The Secret Hidden Behind the Charity Gala
“We do not make that conclusion yet,” Nolan said.
Emma looked from him to Daniel.
“Then what conclusion do we make?”
“That the monitor was left unattended under suspicious circumstances. Nothing more.”
Daniel folded his arms. “Who knew the corridor camera covered the drink station?”
Nolan glanced at the paused image on Emma’s phone. “Security staff. Senior event management. Possibly members of the estate office.”
“Victoria?”
“She has attended planning meetings here before.”
Claire Wexler shifted in her chair.
Everyone turned toward her.
She set down the untouched water.
“Victoria asked about the cameras last week.”
Nolan’s attention sharpened. “What did she ask?”
“Whether donors were recorded in private areas.”
“Which private areas?”
“The east terrace, the service corridor, the upstairs powder rooms.”
Emma frowned. “Why would she ask about the service corridor?”
Claire rubbed one finger along the edge of the glass.
“She said a guest complained about staff filming people without consent.”
“Was there a complaint?” Nolan asked.
“Not that I know of.”
Daniel looked toward the fireplace.
“When did this conversation happen?”
“Tuesday afternoon.”
“Who else heard it?”
“My assistant. Victoria’s publicist. Maybe one of the florists.”
Nolan wrote down the names.
Emma watched Claire. Something about the woman’s posture had changed since the ballroom. Her shoulders were too rigid, her answers too careful.
“You knew she was interested in the cameras,” Emma said.
Claire looked at her.
“I knew she asked a question.”
“And you didn’t tell security.”
Claire’s expression tightened. “I did not know she intended to tamper with a drink.”
“I didn’t say you did.”
“No, but that is what you mean.”
Emma opened her mouth.
Marlene stepped in.
“Enough.”
The word was quiet but effective.
Nolan turned to Emma. “We need to establish whether anyone else accessed the monitor before you.”
“Lucas was there when I first passed the pantry.”
“How long before you returned?”
“Maybe three minutes.”
“What was he doing?”
“Watching the corridor feed.”
“Live footage?”
“I think so.”
“Did he see Victoria?”
“I don’t know.”
“Did he seem concerned?”
“No.”
Nolan typed something into his phone.
Daniel said, “Find him.”
“I already sent two officers.”
The library door opened.
One of the estate guards entered.
“Lucas is gone.”
Nolan looked up. “Gone where?”
“His locker is empty. Car left the south lot at ten forty-seven.”
Emma turned toward the clock on the mantel.
The glass shattered at approximately eleven.
“He left before I showed the video,” she said.
Nolan nodded.
“Which means he left before anyone knew there was a problem.”
Daniel’s face hardened.
“Or he knew exactly when the problem would begin.”
Claire stood.
“This is becoming absurd.”
Daniel looked at her. “Sit down.”
She stared at him.
“Daniel, I organized this gala. I will not be spoken to like a suspect.”
“You are not a suspect.”
“You are treating everyone like one.”
“No. Nolan is asking questions.”
“And you are closing doors, taking phones, and threatening reputations.”
Daniel’s voice stayed level.
“No one took your phone.”
Claire glanced toward Emma’s device on the desk.
“She gave permission.”
Emma said, “He asked.”
Claire ignored her.
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“What happens when this gets out?” she asked Daniel. “The press will say someone tried to poison you at
