Albert pointed to the closet. “There was a makeshift bed in there, water bottles, and food wrappers.”
“What did she use to make a bed?”
“Blankets and sheets, I’d assume from the linen closets.”
The idea of Madison staying this close made my stomach twist.
“There were also towels and supplies in the bathroom,” Albert said.
“Did you dispose of all of it?”
“The police took some as evidence. The rest is gone.”
I scanned the floor, walls, and ceiling. “There’s no sign of the fire.”
“Jonathon took care of the damage. Thankfully, it didn’t get the chance to become more invasive.”
“The paintings?” I asked.
Albert shook his head. “Gone. The oil-based paint and canvases burned quickly.”
I nodded, thinking of the brief glimpse I had of the artwork. If I’d known who painted them or their significance, I would have looked longer, creating a lasting impression. That opportunity was gone.
As we were walking toward the door, I stopped. My ears perked up at the sound of Van’s voice. “Where is that coming from?” I asked.
Albert too stood still as Van’s voice continued to fill the air. He wasn’t speaking loudly, yet his voice seemed as if he was in the room with us. Slowly, we both walked back into the room and toward a grate in the wall.
“Air duct,” Albert said.
My forehead furrowed as I frowned. “To the kitchen?”
“I’m not sure, ma’am.”
Walking past Albert, I hurried out of the third-floor room and down the first set of stairs. As I was about to descend the main staircase to the first floor, I heard voices from our bedroom. As the blood drained to my feet, I turned and walked that way. In the front room of the suite were Michael and Van.
Van’s gaze caught mine. “I made it up the stairs.” He hesitated, his gaze narrowing. “What’s wrong, Julia?” He came closer, his steps slow and steady.
“Albert and I…” I turned as Albert appeared at the door to our suite. “…we were upstairs. We could hear you. Every word. Through the air vent.”
Van pulled me against him. “No one is there to listen.”
I backed away, my skin feeling too tight. “Madison was. The weekend before the wedding, after the cabin was locked and Michael and Albert were in the guesthouse, she was here.” My words came faster and faster. “Upstairs. Van, we spent the entire weekend in this suite.” My stomach continued to twist as my body began to tremble. “She heard us. She was listening as we…everything. She heard everything.”
Again, he pulled me flush against him. My cheek landed on the soft shirt covering his wide chest as his arms wrapped around me. His heart beat a steady rhythm in my ear. “We’re alone. We’re safe.”
Closing my eyes, I let his deep tenor reverberate through me.
When I looked up, Albert and Michael were gone. Our main doors to the hallway were closed.
Van led me to the sofa, tugging me to sit beside him. “Fuck, Julia. I’m sorry. I’m sorry Madison was here. I’ve spoken with Oscar Fields and other members of my legal team. So far, Phillip hasn’t materialized. Not in Texas to see Brooklyn or Liv and not at the facility where Madison is being held.”
I wasn’t sure why I didn’t ask before. “Where is she?”
“At first she was in jail. They transferred her to a facility better equipped to handle her needs. It’s a high-security mental health facility about three hours from here. Forensic psychologists will be evaluating her.”
“Will be?”
“Apparently, there’s a wait.”