“I know.” I started to cry with her. I knew I shouldn't have, that she needed someone to be strong, but I cared about Eva too. “She was a generous, true friend. I don't know why someone would hurt her, but this man is a Garin. I'm working with him to find Eva's murderer.”
“A Garin?” Olga sat up, pulled the blanket around her, and looked up at Konstantin. “Yes, I heard the Garin Clan sent an investigator, but I didn't think you'd bother with my girl.”
“Why not?” He crouched before her.
“She was just a maid.”
Kon took her free hand. “To me, a maid is as important as a king. In my experience, they're worth far more too. They certainly tend to get more done.”
Olga let out a surprised laugh, then sniffed up her tears. “You are kind for saying that.”
“I mean it.” He let go of her and stood. “Can I fetch you some tea or water?”
“Yes, thank you. There's a pot on the stove. Help yourself to some too, if you like.”
He nodded and headed to the kitchen.
“He is wise?” Olga whispered to me.
“Very. We've already made progress. But we need your help. Did Eva say anything to you that seemed odd?”
“I can't think of anything.”
“Was she acting strange or secretive?”
Olga shrugged. “A little. I think she had a new lover.”
“A new lover? Would anyone know who he was?”
“Sofia probably knows.”
“Here you are.” Konstantin had returned. He set a mug of tea in Olga's hands.
“Thank you. Please, sit down.” She waved at the armchair nearby.
Kon took the chair, but I slid up onto the couch beside Olga.
“I heard you two talking,” Konstantin said. “We'll interview Eva's friend, but I've got a few questions for you first. Do you mind?”
“No, of course not. Please.” She waved him on. “Anything I can do to help.”
“Did Eva ever mention Lord Timofey to you?”
“No. As far as I know, she didn't have much to do with the library.”
“All right. What about her job, what did she do exactly?”
“She was a maid.”
“Yes, but what part of the castle did she clean?”
“Oh! Uh, she cleaned the ladies' chambers, including the common rooms, such as the solar.”
“Ladies? So she would have cleaned Lady Milana's room?”
“Well, yes, but Eva never mentioned her to me.”
“But she knew Milana?”
