Chapter 2 - THE HOUSEKEEPER'S DAUGHTER
The mansion's doctor arrived within eight minutes.
Dr. Samuel Price checked Lucas's pulse, listened to his breathing, and examined the inhaler lying on the marble.
“You need the hospital,” he said.
“I need to know why I couldn't breathe.”
“Both things can be true.”
Lucas sat against the wall while a guard brought a chair. Lily stood beside the housekeeper, clutching her pink inhaler with both hands.
The housekeeper was Elena Carter.
She had worked at the estate for four months. She was thirty-one, quiet, efficient, and careful never to attract attention. Lucas knew her face but had never learned much about her life.
Now she looked as though the floor might open beneath her.
“I'm sorry, Mr. Moretti,” she said. “I had no one to watch Lily. My sitter canceled. I thought I could keep her in the laundry room until my shift ended.”
“You brought a child into this house without permission?”
Elena lowered her head. “Yes, sir.”
“Why?”
“Because I need this job.”
Lucas looked at Lily.
The girl was watching him with a seriousness far beyond her years.
“Did you give me your medicine?”
She nodded. “Mommy says I can use it when my chest gets tight. I thought maybe it could help you too.”
Dr. Price looked at the inhaler. “I'm glad she acted quickly, but this is not a substitute for adult treatment. We need to examine you immediately.”
Lucas nodded.
Before the doctor could help him stand, he noticed Victor watching Elena.
Not with irritation.
With recognition.
It was a small thing. A slight narrowing of the eyes. A pause that lasted one beat too long.
Lucas filed it away.
“What's your name?” he asked the housekeeper.
“Elena Carter.”
“And the girl?”
“Lily.”
Lucas looked at the child. “You were brave, Lily.”
She shook her head. “I was scared.”
“Those aren't opposites.”
Lily considered that, then glanced at his inhaler.
“Your medicine was too far away.”
Lucas almost smiled. “You're right.”
Dr. Price helped him to his feet. The guards formed a protective circle, but Lucas stopped them from crowding Lily.
“Take me upstairs. And have the doctor check the medication in my inhaler.”
Victor stepped forward. “I'll handle the investigation.”
“No.”
Victor froze.
Lucas looked directly at him. “You'll do nothing until I tell you what to do.”
Victor bowed his head. “Of course, boss.”
***
Two hours later, Lucas was resting in his private bedroom.
Dr. Price had treated the attack and ordered a full examination. The doctor believed Lucas had suffered a severe respiratory episode, but he was concerned about the unusual timing and the condition of the inhaler.
“Someone may have tampered with the device,” he said.
Lucas's gaze sharpened. “May have?”
“I won't make an accusation without evidence. The medication cartridge appears damaged. I want it tested.”
“Keep the sample private.”
“Understood.”
After the doctor left, Lucas called Daniel's old room.
It had remained untouched for three years. The blue blanket had been replaced, the toys dusted, and the curtains opened each morning by the staff.
Lucas still could not bring himself to sleep there.
He looked at the small wooden truck on the shelf.
“I'm sorry, son,” he whispered.
A soft knock interrupted him.
Elena stood in the doorway.
“I'm sorry to disturb you, sir. I wanted to apologize again.”
Lucas gestured toward a chair. “Sit.”
She remained standing.
“Lily shouldn't have been here.”
“No. But she was.”
Elena's eyes filled. “Please don't fire me. I know I broke the rules. I won't bring her again.”
“Why don't you have anyone to watch her?”
“My mother died last year. Lily's father left before she was born. I work two jobs, and the woman who usually watches her had an emergency.”
Lucas studied her.
“Does Lily have asthma?”
“Yes, sir. Since she was a baby. It's usually controlled, but she gets frightened when her chest gets tight.”
“She recognized what was happening to me.”
Elena nodded. “She knows the feeling.”
Lucas looked toward the door.
“Your daughter saved my life. I won't punish you for being a mother who ran out of choices.”
Elena stared at him. “Thank you.”
“Lily can stay in the staff family room when you work, but she must remain with you or an assigned adult. We'll arrange proper childcare.”
“I can't accept—”
“You can.”
He paused.
“And Elena?”
“Yes, sir?”
“Don't tell anyone about what happened in the hallway. Not until I know what caused it.”
Her expression changed. “Do you think someone tried to hurt you?”
“I think I have spent too long trusting the wrong people.”
Elena left quietly.
May you like
Lucas picked up his phone and called Daniel.
“Find out everything about Elena Carter. Not because I suspect her. Because someone in this house knows why she was here today.”
