Bada sipped his tea and continued, “Many of these academics have a vested interest in maintaining—for want of a better word—the status quo that exists in the academy. Their institutional mindset—and a lot of their work—would be knocked into a cocked hat if de Vere—or any other author—were to be proven—by hard facts—to be the actual author of Shakespeare’s work. Because of our studies at Oxford—and work we have had published—many think of us as academics, but we don’t share their traditional views. My purpose is—”
Thorne’s patience was at an end and he interrupted the monolog. “Mr. Bada, I think you should know I prefer to limit the number of surrounding issues relating to the job—things that might be distractions in performing my portion of the job. Personally, I have no interest in who the true author might be. It appears I was invited here on the pretext of discussing how I might help in discovering things in a castle in Stratford.”
Bada ignored the sharp tone in Thorne’s voice and smiled. “I understand. I just thought the additional information might be helpful. Let’s just leave it at that and proceed.”
Thorne shifted nervously in his chair. From his cursory research earlier in the day, he found many scholars s at the prestigious Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C. supported the Stratford man
The Folger, an institution on Capitol Hill, was considered a world-class research center on Shakespeare. The well-respected Stanley Wells, Chairman of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, was a strong supporter of the Stratford man. Other well-known scholars supporting the traditional view included journalist Michael Shermer and authors Scott McCrea and Irvin Matus. Unfortunately, information on the internet was heavily weighted in favor of the famous doubters with few supporters known outside the academic community.
In addition to the dramatist Ben Jonson, other contemporaries and supporters of the Stratford man, included the respected poet Richard Barnfield, academic Gabriel Harvey, and writer Francis Meres. They expressed little doubt as to the authenticity of William Shakespeare of Stratford. They held it was a baseless argument, and the Stratford man was being dismissed because he was a commoner. It was well known Christopher Marlow and Ben Jonson were sons of commoners, yet often wrote about the court and the upper classes with an ease conversant with royal attitudes.
Thorne became uncomfortable and shifted in his chair. He had always wanted to know the truth—wherever it led—but he knew the sorting out of the true authorship was a quagmire. Scholars would enthusiastically spend their lives researching, debating, and putting forth theories about the subject. He preferred to leave it alone. His interest was in his present financial problem and the prospect of solving it.
Bada said, “One final note and then we’ll leave the subject. As with many noblemen who wrote plays during that era, de Vere kept his identity secret for political, social, and business reasons. It wasn’t considered proper for gentlemen to be associated with the stage and the writing of plays. During Elizabethan times, any association with the stage would place one low on the social scale.”
Thorne’s cursory glance that morning at information on de Vere showed he had been involved with the stage. He had formed his own production company, Oxford’s Boys, leased the Blackfriars Theater, and produced entertainment at Court, even going so far as to having his household servants perform in the plays. It appeared Bada and his group were being selective about all the facts. Still he kept quiet and allowed Bada to continue
Bada said,” But enough about the controversy for now. Since we’re all in agreement of your abilities, and have a strong inclination to hire you, I think we should tell you our intentions.”
Chapter 9
Bada’s gaze swept the room for a consensus to continue the discussion. There was silence, so he turned back to Thorne. “Our property is Kilshire Castle, in Stratford, across the River Avon from the Royal Shakespeare Theater. Both the castle and land are owned by the Bada family and Bada, Limited.” He turned to Freddie Hollister. “Freddie has proposed we renovate the castle—and he has placed in our hands certain information we feel could strengthen our position of support for Edward de Vere.
“Richard Moldar, the 2nd Earl of Hofley and builder of the castle on the River Avon, had also previously built a spacious Tudor-styled manor house east of the castle. It was built on a large parcel of land granted his family by King Henry VII. Freddie can fill you in on the relationship of King Henry and the Moldar and Bada families in good time”
Raskin said. “My research shows Robert Dudley, the 1st Earl of Leicester, was Queen Elizabeth’s favorite at the time. She and Dudley spent many pleasant times while they were at Kenilworth Castle, north of Stratford, in 1575. Dudley’s success in attracting the Queen to his castle at Kenilworth motivated Moldar to construct his castle on the Avon.”
Thorne noticed Kirk-Halstrom, Blackstone, and Freddie had offered little input during the presentation. The domination of the conversation by Bada and Raskin confirmed Thorne’s impression the two men would be in control of the project.
Bada said, “The Keep, the safest area of the castle, was built by Moldar solely for Queen Elizabeth’s use. Unfortunately, for Moldar, she never showed an interest in visiting the Keep—or Kilshire Castle for that matter—and he supposedly died of a broken heart. A local story persists that Moldar’s ghost still haunts the queen’s Keep, preparing for her imminent visit. It’s an interesting story about Moldar. Another interesting item Freddie can relate to you later.”
Freddie, silent during Bada’s presentation, finally spoke. “I’ve suggested we transform Kilshire Castle into a first class museum and tourist attraction. I also plan to relocate my present bookstore and have a Shakespeare and de Vere research center there.” He turned to Bada. “The new bookstore would be more than twice the size of my current store in Stratford proper. Gil’s interest in the museum and research center will also provide Bada, Limited positive public exposure.”
