Chapter 2 - A Room Full of Witnesses
One violinist lowered her bow like she was afraid the sound itself had broken something.
"It's an electrical test," Celeste announced. "Everybody relax."
Marisol's eyes filled with angry tears. "I watched them chain the staff staircase. That isn't a test."
Adrian took out his phone. He had spent thirteen years signing checks for the Harlow Grand and six months believing Celeste's claim that she was saving it.
"Cedric," he called. "Explain the exits."
Holt emerged from behind a column. "A trespasser triggered a security response, sir. My team has the building under control."
"Then open the doors."
"We can't until the threat is contained."
Iris felt every muscle in her back tighten. "A hotel doesn't get to trap two hundred people because your boss doesn't like one of them."
A guest pulled on the ballroom's nearest door. It opened three inches before a heavy resistance stopped it. The man tried again. "Something's holding it."
Panic spread in soft waves: a chair scraping, glass hitting marble, a woman calling for her husband. Iris raised her voice without shouting. "Use the other exits. Walk. Don't run. Check the doors before anyone crowds them."
"Who put you in charge?" Celeste demanded.
"Nobody. That's why I'm not asking permission."
Adrian motioned to the hotel staff. A waiter named Eddie hurried to the east corridor, tried the door there, and gave a thumbs-up. People began moving. Through it all, Holt stood perfectly still, texting someone.
Iris leaned toward Marisol. "Who is Mr. Bell?"
"Owen Bell. Chief engineer. He found a service log in the old wing. He said it proved my father hadn't started the fire."
The fire. Saint Alder, nine years ago. Five hotel workers dead. A maintenance man convicted of disabling a smoke barrier. Iris's mother, Rosa Navarro, had been among the dead. Iris hadn't been inside the Grand since the memorial.
Marisol caught Iris's wrist. "Owen called you because your mom left him a note. He was supposed to give it to you tonight."
"Where is he?"
"Basement archive corridor. I heard him yelling through the door."
Adrian turned back. "I'm coming with you."
"Your fiancée won't like that," Iris said.
"She'll have to live with it."
May you like
Across the room, Celeste lowered her phone. Her expression had changed from rage to something colder.
"Adrian," she said quietly. "If you go down there, I will show everyone what your father signed."
