The investigators recorded each account without treating any single statement as decisive.

When asked how she had obtained the watch, Bridgett initially described it as a loan.

Then she produced a message from Connor: “It’s yours.

You deserve something beautiful after everything you’ve done for me.”

I saw that message only after it was supplied to the outside investigator and included in evidence the board was permitted to review.

Its date was two days before Helen’s birthday.

Connor had not lent the watch.