The Harrison: A Beautiful Place to Die (Madeline Donovan Mysteries Book 2) by Madison Kent

table, leaning over the now deceased body of his sister. He moaned but did not cry, or say one word for several minutes. The man and Madeline stood beside him respectively giving him this moment.
    "What exactly killed her? Was she crushed by the carriage?" he asked.
    "It appears so. You can see here," the coroner said as he pointed to her neck and what appeared to be a bulging where the break occurred.
    He pulled back the sheet and asked, "She has jewelry which I am sure you might wish to remove."
    As Louie retrieved her rings and necklace, Madeline touched his arm. "Look there, her wrists. There are bruises around both of them. Certainly the accident could not have caused that? Bruises don't form that quickly."
    "You are right. We have not yet done a full autopsy, but the markings on her wrists would have no bearing on her death."
    "Would they be from some type of struggle or having her wrists bound?" asked Madeline.
    "I suppose that is a possibility. Why? Was she accosted in some way prior to her accident?" asked the man.
    "She was missing for many days," replied Louie, "we don't actually know what may have happened to her."
    "Now that you have made the identification, we will call you within a few days with a full report. Again, we are sorry for your loss," said the coroner.
    Louie held the few items of jewelry that he had taken from his sister and a lock of hair he clipped from her head.
    "This is all, Madeline, all that I have left of this once vibrant, beautiful woman. I had not seen her for so long, and when she finally arrives, the most unspeakable of events happens," then he added with an urgent look on his face, "You will go on investigating. I must know what happened. I do not believe this was an accident. These events are so peculiar."
    "Yes, the bruises. It doesn't make sense. It appears as if her wrists were bound in some way. I will do my best to find out what happened to her. Have the police told you anything?"
    "I don't know if they will follow up. They say it was a simple accident. They believe that possibly drink or drugs incapacitated her. At least, that is what I overheard one of the officers stating. I don't believe with that attitude that they will be thorough if those thoughts are at the forefront of their thinking. I am dismayed by everything that has happened. I am not thinking clearly, and I will need to be Rosa's support. I am asking you to continue the search to find out what really is going on here."
    "I will. You have my word on it. I'm sure my father will give you something to calm you should you need it. I will contact you if there are any new developments. In the meantime, call on Father and me, if you just need someone to talk to."
    "Thank you, Madeline. We will have to plan her funeral now. There will be much to do. Take care and I am sure we will be speaking soon."
    She hugged his slumped-over body, feeling helpless that there was nothing she could do for him now except to find the truth of what happened to Maria.
    When she returned home, her father had already returned.
    "Miss Rosa is in a state. She did calm down somewhat after I gave her a small draft of opium. What a terrible thing to have happened! That poor girl, I wonder what state of mind she was in to have put herself in such danger."
    "Father, I don't believe it could have been an accident. What if she were trying to get away from someone, and that caused her to run in front of the carriage? Or what if she was pushed?"
    "Madeline, this is not London, with its madman, Jack the Ripper. This is Erie Street, a peaceful lovely community of friends and neighbors. I think you are letting your imagination run away with you."
    "We'll see. Perhaps I am assuming the worse for no reason, but there is something going on within our community, and it is not healthy nor peaceful."
    "By the way, you have a letter from your gentleman friend."
    "How wonderful! I miss them all so much, Father. It is a treat to hear from any of them, but especially