Chapter 6 - THE WOMAN WHO CONTROLLED THE HOUSE
Cassandra noticed the change immediately.
The next morning, she found me preparing Leah's breakfast.
“Emily.”
I turned.
“Yes?”
“I understand you've been speaking privately with Mr. Duca.”
I nodded.
“About Leah.”
Her smile tightened.
“Leah's care is my responsibility.”
“I'm her nanny.”
“You're temporary staff.”
I looked at her.
“I'm aware.”
She stepped closer.
“Then perhaps you should remember your place.”
The words were familiar.
I'd heard them from hospital administrators when I couldn't pay my mother's bills.
From landlords when rent was late.
From employers who believed desperation made people obedient.
I set down the spoon.
“My place is wherever Leah needs me to be.”
Cassandra's eyes hardened.
“You have no idea what this family has endured.”
“No,” I said.
“I don't.”
She leaned closer.
“Then stop pretending you can fix it.”
I looked at her.
“I'm not trying to fix the family.”
I paused.
“I'm trying to help a frightened child feel safe.”
For a moment, Cassandra's expression changed.
Something ugly flashed behind her eyes.
Then she smiled.
“Enjoy your little victory.”
She walked away.
That afternoon, Rosa found me in the laundry room.
Her hands were shaking.
“Miss Emily.”
I turned.
“What is it?”
She glanced toward the door.
“Cassandra has been lying.”
My heart tightened.
“About what?”
Rosa swallowed.
“About the blue room.”
I waited.
She lowered her voice.
“Leah used to cry every time Cassandra took her there.”
My stomach dropped.
“Why didn't you tell Mr. Duca?”
Rosa's eyes filled.
“I tried.”
“What happened?”
“She told him I was confused. That I was too old to remember properly.”
Rosa wiped her eyes.
“Then she threatened to fire me.”
I looked at her.
“Did you ever see what happened inside?”
Rosa shook her head.
“The door was always closed.”
She hesitated.
“But once, I heard Leah screaming.”
My chest tightened.
“What did Cassandra say?”
Rosa's voice broke.
“She said the child needed discipline.”
I stared at her.
Then asked:
“Did you hear anything else?”
Rosa nodded slowly.
“A clicking sound.”
I felt cold.
“Like a button?”
May you like
She looked at me.
“Yes.”
