She backed away from the gruesome scene, clamping a hand over her mouth. A scream built in her throat, but no sound escaped. Shock set in, causing her whole body to tremble. A chill rolled through her and she struggled to make her legs work. After a few forced steps, she was moving, and fast. She ran out into the foggy morning to see a dark form drifting through the mist, heading straight for her. Amelia blinked, recognizing the woman who approached by her ridiculous flaring skirts. Only one person in the village dressed so outlandishly. “Beatrice?” Amelia squinted and her pulse increased. Sure enough, Beatrice emerged from the fog, a smug smile painted on her face. A sharp sense of foreboding pierced Amelia. This was no ordinary encounter, so early in the morning, and so soon after discovering a crime had been committed. A murder. “Good morning, Amelia,” Beatrice whispered in a conspiratorial tone. “I trust you found Mrs. Embers’ body?” Amelia felt ill. “Yes. She’s dead.
