garwood, julie - shadow music[1]

8/13/2019 Garwood, Julie - Shadow Music[1]

1/134

FI F T E E N

THE FUNERAL MASS WAS SAID IN THE ABBEYS NORTH chapel. Many of the

Monoe clan ha! "een on the# $ay to the $e!!#n% $hen they ece#&e! ne$' of the la#!'

'(!!en !e)#'e* an! the# happy +o(ney of cele"at#on ha! t(ne! #nto a )o(nf(l an! 'o)"e

poce''#on #n'tea!. Se&eal H#%hlan! la#!' atten!e! the f(neal* "(t )any )oe $o(l! ha&e

#!!en the !#'tance to pay the# la't e'pect' ha! they ,no$n a"o(t Monoe' !eath. The #t(al

-one !ay afte h#' !eath-ha! to "e h(#e! !(e to the (n('(ally $a) $eathe an! the

ap#!ly !ete#oat#n% con!#t#on of the "o!y.

The En%l#'h $eent $elco)e* tho(%h #t $a' !o("tf(l that any of the "aon' $o(l! ha&e$ante! to '#t an! l#'ten to the p#e't etol the t(e' of the !ea! )an. He $a'* afte all* a

H#%hlan!e* $h#ch #n the# e$ )a!e h#) #nfe#o an! not $othy of the# paye'.

Baon /eoffey of Well#n%'h#e an! h#' !a(%hte* La!y /a"#elle* $ee the only

ecept#on'. The Monoe fa)#ly allo$e! the# pe'ence "eca('e the la!y ha! "een ple!%e! to

)ay the# la#!. She $a' allo$e! to hea )a'' $#th the)* "(t 'he an! he fathe $ee 'eate!

#n the la't o$. Altho(%h thee $a' plenty of oo)* no one $o(l! '#t net to the).

/a"#elle !#!nt epect 'pec#al con'#!eat#on. She $a' than,f(l that 'he $a' %#&en the

chance to pay fo La#! Monoe' 'o(l. He fathe an! othe' hel! the la#! #n '(ch h#%h

e%a! an! pa#'e! h#) "eca('e he $a' '(ch a %oo! an! ,#n! )an. Why $o(l! anyone $ant

to ha) h#)0 H#' )(!e !#!nt )a,e any 'en'e. Ro""ey $a'nt the )ot#&e* fo noth#n% ha!

"een ta,en fo) h#' "o!y. H#' %ol! #n% an! +e$ele! !#, $ee 't#ll on h#) $hen he $a'fo(n!. Wa' he ,#lle! +('t fo the 'pot of #t0

He )#n! $an!ee!* an! 'he tho(%ht a"o(t L#a) MacH(%h an! the te#"le )en $ho ha!

)a!e h#) '(ffe 'o. Ho$ co(l! one )an teat anothe $#th '(ch !epaty0

Ma'' en!e! an! Monoe' "o!y* $appe! #n $h#te l#nen* $a' ca#e! o(t. /a"#elle ,ept

he hea! "o$e! a' the poce''#on of )o(ne' f#le! fo) the chapel. She happene! to %lance

(p once an! not#ce! that )o't of the) $ee %la#n% at he a' they $al,e! "y.

When the la't co(ple* a yo(n% )an $#th an ol!e $o)an* eache! he* they 'toppe!.

/a"#elle co(l! feel the $o)an' p#ec#n% eye'* an! 'he a#'e! he hea!.

1/o ho)e. Yo( ha&e no place hee*2 the $o)an h#''e!. He $o!' 'pe$e! o(t l#,e

po#'ono(' &eno).

The yo(n% )an 3(#c,ly too, the $o)an' 'ho(l!e an! %ently t(ne! he to$a! thepoce''#on. 14o)e* Mothe* )y (ncle $o(l!nt $ant an%e.2

/a"#elle' face "(ne!. She ha! ne&e hea! '(ch conte)pt "efoe.

A' they 'lo$ly )a!e the# $ay !o$n the a#'le* the )an t(ne! to %#&e /a"#elle a

'y)pathet#c ')#le.

He fathe la#! h#' han! on he a) to ,eep he fo) 'tan!#n% to lea&e. 1Well $a#t (nt#l

the Monoe' ae %one*2 he ca(t#one!. 1That $o)an $a' La#! Monoe' '#'te. I th#n, #t

$o(l! "e "e't that $e not follo$ the). Thee co(l! "e othe #n'(lt'.2

1Why $o(l! they $ant to #n'(lt )e02 'he a',e! #nce!(lo('ly.

1The Monoe clan ha' !ec#!e! that yo( ae the ea'on the# la#! #' !ea!.2

She 'tae! at h#) a' tho(%h he $a' 'pea,#n% non'en'e.

1They hol! yo( e'pon'#"le fo the# la#!' !eath*2 he fathe e'tate!.

She $a' appalle!. 1They th#n, I ,#lle! h#)0 Ho$ co(l! they th#n, '(ch a th#n%02


2/134

1Yo( )#'(n!e'tan!* /a"#elle. They !ont th#n, yo( 'ta""e! h#)* "(t they !o "el#e&e

that #f the# la#! ha! 'taye! ho)e an! ha!nt a%ee! to )ay yo(* he $o(l! 't#ll "e al#&e.

Monoe an! h#' follo$e' $ee ca)pe! #n a nea"y %len the n#%ht he $a' )(!ee!* an! '#nce

he $a' on h#' $ay hee to the a""ey to )ay yo(* they "el#e&e yo( ca('e! h#' !eath.2

1B(t that' #!#c(lo('.2

He patte! he han!. 1Ye'* #t #'. Dont let the# fool#'hne'' "othe yo(.2She 'ta#%htene!. 1I can $#th'tan! the# #n'(lt'. I) not 'o $ea, that I $o(l! fall apat

o&e a c(el $o! o t$o.2

1Yo( ha&e ten!e feel#n%'* !a(%hte* $hethe yo( $#ll a!)#t #t o not.2

The !oo opene! "eh#n! the)* an! Stephen 'teppe! #n'#!e. 1It' 'afe no$. The Monoe

)o(ne' ha&e left* an! the "aon $ho $a' $a#t#n% at the !oo ha' et(ne! to h#' ca)p.2

He fathe no!!e!. 1Then $e can %o. 4o)e* /a"#elle. Yo( %(a!' $#ll e'cot yo( "ac,

to yo( oo)'.2

1Stephen* $hat "aon $a' at the !oo02

He fathe an'$ee! he. 15ecy.2 He 'teppe! #nto the a#'le an! )o&e! "ac, 'o /a"#elle

co(l! $al, #n font of h#).

1I !ont (n!e'tan! $hy he ca)e fo the $e!!#n%0 He #'nt yo( f#en! o ally* an! I!o("t he ,ne$ La#! Monoe*2 'he 'a#!.

He fathe '#%he!. 1I 'ho(l! ha&e epla#ne! th#' a lon% t#)e a%o. 5ecy 'ay' he $a' 'ent

"y the ,#n%' co))an! to $#tne'' the cee)ony* "(t I) '(e he ha! othe )ot#&e'. I ha!

tho(%ht to 'h#el! yo(. Baon 5ecy an! Baon 4o'$ol! ae t$o &ey )an#p(lat#&e )en $ho

$#ll 'top at noth#n% to %et $hat they $ant. I ha! hope! that once yo( $ee )a#e! they $o(l!

%#&e (p the# o"'e''#on.2

He )ot#one! fo Stephen to open the !oo'.

1Wa' I #%ht* Stephen02 he a',e! a' they $al,e! !o$n the 'tep'. 1Wa' 5ecy $a#t#n% fo a

chance to 'pea, $#th /a"#elle02

1Aye* Baon. He $a' l(,#n% "y the '#!e of the chapel* an! he ha! h#' f#en!' $#th h#). I

ha&ent 'een Baon 4o'$ol! yet.2

14o'$ol! ta&ele! to Scotlan!. I) '(e of that. B(t /o! only ,no$' $hat he' (p to.2

1Why $o(l! e#the one of the) $ant to 'pea, to )e02 /a"#elle a',e!.

1I $#ll epla#n $hat nee!' "e tol! late*2 he fathe 'a#!. 1/o no$ an! ha&e yo( 'e&ant'

pac, yo( th#n%'. Yo(ll "e %o#n% "ac, to En%lan! to)oo$ )on#n%. If #t $ee not 'o late #n

the !ay* I $o(l! ha&e yo( lea&e no$.2

1B(t aent yo( %o#n% $#th )e* Fathe02 /a"#elle a',e!.

1No* I )('t %o to the ,#n% f#'t. He ha' "een tol! of Monoe' !eath "y no$* an! I $#ll

nee! to %et h#' appo&al fo o( et(n to En%lan!. I $#ll catch (p $#th yo( #n a fe$ !ay'.2

1Ae 4o'$ol! an! 5ecy the ea'on yo(e 'o an#o(' to %o ho)e02 'he a',e!.

1Ye'* they ae the ea'on*2 he an'$ee! %#)ly.They entee! the co))on'* $al,#n% '#!e "y '#!e* $#th Stephen an! Fa('t ta#l#n% "eh#n!.

1I ha&ent tol! yo( $hat I ha&e leane! a"o(t the'e t$o an! the# o"'cene co)pet#t#on* "(t

#t appea' that $hate&e one "aon $ant'* the othe )('t al'o ha&e. E&eyth#n% "eco)e' a

%a)e to the) to 'ee $ho $#ll $#n an! $ho $#ll lo'e.2

He 'hoo, h#' hea! #n !#'%('t. 1I tho(%ht yo( $o(l! "e #! of the) once yo( )a#e! La#!

Monoe* an! I cannot tell yo( ho$ 't(nne! I $a' to f#n! that 5ecy ha! a#&e! hee fo the

$e!!#n% an! ha! 'et (p ca)p o(t'#!e the a""ey. I epect 4o'$ol! $#ll appea at any t#)e.2

1Dea! )en cant )ay*2 Fa('t e)a,e!. 1Ho$ fot(#to(' fo the) that La#! Monoe

$a' )(!ee!.2

Stephen no!!e!. 1T#' )o't con&en#ent* #'nt #t02

Baon /eoffey t(ne! to h#). 1I $a' th#n,#n% the 'a)e th#n%.21Ae yo( '(%%e't#n%62 'he "e%an.


3/134

1Yo( ha&e "een 'heltee! fo) the el #n th#' $ol!* an! 'o yo( cannot #)a%#ne $hat

)en ae capa"le of. Let )e tell yo( $hat I enco(ntee! $hen I a#&e! at the B(chanan'.

La#! B(chanan an! )any of h#' 'ol!#e' $ee $#th the# all#e'* the MacH(%h'* 'each#n% fo

La#! MacH(%h' "othe.2

He fathe !#!nt 'pae the !eta#l' $hen he epla#ne! $hat the )on'te' $ho ha! capt(e!

L#a) ha! $ante! to !o.1I $a' tol! thee $a' "loo! on the ope they "o(n! h#) $#th an! a hole $a' !(% to "(y

h#).2

1Do they ,no$ $ho the'e )en $ee* )y lo!02 Stephen a',e!.

1Nay* they !o not. Bo!#c, an! La#! MacH(%h fo(n! one of the) on the %o(n! nea the

hole* "(t no one eco%n#7e! h#). He !#!nt $ea the colo' of any clan to #!ent#fy h#).

Bo!#c, et(ne! ho)e fo a 'hot $h#le. I $a' $a#t#n% fo h#).2

1D#! yo( 'each $#th h#)* Fathe02

1Hea&en' no. He $o(l! ne&e allo$ #t* "(t a' #t t(ne! o(t* MacH(%h' "othe $a' fo(n!.

A' I $a' lean% Bo!#c,' lan!* o(t of the foe't ca)e a p#e't $#th +oyf(l ne$'. He a',e!

)e to tell La#! B(chanan that L#a) MacH(%h $a' hee at the a""ey.2

He fathe ')#le!. 1The poo p#e't co(l!nt %et a$ay fa't eno(%h* an! he $o(l!ntan'$e )y 3(e't#on'. I #)a%#ne the MacH(%h clan $#ll "e o&e+oye! to hea that L#a) #' al#&e

an! 'afe. Ha' the a""ot )ent#one! anyth#n% a"o(t th#' poo #n+(e! 'o(l "e#n% hee02

/a"#elle ca't a f(t#&e %lance o&e he fathe' 'ho(l!e at Stephen "efoe an'$e#n%.

1No* the a""ot ha' tol! (' noth#n% of h#).2

1It' +('t a' $ell*2 he fathe 'a#!. 1The le'' of th#' "(tal#ty yo( 'ee* the "ette.2

1I choo'e to "el#e&e that thee #' )oe %oo! than el #n th#' $ol!*2 'he 'a#!.

1Yo( ha&e yo( )othe' ,#n! heat* /a"#elle.2 Baon /eoffey ,#''e! he l#%htly on the

chee, "efoe he left he. 1I )('t )a,e ha'te an! 'pea, to )y 'ol!#e'. Thee' )(ch to "e

!one "efoe I lea&e* "(t I $#ll )a,e ceta#n to 'ay fae$ell to the a""ot.2

A' 'oon a' he fathe ha! t(ne! the cone* 'he loo,e! at Stephen. 1I feel a' tho(%h I

ha&e !ece#&e! )y fathe "y not tell#n% h#) ho$ $e fo(n! L#a).2

1Yo( potect the "aon "y not tell#n% h#). None of (' co(l! ,no$ the a)#f#cat#on' of

,#ll#n% one )an an! 'an% anothe. They ae "oth 'tan%e' to ('. Yo( fathe 'ho(l! not "e

p(t #n the )#!!le* an! that co(l! &ey $ell happen. It #' "e't that $e ae %o#n% ho)e.2

She a%ee!. 1Th#' ha' "een a 'a! +o(ney.2

SI X T E E N

/ABRIELLE WAS ABOUT TO /O INTO HER ROOM WHEN Fathe /eloy calle! to

he.

1M#la!y* a $o!* plea'e02

He an to$a! he* o"e' flapp#n% a%a#n't h#' an,le'. H#' face $a' "#%ht e!* an! he $a'

fo$n#n% #ntently.

She !#!nt th#n, 'he co(l! han!le )oe "a! ne$'. Bac#n% he'elf* 'he $al,e! to$a!

h#). 1Ye'* Fathe02

1Theye hee.2 He $a' pant#n% 'o ap#!ly* he co(l! "aely %et the $o!' o(t.

1Who' hee02 'he a',e!.

1The MacH(%h la#! an! the B(chanan la#!. Both ha&e the# $a#o' $#th the). Theye

at the top of the h#ll o&eloo,#n% the a""ey.2

1Th#' #' %oo! ne$'* #'nt #t02


4/134

1Oh* no* no. I )ean ye'*2 he 't(ttee!. 1They&e co)e fo L#a)* an! that' &ey %oo!.2

1Then yo( 'ho(l! %o an! %eet the)* 'ho(l!nt yo(0 An! ta,e La#! MacH(%h to h#'

"othe02

1That $ont "e nece''ay*2 /eloy an'$ee!.

1I !ont (n!e'tan!. Of co('e #t' nece''ay. La#! MacH(%h ha' co)e all th#' $ay* an!

he 'ho(l! "e ta,en to 'ee h#' "othe*2 'he #n'#'te!.1Oh* hell 'ee h#). I) '(e of that*2 /eloy a''ete!. 1B(t the la#! $ont "e ta,en to

h#).2

/a"#elle $a' )oe conf('e! than e&e. 1Then ho$ $#ll he 'ee h#)02

1L#a)' $a#t#n% o(t'#!e the %ate'*2 the p#e't "l(te!.

Shoc,e!* /a"#elle 'a#!* 1That poo )an ha'nt "een a"le to #'e fo) h#' "e! '#nce he %ot

hee. Ho$ co(l! he po''#"ly %et o(t'#!e the %ate' of the a""ey02

/eloy co(l!nt loo, he #n the eye $hen he an'$ee!. 1Fathe Fan,l#n an! I ca#e!

h#).2

1An! yo( +('t left h#) thee02 She co(l!nt "el#e&e $hat the p#e't $a' tell#n% he.

