question Godwyn's feigned inability to remember who had picked up the cross. But others among the monks would surely recall seeing it in Philemon's hands. Godwyn had to put this right quickly, before suspicion could fall on Philemon. But first he had to get Simeon out of the way.
"We must search for the ruby in the church," Simeon said.
"But the service was two weeks ago," Godwyn protested. "A ruby can't have lain on the floor unnoticed for that length of time."
"It's unlikely, but we must check."
Godwyn saw that he had to go with Simeon, and wait for an opportunity to get away from him and seek out Philemon. "Of course," he said.
They put the ornaments away and locked the treasury door. As they left the library, Godwyn said: "I suggest we say nothing about this until we're sure the jewel has been lost. No point in bringing blame on our heads prematurely."
"Agreed."
They hurried around the cloisters and entered the church. They stood in the centre of the crossing and scanned the ground all around them. A month ago, the idea that a ruby could lie hidden somewhere on the church floor would have been more plausible; but recently the flagstones had been repaired, and the cracks and chips had disappeared. A ruby would have stood out.
Simeon said: "Now that I come to think of it, wasn't it Philemon who picked up the crucifix?"
Godwyn looked at Simeon's face. Was there accusation in the expression? He could not tell. "It may have been Philemon," Godwyn said. Then he saw a chance to get away. "I'll go and fetch him," he suggested. "Perhaps he will be able to recall exactly where he was standing at the time."
"Good idea. I'll wait here." Simeon got down on his knees and began to pat the floor with his hands, as if the ruby might be found by touch more easily than by sight.
Godwyn hurried out. He went first to the dormitory. The blanket cupboard was in the same place. He pulled it away from the wall, found the loose stone, and removed it. He put his hand into the hidey-hole where Philemon had stashed Lady Philippa's bracelet.
He found nothing there.
He cursed. It was not going to be that easy.
I'll have to dismiss Philemon from the monastery, he thought as he strode through the priory buildings looking for him. If he has stolen this ruby, I can't cover up for him again. He's out.
Then he realized, with a shock of dismay, that he could not dismiss Philemon - not now, perhaps not ever. It was Philemon who had told Friar Murdo about the Isabella charter. If dismissed, Philemon could confess what he had done, and reveal that he had done it at Godwyn's instigation. And he would be believed. Godwyn recalled Thomas's puzzling over who had told Murdo the secret, and why. Philemon's revelation would gain conviction by answering that question.
There would be an outcry at such underhand work. Even if the disclosure were made after the election, it would undermine Godwyn's authority and cripple his ability to lead the monks. The ominous truth dawned on him that he now had to protect Philemon in order to protect himself.
He found Philemon sweeping the hospital floor. He beckoned him outside and led him around to the back of the kitchen, where it was unlikely that anyone would see them.
He looked Philemon in the eye and said: "There's a ruby missing."
Philemon looked away. "How terrible."
"It's from the altar crucifix that was knocked to the floor when Carlus fell over."
Philemon pretended innocence. "How could it have gone missing?"
"The ruby may have become dislodged when the crucifix hit the floor. But it's not on the floor now - I've just looked. Someone found it - and kept it."
"Surely not."
Godwyn felt angered by Philemon's false air of innocence. "You fool, everyone saw you pick up that crucifix!"
Philemon's voice rose to a higher pitch. "I know nothing about it!"
"Don't waste time lying to me! We have to put this right. I could lose the election on your account." Godwyn pushed Philemon up against the wall of the bakehouse. "Where is it?"
To his astonishment, Philemon began to cry.
"For the love of the saints," Godwyn said disgustedly. "Stop this nonsense - you're a grown man!"
Philemon continued to sob. "I'm sorry," he said. "I'm sorry."
"If you don't stop that-" Godwyn checked himself. Nothing was to be gained by berating Philemon. The man was truly pathetic. Speaking more gently,