Page 169 of The Armor of Light

‘Other purposes?’

‘You may put the money aside for the widows and orphans of men killed in combat, for example. Or you could buy whisky for theofficers’ mess. It forms a kind of discretionary fund, for worthwhile expenditure that perhaps should not actually appear in the accounts ledger. Of course you never have any need to tell me – or anyone else – how you have spent it.’

‘The accounts therefore become deceitful.’

‘You might look at it that way, or you might see it as a way of oiling the gears of the machine.’

‘I’m afraid I don’t take that view, Mr Hornbeam. I will not be involved in deceit.’

Hornbeam made his face a mask. This was a major setback. He had feared it but had not really thought it would happen. Donaldson could make a fortune but he was not going to take the opportunity. It was incomprehensible.

Hornbeam immediately backtracked. ‘Of course, you must do as you think fit.’ The contract could still be won. ‘I will be happy to do business with you in any way you require. I hope my written bid finds favour.’

‘In fact it doesn’t, Mr Hornbeam. I’ve already reviewed the bids with Colonel Northwood and I’m afraid you have not won the contract.’

Hornbeam felt as if he had been punched in the stomach. His mouth fell open. It took him a moment to recover, then he said: ‘But I’ve built a new mill to fulfil your requirements!’

‘I wonder why you were so sure you’d get the contract?’

‘Who did you give it to? One of your fellow Methodists, I suppose!’

‘I’m not obliged to tell you, but I have no reason not to. The contract was divided between the two best bids. One of the successful bidders is a Methodist—’

‘I knew it!’

‘—and the other a staunch Anglican.’

‘Who are they? Give me the names!’

‘Please don’t try to bully me, Mr Hornbeam. I understand that you’re disappointed, but you can’t come to my office and insult me, you know.’

Hornbeam controlled his rage. ‘Forgive me. But if you would kindly tell me who the successful bidders are, I should be grateful.’

‘The Anglican is Mrs Bagshaw, and the Methodist is Amos Barrowfield.’

‘A woman and a jumped-up jackanapes!’

‘By the way, neither of them mentioned the Special Discount System.’

Hornbeam had been played for a fool. Donaldson had let him burble on, knowing that the issue was already decided, until Hornbeam revealed the system of bribery he had operated with Riddick. Did Donaldson – or Northwood – intend to prosecute Hornbeam? But there was no evidence. He could deny this conversation or say there had been a misunderstanding. No, there was little real danger of a court case. But he had lost the contract. He would struggle to keep his new mill busy. He would lose money.

He was ready to strangle Donaldson. Or Barrowfield. Or the widow Bagshaw. Preferably all three. He needed to kill someone, or break something. He was boiling over with fury and had no one to take it out on.

He stood up. Through gritted teeth he said: ‘Good day to you, Major.’

‘Good day, Alderman.’

There was even a hint of sarcasm in the way Donaldson saidAlderman.

Hornbeam left the room and stamped out of the building. People moved out of his way as he marched up the cobbled street, glaring at everyone and no one.

He had been defeated and humiliated.

And for once he had no fall-back plan.

*

‘Just fancy that!’ said Elsie, reading theKingsbridge Gazetteat the breakfast table. ‘Mr Hornbeam didn’t get the contract for red cloth for militia uniforms.’