Freddie looked at the other men in the room before continuing. “Obviously, the construction process will also provide us a venue to proceed with the search for—”
Thorne noticed the other men were staring at Freddie.
Bada interrupted and cleared his throat. “This brings us to our interest in retaining you.”
Bada said, “We’ve already discussed our plans for the castle, and a preliminary design scheme, with certain prominent individuals on the town council. Mr. Blackstone and our architect have been in touch with the town officials and our overall design scheme has met with favorable response.
“However, I need to say, we’ve encountered resistance to our plans, and although there is minimal opposition to our drawings and overall design scheme, there are those still opposed to us. Their main opposition is the project will detract from the overall historical spirit of Stratford across the river.
“What they’re saying is we will be questioning Shaksper, the Stratford man, as the true author. They feel the relocation and enlargement of Freddie’s bookstore to the castle, and away from Henley Street—the heart of Stratford’s shopping district—will be detrimental to Stratford’s main industry, which is William Shakespeare and the Festival. Many also disapprove of Freddie’s numerous books supporting the de Vere position, and say it’s unseemly to denigrate William Shakespeare, their most illustrious citizen. It’s obvious business is a main ingredient in their argument. At a recent meeting at Civic Hall in Rother Street, almost three-hundred thousand pounds was approved to promote tourism.”
Raskin said, “It’s quite true the renovation of the castle and the relocation of Freddie’s bookstore will stimulate discussion. Freddie’s bookstore is well known for carrying a large number of books and journals about de Vere, as well as Shakespeare—and the controversy. However, we believe it will encourage additional research into the subject, and eventually add to Stratford’s prominence.” He produced a wan smile. “It may also prove de Vere to be the true author, and—”
Bada nodded his agreement and said, “W
e’ll just have to face that problem when it arises.” He paused and drank from his cup. “The Oxford Society, a research group, meets at Freddie’s bookstore on occasion. The Society is a prominent advocate of de Vere as the true author, and many prominent people are members of the Society. I’m not a member, but have made no secret of my interest in their research.
“But let’s get back to what you’re interested in. Our plans are to proceed with the partial demolition and renovation before opposing forces can muster a substantial challenge or injunction. Your official role would be that you are doing research and are there to observe the demolition of portions of the castle, and do likewise during the initial additions to the castle.”
Thorne asked, “Are you saying you would want me to be involved in the demolition and construction . . . I thought . . . “
Bada held his hands up, palms forward, and said, “No—no. That will only be for the public—for news releases—that sort of thing.”
The other men in the room moved closer to the conversation.
Bada said, “As Freddie started to say before, the most important portion of your task will be to conduct a search—a search for items we will discuss later—as you observe the demolition.”
Thorne said, “I’m afraid I would like to know just what is it I will be looking for in this castle while I observe the demolition.”
Raskin ignored Thorne’s comment. “The observation of the demolition will afford you an opportunity to conduct this general search for—for certain items. As you can readily see, it won’t be a simple task of just observing the demolition. It will also require diplomacy, tact and for want of a better word, a certain amount of guile on your part.”
Throughout the presentation by Raskin and Bada, Thorne had tried to be patient. At Raskin’s use of the word guile, he straightened perceptibly. He was blunt. “You’re hesitant to tell me what I’m to be looking for in the castle. Now, you indicate you may want me to lie. You’re going to have to give me more answers before we continue.”
Raskin laughed nervously. “I suppose guile isn’t the best word. Perhaps diplomacy—perhaps reserve—would have been better choices.”
Bada said, “No, Sir. We don’t expect you to lie—and—“ He paused and looked around the room at the others. “I suppose we should reveal to you what we’re looking for in the castle. Your search will be to find documents—Edward de Vere’s documents. We believe they may well prove him to be the true author of Shakespeare’s works.”
Chapter 10
“All right,” said Thorne. “That’s clear enough.”
Bada said, “Good. Now, to discuss how we want to proceed. In addition to the businessmen and citizens, you will also encounter town officials and bureaucrats on a daily basis. We simply cannot adopt a confrontational style. Our approach should be to assuage their concerns. We need to appear conciliatory and convivial in all our dealings with everyone—the businessmen, the citizens, and the town officials. However, the less contact with them, the better.”
Blackstone said, “You need to be particularly cautious in your contacts with Neville Forestal, the town’s architectural representative. He’s rigid and uncompromising in his beliefs about William Shaksper of Stratford being the true author.
Freddie took the opportunity to speak. “I’ve known Neville since we were students in grammar school and he and I have not gotten on well at times, but I keep trying—for the benefit of the project.”
Kirk-Halstrom stood and crossed to the large table. “Mr. Thorne, if we could change the subject. I should think you would be better served wearing English clothes if you decide to take the assignment. You know, fit in more. I would be glad to offer you the services of my tailor at Anderson and Shepherd in Savile Row.”
Thorne smiled and couldn’t restrain himself from replying to the patronizing arrogance of the man. He said, “Savile Row—that’s pricey, isn’t it? Just how much sartorial splendor would be required of me?”
