by Ellin Carsta
“God bless you!” He squinted in the sunlight and kept walking, obviously expecting that she’d be going to the lecture hall, too. When Madlen didn’t follow him, he stopped. “What is it?”
“I would like to say good-bye,” she said.
“But I don’t understand . . .”
“Yesterday was my last day. I’ll be leaving Heidelberg tomorrow. But I didn’t want to go without saying farewell.”
“So that’s why the Master of Medicine was acting so peculiar yesterday, wasn’t it?”
Madlen nodded. “From the very beginning, you treated me well, and I want to thank you for that. You will undoubtedly become an outstanding doctor, a man who can really help people.”
“I’ll miss you, Madlen. Who but a lucky few can claim to have studied with a woman?”
“I wish you a long and happy life, Thomas.”
“I wish the same to you.” He bowed. “May God protect you and yours. Best of luck, Madlen!”
She was tempted to embrace him, but decided instead to simply nod. She turned on her heel and went on her way, tears running down her face. She was dismayed by how close she’d come to breaking down during their farewell.
She wasn’t sure if she’d find Kilian in his workshop, and she dreaded the thought of having to go to his cottage and risk facing Irma again. To her amazement, she heard sounds coming from the workshop as she approached. She was quite relieved as she knocked on the door then entered. Her brother was sanding a piece of wood.
“Kilian?”
He flinched, startled. “Madlen?” He put the piece of wood aside and clapped the dust off his hands. “What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to say good-bye. We’re leaving tomorrow.”
“I heard about that doctor. You knew him well, didn’t you?”
“How did you hear about that?”
“What? The fact that he’s dead or that you knew him well?”
“That I knew him well.”
“Well, listen, this is Heidelberg. Do you really believe that nobody knew what you, the doctor, and the sheriff were up to? What was that all about?”
Madlen was confused. Had the deputies gossiped about the meeting in the sheriff’s office? She banished the thought from her mind. It didn’t do any good to worry about that now.
“I just wanted to say farewell, Brother.”
Kilian took a step closer and took her in his arms. “I’ve been drinking less. Really. I don’t want to turn out like our father.”
“I’m happy to hear that. You’re a good person, Kilian, with a lot to give. There is still time to turn things around. Please take care of yourself.”
“Don’t worry, I will. And you take care of yourself, too. Although I certainly don’t need to worry about you.” He gazed at her, his eyes glowing. “I’m so proud of you, you know that? One of these days, I’ll be able to live my dream, too. Who knows?”
“May God be with you, Kilian.”
“The Lord protect you, Madlen.”
She left the workshop with a vague feeling that things wouldn’t end well for her brother. But she also knew that it wasn’t in her power to change him. For a split second she considered forcing herself to say good-bye to Irma but decided against it. She didn’t need any more traumatic experiences after all she’d just been through. She wanted to be in good spirits when she went on her way. So she left the workshop and cottage behind and strolled back to the inn.
She couldn’t put her brother’s words out of her mind. Apparently, it was fairly well known that she had been working with the sheriff and the late doctor. She didn’t know why, but just the thought that people knew about this worried her. But she was relieved when she reached the inn, and she could hardly wait to leave for Worms. She hoped her last day in Heidelberg would go by quickly.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Johannes still wasn’t steady on his feet. His head injury was severe enough to cause his vision to blur from time to time.
As soon as Johannes had discovered how the vicar general had orchestrated the murders, he’d sent Linhardt to the sheriff with an urgent request to come to the palace. The sheriff agreed, suspecting why the lawyer wanted to talk to him. He was rather surprised when Johannes explained that, although he knew the sheriff had arranged the robbery of the scribe’s office, it didn’t disturb him in the least. Johannes added that the sheriff had actually done him a favor.
“You’re . . . grateful?” the sheriff of Cologne said.
“Indeed. Without the robbery, I never would have stumbled upon the documents that finally cleared everything up for me.”
Johannes told the sheriff that the vicar general himself had prepared and signed documents that would have granted the fiefs in question to some noblemen living in the Duchy of Cleves. The names of these noblemen had caught Johannes’s eye—they were the vicar general’s nephews. But in accordance with recent treaty negotiations with the House of von der Marck, the possession of the fiefs had been promised to certain citizens of Cologne. A few days hence, when the official court was back in session, the vicar general would have confirmed these documents Johannes had discovered, making them virtually incontestable.
“So, Bernhard von Harvehorst stumbled upon these papers?”
“Yes. The scribe confirmed that. The clergyman was actually looking for a totally different fief record, one that had nothing to do with this situation.”
“And that’s when von Harvehorst turned to Vicar Bartholomäus?”
“Correct. And that’s when Bartholomäus challenged the vicar general. He might have wanted to give him the opportunity to confess and turn himself in to the archbishop. But the vicar general poisoned Bartholomäus instead.”
“Who do you think did the actual poisoning?”
“I’m guessing it was Christopeit. From what I heard, he’d actually been in the service of the vicar general for many years. It wouldn’t surprise me to find out that he was loyal to the bitter end.”
“But the vicar general still had him killed?”
