1895 Story. Murdoch Mysteries.

Chapter 7: Case Solved

MURDOCH

As the investigation progressed, the tension in the room thickened. Evelyn and David stood beside me, their expressions a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. The man we had caught rifling through papers-a supposed suspect-was currently denying any involvement in the theft of Lord Strathmore's mirror.

"Your alibi is weak, James," I stated, fixing him with a steady gaze. "You've been caught in a place you shouldn't be at a time you shouldn't be. The evidence is against you."

He shifted nervously in his chair. "I was only looking for something. I didn't take the mirror, I swear!"

Evelyn and David exchanged glances, clearly torn between believing the man and seeing through his facade. "What were you looking for?" I pressed, noticing how his eyes darted toward the door.

"Just some old documents," he stammered. "I had no idea they were valuable!"

"Then why would you need to be in Lord Strathmore's office?" Evelyn asked, her voice unwavering. I admired her confidence-she had come a long way since we met.

EVELYN

"James," I said, taking a step closer. "We know that the mirror is valuable, and you have no reason to be here unless you were looking for it."

He looked down, guilt flashing across his features. "I-I was just trying to find something that belonged to my family! My great-uncle used to work for Lord Strathmore, and I thought there might be old papers in his office."

David leaned in, his curiosity piqued. "So, you thought you'd just help yourself to Lord Strathmore's belongings?"

"I wasn't going to take anything! I swear! I just wanted to see if there were any old letters or documents." His desperation was palpable, but I could sense something was off.

"Why didn't you go to Lord Strathmore directly?" Murdoch asked, crossing his arms.

"I-" he faltered, his confidence dwindling. "I didn't want to impose. He was my family's employer, and I thought... I thought he'd want nothing to do with me."

DAVID

As Murdoch continued to question James, I could feel the tension unraveling. Murdoch had a way of making people open up-his intelligence and experience were evident. I watched him carefully analyze every response, noting James's body language and the little hesitations in his speech.

"James," Murdoch said finally, shifting gears. "If you didn't take the mirror, who do you think might have? Someone must have known you'd be here."

The young man's eyes darted around the room, and for a moment, he seemed to consider his answer carefully. "There's one other person who was acting strange. I saw Claire, the maid, lurking around the office earlier. She's been anxious lately, talking about money and debts."

Evelyn and I exchanged a glance, intrigued. "Claire, the maid?" I repeated. "Why would she be interested in the mirror?"

EVELYN

"That's it!" I exclaimed, feeling a surge of excitement. "If she was looking for a way out of her debts, she could see the mirror as a means to an end. But where would she be now?"

Murdoch nodded, his expression thoughtful. "We need to find her, and quickly. If she's involved, she may still have the mirror."

As we hurried to gather our things, I could feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins. "This could be the break we need!" I said, glancing at David, who was looking at Murdoch with admiration. "He's amazing, isn't he?"

"Absolutely," David replied, a grin spreading across his face. "I can't believe how he connects all the dots."

DAVID