Kerry Tombs - The Worcester Whisperers

‘Over nine hundred years old,’ remarked Ravenscroft.

‘Again, it is a work of such outstanding beauty and significance, laying the foundations for Christian writers for centuries to come. A work which is beyond value,’ enthused Renfrew.

‘And what is this work?’ asked Ravenscroft, indicating an open manuscript, lying within the case.

‘I thought your eye would be drawn to that sooner or later. That is part of the Worcester Antiphoner , a composite liturgical work dating from the late fourteenth century, handwritten by the monks here at Worcester, and based upon the Officer Antiphoner, Calendar, Psalter and Hymnal of the century before.’

‘A priceless work?’ enquired Ravenscroft, beginning to find the tone of his host somewhat condescending.

‘Of course, Inspector. You cannot put a value on such a unique manuscript as the Worcester Antiphoner . But I sense the workings of the police mind. You are saying to yourself — how has this man acquired such a work? Surely it should be part of the cathedral library? Did he pay Evelyn a large sum of money to lift the work for himself? Will this man stop at nothing to acquire priceless works of art?’ said Renfrew smiling and making light of the matter.

‘I must confess that such a thought did cross my mind.’

‘Then let me put your thoughts at rest, Inspector. The work was not taken from the library by Evelyn, and sold to myself for a large sum of money, although it is true that I had to sell a great many of my American stocks to pay for it. I acquired it in auction in New York, approximately five years ago, when I was still resident in America. I can produce the sale documentation and provenance should you so desire.’

‘That will not be necessary, sir. Perhaps I should be going,’ said Ravenscroft, tiring of the American’s literary treasures, and anxious now to leave.

‘Oh, Inspector, just one more item, which I prize above all other, and which you will surely appreciate,’ said Renfrew leading the way across towards another glass-case where two large volumes could be seen. ‘Tell me what you notice about this?’

Ravenscroft leaned forwards and looking down at the printed writing on the open volume, began to read the words there.

And then he falls, as I do. I have ventured,

Like little wanton boys that swim on bladders,

This many summers in a sea of glory,

But far beyond my depth: my high-blown pride

At length broke under me, and now has left me,

Weary and old with service, to the mercy

Of a rude stream that must for ever hide me

‘Well done, Inspector. I see you have a feeling for the great bard. You are looking at the First Folio of Shakespeare’s works. The lines you have just read, are spoken by Cardinal Wolsey in the play, King Henry VIII , following his downfall and dismissal by the king. The piece begins with the words — “Farewell! A long farewell, to all my greatness!” — rather appropriate I think you would agree. Foolish indeed is the man of God who ventures into the world of politics and deception! But I see I have kept you for too long from your investigations. Please forgive my enthusiasm. Please feel free to return when you have more time. I will be more than delighted to show you some more of my children.’

‘You are most kind sir.’

The two men shook hands as the door opened and the manservant entered, leaving Ravenscroft wondering as to how the Italian had known that his departure was imminent.

‘Georgio, show Inspector Ravenscroft out.’

Ravenscroft followed the servant across the hallway, cast a final look at the statue and stepped out in the late summer air.

‘And how was your visit to Doctor Renfrew, sir?’ asked Crabb, as he and Ravenscroft supped their mugs of Worcester ale at the Old Talbot.

‘Quite interesting, but also very revealing,’ replied Ravenscroft.

‘In which way?’ said Crabb, helping himself to a large chunk of cheese.

‘The man is an American scholar. He lives alone in a large rambling house on the edge of Worcester, except for an Italian manservant and a French cook. Says he has been living here for the past three years whilst undertaking research into the documents at Worcester Cathedral. He possesses, what appears to be a large collection of early English books and manuscripts including one rare item, the Worcester Antiphoner, which I am sure should be part of the cathedral collection, although he claims he purchased the work at auction in New York five years ago.’

‘Do you think Evelyn could have sold him the book?’

‘If Evelyn took the book, it would seem logical that he would first offer it for sale to Renfrew, although that might seem a little too obvious,’ replied Ravenscroft, cutting up a piece of ham and placing it on his fork.

‘We could make a search through his collection?’ suggested Crabb.

‘We could, but I don’t want to alarm him just yet. Anyway if he had the book, I’m sure he would not have left it lying around for someone like myself to discover. He will have hidden it where no one could find it.’

‘I suppose you’re right. Remarkably good cheese this.’

‘I can’t say I particularly warmed to our good doctor. He is the kind of man who enjoys showing off his knowledge, feeling secure behind a cloak of learning. I felt he knew all the questions I was going to ask, long before I asked them, and his answers seemed very precise and well thought out, — too well thought out perhaps.’

‘Sounds a suspicious sort of character to me, sir.’

‘Although he did contradict himself, once, however,’ said Ravenscroft, deep in thought and ignoring Crabb’s last remark. ‘When I first asked him if he would purchase the Whisperie , should it be offered to him, he replied that he would not, as it would damage his reputation. Later though, when I asked him again, he replied that he would purchase the work but would then hand it back to the cathedral. It is probably nothing. Now, Crabb, tell me how you got on with your investigations this morning?’

‘Well, sir, I first enquired in the Old Diglis to see if any of their customers could remember Evelyn meeting anyone there the night he disappeared, but I’m afraid no one could recall seeing anyone of his description visiting the inn then, or upon any other occasion. However most of the regulars were not there so it could be worth while our returning again this evening.’

‘I take your point, Crabb. And what did you find out at the canal?’

‘Again, no one can recall seeing him, although several of the barges there that night will be halfway to Birmingham by now. Certainly the lock keeper cannot remember seeing anyone resembling Evelyn.’

‘I don’t think he got as far as the canal that night. If he had arranged to meet anyone by appointment, it must have been either at the Old Diglis or by the banks of the river.’

‘You are probably correct, sir. What is our next line of enquiry?’

‘After we have eaten this excellent ham and cheese, I suggest we go and pay a visit to Evelyn’s rooms. We may be fortunate enough to find something there that might just assist us in our investigations.’

The two men looked up at the old black beamed building, which bore the name Glovers in faded letters above the door.

‘This must be the place. Evelyn apparently had rooms on the top floor,’ said Ravenscroft, banging his fist on the studded door. Receiving no reply, he repeated the action.

‘All right, I’m coming. Give an old woman a chance, can’t you? I ain’t got three hands, has I?’ shouted a voice from behind the door.

The two policemen exchanged glances as they heard the sound of a key turning in the lock. Presently the door opened a few inches to reveal a blotchy red nose and two tired-looking eyes.