All of a sudden, the