Chapter 6 - The Steel Trap
The morning Julian left for New York, the atmosphere in the Astor estate shifted back to its oppressive baseline. Ms. Thorne moved through the halls with a renewed, terrifying confidence.
At noon, two local police cruisers pulled up the long, winding driveway of the estate. Their lights flashed silently, casting ominous red and blue shadows against the stone facade. Elodie was in the library, carefully scanning a 19th-century deed, when the heavy oak doors burst open.
Two uniformed officers stepped inside, hands resting casually on their utility belts. Behind them stood Ms. Thorne, her face a mask of manufactured distress.
"That is her, officers," Ms. Thorne said, pointing a trembling finger at Elodie. "The girl I told you about."
Elodie stood up, her heart plummeting into her stomach. "What's going on? Can I help you?"
"Elodie Vance?" the taller officer asked, stepping forward. "We received a report of grand larceny from the head of this household. A piece of jewelry valued at over four hundred thousand dollars is missing from the master safe."
"I... I don't know anything about a safe," Elodie stammered, backing away. "I only work in the library. Mr. Astor has me digitizing files."
"A convenient cover," Ms. Thorne sneered. "Officers, I demand you search her belongings. This girl comes from the slums. She has a sick sister. She is desperate for money. I caught her lurking near the master suite yesterday."
"That's a lie!" Elodie cried out, panic seizing her throat. "I haven't left the library all week! You know that!"
"We'll need to search your quarters and your personal belongings, Miss," the officer said firmly. "If you have nothing to hide, this will be quick."
They marched her down to the servant’s wing. The other maids and footmen stood in the hallways, watching in horrified silence. Ms. Thorne directed the officers to Elodie’s small, sparse room. They tore through her meager belongings—a few books, a picture of Lily, her uniform.
Then, the officer picked up her winter coat. He patted it down. His hand stopped near the bottom hem. He frowned, pulling out a pocket knife, and sliced the lining open.
The heavy, glittering Astor Emerald Brooch tumbled out, hitting the floor with a sickening thud.
The room went dead silent. Elodie couldn't breathe. The walls were closing in. "No... no, I didn't! She put it there! She framed me! Please, you have to believe me!"
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"Elodie Vance," the officer said coldly, pulling a pair of steel handcuffs from his belt. "Turn around and place your hands behind your back. You have the right to remain silent..."
As the cold steel clamped around her wrists, Elodie looked at Ms. Thorne. The head housekeeper wasn't just smiling; she was glowing with absolute, sadistic victory. Elodie's world shattered. If she went to prison, Lily would die alone.
