62 pages • 2 hours read
Nicky hears screaming and runs outside, where Simone is staring at Diana floating in the koi pond. Nicky wades in and grabs her but knows she is dead. She sees a wound on her temple. Sebastian arrives and wades in. He sadly kisses her forehead. Watson tries to get in and begins to howl. Madeleine arrives, grumpy—not seeing the body—and asking why everyone is in the pond.
Detective Springer and her partner, Timbo Martinez—a blond, serious young man whom Nicky recognizes from the party the night before—arrive while the paramedics and coroner work. Nicky tells Springer that she saw Diana at midnight, which is around the official the time of death. Simone asks if it was suicide, as Diana’s window is open. Springer says it isn’t very likely, though possible. Madeleine declares it was an accident. The conversation turns to Freddy making a scene the night before and someone leaving the origami butterfly. Sebastian asks if Springer thinks it’s murder. She says she suspects everyone there. Martinez and Nicky go to the study to get the paper butterfly.
Detective Martinez asks Nicky about the key she lost at Jonathan’s, but he is distracted by the beauty of the library. Nicky asks how he knows Lionel, and he says he helps advise the writer on police procedure.
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