Page 55 of Once Broken
“I knew what I needed to do long ago.But it took years of planning.I moved to Atlanta.I worked my way into the film industry, became invaluable as a production designer.I learned how to create perfect simulacra of reality—sets indistinguishable from the real world.I studied the original set designs from my grandfather’s films.I waited for the perfect moment when all the elements aligned.”
Lucy struggled again, making desperate sounds behind her gag.Sarah reached down, brushing a strand of hair from her captive’s sweaty forehead with unsettling tenderness.
“Veronica was first, of course.Roberta’s daughter, carrying the blood of the initial betrayal.The poison was a bit difficult to obtain, but there are always resources available if you know where to look.”
“The old theater was perfect for Crystal—a true projection booth, with real film that could catch and burn exactly as it did in my grandfather’s day.And now you, the descendant of Myrtle Carroway, the gossip columnist who delivered the final blow to my grandfather’s career.Strangled on a church altar, just like inShadows at Dusk.”
Sarah’s voice dropped to a reverent whisper.“Three films.Three deaths.A trilogy of justice that will force the world to remember Weston Black’s name.To recognize the genius that was stolen from cinema history.”
The sound of voices outside grew louder—more insistent now.
“They’re coming for you, of course,” she said matter-of-factly.“Your colleagues at the newspaper reported you missing.The police have made the connection to me by now.But they won’t stop what’s already in motion.”
She leaned down, bringing her face close to Lucy’s.“You’ve been quite the captive audience, Ms.Morgan.So much more attentive than Veronica or Crystal.They had no context for their deaths—just confusion and terror.But you...you understand.You know exactly why this is happening.”
The sounds of voices continued.
“I had hoped for more time with you,” she said, genuine regret coloring her voice as she stretched the garrote wire between her hands.“A longer final act for our little drama.A chance to truly make you understand the depth of what was taken from my family.”
She laid the wire gently across Lucy’s throat, not yet applying pressure, just letting her feel its presence against her skin.Lucy’s pulse visibly raced beneath the thin metal.
“But perhaps this is fitting,” Sarah mused, her head tilting slightly as she studied her captive’s terrified expression.“Art is often at its most powerful when it leaves the audience wanting more.”
Sarah smiled down at Lucy, serene amid the mounting chaos.
“It seems a shame, though,” she said softly, “that I’ll have to end your suffering so soon.”
CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
The police cruisers converged on Magnolia Gateway Films, their light bars dark to avoid drawing attention.Riley brought the sedan to an abrupt halt behind them.
When four officers emerged from their vehicles, Riley recognized the lead—Rodriguez, she thought his name was—from the station.
“Agent Paige, Agent Esmer,” he acknowledged.“Detective Hayes briefed us.You believe the suspect is inside Stage Six with a hostage?”
“That’s our working theory,” Riley confirmed as she and her partner got out of their car.
The buildings in front of them were like mismatched blocks—some vintage redbrick structures from the 1970s, others sleek and modern.Stage Six was windowless, giving no hint of the horror that might be unfolding inside.
“We need to approach with extreme caution,” Riley said.“Sarah Brooks has killed twice already.”
Before Rodriguez could respond, the main doors of the complex burst open, and Gillian Sinclair hurried toward them.Her usual polished appearance had frayed at the edges—her blouse partially untucked, her hair escaping its careful styling.
“Agent Paige,” she called, slightly breathless.“Thank God you’re here.Security’s confirmed that all the exterior doors to Stage Six are either locked or barricaded from the inside.They can’t get in without heavy equipment, which they’re reluctant to use without your authorization.”
Riley gestured for the officers to follow as she moved to meet Gillian halfway.“Ms.Sinclair, thank you for meeting us.We have to move quickly.I need to get into to Stage Six.Can we use any of the adjacent buildings?”
“The production office for Stage Five,” Gillian suggested, already turning to lead the way.
They moved swiftly into the studio complex, past curious employees who paused in their work to watch the procession of law enforcement.Once through another door, they came to a halt in a room dominated by scheduling boards and production stills.Gillian closed the door behind them, shutting out the murmurs from the hallway.
“I need you to understand something that may be difficult to hear,” Riley began.“We have strong reason to believe that Sarah Brooks is responsible for the murders of both Veronica Slate and Crystal Keene.We also believe she’s currently holding Lucy Morgan captive inside Stage Six, with the intention of killing her.”
Gillian’s face drained of color.She gripped the edge of a nearby desk.“Sarah?That’s...that’s impossible.I’ve known her for years.She’s brilliant, dedicated—”
“And the granddaughter of Weston Black,” Ann Marie interjected gently.“The film director who also used the name Chip Raines.He was blacklisted after Roberta Rimes named him to HUAC in 1955.”
“The murders are re-creations of scenes from her grandfather’s films,” Riley explained.“Veronica Slate was poisoned like a character inThe Night Walker.Crystal Keene was strangled and chained to a projector like a scene fromThe Broken Window.And now, Lucy Morgan...”
