Chapter 5
I called Detective Harris before the cake was cut.
There would be no cake.
Not that day.
Guests were escorted out through the side doors.
Vivian stood beside me, silent, veil gone, bouquet abandoned on a chair.
Maisie sat with Flora near the wall, holding ice against her cheek.
Every time Portia shifted, Maisie flinched.
I saw Vivian notice.
Her face broke a little more each time.
Detective Harris arrived with two officers and the calm expression of a woman who had seen rich families rot from the inside.
She read the letter.
Looked at the photograph.
Then asked Portia one question.
“Where is Elena Rossi?”
Portia smiled.
“I have no idea.”
Cedric whispered, “Portia.”
She ignored him.
Detective Harris turned to him.
“Do you?”
He looked at Maisie.
Then at the shattered vase.
“My mother believed Elena was buried under a false name.”
Portia screamed, “Cedric!”
He shook.
But he kept speaking.
“She left instructions. I was too afraid to open them.”
Vivian stared at her father.
“You knew?”
“I suspected.”
“That’s worse.”
He closed his eyes.
“Yes.”
The officers took Portia for questioning after Flora confirmed the threat.
Before leaving, Portia looked at Vivian.
“You are choosing him over your mother?”
Vivian’s voice shook.
“I’m choosing the little girl you hit.”
Portia’s mask cracked.
For one second, pure rage looked out.
Then police led her away.
Maisie whispered, “Will she come back?”
I looked at her.
“Not tonight.”
May you like
It was not enough.
But it was true.
