The Close reacted to the new tension as a choir reacts to a wrong entry: with a ripple, a tightening, and then a strained attempt to pretend nothing had happened.

Word spread, as it always did, in sideways glances and half–heard phrases. The Dean had been seen going in and out of the Chapter House with a face like old paper. Dyson’s step, crossing the green, had a new stiffness. Barker’s temper, never placid, flared at small provocation and then subsided into distracted frowning at his scores.

In the choir school, the boys buzzed.

“They’ve got the book,” whispered Hainsbridge to Freddy as they queued for lunch.

“How d’you know?” Freddy whispered back.

“I saw Ivor bringing coffee to the Inspector,” Hainsbridge said. &ldqu...

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