Chapter 16 - THE STAFF WHO KEPT QUIET
Five staff members knew pieces of Celeste’s plan.
None knew all of it.
Louise knew about storage.
Grace knew about nanny replacement.
The decorator knew about photographs coming down.
The wedding planner knew about a “fresh family portrait.”
The driver knew Celeste had visited Northline Storage twice.
Why did no one tell me?
Different reasons.
Louise believed I approved.
The decorator believed it was decoration.
The wedding planner considered it private domestic planning.
The driver had no reason to question a storage visit.
Grace was the only one who suspected something deeper.
She waited too long.
“I thought you would choose Celeste over me.”
That sentence surprised me.
“Why?”
“She was going to be your wife.”
“So?”
Grace looked almost embarrassed.
“People who work in homes learn when not to interfere.”
There.
Domestic hierarchy.
Not criminal silence.
Social silence.
I changed staff policy.
Any instruction involving disposal or relocation of a minor child’s sentimental property required written approval from the child’s legal parent or custodian.
Any attempt to restrict a child’s communication with therapist, relatives, or established caregiver required documented parental authorization.
Not:
ask Alessio.
May you like
Procedure.
So the next powerful person could not simply speak in my voice.
