Chapter 21.
She was still wrestling with that thought when her phone lit up on the nightstand. A new email from Kieran. The subject line was blank. The body contained only a single PDF attachment. She opened it, and discovered it was a floor plan of the Valerius estate, sprawling and labyrinthine. Certain rooms were highlighted in soft yellow: The Sunroom - Avoid. North Library - Safe if alone. West Gallery - Do not enter under any circumstances. Another page held a simplified family tree, with notes next to certain names. Elara: Will offer a drink. Refuse. Theron: Asks about your work. Cite non-disclosure. Mother: If she asks about your parents, say 'They live in the country.' Do not elaborate. It was a battlefield map. A guide to surviving the weekend and his family. No greeting. No signature. Jus
- Writer
