“Yes, well, Regina is very… diligent,” Eleanor said with a dismissive wave. “That will be all, dear. We have business to discuss.”
At that moment, Ms. Monroe’s phone rang. She excused herself and stepped toward the window, fully absorbed in a conversation about schedules and contracts. Eleanor, meanwhile, reached for an éclair and forgot the rest of the room existed.
Regina moved on instinct. Her left hand adjusted the dessert stand. Her right slipped into her apron pocket, found the envelope, and in one quick, smooth motion dropped it into the open mouth of Ms. Monroe’s handbag. The cash settled silently at the bottom. The bag barely shifted.
Regina picked up the empty tray without changing expression.
“Thank you, Regina,” Eleanor said without even looking at her.
“Of course,” Regina replied. “I’ll be in the kitchen if you need anything else.”
The second she stepped into the hallway, heat rushed through her and she leaned against the cool wall, trying to steady her knees. Agnes poked her head out of the kitchen.
“Regina, you look pale. You okay?”
“I’m fine. Just got a little overheated. I’m all right.”
“Sit down for a minute. I’ll get you some water.”
“No, really. I’m okay.”
She straightened up, smoothed her apron, and gave Agnes such a bright smile that the older woman narrowed her eyes and went back to the dishes.
The shouting started twenty minutes later.
Eleanor came flying down the stairs, wringing her hands and calling out loud enough to rattle the glass in the china cabinet.
“The money is gone! Eighteen thousand dollars I put in the safe—gone! I knew it. I knew there was a thief in this house.”
Ms. Monroe slowly set her cup on the saucer and looked at Eleanor with the calm of someone watching a machine malfunction.
“If money has been stolen, then you should call the police and file a report.”
Eleanor’s face changed instantly. Police meant questions, fingerprints, and the collapse of her whole setup.
“Oh no, Elvira, let’s not be hasty. We’re civilized people. We can handle this ourselves.” She turned sharply toward Regina. “We should search her room immediately. I’m sure that’s where it is.”
