Chapter 2 — Twelve Minutes in the East Study
Chief DawsonMr. Cole. We heard the glass go from the service corridor.
AdrianDawson, seal this floor. Miss Ashford does not leave it.
CamilleDawson, don't you dare touch me. My father's foundation funds your entire contract.
Chief DawsonMy contract is with Mr. Cole, ma'am. Please stay where you are.
AdrianCall Whitfield. Tell him Mrs. Cole has possible broken ribs and lacerations to both hands.
Chief DawsonAlready called him from the stairs, sir. Six minutes out.
Dawson took a position between Camille and the head of the staircase and stood there with his hands loose at his sides, not looking at her.
NoraAdrian... the east study... she had the safe standing open...
AdrianDawson. Did anybody badge into the east wing study tonight?
Chief DawsonOne entry, sir. Miss Ashford. Twelve minutes ago. She told the man on the door she had your permission.
CamilleI was looking for my clutch.
AdrianYou were looking for the trust deed and the 2009 transfer agreement.
CamilleThat is a disgusting thing to say to me.
AdrianDawson, is the safe still open?
Chief DawsonStanding open, sir. Contents laid out on the desk. My man photographed it before he touched anything.
CamilleYou photographed my — that is a violation of my privacy!
AdrianIt's my study. It's my safe. There is nothing in that room of yours to photograph.
Camille went quiet for the first time since he had come up the stairs.
NoraShe wanted the transfer... the house was never sold... my mother kept the deed...
CamilleShut up. SHUT UP, you little —
Chief DawsonMa'am. Sit down.
CamilleAdrian, listen to me. Whatever that woman has been telling you about 2009 —
AdrianMy father showed me the deed the week before he died.
Camille...What?
AdrianIn the study. In that safe. He put it in my hands and made me read the transfer date out loud.
CamilleThat's not possible.
AdrianHe told me exactly who owns this estate. And then he told me why your father spent nineteen years letting people believe otherwise.
CamilleMy father is a trustee of this foundation. He has been on that board since before you were out of school.
AdrianNot after tonight.
Below them the orchestra finished a piece and four hundred people applauded, and the sound came up the stairwell and filled the corridor for a moment and then faded out.