CHAPTER 2 – The Evidence
Victoria’s face lost its color in a single, careful wave.
Then the expression returned: cool, offended, almost bored.
“You’re bluffing.”
“No,” Elena said.
The answer was so quiet that it seemed to travel farther than a shout.
Julian moved closer to her. His shoulder brushed hers, and Elena felt the tremor he was trying to hide.
“What is in the vault?” he asked.
Victoria turned on him.
“You’ve been drinking.”
“I asked what is in the vault.”
“You asked an outrageous question based on something your wife invented to humiliate me.”
Elena reached beneath the folds of her gown and withdrew a small black device no larger than a matchbox. She placed it on the nearest table beside a tower of untouched champagne flutes.
The device blinked green.
Julian stared at it.
“What is that?”
“A receiver,” Elena said. “The transmitter is still inside the ring.”
Victoria’s eyes snapped toward the river.
“No,” she whispered.
It was the first honest word she had spoken all night.
The ballroom doors opened.
Three people entered, followed by two uniformed officers and a woman in a dark blue suit. The woman carried a leather folder beneath one arm. Her silver hair was cut close to her jaw, and she walked with the unhurried confidence of someone who had never needed permission to enter a room.
Victoria recognized her.
“Marian Bell.”
The attorney stopped several feet away.
“Mrs. Sterling.”
“What are you doing on my property?”
“Serving notice,” Marian said. “And witnessing what happens next.”
The officers remained by the doors. Behind them stood the estate manager, Thomas Reed, with his hands clasped in front of him. His face was gray.
Victoria looked from one person to another.
