Olivia tiptoed over the crib. Hamish had his dinosaur pyjamas on with his bum sticking up in the air like always. She crept away and out the door. There was no one in the hallway. She hurried down the hall to Vanessa's room. The door was open, and Vanessa wasn't there either. Maybe she could put the paper back before Vanessa knew she took it.
But shoes clicked on the hall floor. She ran to the closet, opened the door, and squeezed behind the long dresses. She better not touch them or Vanessa would be really mad. The closet smelled like Vanessa. She didn't like it. She liked how Eloise smelled, like the outside in the garden. She stuffed her hands in her pockets and waited.
When Vanessa came in, someone came with her.
"What brought that on."
That was Uncle David, but he sounded so cross. Why was he cross with Vanessa?
"Leave me alone."
"This isn't going to work, Vanessa."
"What?”
Vanessa sounded cross like she did when she said she would spank.
"The dogs, the children, even the lodge. You don't want to share my life; you want to destroy it."
"You bastard. I gave up my career for you."
"What career? A few photographs in a minor magazine."
Eloise heard something crash, and then the door opened and closed. Eloise listened. Did they both go? What could she do?
Someone rapped at the door.
"What is it?”
"Vanessa, have you seen Olivia."
That was Eloise.
"No, and the brat isn't in here."
For a long time, she stood behind the dresses and waited. After a while, Vanessa snored. Olivia giggled. Maybe she could leave now. She edged out but the door to the hall opened, and she hid again. Someone crossed the room and was quiet, and then went.
Olivia crept out of the closet. Why was Vanessa's cover all red? She looked like she was sleeping. Now she was scared. If Vanessa woke up, she would blame her for putting red paint on her clothes. She scurried to the door and looked down the hall. A man turned the corner. Who was that? She raced back to the playroom. Eloise wasn't there, and Hamish was still sleeping. She curled up in a chair. She was tired now too.
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