Chapter 3 - Mrs. Lewis Speaks
Helen Lewis had worked for Michael Ashford for nineteen years.
She was sixty-one.
She had survived Michael’s parents.
His first apartment.
His first company.
His divorce.
Three houses.
And Rose.
She had never openly criticized anyone in front of an employer.
That evening, she said:
“Mr. Ashford, Naomi is telling the truth.”
The foyer went silent.
Michael turned.
Helen continued.
“Mrs. Ashford struck her first.”
Rose scoffed.
“Helen, you’re confused.”
“No.”
One word.
Rose stared.
Helen’s hands trembled, but her voice didn’t.
“You also struck Grace two months ago.”
Rose’s face hardened.
Michael looked at Helen.
“Grace?”
“Grace Harper. The maid who resigned.”
“I was told she stole a bracelet.”
Helen swallowed.
“That was what Mrs. Ashford said.”
Rose stepped forward.
“She did.”
Helen looked at me.
Then at Michael.
“The bracelet was found later.”
I had not known that.
Michael’s eyes narrowed.
“Where?”
Helen answered:
“In Mrs. Ashford’s winter jewelry case.”
Rose immediately said:
“It had been moved.”
“By Grace?”
“I don’t know.”
“Then why was she accused?”
Rose’s voice sharpened.
“Because people steal from wealthy homes, Michael. This isn’t complicated.”
May you like
Michael answered:
“It’s becoming complicated.”