1Yo( !ont (n!e'tan!. La#! MacH(%h #' a )#%hty $a#o. E&eyone ha' hea! of h#'

a)a7#n% 'ten%th6an! h#' a)a7#n% te)pe.2S(!!enly the '#t(at#on "eca)e clea to he. 1Yo(e afa#! of h#).2

1Only a fool #' (nafa#! of La#! MacH(%h.2

1B(t +('t a"an!on#n% the poo )an-2 'he "e%an.

14o)e $#th )e*2 /eloy 'a#!. 1I th#n, yo(ll (n!e'tan! $hen yo( 'ee fo yo('elf. Dont

$oy. They $ont "e a"le to 'ee yo(. Well cl#)" the $all an! pee, o(t. Ill 'ho$ yo( the

$ay.2

The p#e't le! /a"#elle o(t'#!e an! (p the nao$ 'tep' to an open#n% ca&e! o(t of the

th#c, 'tone $all.

/eloy po#nte! to the h#ll. 14an yo( 'ee the)02

He 'haply #n!a$n "eath an'$ee! h#' 3(e't#on. The '#%ht of the $a#o' ha! en!ee!

he 'peechle''* an! 'he co(l! only '())on a 3(#c, no!.

She !#!nt ha&e any to("le locat#n% the la#!'. The t$o )en $ee #n font of the#

follo$e'* each atop a )a%n#f#cent ho'e* one "lac,* the othe %ay. Both )en loo,e! a'

tho(%h they! "een fa'h#one! "y a %o! of anc#ent t#)e'. She ,ne$ that 8e(' ne&e act(ally

e#'te!* "(t $hen 'he loo,e! at the'e %#ant'* 'he co(l!nt help "(t th#n, that )ay"e6

1The one on the #%ht #' La#! MacH(%h*2 /eloy 'a#!.

Wa' he eal0 She clo'e! he eye'* opene! the) a%a#n* an! he $a' 't#ll thee.

1He' 3(#te6la%e* #'nt he0 They "oth ae act(ally*2 'he 'a#!* %lanc#n% fo) MacH(%h to

B(chanan.

The p#e't la(%he!. 1Theye H#%hlan!e'*2 he 'a#!* a' tho(%h that epla#ne! e&eyth#n%.

1They ae not a' c#l#7e! a' the e't of ('.21They ha&e co)e hee fo one of the# o$n* $h#ch tell' )e they ae capa"le of "othely

lo&e. They ae h()an* Fathe*2 'he 'a#! $#th a h#nt of !#'appo&al at the p#e't' ne%at#&e

+(!%)ent.

1Thee' L#a)*2 he $h#'pee!* e&en tho(%h he '(ely ,ne$ they co(l!nt po''#"ly hea

h#).

1Well %et to 'ee the# +oyf(l e(n#on*2 'he 'a#!. 1I' #t $on% of (' to #nt(!e02

1I !ont "el#e&e 'o. Be'#!e'* theyll ne&e ,no$.2

They $atche! anothe )#n(te o t$o* an! then 'he $h#'pee!* 1L#a)' han% to("le

$al,#n%. Do yo( 'ee ho$ he' ty#n% not to l#)p0 He' fa&o#n% h#' #%ht foot* #'nt he0 He'

'lo$#n% !o$n* too. Ho$ $#ll he e&e cl#)" the h#ll02

15#!e $#ll %et h#) thee.21B(t p#!e #' a '#n.2


5/134

1Not to a H#%hlan!e.2

/a"#elle 'tae! at La#! MacH(%h. H#' epe''#on $a' #%#!. Thee $a' no tace of

feel#n% #n h#' eye' a' he $atche! h#' "othe 't(%%le to )o&e fo$a!.

Ba"a#an* 'he !ec#!e!. MacH(%h $a' a "a"a#an. Ha! he no feel#n%' fo h#' o$n

"othe0 He! co)e th#' fa fo h#). Why $o(l!nt he help h#) no$0 Why $o(l!nt any of

the) help poo L#a)0They $ee all"a"a#an'* 'he !ec#!e!. E&ey la't one of the).

L#a) t#e! to 'tan! eect* "(t $hen he )o&e! h#' foot fo$a! to ta,e a 'tep* he '$aye!

an! 't()"le! "ac,$a!. La#! MacH(%h #))e!#ately '$(n% !o$n fo) h#' ho'e an!

han!e! the e#n' to La#! B(chanan.

1My fa#th ha' "een e'toe!*2 'he 'a#!. 1I $a' $on% to th#n, #ll of the la#!. He' %o#n% to

help L#a) afte all.2 /a"#elle ')#le! a' 'he a!!e!* 1T#' "othely lo&e.2

She $atche! #n ant#c#pat#on a' the la#! 'to!e to$a! the $ea,ene! )an. He !#!nt 'top

to 'pea, to h#)9 he !#!nt ')#le at h#)* an! he ceta#nly !#!nt e)"ace h#).

What he !#! !o $a' %#&e h#' "othe the f(ll foce of h#' f#'t.

SE V E N T E E N

BRODI4: 4OULDNT BELIE;E HE WAS THE ;OI4E OF REASON. He $a' ('(ally

the hot


6/134

15ehap' 'he' t(ne! yo( #nto a $ea,l#n% "eca('e 'he' $ea,. Mo't $o)en ae.2

The #n'(lt a)('e! Bo!#c,. 1Yo( ha&e )et )y $#fe* ha&ent yo(02

4ol) 'h(%%e!. 1Aye* $e&e )et.2 Thee $a' a h#nt of a ')#le #n h#' &o#ce $hen he

a!!e!* 1She' a 'ton% $o)an. A a#ty* that.2

1That' #%ht* 'he #' 'ton%* an! ty#n% to anta%on#7e )e $ont $o,. I) not %o#n% to help

yo( $a%e $a on a %o(p of ol! )en.21I ha&e no #ntent#on of $a%#n% $a on the p#e't'. I) '#)ply %o#n% to f#n! o(t $hat

happene!.2

1Befoe yo( !o anyth#n%* pehap' yo( 'ho(l! tal, to yo( "othe.2

1That' $hee I) hea!e!.2

1Yo( po"a"ly 'ho(l!nt ha&e h#t h#) 'o ha!. Ho$ lon% !o yo( th#n, #t $#ll ta,e h#) to

$a,e (p02

1So)e $ate on h#' face $#ll "#n% h#) ao(n!.2

A' the col()n of #!e' 'lo$ly )a!e the# $ay !o$n the othe '#!e of the h#ll* 4ol) 'a#!*

1D#! yo( 'ee $hat $a' !one to h#)02

1I 'a$*2 Bo!#c, an'$ee! 3(#etly.

It $o(l! "e a lon% t#)e "efoe 4ol) $o(l! "e a"le to let %o of the )e)oy of h#' "othety#n% to $al, to$a! h#). It appeae! that al)o't e&ey #nch of ',#n on h#' "othe' "ac,

an! le%' ha! "een ton o #ppe! off of h#).

No* he $o(l! not 'oon fo%et that %o!a$f(l '#%ht.

1Yo( )en 'ho(l! ta,e L#a) to :en D())on!' cotta%e. H#' $#fe ha' a $ay $#th

heal#n%.2

1Nay* theye ta,#n% h#) ho)e. Hell %et the cae he nee!' thee. I $ant yo( to

(n!e'tan!* afte I&e 3(e't#one! h#)* I) %o#n% #nto the a""ey.2

1I ,no$*2 he epl#e!. 1I) %o#n% $#th yo(.2

1No* yo(e not. I) alea!y #n yo( !e"t. Tho'e "a'ta!' $o(l! ha&e "(#e! L#a) #f yo(

an! yo( )en ha!nt 'ho$n (p $hen yo( !#!. I ne&e $o(l! ha&e %otten to h#) #n t#)e.2

1The !ea! one nea the hole $#th the ao$ #n h#' che't6that $a'nt !one "y one of

o('*2 Bo!#c, e)#n!e! h#).

1I 't#ll o$e yo( a te)en!o(' !e"t.2

Bo!#c, ')#le!. 1Aye* yo( !o.2

They ca(%ht (p $#th the othe'. Dylan* Bo!#c,' f#'t #n co))an!* ta#le! "eh#n!

MacH(%h' 'ol!#e'. He hea! Bo!#c,' 'h#ll $h#'tle an! 'toppe! the poce''#on.

Thee $ee a !o7en fo) the MacH(%h clan an! al)o't a' )any B(chanan' '(o(n!#n%

L#a).

S#nce they $ee 'o clo'e to D(ncan' Bl(ff'* they !ec#!e! to let L#a) e't fo a fe$

)#n(te' "efoe cont#n(#n% on. 4ol)' "othe $a' 't#ll %o%%y fo) the "lo$ he too, to the

+a$. He ef('e! a''#'tance a' he !#')o(nte! an! nealy fell to h#' ,nee'. E&eyone 'a$ thatthe "otto)' of h#' feet $ee ca,e! $#th "loo!* "(t no one ('he! fo$a! to help h#). They

$a#te! fo h#) to 'ta#%hten h#)'elf an! follo$ 4ol) to the flat oc,' o&eloo,#n% the &alley.

L#a) t#e! not to $#nce $#th each 'lo$ an! pa#nf(l 'tep. When he f#nally eache! the

"l(ff* he !oppe! to the %o(n! an! leane! h#' 'ho(l!e a%a#n't a ')ooth oc,.

4ol)' %eet#n% to h#' "othe $a' "l(nt. 1Who !#! th#' to yo(02 He 'teppe! #n font of

L#a) an! fol!e! h#' a)' aco'' h#' che't a' he $a#te! fo h#) to an'$e.

1If I ,ne$ $ho !#! th#'* I $o(l! ha&e ,#lle! the) "y no$*2 L#a) an'$ee!.

It $a' an e)pty "oa't* an! "oth of the) ,ne$ #t. H#' "othe $a'nt #n any con!#t#on to

,#ll anyone. H#' face $a' 'o %ay* 4ol) tho(%ht he )#%ht pa'' o(t a%a#n. B(t L#a)' p#!e

$a' at #''(e* an! fo that ea'on 4ol) $ent alon% $#th h#' ao%ant cla#).

1Aye* yo( $o(l! ha&e*2 he a%ee!. 1Tell )e $hat happene!.2


7/134

1I !ont e)e)"e )(ch*2 he 'a#!. 1I $a' lean% Monoe' hol!#n%* hea!#n% fo ho)e

aco'' the flat'* "(t I 'taye! to the ea't "y the $ate. I ,no$ I $a' 't#ll on Monoe' lan!. Ye'*

I) '(e I $a'. So)eth#n% 't(c, )e on the '#!e of )y hea!* an! I th#n, )ay"e I $a' h#t

a%a#n #n the "ac,. The "lo$' 't(nne! )e* an! $hen I ca)e to )y 'en'e'* )y han!' an! feet

$ee "o(n!. Thee $a' a hoo! o&e )y hea!.2

He clo'e! h#' eye' fo a )o)ent* ty#n% to ecla#) h#' )e)oy. 1Thee $ee at lea't fo(of the). I ca)e to fo a $h#le* "(t I ha! to let the) th#n, I $a' 't#ll (ncon'c#o('. I hea! the)

tal,#n% "efoe I pa''e! o(t a%a#n. I) ceta#n thee $ee fo( !#'t#nct &o#ce'6no* $a#t.2 He

'#%he! then* h#' f('tat#on )o(nt#n%. 1Thee co(l! ha&e "een )oe.2

He (""e! the "ac, of h#' nec, an! clo'e! h#' eye' a%a#n.

1D#! any of the) 'pea, !#ectly to yo(02 Bae!en* 4ol)' f#'t #n co))an!* a',e! a' he

an! 'o)e of the othe' c#cle!.

1No* I !ont th#n, 'o.2 L#a)' &o#ce %e$ hoa'e an! )oe !#ff#c(lt to (n!e'tan! $#th

each an'$e he %a&e. 1Why cant I e)e)"e0 It' !a)ne! ##tat#n%.2

To 4ol)* #t $a' o"o(' $hy L#a)' )e)oy $a' 'o 'potty. He! ta,en 'e&eal "lo$' to

the hea!.

1Yo( 'a#! yo( hea! the) tal,#n%. What $ee they 'ay#n%02 Bo!#c, a',e!.1That they hope! to ,#ll a' )any MacH(%h' a' they co(l!.2

1If thee $ee only fo( o 'o capto'* ho$ co(l! they po''#"ly ,#ll 'ea'one! MacH(%h

$a#o'02 Bo!#c, a',e!.

Bae!en han!e! L#a) h#' leathe $ate po(ch. L#a) too, a lon% !#n,* no!!e! h#'

appec#at#on to the co))an!e* an! then an'$ee!. 1Thee $ee )en h#!#n% #n the $oo!'*

$a#t#n% to attac,. They! "een tol! to %et a' )any MacH(%h' a' they co(l!. The )oe they

,#lle!* the h#%he the e$a!.2

He too, anothe '$allo$ "efoe cont#n(#n%. 1Anothe one of the) $o#e! that thee

eally $eent toop' $a#t#n% #n the $oo!' to help the)* an! they $o(l! "e all alone to face

4ol)' $ath. He $ante! to ,#ll )e an! "e !one $#th #t* "(t the one #n cha%e ,ept tell#n% h#)

they ha! to $a#t.2

1Wa#t fo $hat02 4ol) a',e!.

1I !ont ,no$.2

1D#! yo( hea any of the# na)e'02 Bo!#c, a',e!.

1If I !#!* I !ont e)e)"e.2

4ol) cont#n(e! to 3(e't#on h#' "othe* hop#n% fo 'o)e cl(e a' to $ho $a' "eh#n! th#'

atoc#ty* "(t L#a) $a'nt )(ch help.

1Do yo( e)e)"e "e#n% ta,en to the a""ey02 he a',e!.

1No* "(t I e)e)"e $a,#n% (p thee. I $a' #n a l#ttle oo). T$o p#e't' $ee $#th )e.

One $a' a heale* an! the othe $oe h#' 'tole an! paye! o&e )e. I th#n, he tho(%ht I $a'

!y#n%.21Who $ee the'e p#e't'02 Bae!en a',e!.

1Fathe Fan,l#n $a' the heale. I a',e! h#) ho$ I! %otten thee* an! he 'a#! he !#!nt

,no$.2

1D#! yo( "el#e&e h#)02 4ol) a',e!.

1Ye'* I !#!* afte he epla#ne!. He tol! )e that Fathe /eloy ca)e to h#) an! a',e! h#)

fo h#' help. /eloy $a' the p#e't pay#n% o&e )e*2 he a!!e!.

1An! Fathe Fan,l#n $a'nt c(#o(' to ,no$ ho$ yo(! %otten thee02 Bo!#c, a',e!.

1Aye* he $a' c(#o('. He a',e! )e ho$ I! "een #n+(e!* an! I tol! h#) I co(l!nt

e)e)"e. I hea! h#) a', /eloy the 'a)e 3(e't#on* an! /eloy tol! h#) #t $a' "e't #f he

!#!nt ,no$ the !eta#l'.2

1What a"o(t th#' p#e't /eloy0 What !#! he tell yo(02


8/134

1He 'a#! he $a' o(t'#!e (nloa!#n% a $a%on of %a#n $hen he happene! to loo, (p* an!

thee I $a'.2

1Thee yo( $ee0 That' #t0 No one $a' $#th yo(02 4ol) a',e!.

1I a',e! /eloy that &ey 3(e't#on* an! he co(l!nt %#&e )e an eact an'$e. When I

a',e! h#) to epla#n $hat he )eant* he 'a#! that he co(l!nt 'ay ye' an! he co(l!nt 'ay no.2

1He 'pea,' #n #!!le'*2 4ol) 'nappe!.L#a) t#e! to 'tan!. Bac#n% h#' han! a%a#n't the oc,* he )a!e #t to h#' ,nee' "efoe

fall#n% "ac,. 4('#n% h#' $ea,ne''* he e'te! anothe )o)ent "efoe ty#n% a%a#n.

1Th#' p#e't /eloy $#ll not 'pea, #n #!!le' to )e*2 4ol) 'a#!. 1He $#ll tell )e $hat I

$#'h to ,no$.2

14ol)* yo( nee! to (n!e'tan!. /eloy 'o(%ht to potect )e. He $a' concene! that

$hoe&e ha! #n+(e! )e )#%ht co)e #n'#!e the a""ey-2

1To ,#ll yo(.2 Bo!#c, no!!e! a' he f#n#'he! L#a)' tho(%ht.

