Chương 11 - The Descent from the Dais
"You are making a catastrophic mistake," Eleanor whispered, her voice dropping the theatrical warmth entirely, revealing the sharp, frigid iron underneath. She didn't move toward the evidence bag; instead, she straightened her navy blue lace gown with agonizing slowness, her chin lifting with haughty defiance. "This family built this county, Deputy. Every brick in this hotel, every foundation in this town bears our name. You touch my arm, and by midnight, you won't even have a badge to polish."
Miller didn't flinch. He had seen powerful people hide behind local dynasties before, and the sheer audacity of her threat only confirmed the gravity of the situation. "I don't care who built the hotel, ma'am. Put your hands behind your back, or I will use physical restraint."
David grabbed Eleanor's elbow, his face pale and distressed. "Grandma, just... just comply for a minute. Let's clear this up down at the station. It has to be some kind of terrible misunderstanding."
Eleanor looked at her grandson with a mixture of pity and absolute disgust. "You are as weak and blind as your father was, David. I gave you everything, and you let a stray cat ruin it all over a baseless accusation."
With a sudden, sharp motion, Eleanor jerked her arm away from David's grip. For a second, I thought she might bolt toward the service exit, but instead, she reached into her small silver clutch with blinding speed. My breath hitched; I remembered the vial, the drop, the terrifying numbness spreading through my veins during the toast.
"Deputy, watch the bag!" I cried out, lunging forward despite the heavy anchor in my left leg.
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Miller reacted with instinctive speed, closing the distance between them in a single stride. He caught Eleanor's wrist just as her fingers emerged from the silver clutch, not holding a second vial, but a heavy, vintage gold-plated fountain pen—the very pen she used to sign family trust documents and disinherit those who displeased her. She slammed the heavy cap down onto the cocktail table with a sharp crack that echoed across the quietened ballroom.
"I won't be paraded out like a common criminal for these ingrates," Eleanor hissed, her breath coming in shallow, furious gasps.
