Free The Conquering Dark: Crown by Clay Griffith, Susan Griffith Clay Griffith

his chair.
    â€œI gave him the boot,” Nick snarled. “He was so full of himself. Got intolerable.” He tapped his glass against Tommy’s with a refreshed smile. “So what’s new with you, mate?”
    â€œNothing much.”
    The table went silent. A minute passed. The fat man drank and wiped his mouth. Simon raised smug eyebrows, enjoying Nick’s perturbed face as the man drummed his fingers on the table and took a long breath. Simon crossed his arms like a spectator.
    â€œSo,” Nick began again, “that was some coronation the other day, eh?”
    Tommy shrugged and drank his beer.
    Nick rested on his elbow and exhaled. “I remember you being a bit more chatty.”
    Tommy gave a direct stare. “I remember you not being marked for death by Ash.”
    Nick tilted his head in surprise. “You know about that, do you?”
    â€œOf course. I could make a lot of money if I let certain people know where you are.”
    Nick grew cold and hard. His voice was quiet. “You needing money that bad, mate?”
    â€œNo.” The fat man turned, his voice quavering a bit.
    â€œGood. Let’s get to it. I’m looking for Ferghus O’Malley.”
    â€œAre you?” Tommy’s eyes shot to Simon, then back to Nick. “What’ve I to do with that?”
    â€œI need cover from the other side. But I haven’t seen Ferghus in years. Not since the Fire. I’m not sure how he’d take to me. I’d appreciate a word to him. You two were always close.”
    Tommy chuckled without mirth. “Oh yes, the Fire. He went away after that. And you walked.”
    â€œI had nothing to do with it.”
    â€œSure, Nick. You never have nothing to do with anything. Not sure he sees it that way.”
    â€œLook, I’m not coming empty-handed. I’m bearing a gift.” Nick leaned close and lowered his voice. “Tell him they’re moving the Stone of Scone.”
    Tommy paused midsip. He swallowed nervously. “What’s that to me?”
    â€œI don’t care what it is to you. It’s something to Ferghus. Trust me. In two days, they’re taking the Stone from the vault in Westminster and hiding it in an old storage pit under one of the piers of old London Bridge.”
    â€œThat’s interesting.”
    â€œYeah, it is, and it’s free to Ferghus. I just hope he’ll see his way clear to help out an old mate in these times of trouble.”
    Tommy asked quietly, “How did you come by this information?”
    Nick took a breath. “Tell the truth, it was from Archer. I still see him around and he still thinks we’re mates. He told me all about it. He was involved in that row at Westminster. Working for the Crown now like a proper little soldier. Makes me sick.”
    Tommy slugged back the last of the ale and slammed down his glass. He gave Nick a collegial nod. “Thanks for the drink, Nick, and the chat. Pleasure, Mr. MacClydesdale.”
    Simon sat quietly until he felt a kick in the shins. “Oh! Yes. Pleasure was mine.”
    The fat man shoved his bulk up with a suspicious glance at Simon. He shook Nick’s hand again and waddled out.
    â€œRight.” Nick watched the door until it shut. “That’s well done.”
    Simon leaned on the table with an exasperated glare. “ Proper little soldier, eh? So you were mates with Ferghus O’Malley too? You were with him the night of the Great Fire? How did you neglect to mention that?”
    Nick motioned for more beer. “Must you always dwell on the past, MacClydesdale? I knew a lot of people. I’m old and social.” He straightened with surprise. “Oy. It’s the missus.”
    Simon turned to see Kate weaving through the crowd with a determined look. He shot to his feet. “What’s wrong?”
    â€œThis came to Hartley Hall this morning.” She held out a piece of paper to Simon.
    He took the