Chapter 3
Hidden behind the massive carved oak doors of the foyer, Elena pressed her back against the cool wood, her chest heaving. The sound of Clara’s cruel laughter echoed through the cavernous hallway, piercing the young maid’s ears. Elena clutched her phone tightly, her knuckles white. She had worked at the estate for only six months, hired through an agency that vetted her discretion, but she possessed a fierce sense of justice that could not be silenced by a paycheck.
She glanced down at her apron pocket where her phone rested. She knew Julian was rushing back, but the minutes felt like hours. Every second Martha spent exposed to the freezing deluge increased the risk of hypothermia or worse. Elena knew she had to act, even if it meant risking her job, her meager salary, and Clara’s wrath.
Silently, Elena slipped the deadbolt on the side service entrance, turning the heavy brass key with agonizing slowness to avoid the metallic click. She pulled the heavy door open just a few inches, peering out into the torrential rain. The amber glow of the security lights illuminated Martha’s trembling form on the upper steps. Clara had turned her back, walking toward the grand terrace doors to re-enter the warm, brightly lit interior of the mansion.
"Mrs. Martha! Over here! Please!" Elena whispered urgently, pushing the heavy service door wider and ducking her head into the downpour. She didn't care that her uniform was instantly soaked through. She sprinted the short distance across the side patio, ignoring the mud splashing against her black shoes.
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Martha lifted her head, her vision blurred by tears and rain. Recognizing the young maid, a faint sigh of gratitude escaped the older woman’s blue lips. "Elena... child, you shouldn't..." Martha choked out, her voice barely audible.
"Stop talking, please, lean on me," Elena urged, wrapping her strong, youthful arm firmly around Martha’s frail waist. Together, with immense effort, they dragged themselves away from the open steps, retreating toward the sheltered overhang of the side pantry entrance. The storm raged on overhead, but the thick stone walls offered a momentary sanctuary from the worst of the wind.
