“Have my commendation right here.” He gave me what I assumed was a coy wink. “An upstanding member of Gildon with my services to the town.”
I blinked, but sure enough, there on the wall of his study was a framed piece of paper with a scrawled commendation from the head of the watch.Caught the Vein Ripper, commendation of services to the town. They really had tried and convicted Kennen without so much as a peep of a trial.
“The reward poster was an exact match for the brigand—so when I saw him, I did what any upstanding member would do.”
I looked at the framed handbill with its vague drawing of a man sporting a serious scruff. Nothing like Kennen’s baby cheeks. The reward proclaimed the sum of fifty gold to anyone who apprehended the murderer.
“Planning to use the money to do good works. You can print that.” He pointed to Noble’s poised quill.
“What type of good works?” I wanted to know what my brother’s life cost. Noble gave me a warning glance.
“Oh, this and that. Make sure the lads at the pub have a round or two.”
Noble gave me a look that promised death should I continue that line of questioning.
“Now, where were you when you realized you had the Vein Ripper in your grasp?” Noble’s tone was both flattering and curious.
Penner leaned forward. “At my pub. The White Stag. Celebrating with the lads. Went out for a bit to clear my head and I heard a sound—a cry for help. I ran around the corner, ready to help a fair lady, but I was too late.” He hung his head. “The bastard had already done her in.”
“How do you know it was Winters?”
“He was hunched over the body! Covered in blood and darkness. His eyes met mine. Demon’s gaze, dark magic enriched! I knew immediately. I let out a yell and tackled him.”
Noble lifted a brow. “You tackled a murderer? Very brave.”
Penner puffed out. “Couldn’t let him get away. I’m quite the sportsman. Know how to put a man down. Can handle some fists.”
Tall, lanky Kennen had probably gone down like a sapling felled by a thick, monstrous axe.
Penner gave me another coy glance. I dredged up a weak smile.
“Did he say anything? Try to proclaim his innocence? Try to run?” Noble asked.
“Blighter looked smacked in the gob. Like he didn’t know why I hit him. As if murdering women were not a sin.” Penner clenched his fist in disgust.
I exchanged a glance with Noble and was gratified to see the thoughtful look in his.
“And then what happened?”
“The watch guards came. We have five fellas from the Stag that make the rounds. One of the men on duty was in the pub.”
“The man who arrested K—the brigand—had he been drinking?” I asked.
Noble’s lips pinched together as Penner’s head swung toward me.
“No more than need be. Just what are you implying, Mistress Klein?”
Noble tapped the feather of his quill against his leg. His expression said,Talk yourself out of this one.
“It just seems such adangerousbusiness. You must have needed to double your efforts to keep the murderer subdued if the watchman on duty was below the weather.”
It wasn’t my best effort, but Penner’s slow nod became more vigorous. “Yes, I do my duty, no matter what.” He leaned into my space, expression turning coy again. “I know how to take care of things.”
“How lovely.” Not quite what I’d had in mind when I’d lamented my failed charms.
Noble gave me another warning glance, but he was no longer glaring as he turned back to make a few more notes. He asked three more questions—about Penner’s commendation, the White Stag, and what had happened after the tackling, but nothing stood out in the answers. Penner was just a do-gooder who I fervently wished had not “done good” that particular night.
“If you need any more information, Master Upholt, send your assistant back. I’ll make sure she gets all she needs.” He leered.
