‘We have a large order on hand,’ Okedene explained. ‘But Elias, these gentlemen are investigating Master Greening’s killing, for his parents. We must help them.’

I put out a hand. ‘I am Matthew Shardlake, of Lincoln’s Inn.’

‘Elias Rooke.’ The boy’s eyes narrowed. ‘Master Greening told me his parents were poor folk. How can they can afford a lawyer?’

It was a brave question for a mere apprentice. ‘Elias . . .’ Okedene said warningly.

‘I only want to find the truth of what happened, Elias, and bring Master Greening’s killers to justice. I would like to ask you some questions.’ The boy still looked at me suspiciously. I spoke encouragingly. ‘I understand you were at home on the night of the murder.’

‘With my mother and sisters. And a neighbour called in. I told them so at the inquest.’

‘Yes. I understand you thwarted an earlier attack on Master Greening’s premises.’

‘I told them about that, too. I came to work early one morning – there was much to do – and two men were standing outside the shed, trying to pick the lock. They were very quiet, I think they knew Master Greening was within.’

‘Not the same two who attacked him later?’

‘No. Old Huffkyn described the men who killed my poor master as big and tall. These two were quite different. One was short and fat. The other was slim, with fair hair, and had half an ear missing. Looked like a slash from a sword, not the great hole you get from having your ear nailed to the pillory.’

‘Were they carrying weapons?’

‘They had daggers at their waists, but so do most men.’

‘What were they wearing?’

‘Old wadmol smocks.’

‘Cheap garments, then?’

‘Ay.’ Elias relaxed a little, realizing I was just going over old ground. ‘But those are all most folk can afford these days, with the rich land-grabbers and idle rout of nobles taking everything.’

Nicholas said, ‘Do not be insolent to my master, churl.’

I raised a hand. I could put up with boyish insolence if it would get me information. And it seemed this boy held radical social views. ‘When was this first attack?’ I asked. ‘I was told it was some days before the murder.’

‘Just over a week. Monday, the fifth.’

I frowned, realizing that was the day before the Lamentation was stolen from the Queen. That made no sense. ‘Are you sure of the date?’

Elias looked back at me directly. ‘’Tis my mother’s birthday.’

‘What did you do when you saw the men?’