CHAPTER 3: The Butler Who Saw Too Much

Mr. Hayes had served the family since Eleanor was a young bride. He rarely interrupted. He believed a household revealed itself most clearly when people thought the servants were furniture.
But as Eleanor reached for her phone to call the police again, the baby monitor gave a soft electronic hum. The screen brightened on the side table. No one touched it.
Mr. Hayes turned his head first.
The monitor showed grainy black-and-white footage from the upstairs dressing room. The image was blurred, almost ghostly, but the jewelry drawer was open. A pair of hands reached inside and lifted the pearl necklace.
"Ma'am," Mr. Hayes said quietly, "look at the monitor."
Every face turned.
Eleanor froze. Maria did not release Grace. Ryan did not move at all.
On the little screen, the man leaned forward just enough for the edge of his sweater sleeve to pass before the camera. Gray knit. Dark cuff. A watch at the wrist.
Grace lifted her tear-streaked face. Her voice came out small and certain.
"That's Ryan's sweater."
The room went still. Ryan's face drained of color.