The Judas Blade Read Online Free PDF Page B

exchanging a word here and there but generally keeping to herself. In the afternoon , however, she grew uneasy when she noticed that Venn seemed to be absent. Her other cellmates were taking the air, like all those whose faces had now become familiar to her. Thus far the day had been no different to any other: the prisoners rising at the opening of the doors; the man in fustian – whom Betsy now knew as Dyer – and his companion grumbling and dicing; Venn silent as ever. Apart from Sarah, the sick woman, as soon as permission was given they had all left the cell.
    Betsy had avoided looking for her informant, meaning to wait until the last moment as he’d told her. So that afternoon, when a ripple of excitement began to spread, at first she felt only curiosity. Seeing Dyer standing with another man, both wearing expressions of alarm, she wandered over to them.
    ‘What’s ruffling everyone’s feathers?’ she asked with a sniff … then received a surprise. Because for once Dyer didn’t answer her in his usual contemptuous tone. Instead, with a shake of his head he delivered the news.
    ‘It’s Venn, the silent one,’ he said, in a voice of disbelief. ‘He’s dead – murdered!’
    All about the yard, voices were rising. Even those who habitually stayed apart were gathering. Betsy turned aside, trying to collect herself. After that she merely listened, as the grim picture took shape.
    Venn had been found in the jakes only minutes ago. He was lying in a pool of blood, and holding a pocket dagger – his own, Betsy surmised. Whoever cut his throat had placed it in his hand, to make it appear that he’d taken his own life. That notion, however, didn’t hold water: the prisoner, some warders knew, was left-handed, while the weapon was in his right hand. The one with the birthmark, Betsy thought, still struggling to take in the news. Then she realized someone was addressing her.
    ‘Did you hear me? They’ll suspect us – those of his cell!’ Dyer was staring at her in fear. ‘God knows I detested him, but murder …’ He shook his filthy locks. ‘It’ll bring disaster upon us all!’
    ‘Don’t talk like a fool.’ Quickly Betsy summoned her anger, fighting off the fear that threatened to grip her. ‘We’ve been outdoors the whole day … all save Sarah, and she’s so weak she can hardly stand, let alone kill anyone.’
    ‘Yet people will point the finger!’ Dyer countered. ‘What of you, for one? You were talking to him yesterday, walking arm-in -arm, I heard. He’s never said a word to anyone before – what was it about?’
    Though her heart jumped, Betsy’s reply was swift. ‘What do you think?’ she snapped. ‘If I don’t do business here soon, I’ll starve.’ She threw him a scornful look. ‘But don’t go thinking I’d let
you
near me!’ And with a toss of her head, she swept away.
    But by the wall she stopped, gazing across the yard. Most of the guards had gone indoors, while those who remained were tense, gripping their truncheons. Then she saw the figure of Peter Crabb, standing a head taller than those near him, and at once she knew what to do. Indeed, it was the only thing to do, now that her reason for staying here had been taken away, and in such a terrible manner. Picking up her skirts, she circled around until she stood in the big man’s field of vision, then caught his eye.
    ‘Wrestler!’ she called. ‘Over here!’
    The other men in the group glanced at her, before resuming their conversation. With a casual air, Peter Crabb left them and ambled towards her, whereupon her words spilled out.
    ‘I’ve seen a white rat,’ she breathed. ‘Can you get me—?’ Then she yelped, as without warning the giant grabbed her arm and pulled her roughly aside.
    ‘You dirty blowze!’ he cried. ‘I should have steered clear of you – now leave me be!’ With that he pushed her away, but as he released her he lurched, as if he had lost his balance.
    ‘Tonight,’ he whispered. ‘Be