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"You knew him?"

"Slightly. A rather dull man, but conscientious. An unfortunate combination for someone working in the Exchequer."

"Do you know whether he's alive?"

"No. I only know he disappeared from public service rather suddenly."

Oswin examined the statement again.

"Bisbane, if this document is genuine, it's extraordinarily important. But I can't swear to the handwriting, and neither can you."

"I understand."

"If I carry it into a royal household and it proves false, I'll be remembered as an elderly fool who allowed himself to be deceived by outlaws."

"I'm not asking you to carry it."

"Then what exactly are you asking?"

"I need a formal inquiry."

He studied me.

"Not a trial," I continued. "An inquiry before men holding the King's commission. Men who aren't financially beholden to Edmund Fitzwalter."

I placed the financial record beside Crane's statement.

"You arrange the hearing. I'll obtain the corroborating evidence."

"And if you fail?"

"Then we'll have nothing more than accusations."

Oswin looked at the documents again.

"If the Exchequer rolls match these warrant numbers, there'll be very little Fitzwalter can do to explain them away," I added.

He considered that.

"Three weeks."

I frowned.

"What?"

"I can probably arrange an inquiry in three weeks, assuming the men I need are still available and willing to help."

"We have three days."

Oswin gave me a long look.

"Then you've got a problem, Bisbane."

"I'm aware."

"And I'm too old to pretend otherwise."

He stood.