Lord Parr shook his head. ‘We may know the limits of Rich’s involvement, but someone else who bears the Queen ill will at the court could still be hiding the book, and could have employed one of the group as a spy.’ He shook his head again. ‘If so it would almost certainly be a member of the Privy Council, I am sure. But which one? And where is the book now?’

‘We still have no idea,’ Cecil said.

Lord Parr took a deep breath. ‘All right. Shardlake, you liaise with Rich via this man Stice. You and Cecil can work with his people on trying to find the missing men, and keeping an eye on the docks.’ He bent forward and scribbled on a piece of paper. ‘These are our men at the customs house there. Give this to Stice, and get the names of their agents in return. Our men know only that we are looking for someone trying to smuggle out some writings.’

Cecil looked uneasy. ‘There are murderers involved. There could be trouble. We may have to deal with the missing men if they try to escape, and if Stice calls on us we shall need help. We may have to deal with more of Rich’s people, too, if the Lamentation is found. How many fit young men do you have?’

‘There are four in my household whom I would trust with this,’ Parr said. ‘Though naturally I will tell them nothing about the Lamentation.’

The Queen said, ‘I would have no violence.’

‘There may be no alternative, niece,’ Lord Parr answered sadly. ‘Shardlake and Cecil may need to defend themselves, and should have help available.’ He looked at me closely. ‘How much does your man Barak know?’

‘All of it now.’ Lord Parr raised his eyebrows. ‘I had to tell him,’ I explained, ‘when I asked him to watch for me at Needlepin Lane.’

He considered, then said, ‘Then we can use him. And what of your pupil who was kidnapped?’

‘He knows only a little. He has shown himself courageous, but he is very young. And Barak has responsibilities. I would not wish to put either into any further danger.’

‘Do they want to help?’

I hesitated. ‘Yes. They are good men.’

‘Then we need them.’

Cecil asked, ‘I know of Barak, but this boy, this –’

‘Nicholas –’

‘Is he truly fit to be trusted with this? To whom does he owe his loyalties?’

I considered. ‘Nobody other than me, I think.’

‘Would you vouch for him on that basis?’

‘Yes, certainly.’

‘What of his background? His religious loyalties?’

‘He is of Lincolnshire gentry stock. He has no links to anyone at court. As for religion, he told me once he wishes only to worship as the King requires, and believes others should be allowed liberty of conscience.’

‘Even papists?’ There was a hint of disapproval in Cecil’s voice now.