Kirk-Halstrom stuttered, “Well—I—I just wanted to help . . .” Thorne’s firm response forced him into silence. He dropped his eyes and returned to his fingernails.
Raskin laughed in an attempt to relieve the tension. “I think Lionel brings up a good point. I would think one could get perfectly serviceable clothing at Harrods, and we would provide you with an allowance for such. You’ll be staying close by Harrods at the May Fair in London for a few days before you travel up to Stratford. Use your own judgment.”
Thorne considered the discussion of clothing ridiculous and let it go. “Provided we get together and agree on me coming on board, how soon would you want me in London?”
Bada glanced around the room. “I think we would leave within a fortnight, maybe as early as ten to twelve days from now.” He leaned back and dropped his folded hands into his lap. “I think we’re at the point where we want to finalize our agreement. I think I speak for all of us when I say we’d like you to work with us. Why don’t you think for a moment or so and see what your thoughts are, and what comments and other questions you might have.”
Thorne was silent as the others talked among themselves. He mulled over what had been presented to him. It wasn’t going to be a simple job.
First, he didn’t like having five clients to answer to, and continued to evaluate his impressions of each man. He liked the enthusiastic young Freddie, but was still unsure of the brusque Blackstone. However, it appeared Bada and Raskin would be running the show, and while he still had reservations—particularly about Raskin—he thought he could work with both men.
At the first meeting at the hotel, he developed an immediate dislike for the arrogant and snobbish Kirk-Halstrom. The man seemed erratic and went back and forth from being unbearable to offering a glimmer of a friendlier side to his personality. There was something about him that Thorne couldn’t put his finger on.
Secondly, they still had not discussed why they needed an American for the job. They could have easily found an investigator in England with the same qualifications. He admitted to himself that the thought of the lucrative fee trumped all other considerations.
He said, “Mr. Raskin, said in his e-mail an American was needed for the job. Can you please clarify why that is necessary?”
Bada said, “Of course. Our cover story will be you and I are good friends and you’re on a social visit. The apparent reason for you being there—as we will present it— is because you were a college chum when I attended university in the States. Because of your architectural background, you are curious about the construction on the castle, and merely assisting me in observing the demolition. Obviously, it would be a good idea for you to refer to me as Gil, and I to you as David.
“You will be my houseguest at the manor, and on-site a great deal of the time during demolition and construction. While you’re making sketches and taking notes for a book you’ll be writing about English castles, you’ll also be looking for places the documents may be hidden. We’ll see to it that a small article appears in the local paper describing your visit. It‘s important you be comfortable in discussing castles and stone construction, as I’m sure you are.”
Raskin pressed a button on the intercom. “Stewart, please ask the ladies in, and we’ll retire to the dining room.” He turned to Thorne. “I do hope you can join us for dinner.”
“Thank you, but I had an early dinner and I have other plans.”
The room was momentarily silent. Thorne reflected on what had been discussed, and also what had happened so far. The pay was unbelievable—a three-month assignment with all expenses paid—interesting work—but most definitely a complex and stressful situation. Although the attack by the foul-breathed young man at the Biltmore was a cause for concern, Thorne made up his mind that he would tell them he was interested. He would just have to be on alert, and more cautious of any other encounters.
The wives of Raskin, Blackstone, and Kirk-Halstrom came in and introduced themselves.
Raskin and Blackstone went to their wives
, gave them perfunctory pecks on their cheeks, and walked with them to the dining room.
Thorne was surprised to see Kirk-Halstrom approach his short, overweight wife with a broad smile, and pulling her close to him, kissing her on the lips. The small, plain, middle-aged woman carried a white Pomeranian in her arms, and when she handed it to Kirk Halstrom, the dog eagerly began to lick him on his mouth. He only laughed and pretended to gently scold the little animal. This was not the same man Thorne had met the day before.
It was then that Thorne noticed a bulge in Kirk-Halstrom’s shirt pocket that appeared to be made by a bottle of medication, and it hit him Thorne remembered the quiet urging by Raskin the day before at the hotel about Kirk-Halstrom taking his medication, and the pieces came together.
He had seen this before—this extreme change in moods. The medication was not for heart problems or diabetes. There was a strong possibility Kirk-Halstrom was bi-polar.
In years past, being bi-polar was considered a social stigma, but with medication the physical nature of the condition of violent mood swings could now be managed. It was discovered many prominent people had suffered from being bi-polar. Before medication was discovered, Winston Churchill, Charles Dickens, Sir Isaac Newton, Mark Twain, Florence Nightingale, Alexander Hamilton, and many more had lived with the condition without ever understanding what was wrong.
Thorne’s thoughts about Kirk-Halstrom’s medical condition were interrupted when a door opened on the far end of the room, and the most beautiful woman Thorne had ever seen was brought into the room in a wheelchair.
“Hello,” was all she said as she offered her hand and looked past Thorne, waiting for him to speak. Her hand was small, soft and warm, but her handshake was firm.
The de Vere Deception (David Thorne Mysteries Book 1) Page 4