Chapter 19
Contains spoilersOverview
Molly races home after the alleyway confrontation with her mother, Maggie, and is quickly surrounded by worried allies: Juan, Mr. Preston, Angela, and Detective Stark. They debate the danger, Maggie’s claims about a gang and Gran’s connection to the Fabergé egg, and why the threat was addressed to Molly. Mr. Preston produces Flora Gray’s locked diary and Molly uses Gran’s key to open it, implying long-hidden answers may be inside.
Summary
Molly runs home from the alley shaken by the threat and the encounter with her mother, Maggie. Juan, frantic after being unable to reach Molly, embraces her and demands to know what happened. Molly recounts the black car blocking her, Maggie’s emergence, and Maggie’s claims: a hired gang stole the egg and will kill to keep it hidden, the egg once belonged to Gran, and Maggie both begged for money and ended with a threat.
Juan calls Mr. Preston, who arrives with Angela; both express fear for Molly’s safety. In the crowded apartment, Molly retells the incident. Mr. Preston, hands shaking, condemns Maggie’s return and the danger her life poses to Molly. Angela, having alerted Detective Stark, opens the door to Stark, who has come straight from grocery shopping to hear what happened.
Molly recounts the encounter again for Stark. Stark insists they must find Maggie Gray, but Molly refuses, saying she wants to abandon any search for the egg to stay safe. Mr. Preston questions whether Molly is in danger regardless of her choice. Angela raises the riddle of the vacuum-canister note being addressed specifically to Molly, which Stark agrees seems odd if a gang wanted to halt the police investigation rather than target a hotel maid.
Juan defends Molly, and Stark clarifies that Molly may be connected to the egg in ways not yet understood. Molly cites Gran as the missing link, repeating Maggie’s implication that the egg ties back to Flora Gray. Mr. Preston insists Flora was not a thief, while Stark counters that necessity can drive anyone to steal. Mr. Preston remains adamant that Flora was different.
Mr. Preston then retrieves a bag and produces Flora Gray’s leather-bound diary with a heart-shaped lock, explaining Flora gave it to him for safekeeping and instructed him to pass it to Molly when she was ready. Molly protests that she is unsettled and doubts it contains more than stories, but Angela urges that it may hold clues. Juan brings the skeleton key from the curio cabinet, and Molly inserts it into the diary’s lock. The key fits perfectly; she turns it and hears a click, signaling the diary is opening.
Who Appears
- Molly Gray
hotel maid and protagonist; recounts the alley confrontation with her mother, resists pursuing the egg, and opens Flora’s diary.
- Juan Manuel
Molly’s partner; worried for Molly, calls Mr. Preston, comforts her, and brings the skeleton key.
- Mr. John Preston
Molly’s gran-dad; arrives urgently, condemns Maggie’s influence, and produces Flora Gray’s locked diary for Molly.
- Angela
Molly’s manager; rushes over, questions the targeted note, and summons Detective Stark.
- Detective Stark
investigator; pushes to find Maggie, questions why the threat targeted Molly, and suggests deeper connections to the egg.
- Maggie Gray
Molly’s mother; does not appear in person this chapter but is the subject of Molly’s account; warned Molly about a gang, asked for money, and issued a threat.
- Flora Gray (Gran)
Molly’s late grandmother; central to the discussion as the suspected link to the egg; her diary is revealed and unlocked.