Chapter 2 - A Perfect Explanation
Victoria recovered with a wounded laugh. “Eleanor's key? Maya has been obsessed with that old study. I moved a few things because the room is dusty. That's all.”
“What key?” Richard asked.
“The little brass one,” Maya whispered. “The one Mommy kept on a blue ribbon.”
Richard remembered it. Eleanor had worn the key around her neck when she worked in the small study off the west corridor. After her death, he had locked the room because every object inside it felt like another loss. He had not opened it in nearly two years.
Victoria brushed a tear from her cheek. “Maya found it in a drawer. I took it away because the room isn't safe for a child. I meant to return it.”
“Then give it to me.”
Her fingers tightened around the handbag. “I don't have it.”
Maya pointed at the little side pocket. “You put it there when you changed my shoes.”
Richard had negotiated with people who lied for a living. He knew the pause that came when someone searched for a better lie. Victoria opened her bag and displayed its contents: lipstick, compact, tissues, phone. No key.
“See?” she said. “She's confused.”
Richard turned to Grace Holloway, the housekeeper. Grace looked down too quickly.
“Did you see Maya with a key?” he asked.
Grace swallowed. “I saw Miss Maya holding something earlier, sir. Mrs. Vance told me to take her downstairs, but the child was frightened.”
Victoria's expression sharpened. “Grace, that is enough.”
“Victoria,” Richard said, “go downstairs. I'll join you when I can.”
“You're choosing this over me?”
“I'm choosing to find out why my daughter is terrified.”
May you like
Victoria smoothed her dress and walked away. Maya waited until her heels faded down the stairs.
Then she whispered, “Daddy, she says Mommy died because I was born.”