1Ye'*2 he 'a#!. 1/eloy "el#e&e! that the !e)on'* a' he calle! the )en $ho attac,e! )e*

$o(l! not e'pect 'anct(ay. He an! Fan,l#n a%ee! to ,eep )y pe'ence 'ecet a' a 'afety

)ea'(e (nt#l yo( a#&e!* 4ol)* "(t thee $a' a po"le). The t$o of the) co(l! not 'tan!

%(a! o&e )e !ay an! n#%ht $#tho(t a#'#n% '('p#c#on* an! ne#the $o(l! "e &ey effect#&ea%a#n't an #nt(!e.2

1An! ho$ $a' th#' po"le) 'ol&e!02 4ol) a',e!.

1/eloy enl#'te! the help of a fe$ %oo! )en he ,ne$ to potect )e $h#le I 'lept. He

epla#ne! to )e that he $ante! )en $ho (n!e'too! the $ay' of f#%ht#n%.2

15#e't' $o(l! ha&e no '(ch ta#n#n%*2 Bae!en #nte+ecte!.

1No* they $o(l!nt*2 4ol) a%ee!.

He 'toppe! pac#n% #n font of h#' "othe. 1Who !#! th#' p#e't f#n! to $atch o&e yo(02

1He a',e! 'ol!#e' $ho $ee thee fo La#! Monoe' $e!!#n%.2

1What clan $ee the'e )en fo)02 Bo!#c, a',e!.

Befoe L#a) co(l! an'$e* 4ol) a',e!* 1Wee the'e )en H#%hlan!e'02

1No* they $ee not* "(t /eloy t('te! the) co)pletely.2

1Then they ha! to "e H#%hlan!e'*2 Bo!#c, ea'one!.

All of the $a#o' l#'ten#n% to the con&e'at#on #))e!#ately no!!e! the# a%ee)ent.

Only H#%hlan!e' $ee to "e t('te!* an! e&en then $#th ca(t#on.

1I) tell#n% yo( they $ee not H#%hlan!e'. I !ont ,no$ $hee they ca)e fo)* "(t

/eloy )('t ha&e ,no$n the) $ell to t('t the).2

4ol) ,ne$ he ha! to h(y $#th h#' 3(e't#on'* fo he $ante! to %et a' )(ch #nfo)at#on

a' he co(l! fo) h#' $eay "othe "efoe eha('t#on ca(%ht (p $#th h#). L#a) $a' alea!y

!o$'y. He co(l! "aely ,eep h#' eye' open* an! he $a' han% to("le concentat#n%.

1Ho$ )any $ee thee02 he a',e!.

1Ho$ )any $hat02 L#a) a',e! $ea#ly.4ol) hel! h#' pat#ence. 1Sol!#e'* L#a). Ho$ )any 'ol!#e' $atche! o&e yo(02

1Fo(. Thee $ee al$ay' t$o e#the #n'#!e the oo) $#th )e o +('t o(t'#!e )y !oo.2

Bo!#c, %lance! at 4ol) $hen he a',e!* 1An! the'e )en ca#e! $eapon'02

L#a) act(ally ')#le!. 1No* they !#! not.2

1The 3(e't#on a)('e' yo(02 Bo!#c, a',e!* ty#n% to (n!e'tan! L#a)' eact#on.

1Aye* #t !oe'. When yo( 'ee the'e )en* yo( $#ll (n!e'tan! $hy. B(t I $#ll a''(e yo( of

th#'* La#! B(chanan. They !o not nee! $eapon'.2

1They ae #nnc#"le0 I' that $hat yo( '(%%e't02 Bae!en a',e! a' tho(%h the not#on of

'(ch pa#'e of an o(t'#!e' 'ten%th 'ho(l! "e ta,en a' a pe'onal affont to h#' o$n )#%ht.

1No )an #' #nnc#"le*2 4ol) 'nappe!. 1What !#! the'e 'ol!#e' tell yo(* L#a)0 D#! they

epla#n ho$ yo( ca)e to the a""ey021No. They tal,e! to one anothe* "(t they $o(l!nt tal, to )e.2


9/134

Both 4ol) an! Bo!#c, $a#te! fo L#a) to epla#n f(the. When he !#!nt* Bo!#c,

a',e!* 1Why $o(l!nt they tal, to yo(02

1I !ont th#n, they (n!e'too! )e*2 he 'a#! f#nally. 1An! I ceta#nly !#!nt (n!e'tan!

the). They 'po,e a lan%(a%e I&e ne&e hea! "efoe.2

4ol) $a' "eco)#n% e&en )oe f('tate!. 1/eloy )('t ha&e (n!e'too! the).2

1I) not '(e he !#!. I ne&e hea! h#) 'pea, to the).21Then ho$ !#! he-2 4ol) 'toppe!. It $a' po#ntle'' to cont#n(e 3(e't#on#n% h#' "othe.

L#a) nee!e! e't* an! 4ol) hope! that $hen h#' "othe %e$ 'ton%e* he $o(l! "e a"le to

e)e)"e )oe a"o(t the )en $ho ha! ta,en h#) capt#&e.

Be'#!e'* he ea'one!* /eloy $o(l! tell h#) $hat he $ante! to ,no$.

He e)o&e! h#' '$o! an! 'heath an! han!e! "oth to Bae!en. 1Ta,e L#a) ho)e*2 he

o!ee!.

He $ent to h#' ho'e to %et h#' "o$ an! ao$' an! %a&e tho'e to Bae!en a' $ell. 1An!

'en! the B(chanan' ho)e.2 W#th a %lance at Bo!#c,* he a!!e!* 1All the B(chanan'.2

Befoe 4ol) co(l! a%(e* Bo!#c, '$(n% (p onto h#' )o(nt an! 'a#!* 1I a) %o#n% "ac, to

the a""ey $#th yo(.2

Bae!en no!!e!. 1Do yo( $ant any of (' to %o #n'#!e the a""ey $#th yo(021I !o not.2 4ol)' &o#ce $a' (ny#el!#n%.

Bae!en $a' ('e! to h#' la#!' %(ff $ay'. 1Then )ay I '(%%e't that half of o( )en ta,e

L#a) ho)e* an! I an! the othe' $#ll $a#t o(t'#!e the %ate' $#th yo( $eapon'* La#!.2

Bo!#c,' co))an!e 'teppe! fo$a! to 'tan! "e'#!e Bae!en. 1An! '#nce )y La#!

B(chanan #' %o#n% $#th yo(* I '(%%e't that I al'o $a#t $#th o( la#!' $eapon' o(t'#!e the

%ate'. The othe B(chanan 'ol!#e' $#ll 'ee L#a) 'afely ho)e.2

Bo!#c, a%ee!. 1It $o(l! "e to o( a!&anta%e to ta,e o( '$o!' 'ho(l! $e ha&e the

%oo! fot(ne to (n #nto the )en $ho tot(e! yo( "othe.2

1I pefe to ('e )y han!'*2 4ol) 'a#!.

1E&en #f othe' ha&e '$o!'02

4ol) %a&e h#) a ha! loo,. 1What !o yo( th#n,02

Bo!#c, 'hoo, h#' hea!. 1I th#n, yo(e +('t #tch#n% to ,#ll 'o)eone* aent yo(02

1I a) %o#n% to ,#ll $hoe&e !#! th#' to )y "othe*2 4ol) an'$ee!.

Th#' $a'nt a hope o a po)#'e. It $a' a 'ole)n &o$.

EI G H T E E N

THE 4OM5ETITION BETWEEN BARON 4OSWOLD AND BARON 5ecy ha! t(ne!!ea!ly. O 'o #t 'ee)e!.

Each )an $ent to %eat len%th' to f#n! o(t $hat !eo(' 'che)e' the othe $a' plott#n%.

Sp#e' $ee e&ey$hee. 4eta#nly not all of Baon 5ecy' co)pan#on' $ee loyal to h#).

One-W#ll#a)* h#' heal! #n fact-$a' 'ecetly #n the e)ploy of Baon 4o'$ol!. The heal!

$a' a $ell


10/134

The te#"le ne$' !#!nt %et the eact#on W#ll#a) epecte!. Ne#the 4o'$ol! no

Mac:enna 'ee)e! the lea't '(p#'e!. 4o'$ol! )eely 'h(%%e! #n!#ffeence an! Mac:enna*

appaently +('t a' (naffecte!* loo,e! "oe! a' he eache! fo a ch(n, of "lac, "ea! an!

poppe! a $e!%e #nto h#' )o(th.

Baon 5ecy ha! 'ee)e! +('t a' (n#ntee'te! $hen he! hea! the ne$'. Ha! "oth "aon'

epecte! th#' to happen0 Ha! they ant#c#pate! Monoe' !eath* o ha! they '#)ply $#'he! fo#t0 An! $hy $a' La#! Mac:enna al'o #n!#ffeent0 One of h#' o$n co(nty)en ha! "een

)(!ee!9 the heal! ha! tho(%ht thee )#%ht ha&e "een at lea't a h#nt of e)o'e.

4o'$ol! p('he! the cha# "ac, fo) the ta"le an! )ot#one! fo the heal! to follo$ h#)

o(t'#!e. When they $ee alone* he o!ee! h#) to et(n to 5ecy' ca)p to ,eep h#' eye' an!

ea' open fo f(the !e&elop)ent'.

1/o no$* $h#le thee #' 't#ll l#%ht to %(#!e yo(. Yo( can )a,e 'o)e of the !#'tance "ac,

"efoe !a,ne'' fall'. Ill a#&e at the a""ey to)oo$.2

The heal! $atche! 4o'$ol! 't(t "ac, #n'#!e an! then 'too! thee a lon% )o)ent

'catch#n% h#' hea! #n conf('#on. Altho(%h he! $ante! to* he !#!nt !ae a', the "aon the

3(e't#on pla%(#n% h#). Monoe ha! "een a po$ef(l* an! fo) all acco(nt' a $ell


11/134

1An! the )en $ho attac,e!02

1Unfot(nately* none l#&e! lon% eno(%h to tell )e $ho 'ent the)* "(t they $ee not

H#%hlan!e'.2

1O(tca't' then0 Loo,#n% to 'teal $hat they co(l!02

He 'hoo, h#' hea!. 1Yo( hea! $hat L#a) tol! ('. The o!e' $ee to ,#ll a' )any

MacH(%h' a' po''#"le. O(tca't' $o(l! not "e 'o o%an#7e!. They th#&e on chao'* an! l#,eat' they 'teal an! (n.2

1T#' the t(th yo( 'pea,*2 Bo!#c, 'a#!. 1Ra)'ey' "othe $a' "(t a ch#l!* "(t L#a) #' a

%o$n )an. He #' nealy a' ol! a' yo( ae* #' he not02

1F#&e yea' yo(n%e "(t 't#ll f(ll


12/134

Befoe e#the la#! co(l! e'pon!* the a""ot cont#n(e!* 1Yo( )('t "e te#"ly !#'appo#nte!

to ha&e )#''e! the f(neal )a''* "(t $#th the (n('(ally )#l! $eathe #t $a' nece''ay fo h#'

fa)#ly to ta,e h#) ho)e an! p(t h#) #n the %o(n! a' 3(#c,ly a' po''#"le. D#! yo( th#n, yo(

)#%ht 'pea, to the fa)#ly0 A p#ty yo( )#''e! the). Shall I 'ho$ yo( to the chapel 'o yo(

)#%ht pay fo h#' 'o(l02

4ol) an! Bo!#c, loo,e! at each othe* an! then 4ol) t(ne! to the a""ot. Tho(%ha!!e''#n% a )an of /o!* he !#!nt %(a! h#' $o!'.

1What #n /o!' na)e ae yo( tal,#n% a"o(t02

The a""ot too, a 3(#c, 'tep "ac, an! patte! h#' che't #n an atte)pt to cal) h#)'elf. He

ha! l#&e! a 3(#et* conte)plat#&e l#fe #n the )ona'tey fo yea'* an! the ec#te)ent an!

t()o#l of the la't fe$ !ay' $a' ta,#n% #t' toll on h#' ne&e'.

1Yo( !ont ,no$0 I +('t a''()e!6#t' La#! Monoe*2 he ('he! on $hen he 'a$ the

)ean loo, #n La#! MacH(%h' eye'. 1He' !ea!. I'nt that $hy yo( ca)e hee0 To epe''

yo( 'y)pathy02

1Monoe' !ea!02 Bo!#c, $a' 'ta%%ee! "y the p#e't' anno(nce)ent.

1Ho$ !#! he !#e02 4ol) $ante! to ,no$.

The a""ot lo$ee! h#' &o#ce $hen he an'$ee!. 1He $a' )(!ee!.2 He pa('e! to )a,ethe '#%n of the co'' "efoe a!!#n%* 1M(!ee! he $a'* an! #n the "lac, of n#%ht.2

1When !#! th#' happen02 Bo!#c, a',e!.

1Ho$ $a' he )(!ee!02 4ol) a',e! at the 'a)e t#)e.

The loo, #n the la#!' eye' f#%htene! the a""ot. La#! MacH(%h 'ee)e! the )oe

theaten#n% of the t$o* an%#e a' $ell. The p#e't' &o#ce te)"le! a' he %a&e h#' an'$e'* "(t

he co(l! "aely ,eep (p $#th the ap#!ly f#e! 3(e't#on' fo) the t$o %#ant'.

4ol) not#ce! that e&ey t#)e he )o&e!* the a""ot fl#nche!. He cla'pe! h#' han!' "eh#n!

h#' "ac, a' a '#%n of t('t* 'o the )ee, a""ot $o(l! ,no$ he )eant h#) no ha).

The a""ot ('he! to epla#n. 1Hee I $a' th#n,#n% yo( ca)e all th#' $ay to pay yo( la't

e'pect'* an! #t' appaent yo( !#!nt ,no$ a"o(t La#! Monoe' ta%#c !eath. No$ I 'ee

$hat ha' happene!. I&e )#'(n!e'too!* ha&ent I0 I) 'o 'oy I %eete! yo( $#th '(ch 'a!

ne$' $hen #t #' clealy e!ent yo( ha&e co)e hee fo a )(ch )oe +oyf(l occa'#on* the

$e!!#n%.2

1Ho$ can thee "e a $e!!#n% #f the %oo) ha' "een )(!ee!02 Bo!#c, a',e!. He $a'

"e%#nn#n% to th#n, the a""ot $a' )#''#n% pat of h#' )#n!.

1La#! Monoe #' no lon%e the %oo)6'#nce he' "een )(!ee!*2 he ha't#ly concl(!e!.

1Wee not hee a"o(t any $e!!#n%-o any f(neal fo that )atte*2 4ol) 'a#!. 1Wee

hee a"o(t )y "othe.2

The a""ot e'pon!e! $#th a 3(#77#cal loo,. 1Yo( "othe02

4ol) con'#!ee! %a""#n% the )an "y h#' nec, an! 'ha,#n% h#) "(t ,ne$ #t $o(l!nt "e

p(!ent to attac, a )an of /o!. Fo) the a""ot' "lan, 'tae* #t $a' appaent he ,ne$noth#n% of L#a).

The a""ot $a' '$eat#n% pof('ely. He $#pe! h#' $et han!' !o$n the '#!e' of h#' o"e.

The la#!' eye' ha! t(ne! a !a, %ay* the colo of a "e$#n% 'to).

1Th#n%' ha&e "een happen#n% 'o fa't. Wee not ('e! to th#' )(ch act#ty #n o(

)ona'tey. Anothe )atch fo La!y /a"#elle #' +('t no$ "e#n% !ec#!e! (pon. It' chao'.2 He

lo$ee! h#' &o#ce to a con'p#ato#al $h#'pe. 1T$o "aon' fo) En%lan! ae no$ #n the %eat

hall* each cla#)#n% to "e 'pea,#n% on :#n% >ohn' "ehalf. A co$! of En%l#'h #' %athe#n% #n

the co))on'. I eco))en! that yo( $a#t (p'ta#' #f yo( !ont $ant to "eco)e #n&ol&e!.2

1What ae the "aon' f#%ht#n% a"o(t02 Bo!#c, a',e!.