“He was a witness. Another possibility is that the vicar general poisoned Bartholomäus, making Christopeit an involuntary witness. There’s no way to find out what really happened unless the vicar general confesses, which I doubt he will.”
“And Bernhard von Harvehorst?” the sheriff asked.
“He was probably killed the same evening as Bartholomäus. The doctor could only confirm that he’d been dead for a while. For exactly how long, he couldn’t say.”
“And then the vicar general eliminated the housekeeper?”
Johannes nodded. “He eliminated anyone who got in his way.” The attorney took a sip of water, trying to alleviate the recurring dizziness. Then he pulled himself together and told the sheriff everything he knew, including the events involving Wentzel.
“Now, let’s deal with this alleged witness, the one who supposedly saw me murder Wentzel,” Johannes said. “I have no reason to lie to you.”
“If you committed the murder and want to escape punishment, you do.”
“Did the doctor take another look at Wentzel’s body before it was buried?”
“Yes. How did you know?”
“Well? Did the deceased have a bump on the back of his head or not?”
“He did,” the sheriff growled. “That fact made me seriously doubt the witness’s story, even before you called this meeting.”
“Tomorrow I’ll send a message to the archbishop to inform him of recent events.”
“Are you going to take me to task for the missing document?”
“No, not unless you still plan to arrest me if I leave the palace.”
“Try it and we’ll see.” The sheriff guffawed, then waved his hand dismissively. “I’m joking, Counselor. I believe your story if for no other reason than that it’s too absurd to have been dreamed up.”
“About the reason I asked you here . . .”
“Yes?”
“I would like to entrust the vicar general to
your care. Lock him up and guard him well. He couldn’t possibly have committed these crimes all by himself. In fact, I believe he didn’t have to so much as lift a finger. Rest assured that the people in his employ will do everything in their power to free him.”
“I’m honored to be entrusted with this task. And what will you do?”
“As soon as my message is on its way to Friedrich, I’ll pack my bags and leave for Heidelberg to find my family. First, I’ll stop in Worms, because they might have already returned to my parents’ house.”
“You don’t know where your family is?”
Johannes smiled. “You don’t know my wife. Trust me, it’s a long story.”
“For as long as I can remember, the city and the church have never been on the same side here in Cologne,” the sheriff said. “The archbishop’s decision to give you full power in his absence may very well have been a wise one.”
“You are a man of action and exactly what Cologne needs. It doesn’t matter under whose name you seek justice.”
The sheriff stood up. “I’ve underestimated you, Counselor. Now, you should get some rest because you look like you’ve seen better days. God protect you on your way to Heidelberg or Worms or wherever your wife may be.”
“Farewell, Sheriff. You’d do well to watch the vicar general closely. I’m sure Friedrich will know what to do with that murderous traitor.”
“You can count on me.” With that, the sheriff left. Johannes’s head felt like it was going to explode, and he was glad to be able to finally lie down again. He was also relieved that the murder investigation was finally over.
Madlen couldn’t wait to find out how Albert Grossherr had reacted to his wife’s accusation. It was noon when the sheriff knocked on her chamber door, where Madlen had been waiting with Agathe and the children. She opened the door immediately. She was startled to see the sheriff looking so pale and wan. “Greetings, Sheriff. Please come in.”
“God bless you.” He bowed then smiled at the children and Agathe. “Madlen, may I ask you to come with me one last time? It won’t take long.”
“Go ahead, Mother,” Veit said cheerfully. He’d been in a good mood since hearing the news that they’d be homeward bound soon.
“Yes, of course I’ll come.” Madlen kissed Veit and Cecilia and traded looks with Agathe. Then she followed the sheriff out. On the street in front of the Golden Rooster stood a deputy with a woman who might have been a good ten years older than Madlen. They walked over to the sheriff and Madlen.
“Madlen, may I introduce you to Lady Wulfhild? Lady Wulfhild works for the city of Heidelberg. She will go with Deputy Walter every three days to the Grossherr residence to check on Magdalena’s well-being.”
Madlen was quite relieved. The sheriff had succeeded in convincing the council members to provide protection for abused women. “So happy to meet you, Lady Wulfhild.”
“The honor is all mine,” the woman answered as she curtsied. “You set a fine example for the women of Heidelberg. It’s such a privilege to meet you. And please feel free to call me Katherina. And you, too, Sheriff.”
Madlen felt unworthy of such high praise, so she simply acknowledged her with a smile.
“Madlen, would you accompany us to the Grossherr residence to discuss with Magdalena what to expect in the future and to instruct Katherina on how to examine women for injuries?”
“My pleasure, Sheriff.”
“Let’s go.”
The four of them set off, Madlen walking next to the sheriff. “How did Albert Grossherr react?” she whispered.
For the first time that day, the sheriff’s face lit up with a big grin. “Not particularly well. At first he denied everything, which was to be expected. But that changed when old Sigmund the spice merchant took the floor.”
“What did he say?”
“He said that basically everybody in Heidelberg knows that Albert Grossherr beats his wife black and blue. That it was indisputable, despicable, and that there had been no consequences. You know, Madlen, he spoke in such a casual, almost indifferent, way. He went on to say that, up to this point, nobody had been willing or able to change this type of thing. But times have changed, and Lord Grossherr would have to accept that, like it or not. And then the spice merchant made a brilliant tactical maneuver.”
