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haunts the queen’s Keep, preparing for her imminent visit. It’s an interesting story about Moldar. Another interesting item Freddie can relate to you later.”
                Freddie, silent during Bada’s presentation, finally spoke. “I’ve suggested we transform Kilshire Castle into a first class museum and tourist attraction. I also plan to relocate my present bookstore and have a Shakespeare and de Vere research center there.” He turned to Bada. “The new bookstore would be more than twice the size of my current store in Stratford proper. Gil’s interest in the museum and research center will also provide Bada, Limited positive public exposure.”
                Freddie looked at the other men in the room before continuing. “Obviously, the construction process will also provide us a venue to proceed with the search for—”
                Thorne noticed the other men were staring at Freddie.
                Bada interrupted and cleared his throat. “This brings us to our interest in retaining you.”
                Bada said, “We’ve already discussed our plans for the castle, and a preliminary design scheme, with certain prominent individuals on the town council. Mr. Blackstone and our architect have been in touch with the town officials and our overall design scheme has met with favorable response.
                “However, I need to say, we’ve encountered resistance to our plans, and although there is minimal opposition to our drawings and overall design scheme, there are those still opposed to us. Their main opposition is the project will detract from the overall historical spirit of Stratford across the river.
                “What they’re saying is we will be questioning Shaksper, the Stratford man, as the true author. They feel the relocation and enlargement of Freddie’s bookstore to the castle, and away from Henley Street—the heart of Stratford’s shopping district—will be detrimental to Stratford’s main industry, which is William Shakespeare and the Festival. Many also disapprove of Freddie’s numerous books supporting the de Vere position, and say it’s unseemly to denigrate William Shakespeare, their most illustrious citizen. It’s obvious business is a main ingredient in their argument. At a recent meeting at Civic Hall in Rother Street, almost three-hundred thousand pounds was approved to promote tourism.”
                Raskin said, “It’s quite true the renovation of the castle and the relocation of Freddie’s bookstore will stimulate discussion. Freddie’s bookstore is well known for carrying a large number of books and journals about de Vere, as well as Shakespeare—and the controversy. However, we believe it will encourage additional research into the subject, and eventually add to Stratford’s prominence.” He produced a wan smile. “It may also prove de Vere to be the true author, and—”
                Bada nodded his agreement and said, “We’ll just have to face that problem when it arises.” He paused and drank from his cup. “The Oxford Society, a research group, meets at Freddie’s bookstore on occasion. The Society is a prominent advocate of de Vere as the true author, and many prominent people are members of the Society. I’m not a member, but have made no secret of my interest in their research.
                “But let’s get back to what you’re interested in. Our plans are to proceed with the partial demolition and renovation before opposing forces can muster a substantial challenge or injunction. Your official role would be that you are doing research and are there to observe the demolition of portions of the castle, and do likewise during the initial additions to the castle.”
                Thorne asked, “Are you saying you would want me to be involved in the demolition and construction . . . I thought . . .