She’d expected an angry lecture.
Perhaps a complaint to the catering supervisor.
She hadn’t expected Vivienne to reach for the riding crop she’d brought into the ballroom after inspecting a collection of equestrian items being prepared for a charity auction.
Vivienne had been carrying it like an ornament.
Until she decided to use it as a weapon.
The first strike had come so suddenly that Ivy barely understood what was happening.
Only afterward had she felt the tear in her skin.
“I should have told the truth,” Maya whispered.
Ivy leaned toward her.
“You can still tell the truth.”
Maya looked frightened.
“Will I lose my job?”
“I can’t promise what your employer will do. But you won’t be facing this alone.”
There was a knock.
Ronan entered with Catherine Moore.
He had changed out of his rain-soaked coat.
His tie was loosened, and his hair was still damp.
“Ms. Lancaster,” he said, “the police have arrived. They’d like to speak with you when you’re ready.”
Ivy looked at Maya.
“Will they need her statement too?”
“Yes. They may want to speak with both of you separately.”
Maya began twisting her hands.
Ronan noticed.
“No one needs to answer questions for the other person,” he said. “Tell them what you saw.”
Ivy considered him.
“Mr. Blackwood, I want to ask something before they come in.”
“Of course.”
“Am I still employed here?”
Ronan looked startled.
“Yes.”
