She was a chess player who had just placed her opponent in an inescapa

the cool earth, tending the roses for herself. Her serenit

ion copy of The Great Gatsby was defaced with crayon. Maria, the head housekeeper, wrung her han

oom when Kathryn sat opposite her, watching Leo u

id, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "

of her lips that didn't reach her eyes. Her gaze drifted to the large abstract painting hangi

ce a conspiratorial whisper. "Leo, d

ng and looked at h

ing. "See the big red dot in the middle

lee. Kathryn frowned, a flicker of uneas

Mrs. Saunders," she whispered urgently, "th

ssuring glance. "It's fine, Maria

o, Anabel had the original piece carefully packe

ented friend from her art history days. She had even paid extra for the frame to be a

s limited to brand names and aucti

priceless" painting. She was going to make

bel felt a quiet sense of control. She was

ball from his toy chest. He was taking aim

on the steaming liquid, and settled bac