Mary let out a loud, mocking laugh. "Even if Cecilia and I die, this old witch will still be dead! Instead of making empty threats, you'd better get Derek here now!"

The other bodyguards, alerted by the commotion, burst into the room.

Their arrival emboldened me. "You're looking for Derek because of Cecilia, right?"

As I spoke, I scanned the room but couldn't see Aurora.

One of the bodyguards who had been in the room from the start leaned in and whispered to me, "Ms. ...