Forty-Seven Guests Watched Maya Leave With Two Suitcases—Then Her Mother’s Orchid Ring Led to the Money Her Husband Said She Didn’t Have

“Put that down.”

“Let us pass.”

For a moment he did not move.

Then he stepped back just enough.

Maya went down first and waited at the bottom for Lily, who held Bunny against her chest.

Claire met them inside the entrance and took the second suitcase.

She looked at Maya’s face, then at Richard on the stairs.

She asked no questions where Lily could hear.