Chapter Forty-Seven
Going to church – Michael and Pannett – the launch – theft and betrayal – despair – a bad sign
There was a light on in St Edwin’s vicarage. Confound the luck! Charlie crept up to the window and peeked in through a c***k in the curtains. He did not recognise the man he saw, but there was no mistaking those teeth—an Iapetian. Charlie shifted to change his view, and a familiar raw-boned face came into view. Michael Campbell? Here? Charlie’s heart rose. A happy coincidence, for once. Michael was arguing with the Iapetian—but he seemed exasperated, rather than angry or fearful.
A gust of wind blew yet more warmth out of Charlie and the fire inside looked inviting. Nothing to do but chance it. He walked right up to the front door and knocked. No answer.
He lifted the lett