1We nee! not concen o('el&e' $#th the# petty '3(a""le'*2 4ol) 'a#!. 1Re)e)"e the

ea'on $e ae hee.2 He a!!e''e! the a""ot once a%a#n. 1Yo( ha&e a p#e't hee na)e!/eloy. I $#'h to 'pea, to h#) a' 'oon a' po''#"le.2


13/134

1May I #n3(#e a' to yo( ea'on fo 'pea,#n% to h#)02

1Yo( )ay not.2

The a""ot $a' ta,en a"ac, "y the "l(nt !en#al. Then he no!!e!* th#n,#n% he (n!e'too!

$hy the la#! ha! ef('e! to epla#n. 1Oh* I 'ee. Yo( $#'h to 'ay yo( confe''#on. I apolo%#7e.

I 'ho(l!nt ha&e a',e!. Why !ont yo( %o on (p'ta#'* an! Ill 'en! Fathe /eloy to yo(. I

"el#e&e I ,no$ +('t $hee he #'. Hell 'ho$ yo( the $ay to the chapel 'o that yo( )ay #!yo('elf of yo( '#n'.2

Yet a%a#n the a""ot ha! +()pe! to the $on% concl('#on* "(t ne#the la#! 'et h#) 'ta#%ht.

1It 'ho(l!nt ta,e any t#)e at all*2 he e)a,e!* t(n#n% to lea! the) to the 'tep'.

Bo!#c, no!!e! h#' hea! to$a! 4ol). 1W#th h#' n()"e of '#n'* I $o(l!nt co(nt on #t.2

4ol) $a' not a)('e!. He 'ho&e! Bo!#c, o(t of h#' $ay. 1I) not hee fo confe''#on.

I) hee fo 'o)e an'$e' a"o(t )y "othe. I +('t $ant to %et th#' o&e an! !one $#th an!

%et o(t of hee. 5ehap' I can connce Fathe /eloy to co)e $#th ('. I cant th#n, o "eathe

$#th th#' )any En%l#'h '(o(n!#n% )e.2

1I !o("t /eloy $#ll $ant to lea&e $#th ('. B(t yo( can a',*2 Bo!#c, 'a#!.

1A',0 Why $o(l! I a',02

Bo!#c, 'h(%%e!. 4ol) $o(l! !o $hat he $ante! e%a!le'' of ho$ Bo!#c, felt.Be'#!e'* Bo!#c, )ay $ell ha&e !one the 'a)e ha! #t "een h#' o$n "othe. St#ll* !a%%#n% a

p#e't o(t of h#' 'anct(ay fo the 'ole p(po'e of "o$"eat#n% h#) #nto tell#n% $hat he ,ne$

a"o(t L#a)' capto'6an! 'ao'6$a' po"a"ly %o#n% to "lac,en the# "attee! 'o(l' a

l#ttle )oe.

The a""ot $a' 'o #ntent on o&ehea#n% the# con&e'at#on he !#!nt eal#7e he! eache!

the top of the $all '(o(n!#n% the co))on'. O(t of "eath* he po#nte!. 1Hee $e ae.2

The a""ot t(ne! to %o "ac, !o$n'ta#' an! fetch /eloy* "(t Bo!#c, 'toppe! h#) $#th a

3(e't#on.

1I) c(#o('* A""ot. Ae Baon /eoffey an! h#' !a(%hte 't#ll hee* o ha&e they 'tate!

"ac, to En%lan!02

1Baon /eoffey0 Yo( ,no$ the'e En%l#'h02

Bo!#c, '#%he!. 1It #' an e)"aa'')ent to a!)#t they ae elate!6on )y $#fe' '#!e*2 he

ha't#ly a!!e!.

1It #' 't#ll an e)"aa'')ent*2 4ol) e)a,e!.

Bo!#c, '#lently e)#n!e! h#)'elf that 4ol) $a' h#' ally. 1I&e ne&e )et the !a(%hte*2

he tol! the a""ot.

The a""ot epl#e!* 1The "aon ha' left on a +o(ney to )eet $#th h#' ,#n%* an! h#' !a(%hte

ha' "een pepa#n% to lea&e fo En%lan!* "(t I "el#e&e 'he $#ll "e !eta#ne!.2

1Why $#ll 'he "e !eta#ne!02 Bo!#c, a',e!.

1Yo( !ont (n!e'tan!*2 the a""ot 'a#!. 1All th#' chao' concen' the la!y an! $ho) 'he #'

to )ay.21I' he fathe a$ae of th#'02 Bo!#c, $on!ee!.

1No. He left "efoe the t$o "aon' ca)e to%ethe.2

1An! $hen #' Baon /eoffey epecte! to et(n02 Tho(%h the f(t(e of La!y /a"#elle

$a' of no concen to Bo!#c,* he felt a %na$#n% o"l#%at#on.

1I !o("t anyone ha' ha! t#)e to 'en! a )e''en%e to he fathe. It' a' tho(%h the "aon'

!el#"eately $a#te! (nt#l he $a' a$ay fo) the a""ey "efoe 'p#n%#n% th#' )a#a%e on h#'

!a(%hte. Theye "oth act#n% a' tho(%h th#' #' a )o't (%ent )atte. Fo) $hat I&e hea! of

the# a%()ent* they $ant he )a#e! "efoe he fathe f#n!' o(t an! ca('e' an (p'et.2

Dat#n% a %lance to the left an! then to the #%ht he 'a#!* 1T#c,ey. Aye* #t' t#c,ey #f yo(

a', )e. B(t the la!y #' potecte! "y he %(a!' an! 'he #' 'afe #n o( )ona'tey. No ha) $#ll

co)e to he $h#le 'he #' hee.2


14/134


15/134

1Wo(l! yo( l#,e to 'ee the $#t02 4o'$ol! a',e!. 1The ,#n%' 'eal #' thee* an! 'o #' the

!ate* 5ecy. If yo( !o not 'tep a'#!e* I $#ll ha&e yo( tho$n o(t.2

5ecy 'note!. 1When $a' th#' $#t '#%ne!02 he !e)an!e!* an! "efoe 4o'$ol! co(l!

an'$e* he a!!e!* 1I ,no$ $hee yo(&e "een* an! I ,no$ all a"o(t the !a, "a%a#n yo(&e

't(c, $#th the la#!.2

4o'$ol! #%noe! th#' co))ent. He 'nappe! h#' f#n%e' to$a! one of h#' '(ppote'* an!the 'coll $a' po)ptly po!(ce!. He 'natche! #t fo) h#' han!' an! $a&e! #t #n 5ecy' face.

1Hee #t #'. :#n% >ohn ha' a''#%ne! po$e to )e.2

4ol) an! Bo!#c, e'te! the# a)' on top of a paapet* $atch#n% an! l#'ten#n% to the

!e"acle ta,#n% place "eneath the). 4ol) $a' '#)ply "#!#n% h#' t#)e (nt#l Fathe /eloy

a#&e!. The a""ot ha! #n!#cate! to the) that #t $o(l!nt ta,e lon% to locate h#)* "(t

o"o('ly he! "een )#'ta,en.

I)pat#ent to %a" the p#e't an! %et a$ay fo) the'e fo(l En%l#'h "aon'* 4ol) )(ttee!*

1Whee #' that "la'te! p#e't /eloy02

1S(ely he' on h#' $ay*2 Bo!#c, epl#e!.

4ol) 'canne! the co$! "elo$. He not#ce! the n()"e of o!a#ne! )en #n o"e' an! 'a#!*

1Thee ae 'o )any of the). If I ,ne$ $hat /eloy loo,e! l#,e* I! !a% h#) o(t of hee.2Bo!#c, %#nne!. 1Yo( ,no$ ho$ I )ent#one! yo( cant 'tat a $a a%a#n't a p#e't0 Well*

yo( al'o cannot !a% one of the) o(t of hee* (nle'' the p#e't #' $#ll#n% to %o* an! I !o("t

/eloy $o(l! "e. Yo( an! I62

1Yo( an! I $hat02

1Acco!#n% to )y $#fe* $e ten! to f#%hten people.2

Anothe 'ho(t !e$ the# attent#on. 1The En%l#'h* theye lo(!* aent they02 Bo!#c,

co))ente!. 1It' a p#ty $e !ont ha&e o( "o$' an! ao$'. We co(l! #! the $ol! of a fe$

of the).2

4ol) ')#le!. 1Aye* $e co(l!.2

At that )o)ent 4o'$ol! clappe! h#' han!' fo attent#on an! "ello$e!* 1B#n% La!y

/a"#elle to )e. We $#ll 'ettle th#' hee an! no$.2 He t(ne! to the %o(p "eh#n! h#)* %a&e a

3(#c, no!* an! then t(ne! "ac, to face 5ecy. 1I ha&e )a!e )y !ec#'#on. By th#' !ay' en!*

'he $#ll "e )a#e!.2

TW E N T Y - O N E

THE ABBOT FOUND /ABRIELLE STROLLIN/ WITH FATHER /eloy #n the

%a!en. She ha! alea!y epe''e! he %at#t(!e to Fathe Fan,l#n an! $a' a"o(t to %#&e hethan,' to /eloy fo ,eep#n% he conf#!ence $hen the a""ot ('he! #nto the %a!en call#n% to

he.

1La!y /a"#elle* thee' a f(o.2 5ant#n% fo "eath fo) the eet#on of (nn#n%* he

co(l! "aely "eathe an! 'pea, at the 'a)e t#)e.

/a"#elle le! h#) to a 'tone "ench an! '(%%e'te! that he '#t fo a )o)ent.

No!!#n%* he ploppe! h#)'elf !o$n an! $hee7e!* 1Ah* that' "ette.2

/eloy cla'pe! h#' han!' "eh#n! h#' "ac,. 1Yo( )ent#one! a f(o02

1Oh* ye'. Yo( ha&e "een '())one! to the co(tya!. Fathe /eloy* pehap' yo( 'ho(l!

acco)pany he. S(ch f#%ht#n%. Te#"le* +('t te#"le the $ay theye cay#n% on. An! #n'#!e

th#' holy )ona'tey of all place'. Sha)e (pon the# 'o(l'.2

1Who #' f#%ht#n%02 /a"#elle a',e!.

1T$o "aon' fo) En%lan!. One #' na)e! 4o'$ol! I "el#e&e* an! the othe-2


16/134

15ecy.2

1Ye'* that' #%ht* )#la!y. Baon 5ecy.2

1An! the'e t$o "aon' ha&e calle! fo /a"#elle02 /eloy a',e!.

1Baon 4o'$ol! )a!e the !e)an!.2

/a"#elle $a' #n!#%nant. 1I an'$e to ne#the of the)* an! I ha&e no $#'h to 'ee o 'pea,

to the). I) ea!y to lea&e fo ho)e no$* an! I 'ee no ea'on to !elay )y !epat(e.2/eloy a%ee! $#th a 3(#c, no!. 1He %(a!' ae e&en no$ "#n%#n% the ho'e' to the font

%ate* fo /a"#elle #' plann#n% to lea&e the a""ey )o)enta#ly. He po''e''#on' ha&e alea!y

"een pac,e!.2

The a""ot 'hoo, h#' hea!. 1I !ont th#n, the "aon' $#ll allo$ he to lea&e.2

1Thee' )oe to th#' than )eet' the eye* #'nt thee02 /eloy a',e!.

He '#%he!. 1Thee #'. Each "aon ca#e' a $#t pocla#)#n% to "e 'pea,#n% an! act#n% on

the ,#n%' "ehalf. 4o'$ol!' $#t #' )oe c(ent #f yo( "el#e&e the !ate $#tten !o$n. The

,#n%' 'eal #' on "oth $#t'* o 'o I&e "een tol!.2 All of a '(!!en the a""ot "o(n!e! to h#'

feet. 1Oh* Lo!* I fo%ot. W#th all the co))ot#on an! the 'ho(t#n%* )y ean! co)pletely

'l#ppe! )y )#n!. An! ho$ co(l! #t0 W#th the $oy a"o(t tho'e t$o-Fathe /eloy* I $a'

on )y $ay to 'each fo yo( $hen Baon 4o'$ol! calle! o(t to )e.21Why $ee yo( 'each#n% fo )e02 he a',e!.

1I po)#'e! to 'en! yo( to the top of the $all. Yo( 'ee* thee ae t$o62 He pa('e!.

1T$o0 T$o $hat02 /eloy a',e!.

1La#!'*2 he an'$ee! el(ctantly. 1B(chanan an! MacH(%h. They !#!nt 'ay $hy they

nee! to 'pea, to yo(* "(t La#! MacH(%h )ent#one! 'o)eth#n% a"o(t h#' "othe. Do yo(

,no$ anyth#n% a"o(t th#'02

5an#c an! !ea! fla'he! aco'' /eloy' face. 1I&e a fa# #!ea.2

1I $#ll hea yo( eplanat#on late a' the la#!' ha&e "een ,ept $a#t#n% lon% eno(%h. They

!ont loo, the pat#ent 'ot.2 He ')#le! a' he a!!e!* 1I al'o hea! one of the)-I "el#e&e #t

$a' MacH(%h* "(t I cant "e ceta#n-)ent#on 'o)eth#n% a"o(t ta,#n% yo( a$ay $#th h#).2

/eloy '$allo$e! lo(!ly. 1Yo( !#!02

15ehap' one of the) $#ll offe yo( the chance to +o#n h#' clan a' a 'p##t(al lea!e. I

,no$ yo( $ant to ha&e yo( o$n ch(ch one !ay* #' that not 'o0 An! yo( al'o $#'h to 'a&e a'

)any 'o(l' a' po''#"le. I' that not al'o 'o02

/eloy fant#cally no!!e! a%ee)ent. He !#! $ant h#' o$n ch(ch an! h#' o$n floc,-

$hat p#e't $o(l!nt0-"(t not a)on% the'e "(tal la#!' an! the# (n(ly clan'. He !#!nt

$ant to l#&e the e't of h#' l#fe #n the 'tate of pepet(al teo.

1I a) content to pay fo lo't 'o(l' hee* A""ot*2 he 'a#! #n a $h#'pe. 1Do yo( $ant )e

to e'cot La!y /a"#elle to face the "aon'* o !o yo( $ant )e to 'pea, to the la#!'02

1I $#ll %o $#th he* an! yo( h(y to the la#!'. Moe an! )oe of the# clan')en ha&e

co)e #n'#!e. The 'oone yo( tal, to the)* the "ette.2Thee $a' no %ett#n% o(t of #t* /eloy ,ne$. 1Be't %et #t!one*2 he 'a#!.

He 'a#! h#' %oo!


17/134

She 'hoo, he hea!. 1My %(a!' ae too "('y to "e "othee! $#th th#' non'en'e* an! I)

ceta#n the )eet#n% $ont ta,e any t#)e at all.2

He co(l!nt !#''(a!e he. /a"#elle ha! anothe ea'on fo ,eep#n% he %(a!' a$ay fo)

the "aon'. He fathe !#!nt t('t the'e )en* an! ne#the $o(l! 'he. She $a' concene! that

4o'$ol! an! 5ecy )#%ht ha&e the# (n!el#n%' po&o,e a f#%ht* an! tho(%h he %(a!' $ee

$ell


18/134

4ol) no!!e!. 1Who "o(%ht h#) hee02

1I cannot 'ay.2

4ol) t#lte! h#' hea! an! 'tae! at /eloy fo 'e&eal 'econ!'. 1Yo( cannot o yo( $#ll

not02 he !e)an!e!.

14annot.2 /eloy $a' a"le to loo, !#ectly #nto the la#!' eye' "eca('e he $a' tell#n% the

t(th. He couldnt'ay. He ha! po)#'e! La!y /a"#elle that he $o(l! hol! he 'ecet* an! heco(l! not "ea, h#' $o! to he. He !#!nt (n!e'tan! $hy 'he !#!nt $ant anyone to ,no$

that 'he an! he %(a!' ha! helpe! L#a)* "(t he $o(l! e'pect he $#'he'.

The 3(e't#on' cont#n(e!* "(t /eloy ,ne$ that La#! MacH(%h !#!nt "el#e&e he $a'

tell#n% h#) e&eyth#n% "eca('e he ,ept c#cl#n% "ac, to the 'a)e 3(e't#on= Ho$ ha! L#a)

%otten to the a""ey0

1D#! anyone el'e 'ee L#a) "e#n% ca#e! #n'#!e02 Bo!#c, a',e!.

1No. I !ont "el#e&e 'o* an! I !#! )y "e't to ,eep h#' pe'ence 'ecet.2

1D#! yo( l#ft h#) an! cay h#) #n* p#e't02 4ol) fol!e! h#' a)' aco'' h#' che't an!

