Page 36 of House of Soot

I spot Blaise standing at attention near the door, his face unreadable. Our eyes meet for a moment, but he quickly looks away.

Mr. Patterson, the manager of house security, steps forward. "We'll be installing additional cameras and implementing random bag checks. No exceptions."

A murmur ripples through the crowd. Susan from housekeeping raises her hand. "Even for those of us who've worked here for years?"

"Everyone," Mrs. Kean confirms, her gaze scanning the crowd. “Even if you live on-site or on the grounds. I know thesechanges may seem extreme, but they're necessary for all our safety."

"Department heads will review specific protocols with their teams," Mr. Patterson continues. "Anyone found in restricted areas without proper clearance will face immediate termination."

The managers' faces are grim as they nod along. Even Debbie, who usually has a smile for everyone, looks severe. Something about their expressions makes my stomach unsettled. Why did Blaise play down the attack when clearly, it triggered big changes?

“We’ve canceled the breakfast for Saturday. However, we’ll be hosting a celebration the following Saturday. I’d hoped to announce this under better circumstances, but we’ll be celebrating Ronan’s engagement to Hannah O'Donnell.”

My gaze jerks to Debbie’s, who looks as surprised as I feel at the announcement. I didn’t even know Ronan was dating.

“I thought the Keans and O'Donnell’s were having issues,” one of the maids says to the woman standing next to her.

“What better way to fix family feuds than an arranged marriage?”

Arranged marriage? Really? That still happens?

“Is it safe?” one of the underbutlers asks Mrs. Kean.

"Absolutely. Despite all these changes, our events will proceed as planned."

I’m concerned too. On the one hand, they’re locking us down like Fort Knox, but they’re still going to entertain. I’m not sure what to think.

"We refuse to bow to intimidation tactics." Mrs. Kean's chin lifts. "The Kean family will show Boston society that we remain unshaken."

Ronan appears in the doorway, tall and imposing in his tailored suit. My old feelings are dormant at the sight of himnow. He takes his place beside his mother, and they share that same steel-spine posture.

"The guest list has been thoroughly vetted," Ronan adds. "Security will be doubled.”

"The gardens must be perfect." Mrs. Kean's gaze finds mine. "Miss Hart, I trust you'll have everything ready? That little stunt a few days ago scorched some of the bushes near the entrance.”

“I’ll clean it up and plant something new.”

"Good. Also, I’d like you to help with the kitchen and serving staff. I’m more comfortable with you doing it than bringing in outside help."

“Of course.” I’m pleased that she trusts me.

"Hampton and I expect nothing less than excellence. This party will remind everyone exactly who the Keans are."

I catch Blaise shifting his weight by the door, his jaw tight. When our eyes meet this time, there's something dark in his expression that I can't quite read. Is he upset that people are being invited in, making his job of protecting the Keans harder? Except he indicated the attack wasn’t that serious.

"That will be all," Mrs. Kean says with a wave of her hand. "Return to work. We have a celebration to prepare for."

I trail behind Debbie as we exit the grand hall. The new security measures should make me feel safer, but I actually feel more unsettled. At least the Keans are taking real steps to protect us all.

"Can you believe this?" Debbie whispers. "Bag checks? Like we're terrorists or something."

"After what happened with the explosions, I’d rather be safe."

"I guess." Debbie shrugs. "But random checks? New badges? Feels like overkill."

"Remember the break-in last year? And now the explosions. Someone's clearly targeting the family."

"True." She glances around before leaning closer. "Think it has anything to do with those rumors about Mr. Kean's business dealings?"

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