Chapter 19: Nine Steps

Hallie's POV

On New Year's Eve the same tree stood in the same ballroom, hung with the same white lights.

I came in on Jerome's arm in a dark green dress that Joan had talked me into.

My father-in-law sat in a wheelchair at the foot of the staircase with a blanket over his knees.

He glared at anyone who offered to move him.

"Nobody tells me where to sit at my own party," he said. "Sit, Hallie. Beside my son."

I sat. The seat beside Jerome's was mine.

Across the floor Margaret stood with Dirk, in navy and pearls. Dirk would not look at me.

Joan, in a borrowed black dress and her good glasses, leaned in and whispered.

"Four phones on tripods. One at the balcony rail, one behind the tree, one at the coat check, one on the bar."

"And the hotel's own camera?"

"Aimed at the bottom step."

"Who set up the hotel's?"

"The head of security," Joan said. "He said he'd been waiting for somebody to ask."

I had planned that feed myself on Tuesday. I had walked the stairs twice and counted every step.

Twenty-two. I knew exactly where each phone could see.

"Jerome," I said. "She's here."

Sabrina had come through the doors in the same green satin, with the same pearl brooch.

She walked the room slowly, smiling at donors, touching a sleeve here and there.

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