“Oh-ho!” laughed Laffite. “That struck a nerve I did not aim for. I take it you and your father were not close? Was it him that broke your nose? I find it very fetching.”
Marion ignored that, barely. “Can you get my oxen back for me?”
Laffite leant back in his chair and crossed his arms. “Why on God’s earth would I steal flea-ridden animals from a Lord’s manor just to help you? They have enough excuses to hang me without giving them more. The risk is mine, the gain yours. Do you mistake me for Robin Hood?”
“Robin who?”
“Never mind. Tell me, why would I do such a thing? I really want to know.”
Marion leant forward, business-like. “The oxen are not at the Lord’s manor. I’ve told you, Gosse has them at his farm.”
“The constable?” interrupted Laffite, “is that any better?”
“Yes. He is l
