Death in Saratoga Springs by Charles O'Brien

a week or two, until we find Captain Crake’s killer. We’re prepared to defend you if you tell us the truth. The bellboy said you left the cottage later than you told us. Is that true?”
    â€œNo, he’s mistaken or lying. He’s angry because I don’t like him. I was in my room. I didn’t stab Captain Crake.” Her eyes began to tear.
    Pamela took her hand. “Trust us, Francesca. Mr. Miller and I shall leave now. But this afternoon, we’ll go to the courthouse for your arraignment and speak on your behalf. We’ll also ask Mr. Prescott what more could be done.”

    Late in the morning, Pamela and Harry rented horses in the livery stable behind the hotel and rode to Ballston Spa, ten miles south of Saratoga Springs. They arrived in time for a short visit with Francesca. She was sullen and had little to say, though she appeared well treated.
    The county seat was a charming village, bustling with summer visitors there for the mineral waters. Prescott’s office had contacted Mr. Barnes, a local attorney with a good reputation. Pamela and Harry met him for lunch at the Whistling Kettle and discussed Francesca’s situation. He seemed competent and genuinely concerned, so they engaged him to represent her before Judge Houghton that afternoon.
    The arraignment took place informally in the judge’s chambers in the courthouse. Mr. John Person, the prosecutor, briefly presented the state’s case against Francesca, stressing her background in petty crime, her lack of an alibi, and her possession of Mrs. Crake’s bracelet. The judge then called on Francesca. “Young lady, did you kill Mr. Crake?”
    She rose to speak, bowed politely to the judge, and said clearly, “No, your honor.” Barnes’s coaching had almost entirely removed the Italian inflection from her speech.
    Barnes then argued that the prosecutor’s evidence implicating Miss Ricci in Crake’s death was merely circumstantial, and no one witnessed the crime.
    â€œMy client insists that Mr. Crake gave her the bracelet.”
    â€œBut Mrs. Crake says he didn’t,” retorted Houghton, then called on Pamela, “Mrs. Thompson, as the girl’s guardian, what do you have to say on Miss Ricci’s behalf? I understand that she has a criminal record.”
    Pamela acknowledged Francesca’s truancy and her arrest at Macy’s. “But, sir, she has never committed a violent act, and her behavior has improved since coming into my care. Her attendance at school and her grades are now excellent.”
    Judge Houghton appeared to reflect thoughtfully for a few moments, then ruled that the evidence justified holding Francesca for trial in the autumn. “Issues involving the bracelet will be discussed then.”
    That timetable pleased Pamela, at least as it lessened the danger of the trial becoming a circus. With the end of the tourist season, journalists would pay less attention. She also would have time for what might be a lengthy, complicated investigation.
    However, the judge denied Francesca bail, claiming, “She might sneak back to New York City and disappear.”
    Pamela argued, “I’ll be personally responsible for Francesca. She’s not violent and threatens no one. It’s cruel to put such a young person in jail with hardened criminals.”
    Her protest appeared to nudge the judge’s conscience. He addressed Sheriff Worden, “I want Miss Ricci’s detention to be consistent with her tender age and sex. House her apart from adult inmates, and allow Mrs. Thompson to provide her with books, clothing, and such additional care as she may need.”
    Outside the courtroom, Pamela visited briefly with Francesca, both of them sobbing. It was as distressing a good-bye as any Pamela could remember. At that moment, she felt helplessly responsible for this emotional shock to a young person in her charge. She also had grown fond of Francesca