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“We must examine the balcony above the ship scene,” Rayley said. “If the killer waited there,
whether it was for the full hour of Emma’s practice or merely the few minutes she and Tom were
exploring the theater, he may have left some evidence of his presence.”
“That’s it,” Tom said, standing back. “I doubt the body has much more to tell us, at least not at
this point.”
“And we must talk to your Konstantin,” Trevor said to Emma. “He and everyone else that was
in the theater this afternoon or who might have been expected to be at the group rehearsals at seven.”
“Why Konstantin?” said Emma with surprise. “I am his most perfect alibi, am I not?”
“Only if your time line is correct and the killer was hiding in the balcony between four and
five,” said Trevor. “I’m more inclined towards Rayley’s theory that whoever intended to hang the
body waited for you to leave the ballroom before beginning the task. And who knew the precise time
you left the ballroom better than Konstantin? If the Kirby woman was already dead and dressed, then
during those twelve minutes he could have –“
“Oh I assure you, he has a most perfect alibi for those twelve minutes as well,” said Tom,
matter-of-factly pulling the tablecloth over Mrs. Kirby’s face.
“Is there really any need to go into that?” Emma asked.
“But don’t you see, my dear? What began as your teacher’s condemnation has now become his
defense.” Tom removed his apron and wiped his hands on it before turning to Trevor. “Because
while Emma and I were exploring the costume and prop rooms we happened to come across–“
“Dear God,” said Rayley.
“What is it?” said Trevor.
“The very last book in the stack,” Rayley said. “I shook it and this flew out.” He advanced
toward Trevor, holding an object very lightly between his fingertips. It was a photograph of the dead
ballet dancers.