Riot Most Uncouth Read Online Free

terms of the agreement. M. Lafitte hopes that any defect in the collateralization of the loan can be corrected without adversarial dealings and that you might continue to have a genial and mutually beneficial relationship with the bank.”
    I stared at him as hard as I could, trying to use the sheer force of my will to make him burst into flame. “So, it’s just a threat wrapped up in lots of weasely nonsense?”
    Burke broke away from my gaze and shifted on his feet again. I noticed he had very fine shoes, and I wondered if I could convince him to give me the name of his cobbler so I could direct some of Banque Crédit Française’s money in that noble craftsman’s direction. “The bank will, of course, offer any assistance you require in assessing your holdings to identify appropriate collateral to secure the loan.”
    I was not fooled by his petty and devious attempts at helpfulness.
    â€œDo you know what has just happened here in Cambridge?” I asked.
    â€œI only just arrived last night,” said Burke.
    â€œA young lady has been murdered, Mr. Burke. She was a charming and lively girl; a beloved friend to all who encountered her. The killing was senseless and unprovoked and the perpetrator remains at large. Your attempts to raise the mundane, petty subject of business are crass and inappropriate beyond belief on this black and tragic day. What sort of gentleman comes calling with these trivialities upon a house of mourning?”
    â€œI’d hardly call these matters trivial, Lord Byron, although I am deeply sorry for your loss. But I assure you, I would not trouble you if this matter were not urgent.”
    â€œWhat is urgent is burying my dear friend Felicity,” I said. “What is urgent is finding her killer and rendering him unto justice. What is urgent is comforting her family; I can tell you, they are quite devastated. Anyone would be in such circumstances. Forms and paperwork are not urgent, however, and the great magnitude of my recent bereavement makes your business here seem entirely trifling.”
    â€œI’m sure we can dispose of this matter quickly, then, so I may leave you in peace.”
    â€œIf you and the bank have conducted your proper diligence, or if Mr. Hanson was kind enough to warn you before you came to visit, you know I am never unarmed,” I said. “I wear my pistols every day and sleep with them under my pillow at night. They are as necessary a component of dress to me as my trousers.”
    I removed my waistcoat so he could see the weapons strapped to my torso. He started to say something, but I cut him off. “I also keep a stiletto tucked into my boot. So you have made a decision to come into my home on a day of sadness to threaten me. Your weapon is the possibility of accelerating my obligation to repay a bank loan. Arrayed against you, I have two guns, one very sharp dagger, and a hungry bear. I am overwrought, Mr. Burke. I am a broken soul, do you understand?”
    â€œI don’t see how this pertains—”
    â€œI am unreasonable, sir. My faculties of reason have abandoned me. I am awash, right now, with emotions. I am like a toy ship, thrown about by crashing tides of grief and rage and unfettered anguish. In such circumstances, I cannot be held responsible for my actions. Also, I am heavily armed. Do you understand now?”
    â€œI think I do,” said Burke. “And when you put it that way, I believe I shall be going, though I wish our business could have been handled more amicably, and I am sorry.”
    As Joe Murray showed him out, the Professor looked at me and let out a noise like distant thunder from someplace deep in his throat.
    â€œI’m quite aware he will be back,” I said.
    The bear snorted.
    â€œNo, I’m not sure yet what I am going to do about him.”

 
    Chapter 4
    I had a dream, which was not all a dream.
    The bright sun was extinguish’d, and the