“How could something like this happen?” Edward asked, his voice layered with shock as he scanned the figures. “How could we not have known?”
“It’s an elaborate scheme,” I said, pointing to the spell in the grimoire. “First, the culprit would have had to create the specialized ink, then they’d have to plant it unnoticed for the accountant to use. I’m not sure there would have been any way to tell the difference as it would have had the same appearance as regular ink. Then, after the accountant filled out the ledger, the culprit could use the potion in the grimoire that interacts with the magic ink and cause it to disappear. After that, they could go back in and adjust the amounts with anything they wanted.” I stood up from the desk and paced the floor. “It’s actually brilliant and likely would have gone unnoticed indefinitely if Mae’s murder hadn’t brought attention to the ledgers.”
“So the next question is, who has access to these ledgers after they’ve been completed?” Derrick said.
I stopped pacing. “Exactly.”
A soft knock on the office door caused everyone to turn. Cynthia stepped into the room, her eyes widening slightly at the vials of powder lined up on the desk, and then wider still when she saw me.
“Mother, what are you doing outside the parlor?” Derrick asked, concern furrowing his brow. “Did something happen?”
“No. Your father still has everything under control, but I needed to speak with you, and it couldn’t wait. But…” Her mouth opened and closed as she tried to comprehend what was happening. “What is going on here? Why isn’t Tessa still in confinement?”
“We have a new lead in Mae’s murder, and we needed Tessa to perform a spell that would give us more evidence. In fact, she found the clue. We’re getting closer to finding Mae’s killer because of her,” Derrick said. He pointed to the ledger. “Someone has been stealing from our company, and Mae is involved somehow.”
“Stealing? How do you know?” Cynthia twisted her hands together.
“That’s where Tessa comes in, my dear.” Edward rounded the desk and explained our little sleuthing expedition, leaving out the mishap that had separated us. “And then Tessa showed us how the ink was altered to display the new profit amounts. What we’re trying to determine now is, who would have access, and who forged the ledgers?”
Cynthia moved toward the desk, taking in the powders, the lemon juice, and the grimoire. Her features softened when she looked at me.
“I didn’t realize magic could be used like this.”
I lifted my shoulders in a shrug and felt a flush in my cheeks. “It’s something I’ve been working on with the agency. We’re trying to find ways to adapt spells to uncover evidence. It’s unorthodox for sure, but we’ve had some great successes, and we’re finding new ways to apply magic all the time.”
“I see. That’s very interesting. But to answer your question, there aren’t many people who have access to the ledgers to do what you’re claiming. Harold would be one, but he hasn’t been to the main office in ages, and all the financial documents are delivered for his review after they’re completed. So for the people left in this house, that leaves…” Her voice weakened. “Well, that leaves the Snows. Richard in particular. And that’s the reason I want to speak with you so urgently. I can’t do it in front of everyone, and I didn’t get a chance before you left the parlor.”
“What is it, Mother?”
She turned toward the hearth and sat heavily in one of the armchairs by the fire. Her gaze was fixed on the flames when she spoke.
“I think I know how Mae became involved, and I wish I’d said something sooner, but I was afraid of the scandal. Mae was having an affair with Richard. I only found out about it this week and confronted her. It’s been going on for some time, but they were very careful to keep it quiet. I made Mae promise to end things with him and never speak of the affair. The last thing I wanted was for Lila to discover the truth.”
Tears glittered in her eyes when she looked at me. “I was worried you’d found out about the affair when you saw Mae by the pond and started asking about it. I hoped Mae had come to her senses and ended things with Richard. That was why I lied for her and claimed she was inside with me. I thought it was over between them. I never imagined something like this would happen.”
Derrick rested a hand on her shoulder. “It’s not your fault, Mother. You couldn’t have known what was happening behind the scenes.”
“Do you think Richard killed her?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
“I think it’s possible. He has motive. Mae could have threatened to reveal everything. Combined with the affair and his access to the financial documents, he could be the person we’re looking for. But we have to be careful. I want to be thorough, so we don’t have another incident like what happened with Tessa. We can’t risk blindly accusing people when it could leave the real killer to remain free.” Derrick’s gaze sharpened on his mother, and she visibly swallowed, then nodded.
“You’re right. We have to be sure.”
He continued, “Richard is with the others in the parlor, and he has no reason to think we might be onto him. As far as he’s aware, Tessa is still our main suspect. I want to make sure we have all the evidence at our disposal. Let’s search his personal belongings before we confront him.”
***
“That was a really good spell, Tessa.” Edward patted my shoulder as we walked down the hall toward the guest rooms. “Vanishing ink. I’ve never even heard of such a thing. Your spell was brilliant to watch. It’s no wonder my grandson snapped you up.” He winked, and I waved away his compliments.
I caught Cynthia’s eye, and my optimism withered until she nodded, and a smile spread across her face.
“I have to admit, it sounds quite impressive. Well done, Tessa.”
My throat felt two sizes too small. “Thank you, Cynthia. I appreciate that more than you know.”
Derrick heard his mother’s praise, and his eyes closed for a second, stark relief etched into his features. With everything going on, I’d forgotten my original goal was to make his mother accept me. You’d think that goal would pale in comparison to my near-death mishaps and murder, and I suppose it did, but at that moment, hearing her praise was everything. Seeing Derrick’s reaction made me realize I’d underestimated how important it was to him too.
Her acknowledgment was a start. A small one, but I’d take it and hopefully build from there.
