Chapter 10 - The Door He Would Never Lock
Luca looked toward the staircase.
Then back at Molly.
“That's a good question.”
She hugged Buttons tighter.
“Can it stay open?”
“Yes.”
“Even when I'm sleeping?”
“Yes, sweetheart.”
Molly looked uncertain.
“But Mommy said doors have to be locked.”
Luca crouched beside her.
“Not like that. Not when someone is inside and needs to get out.”
He turned toward Daniel.
“Please bring me a screwdriver.”
Vanessa looked up.
“Luca—”
He raised his hand.
“This isn't about punishing anyone.”
His voice was steady.
“It's about making sure she feels safe.”
A few minutes later, we returned to the east guest room.
Molly held my hand.
Vanessa walked beside her.
Michael and Evelyn remained downstairs.
Teresa followed more slowly, carrying the little girl's yellow suitcase.
I watched Molly stare at the door.
The brass handle.
The place where Vanessa had pulled my wrist.
The narrow strip of carpet where I'd sat listening to her frightened voice.
Everything looked exactly the same.
And yet nothing felt the same anymore.
Luca knelt beside the door.
Daniel handed him the screwdriver.
Together, they removed the exterior locking hardware.
Luca tested the handle.
The door opened freely from inside.
Then he stepped aside.
“Molly, would you like to try?”
She hesitated.
I squeezed her hand.
“You can.”
Molly stepped forward.
She closed the door gently.
Then opened it.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
A small smile appeared.
“It works.”
Luca smiled.
“It does.”
She looked toward Vanessa.
“Mommy, see?”
Vanessa knelt beside her.
“I see, baby.”
Molly pushed the door closed again.
Then opened it.
This time she laughed.
The sound was small.
But after everything that had happened, it felt enormous.
Mrs. Carter promised to check the locks on the other guest rooms as well.
Nobody wanted another child—or anyone else—to feel trapped.
Luca placed the removed hardware on the hallway table.
Then he turned toward Vanessa.
“From now on, Molly needs to know she can ask for help whenever she needs it.”
Vanessa nodded.
“I agree.”
Molly looked up.
“Even if it's nighttime?”
“Even then,” Luca said.
She considered that.
Then asked, “What if I need water?”
I smiled.
“Especially then.”
She giggled.
For a moment, I thought the worst was truly behind us.
But that night, Molly struggled to sleep.
She kept asking whether the door was open.
Mrs. Carter stayed nearby.
Vanessa sat beside her bed.
And I helped arrange Buttons beneath the blanket.
At eleven thirty, Molly called my name.
I returned to the doorway.
She was sitting upright.
“Grace?”
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“Can you sit here?”
I glanced toward Vanessa.
She nodded.
I sat beside the bed.
Molly looked at her mother.
Then back at me.
“I'm not scared of the dark.”
I smiled.
“Okay.”
“I'm scared people will forget I'm here.”
The words hurt more than I expected.
Vanessa covered her mouth.
I reached for Molly's hand.
“Nobody is forgetting you tonight.”
She looked toward Luca, who had appeared quietly in the hallway.
“Are you sure?”
He came inside and knelt beside the bed.
“I'm sure.”
Molly studied him.
Then she pointed toward her shoes.
Both red patent-leather shoes were sitting neatly beneath the chair.
“Grace saved my shoe.”
Luca nodded.
“She did.”
“If she hadn't, would you have found me?”
He looked at me.
Then back at Molly.
“I should have known you were here. I didn't. That's something I need to remember.”
Molly looked confused.
“Remember what?”
“To pay attention when somebody needs help.”
She seemed satisfied.
Then she lay down.
Vanessa remained with her until she fell asleep.
I went downstairs.
My wrist was aching.
Mrs. Carter had arranged for a clinician to examine it, and I'd been advised to rest it and return if the pain worsened.
The swelling was beginning to improve.
But I knew I wouldn't be carrying heavy serving trays for a while.
Luca was waiting near the dining table.
“Grace.”
I stopped.
“Yes, sir?”
“Come sit.”
I hesitated.
He noticed.
“You don't have to stand because I'm here.”
I sat.
He looked toward my bandaged wrist.
“Does it hurt?”
“A little.”
“Then take the time you need.”
I nodded.
“Thank you.”
He studied my face.
“Are you worried about something?”
I hesitated.
Then told him the truth.
“My grandmother depends on my paycheck.”
His expression softened.
“I know.”
“I couldn't afford to lose this job.”
“Vanessa had no right to use that against you.”
I looked down.
“I know that now.”
He leaned forward.
“Grace, you shouldn't have to choose between keeping your family safe and protecting a child.”
My eyes filled.
“I almost didn't tell you.”
“But you did.”
I wiped my cheeks.
“I was scared.”
Luca nodded.
“Courage doesn't mean you weren't.”
For several seconds, neither of us spoke.
Then he added, “I owe you more than an apology. I'm reviewing how concerns are reported in this house. Nobody should have to depend on my being in the right room at the right moment.”
I looked at him.
He seemed different from the man who'd raised his champagne glass earlier that evening.
Not weaker.
Just more aware of the responsibilities he'd almost overlooked.
The following morning, Molly came downstairs wearing her yellow cardigan.
Both red shoes were on her feet.
Vanessa followed with Buttons.
Molly smiled when she saw me.
“Grace!”
I opened my arms.
She hugged me tightly.
Then she looked toward Luca.
“Can I ask something?”
He smiled.
“Of course.”
She glanced at Vanessa.
May you like
Then lowered her voice.
“If Mommy isn't going to marry you anymore, does that mean I have to leave too?”
