CHAPTER TWENTY ONE
Stella climbed the uneven stairs leading out of the servants’ quarters, feeling deflated. She’d held high hopes for what the staff might know and did know – she was sure of it. But they wouldn’t tell her and had shut down. It was frustrating beyond belief that she couldn’t get the information she needed, and it meant she would have to find another way.
As she neared the cottage, she saw with apprehension that the door was standing open.
Who was inside?
She stepped cautiously inside and jumped as she saw Kathy coming out of the kitchen. She looked less perfectly groomed than usual. Her make-up was smudged, and her hair mussed and full of static.
“Where were you?” she snapped out in a hoarse voice.
“I was taking a walk,” Stella replied.
“Looking for a way out?” Kath
