Shannon looked at Tristan. "You are with me today. No exceptions."
"I'm not arguing," Tristan said. "I want to hear this from the source."
Kim returned an hour later with a bound copy of entries and a thin glass vial sealed with wax.
"Officer sent this," Kim said. "The vial is a sample taken from the lattice after the withdrawal. It holds scent residue for a day or two at most. He says if you have someone with a trained nose, they may confirm whether the elder was physically present."
Shannon glanced toward the door. "Bran."
Kim shook his head. "He left with the night team to check the ravine. Mira is back. She can compare traces, but Bran is better at older threads."
Shannon weighed it for a moment, then decided. "We are going to the manor now. Mira will take the vial. If Theodore is innocent, he will hand us his handkerchiefs and signet. We'll test them against this."
Tristan drew in a steady breath. "Let's go."
