To Kill a Queen by Alanna Knight

roofed, he would have no wish to seek its sanctuary on a stormy night.
    Vince gazed down at him.
    'Up here, Stepfather.'
    'Found something, lad?' said Faro climbing the pen staircase.
    'Yes, look around you. What do you make of this?'
    Signs of domesticity, blankets and sheets, even a tablecloth, two mugs and plates, and a vase of wilted flowers indicated that this room had been recently occupied.
    'And over here,' said Vince. 'Bloodstains.'
    Faro studied the marks on the floorboards. He could see a dark area at the top of the stairs, which continued downwards, streaks on steps and stone walls. Bending down, he picked up a small clump of brown hair.
    'From the dogs?'
    'Perhaps, Stepfather. And on the bed. Spaniels shed a lot of hair. I would hazard a guess that they were both shot in here and their bodies carried out to the river path.'
    Pausing Vince looked around the room. 'Are you thinking the same as I am, Stepfather?'
    'Precisely. That this place has been lived in recently. And by someone who was no passing stranger seeking shelter. And no tinker. Tinkers care little for sheets and fine blankets. They don't put flowers in vases, either.'
    'But girls do. Especially girls who are entertaining a lover.'
    'Ah, now we're getting somewhere, lad,' said Faro as he examined the fireplace. 'Let us reconstruct the scene. This was a clandestine meeting. No fire was lit, for that would bring attention to the fact that the ruined mill had an occupant. The bedlinen and tablecloth indicated a lass of refined taste.'
    Considering for a moment, he said, 'I think if we gathered these together and took them to the Castle, we would find they originated from the same source in the linen room. Purloined by Morag Brodie for the special occasion which, alas, was to cost her her life.'
    'So you think she stayed here.'
    'Undoubtedly. She spent the night she was killed here and perhaps one night before. But no more than that.'
    'How can you tell?'
    'Fine linen sheets like these crease badly and have to be changed frequently. Consider their almost pristine condition. And the two pillowcases, lad. Only one has been used. I would say that only Morag slept here and that she waited in vain for her lover. And when he finally arrived, it was not to sleep with her, but to put a knife in her.'
    Faro wandered back to the stairhead. 'But not in the bed,' he said. And eying the scene narrowly, 'Probably here. Where the blood has soaked into the floorboards. But for some reason it was inconvenient to dispose of her body, and while he was awaiting his chance the Queen's inquisitive dogs came on the scene. He realises his danger, shoots them and carries their bodies on to the river path. Does this suggest anything to you?'
    'Only that the murderer might have been someone employed at the Castle. A fellow-servant?'
    'Or a ghillie,' was the reply.
    'And if your theory is correct, Stepfather, he is still lurking about, his crime undetected. Another good reason for not spreading alarm and despondency in the Royal apartments.'
    'And for apprehending him before he strikes again. In the light of our discovery, I think it might be prudent to look in at the local police station. See what new material, if any, Inspector Purdie has come upon.'
    There was a moment's silence before Vince said gently, 'Stepfather, I thought I heard you say that Superintendent McIntosh had warned you off.'
    'Indeed yes, but perhaps the good Inspector will have something to offer on the subject of murdered dogs,' said Faro innocently. 'But first of all we must return you to the hospital and pay our respects to Aunt Bella.'
    'It is as well you have Dr Elgin's blessing. I was given to understand most firmly that visiting times are strictly adhered to, despite the current lack of patients.'
    As they drove briskly in the direction of the cottage hospital, Faro was silent, his mind still exploring the scene they had left behind at the ruined mill.
    'More theories?' Vince asked, finally breaking the