Chapter 2
I moved Maisie into my study with one female staff member she trusted.
She refused to let go of my hand until I promised I would stay outside the door.
I kept that promise.
Then I brought Frank and Renata into the council room.
Nobody else sat.
Neither did I.
I placed the tablet on the table.
“Correcting her for what?”
Frank leaned back as though he still owned the chair behind him.
“She lies.”
I looked at Renata.
“About what?”
“She took something from my room.”
Maisie.
Three years old.
Accused of theft by a woman wearing enough jewelry to pay for a small house.
“What?”
Renata hesitated.
“A bracelet.”
Frank spoke immediately.
“She denied it.”
I watched him.
“You questioned her?”
“Yes.”
“You restrained her?”
“She was screaming.”
I almost laughed.
“She was three.”
“That’s exactly why this behavior needs stopping early.”
There it was.
Old Caruso logic.
Cruelty becomes discipline if the victim is young enough.
I looked at Renata.
“Did you find the bracelet?”
“No.”
“Did you search her?”
Frank frowned.
“Vito.”
I did not look at him.
“Did you?”
Renata crossed her arms.
“Yes.”
“Where?”
Her eyes shifted.
“Laundry room.”
“Why there?”
Silence.
I leaned closer.
“Why not in front of the family?”
Frank answered.
“Because family embarrassment stays private.”
I finally looked at him.
“No.”
My voice stayed low.
“Abuse stays private when people like you need witnesses removed.”
His face hardened.
Then one of my guards entered.
He held a small velvet pouch.
“Found this in Ms. Renata’s bedroom.”
Renata’s face drained.
Inside was the bracelet.
The one she claimed Maisie stole.
I stared at it.
Then at her.
“You already had it.”
No answer.
Frank looked toward Renata.
That surprised me.
He did not know.
Interesting.
I stepped closer.
“Then Maisie was never being punished for stealing.”
Renata finally whispered:
“She was being taught not to touch what doesn’t belong to her.”
I looked at the bracelet again.
May you like
It was not hers.
It carried my late mother’s crest.
