Free The King's Man by Alison Stuart

have been more than a drain on the purse, Captain Lovell. May I remind you how much it cost to settle your debts last time?"
    "A gentleman must maintain his standards, Thurloe.” A sardonic smile lifted the corners of Kit's mouth.
    "A gentleman of no means must learn to lower his standards,” Thurloe rejoined. “Now tell me what you know."
    Kit looked down at his right hand. He had gripped the arm of the chair so hard the knuckles showed white. “All I know is that there is a new committee that holds a commission from the king to organise a general insurrection."
    "The Sealed Knot?"
    Kit blinked in surprise. “You know about them?"
    "I know they call themselves ‘the Sealed Knot'. Tell me something I don't know."
    Sudden anger flared in Kit's eyes. “If you already know about it, then why ask me?"
    Thurloe held up his hand. “I know what it is. What I need to know is who is involved and what they plan. I want names."
    Kit took a breath. “I don't have names. There are too few of them and they are playing it close."
    "You're lying."
    Kit spread his hands, the chains rattling. “I can't tell you what I don't know. What are you going to do—employ some other means of persuasion on me?"
    Thurloe sat back in his chair, his gaze on Kit's face.
    "I don't need to, Lovell. If you don't know any more than you're telling, the effort will be wasted, and I know you have good enough reason not to withhold information. I'm sure you'll tell me as soon as you have anything useful.” He paused, his eyes narrowing, “And as for our arrangement, Captain Lovell, I assure you I intend to keep my word when I am satisfied that you have outlived your use to me."
    "Your use of words is hardly subtle Thurloe.” Kit smiled bitterly.
    "They're not intended to be,” Thurloe snapped. “If not for me you would have swung on a gibbet long before this or died, forgotten in some prison. If you don't like ‘outlive', well then maybe when I am satisfied that there is no more to be usefully gained by your employment. Now think again. Names, Lovell."
    "Maybe, I don't know for certain, Richard Willys,” Kit said in a low, sullen voice.
    Thurloe picked up his pen and began smoothing the feathers. “Willys? Yes that would make sense but there must be others, bigger fish than Willys.” He broke off from his musings and looked at Kit. “What about Fitzjames?"
    Kit's lips tightened and his guts clenched. “If Fitzjames is involved with the Sealed Knot, it is only on the edge,” he said. “Willys is your man."
    Thurloe's eyes narrowed. “Then work on Fitzjames, use your friendship with him. I don't have to tell you how to do your job, Lovell."
    Kit felt the bile rise to his throat. “No,” he replied shortly. “You don't have to tell me."
    "We have dealt neatly with this one pathetic plot but I believe that this Sealed Knot poses a much bigger threat. As you surmise, there is an element of organisation to it I have not seen since Charles Stuart attempted to reclaim his throne in ‘51. If indeed they carry his commission then that is a matter of grave concern. I need to know who is involved and what they plan. I also want to know if the French are involved."
    "The French?” Kit raised an eyebrow.
    "You're probably aware that England stands in a precarious position with the French and the Spanish. I would not be surprised if the French use a little civil unrest here in England to sway Spain's sympathies. We have a new envoy from Mazarin here in London. The Baron De Baas.” Thurloe raised his eyebrows at the mention of the name. “De Baas has a very high opinion of himself and he is not a man I trust. The French Ambassador, Bordeaux, seems unhappy at De Baas’ presence but appears powerless to do anything about it, which is what makes me think De Baas has a specific commission from Mazarin."
    "I have had no dealings with this man nor heard the name mentioned,” Kit responded. “What do you expect me to do?"
    Thurloe paused and leaned