The hand stayed high. ‘Like when you heard rumour of an attempt upon the king’s life?’
‘Then we are summoned.’
Another nod, and the hand lowered. ‘We? That’s you and this thief-taker, this Pitman, hmm?’ On Coke’s nod he continued, ‘In London, a fellow Saint told me much of you two. You thwarted a holy plot last year, didn’t you? Killed one of our brothers? You two and this w***e you both straddle?’
‘She’s no w***e, you Irish pig –’
The slap came fast and harder; this time the chair crashed to the ground and he struck his head. ‘Dear, dear,’ said Blood as he stepped to help his son right the chair and the prisoner. ‘Did I not tell you that insults would be punished the same as lies?’ He was flung back onto the righted chair and Blood bent closer. ‘No, I can’t see his eyes, which I need
