Chapter 2

"Let me help you pack," I offered, my voice smooth.

Jessie looked surprised, then pleased. "Okay, cool. Make sure you get the good stuff. The gourmet chocolates from the pantry, and that aged ham."

I nodded, a serene mask fixed on my face.

While Jessie rummaged through her closet for more "gifts," I went to my own. I pulled out expensive, empty gift boxes – a Chanel, a Gucci, a Tiffany.

Then, I went to the garage. Old newspapers, stacks of them. Cheap, broken trinkets Lily had discarded. Rocks from the garden.

I meticulously filled the beautiful boxes with garbage. I layered newspapers in the expensive luggage, then placed a few of Jessie's chosen designer clothes on top, just enough to look convincing if she peeked.

The heavy bags would feel substantial.

Next, my phone. I called Thomas, our regular driver.

"Thomas, good morning. Michael and I have decided to give all the household staff an early holiday bonus." I named a generous sum. "And with this bad storm coming, we want you all to take the next week off, paid. Go home, stock up, be safe with your families."

"Mrs. Miller, that's... incredibly generous," Thomas said, surprised. "Are you sure?"

"Absolutely," I said. "Just make sure everyone gets the message. No need to come in today."

One less escape route for Jessie. One less witness.

Maria, our housekeeper, was different. Loyal. I would handle her separately.

Jessie came downstairs, dragging another bag. "Is Dad up? He needs to drive me. It's like, a five-hour trip one way, so he needs to get going."

Michael appeared on the landing, rubbing sleep from his eyes. "Drive where?"

"To my real family, Michael," Jessie said, her tone sharp. "Mom said it's okay."

Before Michael could agree, I stepped in. "Actually, honey, the weather forecast is looking really bad. They're predicting a major blizzard starting this afternoon. It's too dangerous for such a long drive."

"What?" Jessie shrieked. "You just said I could go!"

"And Michael," I added, turning to him with a worried frown, "you were complaining about chest pains last night, remember? I don't think you should be undertaking such a stressful drive in these conditions."

Michael looked confused. "Chest pains? Sarah, I..."

I gave him a sharp, almost imperceptible shake of my head.

Jessie threw her hands up. "Oh my god! You're doing this on purpose! You don't want me to see them!"