Chapter 4 - The 911 Dispatcher Listens Tensely To Hidden Audio
Deep inside the pocket of Maya’s apron, the emergency line remained open, transmitting every whispered word straight to the Greenwich police dispatcher.
Miles away at the county dispatch center, Officer Jenkins leaned closer to his console, gripping his headset as he listened to the chilling exchange in the mansion corridor.
“Caller ID indicates a domestic disturbance and potential unlawful confinement at the Hawthorne estate on Round Hill Road,” Jenkins barked to his shift supervisor.
“Dispatch two patrol units with lights and sirens, and notify the state police barracks for immediate backup,” the supervisor ordered instantly.
Back in the dark corridor, Maya hesitated for a fraction of a second, her mind racing for a way to stall Celeste without giving away the rescue attempt.
“Should I send a security guard up here to help you move the painting back into place, Mrs. Hawthorne?” Maya asked, keeping her voice steady.
Celeste’s eyes flashed with sudden irritation, though her smile remained firmly pasted across her face.
“I said return to your duties, Maya, unless you have forgotten your place in this household,” Celeste snapped, her patience finally wearing thin.
Maya nodded once, turning slowly away from the hidden room and forcing her legs to carry her down the dimly lit hallway toward the main ballroom.
As she walked away, she heard the soft rustle of silk behind her and the heavy thud of the oil painting being shoved back into its original position.
Noah was locked behind that wall once more, but the phone in her pocket was still broadcasting every single sound directly to law enforcement.
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The cavalry was already rolling down the dark, tree-lined roads of Greenwich, and there was nowhere left for Celeste to hide her crimes.
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