Chapter 3 - The Sanctuary
By evening, the chaos of the Grand Bellamy Hotel lobby had faded into a respectful, muted hum. The reporters and onlookers were gone, replaced by the quiet rustle of federal paperwork being finalized in the manager’s private office.
Sophie sat in a plush wingback chair that was far too big for her, a warm mug of hot chocolate cradled between her small hands. The mud had been washed from her sneakers, and a soft wool blanket draped over her shoulders.
Mr. Bell sat across from her, a gentle smile breaking through the lines of sorrow on his face.
“Your mother was the bravest woman I ever knew, Sophie,” Mr. Bell said softly, leaning forward. “She protected you until her very last breath. And now, it’s our turn to protect you.”
Sophie looked up, her dark eyes reflecting the warm glow of the desk lamp. “Can we go home now, Mr. Bell? Or... does she not have a home anymore?”
“You have a home,” a warm voice interrupted from the doorway.
May you like
A middle-aged woman with kind eyes and a familiar smile stepped into the office. She wore a simple jacket, but when she knelt beside Sophie’s chair, the little girl immediately recognized the comforting scent of lavender and safety. It was Clara’s younger sister—her aunt Sarah, whom Eleanor had spent years keeping hidden away across the state line.
Sophie’s lower lip quivered. She set the mug down, leaned forward, and wrapped her small arms tightly around Sarah’s neck, burying her face in her shoulder.
