I looked at the boy, his face a mass of bruises. ‘I am sorry,’ I said quietly. ‘I did not know we were dealing with Rich. He will stop at nothing.’

Nicholas looked at me. ‘That was truly him? The Privy Councillor?’

‘Ay,’ Barak said angrily.

‘I knew he had a bad reputation.’

‘We’ve crossed swords with him before,’ Barak said. ‘He should have been hung a dozen times.’ He turned to me, and burst out, ‘What the fuck did he want you for?’

I laughed bitterly. ‘To suggest we work together, believe it or not. Nicholas, I should not say more in front of you. It is not safe.’

‘Am I to have my life threatened and simply accept it?’ Nicholas answered hotly. ‘To have no justice against those rogues?’ I thought, he is foolhardy but, by God, he has courage to speak so, after what must have been a terrifying captivity.

‘He has a point,’ Barak muttered.

‘I may not say any more, Nicholas, without breaking a promise and nor will I give you information which could be dangerous to you. I’ve already told Jack far more than I should.’ I hesitated, then added, ‘Did they hurt you much?’

‘Apart from knocking me over the head? That Gower beat me when I tried to fight them after I awoke. But what manner of man in my position would not fight back? Then they said if I kept quiet and waited I would come to no harm. I had no option.’ His voice trembled slightly, and I realized he had been more frightened than he would admit. ‘Tell me this at least,’ he asked. ‘Did they use my life as a bargaining counter? Did they make you give them something in exchange for it?’

‘No, please be reassured, Nicholas. Rich merely used you as bait to make me come to him. In fact, I got the best of that encounter.’

‘I am glad of that at least.’

‘How is the wound on your chest?’

‘Healing well. But I should bathe these cuts.’

‘Then go back to your lodgings directly.’ I took a deep breath. ‘Nicholas, when you came to work for me you did not expect to be attacked or to be held prisoner by murderous rogues. It might be better if I were to transfer you to another barrister. With the best of references, I promise.’

To my surprise he laughed. ‘This is more interesting than the law!’ I shook my head, remembering how some young gentlemen loved adventure, had been brought up to think it noble. Even his recent experiences had not knocked that out of him.

We parted at the head of Thames Street. ‘So what happened?’ Barak asked, when Nicholas had gone.

I told him. He stroked his beard. ‘This is quite some game of hoodman blind we are playing. What will you do now?’ he asked.

‘Go to the palace, try to see Lord Parr, late as it is.’