CHAPTER 3
Emily moved toward Vivian slowly.
Her training told her not to rush.
Her heart told her to tear the whole courtyard apart.
Vivian stood in front of the patio entrance, one hand resting near her pearl necklace, pretending not to block the way.
“You look exhausted,” Vivian said. “Maybe you should go inside and freshen up before we talk.”
Emily did not blink.
“Move.”
Vivian laughed softly.
“This military attitude might work with strangers, but not in this house.”
“This is my mother’s house.”
Vivian’s smile disappeared.
“Your mother hasn’t known what belongs to her for months.”
Emily’s jaw tightened.
Behind Vivian, past the patio bars, something shifted.
A gray sleeve.
A pale hand.
Emily’s eyes moved past Vivian’s shoulder.
Vivian noticed.
For the first time, real panic crossed her face.
She stepped sideways.
Too late.
Emily saw the black metal cage against the wall beneath the glass roof.
At first, her mind refused to understand it.
Then she saw the fragile woman inside.
Short white hair.
Soft gray cardigan.
Thin hands gripping the bars.
Eleanor Walker looked up.
May you like
Her eyes filled with tears.
“Emily?”
