The Maid
by Nita Prose
Contents
Chapter 25
Overview
Molly returns home to celebrate Rodney’s arrest with Juan Manuel, then learns from Detective Stark that all charges against her are dropped while Rodney is charged, including with Charles Black’s murder. The case still needs testimony and context: Giselle has fled, Juan Manuel will cooperate, and their jobs are safe.
After Stark departs, Mr. Preston reveals his past engagement to Gran, deepening Molly’s sense of found family. Alone later, Molly recalls honoring Gran’s request for a peaceful death, a secret that reframes her grief and resolve.
Summary
Molly walks home buoyed by hope and reunites with Juan Manuel, who has set a celebratory dinner. He apologizes for the danger she faced and explains his fear of police and the abuse he suffered from Rodney’s men at Rodney’s direction. Charlotte calls from the station, promising good news and a visit with Detective Stark.
Charlotte and Mr. Preston arrive with Detective Stark, while Mr. Rosso attempts to evict Molly in the hall. Stark corrects the news narrative and confirms all charges against Molly are dropped. Inside, Stark outlines the sting: Rodney and two associates were found in the Black suite with cocaine, benzodiazepines, and a handgun; he is charged with multiple offenses, including first-degree murder of Charles Black, though the murder case needs strengthening.
Stark notes the lack of Rodney’s fingerprints in the suite and traces of Molly’s cleaner on Charles’s neck. Molly explains she likely wiped away any prints through thorough cleaning when checking Charles, inadvertently erasing evidence. Stark reveals Giselle fled, leaving a note—“Ask Molly the Maid… Rodney and Charles = BFFs”—implying a partnership.
Juan Manuel shares that he overheard Rodney and Charles arguing about money and shipments, agrees to give a statement, and describes being defrauded by a sham immigration lawyer Rodney arranged. Charlotte offers immigration help through her partner. Mr. Preston relays that Mr. Snow will keep both Molly and Juan Manuel employed despite the turmoil. Stark apologizes for detaining Molly; Molly cautions her about assumptions.
After Stark leaves, the four reflect on loyalty and kindness. Mr. Preston reveals he was once engaged to Gran (Flora) and remained a lifelong friend, recounting how Flora guided him during his wife Mary’s final days. They plan Sunday dinner together. Juan Manuel stays the night; after making up the beds, Molly enters Gran’s room and relives Gran’s last day, when, honoring a promise and to end unbearable pain, Molly gave her tea with the remaining painkillers and then used the serenity pillow to grant a peaceful death. Alone, Molly grieves and resolves to count her blessings.
Who Appears
- Molly GrayProtagonist; cleared of charges; explains cleaning likely erased prints; hosts Stark’s visit; recalls granting Gran a merciful death.
- Juan ManuelDishwasher; abused by Rodney’s men; celebrates arrest; agrees to testify; reveals immigration scam; stays overnight with Molly.
- Detective StarkLead detective; drops charges against Molly; charges Rodney; seeks testimony; apologizes for earlier assumptions.
- CharlotteLawyer and ally; arranges meeting; challenges Mr. Rosso; offers immigration help; prepares for Rodney’s prosecution.
- Mr. PrestonDoorman and advocate; reassures jobs are safe; reveals past engagement to Gran; offers emotional support.
- Rodney StilesBartender; arrested with drugs and a gun; charged with drug offenses and Charles Black’s murder; denies the murder.
- Giselle BlackMissing; leaves note implying Rodney and Charles were accomplices and directing police to Molly.
- Mr. RossoLandlord; tries to evict Molly in the hall; retreats when informed she’s innocent.
- Gran (Flora)Molly’s late grandmother; remembered in detail; once engaged to Mr. Preston; asked Molly to end her suffering.