Chapter 6 - The Locked Gates
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The grandfather clock in the main hall struck eleven. The dinner service was finally winding down, and the guests were moving into the conservatory for cigars and brandy.
Nora knew this was her only window. She slipped out the back kitchen door, the freezing night air hitting her face like a slap. She clutched her ruined hand against her chest and moved quickly through the shadows of the manicured hedges.
Her ancient Honda Civic was parked in the staff lot near the service gates.
She just needed to get to Leo. She needed to see him, to hold him, to pack whatever fit in the trunk and drive across the state line.
She reached the gravel lot, her shoes crunching softly. But as she pulled her keys from her pocket with her left hand, a heavy flashlight beam hit her directly in the face.
“Hold it right there.”
Nora squeezed her eyes shut against the blinding light. Two massive security guards in black tactical gear stepped out from the guardhouse.
“Shift isn't over until 1:00 AM, Dobbins,” the taller guard said, his voice laced with suspicion.
“I... I feel sick,” Nora lied, her voice trembling. “Mrs. Kessler said I could go home early.”
The guard didn't lower the flashlight. He pulled a walkie-talkie from his belt.
“Let me check that with the house.”
“No, wait!” Nora pleaded, taking a step forward. “Please, I just need to get to my son.”
The second guard stepped in front of her car, resting his hand casually on the holster at his hip.
“Ms. Bellini left explicit instructions,” the guard said, a cruel smirk playing on his lips. “No staff leaves the grounds tonight without her personal authorization. She said there’s been a security breach. We’re on lockdown.”
Nora’s stomach plummeted. Vanessa hadn't just threatened her; she had trapped her.
“Please,” Nora whispered, tears finally spilling over her eyelashes. “My little boy...”
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“Go back inside, Nora,” the tall guard commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Before we have to carry you back.”
Defeated, terrified, and entirely cornered, Nora turned around and walked slowly back toward the massive, glowing mansion. The ribcage of the white wedding tent on the lawn looked less like a celebration now, and more like a trap waiting to snap shut.
