CHAPTER 6
The wooden front door opened.
Officer Harris stepped into the courtyard in a black police uniform, followed by Mrs. Miller in her blue maid uniform and white apron.
Mrs. Miller stopped when she saw Eleanor in the cage.
Her hand flew to her mouth.
Officer Harris looked from the locked cage to Vivian.
His expression changed immediately.
“Ma’am,” he said to Vivian, “step away from the cage.”
Vivian’s voice cracked.
“This is private property.”
Officer Harris moved closer.
“Not anymore.”
Emily looked at Mrs. Miller.
The housekeeper’s eyes were red.
“I’m sorry,” Mrs. Miller whispered. “I should have called sooner.”
Vivian snapped, “You signed a confidentiality agreement.”
Mrs. Miller flinched, then lifted her chin.
“I signed to protect the family. Not to help you hide this.”
Emily turned back to the cage lock.
“Do you have the key?”
Mrs. Miller nodded quickly.
Vivian lunged one step forward.
Officer Harris blocked her path.
May you like
“Don’t,” he said.
The single word froze the courtyard.
