Chapter 6: The Unlikely Ally**
Standing at the base of the garden trellis was Mrs. Gable, the estate’s head housekeeper of thirty-five years. She was holding a heavy service ladder and a dark woolen coat.
"Quickly, child," Mrs. Gable whispered, steadying the ladder against the stone balcony. "Before the guards complete their perimeter sweep."
Clara climbed down carefully, step by step, her muscles trembling with exhaustion. When her feet touched the damp earth, Mrs. Gable immediately wrapped the warm coat around Clara’s shoulders.
"Mrs. Gable... why are you helping me?" Clara asked, breathless. "If Eleanor finds out, you’ll lose your pension. You’ll lose everything."
The older woman looked at Clara with fierce, sorrowful eyes. "Thirty years ago, Eleanor Vance did the exact same thing to another young woman who carried an inconvenient truth into this house. That girl had nobody to help her down the ladder. I’ve carried that silence on my conscience for three decades. I won't carry it to my grave."
Mrs. Gable reached into her apron pocket and pulled out a small silver thumb drive, pressing it firmly into Clara’s palm.
"What is this?" Clara asked.
May you like
"The foyer security footage," Mrs. Gable said with a faint, defiant smile. "The estate server room has two backups. Richard wiped the primary one fifteen minutes ago, but he forgot that the butler’s pantry has its own localized recording unit. Take it. Clear your name. Protect that child."
---
