The Two Confessions by John Whitbourn (good books to read for adults .TXT) 📕

reputedabandoned treasure; Mother Church and I would like to resolve a puzzle.All sorts of interests, high and low, converge. Do you not see the happypattern?’

Samuelrestrained himself to a simple nod. Mott waited for it all the same beforecontinuing.

‘So,here’s how it is: you keep any valuables, bar holy relics naturally. That’sonly fair: what you can take you keep. But first find out what we want to know.That’s your top priority. Because we don’t like the thought of the sacred inunclean hands. I don’t like it. It’s not nice. So find out. Getrich if you can and want but find out first. I shall have to be strict with youabout that. Afterwards, you’re away and free. Leave us to sort out theaftermath....’

Mottactually licked his lips at the prospect: an involuntary action – and wouldhave sworn on oath he hadn’t.

‘Infact,’ he concluded, ‘it’s a neat deal. I can assist you, with 'volunteers'and funds, but I can also deny you if things go wrong; forgive me for speakingso plain....’

Therewas no point in being just a yes-man, Samuel saw that now. It wouldn't beaccepted as sufficient.

‘Don'tapologise, general,’ he said, butting in, ‘I like plain talk.’

Mottenjoyed sturdy replies less than he pretended, but surfed the resultant wave ofirritation without falling off. Just.

‘Thenyou shall have all you want of it,’ he said. ‘But, more importantly: are youin?’

Samuelhesitated – but only for strategy’s sake. It wouldn’t do for Mott to realisethey were made from the same mould.

‘Whatif I'm not?’ he asked. ‘In that case am I 'out'?’ Samuel indicated thebattlements and the long drop to the rocks.

TheGeneral mimicked horror at the very idea. He might have convinced some. Sometoddlers perhaps.

‘No,no, Mr Trevan; worse still! You go back to obscurity; to a little life:safe but... little.’

There'dnever been need for thought. Samuel held out his hand. Mott honoured afellow  intrepid spirit by rising toshake it.

U[U[U[U[U[U[U

cHAPTER 27

‘So, you're a 'plain talk'man, are you?’

Theside with the whip-hand had celebrated their new spirit of partnership bylocking Samuel up again. Back he went into the homestead-plus-deceased-ex-owner,with just his thoughts and a bearded corpse for company.

Evenso, and despite the lack of distraction, he heard no turning or forcing of thelock, no indication of an impending visitor. The Sicarii just… appeared besidehim without warning.

Samuelwould rather not have jumped, not have flinched, but there was too much deathnearby to expect perfect control.

‘Shite!’he exclaimed. ‘Don't do that!’

TheSicarii smiled. His teeth were perfect and shiny-white.

‘Shallif I want,’ he said, ‘if I can. You did well against Mott: better than most. Ilike you. So I say again: plain talk is it?’

Trevansat down. There was nothing he could do against such a prodigy, nor any pointin vigilance. He stretched out and made himself comfortable. Although a sparechair beckoned the Sicarii chose to prowl instead, attempting to wear a path inthe reed rug.

‘Plaintalk for preference,’ Samuel confirmed. ‘But I doubt my wishes count for much.’

‘No,’chuckled the Negro. ‘Still, we can pretend. Listen: General Mott has plans; youstand in relation to them as a garnish does a banquet: desirable but by nomeans essential. That is both opportunity and peril for you. Prosper, be asparkle on the shine of Mott's reputation, and you may clutch on to hiscoat-tails as he ascends. Fail and he will say 'who?’ It is far fromheart-warming but that is the way people must behave when they aspire.Do not comfort yourself with moral superiority. You are no different in yourown little way. We know the manner of your leaving London.’

‘I'mastounded you can bring yourself to talk to me.’

TheSicarii stopped his pacing. It transpired there was a core of primseriousness to him.

‘Italk down to you,’ he said, convinced and convincing. ‘A standing man toone slumped in a chair. A servant of God to a slave of sordid Mammon. I speakthus to Mott, a creature of blood and passions. I've been shown the fullpicture; I've looked in the face of Truth. We're just energy given form by God.Nothing matters once you know that. So, it's given to me, by trainingand wisdom and authority, to speak my mind to people you would faint in frontof.’

‘Don'tbet on it.’

Samuelspoke levelly enough, but within he was resigned to a spell of unconsciousnessat least. Sicarii were reputed to be able to stun or kill with the merestfinger-tap.

Instead,the Negro smiled approvingly from above his high military collar, back inamiable mode.

‘Rightanswer. I’m glad I saved you. You have kingly spirit in a humble husk.’

Thesheer relief of continued wakefulness made Samuel conciliatory.

‘Don'tworry,’ he said in jest, ‘I don't aim that high.’

Butthe Sicarii took it at face value.

‘Good.Wise move. Nor does Mott, fortunately. He limits himself to hopes of theregency: merely the second man in England. At present, Lord Onslow ofGuildford holds that post; an honourable and pious soul, held in great esteemby most parties that matter, thus requiring great effort to displace. Hence theGeneral's urgent thirst for glory. I am here to encourage Mott - a little. Toguide and perhaps restrain his energies. Impatience or frustration in such aman can be so... dramatic. Not to mention ruinous for ordinary people. As ever,the Church acts only for the common good. And, no, I don't mind if you tell himall this. He is by no means silly or blinded. Do not underestimate Mott: he isbigger – far bigger - than the frame God gave him: he might well seize theprize he wants. Then of course, he must consider if it was worth all thesacrifice and sin - but that is another question. We have other expertsavailable who will help him with that. Meanwhile....’

‘Meanwhile,you can help me....’

TheSicarii nodded.

‘Yousteal the very words from my mouth, miner-man. But there is no need for you tosteal any more. Because, yes, I can help you.’

‘I'lldraw up a list.’

‘Sendit to me - and only send things to me. My reputation is proof againstcontaminants or scandal. Ask and you shall receive. Though how you mightsucceed where Rome soldiers and Rome wizards could not I don't quite see. Isuspect our correspondence may be short. Would you like Masses said for you ifwe must reseal the pit?’

‘No.’

‘Ishall arrange them anyway.