Chapter 10
Lisette almost quit.
I expected that.
What I did not expect was her reason.
“My mother would tell me to stay.”
I looked at her.
“Do you want to?”
She hesitated.
“No.”
Good.
That was the answer that mattered.
She transferred to the hotel property downtown.
Day service.
No live-in requirement.
Her younger brother could remain at the same school.
Practical.
Not symbolic.
I offered more money because the new role involved longer transit.
She negotiated.
Hard.
Apparently surviving public framing improves confidence.
She left Winslowe House two weeks later.
Before going, she asked to see the bracelet once.
I opened the case.
She did not touch it.
“My mother said Mrs. Winslowe hated that thing.”
“So I’ve learned.”
“Are you putting it back?”
“Yes.”
She nodded.
“Good.”
No sentimental speech.
Then she added:
“Maybe use a better lock.”
I laughed.
Fair.
The mausoleum access system changed.
Not because theft was common.
Because trust without verification had failed.
Family members no longer received chapel maintenance access through social status.
Future spouse included.
No offense.
No special exception.
May you like
I could love someone and still require them to sign the same access book as everyone else.
That realization would have saved generations of trouble.
