cow The man simply nodded his agreement, too emotional to speak.
“Criou, I hope you never cross our path again. You will be sorry if you do.”
These extraordinary proceedings complete, the courtroom emptied. Two streets away, Albornoz caught up with Criou, grabbing his arm and hauling him into an alley where they would not be seen. He pushed the startled man against the wall with one hand, his other going for the jugular, squeezing the throat hard, sinking his nails into the flesh. Criou spluttered, trying to take a breath but unable to do so. The Cardinal held him in this position until his face changed colour to red, then to a purple hue. When he released his grip, Criou gulped in air, his eyes running, saliva dripping from his mouth.
“You didn’t keep your side of our agreement, did yo