$a#te! fo h#' an'$e.

/eloy $a' feel#n% '#c, to h#' 'to)ach. What $a' he %o#n% to !o0 In o!e to potect the

po)#'e he! )a!e* he $o(l! ha&e to l#e to the la#!. What a )e''. He $#'he! he ha! t#)e total, to h#' confe''o* fo he !#!nt ha&e any #!ea $hat ,#n! of '#n he $a' a"o(t to co))#t.

Wa' #t a )#l! #nfact#on that $o(l! "e con'#!ee! a &en#al '#n* o $a' #t fa )oe !a)n#n%

"eca('e a p#e't $a' tell#n% the l#e0 4o(l! #t "e a )otal '#n then0 No* '(ely not. /eloy

tho(%ht he $o(l! ha&e to !o 'o)eth#n% )(ch )oe 'e#o('* l#,e ,#ll a )an* to )a,e a )otal

'pot on h#' 'o(l. St#ll* a '#n $a' a '#n.

/eloy $a' '#n,#n% #n a 3(a%)#e* an! he 'a$ no $ay o(t.

1What $o(l! yo( 'ay #f I tol! yo( I )#%ht ha&e l#fte! h#) an! ca#e! h#) #n'#!e02

4ol) loo,e! at Bo!#c,. 1I' he +e't#n%02

Bo!#c, 'hoo, h#' hea!. 1I !ont th#n, 'o.2

/eloy a',e!* 1What #f I $ee to tell yo( I cannot e)e)"e02

4ol) let the p#e't 'ee h#' annoyance. 1Yo( cannot e)e)"e l#ft#n% a )an $ho $e#%h' at

lea't t$#ce a' )(ch a' yo( !o0 Yo( cannot e)e)"e that a)a7#n% feat02

/eloy "o$e! h#' hea!. He %a&e (p ty#n% to "e cle&e. 1I) 'oy* La#!* "(t I cannot tell

yo( anyth#n% )oe. I ha&e %#&en )y $o! to ,eep '#lent* an! I )('t ,eep #t.2

4ol) $a' f(#o('. 1D#! yo( %#&e yo( $o! to the )en $ho t#e! to ,#ll )y "othe02

1I !#! not* an! I ha&e no #!ea $ho tho'e te#"le )en ae. I $o(l! not hol! the# 'ecet'

(nle'' they ca)e to )e #n confe''#on.2 He ha't#ly p(t h#' han!' (p. 1An! none of the) !#!

confe'' to )e. I '$ea to yo( I ,no$ noth#n% a"o(t the). I !ont e&en ,no$ $hat happene!

to yo( "othe. I only 'a$ the e'(lt of the p(n#'h)ent they #nfl#cte!.2

Bo!#c, $a' !#'tacte! "y the no#'e fo) the co(tya!. A B(chanan $a#o calle! to

h#). 1Thee' to("le "elo$.2One of MacH(%h' )en loo,e! !o$n at the people a''e)"le! "elo$. 1Yo( 'ho(l! 'ee

th#'*2 he tol! 4ol).

1Why !o I cae a"o(t the En%l#'h an! the# to("le'02 Bo!#c, a',e! a' he 'to!e to the

paapet.

1Baon /eoffey' !a(%hte #' at the heat of the to("le.2

TW E N T Y - T H R E E

/ABRIELLE LED THE WAY TO THE 4OMMONS. SHE WAS DETERMINED to en!

th#' )eet#n% an! "e on he $ay ho)e a' 3(#c,ly a' po''#"le. The a""ot follo$e! a' 'he


19/134

h(#e! (p the ')all ,noll pa't the )on,' 'leep#n% 3(ate' an! ao(n! the ')alle chapel

a!+acent to the "a,#n% ho('e. She $a' a"o(t to ente the co))on' tho(%h an ach$ay $hen

'he not#ce! a $o)an 'tan!#n% #n the 'ha!o$' $atch#n% he. /a"#elle #n't#nct#&ely ')#le! an!

no!!e! a %eet#n%* "(t the $o)an !#! not e'pon! #n ,#n!. Thee $a' loath#n% #n he

epe''#on* an! he feetl#,e eye' %lo$e! $#th hate!.

/a"#elle $a' 'o ta,en a"ac,* 'he a"(ptly 'toppe!. Altho(%h 'he ha! ne&e )et the$o)an "efoe* 'he ha! a fa# #!ea $ho 'he $a'. S(ch a le eact#on co(l! only co)e fo) a

Monoe. He fathe ha! tol! he that )o't of the Monoe clan "la)e! he fo the# la#!'

!eath. The #!#c(lo(' #!ea )a!e no 'en'e to he* an! 'he con'#!ee! 'ay#n% 'o)eth#n% to the

$o)an an! po#nt#n% o(t that he att#t(!e $a' )o't (nea'ona"le* "(t "efoe 'he co(l! 'pea,*

the 'tan%e $o)an p#c,e! (p he ',#t' an! an a$ay.

The a""ot ca(%ht (p $#th /a"#elle #n t#)e to 'ee $hat ha! happene!. 1Do yo( ,no$ that

$o)an02

1No* I !ont*2 'he epl#e!. 1She 'ee)e! )o't (p'et* !#!nt 'he02

1Aye* 'he !#!. Up'et $#th yo( fo) the loo, 'he $a' $ea#n% on he face.2

/a"#elle no!!e!. 1She )('t "e a Monoe "eca('e the Monoe' !#'l#,e )e #nten'ely.2

1Oh* no* La!y /a"#elle* that #'nt 'o.21It' not02 'he a',e!* a "#t el#e&e!. The #!ea of an ent#e clan hat#n% he $a' (p'ett#n%.

1The Monoe' !ont hate )e02 'he a',e! ea%ely.

1Oh* ye'* they !o. They )o't ceta#nly !o*2 he an'$ee! )atteohn' co(t.I) '(e yo( e)e)"e )e* !ont yo(02


20/134

/a"#elle !#!nt ac,no$le!%e 4o'$ol!' 3(e't#on. She '#)ply loo,e! at h#) an! $a#te!

fo h#) to epla#n the p(po'e of the )eet#n%.

1I 'pea, on the ,#n%' "ehalf*2 he 'ta))ee!* (nne&e! "y he '#lence.

She $al,e! to$a! h#)* an! the "aon '#lently c('e! h#)'elf fo the !el pact he ha!

)a!e $#th Mac:enna. What ha! he "een th#n,#n%0 Ho$ co(l! he %#&e he to anothe )an0

S#nce he! la't 'een he* 'he! %o$n e&en )oe "ea(t#f(l.E&eyone e)a#ne! 3(#et a' the la!y )a!e he $ay to the cente of the co(tya!.

4ol) MacH(%h ha! "een $atch#n% the )elee (nfol!#n% "elo$ h#) $#th "oth a)('e)ent

an! !#'%('t. What a''e' the En%l#'h $ee* a%(#n% o&e $ho ha! the #%ht to 'pea,. When the

'cea)#n% '(!!enly '("'#!e!* he $on!ee! $hat co(l! ha&e 3(#ete! the# a"'(! t#a!e. An!

then he 'a$ he. She )o&e! tho(%h the co$! $#th he hea! hel! h#%h an! he han!' at he

'#!e'.

Baon 5ecy "o,e the '#lence. 1My la!y* I can 'ee yo( !ont e)e)"e 4o'$ol!*2 he

'a#!* a 'n#c,e #n h#' &o#ce. 1We ha&e al'o )et "efoe* $hen yo( $ee pe'ente! to :#n%

>ohn.2

5ecy ,ne$ "ette than to a', he #f 'he e)e)"ee! )eet#n% h#)* fo he ha! the feel#n%

that he $o(l! %et the 'a)e col!* '#lent e'pon'e 'he! %#&en 4o'$ol!.1An! 4o'$ol! #' )#'ta,en*2 5ecy cont#n(e!. 1He !oe'nt 'pea, on the ,#n%' "ehalf. I

!o.2

The 'tate)ent $a' the 'pa, that once a%a#n #%n#te! the f#ey a%()ent.

4o'$ol! $a&e! a !oc()ent #n the a#. 1I ha&e a $#t '#%ne! "y :#n% >ohn %#n% )e h#'

po$e to !ec#!e yo( f(t(e. 5ecy' $#t #' no lon%e &al#!. The !ate )a,e! "y the ,#n%*

late than 5ecy' $othle'' pape* po&e' that I a) #n cha%e.2

5ecy $a'nt a"o(t to let the $o)an 'l#p tho(%h h#' f#n%e'. 1A' #' h#' ha"#t* Baon

4o'$ol! 'pea,' non'en'e. I ha&e alea!y !ec#!e! that '#nce La#! Monoe #' !ea!* yo( $#ll

et(n to En%lan! $#th )e. We 'hall let :#n% >ohn !ec#!e yo( f(t(e.2

4o'$ol! t(ne! to 5ecy. 1E&eyone hee ,no$' $hat yo(e plann#n%. Yo( plan to $e!

the la!y "efoe yo( lea&e the a""ey* "(t 'he #'nt %o#n% any$hee $#th yo(.2

1I $#ll ha&e he@2 5ecy 'cea)e!.

/a"#elle co(l! ha!ly "el#e&e he ea'. Wee they "oth )a!0 They '#c,ene! he. Ho$

!ae they f#%ht o&e he a' tho(%h 'he $ee a p#ece of )eat tho$n to a&eno(' !o%'0 She

,ne$ 'he co(l!nt "e that #)potant to e#the of the). Nay* #t $a' F#nney' Flat they $ee

afte. Both "aon' $ante! the &al(a"le lan!.

Se&eal MacH(%h an! B(chanan )en +o#ne! the# la#!' at the $all to o"'e&e the

co))ot#on #n the co(tya!* "(t 4ol)' %a7e $a' f#e! on the $o)an at the cente of the

'to). He $on!ee! $hat $a' %o#n% on #n'#!e he )#n!. /a"#elle h#! he feel#n%' $ell. He

e%al "ea#n% an! he co)po'(e #)pe''e! h#).

4o'$ol! clappe! h#' han!' to e%a#n e&eyone' attent#on. He then t(ne! to the %o(p of)en "eh#n! h#)* %a&e a 3(#c, no!* an! 'a#!* 1Ill 'ettle th#' hee an! no$.2

The co$! pate!* an! La#! O$en Mac:enna 'teppe! fo$a!. He no!!e! to 'e&eal

)en a' he pa''e! the). Loo,#n% (p at the top of the $all* he 'a$ MacH(%h an! B(chanan

$atch#n% h#)* an! 't#ffene! #n eact#on.

1Loo, $ho +('t ca$le! o(t fo) (n!e h#' oc,*2 Bo!#c, 'a#!. 1It' o( ol! f#en!.2

1The ao%ant '$#ne*2 4ol) 'coffe!.

Baon 5ecy !#! not ,no$ La#! Mac:enna. 1Who #' th#' )an $ho !ae' to #nte(pt th#'

pocee!#n%02

1I a) La#! Mac:enna* an! I ha&e a%ee! to )ay La!y /a"#elle an! accept he !o$y.

Fo) th#' !ay fo$a!* F#nney' Flat $#ll "e calle! /len Mac:enna.2

4o'$ol! $oe a ')(% loo,. 1Aye* F#nney' Flat $#ll "e yo('.2Up a"o&e* 4ol) eacte! $#th a 'tat. 1The hell #t $#ll.2


21/134

Bo!#c, 'ta#%htene!. 1No* $e cant let that happen.2 He loo,e! at /a"#elle an!

$on!ee! $hy 'he ha!nt pote'te! the "aon' h#%hohn. Mac:enna $a' '(ch a %ee!y p#%* he ha!nt 'ho$n any c(#o'#ty

$hen 4o'$ol! #n'#'te! that he "e a"le to 'ee /a"#elle $hene&e he $ante!. All the la#! $a'

#ntee'te! #n $a' contoll#n% F#nney' Flat.4o'$ol! $a'nt $o#e! that Mac:enna )#%ht not l#&e (p to h#' pat of the "a%a#n. If

nece''ay* 4o'$ol! co(l! '())on eno(%h 'ol!#e' to !e'toy the ent#e Mac:enna clan.

Haol! Monoe $a'nt a"o(t to %o a$ay 3(#etly. He ha! to 'cea) to "e hea! o&e the

chao' that ha! e(pte!. 1I cla#) the #%ht to )ay the la!y an! "e %#&en /len Monoe@2

E&eyone #n the co$! 'ee)e! to ha&e an op#n#on an! !ec#!e! to epe'' #t.

4o'$ol! a#'e! h#' han! fo '#lence. The co))an! $a' #%noe!.

1(#et* e&eyone@ Baon 4o'$ol! $ant' 3(#et no$ 'o he can "e hea!.2 In an atte)pt to

"e helpf(l* Heny W#ll#'* one of 4o'$ol!' hench)en* 'ho(te! the !e)an! fo) !#ectly

"eh#n! 4o'$ol!' "ac,. He a!!e! 'e&eal o"'cene c('e' a' $ell $hen the co$! !#!nt

#))e!#ately o"ey.

At the 'o(n! of Heny' &o#ce* 4o'$ol! fl#nche!* then $h#le! ao(n! to %lae at theoffen!e.


22/134

1Do not 'cea) #n )y ea*2 he !e)an!e!.

Heny %#tte! h#' teeth. He !#!nt l#,e "e#n% coecte! #n font of an a(!#ence* an! he

e'pec#ally !#!nt l#,e !#'appo#nt#n% the "aon. 4o'$ol! $a' h#' l#"eato. He! l#"eate! h#)

fo) a t#p to the %allo$'* an! Heny #!ol#7e! h#)* fo the "aon ha! %#&en h#) an #!ent#ty

an! )a!e h#) an #)potant )an.

Heny ,ne$ $hat he $a'. In appeaance he ceta#nly $a'nt )(ch to loo, at. He $a' a$#!e


23/134

1All #%ht. All #%ht.2 4o'$ol! no!!e!. 1Yo( $ee 'ay#n%* )#la!y02

1I "el#e&e I can 'ettle th#' !#'p(te. Yo( 'ee* I $#ll not )ay anyone to!ay.2

1B(t I ha&e a%ee! to )ay yo(*2 Mac:enna 'a#!* 'ta%%ee! "y he ef('al.

1Ye'* "(t I ha&e not a%ee! to )ay yo(.2

H#' )o(th !oppe! open. He $a' a'to(n!e! an! t(ne! to 4o'$ol! fo help. 14an 'he

ef('e021She cannot*2 he 'nappe!. 1Dont "e !#ff#c(lt* /a"#elle* fo I 'pea, on :#n% >ohn'

"ehalf62

/a"#elle $a' $eay of the# po)po(' !eclaat#on'. 1Ye'* yo(&e )ent#one! that fact

'e&eal t#)e' no$.2

D#! 'he )oc, h#)0 4o'$ol!' eye' nao$e!. He co(l!nt "e ceta#n. She loo,e! 'o

an%el#c* an! thee $a' no "#te to he &o#ce.

1Baon 4o'$ol! #' )#'ta,en. I 'pea, fo the ,#n%*2 5ecy #n'#'te!.

She t(ne! he attent#on to h#). 1So yo( ha&e al'o 'a#! co(ntle'' t#)e'. May I a', "oth of

yo( a 3(e't#on0 Whee $a' )y fathe $h#le all of the'e !ec#'#on' $ee "e#n% )a!e02

No one $o(l! an'$e.

1D#! yo( $a#t fo )y fathe to lea&e to cay o(t th#' o"'cen#ty021O"'cen#ty02 4o'$ol! oae!. 1Ho$ !ae yo( 'pea, to )e #n '(ch a $ay.2

5ecy $a' +('t a' o(ta%e! "y he att#t(!e* an! Mac:enna loo,e! l#,e he $ante! to 't#,e

he* "(t 'he hel! he %o(n! an! "(!%e! not one #nch.

Mac:enna con'#!ee! %a""#n% /a"#elle "y he a) an! foc#n% he to h#' '#!e* "(t he

loo,e! (p an! 'a$ MacH(%h an! B(chanan 't#ll $atch#n%. Be't not to(ch he* he !ec#!e!* fo

he ha! no $#'h to )a,e a 'cene. Fo the t#)e "e#n%* he $a' foce! to teat he $#th co(te'y.

