The morning sun cast a cold light through the tall windows of the Hart estate. Vivienne stood in the grand kitchen, absently stirring a cup of coffee as Marianne moved about with quiet efficiency.
Alex was still in the study, and Julian had taken refuge in the library, poring over papers and files from the flash drive. The house felt like a pressure cooker, its thick walls echoing with unspoken fears.
Vivienne's phone buzzed—an encrypted message from an unknown number.
"Stay vigilant. Trust no one."
Her hands trembled slightly as she read the brief warning. Whoever was watching was closer than she'd thought.
She set down the phone just as Alex appeared in the doorway.
"Did you get something too?" he asked, voice low.
She nodded. "Yes. Someone's warning us."
Alex paced the room, running a hand through his hair. "We're all in deeper than I imagined."
Before she could reply, the front doorbell rang sharply.
Julian rose and moved toward the door cautiously. Outside stood a man in a dark suit, his eyes hidden behind tinted glasses.
"I'm Detective Harris," he said smoothly. "I've been assigned to the case."
Vivienne's heart sank. The official investigation was beginning—but could she trust this man?
Detective Harris stepped inside, his gaze sweeping the room with calculated calm.
"Mrs. Hart, Mr. Reed, Mr. Hart," he said, nodding politely to each of them. "I know this must be a difficult time, but I need to ask a few questions."
Vivienne forced herself to remain composed. "Of course, Detective. We want the truth just as much as you do."
Harris's eyes lingered on Julian. "Mr. Reed, you're a journalist?"
Julian gave a measured nod. "I'm here to help Mrs. Hart find answers."
Harris's gaze hardened. "The police handle investigations. Journalists often complicate things."
Before the tension could escalate, Alex stepped forward. "We're all on the same side, Detective."
Harris raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
Vivienne gestured toward the study. "We found some documents last night—some that suggest my husband's death wasn't an accident."
Harris's expression flickered briefly. "I've seen the preliminary reports. Nothing conclusive."
Julian pulled out his phone. "We have more than reports. We have evidence—encrypted files, a list of names, threats."
Harris's jaw tightened. "Be careful with accusations. It's a dangerous game."
Vivienne's eyes narrowed. "I'm already playing it, Detective."
Suddenly, the lights flickered. A faint hum filled the air.
Harris glanced around, suspicious. "Power surge?"
Marianne appeared, pale. "The generator—something's wrong."
Julian moved to the window, peering out into the dimming grounds.
"Someone's cutting power," he said.
Vivienne felt a chill run down her spine.
"This isn't over," Harris said grimly.
The three of them exchanged wary looks. The Black Veil was closing in.