“Thank you,” Monk said. He reached across and touched Hester’s arm. He felt an ease inside that resolution always brought, but no victory yet. Kristian would be freed, of course, but he still had shattering truths to accept. He himself was not who he had believed he was. His heritage, his very blood, was different. He was one of the people he had been brought up to think of as outsiders, somehow inferior, and yet a people who had given the Western world the core of its soul, and so of its culture also. The thought was almost too big to grasp, but he would have to.
As he turned it over in his mind, Monk became aware of an intense need within himself to know his own roots, the meaning of his identity that hung only in shadows and pieces in his own mind. Who were his people? Where did they fit in the history of his land? What had they believed, lived for or died for? What had they given anyone?
It was not enough to ask; he must begin to look for the answers. The truth about everyone else was important. It was his job. What of the truth about himself? Who were the people he should have felt the bond with that Hester felt for Charles? Where was his blood tie to the past?
Runcorn came back, closing the door behind him. He looked first at Hester, then at Monk.
“You all right?” he asked.
“Yes, of course,” Monk replied, tightening his grip on Hester’s arm.
“Good,” Runcorn replied. “I’ve got a constable with me, and another coming.” He glanced at the silent figure on the bed. “What a terrible waste,” he said, shaking his head a little. “He could have done so much.” He turned back to Monk. “Cook’s got up and made us a pot of tea,” he added. “Look like you could take a cup.”
Monk saw kindness in his face, even a flash of the old friendship.
“Thank you,” he said, smiling, although he had not meant to. “That’s a very good idea. Let’s do that.” And guiding Hester in front of him, he went out of the room and along the passage side by side with Runcorn.
The Face of a Stranger
A Dangerous Mourning
Defend and Betray
A Sudden, Fearful Death
The Sins of the Wolf
Cain His Brother
Weighed in the Balance
The Silent Cry
A Breach of Promise
The Twisted Root
Funeral in Blue
The Cater Street Hangman
Callander Square
Paragon Walk
Resurrection Row
Bluegate Fields
Rutland Place
Death in the Devil’s Acre
Cardington Crescent
Silence in Hanover Close
Bethlehem Road
Highgate Rise
Belgrave Square
Farriers’ Lane
The Hyde Park Headsman
Traitors Gate
Pentecost Alley
Ashworth Hall
Brunswick Gardens
Bedford Square