Late* he po)#'e! h#)'elf* $hen he ha! /a"#elle alone* he $o(l! 'ho$ he ho$ to "e

e'pectf(l.

1La!y /a"#elle* I a) afa#! th#' #'nt yo( !ec#'#on to )a,e*2 5ecy tol! he.

1I a%ee.2 4o'$ol! an! 5ecy %lance! at each othe. 1Yo( a%ee02

4o'$ol! 'a#!. 1Then $hy th#' f(''02

1It #'nt )y !ec#'#on. It' )y fathe'. It' h#' #%ht to !ec#!e )y f(t(e* ceta#nly not

yo('.2

1Ae yo( ef('#n%62 Mac:enna "e%an.

Lo!* he $a' a' th#c,hea!e! a' "oth "aon' appeae! to "e. She hel! he'elf e&en

'ta#%hte. 1Let )e )a,e )y po'#t#on clea 'o that thee $#ll "e no )oe conf('#on. My fathe

$#ll !ec#!e )y f(t(e.2

Ho$ )any t#)e' $o(l! 'he ha&e to 'ay #t "efoe they "el#e&e! 'he )eant e&ey $o!0

She $a'nt %o#n% to )ay anyone to!ay.

1Yo( $o(l! %o a%a#n't yo( ,#n%' $#'he'02 5ecy !e)an!e!.

She loo,e! h#) #n the eye. 1I ,no$ not $hat )y ,#n%' $#'he' ae. He ha' yet to tell )e.21I&e +('t tol! yo( that I 'pea, on h#' "ehalf*2 5ecy c#e!.

1Ye'* yo( ha&e* "(t then 'o ha' Baon 4o'$ol!. Who a) I to "el#e&e0 I th#n, I )('t $a#t

fo )y fathe to !ec#!e.2

She "o$e! to the "aon' an! ha! e&ey #ntent#on of lean%* "(t a $o)an' '(!!en 'ho(t

'toppe! he.

1Th#' #' a )oc,ey. A )oc,ey@ She' )a,#n% fool' of all of yo(. Th#' cannot %o on.2

/a"#elle t(ne! to 'ee the $o)an $ho ha! %lae! at he o(t'#!e the co))on' )a,e he

$ay to$a! the).

I'la an to 4o'$ol!. He loo,e! ho#f#e! "y the #nt('#on.

1What ae yo( !o#n%02 he h#''e! (n!e h#' "eath.

She co(l!nt loo, at h#). Lo$e#n% he hea!* I'la c#e! o(t* 15ay fo%#&e )e fo not'pea,#n% o(t 'oone* "(t I co(l!nt6#t'6#t' 'o ho#"le.2


24/134

1Who #' th#' $o)an02 a )an #n 5ecy' %o(p a',e!.

1She' Baon 4o'$ol!' n#ece*2 5ecy an'$ee!.

1I'la* $hat' co)e o&e yo(02 Appalle! "y he "ehao* 4o'$ol! %a""e! I'la' a)*

'3(ee7#n% a' ha! a' he co(l!. What $a' 'he th#n,#n% to )a,e '(ch a 'cene0

1Uncle* I) 'o 'oy to (p'et yo(* "(t the t(th )('t co)e o(t "efoe yo( o Baon 5ecy

!ec#!e he f(t(e. I $#ll not let he h()#l#ate yo(.2 Altho(%h thee $ee no tea' #n e!ence*I'la let o(t a lo(! !a)at#c 'o". 1It $o(l! "e "la'phe)y fo an honoa"le )an to )ay he.2

1Why0 What ae yo( 'ay#n%02 5ecy !e)an!e!. He 'o(n!e! )oe conf('e! than an%y.

1What "la'phe)y !o yo( 'pea, of02

I'la po#nte! to /a"#elle an! 'cea)e!* 1She' (nclean. She'6'he' a $hoe@2

TW E N T Y - F O U R

THE DAMNIN/ SILEN4E THAT FOLLOWED ISLAS HORRIBLE acc('at#on la'te!only a' lon% a' #t too, fo e&eyone #n the co))on' to !a$ a !eep* %a'p#n% "eath. Then the

co$! e(pte! #nto "('t' of an%e an! o(ta%e. W#th#n )#n(te'* '#!e' $ee ta,en* tho'e fo

an! tho'e a%a#n't /a"#elle.

/a"#elle co(l!nt )o&e. Ho$ co(l! 'he e'pon! to '(ch an a"'(!#ty0 It $a'

pepo'teo('.

1Let' hea $hat 'he ha' to 'ay.2 5ecy $a&e! h#' a)' an! !e)an!e! the co$! 3(#et

!o$n.

4o'$ol!' &o#ce 'hoo, $#th f(y. 1Ye'* e&eyone "e '#lent no$. I $o(l! hea $hat I'la

ha' to 'ay fo he'elf.2 H#' n#ece $a' (#n#n% all of h#' caef(lly tho(%ht o(t plan'* "(t all eye'

$ee on he no$* an! he co(l!nt #%noe he. 1I'la* $hy $o(l! yo( call the La!y /a"#elle

'(ch a fo(l na)e02I'la t#)#!ly %lance! (p an! 'a$ that e&eyone $a' clo'#n% #n on he. 1Beca('e #t' t(e*2

'he an'$ee! #n a )ee, &o#ce.

1Spea, (p*2 5ecy 'a#!. 1Tell (' $hy yo( )a!e th#' o(ta%eo(' cla#).2

I'la a#'e! he &o#ce 'l#%htly an! epeate!* 1Beca('e #t' t(e.2

M()(' 'pea! tho(%h the co$!.

1Ho$ !o yo( ,no$ th#'02 5ecy !e)an!e!.

1I 'a$ he*2 I'la 'a#!.

The )()(' %e$ lo(!e.

1/o on*2 4o'$ol! o!ee!. 1Tell (' $hat yo( 'a$.2

It $a' ea'y fo I'la to cy eal tea' no$. He (ncle ha! '(ch a t#%ht %#p on he a)* he

',#n $a' "(n#n%.1It $a' the )#!!le of the n#%ht thee n#%ht' a%o* an! I $a' a$a,ene! "y a no#'e #n the hall.

I opene! )y !oo to 'ee $hat #t $a'.2 She po#nte! to /a"#elle. 1She $a' 'nea,#n% ao(n! the

cone. I ,ne$ I 'ho(l!nt* "(t I $a' c(#o(' an! !ec#!e! to follo$ he. I 'taye! $ell "eh#n!

he "eca('e I !#!nt $ant he to 'ee )e.2

1Ho$ co(l! yo( 'ee $hee yo( $ee %o#n% #n the !a,0 D#! the la!y cay a can!le02

She he'#tate! fo the "ae't of 'econ!' an! then "l(te!* 1The )oon $a' "#%ht. Thee $a'

no nee! fo a can!le.2

She 't(%%le! to %et a$ay fo) he (ncle* "(t he $o(l!nt elea'e he. In fact* he

t#%htene! h#' hol!.

1Whee !#! La!y /a"#elle lea! yo(02 Mac:enna a',e! the 3(e't#on.

1She 'toppe! #n font of a !oo an! tappe! l#%htly. I h#! "eh#n! a p#lla. The !oo opene!*

an! afte loo,#n% "oth $ay'* 'he $ent #n'#!e.2


25/134

1D#! yo( 'ee $ho opene! the !oo02 5ecy a',e!.

I'la !oppe! he %a7e to the %o(n! a%a#n. 1It $a' a )an.2

1An! !o yo( ,no$ th#' )an02 he (ncle a',e!.

1No*2 I'la 'a#!* 1"(t I ha! 'een h#) at the "an3(et that n#%ht. I "el#e&e he $a' the en&oy

fo) Fance.2

5ecy calle! to h#' follo$e'. 1F#n! h#). B#n% h#) to ('.2One of the) an'$ee! #))e!#ately. 1He' no lon%e hee. He an! h#' co)pan#on' left

ye'te!ay.2

Mac:enna %e$ #)pat#ent. 1If #t $a' !a,* ho$ co(l! yo( eco%n#7e the )an02 he a',e!

I'la. 15ehap' #t $a' he fathe. 5ehap' #t $a'nt a )an at all* "(t a )a#!'e&ant.2 He $a'

%a'p#n% fo an eplanat#on. If I'la' acc('at#on' $ee ta,en 'e#o('ly* h#' ent#e 'che)e

$o(l! "e !e'toye!. He co(l! feel /len Mac:enna 'l#pp#n% tho(%h h#' f#n%e'.

I'la' co(a%e $a' %a#n#n% 'ten%th. 1It $a' a )an*2 'he 'tate! e)phat#cally. 5o#nt#n% at

/a"#elle a%a#n* 'he 'a#!* 1An! $hat 'he $a' !o#n% )a,e' he (nclean.2

Mac:enna 'canne! the co$! a' e&eyone eacte! to the 'hoc,#n% ne$'. When he loo,e!

(p* he 'a$ MacH(%h an! B(chanan $atch#n% $#th 'co$l' on the# face'. H#' )#n! ace!.

Ho$ )(ch ha! they hea!0 Once a%a#n* h#' ep(tat#on an! h#' a(tho#ty $ee at 'ta,e. If he$a' %o#n% to e)e%e fo) th#' '#t(at#on $#th h#' !#%n#ty an! h#' plan #ntact* he ha! to th#n,

fa't.

He loo,e! at I'la $#th )oc, co)pa''#on $hen he 'a#!* 1I) '(e yo( #ntent#on' ae

no"le* "(t pehap' yo( ae )#'ta,en* )y !ea. I' #t po''#"le that yo( co(l! ha&e conf('e!

$hat yo( 'a$ fo 'o)eth#n% #nnocent02

1It $a' no )#'ta,e*2 I'la 'a#! !ef#antly. 1I 'a$ he $hen 'he ca)e o(t of the oo). He

ha# $a' !o$n an! he %o$n $a' (nlace!. The )an ca)e to the !oo* an! he $oe no t(n#c o

'h#t.2

/a"#elle $a' 'o 'hoc,e! "y the $o)an' a"'(! cla#)'* 'he $a' 'peechle''. At th#' la't

h#!eo(' alle%at#on* ho$e&e* 'he co(l! e)a#n '#lent no lon%e.

1That' a l#e@2 'he 'ho(te!. 1I !ont ,no$ $hy th#' $o)an #' 'ay#n% the'e th#n%'* "(t

noth#n% 'he' tol! yo( #' t(e.2

1It #' t(e@2 I'la 'ho(te! "ac,. 1I 'a$ yo(* an! yo( $ee %#n% yo('elf to a )an.2

An (poa '$elle! a)on% the onloo,e'. It too, Mac:enna 'e&eal )#n(te' to %et the) to

cal) !o$n 'o that he co(l! "e hea!.

1It appea'*2 he 'a#! to I'la* 1that th#' #' yo( $o! a%a#n't La!y /a"#elle'.2

Al)o't e&eyone #n the co$! no!!e! a%ee)ent. Only a fe$ people ,ne$ Baon

4o'$ol!' n#ece* 'o he $o!' hel! l#ttle ce!ence $#th )o't.

S(!!enly* a )an 'tan!#n% "eh#n! La#! Mac:enna 'po,e (p. 1The $o)an 'pea,' the

t(th.2

E&eyone t(ne! to$a! the &o#ce. A yo(n% )on, $#th h#' hea! co&ee! "y h#' hoo! an!h#' a)' fol!e! #n'#!e the 'lee&e' of h#' o"e 'lo$ly )o&e! fo$a!.

1What ae yo( 'ay#n%02 Mac:enna 3(e't#one!. 1Who #' tell#n% the t(th0 What !o yo(

,no$ of th#'02

Unacc('to)e! to han% 'o )(ch attent#on pa#! to h#)* the )on, he'#tate! a )o)ent

"efoe an'$e#n%* then 'a#!* 1La!y I'la #' "e#n% t(thf(l. I ,no$ th#' "eca('e I* too* 'a$ La!y

/a"#elle.2

The c#cle at the 'tone co'' epan!e! 'o that e&eyone co(l! 'ee an! hea the )on,. He

too, a tentat#&e 'tep fo$a! then halte! a' tho(%h he '(!!enly eal#7e! the )a%n#t(!e of h#'

act#on'.

1I 'a$ the la!y62 he "e%an.

1/o on*2 5ecy !e)an!e! #)pat#ently.


26/134

1I ha! +('t co)e o(t of the chapel at )#!n#%ht afte )y ho( of a!oat#on an! I 'a$

'o)eone h(y#n% to$a! the 'leep#n% 3(ate' $hee a fe$ of the %(e't' $ee 'tay#n%. At

f#'t I 'a$ only a !a, f#%(e* "(t a' 'he pa''e! (n!e the can!lel#%ht 'h#n#n% fo) the chapel

$#n!o$* I eco%n#7e! La!y /a"#elle.2 He loo,e! o&e at the a'ton#'he! I'la an! 'a#!* 1La!y

I'la #' not ly#n%.2

1She' a $hoe@2 'o)eone "eh#n! 5ecy 'ho(te!.1Unf#t to )ay anyone@2 a )e)"e of the Monoe clan yelle!.

Befoe lon%* !o7en' of an%y &o#ce' +o#ne! to%ethe #n con!e)n#n% he.

/a"#elle $a' n()". She felt a' tho(%h 'he! +('t "een tho$n o&e a cl#ff an! the $ol&e'

$ee $a#t#n% at the "otto) to tea he apat. She ha! "een +(!%e! an! !a)ne!.

She t#e! to )a,e 'en'e o(t of the #n'an#ty. Ho$ co(l! th#' "e happen#n%0 Ho$ co(l!

people "e 'ay#n% '(ch le th#n%' a"o(t he0 I'la ha! to "e !e)ente! to "e )a,#n% '(ch

l(!#co(' acc('at#on'. B(t $hat of the )on,0 Why !#! he a%ee $#th I'la0 What co(l!

po''#"ly )a,e h#) conf#) that /a"#elle ha! !one the'e $#c,e! !ee!'0

L#a). Dea /o!* #t $a' L#a). May"e the )on, ha! 'een he on he $ay to loo, #n on the

'#c, )an. B(t 'he $a' ne&e alone $hen 'he left he oo)'. At lea't one %(a! acco)pan#e!

he* "(t #f he ha! 'teppe! ahea! an! the )on, happene! to loo, (p +('t a' 'he $a' $al,#n%pa't* he )#%ht ha&e a''()e! 'he $a' alone. That co(l! "e the only eplanat#on.

If 'he t#e! to !efen! he'elf* t#e! to tell the t(th* no one $o(l! "el#e&e 'he $a' '#)ply

'#t#n% a '#c, )an an! noth#n% #)pope ha! happene!.

T$o people ha! acc('e! he. An! that $a' eno(%h to po&e he %(#lt.

1Ha&e yo( noth#n% to 'ay fo yo('elf02 4o'$ol! 'ho(te! at /a"#elle.

She ef('e! to an'$e. The #ncen'e! co$! ha! alea!y pa''e! +(!%)ent.

She ha! %#&en he $o! that 'he $o(l! tell no one a"o(t he pat #n 'an% L#a)* an! e&en

#f 'he ha!nt po)#'e!* $hat $o(l! the eact#on of the )o" "e #f they ,ne$ that 'he $a'

e'pon'#"le fo ,#ll#n% a )an at F#nney' Flat0 Who $o(l! t(n a%a#n't he an! he %(a!'

then0 She co(l! ne#the !o no 'ay anyth#n% that $o(l! en! th#' n#%ht)ae. Tea' floo!e! he

eye'* "(t 'he $o(l! not let the) 'p#ll !o$n he chee,'. She $o(l! not e'pon! to the 'l('

the'e people $ee h(l#n% at he.

Baon 4o'$ol!' an%e to$a! h#' n#ece '("'#!e!* an! he elea'e! h#' %#p on he a).

I'la' )ot#&e' fo co)#n% fo$a! $ee no$ clea to h#). She $a' only ty#n% to 'a&e h#)

fo) the h()#l#at#on that $o(l! '(ely co)e $hen the t(th a"o(t La!y /a"#elle $a'

e&eale!* fo #neta"ly #t $o(l! "e ,no$n. E&en #f the )on, 'taye! '#lent an! ne&e (ttee! a

$o! a"o(t he '#n* '(ely Baon Mac:enna $o(l! "e ena%e! $hen he !#'co&ee! h#' ne$

"#!e $a' not a %#n. No* I'la )ay not ha&e cho'en the )o't appop#ate t#)e to 'pea, (p*

"(t 'he $a' only ty#n% to potect h#).

