Chapter 3 - The Last WalkThe following afternoon, Eleanor decided to take the grand staircase.
Martha was carrying freshly folded linens toward the west wing.
“Careful, sweetheart,” Martha called. “Those stairs are slippery.”
Eleanor smiled.
“I'll be careful.”
She placed one hand on the banister.
The house was unusually quiet.
Outside, rain had begun tapping against the enormous windows.
Richard sat inside his private study, watching security monitors.
One camera showed the staircase.
One showed the foyer.
One showed Eleanor.
His finger rested near the remote control connected to the chandelier system.
He waited.
Eleanor took another step.
Then another.
A faint metallic creak came from above.
She stopped.
Her eyes lifted.
The enormous crystal chandelier trembled.
Just slightly.
Eleanor frowned.
“Martha?”
The chandelier shifted again.
This time, the sound was louder.
May you like
Metal groaned.
The suspension cable snapped.
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