Chapter 75: Chapter 75

February 9th, 1873, Brooklyn Hill, Wellington 1300 hours.

Wiki was shaken when Ira returned home and told her what had happened. After changing into his seldom-used official uniform of the Armed Constabulary, minus sabre, Ira followed Toby and the wagon carrying the covered bodies of Peter and Betsy. Leaving the small Owhiro Bay community on horseback, they began the journey up the gradual incline of Happy Valley to Brooklyn Hill, which led down into Wellington. The weather had settled into a warm day, and a light cooling breeze kept the temperature pleasant. The chorus of the ever-present birds and cicadas provided a comfortable backdrop while Ira took advantage of the opportunity to reflect over the facts of the murders, trying to make sense of what had happened.

Ahead, Ira saw a woman waiting for him beside the track outside her home.

"Excuse me, sir," said Mary-Anne, once Ira was near.