The t()o#l o&e /a"#elle' f(t(e ha! '(!!enly 'h#fte!. >('t )o)ent' a%o fo( )en ha!

"een &y#n% fo he han!* "(t $#th th#' e&elat#on e&eyth#n% ha! chan%e!. Fo $ho a)on%the) $o(l! 'tep fo$a! to accept he no$0 Who $o(l! ta,e a halot a' a $#fe0

TW E N T Y - F I V E

4OSWOLD WAS ENRA/ED. IT WAS TRUE. IT WAS ALL TRUE. /a"#elle $a' a

$hoe. She ha! t#c,e! h#). She! t#c,e! the) all #nto "el#en% 'he $a' p(e. He

appeaance )a!e #t 'o ea'y fo he to !(pe )en. He an%el#c face an! tho'e eye'* tho'e

"e$#tch#n% olet eye'6'he $a' 'o "ea(t#f(l. What )an $o(l! e&en con'#!e that 'he )#%ht

"e anyth#n% "(t #nnocent0


27/134

What a fool he ha! "een to $ant he. Ho$ )any )en ha! 'he %#&en he'elf to0 It )a!e

h#) '#c, to th#n, a"o(t #t.

4o'$ol! loo,e! at 5ecy to 'ee ho$ he $a' ta,#n% the ne$'. A loo, of hoo 'ee)e!

fo7en on h#' face. H#' )o(th $a' open a' tho(%h he $ee a"o(t to 'pea,* "(t he (ttee! not

one $o!.

E&en #f he ha! 'a#! 'o)eth#n%* he $o(l!nt ha&e "een hea! o&e Mac:enna' oa. Thela#! $a' ant#n% a"o(t h#' %oo! na)e an! the 'ha)e /a"#elle $o(l! ha&e "o(%ht to #t. W#th

each 'tate)ent #n h#' t#a!e* he! loo, (p at the $all. D#! he epect the H#%hlan!e' $atch#n%

to appla(! h#' ef('al to )ay /a"#elle0

1She ha' no &al(e no$*2 5ecy 'a#! $hen Mac:enna pa('e! to ta,e a "eath. 1:#n% >ohn

$ont %#&e he a !o$y. F#nney' Flat #' no lon%e yo(' fo the ta,#n%* Mac:enna. The 'a)e

%oe' fo yo(* Monoe.2

1Do yo( th#n, I 't#ll $ant he02 Monoe 'pat on the %o(n! #n font of /a"#elle. 1The

!el ta,e he.2 He t(ne! an! $al,e! a$ay. A' he pa''e! Mac:enna* he 'a#!* 1She' all

yo('* Mac:enna* a' lon% a' yo( !ont )#n! the )oc,#n% "eh#n! yo( "ac,. Yo( hea! the

"aon. Yo( can ha&e the $hoe* "(t yo( $ont "e %ett#n% F#nney' Flat.2

Mac:enna ha! ne&e felt 'o h()#l#ate!. H#' $ath t(ne! on 4o'$ol!. 1D#! yo( ,no$'he $a' a $hoe $hen yo( 't(c, yo( "a%a#n $#th )e0 Yo( !#!* !#!nt yo(02

In!#%nant* 4o'$ol! e'pon!e!* 1I )o't ceta#nly !#! not. I "el#e&e! he to "e #nnocent* a'

e&eyone el'e !#!. I ,ne$ yo( $ante! F#nney' Flat. Yo( $ee alea!y call#n% the lan! /len

Mac:enna "efoe I e&en '(%%e'te! the "a%a#n* an! I $ante!-2

He 'toppe! #n the )#!!le of h#' 'entence "efoe he acc#!entally "l(te! o(t the po)#'e

he! foce! Mac:enna to %#&e to 'eal the "a%a#n.

Mac:enna !#!nt $ant anyone to ,no$ the pat#c(la' of the# a%ee)ent. He p(lle!

4o'$ol! a'#!e an! t(ne! h#' "ac, to the othe'. 1Yo( !e)an!e! that I a%ee to let yo( 'ee

he $hene&e yo( $ante!* "(t yo( ef('e! to epla#n $hy. Tell )e* $ee yo( one of the )en

'he! alea!y %#&en he'elf to0 Wee yo( plann#n% to cont#n(e to "e! he0 Wa' 'he yo(

)#'te''02

W#th each 3(e't#on he po'e!* h#' co)ple#on t(ne! a !a,e 'ha!e of p(ple.

4o'$ol! ha! al)o't fo%otten a"o(t the %ol!. /a"#elle' 'hoc,#n% con!(ct ha! p('he!

e&ey othe tho(%ht a'#!e. 4o'$ol! !#!nt $ant he any lon%e* "(t he $a' 't#ll !ete)#ne! to

%et the tea'(e. H#' )#n! ace! fo a 'ol(t#on. If he $a' e&e %o#n% to f#n! o(t $hee the

tea'(e $a' h#!!en* he nee!e! acce'' to /a"#elle* "(t #f he too, he "ac, to :#n% >ohn* 'he

$o(l! "e lo't to h#). The ,#n% $o(l! po"a"ly "e 'o f(#o(' he! o!e he eec(t#on* an! #f

he $ee #n one of h#' ae fo%#n% )oo!'* he $o(l! )o't l#,ely ('e he (nt#l he "eca)e

"oe! an! then pa'' he on to h#' fa&oe! (n!el#n%'. E#the $ay* 4o'$ol! $o(l!nt "e a"le

to 'ee he.

5ecy $a'nt a' $o#e!. Wh#le he $o(l! ha&e pefee! to ha&e /a"#elle #n )a#a%e* he$a' pepae! to ta,e he a' h#' )#'te''. H#' o"'e''#on !#! not e3(#e a p("l#c cee)ony. If

/a"#elle $ee "an#'he!* 'he $o(l! "e fee fo the ta,#n%* an! he co(l! ha&e he $hene&e

an! ho$e&e he $ante!. All he ha! to !o $a' $a#t (nt#l 4o'$ol! $a'he! h#' han!' of he.

4o'$ol! ha! !e'e! a plan* too* an! ,ne$ eactly $hat he $o(l! !o. He ha! to act

3(#c,ly "eca('e /a"#elle $a' 't#ll #n a 'tate of 'hoc,. He feae! that 'he $o(l! eact $#th a

&en%eance an! pehap' e&en ty to e'cape to he fathe fo potect#on. He co(l!nt let that

happen.

1I th#n, #t' a $a'te of )y t#)e to ta,e the $o)an "ac, to En%lan! an! $a#t fo :#n% >ohn

to et(n. S#nce I 'pea, on h#' "ehalf* I $#ll !ec#!e he fate th#' &ey )#n(te.2

1Yo( $#ll not ,#ll he*2 5ecy 'ho(te!.

I'la' han! fle$ to he che't. 1Why !o yo( cae $hat happen' to he02 'he c#e!. 1Yo(cant po''#"ly 't#ll $ant he.2


28/134

14ant yo( 'h(t he (p* 4o'$ol!0 No one $ant' to hea anyth#n% )oe fo) he.2

1Be '#lent*2 4o'$ol! o!ee! a' he 'ho&e! I'la a$ay fo) h#). 15ecy' #%ht. Yo(&e

'a#! eno(%h.2

1I )ean $hat I 'ay* 4o'$ol!*2 5ecy $ane!. 1Yo( cannot ,#ll /a"#elle.2

4o'$ol! 'neee! at h#' a!&e'ay. 1No* I $ont ,#ll he. I $ant he to '(ffe fo the e't of

he l#fe* ho$e&e 'hot that )#%ht "e.2He t(ne! h#' f(ll attent#on to /a"#elle then an! too, a 'tep to$a! he. The co$! %a&e

h#) a $#!e "eth.

1W#th the po$e "e'to$e! on )e "y :#n% >ohn* I hee"y "an#'h yo(.2

The a''e)"la%e cheee! the p(n#'h)ent. So)e clappe!* othe' 'ho(te! appo&al. 1/oo!

#!!ance.2 1She' %ett#n% $hat 'he !e'e&e'.2

4o'$ol! $a#te! fo e&eyone to 'ettle !o$n "efoe he cont#n(e!.

1Do yo( (n!e'tan! $hat th#' )ean'* /a"#elle0 Fo) th#' )o)ent on* yo( ae an o(tca't.

Yo( ha&e no ho)e* no co(nty* no ,#n%* an! no t#tle. :#n% >ohn an! h#' fa#thf(l '("+ect' no

lon%e ac,no$le!%e yo( e#'tence. Yo( ae noth#n%.2

1Doe' 'he an'$e to the ,#n%02 'o)eone 'ho(te!.

1She !oe' not* fo 'he ha' no ,#n%*2 4o'$ol! an'$ee!.1What a"o(t Baon /eoffey02 5ecy a',e!. 1Dont yo( $on!e $hat hell !o $hen he

hea' h#' !a(%hte ha' "een "an#'he!02

1By the t#)e he f#n!' o(t* #t $#ll "e too late.2

5ecy $a' !e'peately ty#n% not to 'ho$ h#' +oy. /a"#elle $o(l! "e foce! o(t'#!e the

$all'* an! he planne! to follo$ he. Once 'he $a' fa eno(%h a$ay fo) the a""ey an! no

one co(l! 'ee he* 5ecy $o(l! ta,e he. He ha! eno(%h )en to a)"('h he %(a!' an!

o&e$hel) the). No one $o(l! e&en ,no$ o cae $hat happene! to he* an! #f 5ecy

$ante! to* he co(l! loc, he #n the "o$el' of h#' ca'tle an! ,eep he thee fo a' lon% a' he

$#'he!.

4o'$ol! ha! the 'a)e #ntent#on. 1I'la* %o an! tell )y 'e&ant' to pepae to lea&e*2 he

co))an!e! #n a $h#'pe.

She no!!e! an! h(#e! to !o h#' "#!!#n%. B(t a' 'he pa''e! the 'cone! $o)an* 'he

'lo$e! he pace an! t(ne! he hea! 'o that only /a"#elle co(l! $#tne'' he 'ly ')#le.

TW E N T Y - S I X

WHAT MALI4IOUS REASON DID THE WOMAN HA;E TO l#e0 What $a' he

p(po'e0 An! $hat a"o(t the )on,0 Why !#! he '("'tant#ate he l#e'0 What !#! he ha&e to%a#n0

Bo!#c, !#!nt ha&e any an'$e'. The only fact he ,ne$ to "e t(e $a' that #n le'' than

ten )#n(te' t#)e the t$o of the) ha! !e'toye! /a"#elle' l#fe. They ha! !#'%ace! an!

!#'honoe! he* 'natche! he f(t(e fo) he* an! 'ha)e! an! h()#l#ate! he fathe. Both

Baon /eoffey an! h#' !a(%hte $o(l! no !o("t '(ffe :#n% >ohn' !#'plea'(e* fo 'he $a'

no lon%e of any &al(e to h#). Bo!#c, ,ne$ thee $a' a %oo! chance that the "aon' lan!'

$o(l! "e conf#'cate!->ohn $a' noto#o(' fo ta,#n% $hat "elon%e! to othe'* #ncl(!#n%

$#&e' an! !a(%hte'-an! $#th h#' t$#'te! )#n! an! h#' (npe!#cta"le te)pe* thee $a' al'o

a po''#"#l#ty that he $o(l! ha&e Baon /eoffey eec(te! to )a,e an ea)ple of h#).

An! /a"#elle0 What $o(l! he !o to he0

1Wee 'ee#n% the En%l#'h #n all the# !epaty*2 4ol) 'a#! $#th !#'%('t.


29/134

1/a"#elle #' #nnocent.2 Fathe /eloy ha! tea' #n h#' eye'* 'o %eat $a' h#' !#'te''.

1She' ,#n! an! %entle*2 he #n'#'te!. 1If only yo( ,ne$62

The p#e't 'toppe! #n the n#c, of t#)e. He $a' a"o(t to "l(t o(t that* #f 4ol) an! Bo!#c,

$ee a$ae of the len%th' /a"#elle ha! %one to to potect L#a) an! 'a&e h#' l#fe* they $o(l!

,no$ fo a ceta#nty that 'he $o(l! ne&e !o anyth#n% to !#'%ace he fa)#ly' na)e.

1If $e only ,ne$ $hat02 4ol) a',e!.1If yo( only ,ne$ he*2 he ha't#ly 'a#!. 1She #' #nnocent of the'e te#"le acc('at#on'.2

4ol) t(ne! to the p#e't. 1We alea!y ,no$ 'he' #nnocent.2

1Aye* $e !o*2 Bo!#c, a%ee!.

1Yo( !o02

Bo!#c, '#%he!. 1We !o*2 he epeate!. 1B(t at the )o)ent* that !oe'nt )atte* !oe' #t0

Loo, at the). They ha&e all con!e)ne! he.2

1Ye'* they ha&e.2 /eloy $a' $#n%#n% h#' han!'. He 'tae! at /a"#elle a' he $h#'pee!*

1Te#"le th#n%' $#ll happen to he #f they ta,e he "ac, to En%lan! an! han! he o&e to :#n%

>ohn. That lecheo(' )an #' capa"le of le !ee!'* an! I $#ll tell yo( th#'* $hen he #' f#n#'he!

$#th he* hell62 He co(l!nt %o on. /a"#elle' f(t(e $a' too ho#"le to 'pea, of.

1The $o)an $ho acc('e! he62 Bo!#c, "e%an.1I'la*2 /eloy 'a#!. 1I hea! the) 'ay he na)e.2

1She l#e'*2 4ol) 'a#!.

/eloy a%ee! $#th a no!. 1She $#ll ha&e to an'$e to /o! fo th#'.2

1B(t $hat a"o(t the )on,02 Bo!#c, a',e!. 1Why !#! he conf#) he l#e'02

1I !ont ,no$.2

1Do yo( ,no$ th#' )on,02 Bo!#c, a',e!.

1I !o. He' yo(n% an! ea%e to 'e&e* an! I "el#e&e h#) to "e an hone't )an. I cant

#)a%#ne $hy he $o(l! 'ay that he ha! 'een /a"#elle. It ha' to "e a )#'ta,e* an! Ill 'ee, h#)

o(t an! a', h#) to tell )e eactly $hat he th#n,' he 'a$.2

1The !a)a%e #' alea!y !one*2 Bo!#c, 'a#!.

/eloy' 'ho(l!e' 'l()pe!. 1Ye' #t #'. They ha&e (#ne! La!y /a"#elle' l#fe. Sha)e to

the).2

15#e't02

1Ye'* La#! MacH(%h02

1When I lea&e the a""ey* yo(e co)#n% $#th )e.2

/eloy ha! the '(!!en (%e to tho$ h#)'elf o&e the paapet. He too, a 'tep "ac,* +(!%e!

the !#'tance to the 'tep'* an! then fo(n! a "#t of co(a%e. He $o(l!nt (n. He $o(l! pol#tely

!ecl#ne.

1Yo(e #nt#n% )e to 'e&e yo( clan62

1If yo( choo'e to th#n, of #t a' an #ntat#on* yo( )ay.2

1An! #f I !ecl#ne02 the p#e't %(lpe!.1Yo( $ont.2

The l()p #n /eloy' thoat )a!e #t !#ff#c(lt fo h#) to 'pea,* an! #t too, e&ey o(nce of

'elf


30/134

Ha! /eloy hea! Bo!#c,' pe!#ct#on* he $o(l!nt ha&e a%ee!. The 'oone he co(l!

co)plete h#' !(ty an! "e a$ay fo) the MacH(%h'* the "ette.

He !#!nt $#'h to ##tate the la#! "y !a%%#n% h#' feet* an! 'o he an all the $ay "ac, to

h#' 3(ate' to pac, h#' holy $ate an! o#l'* h#' 'tole* an! the e't of h#' po''e''#on'. La#!

MacH(%h ha! o!ee! one of h#' yo(n%e 'ol!#e' to acco)pany the p#e't* an! /eloy

tho(%ht the la#! !#! 'o to )a,e ceta#n he $o(l!nt ty to (n a$ay./o! only ,ne$ /eloy $ante! to flee* "(t $#th La!y /a"#elle #n '(ch nee!* he ha! to p(t

h#' o$n fea' a'#!e. All he co(l! th#n, a"o(t $a' f#n!#n% a $ay to help he.

