第4章 第3節 濡れ衣
Framed
By afternoon, the story of the fire had changed completely.
Edwin had a new version through every shop and street.
A from the city had come and started burning things.
Nora's name was now spoken with fear and anger everywhere.
If she had left the town earlier, none of this would have happened.
But she had stayed, and now the whole town was against her.
Two officers stopped her near the harbour that same evening.
"You are wanted for questioning," the older one said flatly.
Her bag was taken from her and searched on the wet stones.
Inside it, the tape from the chapel was found.
Nora's heart lifted for one foolish, hopeful second.
Here, at last, was the evidence that could prove everything.
The put the tape into a small machine and pressed play.
But no voice came—only a long, empty of nothing.
The recording had been erased, and the tape was completely .
Someone had reached her bag while she stood in the rain.
"So this is your proof," the said, almost smiling.
If the tape had still held its voice, they would have believed her.
Now it only made her look and slightly mad.
The was played again for the small, silent crowd.
People shook their heads, and some turned their backs on her.
Everything she carried had been turned into a against her.
Edwin had not needed to touch her; the town would do it.
She was released, but warned to stay where she could be found.
Alone again, Nora felt the last of her slip away.