Chapter Thirty-Six

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

T om switched on his torch. He had not known what or who to expect, but still, seeing his mother’s suave assistant in the beam, the key to Shed Number Four in one hand, a large brown bottle in the other, did not come as surprise. The man blinked, and attempted a smile.

‘Oh, Mr Lassiter, I was just passing. I thought I saw someone sneaking around the back of the shed and I thought I better come and check. Such a big day you have coming up tomorrow.’

‘What is your name again? Milner, wasn’t it?’

‘That’s right. Do you, err, know how to use that?’ Milner said, nodding towards the shotgun that lay across Tom’s lap. He had dragged Ruby’s armchair onto the factory floor, just outside his office. A packing case at his elbow held a book and a glass of whisky. There was no ashtray. Smoking was strictly forbidden on the factory floor.

‘I do. A long time ago, Mr Milner, I had nothing better to do than travel around to country houses and shoot things. Can’t think why it amused me back then, but it did. But this . . .’ He waved his hand behind him. ‘This is not an amusement – this I take very seriously indeed.’

‘So I see.’ Milner attempted a light laugh. ‘Well, obviously there’s nothing for me to worry about. I’ll be off.’

‘This will go a lot faster if you stop lying, Milner. Don’t worry, I know who sent you, so I’m not going to ask you anything. But I’m tired and irritable, so if you must say anything, don’t lie. Do you understand?’

‘Yes.’ Milner smoothed his hair back with a trembling hand.

‘Good. Now put down the bottle and the key.’

He did so, the glass clinking on the concrete. ‘Tell me, Mr Lassiter, were you here last night?’

‘And the night before,’ Tom said.

‘Don’t you have to sleep some time?’ Milner’s smile became unpleasant.

‘I might. If I do, one of the stable hands from my great-aunt’s stables will be here, so you will have no possible reason for any further night-time visits.’ Tom’s right hand rested on the stock of the shotgun. ‘Do you understand?’

Milner nodded.

‘Now leave. And, Mr Milner, as you consider your future in Highbridge, keep this in mind. My mother has risked your liberty and your life to sabotage her son. Does that sound like the action of a leader to whom you should entrust your career? I would, if I were you, think very carefully about what you’ve done in the past, and what you do next.’

The man hesitated for a moment, then turned and left. Only when the door to the outside world had closed behind him did Tom unload the shotgun and go and check the bottle Milner had left behind him. He whistled through his teeth.