Chapter 3 - The Swimming Pool Incident
Two days later, the stakes reached a boiling point.
The Sterling mansion featured an Olympic-sized indoor swimming pool, enclosed in glass overlooking the Atlantic. It was supposed to be used for Leo's aquatic therapy, though Victoria had fired the last three therapists for being "incompetent."
Elena was polishing the glass doors of the conservatory when she saw Victoria wheeling Leo toward the pool area. This was highly unusual. Victoria avoided physical contact with the boy whenever possible.
Elena dropped her rag and quietly followed, slipping behind a row of large potted ferns near the pool deck.
The air was heavy with chlorine and humidity. Victoria parked Leo’s chair near the deep end. The pool was entirely empty. The automated safety cover was retracted.
"You know, Leo," Victoria said, her voice dropping its usual sweetness, replaced by a venomous hiss. "Your father is leaving his entire share of the company to you in a trust. A trust I manage, but only if you aren't around."
Leo stared at the blue, rippling water. He was trembling so violently his teeth chattered.
"It really is a shame about your mobility," Victoria continued, stepping behind the chair. "One little slip, one malfunction of the brakes, and you'd sink like a stone. And I'd be inside, on the phone. A tragic lapse in supervision."
She reached down to the manual release lever on the wheels.
Elena didn't think. She acted.
She stepped out from behind the ferns, slamming her metal bucket onto the tile floor. The sound echoed like a gunshot in the cavernous room.
Victoria jumped back, her hand flying to her chest.
"Oh! Mrs. Sterling!" Elena gasped, playing the fool. "I didn't realize anyone was in here! I was just coming to restock the pool towels."
Victoria’s eyes were practically glowing with murderous rage. The mask had completely slipped. For a second, Elena thought the woman might push her into the water.
"Get out," Victoria whispered, her voice shaking with fury.
"Right away, ma'am," Elena said. But she didn't leave immediately. She walked deliberately over to Leo’s chair, engaging the heavy manual safety lock with a loud CLICK. She looked Victoria dead in the eyes as she did it.
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"Just making sure he's safe, ma'am. Floors are slippery."
Victoria’s jaw clenched. She knew exactly what Elena was doing. The silent war had officially been declared.
