Chapter 3: Perfect Masks
Chapter 3: Perfect Masks
By the time Detective Claire Morgan entered the apartment, Julian had already wrapped a cashmere blanket around Elena's shoulders.
"My wife had a panic attack," he explained with practiced concern.
"I was trying to help her."
Claire didn't answer immediately.
Instead, she looked around the balcony.
A broken wineglass.
Fresh scratches on the railing.
A single high heel lying several feet away.
Then she looked at Elena.
A bruise was already forming around her wrist.
"Mrs. Mercer," Claire asked gently, "did your husband hurt you?"
Elena opened her mouth.
Julian's eyes locked onto hers.
Cold.
Warning.
Promise.
She swallowed.
May you like
"No."
The lie tasted like poison.
