Chapter 10
The days passed in a blur.
The hair and makeup artist came. She worked magic. She cut my hair, styled it in an elegant updo. She applied makeup that highlighted my features but changed them just enough.
When she was done, I barely recognized myself.
I looked like someone who belonged at a gala. Someone who belonged in Harrison's world.
Good.
Detective Chen came every day. We refined the plan. We practiced. We made sure everything was perfect.
I tried to call the hospital to check on Margaret. The nurses said she was resting. No visitors allowed.
I worried about her. But I also knew she was safer in the hospital than anywhere else. Harrison wouldn't dare hurt her again with so many witnesses around.
The night before the gala, I couldn't sleep.
I put on the emerald dress. I looked at myself in the mirror.
I thought about the woman I'd been three years ago. Naive. In love. Trusting.
She was gone.
In her place was someone stronger. Harder. Someone who'd fought through hell and was ready to fight even harder.
I picked up the gun Margaret had given me. I checked it. I put it in my purse.
I hoped I wouldn't need it.
But I was ready if I did.
The next morning, Detective Chen arrived. She was wearing a beautiful navy gown. She looked stunning.
"You ready?" she said.
"As I'll ever be," I said.
We drove to the estate.
The Mercer house looked even more impressive at night. Lights blazed from every window. Cars lined the long driveway. Waiters in uniforms moved through the crowd with champagne flutes.
We parked at the end of the driveway and walked.
My heart hammered against my ribs. Every step felt like walking toward a firing squad.
We reached the entrance. A man in a tuxedo checked our invitations.
"Welcome," he said with a smile.
We walked inside.
The grand ballroom was breathtaking. Crystal chandeliers. White flowers everywhere. A live orchestra playing soft music.
Hundreds of people. All dressed in their finest. All laughing and talking.
None of them knew the truth about the man hosting this party.
None of them knew about the little girl who was probably locked in her room upstairs, afraid to make a sound.
I scanned the crowd.
There he was.
Harrison. Standing at the center of a group of people. Laughing. Charming. Perfect.
He looked older. More distinguished. But his eyes were the same. Cold. Empty.
Next to him was Celestine. Beautiful as ever. Wearing a white gown that cost more than I'd made in the last three years. She was smiling and laughing, playing the perfect hostess.
I felt a surge of anger. Of hatred.
Detective Chen squeezed my arm.
"Easy," she whispered. "Not yet."
I took a deep breath. I calmed myself.
We moved through the crowd. I kept my head down. I let my hair fall partially over my face.
No one recognized me.
Good.
I saw Captain Reeves across the room. He was in uniform, talking to another officer. He looked tense. Alert.
He knew something was going to happen. He just didn't know what.
I checked my watch. 7:45 PM.
Fifteen minutes until the website went live. Fifteen minutes until the news broke.
Forty-five minutes until Harrison's speech.
I walked toward the staircase. I needed to see Elodie. I needed to know she was okay.
"Where are you going?" Detective Chen said.
"Upstairs," I said. "I need to see her."
"It's too dangerous," she said.
"I don't care," I said. "I need to know she's okay."
She sighed.
"Five minutes," she said. "I'll keep watch."
I slipped up the staircase. The second floor was quiet. The sound of the party faded below.
I knew which room was Elodie's. I'd dreamed about it a hundred times.
I walked down the hallway. I stopped outside her door.
I could hear soft music. A lullaby.
I turned the handle. It was unlocked.
I stepped inside.
The room was beautiful. Pink walls. Stuffed animals everywhere. A canopy bed.
And there she was.
Elodie. Sitting on the floor, playing with her stuffed rabbit. She was wearing pajamas. Her hair was loose.
She looked up when I entered.
Her eyes went wide.
I put my finger to my lips.
"Shhh," I whispered.
She stared at me. Recognition slowly dawned in her eyes.
"You're the lady from the cliff," she whispered.
I nodded. I knelt down so I was at her level.
"I'm Maren," I said softly. "I came to see how you are."
"I'm okay," she said. She looked at the door. "Is Celestine mad?"
"No," I said. "She's downstairs. With all the guests."
Elodie relaxed. Just a little.
"Why are you here?" she asked.
"Because I wanted to see you," I said. "I wanted to make sure you're okay."
She looked at me curiously.
"Are you my friend?" she asked.
I smiled. Tears burned my eyes.
"I'm more than that," I said. "I'm your—"
The door opened.
May you like
I spun around.
Celestine stood in the doorway. Her face was a mask of shock and rage.
