Chapter 3 - THE WOMAN IN THE SECURITY OFFICE
The following morning, I returned to the Bellweather Hotel.
Not because Vincent had asked me to.
Because I had left my evening bag in the ballroom.
At least, that was the excuse I gave Graham.
In truth, I wanted to know whether the security office existed.
I found it on the east side of the hotel.
A woman sat behind the desk.
She was in her forties, with short dark hair and a calm expression.
“Can I help you?”
I hesitated.
“Mr. Marchetti said this office was staffed all night.”
She looked at me carefully.
“Are you Evelyn Harper?”
My heart jumped.
“Yes.”
She nodded.
“My name is Detective Elena Brooks. I'm working with the hotel's security team on a private investigation.”
I stared.
“Detective?”
“Former detective. Now a licensed investigator.”
I looked toward the door.
“Did Vincent send you?”
“He asked me to make sure you knew you could speak privately if you wanted.”
I swallowed.
“About what?”
Elena didn't move closer.
“Whatever you need.”
I sat slowly.
For several minutes, I said nothing.
Then I asked:
“If someone pays your family's medical bills, does that mean you owe them?”
Elena's expression softened.
“No.”
“What if they say you do?”
“That doesn't make it true.”
I looked down at my wrist.
She noticed.
But she didn't ask to see it.
Instead, she said:
“Evelyn, you can tell me as much or as little as you want. You decide.”
Something inside me loosened.
Not enough to cry.
May you like
Not yet.
But enough to breathe.
