Chapter 7 - THE PENDANT
We found it inside Mia’s toy jewelry box.
Small brass pendant.
Oval.
Heavy.
I examined the back.
Tiny ridges.
Not jewelry.
A physical security key.
Elena stared.
“What is this?”
“I don't know yet.”
“Why would my father have it?”
“That’s what I intend to discover.”
Her eyes hardened.
“Stop.”
“What?”
“You know more than you’re telling me.”
Fair.
So I told her almost everything.
Vivien.
Payments.
The photograph.
My mother.
The old vault.
Elena went pale.
“She threatened my daughter over this?”
“Yes.”
“Then why is she still inside this house?”
Because I needed evidence.
Because throwing her out might send her directly to people I couldn't see.
Because rage could make Mia less safe.
I explained.
Elena understood logically.
Emotionally?
No.
Neither did I.
“I want Mia out.”
“Where?”
“My sister’s.”
“Unsafe.”
Her expression sharpened.
“You don't decide.”
Correct.
I stopped.
“What would make you comfortable?”
She considered.
“Your mother’s cottage.”
On estate grounds.
Separate security.
“No Vivien.”
May you like
“Done.”
That was the first time Elena looked at me as though perhaps power did not automatically mean control.
