Chapter 110
“I’m not going,” Eleanor said coolly.
“Why not? You don’t have to work over the holiday p>
Eleanor didn’t bother to explain. She stood and headed for the lab, Gwenda calling after her, “Those tickets are worth three hundred dollars, you know p>
A little later, Gwenda went over to Faye to vent. “What’s with Eleanor? You’re giving her concert tickets out of kindness, and she just turns you down p>
Faye snorted. “I figured she’d refuse p>
“You don’t think she’s still mad about you snagging that interview, do you p>
“She might act like she’s not upset, but that doesn’t mean she’s really let it go,” Faye said with certainty. “Eleanor’s the type to hold a grudge forever p>
“Well, if she’s not going, we’ll just go without her. You’ve given out all twenty tickets-everyone’s excited p>
“Did Joel take his ticket?” Faye asked.
“I left it with his assistant, Minnie. He wasn’t in his office p>
Faye allowed herself a small hope. If Joel decided to go, maybe they’d end up spending a wonderful evening together.
At lunch, Joel and Eleanor sat together in the cafeteria. When the topic of Vanessa’s concert came up, Joel said he wasn’t interested either.
That afternoon, after two back-to-back meetings, Joel received a call: a representative from Marlowe Village was suing the chemical plant-they needed evidence from his team.
Joel guessed the court would want them to testify. He told Eleanor to sit this one out; he’d handle it himself.
“Be careful, then,” Eleanor warned him. That threatening phone call last time was proof the chemical plant was taking measures to protect themselves.
Back in the lab, Eleanor chatted with Joy over video.
“Today’s May first-Vanessa’s big solo concert,” Joy announced.
Holding up her iPad, Joy scrolled through short videos. It didn’t take long for Vanessa’s ads to pop up: on the stadium’s giant LED screens, her face was everywhere.
“Looks like she’s got quite the fanbase,” Joy said, a hint of bitterness in her voice.
Vanessa’s team knew exactly how to market her-every label attached to her screamed international star power. Attending her concert had become a status symbol.
No wonder tickets sold out.
Eleanor’s phone lit up with a message from Detective Trent.
“I’ve blended in with Vanessa’s backstage crew. I promise I’ll get you something explosive p>
“Thank you,” Eleanor replied.
“Expect good news from me p>
The next two days were a blur of work. On the evening of April thirtieth, Eleanor arrived at the Goodwin house.
When Gina heard Eleanor planned to take her daughter home, she protested.
“We’re taking Evelyn to a piano concert tomorrow. Just let her stay here p>
“Mom, it’ll be crowded, and Evelyn’s too young. Please, don’t take her,” Eleanor said, taking Evelyn’s hand.
Gina’s expression soured. “Do you realize how rare it is to expose Evelyn to the arts like this? All my friends are dying to take their children p>
“You go enjoy the concert, Mom. You don’t need to look after Evelyn,” Eleanor replied, her tone firmer than ever. For once, the usual caution and deference were gone from her eyes, replaced by something sharp and resolute.
Gina was taken aback. Before she could react, Eleanor had already left with Evelyn.
“Tch! What on earth is she thinking?” Gina grumbled, her chest tight with frustration. She never trusted Eleanor to raise her granddaughter properly, always worrying Eleanor would hinder the girl’s future.
How could a woman who did nothing but sit at home all day possibly raise an outstanding daughter?
Feeling even more unsettled, Gina sank back onto the sofa and dialed her son.
“Hello p>
“Ian, Eleanor just took Evelyn home. Tomorrow’s Vanessa’s concert-make sure you bring Evelyn over for me p>