The Maid
by Nita Prose
Contents
Chapter 27
Overview
Molly returns to the Regency Grand to respect and praise, now serving as Head Maid with new practices and a clearer future plan. In court, Juan Manuel’s testimony and Molly’s revelation—seeing a figure holding a pillow reflected in a mirror—strengthen the case against Rodney. Giselle refuses to testify but wires Molly $10,000 from the Caymans; evidence shows Charles deeded the island villa to Giselle before his death. Molly’s status, security, and ambitions solidify.
Summary
On a bright morning, Molly arrives at the Regency Grand and is warmly greeted by Mr. Preston. Reception staff watch her with new respect as Mr. Snow praises her courtroom testimony. Downstairs, Molly reflects on her promotion a month earlier to Head Maid, Cheryl’s demotion, and the best practices she has instituted for fair room distribution and well-stocked trolleys. She notes the addition of Ricky, Sunshine’s son, as a promising new maid and her growing savings toward hospitality studies.
Molly recounts her relationship with Juan Manuel, who returned to the kitchen after receiving his work permit. Their trust deepened; they moved in together two months ago and plan to celebrate their recent court appearances with dinner. His steady support, daily lunches, and shared routines ground her.
Remembering the trial, Molly explains how Charlotte prepared them. Juan Manuel testified about coercion, threats, and injuries under Rodney’s control. Detective Stark attempted to secure Giselle’s appearance, locating her in Saint-Tropez, but Giselle refused to return, insisting the detective do her job.
On the stand, Molly detailed finding Mr. Black’s body, noting the missing fourth pillow. For the first time, she revealed she saw in a mirror’s reflection a person standing in a dark corner holding a pillow before she fainted. Under cross-examination, she explained why she hadn’t clarified earlier—self-doubt and not being believed—reaffirming that someone with motive killed Mr. Black and it was not her. Charlotte’s reaction signaled the testimony landed, and proceedings went in their favor.
Back on shift, Sunitha and Sunshine commend Molly for cleaning “the grass” of snakes. Then Molly receives a bank email: “SANDY CAYMAN” has sent her $10,000 with the note “Debt of Gratitude.” She realizes it is Giselle, now in the Caymans. Court evidence also showed Charles deeded the Cayman villa to Giselle before his death. Molly resolves to put the unexpected gift toward her future.
Who Appears
- Molly GrayProtagonist; promoted to Head Maid; delivers pivotal testimony about a mirror-seen figure with a pillow; receives $10,000 from Giselle.
- Juan ManuelMolly’s partner; now permitted to work; testified about Rodney’s coercion; living with Molly and supporting her daily.
- Mr. SnowHotel manager; praises Molly’s testimony; previously reinstated her and promoted her to Head Maid.
- CharlotteDefense attorney for Molly/Juan Manuel; prepped them, objected strategically, and was pleased with Molly’s revelation.
- Rodney StilesDefendant; on trial and jailed; his lawyer attacks Molly’s credibility; implicated in drug ring and Black’s murder.
- GiselleAbsent witness; refuses to return; in the Caymans, sends Molly $10,000; revealed as deed-holder of Charles’s villa.
- Mr. PrestonHotel porter; greets Molly, plans Sunday dinner; expresses relief Rodney is behind bars.
- SunshineHousekeeper; praises Molly post-trial; mother of new maid Ricky.
- SunithaHousekeeper; thanks Molly for removing the ‘snake,’ echoing team gratitude and renewed morale.
- RickyNew maid and Sunshine’s son; quick study with excellent manners; valued addition to the team.
- Detective StarkDetective; tried to secure Giselle’s testimony; previously returned Giselle’s timer to Molly.
- Charles BlackMurder victim; evidence shows he deeded the Cayman villa to Giselle before his death.