Page 65

FIFTY-SIX

T he sudden hammering on the door of the chamber brought him out of his reverie.

“Regret to disturb you, sir.” Webster’s voice was muffled by the heavy wooden panel but the fact that it was audible at all indicated he was shouting. “Mr. Otford has just arrived with what he says is news of critical importance.”

Slater crossed the room to open the door. Webster stood in the hall, one fist poised in midair. Otford, flushed and breathless, hovered behind him.

“What is it?” Slater asked.

“It’s Cobb,” Otford gasped.

“What about him?”

“He was found dead in his cell a short time ago. The rumor is that it was poison. Seems Cobb had a visitor earlier today, a woman dressed as a widow. Unbeknownst to the guards, she managed to slip him a small flask of what appeared to be brandy. He died shortly after she left. You don’t think that Mrs. Kern decided to take the law into her own hands, do you? ”

“No,” Slater said. “I think Cobb’s death is the work of a woman scorned. I’ve got to get to Ursula.”

He went through the doorway, past Webster and Otford, and took the ancient stone steps two at time.