Chapter 4 - THE MAID WHO KNEW TOO MUCH
Norah spent the morning cleaning the east corridor.
She moved automatically.
Dusting furniture.
Polishing brass.
Changing flowers.
But her mind remained in the basement.
The cuff link was hidden inside her shoe.
She didn't know why she'd kept it.
Perhaps because it was the first tangible clue she'd found in six years.
At noon, Arthur appeared at the end of the corridor.
Norah's pulse jumped.
He wore a fresh black suit.
His expression was unreadable.
“Miss Hayes.”
She straightened.
“Mr. Costello.”
“I need a word.”
She looked toward the other staff.
Arthur noticed.
“In the library. The door will stay open.”
The detail surprised her.
She followed him.
Inside, sunlight fell across shelves of old books.
Arthur stood beside a window.
“You were right.”
Norah frowned.
“About what?”
“Last night. I shouldn't have come to your room.”
She stared.
Arthur continued.
“I put you in a dangerous position.”
Norah folded her arms.
“Yes.”
“I apologize.”
She studied him.
Then nodded.
“Accepted.”
Arthur looked at her.
“Are you hurt?”
“My wrist is fine.”
He glanced down.
The faint marks of his fingers remained.
His expression changed.
“I'm sorry for that too.”
Norah didn't soften.
“Don't do it again.”
“I won't.”
Silence stretched between them.
Then Arthur asked:
“Did I leave anything behind?”
Norah's heart stopped.
She kept her face still.
“Like what?”
“A cuff link.”
She swallowed.
Arthur watched her.
“Silver. Black wolf.”
Norah stared.
Then reached into her pocket.
She had moved it there before starting her shift.
She placed it on the table.
Arthur picked it up.
His face changed.
“Where did you get this?”
“You dropped it.”
He stared at the engraving.
D.C.
His jaw tightened.
“This isn't mine.”
Norah's breath caught.
“Then whose is it?”
Arthur looked toward the open door.
May you like
Then lowered his voice.
“My father's.”
