Chapter 15 - At the Side Gate
Leo's team refused access and documented the attempt. Graham never reached the house, and no one chased him through the grounds. Police took the report and compared it with the ongoing investigation.
Ethan wanted every window secured. Lily wanted to know why the alarm beeped during dinner. I suggested we tell her the truth without giving her every frightening detail.
"Someone who isn't allowed here tried the gate," Ethan said. "The staff stopped him. You are safe tonight."
"Is Vivienne coming?"
"No. Not tonight. And if anything changes, I will tell you."
Lily watched him for a moment. "You promise you'll tell me even if it's bad?"
"Yes."
Graceful promises, I was learning, were less useful than ones an adult could keep.
Later that week the hospital's follow-up tests and clinical review strengthened concerns about repeated unauthorized exposure, though the physicians were careful about what the evidence could prove. The recovered syringe and items collected from the party remained with investigators for forensic testing.
Lily was gaining energy. She played outside for half an hour, then rested without apologizing. She could speak to Rosa and me most days, but crowded rooms still made her go quiet.
"I thought being quiet would keep me out of trouble," she told Ethan over breakfast.
"You never had to earn safety by being quiet."
"I didn't know that."
His eyes filled. He didn't make her comfort him.
May you like
That afternoon Detective Chen called. Investigators had traced the threatening messages sent to me to a marketing contractor connected to Stillwater. The contractor said she'd been paid to "protect the brand," but she had kept the instructions.
One instruction came directly from Vivienne's account.
