Free Justice and Utu by David Hair Page A

reputation for high-handedness and duplicity — though the story changed depending upon who told it. Some blamed him for the Land Wars; others blamed his superiors back in England. The man radiated a stiff formality bordering on distaste as he greeted Tama curtly, then turned to Mat.
    â€˜So this is the young tyro, eh?’ He offered no handshake, instead indicating the other man in the room with a faint nod. ‘This is Captain William Hobson, my Lieutenant-Governor of the Far North.’
    Hobson looked up with a pained expression. He was a thin man except around the belly, and his flat, moon-shaped face looked shockingly tired. When he moved, it was awkwardly, as though he’d lost full use of his left arm. He sagged into his uniform as if it were three sizes too big. The dark pouches under his eyes and thinning mop of lank hair made him seem old and unwell. His greeting was unintelligible, his demeanour unimpressive. Hobson had been New Zealand’s first governor, but here in Aotearoa he seemed subservient to Grey.
    â€˜Not in good health, our William,’ Grey went on callously. ‘But it was him or no-one. Hobson’s Choice, if you like,’ headded with a cruel laugh. ‘He’s travelled down to witness the executions.’
    Hobson peered at Mat with bleary interest. ‘The witch has asked to see you, young man. Why?’
    Mat shook his head. ‘I don’t know, sir,’ he replied honestly.
    â€˜Well, I don’t like it,’ Grey said coldly. ‘You “Adepts” seem to think that because you can break the laws of Nature you have the right to break the laws of men.’
    â€˜I don’t believe that, sir.’
    â€˜Then you’d be a rarity, boy. Your sort are like a little club. I’ve had enough of Aethlyn Jones and his cronies trying to manipulate me.’
    â€˜I’m not interfering, sir. My father said it would be a kindness to visit her.’
    Grey glanced at Tama. ‘Your father has spent too much time with that woman. I suspect she has used her wiles upon him, hmmm?’
    Tama flushed. ‘Not at all, sir. We have been strictly supervised throughout my briefings with her, as you know. My client merely wishes to thank my son for his testimony, that is all.’
    â€˜Much good it did her,’ Grey commented coldly. ‘You know of course that I have sworn her demise, and I will see that through, Mr Douglas. What I want is surety that your son won’t cause trouble during his visit.’
    â€˜Of course not,’ Tama said, glancing at Mat, who nodded his agreement emphatically.
    Grey sighed heavily. ‘Very well. I will allow the visit. Dying wishes can’t be denied, it is said. Such things hold weight in this place, you understand?’
    Mat nodded mutely. Hobson stared dazedly, slurping some dark caramel-coloured fluid from a tumbler. He looked halfway to drunk and it was still early morning.
    Grey peered doubtfully at Mat. ‘This Aotearoa, it is an afterlife, of sorts, as I’m sure you know.’ Then he added, ‘Perhaps the afterlife, but not for all who die. Those with a great attachment to this land seem to gravitate here. For myself, I died in London, yet my spirit found its way here. What does that tell you, eh?’
    Mat thought about that. It did indeed speak volumes for Grey’s affinity for New Zealand. Despite himself, he was impressed.
    Grey went on. ‘You might think such a place as this would not require governance, but of course it does. In any gathering of mankind, organization is required, and leadership. To the natural leaders fall that role. I came here as governor in the name of Her Majesty Queen Victoria. I did my best by this place then, and I do the same now. Some criticize, but what do they offer in my place? Hmmm? I’ll tell you: weakness. Weakness is dangerous at any time, but especially when vermin like Venn, Bryce, Grieve and Kyle are running loose. It is