Victoria Holloway intended to enter my house at lunch and never leave.
I had applied the makeup.
Mostly.
The bruise beneath my eye was reduced but not erased.
I wanted evidence photographs to remain accurate, and some stubborn part of me refused to turn Adrian’s violence into perfect skin for his mother’s comfort.
When I reached the foyer, Adrian was already opening the door.
“Mother.”
Victoria kissed both his cheeks.
Then she saw me.
Her eyes stopped beneath my left eye for less than one second.
She understood immediately.
Women always do.
Especially women who have spent their lives pretending not to see certain things.
“What happened to your face?”
I waited.
Adrian answered for me.
“She walked into the bathroom cabinet.”
Victoria looked directly at him.
Then at me.
There was a moment.
Small.
Almost invisible.
I thought she might challenge him.
Instead she smiled.
“You’ve always been a little careless, Eleanor.”
