Contents
CHAPTER 26: GIGI
Overview
At the Musée de St. Adelaide, Gigi recognizes the Thorp fleur-de-lis motif and refines its components. Orion Thorp confronts Knox, prompting Knox to declare that Calla is alive, which triggers violence. Brady prevents escalation, and Gigi slips inside to find a path to Helena Thorp, seeking crucial answers.
Summary
Gigi arrives at the Musée de St. Adelaide and notes that every Grecian column bears the same Thorp fleur-de-lis seen on Calla’s necklace. Using Brady’s earlier breakdown, Gigi parses the symbol into a lily, two omegas, and a point, then studies the statue of Saint Adelaide, connecting the museum to the Thorp family’s pervasive mark.
Knox urges Gigi to go inside, but a trio approaches: Orion Thorp, flanked by two massive, related young men. Orion taunts Knox about returning to town and the outcome of the Grandest Game, implying legal claims if Knox won and disavowal if he lost. Gigi realizes Orion is Calla’s father and likely the patriarch behind the hostile Thorp cousins.
Knox descends to face Orion, and he counters the provocation by stating, “Calla’s alive.” Orion responds with a vicious backhand. Before the confrontation can spiral, Brady arrives and physically restrains Knox, while Nora is notably absent. Recognizing that Orion addressing her could push Knox over the edge, Gigi retreats into the museum.
Inside, Gigi’s thoughts race through Calla, the necklace, and the Thorp network. She zeroes in on Helena Thorp—the likely source of the necklace and the person who spread the fleur-de-lis across town—as the one who might provide real answers. Gigi asks a docent for a back exit and where someone with sensitive information should go to reach Helena, setting up a clandestine approach.
Who Appears
- GigiInvestigates the museum’s fleur-de-lis, deduces symbol components, and seeks a covert path to contact Helena Thorp.
- KnoxConfronts Orion Thorp and declares Calla is alive; nearly fights before Brady restrains him.
- Orion ThorpCalla’s father and Knox’s former sponsor; threatens legal action, strikes Knox, warns him to stay out of town.
- Brady DanielsAppears during the confrontation and physically holds Knox back to prevent escalation.
- Thorp cousinsTwo large, related enforcers who flank Orion during the confrontation outside the museum.
- Museum docentHelps Gigi as she requests a back exit and guidance on reaching Helena Thorp.