The Merchant of Vengeance (Shakespeare & Smythe 4)

"And you had known him for the entire seven years of his apprenticeship, of course, is that not so?"

Leffingwell nodded. "Aye, I did."

"You were generally satisfied with his work, were you not?"

"I was, indeed, aye."

"So much so that when he completed his apprenticeship, you offered him a position as a journeyman tailor in your shop, is that not so?"

"Indeed, 'twas so, indeed. He was an excellent tailor. I was pleased to have him in my shop."

"And in all the time you knew him, did you know him to have any enemies who may have wished him dead?" asked Shakespeare.

"Nay, not Thomas!" Leffingwell replied emphatically, shaking his head. "He was a fine lad, a fine lad, indeed, well loved by everyone!"

"Would it be fair to say that you never knew him to have any enemies at all?"

"Nay, none at all. None at all. He was an excellent young man.

He got on well with everyone."

"So then you were surprised when you learned that he was murdered?"

"Oh, I was astonished! 'Twas a horrible thing, a horrible thing, indeed! I could not imagine who would have done such a ching!"

"You knew he was betrothed?"

"I knew that, aye. He often spoke of it."

"And did you know the young woman to whom he was betrothed?"

Leffingwell shook his head. "Nay, I cannot say I did. He had mentioned her name a munber of times, and I… I think. she may have come to the shop once, but in truth, I cannot say I recall, other than the day she came with those two other women, seeking him. And that must have been the very day he…"

"The day he was killed," said Shakespeare. Leffingwell looked down and nodded.

"You told the young ladies on that day that Thomas had not come in to work and was not at home," said Shakespeare. "Just as you told us the very same thing. How did you know that he was not at home?"

"I had sent one of my apprentices over to his room to see if perhaps he had fallen ill, and the lad returned and said he was not at home."

"But in fact, he was there," Shakespeare said. "The boy you sent merely knocked upon the door, did he not, and when there was no answer, he returned to say that Thomas was not at home. But had he actually tried the door, as we did when we went there ourselves shortly thereafter, he would have found it open, and he would have found that Thomas was already dead. Thank you, Master Leffingwell. I am sorry to have disturbed your rest and troubled you. You may go home now."

A a much relieved Leffingwell was escorted out of the chamber, Shakespeare went over to where Smythe sat and whispered in his ear. Smythe glanced up at him sharply, then nodded and left the room, accompanied by one of Moll's men.

"You have not made much of an argument for the innocence of the accused," said Locke. "Have you any other witnesses to call?"

"I have, if it please the court," said Shakespeare.

"Get on with it, then."

"I call Mistress Antonia Morrison," Shakespeare said. Elizabeth's eyes grew wide, and she spun around in her seat as Antonia was escorted in. Until that moment, she had not known that Antonia had been brought here, as well. Like Leffingwell, she looked frightened as they brought her in, but unlike him, she was fully dressed. When she saw Elizabeth, she looked a bit relieved, though still apprehensive.

"Please tell this court your name," said Shakespeare.

"My name is Antonia Morrison," she replied.

"Do you know where you are?" asked Shakespeare. "I do not mean exacty where, for I know that you were brought here blindfolded. I mean do you know what this place is?"

She nodded, gravely. "The meeting hall of the Thieves Guild."