Page 144 of Storm of Bells
While the vicar patted me on the back, Adairaleaned over towards me and whispered, ‘Just checking—to yourknowledge, when was the last time my brother entered a church?’
‘You mean for a purpose other than to collectrent from God?’
‘Yes.’
‘My long-term memory isn’t quitethatlong.’
‘Thought as much.’
‘Are you all right again, Miss Linton?’ Thevicar stopped patting my back and gazed at me solicitously.
I cleared my throat. ‘Yes, thank you.’
‘Well, then I’ll be on my way upstairs.’ Thevicar gave me a weak smile and his shoulders slumped. ‘I justwanted to ask, do you have any suggestions on how best to approachMr Ambrose about a charity request?’
Adaira and I exchanged another look. My handshot out, fastening around the vicar’s wrist, the very moment thatAdaira grabbed hold of his other arm. Some people just had to bestopped from committing suicide.
‘Err…how about this, Reverend. Why don’t youcome with me into the village and showmewhat isamiss?’
The clergyman’s face brightened. ‘Really? Youwould do that?’
‘Of course!’
‘God bless you, Miss Linton! You are a trueChristian.’
‘Err…thanks.’
‘But…’ He hesitated. ‘I’m not sure whether Ican take advantage of you like this. The areas we would have tovisit…well, let’s just say, they have been neglected for some time.I wouldn’t be comfortable with a lady entering those places, withonly my feeble self for protection. Perhaps I should speak to yourfiancé after all—’
‘She won’t be alone.’ At the feeling of aparasol poking him in the back, the vicar yelped and whirledaround—only see Patsy looking at him with a look of determination.‘We’ll be with her.’
‘As will I,’ said a familiar voice frombehind me. Whirling back around, the vicar came face to beard withKarim.
‘Oh. Um…it’s you, Sir. How,errr…reassuring.’
‘Well, hello there.’ Narrowing her eyes,Patsy took a step forward, her gaze fixed on Karim. ‘We meetagain.’
Karim raised an eyebrow. ‘To meet someone,they would have to be worthy of your notice.’ Without waiting foran answer, he turned back to the vicar and grabbed him by thecollar. ‘I have heard all that you said, priest!’
‘Y-yes?’
‘You conspired to rob theSahibof hiswealth, and now you intend to put theSahibain harm’sway.’
‘Let me assure you, Mr…Sir…’
‘Karim,’ I supplied, feeling helpful. But nothelpful enough to detach Karim’s big fist from the man’scollar.
‘Let me assure you, Mr Karim—’
‘No. Let me assureyou.’ Leaningforward, Karim brought his face on one level with the vicar’s. ‘Ifany of the disreputable characters you are in contact with harms somuch as one hair on theSahiba’shead, you will regret itfor the rest of your very short life. I will make you wish you’dnever had been born.’
Pushing him aside—or at least trying to—Patsystepped forward. ‘Don’t get your turban in a twist, big fellow.We’ll be there. We’ll protect her.’ She threw a glance at hersuffragette squad. ‘Right, ladies?’
Everyone was quick to assure her that theywould defend me to the death from thieves, robbers, murderers andcutthroats.
‘Cutthroats?’ The vicar’s eyes widened.‘Ladies, ladies! You have a totally wrong impression of where I amtaking you! There are no murderers among my congregation?’
Amy’s eyes narrowed. ‘So what are we dealin’with, den? Pimps ’n’ rapists?’
