//------------------------------//
// The Fugitive 
// Story: Mini Mysteries 
// by Acologic 
//------------------------------//

‘This is most irregular!’ cried Octavia, the celebrated cellist, after a dozen or so police ponies had barged into her concert hall, panting.

‘I’m sorry, miss,’ said Inspector Wormstead, ‘but we have reason to believe that one of your guests is a fugitive. No one leaves till we’ve caught her.’

Octavia bristled.

‘But the concert –!’

‘Can still take place,’ said Slipstar gently. ‘Inspector, kindly instruct your men to wait by the exits.’

As the organist on stage began to play, Slipstar spotted a rosy-cheeked mare, the seat beside of whom was empty.

‘May I?’ he asked.

‘Of course,’ she replied, and Slipstar sat. 

‘You are musical?’ 

‘Oh yes,’ said the mare. ‘I’m a pianist. I’ve performed at venues across Equestria, everywhere from Cavendish to Constantine. I love my work very much.’

The music, a slow lament, ended on a major chord.

‘Do you like the Picardy?’ asked Slipstar.

‘I’ve never been.’

‘All right, Slippy,’ sneered Wormstead a minute later. ‘You’ve had your fun. With or without your help, we begin searching now.’

‘No search is required. I have found her already.’

What gave the mare away?

Were the rosy-cheeked mare who she claimed to be, she would have assumed that Slipstar was referring to the Picardy cadence performed seconds beforehand and not to another music venue. Also, Slipstar’s suspicions were initially aroused by her appearance – he knew the fugitive’s face would be flushed.