“What was it?”
“Well, we had already told Lord Grossherr that he would be getting a visit every three days to guarantee that the beatings had ceased. But then the spice merchant did one better. He said that if the deputy discovered Magdalena had even the slightest of injuries, Grossherr would not only be immediately arrested but all of his business, goods, and property would be put under the control of the city council, effective immediately, after which he wouldn’t have a penny to his name.” The sheriff smiled from ear to ear, and Madlen laughed out loud.
“Could that actually happen?”
The sheriff shrugged. “I don’t know. I suppose it could, if a resolution were passed, though it undoubtedly wouldn’t be so easy. As expected, Albert Grossherr objected adamantly to the merchant’s proposed plan, but his complaints fell on deaf ears. And the merchant added that it should be quite easy for a big fellow like Lord Grossherr to keep his wife out of harm’s way, therefore he had no reason to fear these or any other consequences. After that, the man was at a loss for words.”
Madlen laughed again, first softly, then with greater gusto. “At least we can know that money will always be sacred to these otherwise soulless men.”
“I was astonished by how united we all were. I daresay, it gave me some hope again.”
“It sounds like this is going to work out,” Madlen said, relieved and feeling optimistic about Magdalena’s situation.
The little group reached Magdalena’s home, where they could hear loud shouting coming from inside. The sheriff pounded on the door. “Open up! The sheriff of Heidelberg demands admittance!”
The voices fell silent. For a moment, nothing more could be heard.
“Open up immediately, or we’ll kick down this door.”
“I’m coming. Have a little patience!” Albert Grossherr called.
“So, we meet again so soon,” the sheriff said after the man had opened the door.
“What can I do for you?”
“Spare me the niceties,” the sheriff grumbled. “Step away from the door so we can speak to your wife.”
“And may I ask what business you have with her?”
“That’s enough.” Without warning, the sheriff lunged forward. The door banged against the inside wall, and Albert Grossherr staggered back a step.
“Where is she?”
“How dare you!”
“Not another word.” The sheriff grabbed Albert Grossherr’s collar. “You can shove your indignation elsewhere. Have you done something to her? If you have, we’ll arrest you right now and you can take one last look at your beautiful house before it goes to the highest bidder.”
“I’m here,” a soft voice emanated from above. The sheriff looked up and saw Magdalena Grossherr standing at the balustrade.
“Has he done something to you?” Madlen called, gazing up at Magdalena. “You can tell us. If he has, he’ll be arrested on the spot.”
Magdalena shook her head. “Not today. But he did scold me for putting him in this position.”
“Shut up, you miserable slut.”
The sheriff gave the man a shake. “I almost regret that you didn’t beat you wife again. What a pleasure it would be for me to take you to the dungeon to join all the other riffraff. Some of those men might even enjoy you.” He glared at the nobleman, and for the first time his words seemed to have achieved their intended effect.
“I’ve done nothing to her, I swear. Yes, I was furious, and yes, I yelled at her. But I didn’t raise one finger against her.”
“That’s true,” Magdalena confirmed.
“Well, good,” Madlen said, motioning for Katherina to follow her up the stairs. “Let’s go to your
bedchamber. But first, allow me to introduce you to Lady Katherina Wulfhild. She’ll be dropping by every three days to examine you for injuries.” From the landing, she looked down at Magdalena’s husband and found her voice. “Please take care that you don’t fall from carelessness or hurt yourself in any other way. The city officials’ instructions are unambiguous: your husband will be arrested immediately and all his property will be confiscated.”
Magdalena lifted her head. Evidently her husband hadn’t informed her of these additional penalties he’d incur for abusing her. “He would lose everything if he hit me again?”
“Everything. Gone.”
“Then what would become of me?”
“You would be cared for in the manner to which you have become accustomed,” Madlen said, although she hadn’t discussed this with the sheriff. But she took a kind of perverse pleasure knowing that Albert Grossherr thought he would be thrown in the dungeon while his wife would live in comfort.
“May I ask you a question?”
“Of course.”
“What if he hits me again, but it doesn’t leave any bruises or the like, so I can’t prove it?”
Madlen looked down at the sheriff. “Did you hear that? What happens in that case?”
“Well, we would trust your word, Lady Grossherr. It would be the same as if you’d been bruised.”
“So that means she only has to claim that I hit her and I would be arrested?” Albert snorted.
“You’re a quick learner. So you see, it’s in everybody’s interest that you’re as nice as possible to your wife.” The sheriff bared his teeth then finally let him go. Madlen signaled to Magdalena to go with her and Katherina to the bedchamber. They shut the door behind them.
“Should I undress?” Magdalena asked.
Madlen smiled. “Actually, that won’t be necessary. Your word is enough to have him arrested. But I would like to show Katherina what to look for if she suspects you’ve been abused or violated in any way.”
Madlen pointed out numerous older injuries, even those that made Magdalena blush and bow her head bashfully. Katherina seemed to be listening carefully, and she asked pertinent questions.