Would he take it to Cummins—who knew much of the story already? He himself had been zealous in search of a truth not for the sake of that truth but because he was a good policeman and it was his duty to pursue the guilty. What truth would be served by closing the case, when the principals were beyond the law’s reach?

Rutledge didn’t know. Just now his duty was to bury the recent dead and mourn them with honor.

Hamish said, “Do ye regret giving your forgiveness before ye knew why you were being asked?”

Rutledge said, “I don’t. God knows, I need forgiveness of my own.”

He walked back to the house. Rosemary was ready, and it was time to follow Reginald to his final rest.

About the Author

About the Author

CHARLES TODD is the New York Times bestselling author of twelve Ian Rutledge mysteries, two Bess Crawford mysteries, and one stand-alone novel. A mother-and-son writing team, they live in Delaware and North Carolina, respectively.

Also by Charles Todd

Also by Charles Todd

The Ian Rutledge Mysteries

A Test of Wills

Wings of Fire

Search the Dark

Watchers of Time

Legacy of the Dead

A Fearsome Doubt

A Cold Treachery

A Long Shadow

A False Mirror

A Pale Horse

A Matter of Justice

The Red Door

The Bess Crawford Mysteries

A Duty to the Dead

An Impartial Witness

Other Fiction

The Murder Stone

Credits

Credits

Jacket design by James Iacobelli

Jacket photograph © by Tanja Luther/Arcangel Images

About the Publisher

About the Publisher

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