He tho(%ht 'he $o(l! "e $o#e! a"o(t he %(a!' $a#t#n% fo he. It $o(l!nt !o fo

the) to +o#n #n th#' )on'to(' pe'ec(t#on. Fo( %(a!' an! one $o)an 'tan!#n% a%a#n't a

h(n!e! #ncen'e! )en6no* no. The %(a!' )('t 'tay o(t'#!e the %ate' (nt#l th#' !ea!f(l

!a)a $a' o&e. Then* /o! $#ll#n%* they co(l! help /a"#elle f#n! 'helte a$ay fo) the'e

te#"le people.

/eloy hea!e! fo the font %ate'. The $a#o "loc,e! h#). 1Yo(e to %o "ac, to La#!

MacH(%h*2 he 'a#! a' he too, the t$o "a%' f#lle! $#th /eloy' th#n%'. 1Ill 'ee that the'e %et

t#e! to one of o( 'a!!le'.2

15ay "e pat#ent $#th )e*2 /eloy epl#e!. 1I )('t %#&e /a"#elle' %(a!' o!e' tocont#n(e to $a#t. She $o(l! not $ant the) to co)e #n'#!e the a""ey* fo thee #' !an%e hee.

It $#ll ta,e "(t a )#n(te.2

The $a#o a%ee! $#th a 3(#c, no!.

Stephen 'too! $#th /a"#elle' ho'e +('t noth of the %ate. He ca)e fo$a! $hen he

'potte! /eloy $#th the H#%hlan!e.

1/a"#elle $#ll "e +o#n#n% yo( 'oon. Do yo( ha&e he clothe' an! othe nece''a#e' $#th

yo(02 Fathe /eloy a',e!.

Stephen 'hoo, h#' hea!. 1We ha&e 'o)e of he th#n%'. He )a#!' pac,e! he t(n,'. We

plan to catch (p to the) "y late th#' aftenoon. Why !o yo( a',02

He hate! to l#e* "(t /eloy ec('e! the '#n "y tell#n% /o! he $a' only potect#n% the

%(a!' an! /a"#elle fo) a )o" $ant#n% "loo!.

1She $ante! )e to )a,e ceta#n "eca('e he plan' ha&e chan%e!. She $#ll tell yo( #n +('t

a fe$ )#n(te' $hen 'he +o#n' yo(. She "#!' yo( 'tay an! $a#t fo he hee.2

Stephen ha! no ea'on to !o("t the p#e't* fo he ,ne$ that /eloy ha! "eco)e a f#en! to

/a"#elle.

A' /eloy h(#e! "ac, to the $all* the MacH(%h clan')an acco)pany#n% h#) e)a,e!*

1Yo( l#e! to that )an. Why02

1To potect h#) an! the othe'. The la!y $o(l! $ant #t 'o*2 he a!!e!. 1She $o(l!nt $#'h

fo the) to ty to #ntefee #n th#' !e"acle* a' they $o(l! "e 'oely o(tn()"ee!.2

H#' e'cot cont#n(e! to follo$ /eloy an! $o(l!nt lea&e h#' '#!e (nt#l the p#e't $a'

half$ay (p the 'ta#'. /eloy ,ne$ that the )an $a' al'o '('p#c#o(' that he )#%ht !ec#!e toh#!e. When he eache! the top 'tep* he 'toppe! an! $a#te! fo one of the la#!' to "#! h#) to

co)e fo$a!. Bo!#c, not#ce! h#) an! )ot#one! to h#).

/eloy cleae! h#' thoat to %et MacH(%h' attent#on an! 'a#!* 1La#!* I cannot lea&e (nt#l

I ,no$ that La!y /a"#elle $#ll "e 'afe fo) the'e )on'te'. W#th yo( pe)#''#on* Ill %o

an! 'tan! "y he '#!e.2

Befoe MacH(%h co(l! e'pon!* /eloy 'ta#%htene! h#' 'ho(l!e' an! t(ne! to Bo!#c,.

1La#! B(chanan* /a"#elle' fathe #'nt hee to !efen! he hono* an! yo( ae he only

elat#&e. Yo( )('t help he.2

1Do not tell )e )y !(ty* p#e't.2 Bo!#c,' &o#ce $a' ha'h. 1I ,no$ #t $ell.2

1Ye'* of co('e yo( !o*2 he 'a#!* no!!#n% %oo('ly.

D#')#''#n% /eloy* Bo!#c, $atche! the co$! "elo$. They $ee "e#n% $h#ppe! #nto afen7y "y 4o'$ol! an! 5ecy.


31/134

14ol)* Ill ta,e he ho)e $#th )e. I can potect he thee.2

1:eep#n% he 'afe $ont e'toe he hono*2 4ol) 'a#! %#)ly.

Bo!#c, a%ee!. 1She !e'e&e' "ette.2

1He fathe6he #'nt l#,e tho'e "aon'02

1I $o(l!nt allo$ h#) on )y lan! #f he $ee*2 he epl#e!. 1I ,no$ h#) to "e a #%hteo('

)an.21Sen! $o! to h#) that h#' !a(%hte #' 'tay#n% $#th yo(* an! hell co)e an! %et he.2

1It #'nt that '#)ple. Baon /eoffey $#ll ha&e to %athe h#' &a''al' an! pepae fo $a. If

the ,#n% conf#'cate' h#' popety-2

1Hell "e po$ele''.2

1Ye'*2 he a%ee!. 1/a"#elle nee!' a 'ton% potecto. She' )y $#fe' co('#n. It'

epecte! that I $o(l! 'h#el! he* "(t that $o(l!nt po&e 'he #' #nnocent.2

1What !o yo( cae $hat othe' th#n,02

1I !ont cae*2 he co(ntee!* 1"(t #f /a"#elle $ee )y $#fe* I $o(l! ,#ll any )an $ho

$o(l! !ae attac, he hono.2

1A' $o(l! I*2 4ol) 'a#!.

1B(t 'he ha' no h('"an! to !efen! he hono.21No* 'he !oe'nt.2

1I th#n, pehap' yo( 'ho(l! ta,e he ho)e $#th yo(.2

Fo$n#n%* 4ol) 'a#!* 1An! $hat $o(l! that acco)pl#'h0 What !#ffeence $o(l! #t )a,e

#f I offee! he )y potect#on #n'tea! of yo(0 Yo(e a' 'ton% a' I a).2

1I cannot )ay he.2

The 'tate)ent lay "et$een the) fo a lon% )o)ent "efoe 4ol) e'pon!e!. He ,ne$

eactly $hat Bo!#c, $ante!. 1Yo( a', too )(ch of )e.2

1Yo( ha&e a !e"t to epay. I a', $hat yo( can %#&e.2

1Ma#a%e0 No. It' o(t of the 3(e't#on.2

Bo!#c, 'h(%%e!. 1It )a,e' 'en'e to )e. If yo( )ay he* e&eyone $#ll ,no$ yo(

"el#e&e he to "e #nnocent. Yo( $o(l! not )ay a $hoe. Yo(e e'pecte! an! feae! "y

)o't of the othe clan'. Yo( co(l! e'toe he hono "y %#n% he yo( na)e.2

1No. Yo( $#ll ha&e to co)e (p $#th anothe 'ol(t#on*2 4ol) an'$ee! e)phat#cally.

Bo!#c, $a'nt !etee!. He ,ne$ 4ol) MacH(%h $o(l! e&ent(ally !o the honoa"le

th#n%.

1Do yo( '(%%e't thee )#%ht "e anothe la#! )oe po$ef(l than yo( $ho ha'nt ta,en a

$#fe yet02

1I a) not '(%%e't#n% anyth#n%* B(chanan. Th#' #' yo( po"le) to 'ol&e* not )#ne.2

1A $#fe fo a "othe. Yo( 'a&e he l#fe a' I helpe! 'a&e yo( "othe.2

4ol)' +a$ $a' clenche! t#%ht.

A B(chanan calle! o(t. 1La#!'* La!y /a"#elle #' lean%. They&e opene! the %ate'.2Bo!#c, loo,e! at the co))on' +('t a' a )an 'teppe! fo$a! an! 'p#t on the %o(n! #n

font of /a"#elle.

4ol) 'a$ anothe )an p('h#n% h#' $ay tho(%h the thon% a' /a"#elle $a' $al,#n%

to$a! the %ate'. The )an calle! o(t to he* "(t 'he #%noe! h#) an! cont#n(e! on. He

%a""e! he a) then* '$(n% he ao(n!* an! h#t he face $#th h#' f#'t. Ha! he not ha! a f#)

%#p on he* 'he $o(l! ha&e !oppe! to the %o(n!.

4ol) $a' alea!y hea!#n% fo the 'ta#' $#th Bo!#c, #%ht "eh#n! h#) a' he calle! o(t to

one of h#' )en* 1F#n! o(t $ho he #'.2

All the $a#o'* "oth B(chanan' an! MacH(%h'* (n!e'too! the co))an!. /eloy

!#!nt. He ha!nt 'een $hat happene! "elo$.

1Who #' he tal,#n% a"o(t0 What !oe' he $ant02 the p#e't a',e! one of the )en $ho $a'p('h#n% h#' $ay pa't.


32/134

The )an !#!nt 'lo$ h#' !e'cent. 1He $ant' to ,no$ $ho 't(c, La!y /a"#elle.2

1So)eone 't(c, he0 Oh !ea Lo!*2 /eloy epl#e!. He p#&ote! on the 'tep an! ('he!

"eh#n! the othe'. 1B(t $hy !oe' he-2

The la't $a#o to lea&e an'$ee!. 1The MacH(%h $ant' to ,no$ the na)e of the )an

he' %o#n% to ,#ll.2

TW E N T Y - S E V E N

SHE WAS TRA55ED IN A NI/HTMARE.

An ho( a%o 'he $a' La!y /a"#elle* !a(%hte of Baon /eoffey of Well#n%'h#e an!

5#nce'' /enee&e of St. B#el. She ha! "een lo&e!* happy* an! hopef(l fo he f(t(e. No$

/a"#elle $a' hate!* teate! l#,e a lepe* an! 'he ha! no f(t(e.

It $a' too )(ch to ta,e #n. S(&al $a' $hat )attee! #%ht no$. She ha! to f#n! a 'afeplace fo he an! he %(a!'. An! tho(%h 'he !#!nt ha&e a !e't#nat#on #n )#n!* 'he $ante! to

%et a' fa a$ay a' po''#"le fo) the he#no(' "aon' an! the# hench)en. Then pehap' 'he

$o(l! "e a"le to )a,e 'en'e o(t of $hat ha! +('t happene!.

F#'t* ho$e&e* 'he nee!e! t#)e to cal) !o$n an! 3(#et he ac#n% heat. She co(l! "aely

"eathe. Stan%e' 'cea)e! fo(l na)e' at he a' 'he pa''e! the) on the lon%* 'ee)#n%ly

en!le'' $al, to the font %ate'.

The h()#l#at#on an! 'ha)e $ee (n"eaa"le. It too, all of he concentat#on to 'ho$ no

e)ot#on. She !#!nt h(y he pace-tho(%h /o! ,no$' 'he $ante! to (n-an! 'he !#!nt

allo$ a '#n%le tea to fall* fo to !o e#the $o(l! ha&e %#&en the a"#! co$! 'at#'fact#on. 5#!e

$a' all 'he ha! left. She $o(l! not let the) ta,e that fo) he.

The '#!e of he face tho""e! fo) the h#t 'he! ta,en. She! 'een the f#'t co)#n% an!t#e! to 'tep "ac, fo) he attac,e* a "(te of a )an $#th hate! ')eae! all o&e h#' (%ly

face* "(t he latche! on to he an! $o(l!nt let he eteat. Fot(nately* 'he $a' a"le to t$#'t

a$ay an! le''en the #)pact. He $a' )oe than t$#ce he '#7e an! $e#%ht. If 'he ha!nt

)o&e!* h#' f#'t '(ely $o(l! ha&e "o,en he +a$.

1Dont !a)a%e he*2 4o'$ol! ha! "ello$e! a 'cant 'econ! "efoe the attac,e' f#'t

'la))e! #nto he face.

The "lo$ ha! 't(nne! he* an! 'he ha! 'ta%%ee! "ac, +('t a' a 'tone 't(c, he fo)

"eh#n!. She 3(#c,ly #%hte! he'elf an! ,ept $al,#n%. Anothe 'tone an! then anothe h#t he.

Tho(%h !a7e!* 'he 't#ll hea! the "aon' 'ho(t. Da)a%e he0 What a l(!#co(' co))an!.

4o'$ol!* I'la* an! 5ecy ha! alea!y !e'toye! he ep(tat#on an! attac,e! he chaacte. She

ha! "een 't#ppe! of e&eyth#n%. In the eye' of he co(nty)en* 'he no lon%e e#'te!* an! 'he"elon%e! no$hee. What !#ffeence !#! #t )a,e #f they !#'f#%(e! he a' $ell0

The a""ot $a' $a#t#n% fo he at the %ate. He p(lle! #t open* "o$e! h#' hea!* an!

$h#'pee!* 1/o! "e $#th yo(.2

D#! he "el#e&e the l#e'0 Thee $ee tea' #n h#' eye'* "(t 'he co(l!nt tell #f they $ee

tea' of 'y)pathy o 'ha)e.

She 'teppe! o(t'#!e* hea! the h(%e !oo 'h(t "eh#n! he* an! then the ha'h 'o(n! of the

"olt 'l#pp#n% #nto place.

Stephen let o(t a 'ho(t $hen he 'a$ he. He leape! fo) h#' ho'e an! an to he $h#le

Fa('t* L(c#en* an! 4h#'t#en all !e$ the# '$o!' #n pepaat#on fo a f#%ht.

She ,ne$ 'he )('t loo, a$f(l. A 'tone ha! c(t he ',#n +('t "elo$ he #%ht eye* an! 'he

felt "loo! t#c,l#n% !o$n he chee,. He +a$ $a' 'oe an! po"a"ly alea!y "e%#nn#n% to

'$ell an! "(#'e.


33/134

15#nce''* $hat happene! to yo(02 Stephen a',e!* appalle!.

1I) all #%ht*2 'he an'$ee!* he &o#ce '(p#'#n%ly 'ton%* 1"(t $e )('t lea&e. No$.2

1Yo(e "lee!#n%@2 4h#'t#en' face $a' e! $#th an%e a' he '$(n% to$a! the clo'e!

%ate'. 1Who !#! th#' to yo(0 We $#ll ,#ll h#).2

1No* yo( $#ll not %o "ac, #nto the a""ey*2 'he !e)an!e!.

Fa('t p(lle! h#' t(n#c o&e h#' hea! an! !o('e! #t $#th $ate fo) h#' leathe po(ch.Lean#n% !o$n fo) h#' 'a!!le* he han!e! the $et cloth to /a"#elle. 1Doe' #t h(t02 he a',e!.

1No*2 'he a''(e! h#)* 3(#c,ly $#p#n% the "loo! fo) he chee,. 1Ill tell yo( e&eyth#n%*

"(t plea'e* $e )('t "e a$ay fo) hee $#th all po''#"le ha'te.2

They hea! the (%ency #n he &o#ce an! !#!nt 3(e't#on the co))an!. Stephen l#fte! he

onto Ro%(e' "ac,* han!e! he the e#n'* then '$(n% (p on h#' )o(nt. A''()#n% 'he $ante!

to catch (p $#th he fathe' 'taff* he t(ne! 'o(th.

1No*2 'he c#e! o(t. 1We )('t %o noth.2

1Wont yo( fathe-2 L(c#en "e%an.

1Yo( !ont (n!e'tan!. If the "aon' chan%e the# )#n!' an! !ec#!e to ta,e )e to the ,#n%

-the# :#n% >ohn*2 'he coecte!* 1they $#ll loo, fo (' to the 'o(th. Theyll ne&e f#n! ('

h#!!en #n the foe't.21B(t $hy-2 Stephen "e%an.

1No 3(e't#on' no$*2 'he 'a#!. 1When $e ae a$ay fo) hee* I $#ll epla#n.2

Stephen no!!e!

garwood, julie - shadow music[1]

Documents