Midnight in Austenland (Austenland 2)

“I’m afraid not. He must have worn his personal gloves under the kitchen gloves. Protects the latter from his prints, and the former prevents any DNA evidence. Smart man.”

“Mary is a witness,” Charlotte said. “I think she saw Mallery go into the secret room with Wattlesbrook and come out alone. And after he pushed the car into the pond, she helped him wash the mud out of his costume.”

“That’s an avenue we will pursue, but in your opinion, how readily will Mary testify against him?”

Charlotte sighed. “Not very.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if she tries to confess to the whole lot. So I’m afraid the only strong piece of evidence we have against our man is his confession to you.”

“He was pretty direct about it in the cottage, and that was after a couple of days of hiding. I don’t see how he’ll claim that was still part of the game.”

“He’ll try. I’m very sorry, ma’am, but I have some bad news for you. I can’t have you leave the country right now.”

“What?” This possibility had never crossed her mind. “But I can’t stay. I’m leaving today. Right now, actually.”

“I know it must be a terrible inconvenience. You have a job to return to?”

“Yes. Well, no, I can work from anywhere. But my kids …”

“Of course. Could you find a place for them to stay? Or even bring them here?”

Charlotte felt as if she were filled with helium and floating just above the ground.

“Bring them here …”

“Yes, I’m afraid that if you don’t stay, you’ll be coming and going an awful lot, and as you make up the entire case against a murderer—”

Charlotte began to pace. “No, no, I understand. I have to stay. You’re ordering me to stay.”

“Well, I might put it differently—”

“I’m essential to the case. My testimony is paramount. I would be neglecting my humane duty if I went home now. Everyone will have to understand. You need me.”

“I suppose, in so many words …”

“If I went home now, I’d practically be as guilty as the murderer himself!”

“Well, I don’t know …”

“Charlotte!” Eddie stirred the mist as he ran, and it swirled around him like dancing ghosts. “Charlotte, you’re going, aren’t you?”

“I was …”

“For shame!”

She’d been right to try to slip away. Just the sight of his face made her legs feel soft, and it’s hard to run away with soft legs.

“You want me to stay,” she said, believing it already.

“Of course I do!” he shouted.

“That’s good,” she called back, “because Detective Sergeant Merriman has absolutely forbidden me from leaving the country! It’s Mallery’s fault. He made me a key witness.”

Eddie was running faster. “You mean, you must stay here, in this very county, for the foreseeable future?”

“Indefinitely!”

“I know it must be a terrible inconvenience?” the detective mumbled.