Margaret’s breathing was sharp and uneven.
“It’s gone.”
Within minutes, the house transformed.
Doors were locked.
Security staff were called.
Employees were ordered into the main hall.
There were seven of them: two housekeepers, the cook, a gardener, a driver, Clara, and a weekend assistant.
Margaret stood at the foot of the staircase.
“No one leaves.”
Adam looked uncomfortable.
“Mother, perhaps you misplaced it.”
“I have worn that necklace for thirty-seven years.”
She lifted the empty case.
“I know where I keep it.”
The security chief asked who had access to the upstairs rooms.
Several people did.
But Margaret’s eyes moved immediately toward Clara.
“You cleaned my dressing room yesterday.”
Clara blinked.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Were you alone?”
“For part of the time.”
Margaret nodded slowly, as though Clara had just confessed.
Adam noticed.
