Chapter 3 - THE STYLIST APPOINTMENT
The appointment card was real.
The mobile stylist was named Hanna Dale.
She cooperated immediately.
No secret accomplice.
No family loyalist.
A professional hired for a wedding.
Her booking notes said:
Bride requests flower girl cut after ceremony / before reception portraits.
Target:
Chin-length bob.
Client currently long hair.
Parent approval:
“Grandmother has authority.”
Who booked?
Marjorie’s wedding planner.
Who supplied that instruction?
Email from Lenora’s personal assistant.
The assistant said she believed Lenora had authority because she was Ivy’s grandmother and Sebastian would be present at the event.
Had she seen written parental consent?
No.
Did the stylist ask?
Yes.
The wedding planner replied:
Family approved.
False.
Hanna told police she intended to confirm with me in person before cutting because Ivy was a minor.
Good.
She never got the chance.
Why?
The table bump happened before the scheduled styling appointment.
Marjorie had clippers already in the bridal room because her groom’s barber had left a grooming kit after trimming two male attendants.
She used those.
Opportunity.
But the desire to cut Ivy’s hair existed before the accident.
Then the wedding planner.
She produced messages.
MARJORIE:
She is not wearing the widow braid in my family photos.
Planner:
Which braid?
MARJORIE:
The one her mother used to do.
Planner:
Ivy is seven. We should confirm with Sebastian.
MARJORIE:
My mother is handling him.
There.
Then Lenora:
Make the booking. Sebastian will complain. He will not ruin Marjorie’s wedding once guests arrive.
The planner responded:
I need parent authorization for a child cut.
Lenora:
You will have it.
They never did.
Then another message:
MARJORIE:
If Ivy cries?
LENORA:
She cries when shoes pinch. Do not turn every feeling into law.
That sentence made my hands shake.
Not because it proved they intended violence.
It proved they had discussed her refusal as an inconvenience.
The plan was still not fully clear.
Haircut.
Wedding photos.
Why so important?
Why did Ivy’s braid matter enough to risk a confrontation with me?
I wanted the answer immediately.
My attorney, Celia Grant, said:
“Then wait for evidence.”
I stared.
“Everyone keeps saying that to me.”
May you like
“Because you keep needing to hear it.”
Fair.
