*
“Still nothing my lord,” Malicio announced apologetically as he approached Dr. Cleaver walking the Manor grounds.
“By God the man’s clever!” Cleaver slammed his walking stick into his other hand violently. He quickly regained his regal manner and calm speech. “I never was very confident we would find him.”
“He could be injured or even dead out in the wilderness,” Malicio offered lamely, knowing that they couldn’t rely on assumptions.
“Lodge’s death, though convenient as it might have been, was never a necessary part of the plan. All that matters is that both he and his lap dog are away from the Manor. Plus with the members out on a hunt we have our opportunity to move.”
“Shall I recall my men from their search?” he asked glad to have avoided any retribution for his failure to find Lodge.
“How many do you explicitly trust?”
“Six are completely loyal and have the skills we’ll need for the next stage.”
“Very well,” Cleaver allowed thinking his plans through. “We’ll take four with us and leave the rest to cause doubt and suspicion. Recall the men from the search area; however leave the guards posted in the Vale.”
“In case Lodge still intends to take that route?”
“Precisely,” confirmed Cleaver swinging his walking stick carelessly. “If he travelled into the valley he’s most likely alone and we are therefore free to eliminate him without the fear of repercussions.”
They continued walking in silence, approaching the sloping ground that marked the beginning of the arboretum. Cleaver was clearly lost in thought, mulling over his plans. While Malicio walked slightly behind his master in silence, waiting to be spoken to.
“Your contact in Rook’s bay…” began Cleaver slowly, organizing his thoughts.
“Yes my Lord,” nodded Malicio immediately.
“The one you used to incite the brigands in the valley,” he continued suspiciously. “Can he identify you?”
“Yes of course, he used to be employed at the Manor. But I gave him clear instructions to keep my name out of it when speaking with his contacts.”
“Have him eliminated,” Cleaver ordered coldly. “Time to remove some loose ends, he’s served his purpose and we won’t need his services again.”
“Yes my Lord.”
“Very good. Pick the men you wish to bring with us and have their identity cards created. There are some spare uniforms that should do nicely. Anything else required can be purchased when we arrive. We need to be gone from this place as quickly as possible.”
“Yes my Lord.”
A Malevolent Manner (Patrick Pierce #1) Page 77