Cynthia Dion: 

He was not only taken aback but infuriated that she had dared to pose this question. I observed him inhale deeply before attempting to maintain a façade of composure.

"She took a tumble down the stairs," Mara explained. I could see she was trying to butter him up and signal her loyalty.

"And did the stairs also decide to give her a few kicks, breaking her ribs? Perhaps the stairwell decided to get in on the action and stab her too?" Doctor Vivienne ...