Read The Heretics for Free Online Page B

probable. ‘The number twenty-three, at the end, is interesting. That could be code. Why would Persons mark down the date of writing? I think he is revealing a date when something will happen. But which month? As for the mention of Gregory, that is exceedingly interesting. A man came to me last night, one Garrick Loake. He spoke of a plot emanating from the seminaries of Spain and mentioned the Gregory college. This is no coincidence. I will seek him out today.’
    ‘Seek him out? Why is he not in custody?’
    ‘On what charge? He was bringing me information, Sir Robert. He wants money – a great deal of money.’
    Cecil rubbed his neck to ease the stiffness of his hunch. ‘Well, we must hope and pray that he returns with the information. Promise him what he wants, then when he has told what he knows, give him its worth.’
    ‘Very well.’
    ‘And remember, the Jesuit college in Seville is a very hornets’ nest of intrigue. The whole of that coast east of Cadiz is awash with traitors . . . The English trading community in Jerez and Sanlúcar, those men who stayed behind when the war began. Catholics to a man, many married to Spanish women.’
    Shakespeare was thinking hard. ‘One thing is clear, both from the hints Garrick Loake gave – if we are to believe him – and from the letter: the plan, whatever it is, is already known to somebody in England. This letter is merely to say that it is now confirmed and imminent, and that those involved should be prepared. Perhaps it was intended for Henry Garnett. He is the Jesuit superior in England – and he is still at large.’
    ‘Keep an open mind.’ Cecil scowled with exasperation. ‘But are we getting ahead of ourselves?’ He stabbed the paper with his right index finger. ‘Perhaps there is some hidden code there. In God’s name, John, I wish you had never mentioned the Jade girl to Her Royal Majesty. You must talk with this Garrick Loake before all else.’
    Shakespeare said nothing. He had given his word to a condemned man. He would not break such an oath.
    Cecil read his thoughts. ‘As for giving your word to a Jesuit traitor . . . sometimes, I do wonder whether you are seduced by the devilish nature of these hellhounds. They call themselves the Society of Jesus, clothing themselves in Jesus’s name, and yet they carry beneath their cloaks most unholy weapons of murder and treachery. They are all traitors, every one.’
    Shakespeare said nothing.
    Cecil did not press the point. ‘The matter with Southwell is done and, soon, so will be the affair of Thomasyn Jade. In two days’ time, John, you will take over the inquiry into this letter and follow up any leads that Garrick Loake gives you. Two days. That is the limit I will allow you. In the meantime, Frank, I desire you to make rapid progress. Examine the letter in great detail. Is there secret writing there? A code we cannot see? Do this, but also find out all you can about the dead sailor in whose box the letter was found. Is he linked in any way to Loake? Someone must know who he was. The captain of The Ruth is here in my hall, awaiting you. He will escort you downriver to his vessel. The crew has been held aboard. Get someone to help you, if necessary. Robert Poley perhaps – no, Anthony Friday would be better. He knows everyone. Get him into the Catholic cells and houses. Have him listen for whisperings. But no more than two marks a week. Is that understood? And you, John.’
    ‘Yes, Sir Robert.’
    Shakespeare hoped Cecil did not hear the wry note in his voice. Poley was untrustworthy and Friday was unreliable. How, he wondered, was it possible for Cecil to have hundreds of informants around the world, as well as two score or more here in London, and yet be unable to find sound assistance when he needed it? The service required more gold to train recruits in the art of intelligencing, as he had been taught by Walsingham.
    ‘I would talk to you privately.’ Cecil dismissed Mills with a curt