“It was an accident, I swear it was. I thought... I thought he was being unfaithful.”
“Speaking of which,” Byron said. “I understand that you have recently sold a necklace, Miss Risewell.”
Theresia paled. “I—”
“All I want to know,” Byron continued, “is whether Mr. Foster was aware of what you were doing.”
She hesitated before shaking her head. “I wanted it to be a surprise,” she said, voice hollow.
Byron nodded. “There you are, Inspector. Rudy had nothing to do with it.”
Rutledge’s mustache twisted. “Assuming she’s telling the truth.”
“Even if she isn’t,” Byron said, “the necklace is easily taken care of. Walker?”
Walker pulled a small box from his pocket and handed it to Byron. He opened it, revealing the jade and amethyst necklace.
Walker said, “After telling the jeweler what the situation was, he sold it to me for the same amount he gave Miss Risewell.”
Rutledge drew in a nasally breath, turning to Miss Risewell. “I won’t charge you, though you lied to a policeman. Just ensure the money gets paid back to these men here. And tell your parents the truth before they decide to collect the insurance on it. Good day, Miss.”
Rutledge and the constables left the stable, Mr. Foster in tow.
Theresia moved past the remaining party, leading Verona into her stall. After a moment she stepped out.
“I-I’m not sure how to take off her saddle.”
Walker moved into the stall to help with the horse. Theresia stood at the center of the stable, looking aimless. Byron stepped closer to her, offering the necklace.
“I believe this is yours.”
She took it with shaking hands. “What will they do with him? He won’t... he won’t hang for this, will he?”
Byron shook his head. “The current evidence shows it was a clear case of self-defense. Unless some other proof emerges, it will likely be a fine, or a short few months of time, for not coming forward about the death.”
“Oh. I see.”
“I’m sorry,” Mira said. “You were going to elope, weren’t you?”
Theresia went still, her shoulders tightening. “It doesn’t matter.”
She hurried past them and left the stable.
Byron took off his jacket, rolling up his sleeves.
“What are you doing?” Mira asked.
“I promised Rudy the horses would be taken care of,” he said, climbing the ladder into the loft. “We can tell Mr. Sharpe about the situation after they’ve been fed.”
They spent the better part of a half hour making sure the horses were settled. Mira brushed them down and fed them carrots and apples she found in a barrel, while the men handled the more strenuous activities.
In the end, they all smelled of horses and hay as they emerged into the chilled outside air.
Walker wiped the sweat from his brow. “Well, that’s that then. Mystery solved. Investigation closed. Now we can simply enjoy our time in Bath.”
“Not quite,” Byron said, linking his arm with Mira’s and heading up the hill.
Walker caught up to them. “No, Constantine. We came here to solve a burglary. The burglar was found dead. The accidental killer has been arrested. What else is there to sort?”
