The investigation finally concluded three days later. A maid, hired through Audrey's household two months ago, had been identified as the one who placed the mouse on the pillow. But she had fled Ravenmoor the same night. Her quarters were empty with all her belongings gone. Even her employment records listed a reference from a house that did not exist.
Austin's steward stood in the study, delivering the report to him.
"The woman has disappeared. There is no trace of her beyond the castle gates. Her references were forged and her employment history was fabricated. It looks like she was sent here with the specific purpose of monitoring Miss Ashworth's movements."
"Find her," Austin said.
"We have no leads, Your Grace. She left no trail. Whoever hired her knew how to erase a path."
"I don't care. Find her." He repeated in a tone that meant there was no room for argument.
