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was the best policy, “we never actually found the ring.”
    Delaine was incredulous. “But Cooper said you were going to look for it. Surely you . . .”
    â€œWe did look,” Drayton assured her. “We searched high and low, practically tore the premises apart. But . . .” He hesitated, steepled his gnarled fingers together, then pulled them apart slowly, as if to indicate a lack of resolution. “Alas, no ring,” he said.
    One of Delaine’s French-manicured hands fluttered to her chest. “My goodness, this is quite a shock.”
    â€œIt was to us, too,” said Theodosia. “We really did search everywhere.”
    â€œWhat do you suppose happened to it?” asked Delaine. She frowned, twisted her handkerchief in her hands, stared at the two of them, obviously expecting an answer.
    â€œWe think, that is, Theodosia thinks . . .” began Drayton.
    â€œSpit it out, Drayton!” said Delaine suddenly. “If something’s gone wrong, I have a perfect right to know!”
    Theodosia glanced about the tea shop to make sure her guests hadn’t overheard Delaine’s somewhat indelicate outburst. “Of course you do, Delaine,” Theodosia assured her. “It’s just that all we’re going on right now is a sort of theory.”
    â€œThen kindly explain this theory, ” demanded Delaine. She arched her eyebrows, sat back in her chair with an air that was dangerously close to imperious, and waited for an explanation.
    â€œIt involves theft,” said Drayton delicately.
    â€œOf the ring? ” said Delaine in a high squeak.
    â€œWell . . . yes,” said Theodosia. Why is it so difficult to just come right out and say it?
    â€œOh my goodness,” cried Delaine, sinking back in her chair. “You think the ring has been stolen? ” she said in a whisper.
    â€œWe’re not positive,” said Drayton, “but it looks that way.”
    Delaine’s face crumpled and she was seconds from another outpouring of tears.
    â€œRemember, this is just a wild supposition on our part,” said Theodosia, “but from the looks of things, it’s possible a thief might have had his eye on Camille’s ring. After all, it was rather beautifully displayed on that baroque silver calling card receiver.” Now why did I have to say that? Theodosia thought to herself. Darn, this isn’t going well at all.
    â€œAnd all that beautiful old silver was sitting right next to it,” said Drayton. Old silver that’d been in the Goodwood family for generations.
    â€œCrafted by Jacob Hurd,” Theodosia added helpfully.
    Delaine nodded tightly. “Of course, I remember the silver. It’s all very old, very elegant. I specifically requested it for just that reason.”
    â€œAnyway,” continued Theodosia, “we think someone might have been prowling across the roof top.”
    â€œAnd taken a misstep,” said Drayton.
    â€œWhich caused him to come crashing down through the roof,” added Theodosia.
    â€œOn top of poor Captain Buchanan,” said Drayton, grimacing. He knew the two of them sounded like they were doing some kind of tag-team routine.
    Delaine peered at Theodosia and Drayton in disbelief. “You’re not serious,” she said in a choked voice.
    â€œAnd that’s when the ring was stolen,” said Drayton. “Or might have been stolen,” he added. “We’re still not sure.”
    Delaine sat stock-still as their words washed across her. She frowned, leaned forward, put a hand to her mouth. “Then Captain Buchanan was murdered, ” she whispered hoarsely.
    â€œOh, no, I wouldn’t go that far,” said Drayton hastily. “After all, the roof could just as easily have collapsed on its own.”
    â€œBut the ring is gone,” said Delaine slowly. “Nowhere to be found, as you say. Doesn’t that prove your theory?” She